Ch. 11..20

Chapter 11: Persist to the End

She also poured the necessary seasonings into small plates, arranging them neatly so that the scene would look good when filmed.

Morgan wasn't idle either, running over to grab the DSLR camera and skillfully switching to video mode.

Obviously, this wasn't the first time she had done this.

After Cindy finished setting up, she came over to secure the camera on the tripod.

Morgan went to fetch his small step stool.

Due to his short stature, he couldn't reach the height of the mounted camera.

And he insisted on participating in Cindy's field of vision.

So Cindy had a special step stool custom made for him.

The step stool had built-in steps and was wide and platform-like, so there was no need to worry about Morgan accidentally falling off in a moment of distraction.

The step stool was very lightweight, even Morgan could easily move it.

Once everything was prepared, Morgan stood behind the camera with a professional demeanor.

Cindy reminded him, "Remember not to film my face, just my hands will do."

She was afraid that if the video was uploaded online, Christy Xenos and Wendy Clarke might see it.

So, from her very first uploaded video, she insisted on never showing her face, nor daring to speak. She relied on adding subtitles in post-production, maintaining this cautious approach until now.

However, her videos ended up looking fresh and clean, plus the subtitles made it easier for fans to keep track.

This approach made her fans love her style even more.

"I got it, I remember," said Morgan, skillfully adjusting the camera's angle.

It perfectly captured Cindy's hand movements and cutting board.

Cindy placed the thawed chicken wings on the cutting board, slashing two or three cuts on the skin side of each wing to help absorb the flavors.

Then, she put the chicken wings in a small basin, adding salt, cooking wine, soy sauce, and white pepper.

Morgan reminded her from behind the camera, "Chili powder, I want it spicy."

"Got it," Cindy replied, and sprinkled some chili powder.

It was unclear why, but while most kids Morgan's age were afraid of spicy food, he enjoyed sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy flavors without issue.

Next, Cindy added scallions and ginger slices to the chicken wings to remove any unwanted odor.

After marinating the chicken wings for 10 minutes, she squeezed some lemon juice on them before placing them in a flat pan to fry until golden brown on both sides.

However, Cindy added an extra step, focusing on frying the edges of the chicken wings to make them crispy and delicious.

Afterwards, she added a little more salt and soy sauce, finally pouring in a small can of Coke.

She added three or four pieces of rock sugar to make the color of the chicken wings even more appealing.

Then, she turned the heat down and let the sauce thicken, waiting for the tempting color and aroma to envelop the chicken wings.

Cindy then arranged the chicken wings nicely on a plate.

Morgan immediately took the camera and took close-up shots of the chicken wings like a professional.

As Cindy watched Morgan's skilled movements, she couldn't help but think that her fans would never guess that the high-quality videos they praised were created by Morgan.

"Cindy, it's time for the hand tearing chicken wings!" Morgan reminded her.

Cindy picked up a hot chicken wing and tore it in half.

The crisp skin, coated in an enticing caramel-colored sauce, slowly pulled apart, revealing delicate shreds of meat.

Cindy could hear Morgan swallowing, so she said, "I'll serve the rice and stir-fry some veggies, then we can eat."

Morgan went to put away the camera and step stool.

By the time he came back, Cindy had already stir-fried the vegetables and taken out the mixed cold dishes from the refrigerator.

That was their simple dinner.

Morgan couldn't wait to grab a chicken wing and take a big bite, sauce smearing his mouth corners.

"It's so delicious! I love the crispy edges of the chicken wings!" Morgan just finished saying when he suddenly paused.

He looked at Cindy with an excited expression: "There's the taste of lemon inside! It's so sour and fragrant, and it really cuts through the richness!"

Cindy laughed, "It's a secret recipe! No one else does it this way. Because the chicken wings are sweetened with Coke and rock sugar, adding a little lemon juice makes them more refreshing."

Morgan shook his head, "It's such a shame others can't taste it."

"Didn't I film a video? If they follow my method, they can make it themselves," Cindy laughed.

"It's not the same - it won't taste the same as when you make it," Morgan said, somewhat regretful.

He wanted more people to know how delicious Cindy's cooking was.

After dinner, Cindy put the frying pan and bowls into the dishwasher.

Morgan nestled on the sofa, watching his favorite cartoon. Cindy sat beside him with her laptop, editing the video they had just shot.

As she turned off the original audio of her chatting with Morgan, the doorbell rang.

Cindy hurried to open the door, finding her good friend Peggy Lewis standing there.

Peggy was two years older than her and used to be a customer who loved Cindy's cooking, always ordering her dishes.

Over time, the two grew closer and eventually became good friends.

Cindy, living alone with Morgan in Belfard, had received a lot of help from Peggy.

When Cindy gave birth, Peggy was there with her.

When it came to registering Morgan's residency, Peggy helped arrange it.

As soon as she saw her, Peggy exclaimed angrily, "Cindy, you have to give that Zoe Silverstone a taste of her own medicine this time!"

"What happened?" Cindy was curious. What had Zoe Silverstone done?

Zoe Silverstone, like her, was also a food content creator.

"Godmother!" Morgan also ran over and called out.

"Darling, my sweetheart!" As soon as Peggy saw Morgan, her heart melted.

She picked him up and gave him a big kiss on his chubby cheeks.

