Chapter 30: Sister-brother love?

Customers at this kind of high-end restaurant were typically wealthy and accustomed to eating luxury ingredients like matsutake mushrooms. After hearing the explanations and smelling the distinctive creamy aroma, their doubts about the price quickly vanished.

"Indeed, just based on the ingredients, this dish isn't overpriced. But ultimately, the taste will tell," remarked one guest, before taking a bite.

Seeing this, the other diners followed suit.

As they tasted the dish, the fragrant rice grains, coated in soft egg, combined with the creamy aroma of the matsutake mushrooms. The deliciousness overwhelmed them like a storm. At that moment, each person felt as if they were floating, wrapped in a whirlwind of flavors, soaring through the clouds, and experiencing pure bliss.

"This flavor is truly extraordinary."

"The matsutake mushrooms are so soft, they melt in your mouth like marshmallows," one guest commented, her face awash with pleasure.

The guests' expressions showed intoxicated delight as they continued shoveling spoonfuls of fried rice into their mouths, not stopping until their plates were nearly empty.

Watching this scene, the customers who had supported Alpho and the other chefs stood in stunned silence. Even Alpho and his colleagues were at a loss.

Meanwhile, Manager Mita, Yuzuki, and Miss Sakai all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew, that was close," Miss Sakai said, patting her chest in relief.

Sui also exhaled, grateful for Natsuki's earlier endorsement, which had made everything much easier to explain.

"Wait a moment, I have a gift for you," Sui said mysteriously to Natsuki.

"A gift?" Natsuki asked curiously as she continued eating her Sinangag fried rice.

"Yes, just wait." Sui smiled and headed back to the kitchen. He took out some almond cabbage and quickly prepared a dish of Sautéed Cabbage.

By the time he returned, the other diners had already finished their Sinangag fried rice, satisfied smiles on their faces. Some even held back from finishing their plates too quickly, wanting to savor the last bites.

"Worth every yen! Not just for the ingredients, but the taste alone is more than worth the price," one customer declared.

"Absolutely! I feel so relaxed, like all my worries have melted away. It's incredible!" another added.

"I wish I could eat this every day."

The enticing aroma lingered in the air, catching the attention of the guests who had initially sided with Alpho and the other chefs. As they stared at their own meals, they suddenly seemed far less appetizing in comparison.

Sui returned and placed the Sautéed Cabbage in front of Natsuki. "This dish is specially prepared for you. It's not for sale at the moment."

Natsuki's eyes lit up as she gazed at the cabbage. Eagerly, she took a bite. The spicy, crunchy cabbage, with its almond-like sweetness, instantly won her over.

Her enjoyment quickly drew the attention of other diners.

"Could I buy a portion of that cabbage?" asked the guest who had earlier commented on the quality of the ingredients. He had already finished his Sinangag fried rice but was still craving more, eyeing Natsuki's dish with envy.

"Yes, could you sell me a serving too?"

"I'd take any amount! Please!" pleaded others, gathering around, including some who had previously supported Alpho and the other chefs.

Alpho and the others, watching this unfold, wore increasingly sour expressions.

"I'm sorry, but this dish is not for sale at the moment. Perhaps in the future," Sui replied, even though he still had plenty of almond cabbage left. He had only made two servings of the hand-Sautéed Cabbage, planning to enjoy the rest himself.

"Really? That's too bad," one customer sighed regretfully, before turning to Natsuki and asking, "Miss Hanaya, could you sell me half of yours?"

"Not a chance!" she replied firmly. There was no way she was parting with such a delicious dish.

Before long, it was time for the restaurant to close. Those who hadn't managed to buy any food left disappointed, while the lucky ones who had were still savoring the experience. Many made arrangements with Manager Mita to be notified the next time the dishes became available—including several customers who had initially supported chefs like Alpho.

Alpho and his colleagues could only watch in frustration as they realized how the tide had turned.

Manager Mita, eager to maintain the momentum, quickly agreed to inform the customers when Sui's dishes would next be available.

"By the way, let's exchange contact information," Natsuki suggested to Sui.

"Of course," Sui nodded, and they exchanged numbers.

"If you ever start selling your dishes regularly, please notify me right away," Natsuki said with a smile.

"I will," Sui replied, smiling in return. 

"Hey, hey, are you and Miss Hanaya having an affair?" 

Miss Sakai approached with a mischievous grin, her voice dripping with curiosity. 

"An affair? What are you talking about?" Sui was left speechless. 

"I heard the 'Gourmet Devil' never smiles at anyone, but she's smiled at you more than once today," Sakai said, winking at him. "And she's been extra nice to you, going out of her way to explain things. Are you two dating? A romance between an older woman and a younger man... it's thrilling just to imagine it!" 

Even Yuzuki gave him a skeptical look. 

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Sui couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. 

"Sui-kun, here's your share from today's sales," Manager Mita said, handing him an envelope before leaving. 

Sui opened it to find exactly 160,000 yen. 

"Eighty percent? That's way too much," he said, frowning. Usually, profits were split 30% to 70%, with the chef getting 30% and the restaurant taking 70%. 

Though it seemed like the restaurant was profiting immensely, in reality, they covered costs for the venue, service, and ingredients. For Sui to get 80% was surprisingly generous. 

"It's not too much at all, considering you provided the rare ingredients, Sui-kun. Plus, the buzz you generated is invaluable to us," Manager Mita said with a smile. 

Seeing no way to refuse, Sui accepted the money. 

After bidding farewell to the manager, Sui and Yuzuki took the train home. 

When he arrived at the apartment, Erina had already returned.