"Huh? You're the chef? Where's the head chef? What kind of food can a young kid like you make?" Officer Jenny Kim looked at Heath with suspicion, making Heath feel indignant and determined.
"Of course, I'm the head chef." Heath said, squinting at Officer Jenny Kim. Despite his usual calm demeanor, having his professional skills doubted was infuriating.
It felt like being a computer science major applying for a job, only to be asked to reboot a computer and act as a network admin.
Seeing Officer Jenny Kim's disbelief, Heath didn't argue further. Instead, he walked into the kitchen. Actions speak louder than words; Heath decided to make a delicious dish that would leave Officer Jenny Kim speechless.
"Ms. Kim, do you have any particular preferences for your meal?" Heath recalled Mr. Anning's situation and decided to ask in advance to complete his Chef's Eye task.
Over the past few days, Heath's Chef's Eye task progress had reached 46, only 54 short of 100.
"Me?" Officer Jenny Kim's expression turned complex, as if reminiscing about something, a look Heath usually only saw in movies.
"I like sour food. The sourer, the better," Officer Jenny Kim quickly replied. Heath was momentarily stunned but nodded. Although it was an unusual preference, it wasn't unmanageable.
Heath searched through the ingredients in the kitchen. Seeing the ingredients, Heath quickly decided on a dish.
"I'll make West Lake Vinegar Fish," Heath decided. (Dish's picture is in the comment section)
"Give it up, kid. I'm very picky," Officer Jenny Kim teased from outside. Heath took a deep breath. No one had ever doubted his culinary skills before.
Shaking his head, Heath began preparing the West Lake Vinegar Fish.
However, Heath soon noticed Zorua giving Officer Jenny Kim a strange look, which piqued his curiosity.
"What's wrong, Zorua?" Heath asked softly.
"Nothing, just feels odd," Zorua replied, shaking her head. Heath didn't pay much attention and started making the unique dish.
West Lake Vinegar Fish, as the name suggests, originates from a specific region. However, its reputation had declined in recent years, with many people saying it didn't live up to its name.
Heath believed this was because diners hadn't encountered a chef who could properly make it. Typically, grass carp was used for West Lake Vinegar Fish, and to prepare it, the carp should be starved for two to three days to purge the taste of grass and mud from its system.
Among grass carp, those from West Lake were considered top-tier. Just as local water nourishes local people, ingredients also undergo fascinating changes based on geography.
In the world of Pokémon, there was no West Lake, but there were a few good-looking fish among the ingredients. Heath decided to use one of them to make the West Lake Vinegar Fish.
"Charmander, help me boil this pot of water," Heath said, quickly handling the fish.
Charmander nodded, spat a flame to ignite the fire, and started boiling the water.
Farfetch'd watched curiously, noticing Heath's knife skills were inferior to its own. Farfetch'd wondered why Heath didn't let it cut the fish.
"Knife skills are important, but the technique is crucial too," Heath explained, noticing Farfetch'd's confusion. He demonstrated while explaining the proper angle and path for cutting, leaving Farfetch'd fascinated.
As Heath continued preparing the West Lake Vinegar Fish, he also explained some tips about cutting to Farfetch'd. This didn't slow him down at all.
When Heath brought out the finished dish and poured the sauce over it, the aroma was enticing.
"Hmm, an hour left until Sister Maple and the others return," Heath checked his phone, then brought the West Lake Vinegar Fish and a bowl of rice to Officer Jenny Kim.
"What is this?" Officer Jenny Kim looked surprised at the unfamiliar dish.
"West Lake Vinegar Fish. It's quite sour since I considered your preference for sour food," Heath explained calmly.
Officer Jenny Kim curiously picked up her chopsticks, pulled off a piece of fish with sauce, and put it in her mouth. Chewing, she nodded in satisfaction.
"Tastes good. But I don't have any money to pay you. By the way, if you head out later tonight and walk in the eleven o'clock direction, you'll see a fantastic view," Officer Jenny Kim said with a smile. Heath was puzzled but nodded.
Typically, serving Officer Jenny didn't require payment, except when he was running his food stall. The cafeteria had meal subsidies.
Heath didn't like watching others eat, so he returned to the kitchen to prepare ingredients for the Jennies' dinner. Some ingredients required advance preparation, like the fish he just used.
If that fish had been soaked in clean water beforehand to remove impurities, it would have tasted even better.
[You served Officer Jenny Kim (Ghost). You have received a Unique Move Creator.]
Heath froze, stunned. There was no sign of Officer Jenny Kim in the cafeteria, only an empty plate with fish bones and a clean bowl.
"Ghost?" Heath stared at the spot where Officer Jenny Kim had sat, recalling how she had only appeared to him three times and always left when others arrived.
Heath's expression turned complicated. Why had Officer Jenny Kim become a ghost and stayed in this world?
(End of Chapter)