While carrying Morgan into the living room, Peggy told Cindy, "That Zoe Silverstone is always copying you. She started after you did and constantly imitates your style. Her videos are just like yours, and whenever you release a dish with a good response, she has to make a so-called high-end version, acting as if it's more sophisticated than yours."

"Today, suddenly someone said that following the method you teach in your videos results in bad-tasting dishes," Peggy fumed, "And it's not just one person saying that. Once one person started, suddenly many more said your dishes looked good but weren't actually edible."

"Cindy's cooking is delicious!" Morgan defended Cindy.

"Of course, I eat it often too! How could I not know?" Peggy agreed, "Those people must be the hired commenters that Zoe Silverstone found. They said that when they tried the same dish cooked in Zoe Silverstone's way, it tasted much better."

Peggy was furious, "Zoe Silverstone learned everything from your methods! And now they're saying her cooking is better than yours? They must be crazy! The most disgusting part is, Zoe Silverstone even replied to them, thanking them and saying she'll continue to research and teach everyone better dishes. What research?! She's just copying your recipes!"

 

Chapter 12: So It's Because of Being Ugly

"She's been picking on you, and you've ignored her. This time, you can't let it go that easily. How dare she question your cooking skills?"

Cindy stayed silent for a while, then suddenly asked, "Did you just come from the Company?"

Peggy Lewis was caught off guard by the question, and answered, "Yeah, I just finished work. I saw the stuff on Facebook on my way home and changed course to come here right away."

"Then you haven't had dinner yet. What do you want to eat? I'll make you something," said Cindy.

"I'm so angry I don't even want to eat! It's too hot for an appetite anyway. I'm on a diet," fumed Peggy, "You've been wrongly accused like this, and you still want to cook?"

"I can't let you starve, can I?" Cindy went into the kitchen, "If you can't think of anything, I'll decide for you. How about Greasy Noodles?"

Thinking of Cindy's Greasy Noodles, Peggy couldn't help but nod in agreement, "Okay."

With that, Cindy started cooking.

Peggy quickly followed her, "Are you really in the mood to cook now? Don't you think this is just a minor issue? Let me tell you, this has blown up on Facebook. Your video comments must be going crazy too."

Cindy began boiling water and took out some knife-cut noodles she had prepared and dried earlier for her videos. She dropped them in the boiling water.

"I'll go look once I've cooked the noodles for you. There's nothing I can do by looking at it now, anyway," said Cindy calmly, "But you're right, we can't let this slide."

She could accept people questioning her cooking skills, but she couldn't tolerate being slandered.

She couldn't bear that.

After saying that, Cindy took a cucumber out of the refrigerator and shredded it.

"Normally, restaurants would blanch rapeseed and put it on the noodles. Since it's hot, though, I'll use cucumber for you. It's more refreshing, and I won't need to boil more water. You can do this when you're at home too; it's not much trouble," explained Cindy, finishing cutting the cucumber.

"I'll just come to you when I want to eat this. I'm too lazy to even cook noodles. Frying oil means cleaning the pot," Peggy was infected by Cindy's calm and leaned against the door frame, not looking as anxious as before.

"Lazybone," laughed Cindy.

She then mixed sauce in a bowl: soy sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce, and stirred the mixture evenly.

"I'm not adding salt since soy sauce is already salty," said Cindy.

Next, she chopped scallions and minced garlic.

With everything prepared, the noodles were cooked.

Cindy took ice water from the refrigerator, scooped the noodles out, and rinsed them in the ice water.

"It's so much trouble. Can I just pour oil directly?" Peggy asked, watching the process.

"You don't necessarily need ice water; you can also just rinse the noodles with cold water. This will prevent the noodles from sticking together and make them chewier," explained Cindy, "But with how lazy you are, I think you should just come to me when you want to eat this. I don't trust your own cooking; you might ruin my reputation."

"Haha! You said it!" Peggy didn't hold back.

Cindy put the noodles in the bowl and mixed them with the sauce, adding minced garlic and chili powder on top.

She heated oil in a pan, added scallions, and fried them until they were crispy and black. She then removed the scallions from the oil.

Cindy poured the scallion-infused hot oil over the garlic and chili powder.

Immediately, the fragrance of the oil and garlic filled the air.

"Usually, Greasy Noodles have scallions minced like the garlic, and they're both mixed with the hot oil. But I think frying the scallions separately gives a better aroma, so that every noodle gets coated in the scent," said Cindy with a smile. She arranged cucumber shreds on top of the noodles and brought the bowl to the table.

She also took out the lemon pickled pepper radish she made last night from the refrigerator and served it to Peggy as a side dish.

Morgan smelled the food and salivated, "Godmother, I want some too."

"Weren't you full from dinner?" Cindy put the pot in the dishwasher and was surprised to hear Morgan's request, "You had a big bowl of rice!"

"But the noodles smell so good," Morgan licked her lips, "Let me have a bite."

"Be careful not to overeat. It's hard to sleep at night if you do," warned Cindy.

"Then I'll give you just one bite, okay?" Peggy took a set of cutlery from the kitchen and scooped up a chopstick's worth of noodles for Morgan.

Cindy tidied up and sat down next to Peggy.

"These are the best Greasy Noodles I've ever had," sighed Peggy with satisfaction, "The sourness is so perfect for summer."

Morgan nodded vigorously on the side.

"Cindy, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and check the internet," urged Peggy, "It's really serious this time."

