Cupid's Kitchen Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Cupid's Kitchen Synopsis
Lin Kesong, a young girl with a genius sense of taste, falls in love with her classmate Song Yiran and chases him to America, where she accidentally meets Jiang Qianfan, a three-star Michelin chef.
Jiang Qianfan takes Lin Kesong as his apprentice and teaches her cooking skills, and they prepare for a cooking competition three months later together. Although Lin Ke Song has a talented palate, she knows nothing about cooking.
After Jiang Qianfan’s devilish training and innovation, Lin Kesong actually has her own set of special cooking skills, she gradually finds her confidence in the process and becomes better.
In this process, Song Yiran also gradually develops love for Lin Ke Song, and Jiang Qianfan regains his eyesight. In the end, Lin Kesong wins the cooking competition and finally be in love with Jiang Qianfan.
Cupid's Kitchen Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Jiang Qianfan, a Chinese chef born in London, is the head chef at Yuxuan Restaurant in Shanghai. He gained fame as the "Chinese Cooking God" after winning the Muellers Future Star Culinary Competition, a highly prestigious event in the culinary world. Four years ago, he established the Yuxuan restaurant in London, focusing on trendy fusion cuisine, which has since earned three Michelin stars.
Six months prior to the current events, the Shanghai branch of Yuxuan also achieved a two-star Michelin rating and is now pursuing its third star. He is currently 33 years old. Three months prior, in Hangzhou, 24-year-old Lin Kesong, who had studied hotel management, began an internship at the Liang She Hotel. Her motivation for pursuing this career path and joining Liang She was her long-standing crush on Song Yiran, whose family owned the hotel.
She hoped to find success in both her love life and career there. Her manager, impressed by her progress, assigned her to inspect room 3006 in preparation for a special guest. Unbeknownst to her, this task would lead to a life-altering encounter. After completing her inspection, Lin Kesong accidentally fell asleep in a high-backed chair in the room.
Upon checking into room 3006 at the Liang She Hotel, Jiang Qianfan was shocked to discover he had lost his sense of taste, unable to detect any sweetness in the tea, fruit, or stevia he tried. He immediately called Junbin to report his distressing condition. Lin Kesong, startled awake by the phone call, quickly hid herself in a corner, accidentally leaving her phone on a chair.
Jiang Qianfan noticed the phone and called housekeeping to inquire if the room had been cleaned. Lin Kesong saw this as an opportunity to escape, but just as she reached the door, Jiang Qianfan spotted her. Thinking quickly, she pretended to be room service and expressed apologies for any inconvenience, claiming the hotel would investigate the matter. She then swiftly retrieved her phone and wished him a pleasant stay before departing.
In the lobby, as Lin Kesong looked up Jiang Qianfan's information on her phone, he suddenly appeared before her, accusing her of eavesdropping on his private conversation. She explained that she had accidentally fallen asleep in the room and hadn't intended to listen. The hotel manager, accompanied by Elise, Jiang Qianfan's partner, intervened, profusely apologizing to Jiang Qianfan and offering any desired compensation. Jiang Qianfan declined monetary compensation but requested that Lin Kesong be assigned to re-tidy his room.
After Lin Kesong completed the task, Elise, still unsatisfied, demanded that she sanitize the bathroom three more times, stating she didn't believe the cleaning was thorough. Lin Kesong subtly looked to Jiang Qianfan for help, but he coolly told her to take responsibility for her own mistakes.
In a defiant act to prove her thoroughness and defend the hotel's reputation, Lin Kesong took a cup of water from the toilet and drank it, stating that her actions did not represent the hotel, and that she had indeed cleaned the bathroom properly. After work, Song Yiran called Lin Kesong, inviting her to taste new dishes at a restaurant in South Bay where he had hired a new chef.
Lin Kesong arrived early and, when she asked for Song Yiran's reservation, was mistakenly directed to a VIP room for a food tasting event. She joined other food critics, sampled the dishes, and dutifully wrote down her comments, including her name as "Guess," and contact information. Later, after receiving impatient text messages from Song Yiran, she realized her mistake and met him in the lobby.
During their actual dinner, Song Yiran received a call from his girlfriend, and he informed Lin Kesong that this new girlfriend was his elder brother's business partner's daughter. Jiang Qianfan reviewed the feedback from the tasting event, finding most of it unhelpful. Elise then mentioned a peculiar comment from a participant who had only written "Guess" for their name, stating that the dish had "two herbal flavors that were too strong."
Elise had dismissed this as unprofessional, assuming the person was merely trying to cause trouble. However, Jiang Qianfan was intrigued. He explained that the dish's sauce was made with Sauvignon Blanc, which naturally has an herbal note. He also recalled that the butter used came from cows that exclusively fed on grass, imparting a subtle second herbal flavor. Given the complex preparation of the pan-fried turbot, it was exceptionally difficult to discern these distinct herbal notes.
Recognizing this unique sensitivity, Jiang Qianfan was astonished by the reviewer's advanced palate. He immediately instructed Li Yan to spare no effort in finding this individual. Song Yiran and his girlfriend, Chu Ting, were driving around when they came across Lin Kesong at a street food stall. Song Yiran introduced Lin Kesong to Chu Ting as his childhood friend. After a brief exchange, the couple departed, leaving Lin Kesong feeling dejected.
She reflected on her long-standing crush on Song Yiran, acknowledging that she had never confessed her feelings. He consistently had beautiful and capable girlfriends, making her feel like an "ugly duckling" with no distinguishing qualities other than her passion for food. She feared that confessing her feelings would jeopardize their friendship. Despite this, she harbored a persistent dream of one day ascending to the management ranks of the Song Group, hoping to become indispensable to Song Yiran.
The following day, Lin Kesong was dismissed from the Liang She Hotel due to the previous day's customer complaint, despite her apologies. As she sat crying over breakfast, Jiang Qianfan approached her. When he questioned her tears, she snapped back that his cooking was terrible, a comment that shocked him as he had never received such direct criticism. Realizing that she was the highly sensitive "Guess" reviewer he had been searching for, Jiang Qianfan immediately offered her a job.
He asked her to be his personal tour guide for three days, exploring all the local delicacies, and offered her 1,000 RMB per day. He explained that he preferred her over traditional chefs, whom he found too rigid and rule-bound, noting her genuine love for food and her current availability. Lin Kesong, now unexpectedly free, readily accepted his offer, agreeing to meet him at Liang She Hotel the next morning at 8 a. m.
, with a stern warning from Jiang Qianfan not to be late. Back at the hotel, Jiang Qianfan informed Elise and Li Yan that he had found the individual with the remarkable sense of taste. Li Yan, who had failed to locate her despite numerous attempts, was surprised when Jiang Qianfan revealed it was Lin Kesong—the intern who had fallen asleep in his room and subsequently drank the toilet water.
Elise vehemently opposed Jiang Qianfan's decision to hire her, arguing that Lin Kesong was undisciplined and disrespectful of rules, making her unsuitable regardless of her unique palate. However, Jiang Qianfan was resolute, asserting that while other skills could be taught, an exceptional sense of taste was a rare, innate talent that he could not afford to overlook.
On their first day together, Lin Kesong arrived eight minutes late, earning a stern warning from Jiang Qianfan about punctuality, though he let it pass for the day. Lin Kesong later realized that these three days were, in fact, an unannounced assessment that would shape her destiny. She bought Dingsheng cake, a traditional sweet, hoping to share it, but Jiang Qianfan refused, stating he hated sweets. They then went for morning tea.
Lin Kesong ordered a cold fruit and lemon tea for him, explaining that green tea would be too strong on an empty stomach, and a tangerine and Pu'er tea for herself to cut the richness from the Dingsheng cake so she could eat more later. While Lin Kesong stepped away to get more desserts, Jiang Qianfan subtly dipped a toothpick into her tea, introducing a new flavor.
Upon her return, she took a sip and immediately identified a salted egg yolk flavor in her tea, prompting her to order a fresh cup. While driving, Lin Kesong shared the story of how her sensitive palate developed. During her first year of junior high, she entered a chili-eating competition, hoping to win the 200 RMB prize to buy a gift for her mother.
She bravely ate 14 of the spiciest peppers, winning the competition but ultimately collapsing and being hospitalized. Song Yiran was the friend who took her to the hospital. Upon her recovery, she found her sense of taste had become twice as sensitive as before, allowing her to identify almost any flavor. However, there was one exception: a particular grilled fish dish at a local restaurant, whose unique seasoning she could never quite pinpoint.
Intrigued, Jiang Qianfan requested she take him to that restaurant for dinner, as it only operated at night. Earlier, Song Yiran's elder brother mentioned that Chu Ting was opening a branch in Shanghai and pondered if Song Yiran would consider joining her there. While Lin Kesong and Jiang Qianfan were sampling street food, Song Yiran called, inquiring about Lin Kesong's interview and suggesting he join them for grilled fish that evening.
Jiang Qianfan initially refused, but after Lin Kesong's persistent pleas, reminding him that Song Yiran was her close friend and had taken her to the hospital after the chili contest, Jiang Qianfan reluctantly agreed, asking if Song Yiran was very important to her. When they met, Song Yiran offered Lin Kesong a ride in his sports car, but she declined, explaining that as Jiang Qianfan was her boss for the day, she had to ride with him.
Inside Jiang Qianfan's car, Lin Kesong, finding the silence oppressive, turned on some music. However, seeing his icy, preoccupied expression, she quickly turned it off. After a tense silence, she cautiously asked if he would prefer some music to alleviate the quiet, to which he coldly replied, "No."
Episode 2 Recap
Lin Kesong and Song Yiran enthusiastically enjoyed the Traditional Spicy Grilled Fish, but Jiang Qianfan remained silent, not touching his food. Lin Kesong identified ten distinct seasonings, including Sansho pepper, green pepper, and red pepper, but an eleventh, elusive flavor stumped her. Jiang Qianfan, observing the fish’s color, revealed it was a food additive. Song Yiran, disbelieving, argued that such an illegal substance couldn't be used in the restaurant.
Jiang Qianfan explained that while deep-fried fish meat usually turns light yellow or white, food additives cause it to turn pink at a lower temperature, which was visible in their dish. He noted that the small amount used made it metabolizable and hard for ordinary taste buds to detect. Feeling Jiang Qianfan was unfairly criticizing his chosen restaurant, Song Yiran proposed a bet: they would sneak into the kitchen after closing at 10 p. m.
If they found the additive, Song Yiran would give Lin Kesong ¥1,000; if not, Jiang Qianfan would pay her ¥1,000. Jiang Qianfan agreed, even offering to double his payout to ¥2,000. After the restaurant closed, Song Yiran and Lin Kesong climbed over a wall to enter. Not seeing Jiang Qianfan behind them, they assumed he had chickened out. To their surprise, Jiang Qianfan was already waiting at the kitchen entrance.
He instructed Song Yiran to stand guard outside while he and Lin Kesong went inside to search for the seasoning. Inside, as Lin Kesong leaned in to examine some fine powders, she involuntarily sneezed. The noise alerted the restaurant staff, and the trio hastily fled. On the way home, Jiang Qianfan turned on the car radio, telling Lin Kesong that music should complement one's mood.
The next day, despite waking early and cycling furiously, Lin Kesong was still late for her meeting with Jiang Qianfan. She took him to a restaurant for aromatic tofu fish soup, a local Hangzhou specialty. She enthusiastically described the fresh ingredients and revealed its "beautiful name": "Fish Tears in the Heart."
When Jiang Qianfan commented that such a poetic name must have been coined by a young girl and didn't fit the restaurant's style, Lin Kesong sheepishly admitted she had just made it up. After tasting the soup, Jiang Qianfan critically noted that the tofu was unevenly marinated due to the chef's excessive caution, which he felt ruined an otherwise good dish. Lin Kesong was unconvinced, so Jiang Qianfan proposed a game.
He arranged four pieces of tofu from the bowl, claiming they were ordered from mildest to strongest flavor, and challenged her to confirm the sequence. Lin Kesong confidently asserted that two pieces were in the wrong order, only to discover on her phone that Jiang Qianfan had already sent her the correct sequence, proving her initial assessment incorrect.
She expressed admiration for Jiang Qianfan’s willpower, noting how he remained unfazed by so many delicious dishes, to which he countered by admiring her insatiable passion for food. Lin Kesong later reflected that during these three days, Jiang Qianfan was subtly guiding her towards a career as a chef. With the three-day tour guide job concluded, Jiang Qianfan told Lin Kesong he would contact her again. Lin Kesong then asked if he could drop her off at Song Yiran's party.
Upon arrival, Lin Kesong received a call from her cousin, Lin Xiaoyu. Xiaoyu was thrilled to learn that Lin Kesong had been guiding Jiang Qianfan, exclaiming that he was her idol. She urgently requested Lin Kesong to print her resume and personally hand it to Jiang Qianfan, which Lin Kesong promised to do. At the party, Song Yiran publicly announced that Chu Ting would be opening her second boutique in Shanghai.
He then revealed his plans to move to Shanghai to live with her, having secured a hotel management position at Bellagio Shanghai through his elder brother. To demonstrate his loyalty, he confessed to having deleted many female friends from his WeChat contacts, making the evening a farewell party. As guests celebrated, Song Yiran and Chu Ting shared a passionate embrace, while a crestfallen Lin Kesong retreated to the balcony to drink alone.
Soon after, Song Yiran approached Lin Kesong and informed her that he had arranged a job for her as an executive assistant at the same hotel she had previously applied to. Lin Kesong politely declined, stating that she was returning to her hometown the next day to take a job arranged by her parents. After the party, as rain threatened, Lin Kesong walked home alone, sadly reminiscing about her days silently accompanying Song Yiran.
An elderly Tanghulu vendor, seeing her distress, gave her the last skewer for free. Eating it while observing the desolate streetscape, Lin Kesong burst into tears. She then aimlessly wandered to Jiang Qianfan's hotel room, knocking on his door. Sitting on the floor, weeping, she confided that unrequited love tasted like Tanghulu—sweet on the outside, but increasingly sour with every bite. Jiang Qianfan tried to send her home, but a distraught Lin Kesong pulled him to the rooftop.
She tearfully confessed feeling like an ugly duckling who had desperately tried to mold herself into Song Yiran's ideal type, even pursuing his preferred major, but never dared to confess for fear of rejection. Jiang Qianfan tried to comfort her, suggesting Song Yiran was just an immature child not worth such tears. However, Lin Kesong insisted that while Song Yiran could live without her, she couldn't live without him.
As the rain began, Jiang Qianfan, unable to console her, threatened to leave. Lin Kesong tearfully offered him the last piece of Tanghulu, then, in her drunken state, began to stumble towards the rooftop railing. Seeing her precarious state, Jiang Qianfan quickly rushed over and pulled her away from the edge. The next morning, Jiang Qianfan presented his newly developed "Dumplings with Fish Tears in your Heart" to Elise for tasting.
Elise initially found them delicious, but when Jiang Qianfan mentioned that Lin Kesong had inspired the dish, Elise abruptly stopped eating and declared the dish had no merit, dismissing it as unsuitable for their restaurant, Yuxuan. Jiang Qianfan, taken aback by her emotional response, pointed out their three-year partnership and her usual fair and objective evaluations. He pressed her for a rational explanation, but Elise refused to discuss it further and left.
En route, Elise was still fuming about events from the previous night. She recalled going to Jiang Qianfan's room to bring him a night lamp and discovering a drunken Lin Kesong asleep on his sofa. In her anger, Elise had splashed cold water on Lin Kesong. Shortly after, Junbin called Elise, informing her that Jiang Qianfan had a fever and needed careful attention, as a problem with his nervous system could worsen if his temperature rose.
This call revealed to Elise that Jiang Qianfan had lost his sense of taste. Junbin explained that Jiang Qianfan's sensitivity to sweetness had declined months ago when Yuxuan opened, and upon arriving in Hangzhou, he had completely lost the ability to taste anything sweet. While his taste buds were intact, his brain wasn't receiving the sweet taste signals due to blocked nerve pathways, and Junbin couldn't guarantee the condition wouldn't deteriorate further.
Elise urgently instructed Junbin to keep Jiang Qianfan's condition a secret. In the hotel hallway, Lin Kesong encountered Elise while holding Lin Xiaoyu's resume. When Lin Kesong explained that her younger sister deeply admired Jiang Qianfan and wished to become his pupil, Elise scoffed, advising Lin Kesong to "know what's good for you." She stated that Jiang Qianfan, famous from a young age, cared only for culinary skills.
Elise then coolly informed Lin Kesong that her three days of work were over, conveying Jiang Qianfan's request for her not to speak about him to others, to delete his number, and to cease all contact. Angered by Elise's dismissive attitude, Lin Kesong immediately deleted Jiang Qianfan's phone number. Lin Kesong called Lin Xiaoyu, apologizing for failing to deliver her resume.
Xiaoyu then informed Lin Kesong that Elise was not only Jiang Qianfan's business partner but also his ex-girlfriend, a well-known fact in the culinary world, and that her presence ensured no other woman could get close to him. Despite Xiaoyu's understanding, Lin Kesong felt deeply frustrated by this setback, intensifying her desire to leave the city. Elise hurried back to the hotel to care for Jiang Qianfan.
She confronted him, asking why he hadn't told her about his lost sense of taste. She then gently suggested his search for disciples was actually a search for a "suitable crutch" for his condition. Jiang Qianfan explained that both he and Yuxuan needed Lin Kesong. Tears welled in Elise's eyes as she questioned why, despite his loss of taste, he needed Lin Kesong—the girl who got drunk and passed out in his room—instead of her.
Jiang Qianfan apologetically explained that Lin Kesong was a "genius" with a gift for taste. Lin Kesong returned to her hometown of Wuzhen and attended an interview for a job her parents had found. She did not get the position, but she realized that even if she had, she wouldn't have wanted it. She longed for more than a stagnant, predictable life with average pay and workload, feeling unwilling to abandon her dreams.
Lin Xiaoyu encouraged her, suggesting that since confessing her long-standing crush on Song Yiran was her greatest motivation, she should pursue it, even if it meant facing rejection. Inspired by this renewed hope, Lin Kesong embarked on a journey to Shanghai, embracing her dreams.
Episode 3 Recap
Before Song Yiran departed for Shanghai, his older brother, Song Yisen, called him in to discuss the significant meaning of his move. He emphasized that the company's expansion into Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen was a "long game," and the cooperation between Bellagio and Suning was a crucial step. If successful, the company headquarters would relocate to Shanghai. Song Yisen told his brother, "Ran Ran, you're an adult already. You can't be so short-tempered anymore.
It's time for you to work on controlling your temper." Song Yiran, impatient, urged him to get to the point. His brother warned him, "You must not flirt with other women when in Shanghai. Treat her well—" Song Yiran cut him off, questioning if he was merely a "chess piece" in his brother's plan to introduce him to Chu Ting. Song Yisen reiterated, "Ran Ran, you've been with many girls since you were young.
I never said anything about it, but you're grown up now. It's time for you to settle down." Song Yiran retorted that his brother’s words had turned his budding feelings for Chu Ting into aversion. His brother concluded by telling him to treat Chu Ting well and "Don't let me down." Meanwhile, Lin Kesong's parents readily agreed to her moving to Shanghai because her uncle resided there.
Her internal thoughts revealed that her true intention for moving was to get closer to Song Yiran, confessing that she found the courage to travel alone to a new city because of him. " If I didn't like you, I would probably never have been so brave. Thank you, Song Yiran." Her uncle, Lin Feng, apologized for being late to pick her up, citing the restaurant's busy schedule and Shanghai traffic.
He excitedly pointed out landmarks like the Garden Bridge and the Oriental Pearl Tower as they drove. Upon arriving at "Xiaoyu's Private Kitchen," Kesong was surprised by how busy the restaurant was. Lin Feng led her to the kitchen to see his daughter, Lin Xiaoyu, who was swamped with orders and barely had time to acknowledge Kesong, even telling her she was in the way. Lin Feng then showed Kesong her new room, which she was "super satisfied" with.
However, her delight was short-lived as Lin Feng immediately instructed her to get ready and help in the kitchen in five minutes, dismissing her protests about the "terrifying" environment. Kesong reflected on the irony of her situation, realizing that instead of getting closer to Song Yiran, she was being pushed further away and, unknowingly, closer to Jiang Qianfan. At the hospital, Jiang Qianfan received an update from his doctor, Junbin.
The diagnosis remained unchanged from six months ago, with "no effective treatment" available, only medication. Jiang Qianfan bitterly stated that "Losing my sense of taste. . . is more cruel than losing my life." Junbin expressed concern that while it took 183 days for Qianfan to lose his sense of sweetness, other senses might deteriorate faster. He also revealed that all the nerves responsible for Qianfan's five senses showed signs of degeneration.
Despite still having a fever, Qianfan insisted on leaving, arguing that further treatment was a "waste of time" without knowing the cause of his illness. Back at Yuxuan Restaurant, a frustrated Jiang Qianfan furiously criticized his kitchen staff for their substandard work, reprimanding a cook for poorly sliced fish and another for using the wrong type of vinegar for a sauce.
His subordinate, Oliver, offered a solution by using fermented tomatoes as a replacement for balsamic vinegar, which Qianfan approved, appreciating the savory and balanced flavor. Shortly after, Boris Rogoff, a known food critic who had previously caused trouble for Yuxuan London, arrived and personally requested Jiang Qianfan to prepare the "Wild Matsutake thousand layers" dish. Elise, seeing Boris, immediately questioned a server about his presence, learning he had booked under a different name.
Boris, already live-streaming, gloated to his audience about his "famous blacklist" being back and reminded them how his last visit delayed Yuxuan London's Michelin three-star rating by a year. He promised another "surprise" from his current visit to Yuxuan Shanghai, which had already earned two stars in six months. When the "Wild Matsutake thousand layers" was served, Boris complained on his live stream about the absence of bamboo salt and cilantro oil, calling the dish "ordinary and boring."
Jiang Qianfan then personally delivered the condiments. Boris, upon opening a bamboo tube, found mustard mayonnaise. After tasting the dish with the sauce, he declared to his audience, "My friend, your Boris always seeks the truth. This sauce here makes me instantly feel like Montgomery came back. When I remember him, my hatred for Jiang Qianfan grows deeper. As for the why, I won't tell you. This is it for today's live stream." He then abruptly ended the broadcast.
Later, while Lin Kesong and Lin Xiaoyu were eating at the restaurant, a news report on TV announced the upcoming "Muellers International Chefs Association, Future Star Culinary Competition." Xiaoyu was ecstatic, calling it "the most prestigious competition in the culinary world." She mentioned that Jiang Qianfan had achieved fame through this very competition and expressed her determination to participate again after failing to pass the first round two years ago.
Outside the restaurant, Jiang Qianfan confronted Boris, telling him to use his own name for future reservations. Boris revealed he would be in Shanghai for the next three months, adding a threat: "My apprentice will also target your apprentice!" He then informed Jiang Qianfan that he was one of the mentors for the Future Star Culinary Competition and had confirmed with Thomas that Qianfan would also be invited.
Noticing Boris’s itchy nose, Jiang Qianfan reminded him of his pine nut allergy, then revealed, "You couldn't detect that I used pine nut oil for the mayonnaise?" Boris, realizing Qianfan's subtle revenge, became enraged and challenged him to accept the mentorship, threatening to mock him online "24 hours a day" if he refused. Jiang Qianfan immediately confronted Elise about the competition.
She admitted to withholding the invitation, questioning, "How can you be a mentor with you losing your sense of taste?" Qianfan insisted that his "mentoring is based on experience" and that he could not refuse the mentorship after Boris's provocation. Elise warned him that Boris’s intentions were malicious and he "won't give it a rest if he doesn't achieve his goal." However, Qianfan remained confident, stating that Boris "will always lose to himself," as Montgomery once said.
Li Yan called Jiang Qianfan, reporting that Liang She Hotel refused to provide any employee information, including Song Yiran's. He had contacted Lin Kesong's dormitory manager, who claimed Kesong had moved out, refused to give contact information, and had "registered for marriage and preparing for the wedding." Jiang Qianfan was disbelieving, exclaiming, "Is this a joke? It has only been a few days. How is possible?" Elise, overhearing, commented that Kesong's extreme actions were not surprising.
Li Yan later sent a text to Elise, indicating that Jiang Qianfan likely believed the information. Meanwhile, Song Yiran texted Lin Kesong, simply saying, "I just arrived. I'm hungry." Kesong saw this as "the best opportunity" to reveal her presence in Shanghai. She bribed Lin Xiaoyu with her favorite shampoo to prepare a warm, caring meal for Song Yiran, believing that "a friend in need is a friend indeed." They rushed to the hotel, but Kesong's hopes were dashed.
She found Song Yiran surrounded by friends and on a video call with Chu Ting, who was still in Hangzhou but had already arranged a lavish dinner to be delivered to his room. Chu Ting, introducing herself as "Yiran's girlfriend," promised to see them in a few days. Heartbroken, Lin Kesong left. On the way home, she cried to Xiaoyu, lamenting, "He's a prince. I can't even be Cinderella."
Despite her profound sadness and the stark reality of their different worlds, Kesong declared, "I will work even harder in the future! Why would I give up? He's not married yet!" She stubbornly decided to continue pursuing Song Yiran. Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Qianfan was also searching for her, believing he would "meet her again soon" as he was working hard to find her. Elise frantically searched for Jiang Qianfan and eventually reached him by phone.
He informed her, "Elise, I have matters to attend to in Wuzhen for the next couple of days. Take care of things for me for a while." Elise was shocked by his sudden trip. Shortly after, Jiang Qianfan’s car was rear-ended on the road. Lin Kesong accompanied Lin Xiaoyu to the Future Star Culinary Competition preliminary auditions. Initially, Kesong was denied entry to take photos, so she reluctantly signed up herself to be able to enter the venue with Xiaoyu.
Inside, she spotted "Jiang Qianfan" listed as a mentor and immediately wanted to withdraw, but Xiaoyu assured her he wouldn't be present for the preliminary rounds. While filling out her application, an Italian contestant named Blu, who was studying ink painting in Shanghai, tried to flirt with Xiaoyu by asking her to translate his form. Xiaoyu, unimpressed, politely but firmly rebuffed him, telling him his "pick-up is very lame" and she did "not have time."
Elise called Jiang Qianfan, interrupting his journey to Wuzhen to inform him that her mother, Madam Quentin, wished to see him. Elise speculated it might be related to the Future Star Competition. Li Yan called Jiang Qianfan again, confirming he had found Lin Kesong’s house. However, neighbors told him her family had "gone out of town" for a "wedding at the groom's house." Elise, still present, emphasized, "What if she really got married?"
Jiang Qianfan dismissed the idea, stating that she would still need to work after marriage, and that he "doesn't have time to think about" her husband's feelings, implying his focus was on her culinary talent. The preliminary round of the Future Star Culinary Competition began, with 198 contestants and a one-hour time limit to prepare any cuisine using provided ingredients.
Lin Kesong, unprepared, struggled to make a simple scrambled eggs with tomatoes, admitting to herself that her dish didn't look like something a chef would make. The judges praised Lin Xiaoyu’s dish, but when a judge tasted Kesong's, he winced in discomfort and spit it out. Meanwhile, Jiang Qianfan was at Madam Quentin's villa, complimenting her "taste and floral design" and thanking her for her support of Yuxuan Shanghai.
Episode 4 Recap
Elise watched the live broadcast of the Future Star Western food competition from her mother, Madam Quentin’s, home, praising her brother Victor’s excellent culinary skills. Jiang Qianfan remarked that Victor was an attention-seeker, suggesting his decision to compete in Shanghai instead of London stemmed from a desire to show off his abilities to Chinese chefs, not just dazzle the Western culinary world. Elise believed Victor came to Shanghai because he admired Jiang Qianfan.
Madam Quentin expressed her gratitude to Jiang Qianfan for ceding half of Yuxuan restaurant’s shares to Elise. Jiang Qianfan sincerely replied that Elise deserved them, acknowledging that Yuxuan was established and thrived due to her assistance and skillful management. Madam Quentin then asked Jiang Qianfan to mentor Victor. She explained that while she was one of the competition’s mentors, she had the Quentin Group to operate, and her interests and energy were not in cooking.
Jiang Qianfan admitted that Victor was a rare talent but not the apprentice he desired, deeming him too proud to teach. Madam Quentin countered that Victor needed a callous mentor to further improve his skills, a role she couldn’t fulfill, but Jiang Qianfan stated he also couldn’t. Aware of Jiang Qianfan’s medical condition, Madam Quentin urged him to choose someone from “his own people” at such a crucial time.
Jiang Qianfan firmly rejected Victor, calling him too much of a show-off to be a reliable support. Elise insisted Victor was the most talented, but Jiang Qianfan disagreed. Meanwhile, in the Chinese food division, judges tasted Lin Kesong’s dish. They harshly criticized her frying technique as torture, her seasoning as poisoning, and her plating as horrifying, branding her a "devil in the kitchen." They even gave her a nickname: the "Evil Dragon Princess."
Upon seeing this on the live broadcast, Jiang Qianfan immediately called Thomas, declaring that the "Evil Dragon Princess" was the apprentice he wanted and instructing Thomas to ensure no one else chose her. He then abruptly left Madam Quentin’s residence. After the competition, a swarm of media surrounded Lin Kesong, badgering her with questions about her participation despite lacking culinary skills.
Mortified, Lin Kesong repeatedly stated she hadn’t wanted to compete and couldn't cook, pleading with them to let her go. She reflected on hitting rock bottom, lamenting her embarrassing situation and her life full of drama. Jiang Qianfan, using the address Lin Kesong provided on her competition application, arrived at her uncle’s restaurant. Lin Xiaoyu, initially excited to greet him, quickly realized he was there for Lin Kesong and her enthusiasm faded.
She expressed surprise that he would want Kesong, who had received the lowest score, but Jiang Qianfan dismissed its importance. Noticing Xiaoyu's disappointment, her father led Jiang Qianfan upstairs to find Kesong. As they passed through the kitchen, the cooks recognized Jiang Qianfan and, thrilled by his presence, followed them upstairs. Kesong’s uncle explained Jiang Qianfan’s intention to take her as an apprentice, but Kesong, assuming he was there to mock her, defiantly refused to open her door.
From outside, Jiang Qianfan introduced himself as the head chef of Yuxuan restaurant. Lin Kesong still rejected his offer, fearing accusations of using him to climb the social ladder, and hinted that Elise had made rude remarks. Jiang Qianfan, surmising she meant Elise, apologized on Elise’s behalf. Kesong then suggested he take her younger cousin, Xiaoyu, as she admired him more. Xiaoyu, overhearing this from outside, felt awkward and stomped off.
Jiang Qianfan asked to speak with Kesong alone, and her uncle and the other chefs discreetly left. Standing outside Kesong’s closed door, Jiang Qianfan tried to persuade her. He recalled Song Yiran’s description of food at a Michelin-starred restaurant as "insanely delicious." He then revealed that he was the head chef of Shanghai Yuxuan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, which introduced new dishes weekly, inviting her to verify it online.
When Kesong checked and found it true but remained silent, Jiang Qianfan deliberately said he would find someone else if she wasn’t interested. Kesong expressed concern for Xiaoyu. Jiang Qianfan reassured her that Lin Xiaoyu had already reached the quarterfinals and had seven other top mentors, making him the "least capable," so Xiaoyu might not even choose him.
He then promised Kesong free meals at his restaurant, comprehensive culinary training, and the opportunity to win the competition and earn everyone’s respect. When Kesong asked if she would become a "powerful woman," he affirmed she would become very powerful. Upon their exit, Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong were besieged by media reporters. Xiaoyu told Kesong she wasn't unhappy and that the other mentors were far more impressive than Jiang Qianfan, implying she might not have chosen him anyway.
Kesong felt relieved. In that moment, she reflected on her swift transformation from the ridiculed "Evil Dragon Princess" to a true princess, seemingly "carried away" by the god-like Jiang Qianfan. She wondered if Song Yiran would fall in love with her if he witnessed this scene. On the way, Jiang Qianfan had Kesong sign a contract, praising her as an "unpolished gem" with profound passion for food, rare determination, and unparalleled tasting ability – essential qualities for an outstanding chef.
At the time, Lin Kesong believed him to be a discerning patron of talent, utterly unaware of his hidden agenda. Jiang Qianfan took Lin Kesong to a sprawling villa, explaining it was his friend's house and he was house-sitting.
He informed her that she would undergo three months of intensive, secluded training there, under strict rules: daily workouts at 4 AM, three fixed and punctual meals with only designated foods, no alcohol, no showering after 9 PM, no unauthorized departures, a maximum of one hour of internet use per day, and no personal opinions.
Overwhelmed by the draconian rules, Lin Kesong threatened to quit, but Jiang Qianfan encouraged her, stating that great women are not born but forged through effort. He instructed Nina, his housekeeper, to prepare his study for Kesong. Nina, finding "Ms. Lin" too formal, affectionately called her "Little Bun." Nina then gave Kesong a tour of the house, including the gym, Jiang Qianfan’s room, the kitchen (off-limits without permission), and the terrace where Jiang Qianfan grew herbs.
Kesong’s uncle called, advising her not to inform her parents about the three-month training yet, fearing they might misunderstand and jeopardize her rare opportunity. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoyu, overhearing her father’s conversation with Kesong, felt a pang of jealousy, thinking Kesong was taking even her father away. Her father, sensing her discontent, comforted her, reminding her that there are no "shoulds" or "ifs" in the world, but her hard work would never be in vain.
He encouraged her to prove her abilities in the competition. Xiaoyu, still resentful that Jiang Qianfan chose Kesong over her despite her superior skills, resolved to work diligently and make him regret his decision. Elise arrived at Jiang Qianfan’s house, reporting that numerous reporters, including those from prestigious industry publications, were besieging Yuxuan’s entrance, demanding to see her. She relayed Madam Quentin’s suggestion that Jiang Qianfan apologize, implying Victor would then go easy on Kesong.
Elise urged him to tell the press that choosing Lin Kesong was a joke and he would seriously select a new apprentice. Jiang Qianfan adamantly declared that even if given another chance, he would still choose Lin Kesong, stressing that his decision was for Yuxuan’s benefit. Elise reminded him that Lin Kesong was the weakest contestant, while he was the "Kitchen God," expected to be number one.
Jiang Qianfan countered that his status would remain unaffected even if they lost, as he was merely a mentor. He asserted their shared goal was to achieve a third Michelin star for Shanghai Yuxuan as quickly as possible. At this inopportune moment, Lin Kesong descended the stairs, complaining about Jiang Qianfan’s pettiness and the house rules. Jiang Qianfan promptly dismissed Elise, who departed in a huff.
That night, unable to sleep, Lin Kesong ventured downstairs and found Jiang Qianfan in the kitchen. She approached curiously but was abruptly ordered out, as entry without his permission was forbidden. Returning upstairs, Lin Kesong brought him two glasses of red wine for a nightcap and requested to borrow a T-shirt. Jiang Qianfan, however, pointed out that her offering of wine violated rule number four and punished her with twenty sit-ups. Later, while showering, the water abruptly stopped.
Jiang Qianfan informed her she had exceeded the 9 PM shower deadline by one minute and told her to resolve it herself. Enraged, Lin Kesong cursed him. As she lay in bed, having dealt with her foamy hair, she noticed the pleasant scent of Jiang Qianfan’s borrowed T-shirt, comparing it to being in someone’s embrace. Startled by her own "perverted thoughts," she concluded he had driven her mad.
She then tried to check on Song Yiran online but discovered her daily one-hour internet limit had already been reached. Earlier, Song Yiran's elder brother had called, advising him to spend more quality time with Chu Ting. Shortly after, Chu Ting video-called him, mentioning she had seen his brother discussing a joint venture with her parents. Finding the conversation uninteresting, Song Yiran made an excuse about being tired and quickly hung up.
