Chapter 436: Chapter 399: You Know Too Much—Careful, or I’ll Have to Silence You!

This cold and long-missing notification sound...

Like a stone skimming across a tranquil lake, it stirred layers of ripples in Huang Jun’s heart, causing his hand movements to involuntarily pause, and his thoughts to stagnate, as a huge question mark quickly surfaced in his mind.

Huh?

This system has been so quiet for so long, why did it suddenly pop up?

Speaking of which.

For what purpose did the system suddenly bubble up this time?

Could it be that it’s opening another new reward door?

But then again...

There doesn’t seem to be any particularly major events happening right now, enough to catch the system’s attention and grant a reward...

Could it be...

Just as he was immersed in his thoughts, Assistant Chef Qian noticed something unusual about him and asked with concern: "Chef Huang, what’s up? You’ve already added mint leaves once, why are you adding them again?"

"Huh?"

Huang Jun snapped back to reality, realizing he had unconsciously repeated his action, smiled awkwardly, and responded: "Just got lost in thought, spaced out for a moment."

"Chef Huang, even you space out while cooking..." Qian Guoxiang looked surprised.

In his mind, Huang Jun was always fully focused, never distracted.

Huang Jun looked at Qian Guoxiang’s expression and smiled helplessly: "Spacing out is normal, right? Is it really worth making such a big deal out of it?"

Qian Guoxiang seriously said, "Well, others spacing out isn’t strange, but when it’s you, Chef Huang, it is quite odd..."

Huang Jun was amused by Qian Guoxiang’s words and joked: "Are you saying I’m not a person, but more like a deity..."

"Of course, in our hearts, you are like a culinary god..." Aunt Li chimed in with a smile.

Huang Jun was taken aback, then laughed: "Oh, Aunt Li, you even know the term ’culinary god’!"

"Don’t underestimate my age; I have a forever young heart for learning. Recently, I’ve been addicted to some free novels, especially those interesting stories of chef legends."

Aunt Li proudly continued with a smile: "The title ’culinary god’ isn’t something I made up; it’s often used for those skilled chefs in the books. And it seems they all have... oh yes, a system..."

Before she finished speaking.

She leaned in mysteriously toward Huang Jun and curiously inquired: "Chef Huang, you have to be honest with me. Do you have a secret weapon, like those systems that only appear in novels?"

Huang Jun: "..."

Aunt Li, you know too much; careful or I might have to silence you!

He waved his hand and said with a smile: "Aunt Li, you really have a wild imagination. Don’t get swayed by those fictional stories in books. We live in reality, where there’s no such system like in novels."

"Oh, Chef Huang, I’m just curious!" Aunt Li said with a mischievous smile: "Look at you, with such great skills and being young and handsome, you completely fit the protagonist image in those novels. So, I couldn’t help but think, could it be that you have some secret weapon or special skill, just like the heroes in those novels."

Qian Guoxiang responded: "Aunt Li, how old are you? Yet you believe in those things like a child! If there were really such systems in reality, wouldn’t I already be a culinary god too?"

Aunt Li wasn’t bothered and instead laughed even more joyfully: "Oh my, Assistant Chef Qian, you’re just envious! Even if there’s no system like those in novels, Chef Huang’s skills and talents are even more extraordinary in our eyes than those fictitious ’culinary gods’."

Huang Jun listened to their conversation, smiling as he said: "Aunt Li, please stop joking about me. I’m just an ordinary chef, using my hands and passion to cook each dish. My secret weapon is my passion for cooking and continuous pursuit of skill."

Aunt Li thought for a moment, and feeling it made sense, nodded in agreement.

"Alright, alright, Aunt Li, you all should move these mango sago desserts out," Huang Jun continued directing, shifting his gaze to the kitchen where Qian Guoxiang and Aunt Lin were: "Additionally, Aunt Lin, please personally deliver three servings to the director’s office later, where Jiang Shuihan and the others will be."

"Yes, Chef Huang, I’ll get ready now."

Everyone nodded in agreement, swiftly moving into action.

But in their hearts, there was a tiny bit of regret—they had the chance to be the first to taste the mango sago dessert, but the chat that just happened delayed that moment. Now, they could only look forward to the time when their work was done!

Huang Jun watched as Aunt Li and the others gradually disappeared until they were completely out of sight around the kitchen corner before slowly withdrawing his gaze.

But just as he was about to turn around and continue his work...

The system’s cold notification sound resonated in his mind once again.

[Congratulations, host! Your culinary skills have been recognized by the system. Your efforts and talent have surpassed the initial level. You have now stepped into the ranks of an intermediate chef!]

This unexpected promotion news, like a sudden lightning, struck Huang Jun’s heart, causing his heartbeat to accelerate, with enthusiasm flooding through him like waves.

Originally, he thought the system’s notification might be just some ordinary reward, but unexpectedly, what came was such a significant promotion news.

After a brief moment of astonishment...

He quickly stabilized his mind, relying on powerful thoughts, promptly checking the experience bar.

A look...

As the system said—level really increased to intermediate.

There now.

His face couldn’t help but reveal an undeniable excitement and pride.

After all, advancing from a beginner to an intermediate level was not just a simple change of title; it was a recognition of his culinary skills and efforts, marking an important milestone on his gastronomic journey.