Cindy went to fetch her mobile phone.

No wonder Peggy was furious.

Someone on the internet posted their failed attempt at replicating Cindy's recipe.

Moreover, it wasn't just one person. Many people claimed that Cindy's methods were unusable.

"I followed Cindy Clarke's method, and the taste is just horrible. So disgusting."

"I won't mention the appearance; maybe I didn't control the heat well. But I followed her seasoning method strictly, even the amount, and this is what I ended up with."

"I have a friend who works at an influencer packaging company. She said Cindy Clarke is just another influencer made by their company, who doesn't actually know how to cook. She just has nice-looking hands, which are great for shooting videos. Haven't you all noticed that she never shows her face? It's because she's too ugly and would ruin the video quality."

"Haha! No wonder she never dares to show her face. She's ugly."

"Seems like not only is her cooking horrible, but she's also ugly. She never speaks; does that mean her voice is awful too?"

The one who revealed this information said, "My friend said her voice is fine. Nothing outstanding, but not unpleasant either. It's just that she's ugly. And when shooting videos, she always has someone instructing her. She can't cook on her own. The finished dishes look good because they're not made by her. Someone else makes them, and they're edited into the video."

"Why did someone like this become popular?"

"She's no Zoe Silverstone, that's for sure."

"Don't compare someone who doesn't dare to show her face with Zoe Silverstone. Zoe is beautiful, a great cook, and has a lovely voice. Watching her videos is a pleasure."

"The most important thing is that Zoe's methods actually work. The dishes you make with her recipes are truly delicious."

More photos of finished dishes followed.

"Yeah, even with my clumsy hands, I made it look good and taste great," another user agreed, also sharing pictures.

"Haha, comparing someone who doesn't dare show her face and hires people to cook for her to Zoe Silverstone is just an insult to Zoe. What can Morgan Zhekova hold against Zoe?"

 

 

Chapter 13: Major Competition

Cindy found it difficult to determine the members of the troll army and who were Zoe Silverstone's genuine fans.

However, she could tell that the people who started this commotion were not just ordinary netizens.

It was because these people set the tone that ordinary netizens began to believe their rhetoric as well.

By the time Cindy finished reading these comments, Peggy Lewis had finished eating and put Cindy's and Morgan's bowls and chopsticks into the dishwasher.

Upon returning, Peggy said, "It's obvious these people are trying to discredit you. "What are the so-called 'insiders' telling the truth about? That you're ugly?"

"Please! If you're considered ugly, I'd like to know what kind of standard is pretty! You aren't promoted by any internet celebrity packaging company, have never signed with a company, never had an agent, and you don't even have your own studio. You just record videos, edit them, and upload them yourself. I didn't know anyone was packaging you!"

"Nothing these people say aligns with the truth. It's clear that someone has paid troll army to slander you," Peggy exclaimed indignantly. "Just look at Zoe Silverstone's responses. Even your peers haven't said anything, but she jumps out and bounces around. If it's not her, then who could it be?"

Cindy noticed that Zoe Silverstone had replied to every person who praised her.

More importantly, Zoe Silverstone thanked those who also disparaged Cindy without any hesitation.

This was just what Cindy saw. There might have been more interactions involving Silverstone she missed.

Cindy decided not to read the comments under her video, as they were likely chaotic.

Naturally, her fans defended her.

Vincent: "Cain Velman never showed her face, so no one can prove whether she is pretty or not. Where is your evidence for saying she's ugly?"

Pampered Princess: "Besides, who says a food blogger must show their face? They're not celebrities; they share cooking methods, not their faces. Just because she doesn't show her face, you accuse her of hiring someone to do the work?"

Little Fish: "By that logic, many people don't show their faces in videos. Why were only suspicions against Morgan Zhekova raised? Even more suspicious is the sudden surge of doubt. I seriously doubt the truth and motives of these netizens."

Little cuttie: "Zoe Silverstone good at cooking? No way! Half of her videos are copying Morgan Zhekova. She just attracts fans by showing her face and pretending to be cute. In the food industry, her face is considered pretty, but outside of that, it's just ordinary. What kind of superiority complex do her fans have?"

"Ha! Zoe Silverstone has an ordinary face? How do you look? Show us! At least Zoe Silverstone is bold enough to show her face, not like Cain Velman, whose head is hidden."

"You say Zoe Silverstone's cooking skills aren't good, have you ever tasted them? At least when we cook according to her methods, it tastes great."

Cindy's fans rebutted: "That's only what you say. We also cook following Cindy's methods, and they taste delicious. Compared to her, Zoe Silverstone's methods only make the process more complicated, but the final result hasn't changed and doesn't taste better than Cindy's recipe."

Although Cindy's fans were defending her too

However, the effects of hiring a troll army and not doing so were different.

Cindy's genuine fans were overshadowed by Zoe Silverstone's fans and troll army.

"Zoe Silverstone has posted on Facebook!" Peggy cried out.

Cindy also checked and saw Zoe saying, "I feel so fulfilled seeing everyone share their results. It means the methods I share are useful, right? I'll upload a new video at 9 PM tonight. This time it's special because it's a long unedited video, recorded in one shot, to prove that I don't have someone doing the work for me!"

Zoe Silverstone's fans immediately replied, "Wow! Can't wait!"

"Hahaha, Zoe just directly answered back. I love her confidence!"