The next morning, Lin Kesong was thirty minutes late for her 4 AM wake-up. She was astonished by Jiang Qianfan’s muscular physique, though she mentally disparaged him as having a "devil’s soul." Jiang Qianfan set the treadmill for her to run continuously for 45 minutes at speed nine. Kesong questioned the relevance of exercise to cooking, but Jiang Qianfan explained that one could not achieve excellence without challenging oneself.
After her run, she was given fifteen minutes to wash up before breakfast. Kesong, still in her pajamas, came to the dining table. Jiang Qianfan immediately reprimanded her for her lack of respect and ritual towards food, the chef, and herself, ordering her to change. Nina offered to toast another piece of bread for Kesong, but Jiang Qianfan told her to rest. Lin Kesong returned shortly, fully dressed and made up, confident that she was now an impeccably refined young woman, challenging Jiang Qianfan to find any fault this time.
Episode 5 Recap
Lin Kesong, having finished her meticulous grooming and makeup, returned to the dining room, only to discover Nina pouring her breakfast into the bin. Distraught, Lin Kesong demanded to know why, but Jiang Qianfan calmly explained that he had instructed Nina to do so, threatening to fire her if she had allowed Lin Kesong to eat.
He reiterated his long-standing habit of exercising at four in the morning and having breakfast at six, stating that the rules would not change for her; instead, she must adapt to them. Lin Kesong, feeling tormented and stripped of her dignity since yesterday, retorted that she couldn't survive if she was starving, and questioned how she could maintain dignity. Jiang Qianfan dismissed her concerns, saying that missing one meal had nothing to do with dignity.
After Jiang Qianfan left, Lin Kesong secretly retrieved an untouched egg from the trash. As she was peeling it, Jiang Qianfan reappeared, catching her in the act. He accused her of wasting food, though he admitted it was "worth it" to teach her the rules. He then reminded "Little Bun" that her first class was in five minutes, warning her not to be late. Lin Kesong quickly went to change into her chef's uniform.
Putting on the uniform, she felt incredibly cool and stylish, an outfit so magical and perfectly fitted that she momentarily forgot her anger towards Jiang Qianfan. She wondered how he knew her exact measurements (75, 58. 5, 89), to which he replied that a chef should be able to gauge ingredient sizes at a glance for perfect plating.
Jiang Qianfan informed her that the uniform was on him, then helped her tie a triangular towel, explaining its dual purpose: to prevent presenting dirty food to guests and to cover her mouth and nose for escape in case of a kitchen fire. Lin Kesong, surprised, asked if being a chef was life-threatening, and Jiang Qianfan responded that her life could be in danger if she didn't learn to be smart.
Jiang Qianfan then led Lin Kesong into the elaborate kitchen, announcing that her task for the day was simple: measuring salt. He instructed her to measure two grams. Lin Kesong, initially dismissive of the task, believing it depended on "feel," spent thirty-two seconds to measure the two grams. Jiang Qianfan then explained that a normal chef must prepare 100 dishes in an hour, meaning she would spend nearly an hour just on measuring salt.
Lin Kesong challenged him to demonstrate, and he precisely measured the salt in one-third of a second. She doubted she could reach his level before the competition, but he encouraged her, saying it was never too late to practice, and then asked her to measure 5. 4 grams. Meanwhile, Song Yiran, after failing to reach Lin Kesong on her switched-off phone, called Lin Xiaoyu's private kitchen.
Lin Xiaoyu abruptly told him Lin Kesong had left and hung up, refusing to answer his subsequent calls. Concerned, Song Yiran went to Xiaoyu Private Kitchen in person. He learned from Lin Xiaoyu that Lin Kesong had been taken by Jiang Qianfan for private training. Song Yiran, bewildered by this development, speculated that Lin Kesong might have come to Shanghai specifically for Jiang Qianfan.
He pressed Lin Xiaoyu for Jiang Qianfan's address, but she evasively claimed ignorance of Lin Kesong's true intentions and Jiang Qianfan's address. Back in the dining room, Jiang Qianfan presented Lin Kesong with three bowls of food containing varying salt levels, asking her to taste them and describe her sensations. Lin Kesong accurately identified one as too salty and strong, making her feel annoyed, and another as too bland, making her feel tired.
Jiang Qianfan revealed that the salt amounts were 0. 5, 0. 6, and 0. 4 grams, respectively. He praised her acute sense of taste, noting that most people couldn't detect such subtle differences, but their emotions would still be affected. He emphasized that precise salt control was crucial to provide every diner with a perfect feeling. Lin Kesong, disheartened, declared she no longer wanted to be a chef, but Jiang Qianfan playfully patted her head, saying she had no choice.
Later, Jiang Qianfan observed Lin Kesong through a monitor, seeing she had fallen asleep in the kitchen. He began playing rock music, hoping to motivate her. Lin Kesong complained, asking for JJ Lin's songs instead, and called his music a "power drill." Jiang Qianfan responded by playing even harsher noise, forcing her to beg him to stop.
Seeing no response from him, Lin Kesong, mistakenly believing Jiang Qianfan had left, secretly tasted some of the salt she was supposed to be measuring. Finding it incredibly salty, she sought iced water from the refrigerator, but it was locked with a password. Feeling utterly miserable and starving, she began to cry. Nina later found Lin Kesong resting and informed her that Jiang Qianfan had canceled her lunch because she had not practiced well and had left the kitchen.
Lin Kesong, on the verge of starvation, became agitated. Nina tried to calm her by lighting an incense lamp with essential oil, remarking that Elise had given it to Jiang Qianfan. Lin Kesong scoffed at the idea of an aromatherapy lamp, complaining that while it smelled good, it wasn't edible, and she called Jiang Qianfan "insane." At Yuxuan, a waiter failed to explain the "Two Days and Nights of Joy" dish to guests.
Elise, the general manager, had to step in and provide a professional description. Jiang Qianfan subsequently gathered the staff, publicly reprimanded the waiter (Xiong) for his lack of knowledge, and immediately fired him. Jiang Qianfan passionately explained that he hired them to "tell a story, a good story!" to guests who might be dining at a Michelin restaurant for the first time, emphasizing that any staff mistake reflected on the entire establishment.
He demanded that his employees work with pride and make Yuxuan proud. After the meeting, Elise confronted Jiang Qianfan for firing the waiter without her consultation, reminding him that while he managed the kitchen, the front hall was her domain. Jiang Qianfan warned her to manage her staff carefully and not to let them provoke him. Meanwhile, Bru visited Xiaoyu Private Kitchen and invited Lin Xiaoyu to his studio.
She initially seemed annoyed but agreed to go after he piqued her curiosity. At his studio, Lin Xiaoyu was surprised to learn he was a painter and admired his work. She lamented that for him, cooking was merely a hobby, whereas she had to win the competition to escape her diner. Bru found her diner "so cozy," but Lin Xiaoyu insisted she needed a bigger platform.
Feeling misunderstood, she abruptly left, leaving Bru to wonder why she was "like a spice strip." That evening, Jiang Qianfan returned to find Lin Kesong asleep. He woke her with an egg and then made her do sit-ups. He encouraged her to express her emotions freely, whether crying or laughing, explaining that rich emotions translated into passionate dishes. Inspired, Lin Kesong defiantly yelled, "I hate you!" Jiang Qianfan praised her, saying, "Very good. Continue!"
During dinner, Jiang Qianfan proposed a new game: every evening, Lin Kesong must summarize everything she ate that day, with rewards for accuracy and penalties for mistakes. Lin Kesong reluctantly agreed, then declared she hadn't eaten a single bite all day. Jiang Qianfan corrected her, reminding her of the morning soup, the egg she had just eaten, and the salt she had tasted.
Furious, Lin Kesong kicked her chair, exclaiming, "Why is it so difficult for me to have a bite of your food? Stupid food. I don't want it anymore!" Later that night, Victor found Elise at a bar and took her to the rooftop. He advised her not to shed tears over Jiang Qianfan, whom he called an "insignificant man," warning her not to lose her pride and self-esteem. Elise merely chuckled, calling him "just a 20-year-old kid" who wouldn't understand.
Nina brought Lin Kesong her phone. Lin Kesong complained about Jiang Qianfan's "insane" methods, but Nina reassured her that Mr. Jiang was a good person and his arrangements had a reason. Lin Kesong then saw numerous voicemails from Song Yiran, who had been asking about her whereabouts and speculating if she was in Shanghai because of Jiang Qianfan. She called him back. Song Yiran, who was eating lobster pizza and pasta, asked directly if she liked Jiang Qianfan.
Lin Kesong, feeling famished, tearfully confessed that she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday and was starving. Song Yiran immediately offered to bring her food. Song Yiran arrived at Jiang Qianfan's gate with the pizza, but a call from Chu Ting, who addressed him as "Darling," diverted his attention. He hung the food on the door, sent Lin Kesong a message, and quickly left to take Chu Ting's call.
Lin Kesong tried to sneak out to retrieve the pizza but couldn't reach it over the locked gate. Jiang Qianfan then appeared, confiscating the pizza. He lectured her, explaining that eating pizza after such a long period of starvation would be bad for her stomach. He asserted that if she needed help, she could only ask him. Lin Kesong defiantly declared she would never ask him for help, even if she starved to death.
Jiang Qianfan, with a subtle look, then instructed Nina not to prepare breakfast for Lin Kesong the next day. Lin Kesong retorted that she didn't care as she was trying to lose weight. Shortly after, Jiang Qianfan quietly told Nina to prepare honey water.
Episode 6 Recap
The following day, Lin Kesong continued her training with Jiang Qianfan on precise salt measurement. Despite practicing countless times, she couldn't get it right, lamenting that she might starve to death before mastering the skill. Jiang Qianfan scoffed, telling her that dying would be easier than her current task and urged her to keep practicing.
After one particularly frustrating attempt, Lin Kesong believed she had finally measured two grams of salt, excitedly calling Jiang Qianfan to see, only to realize her eyes had deceived her. Blaming the "lousy, stupid scale," she was silently given a new one by Jiang Qianfan to continue. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoyu received a call from the Future Star Competition organizing committee, informing her that she had qualified and would need to meet her mentor for an interview.
Her father, excited, asked who the mentor was, but Xiaoyu simply stated it wouldn't be Jiang Qianfan. Lin Xiaoyu arrived to meet her mentor, Boris, who was already livestreaming. She candidly told him that she disliked his tone and didn't want him as her mentor, but since she was already there, she would demonstrate her skills for his fans. She prepared stir-fried freshwater shrimps with peas.
When comparing her dish to Boris’s, she was surprised that his prawns were translucent while hers were reddish. She also found his dish juicier, with a more pleasant aftertaste and a better chew.
Boris explained his techniques: he kept the prawn tails for better appearance, shelled them in ice water to maintain translucence and prevent oxidation, added lotus seeds for crunch to counter the mushy texture of prawns and peas, and finally, cooked the dish for three extra seconds at high heat before serving to enhance taste and temperature.
Boris revealed that he and Jiang Qianfan were both apprentices under Montgomery, but Montgomery chose Jiang Qianfan over him for the Future Star Competition, leading to his resentment. He mused that he still couldn't understand why Jiang Qianfan, a competitive person, would take the "Evil Dragon Princess" as his apprentice. When asked about her sister, Lin Xiaoyu described Lin Kesong as a "lazy good for nothing" but admitted she possessed a very sensitive palate.
Apologizing for her earlier imprudence, Lin Xiaoyu decided to choose Boris as her mentor, stating that they shared a common enemy who had taken what rightfully belonged to them, and together, they would defeat them. Separately, Blu went to meet his mentor, Huang Shi, to learn from him. Huang Shi, however, was preoccupied with going fishing and unwilling to discuss work. Blu persisted, offering a 50-year-old Baipu Yellow Wine to entice him.
Huang Shi, appreciative of Blu's taste and interest in Chinese traditions, agreed to let him join his fishing trip. Song Yiran arrived at Jiang Qianfan’s house, demanding to see Lin Kesong. He claimed she had called him last night saying she wasn't being fed and insisted on taking her out to eat. Jiang Qianfan, after a heated exchange, took Song Yiran to the kitchen, only to discover that Lin Kesong was missing.
He immediately instructed Nina to check elsewhere, while he and Song Yiran split up to search for her. Meanwhile, Lin Kesong had sneaked out and gone to her uncle’s shop, where she enjoyed a substantial meal. Her uncle, realizing she had run away, urged her to call Jiang Qianfan, fearing he might report her missing to the police.
Lin Kesong initially dismissed the idea, believing Jiang Qianfan didn't care about her, but eventually called him, briefly stating she was "getting food outside" and would be back later, then quickly hung up. After eating, Lin Kesong went upstairs to find Lin Xiaoyu, saying she missed home. Xiaoyu coldly retorted that it was "her" house, not Kesong’s.
When Kesong tried to appease her, even suggesting she could beg Jiang Qianfan to teach both of them, Xiaoyu accused her of being a manipulative actress. Xiaoyu claimed Kesong was truly in Shanghai for Jiang Qianfan, not Song Yiran, and had merely pretended to dislike Jiang Qianfan during the auditions. Hurt by Xiaoyu’s accusations, Lin Kesong defensively asked why she would say such insulting things, to which Xiaoyu angrily told her to "get lost."
Feeling deeply wronged, Lin Kesong sadly bid farewell to her uncle and left. Jiang Qianfan, who had discreetly followed Lin Kesong from her uncle's shop, found her looking miserable. He approached her and shared his own past with Boris, revealing that Boris was his senior brother. He explained that Montgomery had chosen him for the Future Star Competition over Boris, leading to Boris’s intense hatred.
Jiang Qianfan then told Kesong that to counter such animosity, he had won the competition, refusing to let Boris ridicule his incompetence. He advised Kesong that to earn respect and understanding from others, one must become strong and powerful, a true winner. Upon returning to Jiang Qianfan's residence, Lin Kesong found Song Yiran still waiting for her.
Song Yiran tried to persuade her to leave, arguing that she wasn't cut out to be a chef and should instead happily remain a foodie with him. Lin Kesong, however, chose to stay. Later, Lin Kesong was astonished to find a lavish dinner prepared for her, which Nina confirmed was arranged by Jiang Qianfan himself. Still uneasy about Jiang Qianfan's reaction to her escape, she went to his room, anxiously asking how he intended to punish her.
Jiang Qianfan, initially claiming he wouldn't, leaned in menacingly when she pressed him, successfully scaring her away. The Future Star Cooking Competition officially announced its final eight contestants and their mentors. Meanwhile, Elise, speaking to her mother, declared that if a flower she had long awaited bloomed for someone else, she would rather cut it and let it wither in her own vase, rather than offer blessings.
News circulated that "Evil Dragon Princess" (Lin Kesong) was undergoing secluded training with her mentor, Jiang Qianfan. Seeing this, Lin Xiaoyu also pleaded with Boris to provide her with closed-door training. Boris questioned if she was scared, then explained his secret to defeating many Michelin-starred restaurants: using a "spear to strike their weakest point." He advised Xiaoyu not to follow others' footsteps but to maintain her own rhythm while simultaneously disrupting her opponent’s.
During a livestream, Lin Xiaoyu formally declared war on Jiang Qianfan on behalf of her mentor, Boris. She boasted that since Boris and Jiang Qianfan had the same chef, Boris knew all of Jiang Qianfan's techniques. Boris then chimed in, stating he had come from hell to find Jiang Qianfan and urged him to spare no effort in dealing with him.
After watching the livestream, Jiang Qianfan informed Lin Kesong that Lin Xiaoyu and Boris formed a very strong team, emphasizing her need to train even harder. He set a timer for her push-ups, instructing her to return to salt measurement once it was up. Lin Kesong attempted to secretly adjust the timer, but Jiang Qianfan, ever vigilant, immediately stopped her. Li Yan arrived at Jiang Qianfan’s house to deliver ingredients. He apologized to Jiang Qianfan for a past transgression.
Jiang Qianfan acknowledged Li Yan's years of loyal service as the reason he hadn't dismissed him but sternly reminded him that he detested being lied to. After Li Yan left, Lin Kesong, curious, asked what Li Yan had lied about. Jiang Qianfan revealed that Li Yan had told him Kesong was married. Later, Li Yan delivered a ticket from Jiang Qianfan to Song Yiran for a "Fire Scorpion Special Forces Experience Camp."
Song Yiran found the gift "pretty cool," noting that Jiang Qianfan seemed to understand him well. Victor Quentin visited Lin Xiaoyu's private kitchen, asking her to prepare a dish using abalones he had brought. Lin Xiaoyu, initially unaware of his identity, refused, stating that she only cooked items from her menu and was not his personal chef. Victor provocatively responded that during the competition, she wouldn't be able to guarantee what ingredients she would be given. Recognizing him as Victor Quentin, Lin Xiaoyu then accepted his challenge and headed to the kitchen.
Episode 7 Recap
Victor tasted the abalone prepared by Lin Xiaoyu, noting it was cooked in the most traditional way. He remarked that while her soup was rich, indicating fundamental skills, her timing was off as the flavor hadn't fully seeped into the abalone. He found her pairing with asparagus old-fashioned and lacking imagination. Lin Xiaoyu retorted that her imagination was reserved for the competition, and Victor wasn't worth her best dishes.
Victor taunted her, suggesting she was scared by the ingredient's price and resorted to a safe method. He dismissed her as a "weakling" rather than a "dragon." Realizing he was actually looking for Lin Kesong, Lin Xiaoyu, who introduced herself as Boris's apprentice, challenged him to demonstrate his own skills. Victor accepted, quickly preparing four abalone pastries that left Lin Xiaoyu speechless with their perfect taste and presentation.
For three days, Lin Kesong diligently practiced the same salt-scooping motion for twelve hours daily, gradually accepting her lack of basic culinary knowledge. Despite her frustration and despair, she eventually mastered measuring the precise amount of salt in a single attempt. When she asked Oliver for praise, he curtly replied it wasn't worth it. Oliver was busy in the kitchen developing new dishes for Yuxuan when Nina brought him a dessert from Li Yan.
Lin Kesong, unable to resist, tasted it and enthusiastically declared her love for desserts, detailing the flavors she detected. This unexpected confession angered Oliver, who immediately sent her back to her room to copy basic cooking principles five times without explanation. Oliver then rode his motorcycle to Yuxuan's kitchen, where he discovered sugar. He furiously confronted Elise, who admitted to adding it to make the dishes sweeter, explaining that guests liked it and she hadn't wanted to upset him.
Oliver demanded to know why she hadn't informed him, asserting his authority over the restaurant's dishes. He sternly warned Elise for the last time not to alter his recipes, stating that he, Oliver, was responsible for any mistakes, and that sugar would not be tolerated in his kitchen. Meanwhile, Bru arrived at Lin Xiaoyu’s restaurant.
Lin Feng, Lin Xiaoyu's father, engaged him in conversation, learning that Bru was Canadian, 22 years old, had studied ink painting, and was also a top-eight finalist in the Future Star competition. Impressed by his interest in cooking, Lin Feng directed Bru to the kitchen to find Lin Xiaoyu. Inside, Bru saw the abalone pastries, confirming Victor's visit. He began eating them, praising Victor as a culinary genius known across Europe and North America, who enjoyed showing off his skills.
Bru innocently added that Lin Xiaoyu wasn't as good as Victor "yet". Offended, Lin Xiaoyu, already fuming, angrily kicked him out of the kitchen. Outside, Lin Feng helped Bru understand that he had upset Lin Xiaoyu by having him stay for a meal. Bru then recounted how capricious his mentor, Huang Shi, was; for instance, he would only cook fish he personally caught.
Huang Shi’s Huaiyang cuisine restaurant required reservations six months in advance, and he believed that competitions were less important than learning from fellow chefs. Lin Feng commended Bru for his sensible views. Elsewhere, Song Yiran was enduring the grueling "Fiery Crab Special Forces" training camp, a ticket Oliver had given him. He was pushed to his physical limits by the strict instructors and vowed to get revenge on Oliver once he returned.
That evening, Oliver presented Lin Kesong with a princess dress, instructing her to wear it for dinner at Yuxuan alone. She was to make a reservation under Chu Ting's name and analyze the dishes. At Yuxuan, Lin Kesong ordered a dish called "Beauty is Like a Hook" (Galician-style octopus) and diligently took notes on her phone. Li Yan, noticing this unusual guest, immediately reported it to Elise, who was at an event.
Elise recognized Lin Kesong and rushed back, confronting her at the restaurant. She then accompanied Lin Kesong to meet Oliver, accusing him of using his apprentice to monitor her cooking. Lin Kesong reported that she tasted bell peppers and shallots in the octopus dish, contrary to Oliver's recipe. Elise admitted adding them, explaining that those ingredients were present when she and Oliver first tasted the dish in Spain, and she did it to evoke their memories.
Oliver, however, was furious about the unauthorized changes to his recipe. The argument reignited their past, and both Oliver and Elise were left to reflect on their intense, yet troubled, relationship. Flashbacks showed them celebrating Yuxuan receiving three Michelin stars, but also a heated argument where Elise, frustrated by Oliver's constant devotion to his kitchen and neglect of her, broke dishes and glassware, leading to their breakup.
Later that night, Lin Kesong confided in Nina about the peculiar relationship between Oliver and Elise. Nina explained that they had been lovers when London's Yuxuan earned its three Michelin stars but broke up before the Shanghai branch opened. Oliver initiated the breakup because Elise became overly possessive, wanting to be with him constantly and demanding declarations of love. Oliver, entirely focused on his culinary pursuits, often neglected her feelings, leading to frequent arguments.
The most severe argument ended with Elise smashing the kitchen. Nina described their relationship as draining, preventing Oliver from concentrating on his work. She also shared that she had known Oliver for ten years, ever since her previous employer, Montgomery, discovered him working in a small London Chinatown restaurant and insisted on taking him as an apprentice. After Montgomery's passing four years prior, Nina began working for Oliver.
Lin Kesong pondered the "horrifying" nature of their love and what a truly good relationship might entail. In the dead of night, at 2 AM, Oliver woke Lin Kesong and instructed her to get ready in five minutes for "training." He took her on his motorcycle to an organic farm. Lin Kesong fell asleep on his back, exhausted.
Oliver explained that the first two days of training were merely a warm-up to eliminate her impatience and bring her to a "zero" state, ready to learn. At the farm, Yuxuan's cooks were already harvesting. Oliver made Lin Kesong taste a green pepper, which she was surprised to find sweet rather than spicy. He explained that green peppers are at their sweetest between 3:10 AM and 3:30 AM, but their sweetness rapidly decreases by 15% per hour after being picked.
To preserve this peak flavor for his sauces, he makes them into a nitrogen-sealed paste immediately. Oliver then tasked Lin Kesong with picking the sweetest green peppers, using the one she just tasted as a benchmark, and told her she had to eat any incorrectly chosen ones. Following this, he took her to select snails, explaining that snails sleep for six months and are sensitive to sunlight.
He taught her to choose snails that were about two fingers wide, smooth, undeformed, and heavy, indicating good flesh. As dawn broke, Oliver and Lin Kesong went to the dock to meet Captain Ao Rixin, known as the "Sea Dragon King," who individually caught fish to prevent damage to their skin and texture. To their surprise, Captain Ao informed them that Victor had already purchased his entire catch for the day.
Victor emerged from the boat, revealing he had anticipated Oliver's arrival and had boarded the night before to buy all the fish. He provocatively addressed Lin Kesong as "Princess Evil Dragon," introduced himself as the winner of the current year's Future Star Culinary Competition, and challenged her to a bet. Lin Kesong, stunned by his premature claim to victory, accepted the challenge, asking about the terms of the wager.
Episode 8 Recap
Victor presented a challenge to Lin Kesong, stating that if she could slice fish to a thickness of 0. 1mm, he would return the fish to Yuxuan. Lin Kesong found this demand absurd, questioning how such precision could even be measured. Victor, mocking her as "Evil Dragon Princess," proceeded to demonstrate, meticulously slicing the fish into 0. 1mm pieces. When it was Lin Kesong's turn, Victor immediately ridiculed her clumsy knife handling.
At this point, Jiang Qianfan stepped forward, gently guiding Lin Kesong's hand and teaching her the slant cut technique, emphasizing consistent force and even cuts. With his patient instruction, Lin Kesong was able to achieve the required thickness. On their way home, Lin Kesong expressed awe at Victor's culinary prowess, wondering how someone so young could be so accomplished.
Jiang Qianfan informed her that Victor was 22 years old and had begun cooking at age 13, spending more time in the kitchen than with Elise, showcasing over a decade of dedication. Lin Kesong felt overwhelmed by Victor's talent and diligence, suggesting she might withdraw from the current competition and participate in the next. Jiang Qianfan, however, promptly reminded her that he might not choose her again.
Back at home, Jiang Qianfan continued his culinary lessons, focusing on utilizing every part of a fish. He demonstrated how to prepare the fish in six different ways: the fatty belly for sashimi, the back meat for fried fillets, the collagen-rich skin for salt and pepper crisps, the fish maw for a salad, remaining meat for dim sum, and the head and bones for stew.
He stressed the importance of making the most of all ingredients, a principle he extended to people, encouraging Lin Kesong to play to her strengths and find her most suitable skills. Lin Kesong again praised Victor as a genius, prompting Jiang Qianfan to reveal that he had once considered Victor as an apprentice but found him "too smart" to embrace the tedious hard work required, often taking shortcuts.
In contrast, he told Lin Kesong that she was "perfectly stupid," explaining that a chef's cuts, burns, and scalds are not merely wounds but badges of honor, reflecting dedication and resilience. Jiang Qianfan then shifted to advanced knife skills, emphasizing that regardless of the cut—dicing, slicing, shredding, or chopping—the thickness and length of ingredients must be uniform for both aesthetic appeal and even cooking. He demonstrated the pull slice technique while making "Chrysanthemum Fish with Pumpkin Sauce."
He explained that this dish served as an introductory test for Yuxuan's chefs, revealing their fundamental skills and understanding of ingredients. After Lin Kesong tasted his perfectly prepared dish, she was tasked with recreating it. Meanwhile, Boris, having found Li Yan's address through a shared accommodation website, visited him. Boris offered Li Yan money in exchange for information about Jiang Qianfan's current situation. Li Yan, however, firmly refused, citing Jiang Qianfan's kindness to him.
Despite Boris increasing his offer and implying potential issues with Jiang Qianfan, Li Yan remained loyal. Before leaving, Boris gave Li Yan his contact number. Lin Kesong finished her "Chrysanthemum Fish with Pumpkin Sauce." Jiang Qianfan, after a visual inspection, declared it lacked flavor and was not crispy enough, criticizing its softness. Lin Kesong vehemently disagreed, asserting that it tasted identical to his own and had the same amount of salt.
Jiang Qianfan, visibly agitated, sternly ordered her to remake the dish, sending her upstairs. Once she was gone, a distressed Jiang Qianfan secretly tested his own taste buds by eating salt and then chili. He confirmed his worst fear: he could no longer taste saltiness, only the burning sensation of the chili, indicating a worsening of his condition. Lin Kesong, believing Jiang Qianfan was merely testing her, remade the dish.
Jiang Qianfan told her that the only thing that mattered was her own ability to discern the difference. He then took her to Yuxuan's kitchen, instructing chefs Zhiqiang, Qiwen, and Hu Hao to each prepare a "Chrysanthemum Fish with Pumpkin Sauce," while Lin Kesong also made one. His intention was for Lin Kesong to taste each dish and identify the subtle distinctions. During this tasting, Elise arrived.
Without even sampling it, she immediately recognized Lin Kesong's dish and ordered it to be discarded, declaring it unworthy of her respect. Lin Kesong challenged Elise, pointing out that she hadn't tasted it and was making a wild guess. Lin Kesong admitted that the other chefs' dishes were superior to hers.
Elise then asserted that Lin Kesong's dish was like a zircon trying to be a diamond—amateurs might not see the difference, but experts could, and such an attempt was a joke. She also questioned if Lin Kesong could win the "Future Star Competition" if these highly skilled Yuxuan chefs were to participate, explaining that they chose not to out of their loyalty and respect for Yuxuan and Jiang Qianfan. Jiang Qianfan then dismissed his chefs to return to their work.
Later, in a private conversation, Elise asked Jiang Qianfan if he had brought Lin Kesong to Yuxuan simply to teach her a harsh lesson. Jiang Qianfan then confided in Elise that he was rapidly losing his ability to taste salt. Elise expressed concern about the accelerated pace of his condition and asked if he had told Junbin, to which Jiang Qianfan replied no. Lin Kesong returned to the kitchen and meticulously analyzed the cooking methods of the Yuxuan chefs.
She realized that the subtle differences lay not just in seasoning but in techniques like controlling oil temperature for crispiness, adding sizzling oil to the sauce for a non-stick texture, and superior knife skills to preserve fish fiber. Applying these insights, she remade her dish. When Elise tasted it again, she was genuinely surprised by the improvement and asked Lin Kesong how she achieved it.
Lin Kesong explained her observations, then confidently told Miss Quentin that while zircon might not become a diamond, it could still shine brightly and might even "injure" her eyes if she wasn't careful. Seeing Jiang Qianfan's rare and satisfied nod, Lin Kesong felt a surge of hope and a desire for more of his affirmation. She then playfully asked him for a reward, specifically requesting that he cook a proper meal for her, as previous attempts didn't count.
Jiang Qianfan reluctantly agreed. At home, Lin Kesong, dressed like a princess, descended the stairs to a candlelit dinner prepared by Jiang Qianfan, complete with flowers, wine, and music. She declared herself touched by the gesture, though Jiang Qianfan downplayed it. She then asked Jiang Qianfan to leave so she could fully immerse herself in the dining experience. As she savored each dish, she felt a profound sense of warmth and happiness, feeling deeply loved by the meal.
Afterward, Lin Kesong thanked Jiang Qianfan for the delicious food. As she moved to wash the dishes, Jiang Qianfan stopped her, insisting on doing them himself because his bowls were "limited edition" and irreplaceable. Lin Kesong expressed concern that she might never eat such wonderful food again, but Jiang Qianfan promised to teach her until she could cook just as well.
She then revealed that if he hadn't chosen her, she would likely be washing dishes at her uncle's restaurant for the rest of her life. Jiang Qianfan then revealed he knew she had come to Shanghai for Song Yiran, who had been the center of her life for a decade and was still her motivation. He correctly guessed that she hadn't yet confessed her feelings to Song Yiran. Meanwhile, Elise, disappointed that Jiang Qianfan had forgotten her birthday, called Nina.
Nina informed her that Jiang Qianfan was at home, happily washing dishes with Lin Kesong. This news deeply upset Elise, as Jiang Qianfan had once called dishwashing the most worthless and uncreative work. Her mother advised her to let go of Jiang Qianfan, but Elise couldn't accept that he was now happier because of another woman. Back home, Lin Kesong reflected on her "stupidity" for holding onto an unclear emotional attachment for so many years.
Jiang Qianfan reassured her, explaining that her "stupidity" meant she didn't dwell on gains or losses, never doubted life, and was profoundly sincere. They both mused on the serendipitous nature of their meeting. Lin Kesong confessed that she had never truly known what she wanted until she tasted Jiang Qianfan's cooking that day.
She realized there were many wonderful things to discover in the world and, from the bottom of her heart, now wanted to become a good chef to cook delicious food for others. Jiang Qianfan promised to help her achieve her dream. As the night concluded, Jiang Qianfan encouraged her to rest for a busy day ahead, and they bid each other good night.
Episode 9 Recap
Dr. Xie Junbin sent Elise several air purifiers as a birthday gift, which Victor opened for her, playfully commenting on Dr. Xie's practical choice. Elise, however, found it to be a romantic gesture from a doctor and called Junbin to thank him, stating she liked the gift very much. Meanwhile, Victor's mother privately warned him not to get involved in Elise's personal matters concerning Oliver, reminding him to focus on preparing for his upcoming competition.
Oliver was tormented by a dream where he was mocked as a "good-for-nothing" for losing his sense of taste. He woke up in a cold sweat and quietly went to the kitchen, sampling various spices and foods like chili powder, pepper, and tomatoes, but found them all tasteless. Back in his room, Oliver succumbed to despair, muffling his sobs into his pillow. Hearing him, Little Bun knocked on his door, only to be harshly told to "beat it!"
Annoyed, Little Bun returned to her room to sleep. Early the next morning, Oliver prepared a large spread of dishes and instructed Little Bun to meticulously taste each one, from raw to cooked, in a specific order—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, and savory. She was to record her observations on a specification sheet, which he would later review. Little Bun's parents, unable to reach her, called her uncle, Lin Feng.
Lin Feng lied, telling them that Little Bun had gone to the mountains to stock up on goods and that the signal was bad. He promised to ask her to video call them back. After hanging up, Lin Feng urgently asked Xiaoyu for Oliver's address, but Xiaoyu seemed indifferent and uninformed. At the hospital, Junbin explained to Elise that Oliver's nerve cells were rapidly degenerating, likely due to certain food allergies, and that he required quarantine in a sterile environment.
When Junbin informed Oliver that the observation period would be at least six months, Oliver was enraged by the news, stating that he had already lost his sense of taste and that six months was too long. He needed that time to help Yuxuan achieve three Michelin stars and break his own record. He declared that quarantine was worse than death and stormed out. Upon returning home, Oliver immediately criticized Little Bun for her slow progress.
At that moment, Nina received a call from Lin Feng, reminding Little Bun to video call her parents. Little Bun asked Oliver for leave to go to her uncle's place to make the call. Oliver, still fuming, adamantly refused her repeated pleas. Little Bun, losing her patience, accused him of being insensitive, asking if he didn't have parents and couldn't empathize with her situation. Oliver furiously smashed a cup.
Elise called Oliver to inform him that the renowned food critic Mark and his friends would be visiting Yuxuan the following day. She mentioned that Mark had requested an additional dish that looked identical to the "crab meat stuffed in orange" but was free of crab, as his son was allergic and insisted on eating the same dish as the adults.
Concerned about Oliver's condition and Mark's notoriously sharp tongue, Elise suggested he make an excuse not to show up, but Oliver insisted he would still make the dish. Angered, Little Bun began packing her bags to leave. Nina intervened, explaining that Oliver's parents had died in a car accident before he even finished middle school, leaving him an orphan.
Nina described Oliver as a good person who kept his emotions bottled up, adding that despite their short time together, he had become unusually close to Little Bun. Little Bun complained about Oliver's erratic behavior. Nina then offered her phone for Little Bun to call her parents. Oliver, who had been listening from behind a pillar, discreetly told Nina he was going to develop a new dish and didn't want to be disturbed for half an hour.
Little Bun went to the terrace to make a video call to her parents. She lay on the grass, pretending to be at an old grandpa's house in the mountains, helping her uncle with stock. She faked a bad signal and switched to an audio call.
Her parents shared that Xiaoyu was participating in a cooking competition with a mentor, and when Little Bun mentioned she was also in a competition with a mentor, her parents immediately suspected it was a scam, believing her to be too ordinary. Her mother then brought up a relative who had found a tall, handsome suitor for her at the telecommunications bureau. Frustrated, Little Bun ended the call.
Returning inside, Little Bun confronted Oliver, outlining three demands: he must not lose his temper without reason, he must not break things, and he must return her phone. She threatened to run away if he didn't agree. Oliver was amused to see her practicing her demands by writing them on her arm. He then presented two exquisite "Roe Crab Meat Stuffed in Orange" dishes, his special recipe using Yangcheng Lake Hairy crab and Iberico pork.
He challenged her, saying he would agree to her demands if she refrained from eating the oranges. Unable to resist the culinary temptation, Little Bun immediately recanted her demands, claiming she was joking, and began to devour the dishes. Oliver then instructed her to record the taste of the two oranges she had eaten. Boris visited Lin Feng's restaurant and specifically requested Xiaoyu's special fried rice, insisting she prepare it herself.
When Xiaoyu served him, Boris complimented her eyes, claiming he couldn't capture their beauty in his paintings. Annoyed, Xiaoyu threatened to call the police and stormed off. Lin Feng laughed, attributing her behavior to being spoiled, but Boris found her "bad temper" to possess a unique "oriental charm," which he greatly appreciated. Oliver later asked Little Bun to score the mushroom-based "orange" dish based on the tasting form she had filled out earlier that morning.
