Gourmet: Twins' Father and Chef of the Kindergarten

Xin Jinghui immediately understood Wei Guodong’s gesture and laughed in agreement, "Yes, Chef Huang’s culinary skills are really impressive. Last time, Wei Jun and I had the honor of tasting them. The flavor is simply indescribable. He’s definitely the most skilled chef I’ve encountered so far."

"Really!"

Mayor Yang had long heard of Huang Jun’s culinary skills. Listening to the two’s description, he became even more eager. He smiled at Huang Jun and said, "Chef Huang, when the opportunity arises, I must ask you to teach me some tips and savor your cooking."

Though he said so, deep down he harbored a small anticipation, hoping that he could taste it today, which would naturally be the best.

And their conversation made Wei Guodong and Xin Jinghui secretly delighted, as if they saw their meticulously planned "culinary diplomacy" quietly progressing towards success.

After all, with the atmosphere built up like this, Liang Yinqiu and Huang Jun would surely make some gesture, right?

Especially Liang Yinqiu, with her intelligence and acumen, she would surely seize this perfect opportunity to invite Mayor Yang for lunch on the spot.

Then, as the kindergarten chef, Huang Jun would naturally take up the task and personally cook a feast for Mayor Yang’s palate.

And they, being the accompanying personnel of Mayor Yang, could logically taste Huang Jun’s mouthwatering dishes...

Thinking of this, the two couldn’t help but exchange a smile, their eyes shining with cunning and anticipation, just waiting for Director Liang and Huang Jun to extend the invitation.

However...

Ideas are beautiful, reality is harsh...

Only to see Huang Jun bearing a gentle smile, his words carrying a hint of apology as he responded, "Dear Mayor Yang, thank you very much for your appreciation. But today we don’t have any special arrangements, I still need to accompany the children to receive their rewards. But don’t worry, next time I will find a suitable time and carefully prepare some signature dishes for you to enjoy my cooking."

Wei Guodong: "(ｷ｀ﾟДﾟ´)!!"

Chef Huang, why aren’t you playing by the rules...

Xin Jinghui: "!!!∑(ﾟДﾟノ)ノ"

Really? Is this directly rejecting us?"

Don’t panic!

Director Liang Yinqiu hasn’t expressed her thoughts yet!

As long as she asks Chef Huang to cook, presumably Chef Huang will do it.

Thus...

They pinned their hopes to turn the situation on Liang Yinqiu.

Regrettably...

Their high hopes ultimately were misplaced...

Only to see Liang Yinqiu offer a gentle smile and reply politely, "Mayor Yang, our kindergarten always welcomes you again. Next time you visit, we’ll definitely prepare in advance and give Chef Huang a chance to showcase his culinary talents for you."

Wei Guodong: "..."

Xin Jinghui: "..."

Alas!

Today, this meal is completely out of reach...

Although they very much wanted to taste Huang Jun’s cooking, both Liang Yinqiu and Huang Jun had expressed their stance, and since Mayor Yang didn’t pursue the matter further, Wei Guodong and Xin Jinghui felt it inappropriate to say more and could only leave this expectation for next time.

Mayor Yang didn’t notice the subtle disappointment of Wei Guodong and Xin Jinghui. Although he himself felt a bit regretful, he quickly let it go, "Director Liang, Chef Huang, we’ll settle this. Next time, I’ll inform you before I come so we can properly savor Huang Jun’s cooking."

Huang Jun replied with a smile, "Mayor Yang, you’re too kind. Next time, I’ll definitely cook something delicious for you."

"Alright!" Mayor Yang joyfully clapped his hands and said, "Chef Huang, aren’t you going to receive rewards too? We happen to be headed there, let’s go together!"

"Alright..."

Huang Jun nodded with a smile and then gently held Qingqing and Weiwei’s little hands, and the group slowly headed towards the reading room on the first floor of the teaching building, the location of their long-awaited reward ceremony.

At this moment, the reading room was bustling and lively.

Kindergarten Director Fei Juanfen and Liu Suyu were busily on duty, handing out redemption vouchers to families that collected all the stamps.