"Zoe's right. If Cain Velman feels unfairly accused, then she should post a video without editing, showing her face and talking! That's more persuasive!"

"What's the matter with these people?" Peggy fumed, "Cindy, we can't let it go. It's obvious that Zoe Silverstone is targeting you."

"Even if you don't go to the scene, CouTube has awarded you the most popular food blogger award for three consecutive years, and Zoe Silverstone has always been ranked second or third," Peggy analyzed.

"I've always known that she's dissatisfied and wants to surpass you. I didn't expect that after holding it for so long, she'd come up with such a mean trick," she continued.

Meanwhile, Morgan suddenly spoke up, "Cindy, let's participate in the competition."

"What competition?" Peggy asked curiously.

Morgan pushed the laptop screen towards them, revealing a promotional page for a major competition.

"It's a competition hosted by the Pingla Group!" Peggy exclaimed in surprise. "It's even broadcasted live on TV and the Internet!"

"Cindy, join!" Peggy urged. "The competitions organized by the Pingla Group are highly regarded. If you stand out in this competition, even without winning the championship, as long as the judges think you have potential, you can genuinely make a name for yourself in the food industry."

Although Cindy, a food blogger, was quite well-known,

Her status was similar to that of an internet celebrity in the entertainment industry— people simply didn't take her seriously.

Despite her excellent cooking skills, Cindy couldn't make a name for herself in the food industry.

People just wouldn't acknowledge her.

"The Pingla Group dominates 80% of Hearth Nation's food industry," said Peggy. "90% of Michelin-starred restaurants in our country belong to the Pingla Group. They also own more than 70% of high-end and mid-range chain restaurants. As for those being acquired, I can't even calculate those."

"Also, there's Pingla Culinary Academy, the only culinary academy in Hearth Nation that ranked top ten in the world. It was ranked seventh in last year's evaluation. Who knows if their ranking will go even higher this year? Graduates from Pingla Culinary Academy either open their own restaurants or are snapped up by high-end restaurants. Every Michelin-starred restaurant around the world has a Pingla Culinary Academy graduate working there."

"If you achieve a good ranking or even win the championship in this competition, you'll be recognized by the entire culinary industry," Peggy continued. "However, students from Pingla Culinary Academy participate in each competition. Although they're students, ordinary chefs really can't compare to those who come out of Pingla Culinary Academy.

 

Chapter 14: What Kind of Trick Is This?

Although Cindy Clarke's cooking skills were excellent, she had not received any formal professional training after all.

Competing with the students of Pingla Culinary Academy seemed quite uncertain.

"But this time, our goal is not the ranking. The ranking isn't important. As long as the judges acknowledge our skills, it will prove your cooking abilities," Peggy Lewis said. "Let me check the registration requirements."

"Since the purpose of the competition is to inject fresh blood into the culinary world, it is aimed at young chefs under the age of thirty." Peggy immediately grabbed Cindy's hand, "Why not give it a try, Cindy? Register for it."

"Wait a moment," Cindy reminded her, "There will be a live broadcast on both TV and the Internet. You know why I never show my face in the videos I've taken over the years. If my family sees me, they will come for sure."

Peggy Lewis knew Cindy's situation.

Considering Cindy's concerns, Peggy hesitated as well.

"You can wear a mask!" Morgan Clarke reminded from the side, "Then nobody would see you, right?"

It was not that simple.

If it were just the auditions, then it would be fine.

The judges wouldn't evaluate and interview everyone one by one.

But if she advanced to the next round and still wore a mask during the conversation with the judges, it would be considered disrespectful.

"Let me think about it," Cindy said.

"Just make sure to decide quickly because the registration deadline is approaching," Peggy reminded her, "I think this is the best opportunity to prove yourself. Not only can you slap Zoe Silverstone's and those trolls' faces, but haven't you always wanted to become a truly capable chef? This is an opportunity."

Cindy was also tempted. Peggy gave her time to think and did not rush her.

Just as Cindy said, her concern was her family.

With her shameless mother and sister, it would have been bearable if it was just Cindy alone, not afraid of their trouble.

But now that she also had Morgan Clarke, Cindy had to eliminate any possibility of them hurting Morgan.

The best way, naturally, is not to appear.

Peggy left, and Cindy sent her downstairs before returning.

As soon as she came back, she saw Morgan fiddling with the laptop again.

"What are you looking at?" Cindy walked over and asked.

"Cindy, look, this is the handsome uncle I met today at the ravioli stand, of course, he's still slightly worse than me. I used his mobile phone to call you, but he had to leave early because of something," Morgan pointed at the photo on the screen, "So, he's actually the CEO of Pingla Group."

Cindy automatically ignored the little guy's narcissistic words.

"What's his name again?" He recognized the first character as Zhao but didn't know the last two.

"Adrian Zhekova," Cindy murmured.

Somehow, she couldn't help but feel her face blushing.

She looked at the man in the photo, tall and straight. According to current popular sayings, it's as if everything below the neck was legs.

That face, even if described as "beautiful as a painting," would not be an exaggeration.

Just one glance made a person unable to resist blushing.

In the picture, the man's gaze seemed to have penetrated the photo directly into her heart.

Just looking at the photo made her feel this way. she had no idea how she would react to actually seeing him in person.

Morgan squinted at Adrian Zhekova's photo, stroking his chin and pondering over some strange idea.