Song Yiran arrived at Oliver's house, jokingly seeking revenge. He presented an empty honeycomb, claiming it was from wild bees, but Nina quickly exposed his prank and playfully hit him. As Little Bun saw Song Yiran out, she admitted she was now enjoying cooking. Song Yiran remarked that hardship could build character, drawing on his experiences in military camp.
Little Bun then surprised herself by telling him to visit less often, realizing she had been thinking of him less and less recently. Meanwhile, Li Yan delivered twenty-three different types of fungi that Oliver had requested. In another part of the city, Song Yiran, after a spa treatment, fell asleep and missed picking up Chu Ting from the airport. His older brother called him, scolding him harshly for his dereliction of duty.
Song Yiran quickly dressed and rushed to the hotel to apologize to Chu Ting, presenting her with a model tank. Elise called Oliver again, offering to help him with his cooking. However, Oliver declined, stating that things were progressing very smoothly with Little Bun. Overhearing Oliver playfully telling Little Bun not to "play with his crab" and to "stop messing around," Elise felt a pang of resentment, realizing their growing closeness.
Episode 10 Recap
Song Yiran awoke at eight o'clock, having slept late after playing until very late the night before. He asked Chu Ting if she was hungry and suggested they go downstairs for breakfast. However, a server arrived with a lavish breakfast spread, explaining that Director Song, Song Yiran's brother, had personally arranged it for Miss Chu. Song Yiran, slightly peeved that his brother had never prepared breakfast for him, let the server in.
As they ate, Song Yiran proposed that they move out. He explained that he no longer wished to be controlled by his brother, and Chu Ting, after a brief concern about his brother's reaction, affectionately agreed to his plan. Jiang Qianfan brought Lin Kesong to the Yuxuan kitchen, where she was immediately awestruck by the chefs' sophisticated techniques, a stark contrast to her uncle's restaurant. She eagerly offered to assist, but Jiang Qianfan instructed her to observe instead.
After preparing a dish for an esteemed guest, Mr. Mark, Jiang Qianfan asked Lin Kesong to taste it. She noted it was "saltier by about 0. 4 grams" compared to the salt they used at home. Upon hearing this, Jiang Qianfan angrily confronted Elise, who confirmed that a new batch of salt with a different salinity had just arrived. He then knocked a bowl off the counter in frustration.
Though Elise offered to explain the situation to the guests, Jiang Qianfan, confident in his abilities, declared he would "work his magic" himself. He brushed off Lin Kesong's suggestion to re-taste the dish, affirming that her judgment was precise and the standard. Mr. Mark, the guest, complimented the cuisine as "Jiang Qianfan style as always," noting the absence of sugar. Jiang Qianfan personally completed the final touch of the "Crab Meat Stuffed in Fragrant Orange" at the table.
He specifically reassured Mark that the child's portion contained no crab meat. However, Mark, known for his discerning palate, critiqued the dish, suggesting that Taihu Lake crabs would have harmonized better with the fragrant orange than the Yangcheng Lake crabs used. Just as Jiang Qianfan was about to leave, the child inadvertently took a bite from his father's plate, causing Mark to panic and urgently try to make his son spit it out due to his severe crab allergy.
Jiang Qianfan then calmly intervened, revealing that he had, without telling anyone, replaced all the "crab" in the dishes with mushrooms precisely to prevent the child from accidentally consuming the adult meal. From outside the room, a relieved Lin Kesong excitedly tried to high-five Elise, who responded with a disapproving glance.
Later, Mark sincerely thanked Jiang Qianfan for his thoughtful actions for his son, expressing admiration for the numerous experiments he must have conducted to successfully substitute mushrooms for crab without anyone noticing. Mark jokingly confessed that, despite his reputation as a "sharp-tongued" food critic, he found nothing to criticize about Jiang Qianfan's dishes that day.
After the incident, Jiang Qianfan explained to Lin Kesong that he had neutralized the dish's saltiness by grinding dried tangerine peels into a powder and sprinkling it over the food. He stressed that while a chef must learn to correct mistakes, the more crucial skill is to minimize them from occurring in the first place. When Lin Kesong asked why he hadn't tasted the dish himself, he simply stated that her taste was accurate.
She admitted to being nervous during the incident, to which he calmly replied that she would get accustomed to such situations after more experience. On their way home, Jiang Qianfan was visibly cheerful. He took Lin Kesong to the riverside, where they tried skipping stones. Jiang Qianfan, despite his culinary prowess, proved to be rather inept at it, much to Lin Kesong's amusement.
She playfully teased him, declaring that even a "divine chef" like him couldn't defeat her at skipping stones. Jiang Qianfan jokingly threatened to cook her tongue if she kept provoking him. Later, he received a call from Elise. He admitted to being tired and confirmed that his medical condition remained unresolved.
He found solace in Lin Kesong's presence, grateful that she was unaware of his illness, yet acknowledging that he would need her by his side even more as time went on. The next day, Li Yan received a frantic call from his mother, who demanded money to cover her gambling losses. He explained that he had already given her his entire last month's paycheck and had nothing left.
Faced with his mother's emotional manipulation, a distraught Li Yan ultimately contacted Boris. When they met, Boris handed over the money, acknowledging that Li Yan had finally decided to cooperate. Li Yan then disclosed that Jiang Qianfan had first discovered Lin Kesong's extraordinary sense of taste in Hangzhou and desired to take her as his apprentice, despite her lack of culinary background. He further revealed that Jiang Qianfan had traversed five cities in total to find such an apprentice.
Song Yiran, eager to be closer to Lin Kesong, rented an entire floor of the high-rise building directly opposite Jiang Qianfan's residence, making them neighbors. He excitedly sent Lin Kesong a text message, promising a surprise. Despite Jiang Qianfan’s instruction to focus on her culinary training and not mention Song Yiran during class, a delighted Lin Kesong, ignoring his protests, rushed to open the door when Song Yiran arrived with a bottle of champagne.
Song Yiran gleefully announced their new neighbor status. Lin Kesong was initially thrilled, but her expression fell when Song Yiran added that Chu Ting would also be moving in and frequenting their place for meals. Sensing Lin Kesong's sudden shift in mood, Jiang Qianfan intervened, brusquely ushering Song Yiran away under the pretense that Lin Kesong needed to concentrate on her upcoming competition. Jiang Qianfan then sent Lin Kesong to the cold storage room to retrieve meat.
Inside, Lin Kesong's thoughts drifted to Song Yiran's unexpected move, pondering if he had done so out of concern that Jiang Qianfan might bully her, or simply because he couldn't bear to be apart. She chuckled to herself, a sound that Jiang Qianfan overheard. As a mischievous punishment, he promptly locked the cold storage door.
Lin Kesong called out to him, but he pretended to be outside, warning her of the potential presence of cockroaches, rats, and even snakes among the stored food. Realizing he wouldn't open the door, Lin Kesong fell silent. Her sudden quietness worried Jiang Qianfan, who quickly unlocked the door, only to be confronted by Lin Kesong, broom in hand, ready for a fight. Shortly after, Song Yiran called Lin Kesong.
Feigning a stomachache, she excused herself from the kitchen to take the call in the yard. Song Yiran had flown a drone into Jiang Qianfan's yard, carrying a small note with a cartoon drawing of Lin Kesong. After a brief conversation, she quickly returned to her lessons. Back in the kitchen, Jiang Qianfan began to teach Lin Kesong how to cut meat.
Standing gently behind her, he held her hands, guiding her through the intricate knife strokes and reassuring her that she wouldn't accidentally cut herself. In his embrace, Lin Kesong felt a profound relaxation and warmth. As she sliced, she perceived the meat's texture and grains with amplified clarity, as if she had entered Jiang Qianfan’s magnified world where all her senses were heightened and everything felt wonderfully new.
Later, when Chu Ting discovered that Lin Kesong was also living nearby, she was furious that Song Yiran hadn't informed her earlier. Song Yiran, trying to appease her, dismissed her concerns, saying he never considered Lin Kesong as anything more than a friend and if anything were to happen between them, it would have already occurred during their ten years of acquaintance.
Chu Ting, however, argued that "people will change," especially now that Lin Kesong was an apprentice to a renowned chef, and pointed out how Lin Kesong had followed him from Wuzhen to Hangzhou, and now to Shanghai. Song Yiran was taken aback, remarking that this was the first time anyone had ever been jealous of Lin Kesong, and insisted that he and Lin Kesong were truly just friends.
Seeing an opportunity to quell Chu Ting's suspicions, Song Yiran accepted a phone invitation from Jiang Qianfan for them to have dinner at his house. When Song Yiran and Chu Ting arrived, Lin Kesong was in the kitchen preparing the meal. Jiang Qianfan, to the couple's utter astonishment, introduced Lin Kesong as the "hostess" of the house and affectionately referred to her multiple times as "Honey" and "Darling."
Throughout dinner, Jiang Qianfan continued his charade, calling Lin Kesong "Darling" and "Baby," even going so far as to feed her a piece of lobster he had meticulously cleaned. Lin Kesong squirmed with awkwardness and discreetly stomped on his foot under the table, but Jiang Qianfan maintained a perfectly natural demeanor, making Song Yiran and Chu Ting increasingly uncomfortable.
Feigning concern for the meal, Jiang Qianfan then asked Lin Kesong if the beef bourguignon upstairs was ready, using it as an excuse to follow her into the kitchen. Once they were in the kitchen upstairs, Lin Kesong immediately confronted Jiang Qianfan about his bewildering behavior. He explained that he was simply "helping her," concerned that seeing Song Yiran and Chu Ting together might upset her. Understanding his underlying intention, Lin Kesong agreed to continue with his elaborate act.
Back downstairs, Song Yiran and Chu Ting invited Lin Kesong to their housewarming party the following day. Jiang Qianfan readily accepted on her behalf, granting her the day off. He then promised to prepare all the snacks for the party, affectionately tweaking her nose and calling her "Honey," his doting demeanor stirring a noticeable envy in Chu Ting. Song Yiran, having drunk excessively, had to be escorted home by Jiang Qianfan, Lin Kesong, and Chu Ting.
While inside, Lin Kesong noticed Chu Ting's photos and Song Yiran's scattered belongings, realizing that Song Yiran and Chu Ting were now "inextricably linked." Feeling a pang of sadness, she was quickly ushered out by Jiang Qianfan, who noticed her distracted state. On their way back, Jiang Qianfan, sensing her sadness, pointed out that from Song Yiran's perspective, he and Lin Kesong were also "inextricably linked" after their public display.
Lin Kesong mused about Jiang Qianfan's peculiar nature; when he was gentle, he seemed like a different person, and if one didn't know his "true colors," his charm could be truly captivating. She even found herself contemplating that pretending to be lovers with him was a "sweet sacrifice." Junbin located Elise at a bar, where she immediately inquired about Jiang Qianfan's condition and the possibility of him regaining his tastebuds.
Junbin informed her that after a specialist consultation, it was believed to be a rare allergy causing the death of some nerve cells. Elise pressed further, asking what could possibly be causing it.
Episode 11 Recap
Junbin Xie found Elise at a bar. Elise, visibly upset that her "hiding place" was known, was informed by Junbin that Victor was worried about her, and he was too. Elise immediately asked about Jiang Qianfan's condition, specifically if there was a possibility he couldn't regain his taste buds and if the cause had been found. Junbin explained it was very difficult; specialists agreed it could be a rare allergy causing nerve cell death.
He noted that Jiang Qianfan lost his sense of taste about six months ago. Junbin asked Elise to consider anything Jiang Qianfan had started using frequently in the past six months, such as shampoos, lotions, or perfumes. Elise recalled that essential oils were something only he used, though she also used them. She mentioned he had used aromatherapy oils for sleep for three years, buying them from a friend.
She promised to send an unopened bottle for testing the next day. Junbin urged her to make sure it was unopened. Junbin then reflected on how much happier Elise and Jiang Qianfan seemed three years ago when he visited them in London, observing their current intense drive to quickly achieve three stars for Yuxuan. Elise retorted that stars only held meaning for Jiang Qianfan; for her, stars were utterly worthless without love.
Junbin then took a very tired and drunk Elise home, where she quickly fell asleep. The next morning, Lin Kesong was in the kitchen, having burned some bread she intended to make for a party. Nina arrived with a large bouquet of red roses, explaining they were for Jiang Qianfan to use the petals, not for eating. Kesong, witnessing this, speculated if Jiang Qianfan had fallen in love.
Jiang Qianfan then appeared and criticized her burnt baking, to which Kesong jokingly pleaded for his help, reminding him of his promise from the previous night and playfully calling him "Honey." He teased her for being "too immersed in the acting" and pointed out her blushing face, which she attributed to the oven's heat. Jiang Qianfan, despite claiming to be busy, agreed to help, instructing her to get baguettes to make Bruschetta, explaining it was easy, fast, and delicious.
As they cooked, Kesong noticed how quickly and well she worked with Jiang Qianfan beside her, feeling a magical, reassuring aura from him. She realized she was starting to depend on him, a thought that startled her, prompting her to remind herself that she liked Song Yiran, even though her heart was beating fast. She found herself captivated by his movements and the "Ancient Greek sculptures" of his arm muscles while cooking.
Jiang Qianfan prepared the semi-finished products, leaving Kesong to complete the rest, as he had to go out. Shortly after Jiang Qianfan left, an air-flown cake from London was delivered. Nina informed Kesong it was from London's Yuxuan for Jiang Qianfan's birthday, though he didn't celebrate it. Kesong was perplexed, wondering why he would take flowers to visit Elise if he disliked birthdays. She then chastised herself for caring about anything beyond Jiang Qianfan's culinary skills.
Meanwhile, Huang Shi was teaching Bru how to cook. Bru, however, was distracted by thoughts of love. Upon prompting from Huang Shi, Bru confessed he was in love and sought advice on how to win the girl. Huang Shi, recalling his own youth as a "Romeo," advised sincerity and doing what the girl likes, though he admitted these methods didn't work for him as he was "too lazy to compete." Bru revealed he was smitten with Boris' apprentice, Lin Xiaoyu.
This prompted Huang Shi to recount an encounter with Boris in London, describing him as a sullen man who insisted on challenging everyone, even proposing a live broadcast against Huang Shi, which he refused. Bru realized this explained why Xiaoyu often seemed sullen. Huang Shi then imparted a final piece of wisdom: "If a flower won't bloom, then squat in front of it, until it blooms." Following this advice, Bru waited outside Lin Xiaoyu's class.
He presented her with a stuffed tiger, explaining that he felt it resembled her. Lin Xiaoyu was highly offended by being called a "tigress," angrily demanding he take back the gift and "get out of her face." Bru, confused, agreed to leave, but optimistically added, "See you tomorrow." Jiang Qianfan went to the sea to commemorate Montgomery, scattering rose petals. He reminisced about Montgomery's belief that cooking should bring happiness and joy, and cooks should embody that joy.
However, since Montgomery's passing, Jiang Qianfan felt he couldn't get one step closer to him, despite his efforts. He admitted to sometimes feeling a fear "almost like death," and that even trying Montgomery's advice to "empty himself" hadn't worked. He found himself unable to reconnect with his former self, who loved life and adventure.
He then shared that recently, he had met someone special whose presence had begun to fill some of the voids in his life, giving him hope that he would "be all right." Elise arrived, also speaking to Montgomery, thanking him for allowing her to meet the most important man in her life, referring to Jiang Qianfan. She then confronted Jiang Qianfan, asking if she was the "special person" he had mentioned.
Jiang Qianfan affirmed that Elise was "very important" in his life, but Elise insisted on being "the only one." He gently reminded her that they were "just working partners." At that moment, Boris appeared, playing an accordion as he also paid tribute to Montgomery. He then offered a cake to Jiang Qianfan, wishing him a happy birthday.
Furious, Elise snatched the cake and smashed it on a car, declaring that while Jiang Qianfan might be forgiving, she was not, and Boris still owed them for "messing with Yuxuan twice." Boris retorted that it was a matter between him and Jiang Qianfan, but then provocatively questioned Jiang Qianfan's professionalism in "randomly taking the Evil Dragon Princess" (Lin Kesong) as his apprentice.
Boris claimed to know that Jiang Qianfan's true motivation must be "something more important than winning the competition," as accepting Kesong was uncharacteristic of his pursuit of excellence. Elise tried to interject, but Boris pressed Jiang Qianfan for the truth. Jiang Qianfan and Elise, not wanting to engage with him, drove away.
As they drove home, Elise and Jiang Qianfan discussed Boris, concluding he was likely just guessing about Jiang Qianfan's condition since he had offered a cake, presumably to test his taste buds. Jiang Qianfan affirmed that their secret was safe and advised maintaining "business as usual" because Boris lacked evidence. He added that he was developing the next season's dishes. Elise, still troubled, urged Jiang Qianfan to "pray for forgiveness" for his sins.
Jiang Qianfan grew angry, insisting he had done nothing wrong and needed no forgiveness from anyone. Noticing Elise had a fever, he immediately took her home. Upon arriving at Elise's home, Jiang Qianfan prepared to leave after offering her hot water. Elise, however, clung to him from behind, desperately pleading with him not to go and not to leave her. Jiang Qianfan gently reminded her that they had agreed to be working partners.
When she asked if he didn't miss her, he explained that they had "tried, but it didn't work out," and asked her to let him go. Elise tearfully confessed her love for him. Jiang Qianfan then gently released her hand, stating that "what we had isn't love." Elise, heartbroken, angrily confronted him, accusing him of stealing her heart, breaking up with her, and then denying their love.
Jiang Qianfan, though acknowledging her pain, reiterated that he never intended to hurt her and that she "deserves someone better, and it's not me." He then left, wishing her a good rest. That evening, Lin Kesong attended a party, where Song Yiran, insisting she stay and play cards, tried to prevent her from leaving. Meanwhile, two gossiping girls online discovered that "four years ago today, Montgomery died in a sea accident."
Kesong overheard this, finally understanding the reason for Jiang Qianfan's depressed mood earlier. Chu Ting then jokingly pulled Kesong over, introducing her as Jiang Qianfan's girlfriend to the other girls. Kesong quickly clarified to Chu Ting that it was a misunderstanding and just a joke. Seizing the opportunity, she discreetly left the party. Returning home, Kesong found Jiang Qianfan sitting quietly in the dark living room. She acknowledged the significance of the day and asked if he was alright.
Jiang Qianfan then held her hand and asked if he was "a very lousy person," to which Kesong immediately reassured him he was not. He inquired about the party and whether the food was well-received; Kesong happily reported it was devoured. He then told her to get ready for bed. Kesong, observing his demeanor, realized that despite his often moody exterior, he was a person who deeply valued loyalty.
Moved, she decided to cook him a bowl of noodles, explaining that her father used to make them for her when she was sad. Jiang Qianfan tasted the noodles and, with his professional chef's instincts, offered a critique. Kesong, feigning annoyance, jokingly threatened to eat the rest herself. He then commented on her "uncivilized" slurping, but Kesong explained that slurping was essential for truly savoring the noodles. They both then happily shared the bowl, loudly slurping the noodles together.
Episode 12 Recap
Elise informed Oliver that Yuxuan’s new seasonal menu was due in six days. She suggested dropping his new main dish if he was struggling, but Oliver refused to deviate from their three-year tradition of timely menu releases, emphasizing the importance of consistency for their Michelin 3-star rating. Elise then attempted to address personal matters, but Oliver reminded her to keep work and personal life separate.
Later, while Oliver was preparing a sea urchin dish, Lin Kesong sampled it and was surprised to find his judgment about its sweetness was incorrect. She politely praised the dish to Oliver, but after he left, she re-tasted it, confirming that his assessment was indeed wrong. Oliver returned and saw her tasting the dish again. Oliver then met Elise at a bar.
He apologized for misleading her and stated he couldn't offer her the love she desired, explaining that culinary arts were his entire world, leaving no room for romantic relationships. He clarified that his feelings had nothing to do with her or anyone else, but rather his general disinterest in love, which he considered pointless and a waste of time. To compensate, Oliver offered her his shares in Yuxuan, his sole asset apart from his motorcycles.
Elise pulled him into a dance, expressed regret for his fear of love, and proposed they start over. However, Oliver firmly reiterated that their partnership was the most suitable relationship for them. After leaving the bar, Elise called Li Yan and instructed him to go to Oliver’s house immediately to collect all unused essential oils and place them in a box.
She provided him with Oliver's door key, stressing the need for secrecy and claiming it was in Oliver’s best interest. Li Yan hesitated, worried about surveillance cameras, but was convinced after seeing the money Elise offered him. That night, Li Yan snuck into Oliver’s house. Lin Kesong discovered him while he was searching for the essential oils. She cried out "Thief!" and gave chase, but he flashed a light in her eyes, causing her to fall, and he escaped.
The police arrived and found no signs of forced entry, suggesting the intruder had a key or was known to the residents. Based on Lin Kesong’s description of the suspect – a man of Oliver’s height, wearing a cap, mask, tracksuit, and distinct grey and pink sports shoes – Oliver identified Li Yan as the most likely culprit. Meanwhile, Chu Ting saw police cars outside Oliver’s house and alerted Song Yiran, who rushed downstairs.
Nina informed him about the break-in and that Lin Kesong had discovered the thief. Worried about Lin Kesong, Song Yiran tried to enter, but Nina politely refused his entry due to the late hour. Back in his room, Song Yiran continued to fret about Lin Kesong's safety, much to Chu Ting’s irritation. Li Yan, having failed to retrieve the essential oils, met Elise to return the money.
He questioned if there was an issue with the essential oils, noting that Dr. Xie had examined them. Elise refused to explain her motives but gave him two options: report the incident to the police or accept a large sum of money, enough for him to live comfortably for the rest of his life. Li Yan had no choice but to take the money and leave.
Elise then helped him depart Shanghai, taking his keys and promising to handle any lingering issues. Later that night, Lin Kesong, still shaken by the incident, went to Oliver’s room, wrapped in a quilt, and asked to sleep on his sofa, admitting she was too scared to be alone. Oliver allowed her in but, struggling to sleep even with calming essential oil, imposed strict rules: no tossing, no coughing, and no heavy breathing.
Lin Kesong secretly texted Song Yiran, who asked if she was too scared to sleep. She confirmed, and he jokingly reminded her of her timid nature. She eventually ended the conversation, wary of waking Oliver. After helping Li Yan leave Shanghai, Elise prepared a pot of porridge, secretly injecting one of its ingredients with a syringe.
The next morning, she arrived at Oliver’s house with the porridge, claiming it was a folk remedy to stimulate his taste buds and promising to make it daily for Yuxuan's sake. Oliver accepted but said he would eat it after his morning exercise. Elise looked on with resentment as she watched Oliver and Lin Kesong jogging together. Around the same time, Li Yan approached Boris, hoping to sell information about Oliver's impaired sense of taste.
However, without concrete proof like videos, Boris dismissed his claims, reclaiming the money he had offered Li Yan and smashing his phone in frustration. Meanwhile, Bruce tried to pick up Lin Xiaoyu from her class, offering her a "detoxifying beauty drink" and remarking on her hot temper. She sharply told him the best way to control her temper was for him to disappear, and she inquired if he was with "that guy," which he denied.
Oliver later presented another new sea urchin dish to Lin Kesong for tasting. This time, he combined Wagyu beef with a more savory sea urchin. Lin Kesong found the dish overwhelmingly rich, struggling to contain her reaction. Oliver prompted her, asking if he had used the wrong sea urchin. She agreed, explaining the savory sea urchin and fatty beef created an overly rich flavor.
Oliver, annoyed by her blunt assessment, angrily instructed her to "toss sand" an additional thousand times as punishment. While helping Chu Ting arrange items in her shop, Song Yiran playfully asked what she would think if he were a "kept man." Chu Ting enthusiastically replied she would be overjoyed, describing her dream of owning a shop adjacent to her home, shared with a husband, children, and a pet dog.
She added that since meeting him, her dream was only missing a child and a dog. Song Yiran corrected her, stating she was missing a husband and a dog, while he was merely a child. Later, Oliver invited Lin Kesong out to eat. She excitedly suggested eating crawfish, much to his surprise as he was unfamiliar with them.
She enthusiastically described the simple joy of eating crawfish and drinking beer with friends after work, a feeling Oliver admitted he had never experienced. He wondered how he would prepare crawfish for Yuxuan's menu, joking it might become a bestseller. After the meal, despite her fullness, Oliver instructed her to return home and continue her sand-tossing punishment, adding another thousand repetitions. Back at home, Lin Kesong’s hands were aching from the strenuous work.
Nina tenderly applied an activating collateral oil to soothe her pain. Nina shared that she used to apply the same oil to Oliver, noting that his body suffered from even more severe strain than Lin Kesong's, prompting Lin Kesong to reflect on the immense sacrifices Oliver must have made.
Episode 13 Recap
Nina applied activating oil to Lin Kesong's arm, who gratefully remarked that Nina's presence spared her from Jiang Qianfan's constant torment. Nina shared that she used to apply the same oil to Jiang Qianfan, whose strains were far more severe. Lin Kesong then inquired about Nina's background. Nina revealed she was from Malaysia, the eldest of seven children, with a father who was an alcoholic.
From a young age, she helped her mother raise her younger siblings and care for the family, sacrificing her own dreams of school and love. She explained that after her siblings grew up and her parents passed away, she joined an overseas employment agency, which led her to work for Montgomery, and later for Jiang Qianfan. She no longer had any plans for marriage, viewing Jiang Qianfan like a younger brother.
She expressed a desire to see him marry and have children, and to help raise them, finding fulfillment in being needed by both Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong. Meanwhile, Song Yiran was driving Chu Ting to her father's place. He spoke to Chu Ting's father on the phone, estimating their arrival in about two hours. Song Yiran then complained to Chu Ting about being slightly unwell, attributing his neck and foot pain to a recent management training course.
Chu Ting, sensing his reluctance, explained that her father needed her to handle some important affairs. That night, Lin Kesong found herself unable to sleep, her thoughts lingering on Jiang Qianfan's unique scent—a blend of his breath and essential oil, which she found distinctly manly and surprisingly addictive. Convinced it was the essential oil, she decided to light an aroma lamp in her room, recalling Nina's advice that it had a calming effect.
As she added a few drops of essential oil, she suddenly felt dizzy, her breathing became labored, and she collapsed, knocking over the lamp. Startled by the noise, Jiang Qianfan initially grumbled about Lin Kesong's restlessness. He called her name, then went to investigate, finding her unconscious on the floor. He immediately instructed Nina to call an ambulance. At the hospital, Jiang Qianfan anxiously questioned the doctor about Lin Kesong's condition.
The doctor explained that Lin Kesong had a severe allergic reaction to the essential oil, specifically to "acetic acid linalool," and her condition was critical, requiring a family member to sign a consent form. Jiang Qianfan was baffled, as he had been using the same essential oil for a long time without issue. He asked if Lin Kesong's uncle in Shanghai counted as next of kin, and Nina was instructed to contact him.
Junbin called Elise, apologizing for the late hour, and asked if the essential oil she had given Jiang Qianfan was from the same batch she had provided to Junbin for testing. Elise confirmed it was, inquiring if Jiang Qianfan was alright. Junbin reassured her that Jiang Qianfan was fine, but Lin Kesong was hospitalized with a severe allergic reaction to the essential oil.
He mentioned that the "linalool" detected this time seemed different from the sample Elise had given him earlier. Elise dismissed this as impossible. After hanging up, Elise secretly went to Jiang Qianfan's residence and strategically dripped some of the essential oil from the clean batch she had previously given Junbin for testing onto the floor, attempting to tamper with the evidence. Lin Feng arrived at the hospital, enraged, and immediately confronted Jiang Qianfan, blaming him for Lin Kesong's condition.
Junbin intervened, attempting to calm Lin Feng. Jiang Qianfan, with tearful eyes, apologized for not taking better care of Lin Kesong and promised, "If anything happens to Kesong, I will trade my life for hers!" Lin Feng then called his younger daughter, Lin Xiaoyu, urging her to come to the hospital because her sister was "on life support" and her "life is in danger."
However, Xiaoyu refused, claiming she was busy preparing a time-sensitive "Ankang dried fish" dish and that her presence wouldn't be helpful. Lin Feng was furious when she hung up on him. Soon after, the doctor informed them that Lin Kesong's life was no longer in danger. Later, Junbin revealed to Jiang Qianfan that a "slow poison" had been detected in the essential oil, capable of slowly destroying a person's nervous system.
Jiang Qianfan asked if this was connected to his loss of taste, and Junbin confirmed it was the theoretical cause. Junbin further explained that the substance was an additive, not inherent to the essential oil, and that he had already notified the police. He pointed out that the sample Elise had provided him earlier did not contain this substance, and it would have been nearly impossible to detect without Lin Kesong's accident. Jiang Qianfan, however, was not relieved.
He angrily noted that Elise bought the oil, Li Yan handled it, and Nina used it—three people closest to him—meaning one of them had deliberately tried to harm him. He declared that he would not trust anyone, including Junbin, until the police investigation yielded results. Police began their investigation, collecting evidence and separately questioning Nina and Elise.
Nina explained that Li Yan would deliver the essential oil when supplies ran low, and she used a few drops daily, keeping the small bottle in her room for convenience. Elise stated she purchased the essential oil in the UK about six months prior, and when Jiang Qianfan became accustomed to it in Shanghai, she arranged for the manufacturer to send shipments, sometimes delegating the task to Li Yan when she was busy.
She confirmed she did not use the oil herself as she did not suffer from insomnia. The police explored potential motives, asking if Li Yan held any grudges against Jiang Qianfan. Elise defended Jiang Qianfan, stating he treated Li Yan well and any criticism was purely professional. Junbin began a detoxification treatment for Jiang Qianfan, but it had no immediate effect on his taste.
He explained that due to chronic poisoning, Jiang Qianfan's nervous system pathways were effectively shut down, requiring long-term medication with uncertain efficacy. Jiang Qianfan apologized for his earlier outburst. Junbin encouraged him not to give up, suggesting they explore various treatments, including traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and experimental drugs. Jiang Qianfan vowed to cooperate fully and not allow his unknown assailant to succeed.
Upon learning that Jiang Qianfan's sense of taste had not recovered, Elise became enraged during a phone call with Junbin, questioning his professional competence. She then called the person who supplied her with the substance, furiously demanding an explanation as to why the promised "antidote" was ineffective, but the call was abruptly ended. Later that evening, a distraught Elise sought solace in a bar. Junbin joined her, observing her heavy drinking.
Elise confided that the most painful thing was "not being able to face yourself," admitting she was "not a good woman" and hated herself. Junbin remarked that she was "a dangerous woman," adding that "dangerous things can be very tempting." Elise warned him to keep his distance, lest she hurt him. As Junbin drove a heavily inebriated Elise home, she drunkenly murmured, "I have to make him not leave me. I tried everything. I even tried to destroy him."
She then expressed disbelief at Lin Kesong's unexpected appearance, lamenting that "She messed up all my plans." She concluded by stating she would never reveal her plans to anyone. The next day, Lin Kesong awoke in the hospital. Her uncle, Lin Feng, informed her that she had suffered an allergic reaction to essential oil. Concerned, Lin Kesong asked about Jiang Qianfan, given his long-term use of the same oil.
Junbin reassured her that Jiang Qianfan had undergone detoxification and was fine. Back at home, Jiang Qianfan, though deeply reluctant, made the difficult decision to dismiss Nina. He then met Elise by the river. He explained that with Li Yan gone and Nina fired, he trusted no one, and he needed to hear from her directly that she was not involved. Elise firmly stated, "It wasn't me."
She then subtly probed, asking Jiang Qianfan if he would forgive the person who poisoned him if they confessed. Jiang Qianfan unequivocally declared, "Never. That person made me lose my sense of taste. It's worse than killing me! The scariest thing is it was all planned. The person poisoned me with a specific dosage every day. If I can't find this person, I will never sleep well!"
Elise persisted, suggesting that people sometimes do regrettable things out of selfishness, asking if he could offer a chance for atonement. Confused, Jiang Qianfan questioned her meaning. Elise quickly denied knowing any specifics, claiming she was merely discussing a hypothetical situation. Later, Lin Feng dropped Lin Kesong off at Jiang Qianfan's house. Lin Kesong expressed anger that Jiang Qianfan had not called or messaged her during her ordeal.
Lin Feng chuckled, revealing that Jiang Qianfan had been extremely anxious during her emergency, even offering to trade his life for hers. He advised Lin Kesong to focus on learning culinary arts from Jiang Qianfan and not to overthink other matters. Upon entering the house, Lin Kesong discovered a notice for the "Future Star" culinary competition. Excited, she immediately began searching for Nina to share the good news, but Nina was nowhere to be found.
She asked Jiang Qianfan about Nina's whereabouts, and he tersely replied that Nina was no longer there and he didn't know where she had gone. Lin Kesong tried calling Nina, but her phone was off.
Episode 14 Recap
Lin Kesong frantically searched for Nina and, upon Jiang Qianfan's return, demanded to know her whereabouts. When he remained silent, Lin Kesong tried calling Nina, only to find her phone unreachable. She confronted Jiang Qianfan again, and he reluctantly confessed that he had asked Nina to leave. He explained that he had been poisoned by essential oils, and, suspecting Nina, he dismissed her.
Lin Kesong, furious, called Jiang Qianfan heartless and cruel, arguing that Nina had cared for him meticulously and would never sabotage him. She pointed out that he had no evidence and had not considered Nina's feelings or where she would go. Jiang Qianfan retorted that even a one-in-ten-thousand chance of such a person being near him was unacceptable. He ordered Lin Kesong to change and begin her kitchen practice immediately.
Defiantly, Lin Kesong went to her room to pack her belongings. There, she found a note from Nina: "Little Bread, take care of yourself. Don't ever lose that enthusiasm of yours. I wish you and Mr. Jiang well. Forever and ever. Yours truly, Nina." Lin Kesong was moved to tears. As she tried to leave with her suitcase, Jiang Qianfan blocked her path. Lin Kesong abandoned the luggage and departed on her own.
Having nowhere to go, Lin Kesong called Song Yiran from his doorstep. Upon hearing her plight, Song Yiran immediately sped back home. Chu Ting, riding with him, was displeased and suggested he could arrange a hotel room for Lin Kesong at Bellagio to rest. Song Yiran insisted that Lin Kesong needed him, not just a place to stay. They arrived home late that night to find Lin Kesong asleep at the front door.
After she recounted the events, Song Yiran offered to find her a job at Liang She, but Lin Kesong had decided to return to Wuzhen the next day. As they spoke, Jiang Qianfan arrived, asking to speak with Lin Kesong privately. Song Yiran, agitated, lunged at Jiang Qianfan, but Chu Ting pulled him away, advising him to stay out of their affairs. Lin Kesong confronted Jiang Qianfan again, expressing her anger.
She argued that Nina treated him like a younger brother and would not have waited until now to harm him, adding that his dismissal of Nina had deeply hurt her feelings. Jiang Qianfan warned her that if she ran away now, she would forever be ridiculed as the "Evil Dragon Princess." Lin Kesong reiterated her intention to return to Wuzhen the next day.
Jiang Qianfan then produced a contract, reminding her of the two copies she signed on the way back from Xiaoyu's Private Kitchen. The contract stipulated that she could not terminate her apprenticeship for three years, with a penalty of ¥3 million for breach. Lin Kesong, realizing she had been manipulated, furiously tried to call out to Song Yiran. Jiang Qianfan quickly covered her mouth, and she bit him to vent her frustration.
Though resentful, she reluctantly returned with him, deeply wanting to leave but perplexed by his elaborate scheming against her. Back at home, Chu Ting noticed Song Yiran constantly texting Lin Kesong and grew annoyed by their closeness. Song Yiran found her jealousy amusing, explaining that he and Lin Kesong had been friends since childhood, and her problems were his. He contrasted this with Chu Ting, stating she was capable of handling her own issues and didn't need him.