The fifteen fortunate families had uncontrollable delight on their faces, the children eagerly hugging little gifts prepared by the kindergarten, while the parents couldn’t help but flip through the precious "family meal vouchers," sharing their hard-won sense of achievement and joy.

As for those families that didn’t win the grand prize, although they also received little gifts, they felt a ting of disappointment in their hearts.

What could be done?

Besides blaming themselves for not striving hard enough to win the grand prize, there was more envy.

The fifteen parents who received the "family meal vouchers" bathed in envious glances from surrounding parents, were unimaginably proud.

It made them feel for the first time...

The joy of being wildly envied was incredibly delightful!

Ah...

Let the envy be even more intense...

Thus, many parents with "family meal vouchers" deliberately showcased them among the crowd, occasionally exclaiming, "Ah, this ’family meal voucher’ is so exquisitely done, the patterns on it look like they were hand-drawn by teachers."

To attract more envious attention...

"Director Fei, when can this ’family meal voucher’ be used?"

Mai Linjie couldn’t wait to taste the dishes cooked by Huang Jun by noon today and then came over with the ’family meal voucher’ to inquire.

Fei Juanfen heard her and replied with a smile, "Dear parent, the ’family meal voucher’ can be used right after the New Year’s holiday. Just tell the class teacher a day you want to come for a meal in advance."

"Alright, thank you, Director Fei!" Mai Linjie repeatedly expressed her gratitude.

Her family wasn’t in a hurry to go home, but instead enthusiastically planned to observe the exciting moments of other family challenges.

After all, in the previous intense competition, they almost raced all the way for victory, missing out on many interesting challenges to savor.

Now without the pressure of competition, they planned to stroll and watch.

Although they said so, their true intention wasn’t entirely there.

Indeed!

They wanted to hold the "family meal voucher" and wander between classrooms, letting more parents notice this symbol of honor and victory in their hands.

To do a "low-key display"!

"Chef Huang, are you here to redeem rewards too?"

The parents seeing Huang Jun walk close with Qingqing and Weiwei, warmly greeted him with friendly smiles.

Their gaze unintentionally swept past Huang Jun, noticing the figures of Liang Yinqiu and Mayor Yang among them, they nodded courteously in greeting.

"Oh, you’ve already redeemed!"

Huang Jun replied with a smile and then led Qingqing and Weiwei toward the area where Director Fei and Liu Suyu were.

"You’re here!"

Liu Suyu greeted warmly and then crouched down, gently saying to Qingqing and Weiwei, "Qingqing, Weiwei, let’s see if there are any gifts you like, pick one yourself."

On the redemption table, a variety of colorful small gifts were neatly placed, all prepared surprises for the children.

Qingqing immediately took a fancy to the colored pens and the Pleasant Goat small toy next to them and happily chose them; Weiwei was not slow either, directly grabbing the colored pens and Peppa Pig toy to her chest.

The two little ones almost simultaneously turned around, their small hands high, clutching the gifts, bouncing over to Huang Jun, speaking in a sweet childish voice, "Daddy, these gifts are for you~"

Huang Jun laughed so much his eyes were about to squint shut, took the gifts, and gently said, "Alright, Daddy will help you take good care of them."

Other children, seeing this, also scrambled to give their selected gifts to their parents.

In an instant...

The redemption area was filled with laughter and joy, every family tightly huddled together, indulging in this simple yet incredibly warm happy moment.

Standing aside, Mayor Yang, watching these heartwarming scenes, felt incredibly pleased.

He turned to Liang Yinqiu and said, "Director Liang, your event today is truly wonderful! Seeing these families so happy makes me happy too. You’ve not only made the children have fun but also created more wonderful memories for them and their parents."

Liang Yinqiu smiled like a blooming flower and answered, "Mayor Yang, thank you for your compliment. Our kindergarten has always been committed to creating a joyful and healthy growing environment for the children, hoping through such activities, parents can participate more in their children’s growth, also allowing children to appreciate the importance of cooperation and effort. Seeing everyone so happy makes us feel all the effort is worth it."

Saying this, she looked at Mayor Yang, only to see his brows slightly furrowed, with a seemingly inexplicable sadness on his face.

Huh?

What is this expression on Mayor Yang?

Did she say something wrong that displeased him?