Cindy hurried him off to bed.

***

The next day, Cindy asked for leave for Morgan and let him rest at home first. He had been so wronged yesterday that even if Morgan didn't say anything, Cindy didn't want him to go back to the nursery to face it right away.

After calling the Homeroom Teacher for leave, Cindy received a lunch order.

It was a fat-reducing meal ordered by several female employees of Pingla Group.

Morgan also saw it: "Cindy, are you going to Pingla Group to deliver meals at noon?"

"Yes," Cindy was already starting to prepare.

"I'll go with you," Morgan immediately ran over and said.

 

Chapter 15: Our CEO Has a Bad Temper

Cindy considered and nodded, saying: "You can come with me, but you can't run around. The company is where people work, everyone is busy. You can't be naughty and disturb others' work."

"I promise!" Morgan replied in haste.

Today Cindy prepared a fat-reducing salad.

It was a salmon and vegetable salad, served with the oil-free grilled chicken breast. Even though it was oil-free, the grilling gave the chicken breast a more tender appeal than a simple boil.

Last, it was served with some butterfly-shaped pasta.

She packed all the lunch.

Concerned that Morgan may get hungry if she returned too late,

Cindy took a box of her own baked beef strips as a snack for Morgan on the way.

Since she was worried about the safety of electric bicycles, she had to call a car.

Cindy began contemplating whether to buy a car.

It would certainly be more convenient when she needed to drive Morgan around.

She then visited the Pingla Group with Morgan.

Cindy called the lady who had ordered the lunch.

As they were familiar with each other, they chatted for a bit while waiting for the woman to collect the lunch.

Just then, Adrian Zhekova and Sheldon Rowland were coming into the building.

As Adrian stepped into the company's entrance, he suddenly felt a familiar weight on his leg.

What was this familiar feeling?

"..." Adrian looked down only to find Morgan clinging to his leg.

"Uncle!" cried Morgan with surprise.

Adrian: "..."

Thankfully, this time he was not addressed as dad.

Adrian twitched in the corner of his eyes, "Did you lose your family again?"

"No, I'm here with Cindy to deliver lunch," Morgan replied.

Upon hearing this, Adrian looked over.

"CEO...CEO!" The employee didn't see Cindy at first since her back was to him. When she finally turned around, the woman employee stuttered in shock.

Cindy turned around in confusion and found Morgan clinging to Adrian's leg.

As she had suspected, Adrian was better looking in person than in photographs.

"Big trouble, our CEO... has a terrible temper!" The woman employee, clutching the lunch, stammered, "I... I better run!"

Cindy quickly reacted and rushed over.

Under Adrian's gaze, her face turned red in embarrassment.

She had only seen Adrian in a photo the night before.

Thanks to Morgan, she was rather close to Adrian today.

Cindy quickly tried to pry Morgan away from Adrian's leg, only to find a vice-like grip from the child.

Furthermore, due to her own nervousness, Cindy couldn't muster much strength.

Initially, Cindy held Morgan by the armpits. Left with no other option, she ended up hugging him entirely.

Morgan was clinging so tightly to Adrian's leg that Cindy's hand and arm inevitably grazed Adrian's leg firmly.

Adrian involuntarily tightened the muscles in his leg, feeling a surge of warmth tingling up his leg from where Cindy had contacted.

Cindy's face turned red, her hand and arm were burning hot.

After finally prying Morgan away, she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you."

"Miss Clarke, you're here to deliver food to our company," Sheldon expressed in surprise.

Then he turned to Adrian and said, "Master Adrian, this is Miss Clarke who was able to tell that there was poppy shell in the ravioli last time."

Sheldon wasn't sure if addressing her as Miss Clarke was appropriate since he didn't know her husband's name.

"What ended up happening with that restaurant?" Cindy asked upon hearing Sheldon's story.

 

 

 

Chapter 16: Just Like Father and Son

Sheldon Rowland gave Cindy Clarke a thumbs up: “You’re incredible. We sent it for inspection, and it indeed contained poppy shells. We immediately called the police, and the restaurant has been shut down, with the owner arrested. No wonder our customers keep raving about their food and say that our restaurant can’t replicate that taste.”

“I was wondering why, with all the chefs we’ve recruited under our brand, they couldn’t beat a street vendor’s owner?” Sheldon Rowland said, “So, it turns out there was something added. This time, we really have to thank you.”

“It’s nothing, I just don’t want customers to get addicted and harm their health,” Cindy Clarke replied, “We’ll get going now, so as not to disturb you.” “Wait a minute!” Morgan Clarke interrupted, “I have important business!”

All three of them looked at Morgan.

Morgan reached out to Adrian Zhekova: “Uncle, can I have a hug?”

Cindy: ‘

When did this child become so good at acting cute?

Adrian Zhekova didn’t want to pay attention to him.

“Morgan!” Cindy quickly whispered a warning, not allowing him to mess around.

Sheldon Rowland, not wanting Morgan to feel embarrassed, was about to take him.

Adrian Zhekova saw Sheldon Rowland step forward, standing with Cindy and Morgan, they looked like a harmonious family of three.

He found it inexplicably annoying.

Just as Sheldon Rowland was about to take Morgan, a pair of arms suddenly reached out from the side.

Adrian Zhekova, while looking at Morgan with disdain, picked him up.