Chu Ting gave him an ultimatum: either stay with her and distance himself from Lin Kesong, or they would break up. Song Yiran chose to break up. Meanwhile, Boris was unable to locate Lin Xiaoyu and called Thomas to obtain her address. Thomas, while dining out, habitually jotted down his food reviews on napkins.
After he left, the restaurant's owner and chef speculated that he might be the fabled "napkin hero" of the internet, known for his incisive critiques and elusive nature. Lin Feng had confined Lin Xiaoyu to her room and confiscated her phone because she prioritized cooking over visiting her hospitalized sister. Lin Xiaoyu protested by refusing to eat.
Her father informed her that she would be released only after the competition, emphasizing that learning proper conduct was more important than culinary skills. Boris arrived at Xiaoyu's Private Kitchen, having obtained the address from Thomas. Lin Feng informed him that Lin Xiaoyu would not be participating in the competition, believing that becoming Boris's apprentice had made her "inhuman."
Boris tried to rationalize, arguing that her presence at the hospital would have been futile, wasted expensive ingredients, and could lead to her losing the first round of the competition, condemning her to an ordinary life in a "ragged and damp little eatery." Lin Feng, angered by Boris's disrespect, erupted into an argument. Surrounded by other chefs, Boris, realizing he was outmatched, scurried away.
Blu later visited, but Lin Feng, engrossed in a game of Chinese chess, dismissed him, raising Blu's suspicions about Lin Xiaoyu's whereabouts. Upon returning, Lin Kesong, seeking to annoy Jiang Qianfan, deliberately refused to learn to cook. When Jiang Qianfan hired a new housekeeper to replace Nina, Lin Kesong quickly alienated the person, warning them about Jiang Qianfan's "heartless" and "cruel" nature and his tendency to "falsely blame" others, causing the housekeeper to quit.
Enraged, Jiang Qianfan ordered Lin Kesong to do the housework herself, but she simply tossed the vacuum cleaner aside and returned to her room. With no other option, Jiang Qianfan begrudgingly cleaned the entire house himself. Afterward, he informed Lin Kesong that he was going to Yuxuan to teach a new dish and left a chef's uniform by the door, stating it was her choice whether to come. She pretended to be asleep, claiming she didn't hear him.
Madam Quentin arrived, immediately questioning Elise about the essential oil poisoning. She expressed her certainty that neither Li Yan nor Nina would commit such an act, and her disappointment that Elise's methods had failed to keep Jiang Qianfan. As Elise wept, Madam Quentin cautioned her that Jiang Qianfan was starting to rely on others, specifically Lin Kesong.
She urged Elise to secure control of the restaurant's shares, fearing that if Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong grew closer, he might hand over the business Elise had worked hard for. She also noted that if Jiang Qianfan discovered Elise's involvement in his loss of taste, he would not be so generous with the shares.
Later, at Yuxuan, Jiang Qianfan demonstrated a new dish, "Meeting of Two Seasons," explaining the intricate preparation of freshwater crayfish with green tea and sirloin beef cooked to a precise temperature. Elise approached him with alternative treatments for his taste, but he politely declined, stating he would seek them out himself. At Chu Ting's boutique opening, Song Yiran had originally ordered flowers and planned to attend.
However, after his brother, Song Yisen, revealed he had hired a top photographer to stage Song Yiran and Chu Ting as the city's "most perfect couple," Song Yiran lost interest and decided not to go, cancelling the flowers. Chu Ting, with models and media growing impatient, eventually began the ceremony without him. Back at home, Lin Kesong pointedly ignored the elaborate dinner Jiang Qianfan had prepared, opting instead to drink milk.
He reminded her of the upcoming press conference and the competition a week later, expressing concern that she was wasting valuable time. Lin Kesong retorted that her happiness was directly tied to his unhappiness. To help Lin Xiaoyu, Blu sought out his mentor, Huang Shi. Huang Shi posed as a delivery person, insisting Lin Xiaoyu present her ID to receive a package. While Lin Feng was distracted, Huang Shi discreetly slipped a cell phone into Xiaoyu's pocket.
Later, Song Yiran's elder brother summoned him to apologize to Chu Ting. Learning their conflict stemmed from Lin Kesong, he assured Chu Ting that if Song Yiran and Lin Kesong were meant to be together, it would have happened long ago. Chu Ting expressed her frustration, feeling that by giving Song Yiran space to grow, she had inadvertently allowed someone else to enter. Seeing his brother's efforts, Song Yiran placated Chu Ting, and they reconciled.
To motivate Lin Kesong, Jiang Qianfan arranged for Victor to challenge her at home. Lin Kesong initially refused to engage, but Victor, before leaving, taunted her, saying he wouldn't go easy on her in the competition. Remembering the past ridicule from Elise and Victor, Lin Kesong messaged Jiang Qianfan, conceding his victory. She immediately regained her determination and returned to the kitchen to resume her culinary training.
That night, Blu, having contacted Lin Xiaoyu, secretly entered the courtyard and rescued her. As they sped off on a motorcycle, Lin Feng, who was seeing guests out, spotted them. At Lin Xiaoyu's urging, Blu accelerated, escaping under her father's watchful eye.
Episode 15 Recap
Huang Shi, disguised as a delivery man, arrived at Lin Xiaoyu's private kitchen. He insisted the package was valuable and required Lin Xiaoyu's ID and signature, prompting Lin Feng to send someone to fetch her. When Lin Xiaoyu came downstairs, Huang Shi subtly slipped a cell phone onto her person as she signed for the delivery. Lin Feng, grateful for Huang Shi's efforts, offered him a drink, which momentarily alarmed Huang Shi, making him fear his plan had been exposed.
After Huang Shi left, Lin Xiaoyu pleaded with her father to attend the competition press conference, but Lin Feng, still disappointed by her unrepentant attitude, had her escorted back to her room. There, Lin Xiaoyu discovered the hidden cell phone, and just as she wondered about it, Blu called. It was then that Lin Xiaoyu realized Blu was behind the phone's delivery. During a work discussion with Elise, Jiang Qianfan inquired about Victor.
He then asked Elise to tell Victor that Lin Kesong wished to meet him, a claim that surprised Elise. Victor, unaware that this was a ruse, immediately went to Jiang Qianfan's home. Lin Kesong, however, knew nothing of this arrangement and had no desire to meet Victor.
Victor, finding her unprepared and uncooperative, ridiculed her, saying she wasn't as impressive as he'd hoped after a month, and that she seemed "just the same" and scared to compete, concluding he wouldn't let her win in the competition. Song Yisen arranged a meeting with Chu Ting and Song Yiran to address Song Yiran's absence from Chu Ting's store opening, which had angered her.
Song Yisen urged Song Yiran to apologize, but Song Yiran felt he had done nothing wrong, blaming Chu Ting for forcing a breakup. Chu Ting tearfully confessed to Song Yisen that she was older than Song Yiran and had patiently waited for him to mature, but he seemed unwilling to grow up, making her question their future.
She also accused Song Yiran of being with another girl, which Song Yiran quickly denied, clarifying she meant Lin Kesong, whom he maintained was just a good friend. Song Yisen supported his brother, assuring Chu Ting there was nothing between Lin Kesong and Song Yiran and appealing to Chu Ting to forgive his brother.
After much heated discussion and Song Yisen's mediation, Song Yiran softened his tone, playfully asking Chu Ting if they were still mad at each other and suggesting they go eat. After Victor's mocking words and recalling Elise's past provocations, Lin Kesong was stung into action. She realized that Jiang Qianfan's tactic to provoke her had worked, making her determined to put on her chef's uniform and resume her culinary practice with renewed vigor.
That night, following Lin Xiaoyu's instructions via the phone he'd supplied, Blu entered her building to rescue her. He found her and gave her clothes to disguise herself, while he donned a hood. They quietly climbed down a wall, successfully avoiding the kitchen staff. However, just as they were about to ride away on Blu's motorcycle, Lin Feng spotted them. Lin Xiaoyu immediately urged Blu to leave.
Using his motorcycle's headlights to disorient her father, Blu sped away, escaping with Lin Xiaoyu. Blu took Lin Xiaoyu to his workshop, offering her a variety of delicious foods he’d prepared, including fried dough sticks, roast beef, and chicken salad. Lin Xiaoyu noticed there were no desserts, and Blu explained he thought she didn't like them based on her social media. Lin Xiaoyu then revealed that she actually loved desserts, but Boris had forbidden her from eating them.
She recounted Boris's belief that sweet foods release dopamine, creating happiness, but also killing one's fighting spirit. Blu found Boris's philosophy "too crazy," but Lin Xiaoyu admitted she sometimes agreed with him, not wanting sweets to become her weakness. Blu then surprised her by taking her to his mentor, Huang Shi’s shop, explaining that Huang Shi was currently in Nanjing for a Taiqi Pushing Hands Competition.
Blu pulled out a bottle of Huang Shi's ten-year-aged Huadiao rice wine, intending to make her Huadiao heart chocolates. Suddenly, Huang Shi's voice chimed in through a camera, teasing Blu about touching his wine and complimenting the pairing of Huadiao with a beautiful woman. Lin Xiaoyu, initially startled by the voice, then taunted Blu for not doing "serious work" with his mentor, yet still wanting to compete against her.
Blu clarified that he didn't aim to win against anyone, only to exchange culinary insights. He suggested they taste the Huadiao while the chocolate was being prepared. Meanwhile, Boris, having received a message from Lin Xiaoyu confirming her arrival, informed his online audience about a "slight problem" involving Lin Xiaoyu that had been resolved, which meant he could now attend the Star Press Conference.
He dramatically announced that he would reveal a "big secret" on the day of the press conference, leaving his viewers in suspense about its nature and subject. That evening, Jiang Qianfan found Lin Kesong still diligently practicing in the kitchen. She presented him with her latest dish, dumplings made with shiitake and king trumpet mushrooms instead of truffles and cauliflower fungus, as she feared wasting expensive ingredients if she failed.
After tasting it, Jiang Qianfan deemed it "not bad" and instructed her to go to rest. Lin Kesong, claiming she was too busy, initially refused. Jiang Qianfan then emphasized the importance of tomorrow's press conference, stating she needed to be at her best with full vitality and an imposing manner. He insisted she rest immediately and not worry about getting up early the next day.
Madam Quentin learned that Jiang Qianfan had deliberately sent Victor to provoke Lin Kesong, marveling at how much effort he put into his apprentice. Elise, however, seemed unfazed. She explained to her mother that Jiang Qianfan had told her he didn't love her, not because she wasn't good enough, but because he simply wasn't interested in romantic love and didn't love anyone. She also recounted his desire to work with her for a lifetime.
Madam Quentin pointed out that "a lifetime" likely referred to their professional relationship, but Elise was undeterred. She believed she still had a chance, asserting that with no other person in his heart, she would shower him with kindness and affection, hoping to eventually win him over. The next morning, Jiang Qianfan called Lin Kesong to choose an outfit for the day, but she initially thought he wanted her to clean again.
When she realized it was about dresses, a stylist named Ban Ding arrived. Ban Ding informed Lin Kesong that Jiang Qianfan had contacted him a week in advance to prepare her attire. Concerned about the cost, Lin Kesong was reassured by Jiang Qianfan to consider the outfits sponsored by the committee. Jiang Qianfan, anticipating her rebellious nature, cleverly picked out a pink "fairy-like" dress, which he knew she wouldn't choose.
Lin Kesong insisted on a yellow dress, only for Jiang Qianfan to feign disinterest, saying yellow was "old-fashioned," which cemented her decision. As she went to try it on, Ban Ding acknowledged that Jiang Qianfan truly understood her, as he had already prepared light yellow high heels to match the dress she was sure to pick.
Lin Kesong found the high heels uncomfortable and struggled to walk in them, expressing concern about not being able to run away from "bad people." Jiang Qianfan, however, calmly told her not to worry about that, as it was his problem. Upon arriving at the press conference, Lin Kesong, unaccustomed to high heels, nearly stumbled. Jiang Qianfan gently steadied her, holding her close.
Nearby, Boris confronted Blu, warning him not to "corrupt" Lin Xiaoyu, whom he called a "Little Monster of Capitalism," and expressing disdain for Blu and his master. Lin Xiaoyu, seeing Jiang Qianfan with Lin Kesong, seemed irritated. Boris then turned his attention to Jiang Qianfan, challenging him not to leave after the press conference because he intended to "make trouble" for him. Jiang Qianfan readily accepted the challenge.
Lin Kesong, seemingly annoyed by the public confrontation, remarked to Jiang Qianfan that "things between women" had nothing to do with him, a comment that amused Jiang Qianfan. The press conference had begun, but Lin Kesong, overwhelmed by nerves, hid in the restroom, praying to be invisible. As Boris and Lin Xiaoyu took the stage, and Lin Kesong and Jiang Qianfan were called next, Jiang Qianfan, growing anxious, found her still inside.
He counted to three, threatening to kick down the door if she didn't come out. When she refused, claiming she was "not dressed," he burst in and carried her out. The announcer called their names as Lin Kesong, mortified by the crowd, tried to escape. Jiang Qianfan calmly encouraged her, telling her not to be afraid and to take his arm as he guided her steadily onto the stage.
After the participants were introduced, Thomas, the Chairperson of the Judging Panel, delivered a speech, outlining the competition format which involved rounds based on different tastes—bitter, spicy, sour, salty, fresh, and sweet—culminating in mentors and apprentices competing in the finals. Boris then made a snide remark to Lin Kesong, telling her not to mention her past "slip-ups" and threatening to eliminate her partner. The electronic screen then displayed prerecorded challenge declarations from the contestants.
Lin Xiaoyu's video declared her intention to win the trophy and hoped "another person with the family name, Lin," wouldn't be too embarrassing, a remark that angered Lin Feng, who was watching the livestream. Seeing that Lin Kesong hadn't recorded a video, she expressed hope she wouldn't have to speak, but Jiang Qianfan quickly dispelled that notion. Since the director couldn't locate Lin Kesong for her recorded declaration, the host called her to the stage to deliver it live.
Lin Kesong nervously resisted, asking Jiang Qianfan what she should say. He simply told her to speak from her heart, encouraging her to go. Stepping onto the stage with the spotlight on her, Lin Kesong nervously stammered that she didn't want to issue any challenge, which elicited laughter from Boris and Lin Xiaoyu. Just as the host prepared to move on, Lin Kesong suddenly interjected, taking a deep breath before stating, "Hello, everyone. I'm Lin Kesong. I don't want to be Evil Dragon Princess. I want to be Grand Dragon Princess!" Her declaration was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Episode 16 Recap
With the Future Star Culinary Competition fast approaching, Jiang Qianfan instructed Lin Kesong to avoid highly stimulating foods rich in oil, salt, and fat. Although Lin Kesong expressed her dislike for him, she stated her stronger aversion to losing like a coward. Jiang Qianfan praised her performance that day, and she seized the opportunity to ask for an ice cream, but he denied her request, telling her to wait until after the competition.
During media interviews following the press conference, Elise, representing the Quentin Group, confirmed that President Thomas had consistently rejected all sponsorship to maintain the competition's independence and seriousness, a decision she respected. When asked about her prediction for the competition's outcome, Elise acknowledged that her answer might offend some, but stated that while she and Jiang Qianfan were good work partners, Victor was a genius.
Meanwhile, reporters pursued Boris, eager for the "big secret" he had teased in a morning video. Boris, however, announced that the video was for sale to the highest bidder. Boris then managed to shake off the reporters. He instructed Lin Xiaoyu to start a live stream and offered Jiang Qianfan a specially mixed drink. He pointed out that Jiang Qianfan hadn't consumed anything since entering the venue, questioning whether there was something wrong with his sense of taste.
Elise rushed over to intervene, but Boris told Jiang Qianfan to "man up" and stop using women to shield him. Jiang Qianfan calmly took a sip, accurately identifying the drink's components as vodka, apple-flavored liqueur, Old Tom gin, and a bit of absinthe, declaring it "awful." Boris, frustrated that his plan was foiled, dismissed Jiang Qianfan's accuracy as a "lucky guess" and stormed off. Lin Kesong observed this entire spectacle.
Elise followed Jiang Qianfan to the stairs, asking if he had anticipated Boris's actions. Jiang Qianfan explained that after Boris’s previous attempt to test him with cake, he suspected a follow-up. He had therefore preemptively requested the menu and wine list from President Thomas, claiming he was on medication and feared conflicts with the food and drinks. He had deduced the drink's ingredients based on Boris's character and the drink's color.
Jiang Qianfan then sensed someone listening upstairs and quickly went to check, but found no one. Boris remained adamant that his judgment about Jiang Qianfan was correct, despite the failed attempt. Lin Xiaoyu suggested that his earlier video announcement might have forewarned Jiang Qianfan, giving him time to prepare. Accepting this possibility, Boris decided he would catch Jiang Qianfan off guard next time, declaring he would never lose his prey.
Later, after deleting his video, Boris was trolled online, which he angrily blamed on Jiang Qianfan. Just then, police officers from the City Police Office arrived, investigating Li Yan's case. They revealed that Li Yan's phone records showed contact with Boris over the past three months. Boris lied, claiming he had merely offered Li Yan a job, which Li Yan declined, and that he hadn't seen him since.
After the police left, Boris told Lin Xiaoyu that he had thought Li Yan was just fired by Jiang Qianfan, not that he had fled after committing a crime. He then reminded her to check the competition challenge that would be announced after midnight. Lin Kesong, having overheard Jiang Qianfan's conversation with Elise and witnessed Boris's test, concluded that Jiang Qianfan must have lost his sense of taste.
This revelation explained why he couldn't discern the saltiness of the chrysanthemum fish, why his crab stuffed orange dish had gone wrong, and the secret technique he used for taste ratings. On her way home, her mind was abuzz with questions, but she hesitated to ask Jiang Qianfan directly, fearing his anger. The first round's challenge was announced: wild greens. Elise predicted that Victor would use Shepherd's Purse. Jiang Qianfan, in contrast, decided to use Okinawa spinach.
The next morning, Jiang Qianfan instructed Lin Kesong to prepare for a trip to a mountainous area with water to gather wild ingredients. Lin Kesong, treating it like a childhood spring outing, made numerous tea eggs, much to Jiang Qianfan's amusement. Following their map, they arrived at a small river. Jiang Qianfan asked Lin Kesong to taste the river water to identify trace elements.
Lin Kesong, still suspicious of his taste, recognized the taste of Shepherd's Purse but feigned ignorance, hoping to test him. Jiang Qianfan eventually confirmed it was Shepherd's Purse. As they continued, they encountered Elise and Victor and decided to move on to find different ingredients. Jiang Qianfan then tasked Lin Kesong with finding Okinawa spinach, describing its taste as a little bitter, spicy, and subtly fruity, with hints of garlic and spring onion.
He explained that its unique flavor and ease of cooking made it perfect for her first competition, where she would undoubtedly be nervous. Lin Kesong was amazed that he could distinguish such nuanced tastes, making her wonder if his sense of taste was, in fact, perfectly fine and he was just tricking her. Meanwhile, Elise claimed she had work to attend to, intending to secretly follow Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong.
However, Victor admonished her, stating that "sneaking up behind them is too odd" and not like her. He convinced her to stay and continue digging for Shepherd's Purse, promising to make her a soup with it. Later, when Elise and Victor showed their mother the Shepherd's Purse they had gathered, Madam Quentin revealed that Elise and Jiang Qianfan had actually sown the seeds using drones. Victor was furious, but Elise placated him, urging him to consider them as her own.
Elise then revealed that Jiang Qianfan would be using Okinawa spinach, which she and Jiang Qianfan had planted together, with only the two of them knowing its location. Victor noted that now Lin Kesong knew as well, suggesting this was why Elise had been so distracted lately. Elsewhere, Bru was by the river with Old Huang, fishing and collecting water hyacinths. Jiang Qianfan eventually led Lin Kesong to a spot where Okinawa spinach grew abundantly.
Lin Kesong tasted the bitter vegetable, and a surge of relief washed over her, confirming her belief that Jiang Qianfan's sense of taste was indeed intact. She yearned to declare it to the world. Jiang Qianfan informed her that the Okinawa spinach's flavor was best when picked between three and four in the morning, meaning they would have to camp overnight. Lin Kesong was thrilled, as camping was something her mother had always forbidden.
At Yuxuan, the chef Damai presented Elise with a "Wagyu Sirloin and Red Crayfish" dish for her to taste. He expressed concern that the crayfish's fishy smell hadn't been properly removed, a sentiment shared by his team and many customers who visibly struggled with the first bite. Despite this, Elise, to protect Jiang Qianfan's reputation, praised the dish as "really delicious." Damai, unable to argue, left the dish. Song Yiran accompanied Chu Ting on a shopping trip.
As they passed a flower shop, Chu Ting noticed Song Yiran's gaze linger. Understanding his unspoken thought, she promptly ordered ten floral baskets, requesting the message "My best wishes for Lin Kesong's success in the competition." She told Song Yiran that she was willing to believe him and asked for his tolerance. Song Yiran, deeply touched, declared Chu Ting the best woman he had ever met. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoyu discovered that Bru planned to use water hyacinths for his dish.
She remarked that he might not even beat his sister with such an ingredient. Bru, unfazed, simply replied, "It's fine." He then advised Lin Xiaoyu to choose a newly improved wok for the competition, explaining that it would ensure better heat distribution and be lighter to handle. He thoughtfully prepared a bowl of hot soup noodles for her, which moved her.
Lin Kesong asked Jiang Qianfan why, if he liked the bitter Okinawa spinach so much, he didn't incorporate it into a dish at Yuxuan. Jiang Qianfan responded thoughtfully, stating that the bitterness of Okinawa spinach was incomparable to the hardships people endure, and some things simply cannot be shared. Observing the scars on his hands, Lin Kesong realized the profound suffering he had experienced.
Jiang Qianfan explained that a chef's scars are medals: recalling how he had once worked for two days and two nights without sleep to perfect his cutting skills under Montgomery, and how his fingernails had regrown after being scalded while testing oil temperatures. Lin Kesong admitted that hearing his stories made her reconsider wanting to be a "successful person." Jiang Qianfan, with a smile, told her she no longer had a choice.
Later that evening, after Yuxuan had closed, Elise found the chefs discussing the problematic crayfish dish again. She reiterated that at Yuxuan, Jiang Qianfan was "the correct answer" and his palate was the standard. Despite her firm words, the chefs remained unconvinced, murmuring among themselves that continuing this way would lead to trouble. Separated by a curtain in their temporary lodging, Lin Xiaoyu found herself unable to sleep, a rare occurrence despite her many past competitions.
Bru deduced that she likely wanted to win too much. He then attempted to soothe her with calming, hypnotic words, guiding her to forget her worries and imagine herself floating lightly on a cloud. Having successfully gathered the Okinawa spinach, Jiang Qianfan urged Lin Kesong to return. Lin Kesong, however, was reluctant to leave the serene place, wishing she could spend every day happily rather than stressed by competition.
Upon their return, Lin Kesong was surprised to find ten floral baskets at her door, sent by Song Yiran and Chu Ting with a message wishing her success. She grew even more nervous, lamenting that she didn't want to draw so much attention and feared the embarrassment of losing. Jiang Qianfan comforted her, telling her that people were simply jealous. Lin Kesong then noticed another gift box. Upon opening it, she shrieked in terror, revealing a bloody, disemboweled doll.
Jiang Qianfan immediately pulled her into an embrace. Boris emerged, laughing triumphantly, confirming it was his prank. Enraged, Jiang Qianfan grabbed Boris by the collar and began to hit him. He sternly warned Boris not to teach his apprentice such "dirty tricks," reminding him that he still kept the bullet Boris had sent him years ago. Jiang Qianfan declared Boris "simply a joke," threatening to return the bullet if he ever dared to bother Lin Kesong again.
Episode 17 Recap
Thomas intervened to stop the physical altercation between Jiang Qianfan and Boris, reminding them that as mentors for young chefs, such behavior was inappropriate for a cooking competition. Jiang Qianfan acknowledged this, stating they would settle their rivalry at the competition. Afterwards, Lin Kesong expressed her gratitude to Jiang Qianfan, telling him it was the first time a man had fought for her. He playfully questioned her happiness, and she countered with concern that he might get hurt.
Jiang Qianfan then joked about fighting Boris again, but Kesong stopped him, assuring him she was merely joking. As contestants prepared for the "Future Star Culinary Competition," Victor intentionally snatched Lin Kesong's ingredient bag. He confirmed it contained Okinawa spinach, then secretly swapped it for another bag. When the competition officially began with "Wild Greens" as its theme, Lin Kesong opened her bag only to discover mustard greens, realizing her ingredients had been swapped.
With no experience cooking mustard greens, she decided to prepare her mother's Shepherd's Purse Wontons. From afar, Jiang Qianfan noticed the ingredient swap and began to sew a cloth doll. Meanwhile, Lin Kesong's parents, watching the competition on television, were surprised to see their daughter participating, having initially tuned in to watch Lin Xiaoyu.
During the competition, the host interviewed several contestants, including Blu, who presented a braised lion's head meatball with water hyacinth, and Victor, who showcased Okinawa spinach with quail, highlighting how wild greens were being transformed into sophisticated cuisine. When the host approached Lin Kesong, noting her intense chopping, she remained absorbed in her cooking and did not respond.
Lin Kesong's parents, watching at home, criticized her slow pace, with her mother suggesting she should have used egg to speed up the meat preparation, and her father retorting that her mother never made it that way for her. Despite her efforts, time ran out before Lin Kesong could complete her dish. Her father attributed her clumsiness to her mother. Concerned, Song Yiran obtained a ticket and rushed to the venue.
As the judges assessed the dishes, the host highlighted Blu's water hyacinth lion's head and Victor's Okinawa spinach and quail. When the host reached Lin Kesong, she was visibly distraught, tearfully apologizing for not being able to complete her Shepherd's Purse Wontons. Her father, watching on TV, expressed his anger and humiliation, remarking that Lin Xiaoyu was clearly superior. While waiting for the final results, Lin Kesong confronted Victor, asking why he swapped her ingredients.
Victor arrogantly told her she was not qualified to prepare Okinawa spinach, revealing that his sister, Elise, had specifically cultivated it for Jiang Qianfan by scattering seeds with a drone. He added that the same applied to the Shepherd's Purse and criticized Kesong for not even knowing how to cook it. The results were then announced: Victor Quentin secured first place, followed by Lin Xiaoyu in second place for her dish with "unique Eastern characteristics."
Lin Kesong was announced as eighth, receiving a score of zero for her unfinished creation. Her parents were dismayed by her outcome. Lin Kesong left the competition venue, deeply upset and ignoring everyone. She was furious at Jiang Qianfan, believing he had deceived her about his ability to taste the Okinawa spinach from the stream, making her feel manipulated.
Jiang Qianfan attempted to apologize for not teaching her other dishes, but she coldly told him she did not want to see him. Song Yiran intercepted her outside, trying to comfort her by calling her "Old Lin" and offering to host another competition for her. As Jiang Qianfan approached, followed by Boris, Song Yiran openly criticized Jiang Qianfan for Lin Kesong's poor performance. He then got into a physical confrontation with Boris over taking pictures, trying to snatch his phone.
Lin Kesong interrupted angrily, asking if they were trying to embarrass her further. She then walked away, with Jiang Qianfan pursuing her on his motorcycle. Boris was furious about Lin Xiaoyu's second-place finish, scolding her for being "frivolous" and for making a dish that lacked the "bitterness and toughness" he believed was essential in both cooking and life. He declared that only first place mattered, and anything less was "humiliating."
When Blu approached, intending to celebrate Xiaoyu's success and take her out for a meal, Boris rebuked him for placing fourth despite his carefree attitude and forbade Xiaoyu from leaving. Lin Xiaoyu, taking Boris's words to heart, told Blu to leave and resolved to stay in the kitchen 24/7 to train more rigorously. Just as they were leaving, Lin Feng, Xiaoyu's father, intervened and insisted on taking his daughter home, despite Boris's loud objections.
As Lin Feng drove Lin Xiaoyu home, Xiaoyu expressed satisfaction at Lin Kesong's public embarrassment, believing she deserved it, and regretted not achieving first place herself, vowing to win next time. Lin Feng, however, told her that she still had not understood her true mistake, accusing her of forsaking familial relationships and her fundamental human duties in pursuit of success.
Worried that her father might prevent her from competing further, Xiaoyu pleaded that it was "not that serious," but Lin Feng firmly stated that her future participation depended entirely on her behavior. Lin Kesong steadfastly refused to ride with Jiang Qianfan, who followed her on his motorcycle, repeatedly calling out to her and urging her to stop being angry and listen to him. She walked home alone, ignoring his attempts to engage her.
Meanwhile, Lin Kesong's parents discussed bringing her home immediately, with her mother having already packed her belongings at their house. Song Yiran arranged for 20 bouquets and five baskets of flowers, each with a card, to be sent to Lin Kesong from her "fans."
When Chu Ting called him, surprised to receive an unsuccessful registration message from the "Future Star" competition, Song Yiran admitted he registered all his friends' phone numbers, including hers, to generate messages of encouragement for Lin Kesong. Chu Ting confirmed she left a voicemail because she felt sorry for Kesong. Song Yiran then proudly revealed he secretly bought many flowers for Kesong online without putting his name on them.
Annoyed by his actions, Chu Ting rejected his dinner invitation, claiming she had plans to comfort a heartbroken male model friend. After hanging up, Chu Ting instructed her employee, Changyuan, to buy two movie tickets for them to watch a movie, implying her real intention was to spite Song Yiran. Jiang Qianfan called Lin Kesong to offer comfort, promising to discuss her competition failure with her later.
Meanwhile, an employee from Yuxuan Restaurant informed Jiang Qianfan that numerous flowers, supposedly from "Ms. Lin's fans," had arrived, and Jiang Qianfan instructed them to be delivered to his home. Lin Kesong lay under her blanket, deeply saddened by her competition loss. She felt betrayed by Jiang Qianfan, believing he had tricked her, and her heart ached at the thought of him struggling with his lost sense of taste while still trying to appear strong.
She then looked at the multitude of flower baskets filling her room. Jiang Qianfan held a meeting where Da Mai and other chefs arrived late, explaining they were online defending Lin Kesong from ridicule, which they viewed as an attack on Jiang Qianfan and Yuxuan Restaurant. Jiang Qianfan acknowledged their concern but punished Da Mai by assigning him to wash vegetables, emphasizing the need for strict punctuality.
After the meeting, Elise spoke privately with Jiang Qianfan, supporting his disciplinary action but shifting to the culinary competition. She reminded him that Lin Kesong's repeated last-place finishes could undermine his authority and Yuxuan Restaurant's reputation. Jiang Qianfan then asked if Victor knew they cultivated the Okinawa spinach and Shepherd's Purse themselves. Elise admitted her mother had told Victor. Realizing this, Jiang Qianfan deduced that Victor must have informed Lin Kesong, which explained her hostile reaction after the competition.
He suspected Kesong now doubted his sense of taste, especially after Boris's previous provocations, and worried about how to explain that he truly found the wild greens by taste. Lin Kesong's parents arrived at Lin Feng's restaurant, "Xiaoyu's Private Kitchen," looking for their daughter. Lin Feng attempted to deflect, but they revealed they had seen Kesong's embarrassing performance on TV.
Lin Xiaoyu, arriving on cue, gleefully informed them that Lin Kesong had moved in with Jiang Qianfan for "private training" since coming to Shanghai, implying a romantic involvement due to Jiang Qianfan's prestigious status. Lin Feng tried to downplay it as "closed training," but Kesong's parents were appalled and immediately demanded Jiang Qianfan's address from Lin Xiaoyu, strictly forbidding her or Lin Feng from informing Kesong of their visit.
Lin Kesong awoke to find her room filled with flower baskets, touched by the supportive messages from her "fans." The doorbell rang, and she opened it to find her parents, who immediately confronted her. Her mother chided her for not informing them about moving out, while her father angrily demanded to know where "that guy" (Jiang Qianfan) was. Kesong explained Jiang Qianfan was at work.
Her father then ordered her to pack her belongings and return home, chastising her for making a "fool of herself on TV" and implying she was publicly announcing a relationship with Jiang Qianfan, a claim Kesong vehemently denied. When Kesong tried to plead for a chance to explain to Jiang Qianfan before leaving, her father dismissed it as an attempt to negotiate.
Her mother tried to mediate and helped Kesong pack, while her father cynically remarked on the profusion of flowers in the house. As Kesong went upstairs, she reflected that her mother was preoccupied with who sent the flowers, and her father with her proximity to Jiang Qianfan's bedroom. Feeling powerless, she desperately wished to see Jiang Qianfan one last time to say goodbye, expressing deep concern for him. After her insistence, her parents agreed to let her see him. Her father then commented on her doorless room, concerned about Jiang Qianfan's easy access, to which her mother told him to stop.
Episode 18 Recap
Lin Kesong arrived at Yuxuan’s kitchen with her parents to bid farewell to Jiang Qianfan. He suggested she first settle her parents at a vacant table in the front. Her mother commented that Jiang Qianfan looked quite handsome in his uniform, while her father gasped at the menu prices, wondering if "Michelin" also sold tires. Back in the kitchen, Kesong told Jiang Qianfan that her parents, having seen the competition, wanted her to return home.
She didn't want to leave, but felt they wouldn't listen to her. Jiang Qianfan advised her that to make others listen, she needed to demonstrate her capabilities. He encouraged her to change into her uniform and cook a dish with Okinawa spinach for them, to prove she was not as bad as they imagined, and then she could speak her mind. Kesong agreed, eager to cook all she could for them.
When her parents tasted her dishes, they were full of praise, astonished by how much she had improved in just over a month. Kesong explained that Jiang Qianfan had taught her everything and that their relationship was purely that of master and apprentice. She wanted to stay not only because she now truly loved cooking but also to strive for honor in the competition.
Her father, pleased that she had learned to think for herself, agreed to let her continue her studies. Kesong tearfully hugged her mother, grateful for their understanding. Her father then called Lin Feng to inform him of their decision before driving home with her mother that night. On their way back, Jiang Qianfan offered to help Kesong analyze the reasons for her recent competition loss, but she declared it a small secret she wasn't ready to share.
Meanwhile, Xiao Pa handed Elise the week’s new reservations, specifically highlighting Boris’s booking. Later that evening, Elise messaged Jiang Qianfan, asking if Lin Kesong had inquired about his condition. He replied that she hadn't, and he had no intention of telling her, preferring to keep it hidden for as long as possible. The next morning, Junbin took Victor out for a walk to help him relax before the competition, fearing he might be too nervous.
Victor playfully asked if Junbin had a crush on Elise, which Junbin vehemently denied. Elise spoke to her mother, expressing concern that the kitchen staff at Shanghai Yuxuan were beginning to question Jiang Qianfan’s authority. Her mother calmly produced an equity transfer agreement, instructing Elise to get Jiang Qianfan to sign it, as he had previously expressed interest in handing over his shares.
She reasoned that after the competition, Victor would be champion, making him a suitable replacement as head chef. She emphasized the importance of securing Yuxuan’s profits, as it was her legacy, not to be squandered by Jiang Qianfan. Later, Elise brought Jiang Qianfan's crayfish dish to Kesong's home, asking her to taste it. She noted that while Jiang Qianfan's palate was unparalleled, his unique flavors sometimes proved difficult for the general public to accept.
She explained that Boris was dining at Yuxuan that night and would undoubtedly criticize any flaw during his live stream, jeopardizing Yuxuan's Michelin three-star rating. The challenge was that they couldn't change the menu or use alcohol. Kesong proposed a smoking method, which they immediately tested. The results were excellent, as the smoke effectively absorbed the crayfish's fishy odor. Kesong suggested applying the same technique to the beef to ensure a consistent taste and reduce its oily flavor.
Elise thanked Kesong for solving the problem, and Kesong replied that she was doing it for Jiang Qianfan, to which Elise smiled and said they were "even." In the kitchen, Da Mai, working under punishment, grumbled about Jiang Qianfan's bad temper and unpalatable cooking, and his poor choice of an apprentice. Jiang Qianfan, approaching, overheard him. He told Da Mai that he was the first person not to understand his cooking.
