Treat Me to a Meal

A hearty laugh burbled from Guan Lei's chest as he said, "You can't know that. There are fish and shrimp; each has its means. I naturally have my way of making things happen. Believe me. It's nothing illegal."

Shen Xi decided to play along even though she had her doubts. She had long braced herself to be chased out, so what more did she need to fear?

As the exquisite dishes flew out of the kitchen and were laid out one at a time, Shen Xi grew curious and asked Guan Lei, "Tell me honestly. Who are you?"

Guan Lei picked up a piece of fish and placed it in Shen Xi's bowl. "I'll tell you, but you can't tell anyone else," he whispered.

Shen Xi nodded enthusiastically.

"I worked under Chef Wang for two months during the summer vacation. Chef Wang thought I was talented and begged me to be his disciple. That's why he's treating me so well now," Guan Lei said.