Sheldon Rowland: ‘

However, when he took Morgan, Adrian Zhekova’s fingers accidentally brushed against Cindy’s chest.

Cindy suddenly stiffened, her entire face flushed red.

“Morgan!” Embarrassed, Cindy angrily called him.

Morgan simply rested his head on Adrian Zhekova’s chest and said, “Uncle, I’m here to sign Cindy up. You’re hosting the Pingla Cup Cooking Competition, right? My sister Cindy is an excellent cook!”

“Morgan, I haven’t decided to sign up yet! ” Cindy hurriedly lowered her voice and told him.

“But it’s such a rare opportunity, and do you really want to miss it?” Morgan looked back and asked.

Cindy stopped talking.

The reason she was hesitating and considering was because she genuinely wanted to participate.

“Excuse me, can I wear a mask?” Cindy asked Adrian Zhekova.

She couldn’t let such a small matter be settled by Morgan, a little kid.

“Because of personal reasons, I don’t want to show my face,” Cindy said, although without much hope.

Adrian Zhekova, holding Morgan, moved his long fingers, which had just brushed past her, and whispered softly, “You can.”

Cindy looked at Adrian Zhekova in surprise, never expecting him to agree so easily.

Adrian Zhekova then told Sheldon Rowland, “Tell the person responsible for the competition when you go back.”

Only then did Cindy remember that although Adrian Zhekova was the CEO of

Pingla Group, he would not be directly responsible for the cooking competition.

She felt a bit embarrassed.

Sheldon Rowland was also surprised, wondering when Adrian Zhekova became so easygoing, and looked over.

As a result, he was stunned to see Adrian Zhekova hugging Morgan like a father and son.

He had felt that there was something familiar about Morgan before but couldn’t quite remember who the boy looked like.

It seemed as if he had seen him somewhere before, but he knew it wasn’t

Cindy..

 

Chapter 17: You’re Still My Favorite

At this moment, seeing Adrian Zhekova holding Morgan Clarke, Sheldon Rowland was as shocked as if he had been struck by lightning.

Finally, he figured out who Morgan Clarke resembled.

He was simply a mini-version of Adrian Zhekova, as if carved from the same mold!

But looking at Adrian Zhekova, it seemed that he hadn’t noticed it yet.

It’s true, being used to looking at himself in the mirror every day, he might not notice it easily.

Sheldon Rowland hurriedly said to Cindy Clarke, ‘You can sign up for the major competition directly through the official website. Since you’re here, just use my computer to register.”

“That would be too much of a bother. We will just register ourselves when we get home,” Cindy replied embarrassingly.

“No problem, you can register here, and I’ll approve it for you directly,” Sheldon Rowland said with a smile.

He didn’t care that he was abusing his power right in front of Adrian Zhekova.

Just think, who is he doing it for anyway?!

For Adrian Zhekova!

Seeing how similar Morgan Zhekova looked to Adrian, Sheldon secretly felt something was off.

“It’s a bother for you to work,” Cindy said modestly.

“No problem, it’s lunch break now, I’m not working anyway,” Sheldon replied.

During lunch break, he could do whatever he wanted, and Adrian couldn’t control him.

“Hmph,” Adrian Zhekova sneered but didn’t say anything further.

“Thank you, Uncle!” Sweet-talking Morgan then opened his arms and reached out towards Sheldon Rowland.

Adrian Zhekova thought this little brat had no loyalty, just goes to whoever shows him kindness like a mother!

Ignoring Morgan’s enthusiasm towards Sheldon, Adrian Zhekova carried him away.

With his small face in his hands, Morgan blissfully asked Adrian, “Uncle, are you jealous? Don’t worry, you’re still my favorite.” “Flattery!” Adrian scorned him.

But his hands couldn’t help but hold Morgan tighter. Seeing this, Cindy quickly followed them.

Why is he still carrying her son away?!

Little did they know, the surrounding employees were already stunned. “What… what’s the relationship between the child and the CEO?”

“He looks so much like the CEO, he wouldn’t be… the CEO’s illegitimate child, would he?”

“Shush! You dare to say that! But they do look really alike…”

“I just heard him call the CEO Uncle. Is he the CEO’s nephew?”

“Impossible, the CEO’s brother is still single, where would he have a child.”

“It could be the CEO’s brother’s child…”

Adrian Zhekova and Cindy Clarke, of course, were unaware of these speculations.

Once they entered the elevator, Sheldon Rowland casually asked, “I always see you with the child, but I’ve never seen your husband.”

Feeling awkward, Cindy forced a smile and said, “I’m single.”

Sheldon really wanted to ask her if she was divorced or pregnant before marriage?

But he remembered they only met twice, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask so directly.

Sheldon Rowland had his own office, but he spent most of his time at an open work desk outside Adrian Zhekova’s office.

To avoid gossip and rumors, Sheldon brought Cindy and Morgan to his office instead.

“Is there anything specific you want to eat for lunch? I’m going to order some lunch for the CEO too. He’s having a simple lunch because we arrived a bit late,” Sheldon said to Cindy.

“We’re sorry for the trouble, we will leave after registering, so you don’t have to order for us,” Cindy hurriedly declined.

“It’s fine, the company will cover the expense, so don’t worry,” Sheldon said and glanced over his shoulder at the door behind him, thankfully Adrian Zhekova wasn’t around.