Da Mai retorted confidently that the entire chef team felt the same way. Elise intervened, reiterating that in Yuxuan, Jiang Qianfan's standards were the standards. Da Mai, fuming, declared he'd wait to hear Boris's comments that evening. In the office, Jiang Qianfan confronted Elise, asking why she hadn't informed him earlier about Da Mai’s feedback. He questioned if she believed he wouldn't change. Seeing her silence, he decided to stick with his original cooking method for the dish.
Boris soon arrived at Yuxuan and began his live stream. In the back kitchen, Jiang Qianfan was furious upon discovering the smoked ingredients. Elise quickly explained that it was Lin Kesong’s idea; she had called Elise over that morning, suggesting the method to remove the fishy odor. Jiang Qianfan personally served the dish to Boris.
After the first bite, Boris declared on his live stream that the crayfish’s fishy odor was still present, and combined with the beef’s fat, it tasted terrible. He labeled Yuxuan restaurant "garbage." Lin Kesong rushed to Yuxuan after receiving a phone call from Jiang Qianfan. Upon her arrival, Jiang Qianfan angrily accused her of daring to alter his dish after only a month of his tutelage.
He declared that anyone who didn't understand his cooking was stupid and anyone who changed his dishes was an enemy. He ordered Kesong to clean every area of Yuxuan – the front hall, the back kitchen, the fresh produce handling room, and the restroom – with Xiao Pa supervising, and dismissed everyone else. Tears welling in her eyes, Lin Kesong confronted Elise, asking why she hadn't explained the situation to Jiang Qianfan.
Elise falsely claimed she had, then advised Kesong to start cleaning immediately. Jiang Qianfan, feeling deeply defeated, went to the rooftop platform to drink alone. Elise joined him. He despaired, calling himself a pathetic Michelin three-star chef who had lost his sense of taste. He grimly noted that if a Michelin secret scout had already visited, everything would be ruined. Elise comforted him, assuring him that even if the entire world turned against him, she would remain by his side.
Moved, Jiang Qianfan clasped her hand, touched that Elise would stay with someone as "unlikable" as him, and invited her to drink with him. Lin Kesong was indignant at Jiang Qianfan for publicly humiliating her. Xiao Pa, out of kindness, offered to call a car for her, urging her to go home. Elise drove a heavily intoxicated Jiang Qianfan home. In the car, he murmured that he couldn't "persist anymore."
Meanwhile, Da Mai and the manager were drinking beer at a night market. Da Mai speculated that Jiang Qianfan's public scolding of his apprentice was a display for them. He also pointed out that Boris's live stream had brought shame to Yuxuan. The manager informed Da Mai that he had found a new opportunity at Fuli, which was recruiting. He suggested Da Mai join, assuring him he'd be the executive chef.
He reasoned that Jiang Qianfan would never humble himself to apologize to Da Mai, and that if he treated Da Mai this way today, he could do the same to other chefs tomorrow, adding that Jiang Qianfan might not last long at Yuxuan. Elise brought the drunken Jiang Qianfan to his home, where Kesong helped her get him into bed. In his dazed state, Jiang Qianfan held Elise’s hand, pleading with her not to leave.
Elise, secretly pleased, gently promised she wouldn't go anywhere. Kesong, observing this, discreetly excused herself. A short while later, Elise emerged in a bathrobe and apologized to Kesong for Jiang Qianfan’s behavior that day. Elise’s mother called, inquiring about the transfer agreement. Upon learning that Jiang Qianfan was heavily drunk, she instructed Elise to seize the opportunity and get him to sign the document, confident that he wouldn't deny it once sober.
Episode 19 Recap
Lin Kesong found herself in a confusing emotional state, hating Jiang Qianfan yet feeling inexplicably upset upon realizing he was once again with Elise. She questioned her own feelings, wondering if she feared Jiang Qianfan would no longer be as kind to her. She chastised herself, remembering she was merely his apprentice under contract and an outsider who shouldn't entertain such thoughts.
Meanwhile, Li Yan, struggling to make ends meet by selling street food, received a frantic phone call from his mother. She had gambled away the ¥500,000 he previously gave her and was now demanding more money. Frustrated, Li Yan told her he only had ¥2,300 left but promised to transfer it to her. He then called Elise, explaining his desperate plight: he was on a wanted list, unable to find work or travel by plane or train.
He demanded a million yuan from her, threatening to confess everything to Jiang Qianfan if she refused, expressing deep regret for ever taking her money, feeling that imprisonment would be preferable to his current situation. Elise, stating that such a large sum was not immediately available, promised to gather the money and call him back. Driving home alone, Elise broke down in tears.
Following her mother's instructions, she had used the drunken Jiang Qianfan's finger to press a print on the share transfer agreement. She confessed her love for him but lamented that she had passed the point of no return. Upon her arrival, Elise's mother confronted her, eager for the agreement. Elise tried to lie, claiming she hadn't obtained it, but her mother, suspecting her soft-heartedness, snatched her purse and found the document.
Furious, she accused Elise of regretting her actions and lying because of Jiang Qianfan, reminding her that there was no turning back. Elise tearfully admitted she understood. Victor, awakened by the commotion, intervened to protect his sister, urging their mother to calm down and advising Elise to apologize in the morning. The topic for the second culinary competition, "Thrill," was announced. Lin Xiaoyu, eager to train, tried to placate her father, Lin Feng, by preparing pan-fried buns.
He was initially angered by her past behavior, stating he would not allow her to train if she hadn't genuinely learned her lesson. Xiaoyu lied, apologizing for past mistakes concerning her sister, Lin Kesong, and claiming she had given Kesong a doll for good luck to ease her nerves during the previous competition. She then promised to learn from her sister's dedication and train diligently.
Convinced by her earnestness, Lin Feng granted her permission but warned her not to stay out too late. Jiang Qianfan awoke at home, undressed, with no clear memory of the previous night's events. He reviewed the surveillance footage from the night before getting ready for the day. Meanwhile, Lin Kesong, determined to prove herself to Jiang Qianfan, began researching recipes for the "spicy" competition, whose theme was to "enhance" flavors. Her experimentation led to a small fire in the kitchen.
Jiang Qianfan rushed in, scolding her for her carelessness and for stir-frying chili with chili, calling her dumb. He then attempted to explain the science of spice, defining it as a sensation of pain that stimulates the brain to release hormones, influencing emotions. He emphasized that expertly controlled spiciness could create unique emotional experiences, intensifying sweet and bitter flavors, or amplifying happiness and sadness. Despite his elaborate explanation, Lin Kesong remained unresponsive and even ate a Carolina Reaper chili.
Lin Xiaoyu visited Boris, excitedly remarking that Jiang Qianfan had finally been "knocked off his pedestal." Boris, however, dismissed her excitement, arguing that a single dish could not shake Jiang Qianfan's long-established reputation. He asserted his conviction that Jiang Qianfan suffered from a taste disorder, citing the "Surf and Turf" incident as proof that Jiang Qianfan had not tasted the dish but relied on imagination and deduction.
Boris explained that exposing an instructor of the Future Star Culinary Competition for hiding a loss of taste would be a monumental victory, potentially leading to his disqualification by Thomas and his ultimate downfall. He stressed that they must defeat Jiang Qianfan both on and off stage. Boris then began to teach Xiaoyu Chili Foie Gras for the second round. Their session was interrupted when Bru arrived with cosmetics Xiaoyu had left at his place.
Xiaoyu dismissed the items and told Bru to discard them. Boris, calling Bru a "Canadian creep," quickly ushered him out, handing him a bag of trash to take with him. Chu Ting discovered Song Yiran's private group chat titled "My Idol and Schoolmate, Lin Kesong" and a passionate, anonymous letter of encouragement he had written for her.
Enraged, she confronted him, accusing him of breaking his promise to avoid private contact with Lin Kesong and asserting that he had developed feelings for her. Song Yiran deflected by praising the letter's writing, but Chu Ting forcefully disbanded the group chat on his phone. She expressed her frustration at having generously supported Lin Kesong with flowers while Song Yiran repeatedly argued with her over Lin Kesong.
Declaring she could not tolerate her boyfriend having another woman in his heart, Chu Ting broke up with him. Later, still confused, Song Yiran asked his gym coach to read the letter. The coach confirmed it was a "particularly subtle love letter" and suggested Song Yiran himself might not realize his true feelings.
Subsequently, Song Yiran texted Lin Kesong, who replied that she was deeply moved by the letter, felt every sentence spoke to her heart, and was eager to know the sender, agreeing it read like a love letter. Jiang Qianfan, feeling uneasy about Lin Kesong's lack of reaction during his spice lesson, received a call from Junbin and rushed to the hospital. Junbin informed him that his blood index showed no change and the medication had been ineffective.
Jiang Qianfan asked to increase the dosage, but Junbin firmly refused due to potential complications, advising him to bring back the remaining medicine, which Jiang Qianfan kept in an aspirin bottle. Simultaneously, Elise transferred a partial payment to Li Yan, promising the rest later. Li Yan vehemently rejected this. Later, Song Yiran visited Lin Kesong, revealing his breakup with Chu Ting, whom he characterized as too narrow-minded.
He wanted to take her out, but she offered to cook for him instead. She prepared a spicy seafood soup, which he found delicious but "a little too spicy." He took a photo of her in her chef's uniform and posted it on social media.
His caption recounted how she had once eaten chili peppers for 200 yuan until she passed out and he had carried her to the emergency room, expressing admiration for her transformation into a "big woman" in the kitchen. Meanwhile, at her shop, Chu Ting feigned approval of the post to her staff, dismissively suggesting Lin Kesong had "brain problems" for her past stunt. Moments later, she deleted Song Yiran's contact from her phone.
During the morning meeting at the restaurant, Jiang Qianfan reassigned Damai to continue washing vegetables, a task Damai clearly resented. After the meeting, Jiang Qianfan attempted to discuss the previous night with Elise, but she deflected, suggesting they talk after work. Elise left the restaurant late that night, only to find Jiang Qianfan waiting. He revealed he had reviewed the surveillance footage, which showed her leaving before dawn.
Admitting he could not recall the previous night, he expressed deep remorse, calling himself a "jerk" for repeatedly hurting her. He offered to take responsibility and proposed they be together. Elise, tearfully, told him she had waited for this moment for so long that "it's too late." She asked for time to think and walked away.
Episode 20 Recap
Elise revealed to her mother that Jiang Qianfan had expressed a desire to reunite with her, which she hadn't agreed to. She felt deeply unsettled by the contract and pleaded with her mother to return it so they could pretend nothing had happened. Madam Quentin questioned if Elise's discomfort was solely due to the contract, stating that while some things were irreversible, the contract wasn't too late to change.
However, she refused to relinquish the financial gains she had secured, deeming Elise's feelings for Jiang Qianfan an "unreliable relationship," and dismissed the conversation, advising Elise to prepare for bed. The next morning, Jiang Qianfan woke Lin Kesong and offered to teach her how to make seafood soup for breakfast. He emphasized the precise steps for adding cooking wine and Carolina Reaper Chili to achieve optimal flavor, contrasting it with her earlier attempt that had been overly spicy.
Lin Kesong confided her anxiety about possibly failing to qualify for the top four again, recalling a past incident involving the notoriously hot chili. Jiang Qianfan then presented her with a four-leaf clover, explaining it symbolized good luck and that "when you are okay, I'll be okay." Lin Kesong cherished this sentiment, acknowledging the immense pressure Jiang Qianfan, the "invincible god of the kitchen" who had never failed, faced. She resolved to perform her best in the upcoming competition.
Before the competition, Jiang Qianfan carefully helped Lin Kesong tie her scarf, reassuring her that all preparations were complete and she was capable of doing well. His words left Lin Kesong feeling calm and confident. The second round, ominously titled "Thrill," began with contestants challenged to incorporate the formidable Carolina Reaper Chili, known for its extreme heat, into their dishes.
The host emphasized that each chef received only one pepper, warning that consuming it would cause a burning sensation in internal organs. During the live broadcast, Blu was seen stir-frying his chili. Lin Kesong, attempting to follow Jiang Qianfan's advice, rinsed her chili in water for one and a half seconds. However, tasting the chili water unexpectedly reminded her of Jiang Qianfan, prompting her to cook the chili directly in her pot.
The host expressed confusion over Lin Kesong’s method, as she appeared to be boiling the chili without adding any of its potent spice to her dish, subtly reminding viewers that the competition was about incorporating spice. Meanwhile, Elise, seizing the opportunity while her mother was at the competition, frantically searched her home for the contract. Watching the live broadcast from a lounge area, Boris joined Jiang Qianfan, correctly anticipating that Lin Xiaoyu would create a spicy foie gras dish.
Boris reminisced about their former mentor, Montgomery, who believed Jiang Qianfan excelled in every culinary aspect except spicy foie gras sauce, always preferring Boris's version, even over his own. Jiang Qianfan agreed, recalling a particularly joyful day when the three of them celebrated with vodka, drinking until they were all drunk the following morning. Jiang Qianfan poured a drink, reminding Boris they couldn't afford to get drunk today.
Boris affirmed, then added that he still intended to "find trouble" for Jiang Qianfan after the competition, before they raised their glasses in a toast to Montgomery. As the competition entered its final minute, customers at Lin Xiaoyu's private kitchen grew increasingly frustrated. Lin Feng and his chefs were completely engrossed in watching the live broadcast on their phones, with one chef even nervously urging Lin Feng to stop shaking.
After the cooking time concluded, the host first interviewed Lin Kesong about her unusual technique. Lin Kesong explained her initial plan was to make Spicy Seafood Rice by boiling the chili, as Jiang Qianfan had taught. However, she accidentally dropped the chili into a pot that was too hot. Realizing the water was now excessively spicy for her dish and that starting over would compromise the chili's flavor, she decided to improvise, using the chili's aroma to enhance her creation.
The host praised her unique approach, expressing hopes for her success in this round. Observing from the sidelines, Boris complimented Lin Kesong’s cleverness to Jiang Qianfan, who, in turn, returned the compliment about Boris's own apprentice. The host then announced the results, noting that only four contestants had successfully incorporated the Carolina Reaper Chili. Lin Xiaoyu was awarded first place for her innovative method of extracting the chili's spiciness with apple cider for her foie gras.
Victor placed second, but his inability to accept the result led him to leave the venue prematurely. Lin Kesong secured fourth place, a result that delighted Lin Feng and his chefs at her private kitchen. Lin Kesong's parents, each trying to conceal their interest from the other, secretly watched her competition. Her mother pretended to go to the restroom, while her father covertly watched on his phone.
Upon learning of her fourth-place finish, they separately called Lin Kesong to congratulate her, each conspiratorially instructing her not to reveal to the other that they had been watching. However, their secret was comically exposed when they met up shortly after, both coincidentally suggesting they go out for spicy food. Song Yiran’s elder brother demanded that he propose to Chu Ting without delay. Song Yiran argued that their relationship had not yet reached that stage.
His brother countered by citing his own marriage, which began without deep feelings that later developed. He insisted that with their parents gone, Song Yiran had to heed his advice on such a significant matter. He clarified that while Chu Ting's acceptance was her choice, Song Yiran’s decision to propose was entirely his, confidently asserting that a sincere proposal would surely be accepted. Feeling helpless, Song Yiran requested time to prepare for the proposal, to which his brother agreed.
Outside the competition venue, Lin Xiaoyu confronted Lin Kesong, accusing her of being "scheming" and claiming that the spicy vapor from Kesong's nearby pot had affected her foie gras, hindering her ability to control its spiciness. Despite her victory, Lin Xiaoyu continued to insult Lin Kesong, disparaging her father and proclaiming, "the daughter takes after the father."
Driven past her breaking point, especially by the insults directed at her father, Lin Kesong slapped Lin Xiaoyu, initiating a physical altercation where Lin Xiaoyu retaliated by grabbing Kesong's hair. Blu quickly intervened to separate them, calling for Jiang Qianfan and Boris, who eventually pulled the two apart. Boris then escorted Lin Xiaoyu away, reminding her of her win and her upcoming media interviews, while Lin Kesong yelled after her.
After Lin Xiaoyu departed, Lin Kesong, still agitated but triumphant, thanked Jiang Qianfan, claiming his four-leaf clover had brought her luck, leading to victories in both the competition and the fight. Jiang Qianfan playfully disagreed about her "win" against Lin Xiaoyu, noting her opponent's greater physical strength. He then asked about the inspiration for her dish, specifically her mention of "aroma" during the interview. Lin Kesong coyly told him to guess, then hinted that her inspiration was connected to him.
Thomas summoned Jiang Qianfan, Boris, Lin Kesong, and Lin Xiaoyu to the competition room. He played a replay of their fight, expressing his dismay at their behavior, questioning if they were there for a culinary competition or a "Sanda tournament." He then announced that both Lin Kesong and Lin Xiaoyu would receive a warning.
When Lin Xiaoyu tried to argue that Kesong had struck first, Thomas cut her off, stating that the reason was irrelevant; the fact that they fought was what mattered. He warned them that any further physical altercations would result in the disqualification of their mentors and their own immediate expulsion from the competition, as per the rules for accumulating two or more warnings. During the replay, Boris noted Xiaoyu’s win on scores, while Jiang Qianfan said Kesong showed more momentum.
Furious at his second-place finish, Victor prematurely left the arena and violently damaged his motorcycle before taking it to a repair shop. K-Sister, the mechanic, observed the severe damage and Victor's unscathed appearance, sarcastically praising his "lightness skill." Victor, however, was rude, demanding she fix it.
When K-Sister refused to serve him, calling him "under-aged" and chastising him for venting frustrations on his vehicle, Victor insulted her, calling her a "menopausal woman" who was "grumpy and unstable," then abandoned the bike, daring her to fix it or not. Upon returning home, Victor declared his intent to go back to England, calling the competition "stupid" and a "joke" because someone had outscored him, despite his "favor" of participating.
His mother, recognizing his difficulty in accepting second place, sternly rebuked him, stating that "only the weak protest." She reminded him that all top culinary figures, including herself, had come through this competition, and her mentorship was intended to bring him glory. She emphasized that the competition tested not just culinary skill but also willpower, urging him not to abandon their hopes. She added that her biggest concern was spoiling him too much, but she believed he would persevere.
Meanwhile, Jiang Qianfan, observing Lin Kesong’s lack of physical strength, attempted to teach her core and upper body exercises, teasing her about her distraction and inability to focus, suggesting it hindered her ability to "win fights." He even brought up Elise, claiming she could lift twice the weight, which clearly displeased Lin Kesong. Concurrently, Lin Feng, anxious for news, discovered the official reprimand for Lin Kesong and Lin Xiaoyu online.
Enraged that his supposedly "excellent" daughters had fought publicly and received a warning, he summoned them both home. At the family meeting, Lin Feng demanded to know who initiated the fight, threatening severe consequences for any repeat behavior. To everyone’s surprise, Lin Kesong confessed that she had struck first. Jiang Qianfan, who had accompanied Kesong, tried to intervene, stating he didn't want to see her wronged and urging her to speak openly.
However, Lin Kesong denied being wronged, insisted it was her fault, and attempted to reconcile with Lin Xiaoyu. Lin Xiaoyu, feigning agreement for her father's benefit, then whispered to Kesong that a true reconciliation was "no way" possible, before assuring Lin Feng that they had made up.
Episode 21 Recap
Jiang Qianfan gave Lin Kesong a morning fitness lesson, focusing on core strength. As she watched his well-defined muscles, Kesong couldn't help but imagine the security and prestige of having such a strong boyfriend by her side. Meanwhile, Lin Feng discovered online that Lin Xiaoyu and Lin Kesong had been disciplined for fighting, which angered him enough to smash his tablet. He immediately called Kesong, demanding she come over.
Jiang Qianfan drove Kesong to the restaurant, and after dropping her off, Lin Feng called Kesong's parents. He was surprised to learn from them that Kesong had initiated the fight. Jiang Qianfan, not wanting Kesong to be wronged, encouraged her to explain the full story. Kesong approached Xiaoyu, attempting to reconcile. Xiaoyu, playing along for her father, hugged Kesong while secretly whispering, "No way we're making up." Kesong understood the charade and cooperated.
Lin Feng laid down the law, stating that while sibling squabbles were normal, they must talk things out and not fight. He warned that if they ever came to blows again, he would expose embarrassing childhood photos of them wetting the bed on the competition's official website. He then reported to Kesong's parents that the issue was resolved. Kesong’s mother expressed relief, noting how protective Jiang Qianfan had been of their daughter. Later, Kesong took Jiang Qianfan to eat xiaolongbao.
He questioned why she hadn't revealed the full truth earlier. She explained that she preferred to keep the conflict contained between herself and Xiaoyu, as bringing her uncle and parents into it would only cause more awkwardness and arguments among the adults. Jiang Qianfan, though admitting he couldn't fully understand her family dynamics having learned cooking from Montgomery and having few relatives, praised her thoughtfulness.
He then steered the conversation back to business, reminding Kesong that her overall rank was sixth, with Victor, Blu, and Lin Xiaoyu all performing better. He emphasized the need for her to excel in the upcoming "sour" themed competition, suggesting they start with the xiaolongbao in front of them. He asked her to compare the taste of a dumpling dipped in vinegar versus one without.
Kesong, after tasting, commented that the crab soup dumplings weren't fishy because yellow rice wine had been added to both the stuffing and soup. She lamented not knowing this method earlier for removing fishiness. Jiang Qianfan pressed her, sensing she was holding back. Under his insistent questioning, Kesong revealed that Elise had asked her to find a way to deal with the fishiness of crayfish and beef, which they couldn't tell him about due to his loss of taste.
Not knowing the yellow wine method, Kesong had smoked the crayfish in Pu’er tea instead of soaking them in green tea. Jiang Qianfan realized he had wrongly punished Kesong that day by making her clean Yuxuan’s floors. When he asked if she hated him, she admitted "a bit." To compensate, he promised to personally clean Yuxuan’s floors, a proposition Kesong found amusing yet accepted. Later, Elise was frantically searching for a contract at home when her mother discovered her.
Her mother coldly informed her that the document was with Lawyer Goodman and, seeing Elise, called her "pathetic." As Elise left, Victor followed her, concerned. He expressed his sadness at seeing her so distressed and noted how long it had been since she truly smiled. Elise brushed it off, claiming her mother's opinion didn't define her and that she was merely under pressure that would pass.
Victor, however, pressed her about the document she was looking for, reassuring her that he was always there to help if she needed anything. Back home, Jiang Qianfan resumed teaching Kesong, this time focusing on the precise control of sourness in cooking. He explained that while extreme sourness, like a raw lemon, could be repulsive, the right amount could enhance flavor, stimulate appetite, and complement other tastes.
He elaborated on the scientific aspect of sourness, describing it as hydrogen ions dissolved in water, a "micro taste" produced by acidulants such as phosphate, lactic, acetic, malic, and citric acids. He added that these acids could soften proteins, making fruit-based marinades effective for tenderizing meats and imparting unique flavors. Mastering the "right amount of sour" to blend flavors, he stressed, was the most challenging of the five tastes.
Kesong joked that this was why she preferred sweet foods, which Jiang Qianfan quickly rebuked, reminding her he disliked sweets. He then informed her that Elise would likely be visiting often and that Kesong should prepare herself. Kesong silently grappled with this news, understanding her position but feeling a pang of jealousy despite herself.
Later, while Lin Kesong was practicing in the kitchen, Song Yiran called her, claiming his house was leaking and asking her to let property management in since Chu Ting was away and he couldn't make it home. Kesong, without suspicion, hurried over, only to find a surprise party arranged by Song Yiran to celebrate her competition placement. Despite her friends’ enthusiasm, Kesong felt she couldn't celebrate fourth place just yet and worried about losing the next round.
She politely declined the drinks, explaining she needed to focus on training for the upcoming competition, but promised to cook a celebratory meal for everyone herself after the finals. A classmate playfully teased Song Yiran, mentioning he had written something for Kesong despite his poor grades in Chinese compositions. Song Yiran, embarrassed, quickly tried to silence him. On her way home, Kesong reflected on the party and realized that Song Yiran's "something" was actually a love letter.
A part of her wished that it had been Jiang Qianfan who wrote it, but then she immediately chastised herself for such thoughts, knowing it was impossible. Song Yiran then caught up to her, noticing her distracted state. He tried to engage her, asking if something was wrong or if his letter had upset her. Kesong, flustered, denied it and hurried home. Later, lying in bed, she fully processed that Song Yiran truly liked her.
This was a moment she had supposedly been waiting for, a cause for happiness, yet she felt a bittersweet, almost jealous, sensation, as if she were envious of Jiang Qianfan. She forcefully reminded herself that Jiang Qianfan's heart belonged to Elise. As she prepared for sleep, she took an aspirin for muscle soreness and noticed a strangely familiar sour scent from the medicine, wondering where she had encountered it before.
Chu Ting saw Song Yiran’s social media post featuring Lin Kesong at his surprise party. Displeased, she privately messaged Song Yiran, advising him to edit girls’ photos before posting them, but he simply dismissed her comment. Later, unable to reach Elise, Li Yan secretly entered her car, startling her.
He complained about taking the blame for her actions and accused her of having intentionally caused Jiang Qianfan's loss of taste by adding a substance to essential oil that causes taste buds to fail. Li Yan asserted that Elise had later regretted her actions and asked him to steal the "poisoned" essential oil. Elise vehemently denied his accusations.
She showed him her bank account, revealing a low balance due to her investments in Yuxuan, and transferred what little money she had, pleading with him to stop his blackmail. Li Yan scoffed at the meager amount, implying he wouldn't stop, and warned that while he might reduce future demands, he still had other "channels" he hadn't yet exploited.
The following morning, Kesong awoke with a sudden realization: the familiar sour taste she’d noticed in the aspirin was strikingly similar to a perplexing flavor she’d encountered in a bowl of porridge Elise had made for Jiang Qianfan. She immediately called Xie Junbin, asking if different medicines could have unique corresponding tastes. She explained her muscle pain and how Jiang Qianfan's aspirin had a sour flavor resembling the one in Elise's porridge, which she had accidentally tasted.
Although startled by Kesong's precise observations, Xie Junbin feigned ignorance, claiming he wasn't an expert on chemical tastes and that it was likely just a coincidence. After dropping Li Yan off, who continued to insist there would be no end to his demands, Elise received an urgent call from Xie Junbin, who insisted on meeting immediately. He presented her with the aspirin and directly confronted her, stating that the medicine was an antidote to the essential oil's toxin.
He pointed out the chemical nature of its active ingredient, which should not naturally appear in food, making its presence in her porridge too much of a coincidence, especially since only she, Li Yan, and Nina had handled the poisoned essential oil. Under the weight of his accusations, Elise’s emotional defenses crumbled, and she burst into tears.
Xie Junbin gently embraced her as she confessed the truth: she had been misled into believing the essential oil’s poison could be easily neutralized by medicine. Her intention was to cause Jiang Qianfan (whom she referred to as Ollie) to lose his sense of taste, making him dependent on her and ensuring he couldn't leave her. However, she hadn't anticipated him encountering Lin Kesong, whose extraordinary sense of taste uncovered her scheme, leading him to rely on Kesong instead.
Xie Junbin gravely warned her that the toxin affected the nervous system, and prolonged exposure could lead to Jiang Qianfan losing more than just his taste. Elise defiantly declared that if she couldn't have Jiang Qianfan, no one else could, and she would even "die with him."
She then revealed that after Jiang Qianfan told her he had never loved anyone else and that she was the most important person in his life, offering to give her everything including Yuxuan's shares so she wouldn't suffer, her resolve to hurt him had broken. Unable to bear harming him further, she had anxiously instructed Li Yan to switch out the essential oil immediately.
That evening, the manager invited Head Chef Mai and two sous chefs to a night market for beer. He informed them that a competitor, Fu Li, was offering a 20% salary increase for Yuxuan chefs. Mai, still angry that Jiang Qianfan hadn't offered any explanation for his previous treatment, decided they would provoke a conflict with Jiang Qianfan the following night. If any dispute arose, they would all remove their uniforms and quit, leaving Yuxuan short of three chefs.
The manager even offered to provide sick leave notes if Elise tried to use their contracts against them. Their conversation was overheard by Xiao Pa, who tried to discreetly leave but was spotted and pulled over. Xiao Pa urged them to reconsider, suggesting they discuss their grievances with Elise and Jiang Qianfan, warning of the significant impact their departure would have on the restaurant.
However, Mai remained firm, asserting that Jiang Qianfan always made them look foolish and had never discussed his harsh actions with them. Later that night, Jiang Qianfan called Kesong and had a car pick her up, taking her to Yuxuan. He had kept his promise and was there to mop the floors as compensation for wrongly punishing her earlier. Kesong found his serious demeanor while mopping humorous, playfully directing him to various spots that needed cleaning.
The next morning, Jiang Qianfan took Kesong to Yuxuan’s vegetable base, specifically a "time tunnel" used for vegetable fermentation and marination. He showed her various stages of vegetable sauces, explaining how constant temperatures were maintained, and how ingredients like salt, wine, garlic, and ginger were added to create fermented sour fragrances and unique flavor effects over periods ranging from three days to a month. He encouraged her to taste the different stages to understand the changes.
Episode 22 Recap
Lin Kesong tasted a tomato in the "time tunnel," surprised by its dramatically changed flavor. Jiang Qianfan explained that fermentation is cooking's time channel, capable of altering a food's texture, flavor, and quality over durations ranging from a month to a lifetime. Meanwhile, Elise prepared to leave her home early. Her mother, Madam Quentin, reminded her that the upcoming competition's theme was fermentation and urged her to return soon to teach Victor her signature Lime Fish Fillet.
Victor, Elise's younger brother, declared his ambition to secure the top position. Madam Quentin and Victor exchanged knowing glances when they saw Dr. Xie Junbin arriving to pick up Elise. Xie Junbin had prepared a lavish breakfast of Cantonese dim sum and Darjeeling tea, Elise's favorite.
As they ate, he reminisced about their first meeting at a London garden party, recalling her floral dress and vibrant laughter, and how she first asked him if he was a doctor to check on Jiang Qianfan. Despite the years, Xie Junbin assured Elise that she remained the bright, young girl he had first encountered. In his office, Song Yiran's older brother confronted him about his relationship.
Song Yiran revealed that he had broken up with Chu Ting due to a major argument. His brother reacted furiously, chastising Song Yiran for his casual approach to love and his lack of career and family stability. Song Yiran, frustrated by his brother's interference, accused him of only pushing the relationship for Chu Ting's family influence.
His brother conceded this was true and revealed the family's dire financial predicament: the traditional hotel business was struggling against emerging industries, all capital was tied up in foreign investments, Liang She Hotel had been mortgaged, and the company lacked a new revenue stream, deterring new investors. He explained that some board members wanted to remove him or withdraw their shares.
Marrying Chu Ting, he implored, would signal to everyone that the Chu family would provide financial guarantees, stabilizing the Song Group and preventing its collapse. Back at Jiang Qianfan's home, he taught Lin Kesong about the impact of aging on vinegar, comparing it to wine, where different years yield distinct flavors. He informed her that her next task was to prepare a sour-flavored dish, but he wouldn't be teaching her, as someone else was more proficient.
Elise then arrived, and Jiang Qianfan explained that the dish was her specialty, praising her unique fermentation method for squid. As Jiang Qianfan helped Elise with her chef's uniform and rolled up her sleeves, Lin Kesong observed, feeling a pang of jealousy. Blu, worried that Lin Xiaoyu wasn't responding to his numerous messages, confided in Lin Feng. Lin Feng confirmed Xiaoyu had received them but advised Blu that Xiaoyu, being spoiled since childhood, needed to be tolerated but not indulged.
Blu then asked Lin Feng to give Xiaoyu a painting he had made for her. The painting depicted mountains, water, and a small cat. Lin Feng joked that Xiaoyu was more like a "big tiger bearing fangs and brandishing claws," not a kitten, to Blu's amusement. Elise began teaching Lin Kesong, demonstrating techniques like mashing garlic and cutting squid, but Lin Kesong struggled with the repeated instructions, making several mistakes, including incorrectly mashing peppercorns for an uneven sauce.
Lin Kesong silently marveled at Elise's impressive culinary skills, which she hadn't expected from someone she perceived as merely good at management. She reflected on her past desire to be like Chu Ting and her current envy of Elise, feeling like an "ugly duckling" unable to catch up to their excellence. Elise, frustrated by Lin Kesong's lack of progress, questioned Jiang Qianfan about why he insisted she teach Lin Kesong.
Jiang Qianfan casually admitted that he primarily didn't want Elise to teach Victor that particular dish. Later, Lin Xiaoyu returned home, saw Blu's painting, and took a photo of the cat. She found Blu, chiding him for drawing her as a kitten and demanded he repaint her as a tiger at his studio, leaving Blu bewildered. At that moment, Boris called, reprimanding Xiaoyu for not attending practice.
Xiaoyu casually dismissed his concerns, stating that she had been dealing with fermentation since childhood and that in the upcoming competition, only Victor posed a serious challenge. She abruptly hung up on an enraged Boris. She then playfully teased Blu about drawing a "Hello Kitty" instead of a tiger. Elise returned home, where Victor presented his prepared dish for her to taste.
She praised it, finding it far superior to Lin Kesong's, and lamented that her entire morning teaching Lin Kesong had been fruitless. Madam Quentin, overhearing this, was furious, accusing Elise of prioritizing her "ex-boyfriend's apprentice" over her own brother. Victor, upon learning that Lin Kesong was making the same dish, declared that he would immediately prepare "three different fermented dishes" for the competition, refusing to be associated with Lin Kesong, whom he deemed unqualified. He promptly headed to the kitchen.
That evening, Da Mai provided two assistant chefs with dubious "rheumatoid arthritis" certificates, informing them to treat it as their last day at Yuxuan and to make things difficult. Upon starting her shift, Elise discovered an anonymous letter on her desk, stating that kitchen staff were planning a walkout. She immediately called Jiang Qianfan, and they concluded that Da Mai was likely involved, but not alone. During a pre-shift meeting, Jiang Qianfan announced Da Mai's return to the kitchen.
Da Mai demanded an explanation for his recent punishment. Jiang Qianfan cited a management rule about lateness to daily meetings. Da Mai challenged him, implying the real reason was his criticism of Jiang Qianfan's Wagyu Sirloin and Red Crayfish dish. Jiang Qianfan then asked everyone present to raise their hand if they thought the dish tasted bad.
The manager quickly praised Jiang Qianfan's cooking as "the standard," but Da Mai, surprisingly, was the first to raise his hand, followed by others, and finally, Jiang Qianfan himself. Jiang Qianfan announced that the dish would be removed from the menu and that he would develop new ones, emphasizing that Yuxuan belonged to everyone. A pleased Da Mai then urged everyone to return to work.
In his office, Jiang Qianfan confided in Elise that while his public concession was partly strategic, the priority was to stabilize Yuxuan's kitchen to achieve their Michelin third star. Losing Da Mai and two assistant chefs would have been disastrous. Elise shared that a restaurant headhunter had recently inquired about Yuxuan's staff changes, hinting at potential departures and offering to recruit anyone not renewing their contracts.
They realized this connected to the anonymous letter, suggesting someone internally was inciting unrest and arranging new positions for departing staff. Jiang Qianfan advised Elise to closely observe the manager, suspecting his involvement. In the kitchen, the two assistant chefs hesitantly asked Da Mai if they were still leaving. Da Mai declared that Jiang Qianfan's unprecedented public admission of fault signified Da Mai's "total victory," so there was no reason to leave.
He told them to tear up their fake sick-leave notes. The manager then called, urging them to sign contracts with the new restaurant. Da Mai, recalling the manager's cautious behavior during the meeting, accused him of being a "fence-sitter" and swiftly hung up, effectively severing ties with him. Elise called Xiao Pa to her office, acknowledging her failure to relay Da Mai's concerns to Jiang Qianfan promptly. She asked for his ideas on gathering feedback.
