Chapter 169
The middle–aged man caught the expressionless look on James‘ striking face as he stood up and shuddered with realization. He had been too rash, too confrontational for a moment. Crossing a young girl might slide, but crossing James… The middle–aged man couldn’t help but shiver, regretting why he had gotten into a petty argument with Mirabella in the first place
Before James could even speak, the man glanced at Mirabella and quickly followed her lead, saying, “The young lady is right. It’s all a matter of personal opinion and personal taste. I apologize for my earlier tactless remarks, James. Please, don’t be upset.”
Mirabella sighed inwardly, noticing the man’s overly cautious demeanor. It was all because she had been too slick with her words. Then, she reached for the soup spoon and brought James‘ bowl closer, adding another spoonful, saying casually, “Have some more soup.” With that, she handed the bowl over to him.
James‘ gaze fell on Mirabella’s face, and her pretty, almond–shaped eyes playfully blinked. Her casual demeanor somehow diffused the awkward atmosphere.
In the end, James accepted the soup she offered. Mirabella raised her eyebrows in
satisfaction.
Wyatt, standing
at the side, discreetly stepped back. He thought that Mirabella really had the magic touch the tension had dissipated just like that.
The middle–aged man felt his heart relax as James took the soup. He was grateful that their exchange hadn’t resulted in a blow–up.
At that moment, Knox, who had been supported by the middle–aged man, seemed to finally snap out of his daze from Mirabella’s words. He stared at her with intense excitement in his eyes. “I’ve studied pharmacology for sixty years, yet I’ve been stuck in a blind spot and convinced that only culinary dishes prepared with rare medicinal ingredients could be considered true food therapy… How old–fashioned I’ve been,” Knox said, his face flushing with embarrassment. “Young lady, thank you for your enlightening words.” Then, he pushed the middle–aged man’s hand away and bowed deeply to Mirabella.
The middle–aged man was shoved aside and stood petrified. His face was etched with shock as he watched Knox.
Knox was actually thanking a girl barely in her late teens. Hadn’t he been rendered speechless by her just a moment ago? Now, it seemed as if he had an epiphany. He appeared not only unangered but delighted.
Mirabella herself was taken aback by Knox’s sudden show of gratitude. After pausing for a second, she stood up and said calmly, “There’s no need for that. I merely spoke my mind. It wasn’t anything profound.”
Knox glanced at the bowl of soup on the table and chuckled bitterly. “I’ve always felt that my new dish was missing something. I tried every fancy ingredient fit for consumption, but I
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Chapter 169
never thought of something as common as barley. You’re right. The true essence of pairing ingredients in medicinal cuisine is the harmony of their properties. I’ve been too narrow–minded.”
After speaking, Knox turned to the middle–aged man, his eyes showing a hint of disappointment and sighed, “You should offer a sincere apology to this young lady. You’ve been studying under me for years, yet you couldn’t see through the simplest issues.”
The middle–aged man, though not a direct apprentice of Knox, was talented in creating. medicinal dishes. Being scolded by Knox and told to apologize to a young girl based on an offhand comment made him feel deeply frustrated. He thought Knox was making a mountain out of a molehill. Even if it was for James‘ sake, was there really a need to make such a fuss?