Finally, Cindy couldn’t refuse any longer, so she agreed to have the same lunch as Adrian Zhekova and Sheldon Rowland..

 

Chapter 18: Go to InvestigateWhile waiting for the meal, Sheldon Rowland pulled up the registration web page: “Fill in your personal information, and then upload your ID.”

“By the way, did you bring your ID? I’ll scan it for you,” Sheldon Rowland said.

“I brought it.” Cindy Clarke handed her ID to Sheldon Rowland.

Sheldon Rowland took it, glanced at it casually, and his gaze suddenly fixed on the ID.

Cindy Clarke’s ID showed her address in Nork City!

“You’re from Nork City? I couldn’t tell from your accent,” Sheldon Rowland said with a smile.

Nork City is in the south, and their dialect has a heavy accent when speaking Mandarin.

Yet Cindy Clarke’s Mandarin didn’t have any accent at all.

“I’ve been in Belfard for five years, and my accent has corrected itself,” Cindy Clarke said with a smile.

In his mind, Sheldon Rowland calculated that five years ago was the year he and Adrian Zhekova went to Nork City.

Sheldon Rowland hurriedly said, “I’ll go scan your ID.”

With that, he ran off with Cindy Clarke’s ID.

“Uh- -” Cindy Clarke wanted to stop him and tell him that there was a scanner and copier in his office, right?

Unfortunately, she didn’t have time.

As Cindy Clarke watched the difficult expression on her face, she heard Morgan Zhekova say, “Uncle Sheldon is so stupid. I’m really worried about this company if he can still be the CEO’s assistant.”

The deeply worried Sheldon Rowland, not even bothering to knock, rushed into Adrian Zhekova’s office.

Worried about being seen by Cindy Clarke, he remembered to close the door.

“Master Adrian!” Sheldon Rowland rushed over and nearly fell into Adrian Zhekova’s arms across the desk.

” Adrian Zhekova distastefully pushed him away, “Stay away from me.”

Sheldon Rowland: ‘

He had been working like an ox and horse for this heartless man for seven years!

“Master Adrian, don’t you think Morgan Zhekova looks a lot like you?” Sheldon Rowland asked in a low voice.

Without thinking, Adrian Zhekova said, “How could I look like such a narcissistic kid!”

“Master Adrian, seriously, find a chance to look in a mirror with him. He really looks like he was carved from the same mold as you,” Sheldon Rowland said. “Last time at the ravioli stand, I thought he looked familiar, but I just couldn’t remember who he looked like. But today, when you were holding him, I suddenly realized that he looked like you, so that’s why he looked so familiar.”

“What are you trying to say?” Adrian Zhekova said coldly. “Are you going to tell me that the kid is my lost son or something?”

He’s still single!

No son!

Even if it was that woman five years ago…

Adrian Zhekova frowned.

If she really had plotted against him and given birth to a son, would she not come looking for him after five years when the child had grown so big?

No one plotting against someone would be that stupid!

As he thought, Adrian Zhekova suddenly looked somber.

Sheldon Rowland didn’t know what Adrian Zhekova was thinking, so he directly showed Cindy Clarke’s ID to him.

“Master Adrian, what a coincidence, Cindy Clarke is from Nork City. Moreover, she came to Belfard five years ago. Five years ago was when you…” Sheldon Rowland stopped in the middle of his sentence when he noticed Adrian Zhekova’s suddenly darkening face.

“Whether it’s a coincidence or a misunderstanding, I think it’s a clue,” Sheldon Rowland said.

“Look into it,” Adrian Zhekova said in a deep voice.

They had been looking for someone for five years, but they had no clues at all. Now they finally have some clues. Although they don’t know if they are correct, it should be worth celebrating.

But Sheldon Rowland didn’t think Adrian Zhekova’s reaction looked like he was

celebrating..

 

 

Chapter 19: Everything is Open for Discussion

 

 

“Alright.” Sheldon Rowland agreed, and went out immediately. Adrian Zhekova gently pinched the first knuckle of his forefinger with his thumb.

The person they’d been searching for five years without any trace suddenly appeared before him, showing her ID and bringing a child with her.

Coincidence?

He didn’t believe it.

Just now, he had been thinking how there couldn’t be such a stupid plan, yet a woman with a child appeared before him, and her ID showed Nork City.

Unknowingly, she revealed to Sheldon Rowland that she had left Nork City five years ago.

One or two things might be a coincidence.

But so many things happening together, could that be a coincidence?

Adrian Zhekova took out an old mobile phone from the drawer, the very one that had been left on his bed years ago.

The mobile phone was full of pictures of cuisine, as well as recipes.

Cindy Clarke was also a chef…

And it matched again.

By the time Sheldon Rowland returned, Cindy Clarke had already filled out the required information on the web page, only waiting to upload her ID.

Sheldon Rowland had brought back the scanned copy, and Cindy hurriedly uploaded it.

“By the way, can I use a pseudonym?” Cindy asked.

“Why do you want to use a pseudonym?” Adrian Zhekova’s voice suddenly appeared at the door.

Cindy was surprised, noticing that Adrian Zhekova had entered without her realizing.

Subconsciously, Cindy stood up, “Actually, I have another name, Cain Velman. I work as a private chef for deliveries, so it’s like a part-time job. My main profession is a food blogger.”

She assumed Adrian Zhekova wouldn’t pay attention to a small food blogger on the internet.