Xiao Pa suggested implementing an anonymous customer feedback questionnaire, a system he had used at a previous restaurant, where guests could honestly rate dishes and receive small gifts. He also advised Elise to directly inform Jiang Qianfan of the truth, as he believed Jiang Qianfan, being the most talented chef, would find a solution, thereby protecting Yuxuan. Elise then sought Xiao Pa's opinion on improving management rules.
Xiao Pa posited that "a living system is the best system," emphasizing adaptability over rigid rules. As Xiao Pa left, the manager, who had been waiting outside, discreetly questioned him. Xiao Pa reassured the manager that he hadn't divulged any sensitive information. Later, Song Yiran called Lin Kesong to meet him. He confessed that despite his recent breakup with Chu Ting, his brother was pressuring him to propose marriage.
Reflecting on how Lin Kesong had always deemed his previous girlfriends unsuitable, he asked for her opinion on whether he should propose to Chu Ting. Lin Kesong replied that she couldn't make such a decision for him, only that she found Chu Ting to be a "flawless" woman. Song Yiran accepted her answer.
Episode 23 Recap
Junbin invited Victor to a bar, hoping to help him relax before an upcoming competition. Victor, however, expressed a dislike for alcohol and assured Junbin he wasn't nervous. He also playfully remarked that Junbin sounded like an old man. Slightly irked, Junbin took to the stage to sing, intending to show his youthful spirit. When customers began to leave, Victor quickly intervened, taking the mic to sing a more upbeat song and improve the mood.
Junbin captured Victor's performance on video and sent it to Elise, who was surprised by Victor's singing talent. Junbin promised to take Victor out more often to sing, and Elise expressed her happiness. After leaving the bar, Victor saw a repair shop and remembered a motorcycle he had left there. He messaged Sister K, asking if the motorcycle had been discarded.
Sister K, recognizing the message as from the "spoiled brat," asserted that every vehicle has a life and instructed her apprentices to reply that it had been thrown away. Meanwhile, Boris waited impatiently at Lin Xiaoyu's private kitchen. When she finally arrived, he angrily admonished her for skipping training. He warned her that if her performance in the upcoming competition was poor, "hell awaits for you." Lin Xiaoyu confidently replied that such a scenario was "impossible!"
Lin Kesong was struggling to replicate Elise's dish. Jiang Qianfan explained that Elise's dish contained "many layers of sourness" from ingredients like lemon, fish sauce, white wine, and red wine, with the red wine being key because its flavor "can seep into your heart," unlike Kesong's version, which faded quickly. He compared Elise to an aged red wine—complex, experienced, worldly, kind, generous, and elegant—while Kesong felt like "boiled water."
Jiang Qianfan encouraged her to take her time, set a five to ten-year goal, and find her unique style, rather than imitating Elise. He reminded her of a "rainy night" as a source of her own experience. Kesong privately reflected on that rainy night, a time when she was heartbroken over losing Song Yiran. However, she realized that hearing about Song Yiran's plans to propose to Chu Ting now brought her no pain, signifying a shift in her feelings.
Following a board meeting, Song Yiran's elder brother informed him of a large celebration planned for his 24th birthday, where Chu Ting's father and all board members would be present. He instructed Song Yiran to propose to Chu Ting at the party. Song Yiran resisted, concerned about potential public embarrassment if Chu Ting refused. He suggested a more private and romantic proposal, to which his brother eventually agreed, prioritizing the outcome.
The third round of the Mueller's Future Star Culinary Competition began, with fermentation as the main theme. Chairman Thomas introduced an additional rule: contestants had to include at least one fruit in their dishes. As Kesong felt overwhelmed, she spotted hawthorn berries, which evoked memories of that emotional "rainy night" and the "torn feeling" she had experienced. She resolved to create a dish that captured that profound sentiment. During the competition, Boris noticed Kesong adding sugar to her dish.
He immediately started a live broadcast, highlighting Jiang Qianfan's well-known extreme aversion to sugar, even banning it from his restaurant. Boris dramatically questioned the humiliation Jiang Qianfan would face if his apprentice, Lin Kesong, were to win while using sugar. He then provocatively confronted Jiang Qianfan, asking how he felt about his apprentice "publicly rebelling against you."
Jiang Qianfan calmly retorted that Boris should focus on his own apprentice, Lin Xiaoyu, warning that she would be "defeated" because the temperature of her yogurt fermentation exceeded 43 degrees. As cooking time ended, the host interviewed the chefs. Blu presented a "bird's nest," symbolizing his wish for a specific person to "lay down her burden and get along with me." Victor simply stated his dish had no story.
Kesong's dish, "Crush of Tanghulu," featured candied hawthorn with yogurt, sweet vinegar, and red wine in its outer shell. She explained that the feeling of a crush was like eating Tanghulu: "The first bite is sweet but as you continue, it becomes bitter and tart. As time passes, the flavor changes too." Her parents, watching the broadcast, expressed pride and sorrow, feeling their daughter had "endured more hardship."
The competition results were announced: Victor Quentin took first place, Lin Kesong's "Crush of Tanghulu" earned second, and Lin Xiaoyu came in third. After the announcement, Kesong frantically searched for Jiang Qianfan, who had already left. Boris, enraged by Lin Xiaoyu's third-place finish, harshly reprimanded her, accusing her of "underestimat[ing] your enemy!" Blu attempted to defend Lin Xiaoyu but was roughly pushed away by Boris. Huang Shi then stepped forward to protect his own apprentice, Blu.
Madam Quentin intervened, advising Blu not to interfere with Boris's methods of disciplining his apprentice. Lin Xiaoyu apologized to Boris, who ordered her to report to his Jellyfish Bar in two hours. Song Yiran gave Kesong a ride home and inquired if her "Crush of Tanghulu" dish hinted at a past or present crush, but Kesong deflected the question. She repeatedly tried calling Jiang Qianfan, but his phone was off.
Upon Kesong's arrival at Jiang Qianfan's home, she found her luggage packed. He coldly told her to leave, stating he had nothing more to teach her and no longer wished to see her. A tearful Kesong tried to reason with him, explaining that her dish wouldn't be authentic without sugar, and offered him a sample of her Tanghulu.
In a fit of rage, Jiang Qianfan knocked the dish to the floor, accusing her of being "disgusting" and "childish" for bringing up "love, about Song Yiran." He declared that someone who told such "disgusting stories" was unworthy to "stay in my kitchen, and even more, not by my side." Kesong countered, asking if he, knowing the competition rules, had "never made sweets."
Jiang Qianfan sternly reiterated that "no sweets are allowed wherever I am," defining it as his "bottomline" that "no one, including you, must touch." He demanded she leave immediately. Heartbroken, Kesong lamented that Li Yan and Nina had also left, and now he was driving her away too. She collected her luggage and departed from his home. Shortly after Kesong left, Elise called Jiang Qianfan, who informed her that he had kicked Kesong out.
Elise expressed delight at the news and offered to issue a public announcement of Kesong's withdrawal from the competition under Yuxuan's name. She then advised Jiang Qianfan not to let Kesong upset him. Simultaneously, Madam Quentin, who had evidently predicted Jiang Qianfan's actions, celebrated Kesong's departure with Victor and another family member. Lin Xiaoyu arrived at the Jellyfish Bar on time for her punishment.
Boris presented her with two boxes of fish and commanded her to scale all of them within 15 hours. He warned that if she failed to complete the task by 5 AM the following morning, she would be forced to eat every single fish, "including the tails and bones." Meanwhile, Song Yiran went to Chu Ting's store with flowers to apologize.
However, Chu Ting instructed her employee, Chang Yuan, to close the store and reject his apology, claiming she was allergic to pollen. Chang Yuan, despite his awkwardness, dutifully urged Song Yiran to leave. With nowhere to go, Kesong wandered, contemplating returning home. She worried about how to explain her situation to her parents without speaking ill of Jiang Qianfan, but also knew she couldn't hide being kicked out. She decided to postpone going home for another day, intending to wait until her absence from the next competition round could no longer be concealed.
Episode 24 Recap
Song Yiran called his older brother, expressing his desire to give up on reconciling with Chu Ting, who had blocked him on all communication platforms. His brother immediately threatened to confiscate his car and house and freeze his credit card if he quit. Song Yiran protested, recounting how Chu Ting had kicked him out of her store and blocked his contacts, asking his brother for help.
His brother retorted that Song Yiran, who only ever had girls "hanging around him," should know how to coax a girl. Under pressure, Song Yiran returned to Chu Ting's store and put up handwritten apology notes that read, "Chu Ting, I'm wrong. You are my goddess. I swear that I'll never upset you anymore." Chu Ting dismissed his efforts as "stupid" and remained angry. Feeling at a loss, Song Yiran then noticed an available billboard space across the street.
Madam Quentin met Huang Shi, who was going to take her to a zither master. Huang Shi explained they were meeting at his shop first because the master lived in a hard-to-find alley. He apologized for being distracted, confessing he was advising his apprentice, Blue, on how to date Lin Xiaoyu while avoiding Boris, noting that Lin Xiaoyu had completely "conquered" his apprentice.
Madam Quentin commented that Huang Shi himself was still single, suggesting he hadn't met his own "conqueror" yet, to which he playfully responded that his 90-year-old mother was his conqueror, always criticizing his cooking and clothes. Madam Quentin, however, liked his attire and expressed a desire for a custom-made Chinese-style qipao to wear for zither playing, even though she hadn't started learning yet.
When Huang Shi offered to take her to a tailor, she declined, instead giving him her measurements—97, 72, 94—and entrusted him with making the qipao, relying on his aesthetic judgment. Huang Shi felt the pressure, comparing it to taking a test, and Madam Quentin encouraged him to do his best. The Yuxuan manager found himself unable to clock in with his fingerprints. He then noticed Xiao Pa wearing his manager's uniform, which Xiao Pa said Elise had given him.
The manager immediately went to Elise's office, asking her to check on the fingerprint issue. Elise calmly informed him that she had erased his record. She then confronted him about secretly signing with another restaurant and planning to wait for his payday before submitting a sick note and leaving, calling it "a good plan." Despite the manager's denial, Elise stated that the restaurant circle was small and that he had violated his contract by not giving three months' notice.
She informed him that a lawyer would contact him regarding the breach before dismissing him. Afterward, Elise assigned two other staff members to cover the manager's former duties by rotating their shifts. On his first day as manager, Xiao Pa welcomed food critic Marco, who ordered the five new dishes for the season. Xiao Pa informed him that the Wagyu Sirloin and Red Crayfish main entrée had been temporarily suspended because Jiang Qianfan felt there was room for improvement.
Marco expressed surprise, noting that Jiang Qianfan’s test dishes had always been the final version and he had never changed his mind before, no matter who criticized them. Marco initially agreed to try the four other new dishes, but then insisted on trying the Wagyu Sirloin and Red Crayfish out of curiosity. Xiao Pa relayed this request to Jiang Qianfan, who prepared the dish for him. Marco was satisfied and subsequently wrote a positive review titled "Yuxuan's New Dishes Review."
Later, Da Mai saw the article and was furious, feeling that the credit for identifying the dish's flaws was his. He complained that he was the one who had deemed the dish bad and forced its removal, yet now Jiang Qianfan was taking all the credit for himself, implying that Jiang Qianfan wouldn't be where he was without Da Mai's input.
That evening, Lin Kesong received a call from her parents, who congratulated her on achieving second place in the competition. Her mother then hesitantly asked if the heartfelt words Lin Kesong spoke during the competition were about herself. Her mother expressed concern, recalling how they had been strict with Lin Kesong growing up and always thought she was an innocent, carefree girl, never realizing she carried so many worries silently.
Her father sympathized with Lin Kesong for enduring so many upsetting things on her own, a realization that made both parents feel relieved and sad. Despite silently shedding tears, Lin Kesong maintained a cheerful facade and confessed that she did like someone and had for a long time, but he was proposing to his girlfriend the next day. She quickly added that she felt no sadness and was happy for him, signaling that she had moved past it.
Her mother, shocked, immediately wanted to know who it was so she could "talk to him," but Lin Kesong explained that this was precisely why she hadn't told them sooner. She assured them that since she was telling them now, it meant the matter was in the past and she was happy they were understanding. She then ended the call, claiming she needed to get back to practicing. Jiang Qianfan accompanied Elise to a bar to unwind.
Elise thanked him for Yuxuan's success and happily mentioned she had a great time. While there, Jiang Qianfan found himself lost in memories of Lin Kesong—their conversations about her aspiration to become a chef, his promise to help her achieve that dream, and their shared moments. Elise took a photo of them and posted it online, which Junbin playfully commented on, telling them not to go out while he was working, to which both Elise and Jiang Qianfan replied, "Obeyed!"
Upon returning home, Jiang Qianfan was overwhelmed by Lin Kesong's lingering presence. Seeing a pig toy reminded him of her vulnerable moments, her endearing jokes, her blushing, and her determination to become a chef. He missed her smile, her cuteness, and her spirited nature, but her absence in the house was palpable. He attempted to cook in the kitchen but found himself unable to focus, ultimately abandoning the effort.
Li Yan sent Elise another message, demanding money and asking to meet. Terrified, Elise called Xie Junbin, who, despite the late hour, rushed to accompany her. Elise only had 20,000 yuan, which Junbin realized wouldn't be enough, so he added his own 30,000 yuan to the amount. They found Li Yan selling snacks by the river. Li Yan, seeing the paltry sum, refused to believe Elise couldn't secure more money, citing her "friends and connections."
He brazenly declared that since he had been her "scapegoat," she should be making money for him for the rest of his life. Enraged by his greed, Elise impulsively reached for a knife at his stall. Junbin quickly intervened, stepping forward to shield her. He told Li Yan to stop bothering Elise and to come to him directly for any future demands, claiming Elise's money had been "emptied out."
Li Yan accused them of faking it and threatened to expose Elise to Jiang Qianfan, playing a recording of a past phone call where Elise discussed gathering money for him. Junbin tried to snatch the phone to destroy the recording, but in the ensuing struggle, Li Yan accidentally splashed hot soup on Junbin's leg before fleeing. Elise was distraught and took him back to his home to tend to his burn.
She repeatedly apologized, overwhelmed with guilt, but Junbin, downplaying his injury with a joke about not wearing skirts, assured her it wasn't a big deal. Lin Xiaoyu spent a grueling fifteen hours descaling fish under Boris's harsh supervision. Finally, Boris appeared, cynically remarking that she could go home and if she still wasn't satisfied with her punishment, she could "lose again in the next competition." Lin Xiaoyu defiantly responded, "No. I won't."
Utterly exhausted, she staggered out of the jellyfish bar and barely made it home, where her father was waiting, worried about her absence. Upon learning she had been "killing fish" all night as a punishment from Boris, her father was outraged, calling Boris a "monster" for treating his daughter so harshly. Lin Xiaoyu defended Boris, claiming he was pushing her "for my own good" because she didn't want to keep losing.
Her father urged her to quit the grueling competition, but Lin Xiaoyu vehemently refused, declaring that she would never give up and lose to her cousin, Lin Kesong. Song Yiran's older brother visited him early in the morning, having arranged the expensive billboard space. He informed Song Yiran that the billboard would be displayed for only one hour, from noon to 1 PM, due to its high cost.
Song Yiran worried about Chu Ting not seeing it, but his brother dismissed his concerns, pushing him to think of what to write. When Song Yiran suggested a simple apology, his brother scorned the idea, advising him to propose on the billboard instead. Song Yiran was hesitant, arguing that proposing would be too abrupt given their current estranged status. However, his brother was unyielding, emphasizing his lack of faith in Song Yiran to fix things on his own.
Song Yiran reluctantly agreed to the proposal idea. His brother then set a strict deadline of 11 AM for him to finalize the proposal text. Immediately after, Song Yiran's brother called Chu Ting, falsely claiming he intended to visit her store that afternoon to buy clothes, ensuring she would be there. The next morning, Jiang Qianfan called Elise to the kitchen, eager to work on a new Chinese dish he was developing.
Elise, however, was preoccupied with news of Lin Kesong. She informed him that Lin Kesong's withdrawal application had been sent to Thomas, and she had forwarded the official withdrawal announcement from Yuxuan's site to his phone. Jiang Qianfan, focused on his cooking, said he would look at it later. After he presented his new dish for her to taste, Elise, despite initially praising it, was prompted by Jiang Qianfan to be more professional.
She then critiqued it, noting the savory oyster flavor and good layering but concluding that, overall, it "lacked a bit," pinpointing the seasoning as the likely issue. A frustrated Jiang Qianfan gave her a complex taste dimension chart and asked her to fill it out. Elise recognized it as the chart Lin Kesong had previously filled out for his orange-stuffed crab dish.
Apologizing, Elise confessed she couldn't accurately quantify the flavors, explaining she couldn't measure how much more savory it was compared to a boiled egg, and thus couldn't complete the chart. Jiang Qianfan grew visibly agitated by her inability to help him in the way Lin Kesong could, declaring they should stop for the day. Elise again tried to get him to read the announcement, even offering to read it to him, but he dismissed it. Finally, Elise expressed her desire to "give it another shot" with him, but only under one condition: that she be allowed to post the official withdrawal announcement herself.
Episode 25 Recap
Elise approached Oliver, proposing they resume their relationship, but she had a condition: she wanted to be the one to post the public announcement. Oliver disagreed, stating he couldn't let her use Lin Kesong as a bargaining chip and emphasizing the need for professionalism. He then offered her an open invitation to move her belongings into his home whenever she was ready. Elise, however, refused, feeling too exhausted, and left.
After a night in a hotel, Lin Kesong calmly realized her reluctance to return home wasn't about facing her parents, but rather an unspoken wait for Oliver to seek her out and bring her back. She felt deeply ashamed to find herself unable to move past Oliver, just as she once struggled to let go of Song Yiran.
Meanwhile, at her shop, Sister K watched a video of Victor competing in a culinary contest, prompting her to immediately put a "low price" sign on his motorcycle. Lin Kesong checked out of the hotel and returned to her uncle's restaurant. Outside, she found Blu looking glum. He explained that Lin Xiaoyu, upset after losing the previous competition, was refusing to see him, believing that Boris thought Blu had distracted her focus.
Her uncle, seeing Lin Kesong arrive with luggage, was deeply concerned for her. Upon learning Lin Kesong had withdrawn from the competition, Lin Xiaoyu excitedly embraced her, happily reconciling. Her uncle realized Lin Xiaoyu had lied about reconciling previously. Lin Xiaoyu then quickly messaged Boris that Lin Kesong was dropping out of the competition and saying her goodbyes, experiencing a brief pang of loss afterward.
Song Yiran's older brother, Song Yixing, went to Chu Ting's shop, subtly trying to get her to look at a billboard. Chu Ting, seeing through his efforts, bluntly told him he worried too much for Song Yiran, which prevented Song Yiran from truly growing up. She asked Song Yixing for the exact time the billboard would be displayed, indicating she wished for Song Yiran to face some setbacks. After Chu Ting’s candidness, Song Yixing called Song Yiran, scolding him.
Song Yiran then went into Chu Ting's shop and confessed that his brother wanted him to propose via the billboard. He admitted he had hesitated because he wasn't ready and feared hurting her. He had also questioned whether he would be with Chu Ting if not for his brother's influence, concluding he didn't know. Chu Ting, though angry, admired his honesty in confronting his true feelings without mixing in other motives.
She advised him to return only after he had a clear answer, but warned she couldn't guarantee she would wait for him. Song Yiran then went to Oliver's house, looking for Lin Kesong. Finding Lin Kesong absent, Song Yiran asked Oliver if he was the person Lin Kesong had secretly admired for ten years. Oliver confirmed this.
Song Yiran admitted he now realized Lin Kesong held a special place in his heart, but he also liked Chu Ting and felt the need to clarify his feelings before moving forward. Oliver acknowledged and admired Song Yiran's courage and honesty in facing his emotions, admitting it was a quality he lacked. Song Yiran then left, asking Oliver not to mention his visit to Lin Kesong.
Lin Xiaoyu and Lin Kesong discussed the punishments inflicted by their respective mentors, realizing how foolish they were to have fought over them. During their conversation, Oliver called Lin Kesong, stating he had left two bottles of wine for her parents as an apology, and the house key was under the door since he was out. Lin Xiaoyu was visibly displeased by Oliver's renewed contact with Lin Kesong.
Lin Kesong's uncle, however, encouraged her to go retrieve the wine for her parents after dinner, considering Oliver's sincerity. Meanwhile, Victor approached Sister K about his motorcycle. Sister K explained that the bike had inherent manufacturing defects, but she had spent many days making extensive modifications, ensuring the next owner would find it perfectly tuned. Victor, dismissing Sister K's daily oatmeal diet, scoffed at her perceived misunderstanding of gourmet food.
Sister K's apprentices challenged Victor to cook a dish that would genuinely impress them; if he succeeded, they would return his motorcycle and even offer themselves as his apprentices. Victor accepted, cautioning them not to regret their wager. Upon arriving at Oliver's house, Lin Kesong found the door locked from the inside, realizing Oliver had lied about being out. Just then, her mother called, confirming receipt of the wine from "Mr. Jiang" and asking for storage instructions, expressing their gratitude.
Lin Kesong, still annoyed, tried to leave, but Oliver stopped her. He offered a sincere apology for his past words, promising to respect her feelings and preferences, even if he didn't always understand them. He vowed that if he ever upset her again, he would apologize to her on Boris's livestream. Lin Kesong added her own conditions: he must perform 2,000 wok tosses daily and cook her favorite crayfish and whatever else she desired every day.
Oliver readily agreed to all her terms. She clarified that she was merely observing his cooking, not yet fully forgiving him. After this, Lin Kesong messaged Lin Xiaoyu, who responded by pretending not to know her. Oliver advised Lin Kesong not to dwell on Lin Xiaoyu's reaction, suggesting that Lin Xiaoyu only sought reconciliation when Lin Kesong was in a position of "weakness" or "defeat."
He emphasized that Lin Xiaoyu was the one who needed to change her mindset, and Lin Kesong should instead focus on her culinary training. Lin Kesong, feeling comforted by Oliver's familiar presence and scent, reflected that she might have agreed too quickly but also couldn't bear to wait any longer, concluding that the right person is truly worth the wait and will bring unexpected warmth. Boris, upon hearing that Lin Kesong had returned to Oliver, expressed surprise.
He interpreted this as a sign that Oliver's strict adherence to his principles was beginning to waver. Boris speculated that if Oliver, who had achieved "god-like" status as a chef without using sugar, were to ever incorporate it into his cooking, his abilities would increase tenfold. Oliver later sought out Thomas, requesting to withdraw his application to exit the competition. Thomas demanded a compelling reason for such a change of mind.
Oliver explained that his aversion to sugar stemmed from finding Montgomery's last words, "I hate sugar," among his belongings after his shipwreck four years prior. Oliver believed sugar had taken Montgomery's life. Thomas corrected him, stating that a disaster, not sugar, had caused Montgomery's death. Oliver recounted how, after his parents' fatal car accident, Montgomery had been like a lifeline to him, only for Montgomery to also be lost.
He felt that while sweetness might bring happiness and relaxation to others, it had stripped him of everything, leading to his resolute exclusion of sugar from his dishes. Thomas reminded Oliver that as a mentor, his rigid stance was unfair to Lin Kesong. He reiterated the competition's purpose: to inspire more young people to embrace cooking and provide them opportunities to become skilled chefs.
Thomas pointed out that given Lin Kesong's current performance, she was highly likely to reach the finals, and if she needed to compete with sweet dishes, Oliver's position would put her in an impossible situation. Meanwhile, Madam Quentin, learning of Lin Kesong's return, reminded Elise that Oliver had nearly destroyed the Yuxuan kitchen when Elise merely added a bit of brown sugar to his dessert.
Yet, he was now showing such tolerance towards Lin Kesong, who had explicitly incorporated sweetness in her dish. Madam Quentin concluded that Oliver's boundaries were set for Elise and everyone else he didn't love. Huang Shi called Madam Quentin to collect her qipao. He closed his restaurant, setting up a private fitting for her. Madam Quentin eagerly tried on the qipao, delighting in its beauty and perfect fit.
As Huang Shi helped her with a necklace, Blu unexpectedly returned and awkwardly covered his eyes. Madam Quentin then departed, and Blu playfully teased Huang Shi about his charm. Later, Oliver noticed a malfunction with his home surveillance system at Yuxuan. He called Lin Kesong, asking her to go downstairs at his house and help him check the router. At that very moment, Li Yan had secretly infiltrated Oliver's home.
He took a selfie and sent it to Elise, attempting to blackmail her for two million. As Lin Kesong went downstairs, she spotted Li Yan, crying out in alarm and grabbing a kitchen tool to defend herself. Oliver, hearing her scream over the phone, sped home on his motorcycle. Frantically searching for her upon arrival, he couldn't find her anywhere. His heart pounding with anxiety, he was immensely relieved when a terrified Lin Kesong ran out and tightly embraced him. Oliver, his heart aching, held her close and softly comforted her.
Episode 26 Recap
Elise, under renewed threat from Li Yan who had approached Jiang Qianfan, urgently sought help from Jun Bin. Jun Bin, speaking to Li Yan on the phone, managed to negotiate a three-day deadline to pay ¥2,000,000. Li Yan promised that upon receiving the money, he would disappear permanently, but warned that if the deadline was missed, he would visit Mr. Jiang at his house.
Determined to protect Elise, Jun Bin resolved to mortgage his own house, assuring her he would pay even ¥50,000,000 if it meant Li Yan would finally leave them alone. However, Elise refused to let him make such a sacrifice, expressing deep regret for her past actions and feeling like a "lunatic" and "terrible" person.
She questioned why Jun Bin wasn't scared of her, to which he replied that he saw guilt, not fear, and believed she was more gentle than she thought. Touched by his unwavering support, Elise cried and embraced him. To ensure Lin Kesong's safety, Jiang Qianfan had all the door locks in the house changed, declaring his intention to give her a "safe home." Lin Kesong was deeply moved by this gesture, feeling warmed by the "iceberg" that was Jiang Qianfan.
Later, while reviewing her cooking, Jiang Qianfan critiqued her salt-baked chicken, explaining that it was overcooked by half a minute, causing it to be too salty and lack elasticity. Meanwhile, at Yuxuan, Chef Mai proudly shared an article from an official account that lauded him as "the pillar of Yuxuan." Papo gently suggested that such an article might be inappropriate, especially if Jiang Qianfan or Elise saw it.
Chef Mai dismissed his concerns, boasting about his longer tenure at Yuxuan and demanding that all kitchen staff forward the article in their chat groups. Boris presented Lin Xiaoyu with the competition scores, highlighting that despite Lin Kesong's current low standing, her performance was on an upward trend.
He warned Lin Xiaoyu that if Lin Kesong placed first or second in the upcoming round while Lin Xiaoyu ranked low, Lin Kesong would advance to the final four, and Lin Xiaoyu would be eliminated. Humiliated by the prospect, Lin Xiaoyu declared her intention to ensure Lin Kesong "goes astray" in the competition. That night, Lin Kesong woke from a nightmare, crying out about being chased and crushed by a heavy rock.
Jiang Qianfan, finding her distressed, apologized for putting too much pressure on her, which Lin Kesong humorously likened to him being the rock in her dream. He took her to the balcony for fresh air and asked if she would have continued her culinary journey with another mentor if he hadn't brought her back. Lin Kesong retorted by asking if he would have taken another apprentice if she had truly left.
After some playful back-and-forth, Jiang Qianfan admitted he would "absolutely" not take another apprentice, finding the process too exhausting. Lin Kesong echoed his sentiment. When she inquired if he would dismiss her should she lose the next competition, Jiang Qianfan, to her astonishment, calmly stated that losing wouldn't be a significant issue and that they would simply "experience it together," as he had never truly experienced a loss himself.
This profound shift in his perspective deeply moved Lin Kesong, making her feel he had "grown taller and stronger" in her heart. As she grew sleepy, Jiang Qianfan offered his shoulder for her to rest on, expressing his desire to help her become "truly brilliant." Once she drifted off, he carefully carried her into his own room. Later, Jiang Qianfan messaged Thomas, stating his wish to appear on stage with Lin Kesong if she made it to the final.
Thomas, noting the change, inquired if he was abandoning his pessimistic philosophy. Jiang Qianfan clarified that his core beliefs hadn't changed, but he simply didn't want to "drag down Lin Kesong," adding that for her, "life is sweet and flavorful." The next morning, Lin Kesong awoke in Jiang Qianfan's room, confused about how she got there.
Jiang Qianfan playfully claimed he had slept in her room and fabricated a story about her making animal noises in her sleep, which genuinely frightened her into thinking she had relapsed into an old illness. Seeing her distress, Jiang Qianfan confessed he was joking and suggested they permanently swap rooms to prevent future nightmares. Lin Kesong found the idea troublesome, but he insisted they prepare for the day.
The theme for the fourth round of the competition was announced as "Origin," emphasizing the importance of pairing local ingredients with local salts. Thomas elaborated on the nuances of different salts in Western cooking and their specific uses. Lin Kesong arrived at the venue about half an hour before the competition. Lin Xiaoyu, upon seeing her, made a snide remark about her previous intention to withdraw.
Jiang Qianfan attempted to intervene, but Lin Xiaoyu dismissed him, insisting it was a private matter between sisters. She then lured Lin Kesong away from the venue under the pretense of needing to talk elsewhere. Madam Quentin arrived wearing a qipao made of the same fabric and color as Huang Shi's attire. Blu teasingly remarked that they looked like they were wearing "couples' outfits."
Madam Quentin, slightly embarrassed, urged Huang Shi to change, but he insisted on taking a photo together first before complying. Lin Xiaoyu drove Lin Kesong to a secluded beach, taunting her about her cooking skills. Once there, she confirmed Lin Kesong didn't have her phone, then deliberately locked her inside the car, leaving her stranded with only 20 minutes left until the competition.
Lin Xiaoyu sarcastically told her they would chat in an hour and a half, claiming she left a small gap in the window for air before driving away. Trapped, Lin Kesong desperately tried various methods to escape. She eventually found a tool inside the car, used it to smash a window, and broke free. Exhausted, she borrowed a passerby's phone to call Jiang Qianfan, who was anxiously searching for her. After getting directions, he rushed to pick her up.
The competition officially began with the host announcing the task: "Replication." Contestants were tasked with replicating Chairperson Thomas's Eight Treasure Duck, which incorporated famous ingredients and local salts from five different locations, with a specific "mystery" in its surface sauce. Eight minutes after the competition began, and just before the ten-minute disqualification mark, Lin Kesong, escorted by Jiang Qianfan, dramatically rushed onto the stage.
Jiang Qianfan then sat down next to Boris, telling him he hadn't filed a complaint because Boris's actions (implicitly, along with Lin Xiaoyu's) had "stimulated Lin Kesong's fighting spirit" and that he had "done a good thing" for the "softhearted" Lin Kesong. Boris, feigning ignorance, simply stated his Chinese was "too lousy" to understand.
During the competition, Huang Shi appeared wearing a ¥19 husky-patterned T-shirt, which Madam Quentin found adorable, noting its resemblance to her dog, Lucky, and expressing her intention to buy one too. As the tension mounted, Lin Kesong puzzled other contestants and viewers by deliberately pouring out the contents of her cooking into a different pot. Following the competition, the host interviewed Lin Kesong, asking why she had switched pots mid-cooking.
Lin Kesong explained that her initial pot was stainless steel, but she realized Chairperson Thomas had used a copper pot for his dish and swiftly switched to replicate that detail. Thomas confirmed her observation, expressing astonishment at her "amazing" sense of taste, which could even detect the copper pot. He highly praised her perfect replication of the ingredients' original taste and sauce, though he noted her plating was not perfect.
The results of the round were then announced: Victor placed first, Lin Kesong second, and Lin Xiaoyu third. The four finalists for the Future Star Culinary Competition were revealed to be Victor Quentin, Lin Xiaoyu, Blu, and Lin Kesong. Simultaneously, Elise was shown falling down a flight of stairs.
Separately, Song Yiran's elder brother informed him that Chu Ting's father had called, stating that the romantic matters between the young people should be resolved by themselves and would not impact their families' business relationship. The elder brother expressed admiration for Chu Ting's father's understanding and apologized for placing undue pressure on Song Yiran. Song Yiran acknowledged his brother's good intentions but admitted that his comfortable life under his brother's care had left him, at 24, having "achieved nothing." In response, his elder brother promised to no longer interfere with Song Yiran's career or love life, allowing him to make his own decisions.
Episode 27 Recap
During the cooking competition, the host interviewed Lin Kesong about an unusual action she took during the challenge. She was asked why she had dumped her nearly finished stuffing and started over with a different pan. Lin Kesong explained that while making the Eight Treasure Duck, she noticed that Thomas, one of the judges, was using a bronze pan, whereas she had been using a non-stick pan.
Her exceptional sense of taste allowed her to detect the metallic flavor of the bronze, prompting her to switch pans to replicate the original dish accurately. Thomas later confirmed that he indeed used a bronze pan for sautéing the stuffing to ensure even heat transfer, expressing surprise at Lin Kesong's sensitive palate. The final results of the competition were then announced.
Victor Quentin placed first, with Lin Kesong securing second place due to her perfect replication of the duck's meat, stuffing, and sauce. However, her presentation, color, and arrangement were deemed lacking, resulting in deducted points. Lin Xiaoyu came in third. These results solidified the top four chefs for Mueller's Future Star Culinary Competition: Victor Quentin, Lin Xiaoyu, Blu Weini, and Lin Kesong. Lin Kesong's parents celebrated her achievement, with her father enthusiastically offering discounts and free alcohol at his restaurant.
Meanwhile, Song Yiran's brother, Song Yisen, was watching the competition online. He informed Song Yiran that Chu Ting's father had called him, stating that the issues between the young people should be resolved among themselves and would not impact their business relationship. Song Yisen expressed his admiration for Chu Ting's father's broad perspective and apologized to Song Yiran for having pressured her, especially regarding marriage.
Song Yiran thanked him, acknowledging that while his support had given her a comfortable life, she felt unaccomplished at 24 and wished to make her own decisions about her career and relationships. Song Yisen, in turn, promised not to interfere in her future choices. Following the competition, Thomas, the chairman, addressed the top four chefs.
He questioned Lin Kesong, noting that security footage showed her and Jiang Qianfan arriving at the venue half an hour early, yet she was late for the competition. Lin Kesong remained silent. Thomas then asked Lin Xiaoyu to explain why she and Lin Kesong had entered Boris's car together, but Lin Xiaoyu returned alone on a bike twelve minutes later. Boris interjected, asserting that it was Lin Xiaoyu's personal time and she was not obligated to answer.
When Thomas pressed Lin Kesong and then Jiang Qianfan for an explanation, both chose to remain silent, with Jiang Qianfan stating he would "go with Lin Kesong." Thomas, though not pursuing the matter further, issued a stern warning, drawing on his ten years as chairman: any competitor who was dishonest or not fully focused on the competition would "lose miserably, with no exception." He hoped they understood his words.
Subsequently, the semi-finals group drawing took place, with both Lin Kesong and Lin Xiaoyu drawing Group One. After the drawing, Lin Xiaoyu confronted Boris, accusing him of leaving her vulnerable to Thomas's scrutiny by not providing an explanation, which made her feel judged by others. Boris dismissed her concerns, questioning why she cared about others' opinions when her name was listed after Lin Kesong's.
Lin Xiaoyu, fed up, declared she had followed his advice and schemes, only for it to backfire on her, leaving her looked down upon while Lin Kesong remained unaffected. She blamed Boris for her poor performance and refused to listen to him anymore. Boris called her "useless" and "pathetic" for being easily defeated by a minor setback, regretting his faith in her. Lin Xiaoyu retorted that she too was wrong to trust him, and stormed off.