And this advancement meant that he would gain more knowledge, skills, opportunities, and challenges.

The intermediate level would open a door for him to a higher tier of culinary arts, giving him the chance to explore more unknown culinary realms and create more unforgettable dishes...

Just as he was immersed in the joy of advancement...

The system’s notification sounded one after another in his mind, with a tight rhythm, overwhelming him with its volume of information:

[You will unlock more cooking skills and recipes, allowing you to explore deeper ingredient combinations and flavor fusions.]

[Your senses will become sharper, enabling you to capture the subtlest changes in food. Your creativity will take a further leap, allowing you to create even more unique and delicious dishes.]

[At the same time, the system will provide you with higher-level challenges, helping you continuously progress on your culinary path and break through your limits.]

[Please continue the hard work, host. The intermediate level is just a new beginning. Greater honors await you.]

[The intermediate gourmet section has been unlocked...]

As the system’s words ended, he could clearly feel the changes in his body.

A warm current flowed gently within him, as if countless tiny energy particles gathered throughout his body, infusing him with new strength...

...

Aunt Lin carried an exquisite tray, on which sat three portions of Yangzhi Ganlu, vibrantly colored, and walked steadily through the quiet corridor of the office building, finally stopping in front of the director’s office.

"Knock, knock, knock~"

She knocked on the director’s office door with her elbow.

After a few seconds of silence...

Liang Yinqiu’s voice came through the door: "Come in."

Hearing the invitation, Aunt Lin carefully opened the door, and the scene inside the office immediately came into view...

Director Liang was sitting behind his expansive desk, which was spread out with all kinds of documents and materials, appearing somewhat cluttered; meanwhile, Jiang Shuihan and Lv Pengfei were busily working at a computer desk to the side, and at the moment Aunt Lin stepped into the room, their eyes were simultaneously drawn to her...

More precisely, their gaze was tightly fixed on the tray of Yangzhi Ganlu in Aunt Lin’s hand.

Sunlight streamed through the window, shining on the Yangzhi Ganlu. The golden hue of the mango contrasted with the transparency of the sago, making each sago pearl appear as if it were sparkling.

"Aunt Lin, is this for us? It looks really nice!" Lv Pengfei eagerly looked on, his eyes full of anticipation for the dessert he was about to taste.

Jiang Shuihan immediately stood up to welcome her, his gaze sweeping approvingly over the desserts.

At the base of the glass bowl lay a layer of sago that had been cooked to a translucent pearl-like appearance. Cute and plump, they quietly rested at the bottom, soaking up the sweetness of the surrounding fruit juice.

Above was a rich mixture of coconut milk and mango juice, presenting an enticing golden color that contrasted sharply with the transparency of the sago.

On top of the liquid lay meticulously cut mango cubes. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

The mango cubes, arranged in squares, had golden yellow flesh that emitted a natural glow, harmonizing perfectly with the coconut mango liquid.

Sprinkled atop the mango cubes were some vibrant grapefruit pulp, the red strands of grapefruit danced amidst the yellow of the mango and the clear sago, adding a splash of lively color.

Beside it, a few fresh mint leaves were added, inviting a refreshing sensation before one even tasted it.

Jiang Shuihan’s eyes lit up: "Wow, is this Chef Huang’s new creation — Yangzhi Ganlu? It’s truly exquisite!"

Aunt Lin nodded: "Yes, this is the afternoon snack Chef Huang prepared, Yangzhi Ganlu, please enjoy."

"This Yangzhi Ganlu looks truly beautiful, and the taste must be excellent too. Come, everyone, have a taste," Director Liang said expectantly.

As she spoke, she picked up a Yangzhi Ganlu and handed it to Jiang Shuihan and Lv Pengfei.

"Thank you, Director Liang, and thank you, Aunt Lin, for your hard work!"

After expressing his gratitude, Jiang Shuihan couldn’t wait to start tasting.

When his teeth met the plump and translucent sagos, he felt a slight chewy texture; they gently burst in his mouth, releasing a faint coconut fragrance and rice aroma.

Subsequently, the mango’s scent took center stage, with the fibers of fresh mango cubes gently rubbing between his teeth, bringing natural fruit aroma and abundant juice, sweet but not sticky, refreshingly delightful.

The sweet and refreshing taste of mango intertwined with the rich milk aroma of coconut milk, offering the passion of tropical fruits with the creamy smoothness of coconut milk.

The addition of grapefruit, then, infused the dessert with a bright acidity and a slight bitterness, this interplay of sweet and sour not only balanced the sweetness of mango and coconut milk but also brought a refreshing sensation that revived their slightly fatigued spirits.

"This Yangzhi Ganlu is really delicious... even better than what I’ve bought outside!" Jiang Shuihan praised,

Lv Pengfei nodded in agreement, but his mouth was already full of the dessert, only able to emit sounds of satisfaction.

After savoring this afternoon snack’s deliciousness, the two were simply brimming with inspiration, their work efficiency shockingly high.

"Hmm, the editing looks great!" Director Liang said with satisfaction as he reviewed the edited video content.

Subsequently, Lv Pengfei uploaded and posted the video on the Dorami Kindergarten’s account...