Though she had more than a million followers now.

“I make videos of cooking and share cooking methods,” Cindy explained.

Adrian Zhekova nodded, “I know.”

“You know?” Cindy was surprised.

“I’ve seen your videos,” Adrian Zhekova said, not on purpose, but because Sheldon Rowland had mentioned them to him and asked him to take a look.

However, Adrian chose not to explain the details.

Cindy was embarrassed that Adrian even knew about her.

“Someone questioned me yesterday, saying that I didn’t make the dishes in the videos, and my teaching methods are not good, resulting in bad-tasting dishes,” Cindy said. “So, I want to prove myself through the Cooking Competition.”

“Since I’ve come in person, cooking in front of so many people and having the judges evaluate me, those who doubt me shouldn’t have anything to say,” she added.

“So, I want to sign up for the competition with the name Cain Velman,” Cindy said troubled, “In fact, it’s also because I don’t want to reveal my real name and face. Otherwise, I will have trouble.”

Adrian Zhekova looked at Cindy, silently sizing her up.

Except for being beautiful and having a good figure, she seemed entirely ordinary.

What kind of trouble could she have?

Somehow, even without evidence, Adrian Zhekova couldn’t help but link Cindy to the owner of the old mobile phone.

“During the auditions, there’s no issue. But later on…” Adrian Zhekova hesitated, “That question will need to be considered only if you successfully advance.”

If she can’t progress, there’s no point in considering whether to reveal her face.

“If you’re good enough afterward, the major competition can make an exception for you,” Adrian Zhekova said realistically. If someone is skilled enough, everything is negotiable.

If not, don’t bother.

Cindy didn’t get angry. Instead, this stirred her pride, “I will definitely advance..”

 

 

 

Chapter 20: Isn’t He a Dead Man?!

 

 

At this moment, Sheldon Rowland received a call and went downstairs to collect the food.

Then, Adrian Zhekova, Cindy Clarke, and Morgan Clarke were the only ones left in the office.

Adrian Zhekova looked at Morgan Clarke.

When Sheldon Rowland didn’t mention it, he hadn’t noticed.

But now recalling Sheldon Rowland’s words, Adrian Zhekova asked hesitantly, “May I ask a presumptuous question? The father of this child…”

“He’s dead.” Cindy quickly responded.

Adrian Zhekova: ‘

Given the speed of Cindy’s response, Adrian Zhekova doubted if she had prepared that answer years ago.

“A terminal illness, incurable.” Cindy said as if she was certain, “He died before Morgan was born.”

Adrian Zhekova:

“Have you told these words to anyone else?” Would anyone believe them?

“No one has ever asked me.” Cindy chuckled coldly, indicating she was not appreciative of Adrian Zhekova’s curiosity.

What’s the point of asking about the child’s father!

Adrian Zhekova:

Hopefully Morgan Clarke is not his son, otherwise wouldn’t he be a dead man?!

It didn’t take long for Sheldon Rowland to return with lunch.

Not long after they finished eating, Cindy received a call from Morgan’s kindergarten teacher.

“Teacher Linda.” Cindy answered the call.

“Morgan’s mom, could you perhaps come over with Morgan? Arthur Woods’s mother is here at the kindergarten demanding to see you and Morgan. She says that Morgan has injured Arthur and is insisting on an explanation.” Teacher Linda said uncomfortably, “Indeed, Arthur seems to be quite hurt.”

Cindy didn’t like these words at all.

“Teacher Linda, can you tell me why Arthur fought with Morgan?” Cindy asked in a serious tone.

“This…” Teacher Linda was at a loss for words.

She knew.

Although both parties were involved, the root of the problem was that Arthur had started it, insulting Morgan’s mother.

Morgan should not have retaliated, but Arthur was even more wrong.

However, Arthur’s family had contributed a lot of funds to the kindergarten, even the Headmaster was very polite to the Woods family.

Although their kindergarten was not as prestigious as the Kindergarten of Jetaime Academy, the acceptance to the latter was not solely based on financial capabilities.

But other than that, their Adventure International Kindergarten was one of the top prestigious kindergartens in Belfard.

Indeed, Morgan was attending this well-known prestigious kindergarten.

Cindy was once very glad that her career as a food blogger was going well, so she could afford to send Morgan to such a prestigious kindergarten.

Because the Woods family had sponsored their kindergarten heavily, from the Headmaster to the teachers, they were all a bit nicer to Arthur.

Even now, when Arthur fought with Morgan,

They clearly sided with Arthur more, even if the blame lay more heavily on

Arthur, they glossed it over.

Cindy said coldly: “Teacher Linda, aren’t you curious why Arthur and Morgan fought? Also, aren’t you curious about Morgan’s condition? Are you showing more concern for Arthur, who is not even in your class, because he appears to be badly hurt, but don’t show any concern about Morgan, who is your student?”

“Morgan is absent today!” Cindy said sternly, “Aren’t you even slightly curious about his well-being since he had to take a leave of absence?”

“It’s not that…” Teacher Linda realized that she might have jumped the gun.

“Besides, Arthur is older than Morgan. If Arthur got hurt, then how hurt must our smaller Morgan be?”

Adrian Zhekova and Sheldon Rowland simultaneously looked towards Morgan

Clarke.

Was this little guy hurt?

Morgan very simply lifted his T-shirt, not being evasive like he was with Cindy yesterday.