Lin Kesong, still upset by Lin Xiaoyu's actions, expressed her anger, calling it "too evil." Jiang Qianfan, comforting her, remarked that Boris had done worse things to him, but he had simply chosen to forget them. Lin Kesong admitted she found it difficult to forget such things. Elsewhere, Junbin secured a two-million loan by collateralizing his home, agreeing to a 15% higher interest rate, with the contract signing scheduled for the following day.
Meanwhile, Elise's mother returned home to find Elise had twisted her foot. After sending Victor to get medicine, Mrs. Quentin noticed a message from Junbin on Elise's phone, related to the money. She confronted Elise, correctly deducing that the money was for Li Yan. Elise confessed that she had already given Li Yan ¥830,000 and he was now demanding ¥2,000,000, promising it would be the last time.
Skeptical, Elise expressed her desire to confess everything to Jiang Qianfan, unable to bear the fear and anxiety any longer. Mrs. Quentin warned her that Jiang Qianfan's temper could be volatile and he might report her to the police, asking if she was prepared to go to jail. Elise, unwilling to face imprisonment, agreed to Mrs. Quentin's proposal: if Li Yan contacted her again, she would direct him to Mrs. Quentin.
Mrs. Quentin then revealed she had kept a crucial agreement specifically to protect Elise in such a critical situation, emphasizing that Yuxuan was like Jiang Qianfan's child, and she would sacrifice his child to protect her own. She also reminded Elise that Junbin was genuinely good to her. Junbin later messaged Elise, reassuring her that the money would be raised soon and encouraging her to make her choices without external pressure.
Blu waited outside Lin Xiaoyu's restaurant, asking her if she was responsible for Lin Kesong's tardiness. Lin Xiaoyu admitted her involvement, telling him to stay away from her because she was a "bad person." Blu insisted that Boris was behind it, calling him a "demon" and urging Lin Xiaoyu to distance herself from him. Lin Xiaoyu countered that Boris was her mentor and had helped her reach the top four.
Feeling that everyone disliked her, just as they disliked Boris, she accepted her situation with a bitter laugh, saying it left her "no other options." She then walked away from Blu, later crying on the street before regaining her composure and continuing forward. Back home, Lin Kesong was receiving numerous congratulatory phone calls from her classmates, who praised her appearance and success. Feeling proud, she started to sound complacent about her achievements.
Jiang Qianfan, observing her, ordered her out of the kitchen, taking her handkerchief as a symbol of her lack of focus. He sternly criticized her for not taking cooking seriously, telling her she was "the worst out of all 8 chefs" and didn't "even have the right to compete with them." He asserted that her success was due to luck and his assistance, questioning how she expected to defeat Lin Xiaoyu with mere compliments.
Lin Kesong silently resented his words, believing her hard work earned her place, not just luck. Later, Dr. Zhou Dawen, who placed eighth in the competition, visited Lin Kesong. He expressed his dissatisfaction with his ranking and challenged her to a one-on-one competition, believing it was unfair that she had advanced over him. Jiang Qianfan suggested they use the four crab dishes he had prepared as the theme, aligning with the "fresh" theme of the semi-finals.
Dr. Zhou then recited a classic "Crab Poem" related to a complex crab dish, implying Lin Kesong's lack of culinary knowledge, which she admitted to. After they both cooked, Jiang Qianfan declined to judge, stating his mentorship made it unfair. Lin Kesong tasted Dr. Zhou's dish and was amazed by its quality, asking why he hadn't placed higher.
Jiang Qianfan explained that Dr. Zhou, a nutrition major, prioritized nutritional balance in his dishes, often deviating from the competition's themes—for example, by adding vegetables to the Eight Treasure Duck or baby cabbage to steamed crab to increase fiber. Dr. Zhou confirmed this, acknowledging that his stubborn focus on nutrition made him unsuited for culinary competitions, though he had no regrets.
Lin Kesong then revealed she had only spent 400-500 hours in the kitchen, while Dr. Zhou admitted to over 10,000 hours, yet humbly stated he still couldn't compare to Jiang Qianfan, Victor, Lin Xiaoyu, or Blu. As Jiang Qianfan walked Dr. Zhou out, he thanked him for his help. Dr. Zhou confessed that he had entered the competition specifically because of Jiang Qianfan, but was surprised he had chosen Lin Kesong so early.
Jiang Qianfan clarified that even without Lin Kesong, he wouldn't have chosen Dr. Zhou because his true passion was nutrition, not cooking. Dr. Zhou understood, expressing surprise that Lin Kesong still needed such a "spur" in her culinary studies. Upon returning home, Jiang Qianfan found Lin Kesong cutting her hair. She explained her intention was to make herself look "ugly" so she wouldn't be tempted to go out, allowing her to focus entirely on cooking.
After seeing her reflection, Lin Kesong cried, feeling her new haircut was too hideous. Jiang Qianfan affectionately reassured her that it looked fine and remarked that "the girl who drank the toilet water is finally back now," referring to her renewed determination. Later, Jiang Qianfan learned Elise was injured and picked her up for work. Elise mentioned an article that referred to Da Mei, one of Yuxuan's chefs, as "the pillar of Yuxuan."
She found his arrogance unbearable, especially his apparent attempt to advance himself by undermining Jiang Qianfan. Jiang Qianfan, however, dismissed it, confidently stating that for anyone to step on him, they first needed to be capable of reaching his level.
Episode 28 Recap
Victor brought three dishes from the Future Star Culinary Competition to Sister K's shop. His apprentices eagerly began eating, but Sister K was tormented by childhood memories of being scolded by her teacher for secretly eating snacks in class. Disturbed, she handed Victor his bike keys, telling him to leave. Victor, confused and frustrated that Sister K hadn't tasted a single bite of his food, refused to take the bike, asserting that no one had ever rejected his cooking before.
Sister K retorted that she wouldn't ask why he had smashed her bike, so he shouldn't ask why she wouldn't eat his food. She explained that she had never liked eating since she was young. Victor, undeterred, insisted that the next time they met, she would have no reason to refuse his dishes. During the morning meeting, Jiang Qianfan asked Xiao Pa to present his suggestions for optimizing front-of-house operations.
Xiao Pa detailed his plan to recategorize reservations and seat guests with similar dishes at adjacent tables, thereby improving service efficiency and reducing risks. Jiang Qianfan commended Xiao Pa for identifying the problem and optimizing his work, declaring him a "pillar of Yuxuan." He then addressed Da Mai, stating that he, too, was a pillar, as were all team members, essential and irreplaceable.
Jiang Qianfan revealed he had read the article about Da Mai and took Da Mai's initiative as a sign of readiness to bear greater responsibility. He announced that after Yuxuan achieved three Michelin stars, Elise and he would focus on preparing a third branch, entrusting Da Mai with the significant responsibility of maintaining Shanghai Yuxuan's kitchen. An emotional Da Mai promised not to disappoint him, and the team applauded.
After the meeting, Elise complimented Jiang Qianfan, saying he was "still awesome." Song Yiran came to Lin Kesong's apartment, asking her to return to Wuzhen with him the next day. Lin Kesong, who was busy training and even had a hat on to hide her self-cut hair, firmly declined, explaining she was preparing for a competition. She then inquired about his marriage proposal to Chu Ting, only to learn that they had broken up, which she found a pity.
When Song Yiran suggested they go out for a meal, Lin Kesong refused, stating she was running out of time and couldn't leave the kitchen. Song Yiran brought up the topic of the Tanghulu dessert, revealing that Jiang Qianfan had told him it symbolized Lin Kesong's feelings for him. He confessed that he had taken a few days to process this, acknowledging their decade-long friendship and his past foolishness for not realizing her feelings.
He added that he understood she had already moved on from him, and admitted his past self wasn't worthy of her. However, he told her he found her more beautiful and captivating when she was focused in the kitchen, and declared his intention to improve himself to see if the "present her" would fall for him again.
After Song Yiran left, Lin Kesong reflected on the irony: she had finally let go of her long-held crush, only for him to pick it up. She realized her feelings for him were truly a thing of the past, devoid of any heartache, wondering if her dedication to cooking or the presence of another companion had brought about this change. Da Mai arrived at a meeting arranged by Old Bai, only to find Boris waiting instead.
Da Mai expressed his unwillingness to talk to Boris, but Boris taunted him, referring to him as "Yuxuan's pillar" and questioning if Jiang Qianfan had punished him for the article Da Mai commissioned. Da Mai defended Jiang Qianfan, saying he was far more open-minded than Boris. Boris then revealed his true intention: he believed Jiang Qianfan had lost his sense of taste and wanted Da Mai to find proof, offering a large sum of money.
Da Mai refused to betray Jiang Qianfan, dismissing the money as paltry compared to the risk of becoming a traitor. Boris then accused Da Mai of insecurity, claiming Da Mai had asked Old Bai to write the article because he feared being sidelined by Jiang Qianfan. Da Mai insisted that once Yuxuan earned three Michelin stars and Jiang Qianfan opened a new restaurant, he would naturally become the Executive Chef.
Boris, however, scoffed at this, asserting that Jiang Qianfan's trust issues meant he would likely transfer someone from London, making it extremely difficult for Da Mai to secure the executive chef position unless he possessed Jiang Qianfan's secret. Boris sweetened his offer, promising to use his connections to help Da Mai move to an even better restaurant if Jiang Qianfan didn't promote him.
Da Mai reiterated his belief that Jiang Qianfan's sense of taste was fine, but Boris challenged him to explain the past incident involving the Wagyu Sirloin and Red Crayfish dish. Jiang Qianfan drove Elise home. She reminisced about how he used to tell her to go home half a year ago, and expressed her liking for his current way of talking to her. At her doorstep, she playfully asked him to carry her.
Just as he was about to, she changed her mind, explaining that his current "attitude" was already enough for her, but sadly, they "couldn't go back to the past." Later, at home, Elise messaged Junbin, revealing her inner conflict: she had wanted to tell him something that day but couldn't bring herself to do it, fearing she would lose everything and that the pain would be unbearable.
The next day, in the car, Jiang Qianfan noticed Lin Kesong's somber mood and gave her a gift: a simple keyboard phone with a SIM card, incapable of accessing the internet. When Lin Kesong expressed her dismay, he said the internet didn't help with her cooking and that from now on, she only needed to contact him and her parents. Lin Kesong called his idea "brain-dead." Jiang Qianfan then took Lin Kesong on a trip, first to the seaside.
Captain Ao complimented Lin Kesong's improved sashimi knife skills. They then visited a vegetable base where Jiang Qianfan mused that he never knew if her words would infuriate him to death or bring him back to life with laughter. He admitted his stubbornness often put pressure on others, but Lin Kesong's "noisy clamoring" had become something he was accustomed to.
Lin Kesong confided that she had never been her true self with Song Yiran, always trying to please him, which was exhausting. She then shared that she had finally let go of "Big Head" (Song Yiran) and felt a sense of relief rather than sadness, realizing she might not have loved him as much as she thought. She innocently asked if that made her "bad," to which Jiang Qianfan playfully responded before they engaged in lighthearted wrestling and tickling.
Bru visited Boris, proposing to withdraw from the culinary competition if Boris would stop pressuring Xiaoyu. Boris, however, dismissed Bru, stating he didn't consider him an opponent. Bru, unfazed, calmly told Boris that he pitied him, describing him as a "difficult person who has no friends" who was like Salieri, lamenting the existence of a talent like Jiang Qianfan but unable to be him. Infuriated by Bru's words, Boris yelled at him to get out.
Back at the restaurant, Bru confessed to Huang Shi his fear that Boris would ruin Xiaoyu. Huang Shi, however, advised that Xiaoyu needed to experience setbacks to understand her mistakes, comparing it to learning to walk; if one can't endure falling, one won't learn. Bru worried that failures would only make Xiaoyu more extreme, but affirmed that despite her flaws, he still liked her and wished for her to improve.
Victor returned, presenting Sister K with a new dish tailored to her preferences. Sister K, still refusing to eat, acknowledged his dedication and talent, admitting she was "convinced" and told him to take his bike. She explained her initial reluctance to eat was due to her lack of interest in food and her plan to trick him. Victor, however, insisted the deal wasn't over until she actually ate his food.
Sister K argued that spending too much time on eating was unproductive, calling it "lazy from eating too much." Just as their argument escalated, Sister K's apprentices arrived and chased Victor away. Li Yan received a frantic phone call. His voice filled with alarm and tears, he learned his mother had been scalded. He desperately asked about her condition, pleading with the caller to take care of her. Lin Kesong received a package of hometown specialties from her parents.
Her father, on the phone, asked Jiang Qianfan for a professional critique of his Braised Mushroom Stems. Jiang Qianfan praised the dish, declaring it "excellent" with no flaws. However, when her father suggested he learn to make it for Lin Kesong in the future, his expression changed. He quietly left the room. Lin Kesong realized that the innocent request had inadvertently touched a raw nerve for Jiang Qianfan, an emotional wound she found increasingly difficult to shield him from.
Episode 29 Recap
Song Yiran called about a professional manager training course, confirming it was three months long and cost ¥600,000, taught by MBA lecturers from famous universities. Unable to afford it and with his brother unwilling to help, he decided to sell his car. At a used car market, a dealer praised the car's condition, noting it had 40,000 km, no accidents, and original parts.
Song Yiran, with a strong attachment to the car, meticulously detailed its history and specific needs, requesting the next owner follow his maintenance advice. However, he learned he needed the vehicle registration to complete the sale, which he didn't have with him. Without the document, the dealer couldn't proceed, and Song Yiran had to drive his car back home. Meanwhile, Jiang Qianfan visited Xie Junbin, urgently requesting more medicine for his condition.
Xie Junbin hesitated, reminding him the medicine wasn't effective and had severe side effects. Jiang Qianfan confessed his desperation, explaining that Lin Kesong’s parents wanted him to cook for her. He couldn't, due to his complete loss of taste, making him feel unworthy of Lin Kesong. He felt Lin Kesong was pitying him by concealing his secret from her parents, a feeling he found unbearable.
Xie Junbin suggested that Lin Kesong might still see him as an amazing chef, regardless of his taste, but Jiang Qianfan insisted he was nothing without her. He earnestly pleaded for the medication again. Xie Junbin eventually went to retrieve the "medicine," but instead gave Jiang Qianfan a bottle of vitamins, advising him to take only one a day, pretending it was a powerful drug.
During this time, Lin Kesong was at home, calling Jiang Qianfan multiple times, but he didn't answer. She felt a profound sense of anxiety and worry, a level she hadn't experienced even with her ex-boyfriend. She couldn't focus on anything else, disturbed by his unresponsiveness. Later, Xie Junbin received confirmation that his loan was approved and the funds were in his account. He immediately went to Elise's home, handing her a bank card and revealing the password was her birthday.
He noted they still had two hours before meeting Li Yan. Elise, feeling the weight of her decision, wondered if she was hesitating too much, lamenting that if she had hesitated earlier, none of this would have happened. At the restaurant, Dami arrived and, when no one was watching, poured a large packet of sugar into Jiang Qianfan's thermos.
He observed through the glass window as Jiang Qianfan entered his office, picked up the thermos, and took a big sip of the sweetened water. Elise was absent from work that evening. Xie Junbin and Elise met Li Yan, who surprisingly declared he no longer wanted the money. Hearing police sirens approaching, Li Yan panicked, believing they had called the authorities. Xie Junbin quickly ushered him into the car until the police car drove away.
Li Yan then tearfully revealed that his mother had been severely burned by asphalt and was in the hospital, unconscious. He expressed deep remorse, admitting he was blacklisted online and couldn't buy tickets to visit her. He regretted forcing Elise and promised he would never accuse her or bother them again. Xie Junbin chased after Li Yan, offering him his car keys so he could drive to see his mother.
Elise urged Li Yan to accept the bank card for his mother's medical bills, saying it would bring her peace of mind. Li Yan, with tears in his eyes, accepted the card and vowed that even if he were caught by the police, he would never implicate them. Back at home, Elise confided in Xie Junbin, feeling that fate was too kind to her, a "bad person."
She reflected on causing Jiang Qianfan's taste loss, Xie Junbin mortgaging his house to help her, and Li Yan, her supposed karma, also showing leniency. Overwhelmed by guilt, she expressed her desire to confess everything to Jiang Qianfan. She believed that if Li Yan could regret his actions, so could she, preferring prison over the torment of her conscience. Xie Junbin listened intently and promised to support her unconditionally, no matter her decision.
Separately, Song Yiran met his older brother at a small restaurant for noodles. He asked about the car's registration, which his brother revealed was with his sister-in-law. Song Yiran then explained his plan to sell the car to fund his professional manager training course, stating he would commute by public transportation. His brother, impressed by his ambition, offered to pay the tuition himself, urging him not to sell the car.
Song Yiran respectfully declined, insisting he wanted to push himself and asked his brother to support his decision by helping him get the car registration. Seeing his determination, his brother relented. Jiang Qianfan's refusal to answer Lin Kesong’s calls for eight hours deeply unsettled her. Unable to focus, she eventually went to Yuxuan to wait for him.
Jiang Qianfan, monitoring his home camera, noticed she wasn't there and was about to go look for her when he saw her sleeping on the steps outside Yuxuan. Incensed, he confronted her, harshly criticizing her for being "bored" and ordering her to take a taxi home. Lin Kesong, with tears streaming down her face from his cruel words, turned and left. Jiang Qianfan quickly caught up to her, declaring he didn't need her sympathy or pity.
Lin Kesong retorted, calling him "pitiful" and revealing she had suspected his taste loss ever since Boris's press conference. Jiang Qianfan roared that a man his age didn't need pity from a "little girl." Lin Kesong tearfully countered, expressing how carefully she had behaved around him daily, terrified of saying anything that might wound his pride. She asked him directly if it was truly so difficult for him to admit that he needed her.
Jiang Qianfan, his anger melting into remorse, embraced her tightly and apologized sincerely, admitting he needed her and begged her not to leave. Lin Kesong, embracing him back, realized that this man, often cold and temperamental, needed someone to warm him. He was like a towering giant, yet vulnerable as a child, eliciting a deep sense of compassion from her.
Back at home, Jiang Qianfan finally confided in Lin Kesong, recounting the full story of how he lost his sense of taste. He described how he began losing the sweetness of vegetables before Yuxuan’s official opening in Shanghai, leading him to visit Xie Junbin, who confirmed his taste bud nerves were diminishing. This news had caused him immense anxiety, making him desperately search for a disciple to replace his lost sense.
He recalled meeting her at Liang She Hotel in Hangzhou, the very day he completely lost his sense of sweetness, explaining why he had been so frantic to find her after seeing her questionnaire entry. He admitted he felt increasingly bound by an "invisible rope" he couldn't escape. Lin Kesong, however, offered a different perspective, suggesting that this invisible rope had brought them together from different worlds, perhaps signifying fate.
Meanwhile, Dami told Boris about putting sugar in Jiang Qianfan’s thermos. He recounted Jiang Qianfan’s furious reaction, concluding that his sense of taste was perfectly fine and that Boris should stop bothering him. Before leaving, Dami advised Boris's disciple, Xiao Yu, that her mentor, Boris, was not a reliable person. Xiao Yu, in turn, reminded Boris that Dami, despite his resentment towards Jiang Qianfan, was not an ally. Boris, pleased by Xiao Yu's renewed loyalty, commented that she seemed ready to "sell her soul to the devil."
Episode 30 Recap
Lin Kesong, unable to sleep, decided to try a recipe for Braised Mushroom Stems that her father had texted her. Jiang Qianfan emerged, offering to cook with her, and they headed to the kitchen. Later, Lin Kesong, having found her dish a little bland, insisted Jiang Qianfan try it. She encouraged him, saying that he might miraculously regain his taste in the next second.
Jiang Qianfan, observing her persistent optimism, mused that he was incredibly lucky to have her by his side, especially given his condition, to which Lin Kesong responded that it must be fate. Meanwhile, Xie Junbin and Elise went to a bar for fun, inviting Victor to join them. Victor, after some playful banter with Elise and Junbin, took to the stage. He sang "The Special One," dedicating it to his older sister, Elise, and Dr. Xie.
Elise was visibly moved and shed tears during his performance. Back at Elise's place, Xie Junbin offered to cook noodles as a late-night snack. Victor found the noodles terribly undercooked, jokingly attributing Junbin's poor culinary skills to his studies in England, suggesting he'd picked up the "dark cooking secrets of the British Isles." Elise, however, found them delicious and ate her entire bowl, prompting Victor to question his own sense of taste.
As it grew late, Xie Junbin prepared to leave, but Victor, exaggerating the potential health risks of the noodles, insisted he stay overnight on the sofa to "take responsibility." To entice him, Victor promised popcorn, chilled cola, a war movie, and even offered to cook breakfast the next morning while teaching him how to properly cook noodles. Xie Junbin readily agreed to the arrangement. Jiang Qianfan took Lin Kesong to the market to teach her how to select fresh produce.
He pointed out the different varieties of eggplants and their origins. The shopkeeper, observing them, made a comment about autumn eggplants being so tasty one shouldn't give them to their wife, causing Jiang Qianfan to clarify that Lin Kesong was merely his apprentice. While Jiang Qianfan was paying, Lin Kesong, eager for a snack, slipped away to a bun stall. Jiang Qianfan found her there, buying a cream-filled bun. He also bought a pickled cabbage bun for himself.
The bun seller also teased them, referring to them as a couple, which made Lin Kesong blush and quickly run away. Soon after leaving the market, Jiang Qianfan received a text message from Da Mai, instructing him to review surveillance footage from Yuxuan from around 4:30 PM the previous day. Upon watching the video, Jiang Qianfan saw Da Mai intentionally adding an unknown substance to his water.
Jiang Qianfan then called Da Mai, who was waiting for him at Jiexin Park. At Jiexin Park, Da Mai directly confronted Jiang Qianfan about his loss of taste, confirming that Jiang Qianfan couldn't discern what was added to his drink. Jiang Qianfan admitted the severity of his condition.
Da Mai then revealed that he had hired someone to write a critical article specifically to provoke Jiang Qianfan, hoping it would lead to his dismissal from Yuxuan, thus satisfying his own ego, as he had always believed their culinary skills were comparable, with Jiang Qianfan simply being luckier. However, Jiang Qianfan's unexpected public encouragement, instead of anger, made Da Mai realize the profound difference between them lay not just in cooking, but in character and broadmindedness.
From that moment, Da Mai decided to wholeheartedly follow Jiang Qianfan, assuring him that he was not alone and the entire Yuxuan team was his family, ready to help with any difficulties. Jiang Qianfan expressed his gratitude, surprised by Da Mai's unexpected sincerity. Da Mai also advised Jiang Qianfan to be cautious of Boris, who would undoubtedly be watching him closely, to which Jiang Qianfan responded that Boris had been doing so for a decade and he would remain vigilant.
After Da Mai departed, Lin Kesong emerged, expressing her admiration for the genuine friendship between men and how Da Mai truly respected Jiang Qianfan from the bottom of his heart. Jiang Qianfan, however, confessed that despite the positive outcome, he couldn't shake the feeling that his secret about his taste loss was on the verge of being fully exposed.
Victor, deeply puzzled, asked Xie Junbin why some individuals seemed utterly uninterested in gourmet food, especially his own cooking, despite his best efforts in color, taste, and aroma. Xie Junbin, noticing Victor's evident torment, playfully suggested that he must have met a girl. While acknowledging Victor's immense natural talent for cooking, Xie Junbin explained that true culinary excellence demands not just innate skill, but also diligent, repeated practice.
He stressed that technique is never the ultimate core; rather, it is emotion. He believed everyone carries a "wholeheartedly" cherished dish in their heart, reminiscing about Elise's preferences like one-sided fried omelette and a 60-second marmalade cake. Victor then cheekily remarked that his sister, Elise, must be quite precious to Xie Junbin.
At the restaurant, Sister K's apprentices happily ate their meal, praising a chili pepper sauce made by Victor's mother and playfully contrasting Victor's generous cooking with Sister K's more restrained eating habits. Sister K overheard them reminiscing about their childhoods, where their parents encouraged them to eat abundantly, never scolding them for being gluttonous. This made Sister K reflect on her own experiences, perhaps with a touch of envy for their carefree upbringing.
Lin Kesong received an urgent call, learning that her uncle, Lin Feng, was suffering from a severe back injury from overwork, especially since Xiaoyu was unreachable and likely with Boris. Lin Kesong immediately prepared to rush back to help, but Jiang Qianfan intervened, questioning how much practical assistance she could offer. He then suggested that his own presence might be more effective, offering to go with her. Lin Kesong was overjoyed by his willingness to help.
Arriving at the restaurant, Jiang Qianfan quickly assessed the kitchen's operations and the existing flavor profiles of dishes like asparagus with mushrooms and Shacha Beef. He efficiently took charge, delegating tasks to Lin Kesong, such as preparing pineapple shrimp with cashews with minimal salt, and emerald spinach with thinly sliced leaves and four eggs.
Under his guidance, the kitchen became a whirlwind of activity, and soon, the customers were singing praises for his "divine" and "delicious" cooking, causing business to boom. From the back, Lin Feng, still recovering from his back pain, was informed by his grateful chefs that "Mr. Jiang's cooking is the tops!" Delighted, Lin Feng instructed them to covertly observe and learn from Jiang Qianfan, and to also prepare a tea table to properly thank him for his help.
Seeing the diners happily savoring his creations, Jiang Qianfan was filled with a profound sense of happiness. Meanwhile, Huang Shi completed a batch of fresh pickled vegetables and dispatched Blu to buy several popsicles, subtly trying to gain some time alone. He then called Madam Quentin, hoping she could visit in a couple of days to taste the freshly made pickles, stressing that they needed to be eaten promptly for optimal flavor.
Madam Quentin initially stated she couldn't make it for a few days due to a business trip, but then, to his utter surprise and delight, announced she was already standing at his front door. Huang Shi rushed out to greet her. Madam Quentin presented him with a bottle of Sherry from England, a thank you gift for a dress she had worn which had garnered her numerous compliments.
Song Yiran arrived at his professional manager training class on a shared bicycle, only to be surprised to find Chu Ting among the attendees. He greeted her, remarking that she had become beautiful, which she sarcastically countered by implying he thought she wasn't pretty before. After the class, Song Yiran attempted to invite her for a meal, but she politely declined, stating she needed to return to her shop.
Undeterred, he asked her to explain a complex concept from the lecture—the "edge effect curve" and its diminishing nature. Chu Ting, a true scholar, patiently elaborated on the diminishing marginal effect, using the analogy of eating rice to illustrate that beyond a certain point, additional consumption yields less satisfaction. She also anticipated the professor would discuss reallocating consumer capital. Song Yiran was genuinely surprised by her academic prowess, prompting her to tease him about his previous assumptions of her.
Later, Xiaoyu returned to the restaurant, finding her father and Jiang Qianfan. She learned that Jiang Qianfan had spent the entire afternoon cooking and helping her father while she was unreachable, and feeling somewhat embarrassed, she thanked him. Jiang Qianfan then attempted to leave with Lin Kesong, but Lin Feng, eager to express his gratitude, warmly insisted that Jiang Qianfan stay for dinner, specifically for Xiaoyu's fried rice, which he touted as the restaurant's absolute best specialty. Unable to politely refuse such hospitality, Jiang Qianfan agreed to stay, and Xiaoyu began preparing the acclaimed dish.
Episode 31 Recap
While having dinner, Lin Feng proudly suggested that Jiang Qianfan offer feedback on Xiaoyu’s fried rice. From the kitchen, Xiaoyu overheard and devised a plan. She began recording a video on her phone as she deliberately added a significant amount of edible alkali to the fried rice she was preparing for Jiang Qianfan, marking his bowl with two shrimps on top. She anticipated his reaction.
After tasting the fried rice, Jiang Qianfan commented that Xiaoyu had done an excellent job, noting that every granule of rice was well simmered with XO sauce and that the addition of pine nuts enhanced the taste, making it truly delicious. That evening, Xiaoyu went to the Jellyfish Bar and found Boris drunk. She splashed him with water to rouse him and then showed him the video. Boris was ecstatic, realizing he had finally found the evidence he needed.
He exclaimed his joy, stating he had been disappointed earlier, thinking he would never find such proof. Later, Jiang Qianfan showed Kesong his notebook, where he had recorded moments of happiness. He translated some entries for her, revealing that nearly every one was associated with her, such as when he gifted her a phone, returned her contract, bought her a steamed bun with special delivery, and helped in her uncle's kitchen.
Kesong teasingly accused him of being petty for keeping such a detailed count, but he claimed it was for self-motivation. Their conversation soon drifted to pajamas, making Kesong uncomfortable. She quickly retreated to her room, later regretting her hasty exit and wishing she had acted like a mature woman, calmly bidding him goodnight. Soon after, a severe thunderstorm with lightning and heavy rain began. Worried, Jiang Qianfan checked on Kesong, finding her huddled in her blanket, terrified.
He tenderly pulled her into his embrace, reassuring her that he was there to protect her. He then brought up the two chefs at Xiaoyu’s Private Kitchen, suggesting that while they were nice, their culinary skills had room for improvement, implying that better chefs might boost business. Kesong explained that her aunt had left her uncle years ago, prompting him to move to Shanghai with Xiaoyu, where he opened the restaurant.
Those two chefs had been with him ever since, and her uncle treated them like family. She believed that for her uncle, "bonding is more important than cooking," contrasting Yuxuan’s pursuit of delicacy with Xiaoyu’s Private Kitchen, which offered a "home-like" feeling. She emphasized that if her uncle treated the chefs poorly, their dishes wouldn't have that homely taste, adding that as long as she could remember, anyone who entered their kitchen had always stayed.
Jiang Qianfan, deeply moved, realized why everyone cooking there always had a smile on their face. He admitted his previous focus on management was narrow and vowed to learn from her uncle's approach. Just then, Jiang Qianfan’s phone rang. As Kesong accompanied him to his room to retrieve it, the doorbell chimed. It was Boris, drenched from the rain. He had come to show Jiang Qianfan the video Xiaoyu had recorded. Jiang Qianfan asked Kesong to go back inside.
After watching the video, Jiang Qianfan calmly told Boris that while it was unexpected, it was "understandable" and caused him no horror. Boris, however, claimed to see despair in Jiang Qianfan’s eyes. Boris declared his intention to upload the video online, wanting Jiang Qianfan to suffer immensely. He offered to delete the video immediately if Jiang Qianfan would bow to him and apologize for sending him that "box" years ago, acknowledging the pain it caused.
Jiang Qianfan firmly refused, stating he would never forgive Boris for the transgressions of the past decade. Boris, angered by Jiang Qianfan’s defiance, reiterated that even an apology wouldn't make him delete the video, adding that he "felt sorry" for Jiang Qianfan before leaving.
Lin Kesong, understanding the profound hurt Boris’s parting words inflicted on Jiang Qianfan, yearned to protect him and wished she could give him her sense of taste, but could only quietly rest her head on his shoulder. Jiang Qianfan comforted her, saying he had been waiting for this moment for a long time and now felt relieved. He then naturally took her hand. Back at the Jellyfish Bar, Boris prepared to live-stream the video.
Xiaoyu asked him if Kesong could still compete, as she wished to defeat her in the semi-finals. Boris scoffed, dismissing her hope and saying he would "eliminate all their hope to win," believing that fate often favored those who "profit by other's toil." He then initiated his live stream, playing the video with Xiaoyu appearing on camera to confirm she had filmed it and that it was unedited.
Seeing the live stream, Jiang Qianfan told Kesong to go to sleep and then called Elise, asking her to release his official statement. Elise, in a hurry to see Jiang Qianfan, unfortunately sprained her ankle again. Her mother reminded her that comforting Jiang Qianfan was not the immediate priority; instead, she needed to focus on minimizing the negative impact the incident could have on Yuxuan. Jiang Qianfan then shared the full history of his conflict with Boris with Kesong.
He explained that he initially thought Boris should have been chosen for the competition, as Boris had studied with Montgomery for a year longer and, at 28, was at the age limit for the "Future Star" competition, making it his last chance. However, Montgomery believed in equal opportunity based on skill. Jiang Qianfan unexpectedly outranked Boris in the selection, leading to a heated argument between Boris and Montgomery. Boris then challenged Jiang Qianfan to a cook-off.
On the day of the competition, Boris deceptively borrowed Jiang Qianfan’s saltshaker, secretly replacing the salt with lemon powder (an acid), cleverly concealing it with a layer of salt on top. Jiang Qianfan discovered the sabotage too late, damaging his dish. Fortunately, Montgomery noticed something amiss during the broadcast, confronted Boris, and learned the truth, ultimately ensuring Jiang Qianfan participated. Jiang Qianfan went on to win the championship, intensifying his feud with Boris.
In a moment of youthful arrogance, Jiang Qianfan sent Boris the empty trophy box, enclosing a card that read, "I wished him a lifetime without winning a trophy." Enraged, Boris started a violent fight with him, leaving Montgomery’s kitchen in disarray. Boris then packed his belongings and left that very day. Jiang Qianfan recounted that in the subsequent years, there was no news of Boris, and Montgomery couldn't find him.
They later learned Boris was wandering globally, teaching at cooking schools but never settling, eventually becoming blacklisted by the gourmet world. Jiang Qianfan admitted his past actions had deeply hurt Boris and that, despite his attempts at reconciliation, Boris had refused. Jiang Qianfan then chuckled bitterly about his future, fearing he might be unable to compete, his restaurant might go bankrupt, and he might become a pariah.
He then handed Kesong a recommendation letter addressed to Headmaster Ruan of the Cordon Bleu cooking school in France, a place where he had taught for several years and had connections. He explained it was the world’s best culinary school, and a degree from there would guarantee her numerous job offers.
Jiang Qianfan expressed regret that Kesong had been "lied to the cruelest" in the entire situation and, while grateful for her choosing to stay by his side, sincerely wished for her to achieve her dream of becoming an even better chef. Kesong, however, declared she would not seek another mentor and returned the recommendation letter to him, implying she wanted him to continue guiding her or pursue his own path.
Meanwhile, Victor asked his mother if his sister was responsible for Jiang Qianfan's loss of taste. He openly expressed his disdain for Jiang Qianfan, whom he found short-tempered and conceited, believing that Jiang Qianfan constantly hurt Elise. Victor concluded that Jiang Qianfan deserved his current misfortunes.
Episode 32 Recap
Madam Quentin greeted Junbin, expressing relief he had come so early. She shared her worry that Elise, who was still upstairs and in a bad mood, might act impulsively, especially with the media to face that afternoon. She felt Elise truly needed him, and Junbin assured her he would do his best. As breakfast arrived, Madam Quentin urged him to go upstairs and share it with Elise, which he agreed to do.
Meanwhile, after rushing back to the airport, Thomas found Jiang Qianfan waiting in the office. Thomas noted that Jiang Qianfan's public statement had already been released on Yuxuan's official website, calling it "very much so" a bad look. Thomas, who had always viewed Jiang Qianfan as a "golden banner" and "guarantee of quality," expressed his shock and disappointment that Jiang Qianfan was now associated with dishonesty.
He pressed Jiang Qianfan, asking how long he intended to hide his taste loss if Boris hadn't exposed it. Jiang Qianfan answered, "a whole lifetime." Thomas admitted that he, too, might have chosen to hide such a disability, as no one wants to reveal their incapacities, especially someone as proud as Jiang Qianfan.
However, he sternly reminded Jiang Qianfan of his responsibility as a mentor to immediately inform him or the committee, emphasizing the serious and unforgiving nature of the competition. Jiang Qianfan accepted any punishment but pleaded for Lin Kesong to be allowed to continue competing. Thomas explained that the decision was no longer his alone but required a collective vote from the six committee members.
Jiang Qianfan then revealed that Elise had already arranged a press conference at Yuxuan for that afternoon. Elsewhere, Blu felt awful, like he had "eaten flies," as he watched a video. Old Huang invited him to go fishing and learn to make Sweet and Sour Live Fish, but Blu declined, stating he was not in the mood. Old Huang understood Blu's pain, comparing the situation to falling for someone imagined rather than real.
He shared his own experience, assuring Blu that such heartbreak eventually passes, and again urged him to come fishing. At the Lin family's home, the other chefs struggled to restrain Lin Feng, who was consumed by fury. He stormed into Lin Xiaoyu's room, yelling at her for repaying kindness with revenge. Xiaoyu brazenly argued that exposing Jiang Qianfan, a "cheater," was "upholding justice."
Lin Feng accused her of being ungrateful, "tearing down the bridge after you crossed the river" and "smiling with hidden blades," and declared she was unworthy of the Lin surname. Xiaoyu retorted defiantly that she would take her mother's surname. Enraged, Lin Feng slapped her and ordered her out of his home, calling her a "white-eyed wolf." Xiaoyu left, while the others tried to calm Lin Feng and get him water. Reporters gathered outside Jiang Qianfan's house, demanding answers.
Lin Kesong, awakened by the commotion, called Jiang Qianfan on her phone, urging him not to return. Jiang Qianfan calmly reassured her, telling her not to worry and to use the time to rest before continuing her training in the kitchen. Thomas, still with Jiang Qianfan, then reminded him that while he wasn't afraid of them getting into trouble, he worried they might not use the correct method to resolve it.
With nowhere else to go, Lin Xiaoyu returned to Boris's jellyfish bar, looking distraught. She collapsed onto a sofa, asking Boris to wake her when the press conference began. As the rain grew heavier, Jiang Qianfan arrived home, inviting the persistent reporters inside. He immediately called Elise, informing her that the press conference was being moved to his house and would begin in one hour.
Elise was frantic, protesting that she had already scheduled reporters, many of whom had good relationships with Yuxuan, for 3 PM at the restaurant and had notified staff. She criticized his "sudden" and "rash" decision, fearing negative coverage from unknown reporters. Jiang Qianfan insisted it was too late, as they were already in his living room, and urged her to come over quickly. Ignoring her subsequent voice messages, Jiang Qianfan went into the kitchen to resume teaching Lin Kesong.
Kesong watched him, his hands steady and breathing stable, wondering if he was so engrossed in cooking that he forgot the world, or if he was using it to calm himself amidst the turmoil. Shortly after, Elise messaged Kesong to come out. When Kesong met her, Elise demanded she "disappear" until after the press conference, explaining that she and Jiang Qianfan had carefully guarded the secret for so long, only for Kesong to ruin it.
She accused Kesong of knowing about Jiang Qianfan's taste loss and Lin Xiaoyu's malicious intent, yet still putting him in a risky situation. Kesong protested she didn't act intentionally and didn't know Xiaoyu would do such a thing. Elise countered that unintentional actions were often the most dangerous and insisted Kesong's presence was unsafe. Kesong refused to leave unless Jiang Qianfan told her to, asserting her role as his apprentice.
Elise then attempted to physically remove Kesong, leading to a scuffle in the rain, during which Kesong accidentally pushed Elise, causing her to fall. Just then, Junbin arrived, quickly intervening to break up their fight. He hurried into the living room to address the reporters, giving them time to change their drenched clothes.
Inside, Junbin introduced himself as Xie Junbin, Jiang Qianfan's lead physician, explaining that Jiang Qianfan's illness had been recently diagnosed and progressed rapidly, with no effective treatment yet found, though he assured them a cure would be found. He offered to answer any medical questions. After changing, Elise apologized to Kesong for her behavior, explaining she was only trying to protect Jiang Qianfan, who was having a difficult time. Kesong, understanding Elise's good intentions, also apologized for her own rashness.
Jiang Qianfan then formally began the press conference, thanking everyone for attending. He confirmed that everything Boris stated in his video was true: he had indeed lost his sense of taste and could not discern flavors, including those in the fried rice. He introduced Xie Junbin as his attending physician for further medical inquiries and offered his sincere apologies to the public for not disclosing his condition sooner.
When he opened the floor for questions, reporters immediately challenged Yuxuan's integrity, questioning how he could create innovative dishes without his sense of taste and linking Boris's claims about Yuxuan's "terrible" new dishes and their past conflict to his lack of integrity. Boris, watching live, likened the aggressive reporters to "piranhas" about to devour Jiang Qianfan.
Jiang Qianfan, after letting them finish, calmly stated that he was a simple man who would "admit to everything I've done, but I won't explain myself if it's something I didn't do." He asserted that in his fifteen years in the food industry, he had "never disappointed anyone" and respected both his profession and every customer. He declared the press conference over, but the reporters continued to press him.
Kesong then stepped forward, declaring that if he wouldn't explain, she would. She presented the food taste reference table, explaining how it meticulously documented flavors like sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, and savory, with standard ingredients and assigned values for new flavors. A reporter scoffed, calling it ridiculous and questioning if anyone could be a chef if it were that simple.
Kesong passionately defended Jiang Qianfan, highlighting her own exceptional sense of taste and explaining that the table proved he had not given up on being a good chef despite his immense misfortune, all because of his profound love for food. She challenged the reporters to achieve what he had. Still, a reporter insisted Jiang Qianfan had "lied to the public."
Kesong again defended him, asking what he had lied about and if they had ever received a "bad dish," but Jiang Qianfan cut her off. He then proposed a practical demonstration: he provided ingredients, and invited any food journalist to cook a dish. He and Kesong, using the taste table, would then replicate it exactly. If they failed, he would admit defeat.
A male reporter accepted the challenge, inspecting the ingredients before choosing to make his family's unique Kung Pao Chicken, requesting Jiang Qianfan and Kesong leave the kitchen during his preparation. As they waited on the rooftop, Jiang Qianfan playfully chided Kesong for her sharp tongue but admitted he was to blame for "spoiling her so much."
Kesong retorted she was forced to speak up because he wouldn't tell the truth and had been frustrated by the reporters treating him like a criminal. Meanwhile, Boris, watching the live stream, excitedly observed the reporter's unique technique of rapidly moving the wok on and off high heat. He correctly deduced this was a method to control temperature and enhance the chicken's texture, predicting this subtle difference in preparation would spell trouble for Jiang Qianfan.
After the reporter finished, Jiang Qianfan and Kesong tasted the dish. Then, to Boris's astonishment, Jiang Qianfan replicated the cooking method precisely, using the same high-heat, lift-and-drop technique. The reporter, speechless, admitted his surprise and asked how Jiang Qianfan had figured out his grandma's unique cooking style. Jiang Qianfan credited Lin Kesong, whose "very accurate flavor index and level of firmness for the chicken" from the taste table allowed him to understand and replicate all aspects of the dish.
The reporter, though impressed, challenged Yuxuan's reliance on mere replication. In response, Jiang Qianfan added his own sauce to the dish, calling it "my take on the flavors" and his unique understanding of the cuisine. Upon tasting it, the reporter was utterly convinced. He declared that Jiang Qianfan's loss of taste "didn't affect you at all" due to his extraordinary skill and apologized for questioning his integrity, announcing himself a new fan of both Jiang Qianfan and Yuxuan.
Relieved, Elise invited all the reporters to stay for a meal, bringing the press conference to a successful close. At the jellyfish bar, Boris was stunned by the unexpected "happy ending" of the press conference. Lin Xiaoyu, seeing his disappointment, cruelly mocked his incompetence, telling him she now understood he taught her "anger and hate" because he was "useless" when facing a stronger opponent. She claimed that even without him, she had the means to deal with Lin Kesong.
Boris retorted that her success would be his success and dismissed her, stating she was merely "one of my chess pieces." Xiaoyu, undeterred, countered that he was "also just one of my chess pieces as well" and ordered him to leave so she could practice. Boris, calling her "truly hard-hearted," reluctantly complied, saying she could do whatever she wanted as long as she won. Back at Yuxuan, staff members discussed their worries.
With the quarterly new dishes still undeveloped, they feared their chances of achieving a three-star rating this year were slim, and that business might suffer. Dami, however, tried to reassure them, praising Jiang Qianfan's "brave" performance at the press conference and expressing confidence that he would quickly develop new dishes to restore everyone's faith in the restaurant.
Episode 33 Recap
Thomas summoned Jiang Qianfan and Boris, presenting them with two papers labeled "Eight Taels" and "Half a Kilo." He explained the Chinese idiom "Half a kilo and eight taels" meant they were two sides of the same coin, characterizing one as a traitor and the other a coward, and stating that Montgomery, if alive, would be deeply disappointed. Thomas revealed that before Montgomery's demise, he had a meal with him and expressed a wish.
Montgomery hoped Thomas would arrange for both Jiang Qianfan and Boris to serve as mentors at the Future Star Culinary Competition. His intention was for them to understand the profound meaning of being a mentor and an apprentice, and to carry on a legacy, thereby resolving their past grievances through competition. Thomas lamented that their last meeting had tragically become a farewell. Boris questioned if Montgomery would truly miss him.
Thomas then recounted how, after Boris left, Montgomery believed he had only acted impulsively and would soon return. When Boris never did, Montgomery, consumed with worry, searched for him relentlessly for over a year, traveling "to all corners of the world" and even resigning his job. By the time he returned to London, "his hair already turned white."
Jiang Qianfan added that Boris's first job in a Polish culinary school, where he got into a fistfight and was taken to the police, was saved by Montgomery. Montgomery had asked Thomas for a favor with the school and local friends to get Boris released, later even arranging a consultant position for him at a German food company.
Jiang Qianfan recalled that he had once suggested to Montgomery to bring Boris back, but Montgomery replied that Boris's "heart had become wild. There's no coming back." Thomas emphasized that Montgomery, never having married or had children, considered both of them "his children and even the pride of his life." Jiang Qianfan declared his readiness to accept any punishment, acknowledging that his personal problem had caused issues.
Boris, in turn, offered to withdraw from the competition, though Jiang Qianfan called him a "hypocrite" and asked if he was "still running away." Thomas then announced the committee's decision: despite Jiang Qianfan's loss of taste, Lin Kesong's performance demonstrated no adverse impact on his teaching. Therefore, Jiang Qianfan's mentor qualification remained valid. Jiang Qianfan then urged Boris to join him in the competition to fulfill Montgomery's final wish.
Victor visited Sister K's repair shop, seeking inspiration for the final competition. He provocatively threatened her beloved bike, demanding she name the food she had a "heart for from childhood on." Under duress, Sister K revealed it was "cream cake with glutinous rice filling." Excited, Victor took her to a cake shop. However, upon seeing the cake, Sister K was overwhelmed by childhood memories of her parents scolding her for being "fatty" and "lazy" due to her eating habits.
She became distressed and refused to eat, telling Victor she was "not eating" and leaving abruptly. Later, after Sister K had explained her aversion to delicious food stemming from these childhood experiences, Victor sincerely apologized for his "reckless" actions. Sister K admitted she had tried many ways to overcome her issue, but "to accept [food] again, it's really difficult." Victor confidently asserted he could help her resolve the problem, noting his "cooking is the most unique in the world."
Sister K felt a significant burden lifted after verbalizing her "heart hurdle" of many years. Victor then encouraged her to try a bite of the cake he had brought from the shop, and this time, she managed to eat it. At the training class, Song Yiran made attempts to engage with Chu Ting, who remained cool towards him. He was impressed when he overheard her speaking French on the phone.
After she finished the call, he expressed his admiration, asking how many languages she knew and praising her as "really awesome." Chu Ting casually mentioned her previous assessment of him, stating, "At that time, you even said that you were only a child." Song Yiran, recalling this, admitted honestly, "Frankly, I really don't feel good about it." Later, Song Yiran realized he had misplaced his notebook from class and texted Chu Ting to ask about it.
She initially replied, "I have it," but then teasingly followed up with, "I don't have it," leading Song Yiran to comment, "Fine, just keep messing with me." Lin Kesong reflected, believing that "the most difficult stuff had already happened," and the future "should be full of joy and laughter." However, she realized she was "wrong," as "an even bigger crisis was already arriving quietly." Jiang Qianfan experienced a second, more prolonged episode of temporary blindness.
A subsequent CT scan revealed optic atrophy, and Dr. Junbin informed him that "excessive medicine" taken previously was likely the cause, potentially leading to permanent blindness. After Jiang Qianfan left, Dr. Junbin privately called Elise, stating he was informing her "so you can be prepared" because Jiang Qianfan "may not be able to work anymore." Distraught by this revelation and feeling responsible, Elise pleaded with her mother to return the transfer contract.
She found Jiang Qianfan "so miserable" and wished to confess, believing he was now "at ease" with Lin Kesong's help and there was "nothing for me to be concerned about." Her mother, however, refused, reminding Elise of Jiang Qianfan's past harshness towards her and warning that if he truly lost his sight, "it's hard to say what he'll do." She insisted the contract was "the bulletproof vest I've prepared for you."
Elise defiantly stated she didn't "need a bulletproof vest" and was "not scared." Victor then rushed in, vehemently opposing Elise's plan, exclaiming, "No, you can't go!" and expressing fear that she would "go to jail." Their mother leveraged Victor's upcoming final competition, instructing Elise, "You better not do anything during this critical time."
Shop employee Chang Yuan approached Chu Ting to request three months of leave due to her pregnancy, explaining her husband wanted her to rest for the first few months to stabilize the baby. Chu Ting immediately congratulated her and, after giving her a baby gift, readily granted the leave, warmly stating, "You're welcome to return whenever you want to come back." Agitated by the situation, Victor went to a bar to drink alone.
He repeatedly typed out messages to Sister K on his phone, only to delete them before sending. Simultaneously, Sister K was also thinking of Victor, but hesitated to initiate contact. Jiang Qianfan began practicing cutting vegetables blindfolded in Yuxuan's kitchen, proactively adapting to a potential life without sight. Elise, observing his struggle, felt profound heartache.
Lin Kesong shared with Jiang Qianfan a newfound understanding: "as long as I can even compete with them in the same venue," referring to Lin Xiaoyu and Victor, "it already means I have won." Jiang Qianfan affirmed her perspective, saying, "What you said makes a lot of sense." Later, as Lin Kesong prepared breakfast, Jiang Qianfan sat watching her intently. She later realized that in those moments, "he was trying to cherish everything that he could see."
Boris drove to the seaside, playing the accordion, finding a fleeting moment of peace in the melancholic music. Upon returning, he found Lin Xiaoyu looking unwell, sensing she hadn't slept. He attempted to engage her in a "proper chat," but she sharply refused any communication. Boris gently advised her not to be "so nervous." Lin Xiaoyu, however, declared her ambition for "perfection" and "complete victory."
She asserted that "Lin Kesong has gotten too much" and vowed to "beat her down to her original size. And have Jiang Qianfan cry until there is no tomorrow," explicitly adding, "Isn't that your purpose too?" Boris cautioned her against "too much excitement," assuring her that "just play it out naturally," and she would "definitely do well." As the competition approached, Boris noticed Lin Xiaoyu's hands trembling, a sign of her nervousness.
Outside the venue, Lin Feng, Lin Kesong's uncle, was denied entry because he lacked a pass, leading to an argument with the staff. Blu arrived and genuinely wished Lin Xiaoyu "all the best in the competition." Lin Xiaoyu, however, retorted, demanding why he wasn't wishing her "the win" and accusing him of coming "just to laugh at me."
Blu, increasingly frustrated by her "stubborn and extreme" behavior, clarified he merely wanted to check on her after past events, not mock her, and expressed his disappointment in her. Meanwhile, Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong encountered Lin Feng. As Lin Xiaoyu emerged, Lin Feng, still furious, declared, "I hope you get utterly defeated in this competition" and urged her to "fail now to stop what you're doing." Lin Xiaoyu defiantly responded, "Why do I care what others think of me?
I do whatever I want!" Enraged, Lin Feng tried to strike her, but Jiang Qianfan and Blu restrained him. Crying, Lin Xiaoyu fled to the restroom, where she looked at her reflection and vowed, "Lin Xiaoyu, you must win." Jiang Qianfan tried to calm Lin Feng, explaining that Lin Xiaoyu was "pretty innocent" and merely "under the influence of Boris."
Lin Feng, however, expressed his deep fear that if Lin Xiaoyu won, "then she would think that all the bad things she has done were right," and at that point, "it is over. She will be totally destroyed."
Episode 34 Recap
The semifinal round of the Future Star Culinary Competition commenced, requiring contestants to prepare three dishes using mud eels within two hours for the judges. During the pre-competition interview, Lin Xiaoyu's declaration was full of competitive fire, stating she would present an intense contest. In contrast, Lin Kesong simply expressed her desire to do her best. Lin Kesong's mother, observing from the audience, was displeased by Lin Xiaoyu's aggressive demeanor and the way she glared at Lin Kesong.
She accused Xiaoyu of being a sore loser. Lin Kesong’s father defended Lin Feng, Xiaoyu's father, noting the difficulty of raising a child alone and Xiaoyu’s inherent competitiveness. In the mentors' area, Boris observed Lin Xiaoyu’s strategy to use the exact same ingredients as Lin Kesong, intending to overpower her in every dish with her superior experience and skill. While Boris was confident that Xiaoyu could easily defeat Lin Kesong, Jiang Qianfan noted that Xiaoyu seemed overly excited.
Thomas, the committee chairman, acknowledged that Lin Xiaoyu’s mirroring strategy didn't violate the rules but expressed a preference for more diverse and professional dishes. Jiang Qianfan, meanwhile, appeared unusually preoccupied, silently worrying about not being able to see Lin Kesong again. Boris, overly confident, began preparing an acceptance speech. During the competition, Lin Xiaoyu attempted to crisp the fish skin using a blowtorch with high-alcohol Baijiu, a dangerous technique. Despite Thomas's warning, the flames ignited, catching her uniform on fire.
Lin Kesong and Blu quickly rushed to extinguish the flames, causing chaos in the venue. Outside the emergency room, an enraged Blu punched Boris, forbidding him from approaching Lin Xiaoyu. Boris, sincerely apologizing, then left. Inside, Lin Xiaoyu, on her hospital bed, learned she had lost the competition. She lashed out at Lin Kesong, accusing her of faking concern. Jiang Qianfan led the upset Lin Kesong away, reassuring her that it wasn't her fault.
Lin Feng, seeing his injured daughter, was overcome with self-reproach. Thomas, representing the competition committee, apologized to Lin Feng and affirmed the committee's responsibility for all consequences. Later, Huang Shi messaged Madam Quentin about Lin Xiaoyu's accident, advising her to remind Victor to prioritize safety in his upcoming match. Blu, wanting to stay with Lin Xiaoyu, sought Huang Shi's advice on withdrawing from the competition.
He explained that he joined the competition to meet like-minded friends, considering Lin Xiaoyu his greatest gain, and despite her increasingly scary demeanor, he was still worried about her. Huang Shi supported Blu's decision, praising him as his kindest apprentice and promising to continue teaching him after the competition. That evening, Lin Kesong considered withdrawing from the competition to give Lin Xiaoyu a chance. Jiang Qianfan firmly told her that pity would only make things worse.
He then experienced a brief moment of discomfort with his eyes, discreetly hiding it from Lin Kesong, claiming he was just tired. Lin Kesong's parents visited Lin Xiaoyu in the hospital. Lin Xiaoyu pretended to be asleep, while the three adults reminisced about Lin Xiaoyu’s childhood, how she always protected Lin Kesong, and how she felt responsible for her mother's departure. Lin Feng tearfully expressed how Xiaoyu, driven to always be the best, had struggled so much.
He thanked Lin Kesong for bravely helping Xiaoyu during the accident. Lin Kesong's parents then offered money to Lin Feng, which he initially refused, but they insisted, expressing their genuine concern. Hidden under her covers, Lin Xiaoyu silently shed tears. Song Yiran visited Chu Ting’s shop to retrieve his notebook. Having rented out his own apartment, he proposed setting up a camp bed on the second floor of her shop, offering to watch over it as rent.
Chu Ting, however, demanded an exorbitant rent of 10,000 yuan a month, prompting Song Yiran to leave in frustration. As he exited, a handsome young man arrived for a job interview. Consumed by jealousy, Song Yiran immediately tore down the "Hiring Sales Associate" poster, informed the applicant that the position had been filled, and sent him away. He then returned inside and, after a verbal spar with Chu Ting, insisted on applying for the sales associate position himself.
Before their date, the usually straightforward K-jie uncharacteristically applied makeup. Victor was equally nervous, agonizing over whether to buy milk tea or mineral water and second-guessing his own outfit. Just as he was feeling flustered, he caught sight of K-jie across the street, and they exchanged smiles, their unspoken understanding filling the air. At work, Jiang Qianfan presented Elise with two transfer agreements for Yuxuan’s shares in London and Shanghai.
He explained that Yuxuan was like his child, and he wished to do something for it in his final moments, believing Elise was the most capable person to care for it. He noted that Madam Quentin’s signature would be required for the Shanghai Yuxuan transfer. After Chu Ting hired Song Yiran, they went out to eat. During the meal, Song Yiran received a call from Jiang Qianfan, who told him Lin Kesong had fallen ill.
Chu Ting immediately drove Song Yiran over to see her. Later, Elise's mother was overjoyed upon reviewing Jiang Qianfan's contracts, as the terms perfectly matched her previous demands. However, Elise had no intention of accepting them. She hoped her mother would be moved by Jiang Qianfan’s actions and return the original, fraudulently acquired contracts. Elise asserted that she no longer needed her mother’s protection and only wished to be fair to Jiang Qianfan, explaining the internal suffering she was enduring.
Madam Quentin, fearing for Elise's safety, adamantly refused to return the contracts. In an act of desperation, Elise declared that if her mother insisted on Jiang Qianfan losing Yuxuan, she would lose Elise too. She then called Officer Han, who was in charge of Li Yan's case, forcing her mother to compromise and hand over the contracts.
Episode 35 Recap
After Elise made a call to Officer Han regarding the Li Yan case, Madam Quentin, acknowledging defeat, told Elise that the contract was in the nightstand's drawer to the left of her bed, which Elise then retrieved. Kesong arrived at the hospital with a pot of soup for Xiaoyu and was surprised to find her parents there. Her parents were distressed upon seeing a burn on Kesong's arm, but Kesong downplayed it, saying Xiaoyu's wounds were more serious.
Despite her parents' concern, Kesong insisted she was fine. She asked her mother to give the soup to Xiaoyu, opting not to go into the room herself to avoid upsetting Xiaoyu, who was already disheartened by not being able to participate in the competition. Kesong's mother understood and agreed to deliver the soup. K-Jie was seen by her apprentices staring at her phone with a dreamy smile for an hour, leading them to tease her about being in love.
K-Jie, embarrassed, quickly deflected their remarks by assigning them various chores and sending them away. One of the apprentices remarked that K-Jie, usually so tough, had completely changed, becoming "a landlady" due to love. While cooking at home, Oliver suddenly lost his eyesight, forcing him to cautiously turn off the stove. Later, when Kesong returned home, she noticed his distress.
Oliver tearfully confessed to her that he couldn't see, explaining that he had been unable to see for at least half an hour and he feared he wouldn't recover. Concurrently, Elise burned the previously forged contract at her own home. Upon learning of Oliver's blindness, Elise immediately went to Oliver's house with Junbin. Oliver, overwhelmed, asked whoever had entered to leave him alone. Elise explained that she and Junbin were there out of concern.
She then presented the transfer agreements Oliver had given her, stating that neither she nor her mother would sign them. Oliver, feeling that she was pitying him, became agitated and begged them to leave. On the way, Junbin commended Elise for burning the contract. Elise expressed her gratitude for his trust and revealed her original intention to confess everything to Oliver and then vanish, but Oliver's sudden blindness prevented her from leaving.
She explained that she believed Yuxuan rightfully belonged to Oliver and that she had to manage it diligently to ensure its survival and strength. Junbin, acknowledging his own earlier wishful thinking, reassured Elise that he would stand by her side no matter what difficulties she faced. Kesong observed Oliver's silent despair, believing that losing his sight after his taste was a living hell. Though she desperately wanted to cry, she knew she had to remain strong for him.
She tried to offer him water, but Oliver, feeling pathetic, told her he looked ridiculous and that she should leave, promising not to blame her. He then clarified that he would stay with her to complete the competition, ensuring she wouldn't be disqualified, as that was his only concern. Afterward, he intended for them both to return to their separate lives, suggesting she had a bright future with her family and Song Yiran.
Distraught, Kesong asked how she could thrive without him, and if he truly didn't need her. Through tears, she confessed her love for him, declaring that she would remain by his side whether he liked it or not, unlike when he lost his sense of taste. Oliver tried to push her away, insisting he could manage on his own, that she deserved better, and that he had no feelings for her. Before he could finish, Kesong kissed him fiercely.
Afterwards, she challenged his denial of feelings and then brought him liver congee for his eyes, determined to make him eat. Despite his refusal and knocking the bowl to the floor, Kesong calmly began cleaning up, asserting that she had made an entire pot and would keep serving it until he ate. At Xiaoyu's Private Kitchen, Kesong's parents were discussing the ingredients for a dish, with her father confidently asserting that his famous Braised Spare Ribs would be a hit.
When they overheard Lin Feng on the phone, urgently mentioning "blood," they, along with the other chefs, mistakenly believed Xiaoyu needed a blood transfusion. Everyone immediately volunteered to donate, leading to a humorous argument over whose blood would be best. Lin Feng, after hanging up, clarified that Xiaoyu merely wanted to eat "duck blood," specifically the kind stir-fried with chili peppers, causing general relief and playful exasperation from the others.
Kesong's father's Braised Spare Ribs indeed became very popular, earning rave reviews and multiple orders from customers, much to his and Kesong's mother's delight. Song Yiran officially reported for duty as an employee to Chu Ting, who immediately chided him for being late on his first day.
She then laid out his extensive responsibilities, which included sleeping in the fitting room, securing the store at night, managing the security system, ensuring all lights and air conditioning were off, and meticulously mopping the floor every morning before opening. Song Yiran initially balked at the cleaning duties, suggesting they hire help, but quickly changed his mind when Chu Ting said the cost would be deducted from his salary.
She further stipulated that any lapse in these duties would result in a 20% wage deduction, to which he playfully bartered for 25%, then conceded when she threatened to let him resign if he disagreed. Boris visited Xiaoyu in the hospital, asking about her condition. Xiaoyu curtly told him she didn't need his concern and urged him to leave before Blu, who had previously beaten him, returned.
Boris expressed that he didn't blame Blu for hitting him, admitting he had been profoundly mistaken in his past bitterness and in teaching Xiaoyu to hate the world. He lamented that as a mentor, he should have guided her on how to live harmoniously with the world, but confessed he himself didn't know how.
When Blu entered and confronted him, Boris apologized for his intrusion and left a dessert he had made for Xiaoyu, regretting that he wouldn't have the chance to teach her how to make it for the finals. Although Blu tried to discard the dessert after Boris left, Xiaoyu insisted on keeping it. Elise, still in communication with Kesong, informed her that Oliver remained blind and secluded in his room.
Shortly after, Elise released an official announcement at Yuxuan, disclosing that its founder and executive chef, Oliver, had suddenly lost his sight due to illness. The news stunned the chefs, who speculated about the severity of his condition, especially given his prior loss of taste. Some expressed pessimism about Yuxuan's future, but Da Mai vehemently defended Oliver, asserting that he was a resilient figure who would overcome this challenge, just as he had countless others.
Meanwhile, Huang Shi and Madam Quentin leisurely enjoyed tea and a special dessert prepared by Huang Shi. Later, Elise convened a meeting with the Yuxuan staff. She revealed that news of Oliver's taste loss had already caused a significant drop in customer attendance and reservations, and his blindness would likely exacerbate the situation. Emphasizing that Yuxuan's immediate concern was survival rather than Michelin stars, she urged everyone to unite and support the restaurant until Oliver could return to the kitchen.
While expressing gratitude to those willing to stay, she also gave staff the freedom to leave if they lacked confidence in Yuxuan's future. At Xiaoyu's Private Kitchen, Lin Feng reported that Xiaoyu's appetite had significantly improved, especially enjoying Kesong's father's red braised spare ribs, much to his delight. While the family joyfully discussed planning a welcome-home dinner for Xiaoyu, a breaking news report on television announced Oliver's sudden blindness, shocking them all.
Kesong's mother wanted to call her immediately, but her father intervened, suggesting it was inappropriate since she was likely with Oliver. He advised sending a message asking her to come to the restaurant instead. Back at Oliver's home, Kesong carefully arranged things for him, placing water by his bedside, setting his phone to read aloud, and showing him how to call her. She then told him she had to leave for a bit but would be back soon.
Episode 36 Recap
Lin Kesong visited her parents at their restaurant, where her mother expressed concern that Kesong hadn't informed them about Jiang Qianfan's blindness, directly asking if she had fallen for him. Kesong described Jiang Qianfan as someone who appears fierce but is simple-hearted and very kind to her, always protecting her. Her father acknowledged that while they are usually strict, Kesong has grown up and should make her own decisions.
However, he emphasized the challenging path she has chosen by being with someone who cannot see, contrasting it with their own peaceful life. Despite their worries, he ultimately declared his support if she had thought it through. Kesong, deeply moved, realized her parents' constant care allowed her to pursue her dreams without worries, feeling fortunate and proud to be their daughter. Meanwhile, Song Yiran confided in Chu Ting that he believed Lin Kesong had fallen in love with Jiang Qianfan.
He mused that he once saw himself as a central star with Kesong as his satellite, revolving around him, but now she has become "a small universe herself," gaining new capabilities, while he feels increasingly clumsy. Chu Ting encouraged him, explaining that mistakes are normal for a first job. She recounted her own experience working at a restaurant after college, where she lost an entire table's order.
When she apologized, the customers not only rejected it but overturned the table, hitting her. Her father advised her to take responsibility for her mistakes, and she later cried her eyes out in private. Song Yiran was surprised by this story from someone he considered a rich heiress and vowed to redouble his efforts.
During a trip to the market, Lin Kesong bought a four-leaf clover, recalling how Jiang Qianfan once called it a "lucky clover" and hoping it would bring him good fortune. Upon returning home, she found Jiang Qianfan in the kitchen, cooking by instinct. She was relieved to confirm he hadn't regained his sight but was in good spirits. He explained he had been practicing while she was out and found his movements had become intuitive.
He then presented her with a sweet drink, explaining that his blindness had allowed him to see his heart more clearly. He confessed that he had never truly escaped sugar, as it was always close to him, and then declared, "You are my sugar." He found their time together, despite the occasional arguments, to be "especially sweet." Just as he couldn't resist sugar, he realized he couldn't refuse her. Kesong, touched, affectionately embraced him.
Later, as they talked in the living room, Jiang Qianfan confessed he would "never forget" her "clean" and "beautiful" eyes when he first saw her, knowing then that he liked her. He also cherished her "confident expression" at the hotel, where she appeared fearless. He had tried to prevent himself from falling for her but failed. He recounted the night he angrily sent her away, having a painful nightmare where she was "everywhere," feeling his heart was being held captive.
Kesong revealed she had the same dream that night, of him silently holding her, and felt sad when she woke up alone. Jiang Qianfan apologized for not being able to present "the best version of me." Kesong reassured him, saying she loved his "persistence" in both culinary arts and his emotions. He admitted he didn't understand the complexities of the world or its people, knowing only how to cook.
Kesong found this simple and pure nature endearing, asking him only to remember that they love each other. They then shared a passionate kiss. The two officially began their relationship. The next morning, Lin Kesong was feeding Jiang Qianfan when Thomas called. Kesong, who had been about to kiss Jiang Qianfan but was interrupted, was then kissed by him precisely. She playfully asked how he aimed so accurately, and he replied that he could "see some light."
Thomas informed Kesong that the committee had prepared two statements regarding Jiang Qianfan's participation in the finals: one announcing his withdrawal due to blindness, and the other confirming his participation despite it. He asked which option Jiang Qianfan would choose. Jiang Qianfan, correctly guessing Thomas was merely checking on his well-being, instructed Kesong to tell Thomas not to ask if he already knew the answer.
Kesong confirmed Jiang Qianfan's intuition, as Thomas had indeed asked her to take good care of him. Later, Kesong dozed off on a bus and dreamed that Jiang Qianfan's vision miraculously returned, allowing him to see light. In her dream, Xie Junbin examined him, exclaiming it was a miracle and predicting full recovery. Kesong and Jiang Qianfan embraced joyfully in the dream.
The dream was abruptly interrupted by a phone call, and Kesong woke up, her concern for Jiang Qianfan's eyes returning. The caller, identifying herself as Xiao Hua, President of Hyatt Restaurant, offered Kesong a high-paying position at their new Shanghai branch, citing her status as Jiang Qianfan's apprentice and her strong performance in the culinary competition. Kesong firmly refused, stating her goal was to continue learning culinary arts from Jiang Qianfan and share more delicious food with people.
Xie Junbin, who was with Jiang Qianfan and listening to the call on speakerphone, confirmed to Jiang Qianfan Kesong's unwavering resolve to stay by his side. When Kesong returned home, she found Jiang Qianfan recklessly cooking in the kitchen and chided him for his impatience. He then confessed that he had arranged for the Hyatt Restaurant call, admitting it was a test to hear her true feelings.
Kesong was enraged, accusing him of not understanding love, which to her meant enduring hardships together, finding happiness even in the most difficult circumstances. She declared that if he couldn't trust her, she would no longer intervene in his affairs. Kesong sat in the living room, fuming. Jiang Qianfan, blind, stumbled as he tried to find her. Softening, Kesong couldn't bear to watch him struggle and gently helped him to a seat. Just then, the doorbell rang. It was Boris.
Jiang Qianfan asked Kesong to let him in. Boris apologized for the intrusion, stating he had something for Jiang Qianfan. He produced the final page from Montgomery's notebook and asked Kesong to read the last sentence aloud, which was, "I hate sugar, but I am sugar." Boris explained that after Montgomery's accident, he had torn off that page as an act of revenge against Jiang Qianfan.
He wanted Jiang Qianfan to believe Montgomery hated sugar, certain that Jiang Qianfan's loyal nature would lead him to abandon sugar entirely, thus preventing him from finding happiness and reaching the pinnacle of his culinary career. He admitted he was only "half right"; Jiang Qianfan was indeed unhappy, but his dishes remained extraordinary. Jiang Qianfan speculated that Boris was revealing this now because he no longer considered him a rival.
Boris sincerely denied this, confessing that he had recently realized his actions were wrong. Despite his efforts to undermine Jiang Qianfan, he had become more miserable himself, finding his life meaningless. He offered a heartfelt apology to Jiang Qianfan and presented him with a suitcase filled with sugar collected from around the world, urging him to teach Kesong well. Boris then requested a private word with Jiang Qianfan, who asked Kesong to step into her room.
Boris revealed his plan to become a chef on a cruise ship sailing the North Atlantic, a location closer to Montgomery, and invited Jiang Qianfan to join him as his assistant. Jiang Qianfan, understanding his current circumstances, tearfully accepted Boris's offer, believing it might be a better choice for him. After Boris left, Kesong asked Jiang Qianfan if he would forgive him. Jiang Qianfan explained that he must forgive Boris to reconcile with himself.
Moments later, Kesong received another call from Thomas, who once again presented the two draft statements regarding Jiang Qianfan's participation in the finals. Jiang Qianfan again saw through Thomas's pretense, deducing he was merely checking on him, which Kesong confirmed, as Thomas had indeed asked her to take good care of him.
The striking similarity between her recent dream and this reality left Kesong stunned, instilling in her a new belief that if one's wishes are strong enough, hope for Jiang Qianfan's recovery might truly exist. Later, Viktor was surprised to learn from his mother that Jiang Qianfan was not only participating in the competition but also making dessert. As his mother taught him to make dessert, Viktor questioned if his sister, Elise, was now in even more serious trouble because of Jiang Qianfan's blindness.
Episode 37 Recap
Victor asked his mother, Madam Quentin, if Elise was in even more serious trouble now that Oliver was blind, suggesting it was her fault. Madam Quentin clarified that Oliver's blindness was a side effect of medication and had nothing to do with Elise, urging Victor to focus on preparing for the final round.
Victor dismissed the competition's significance, noting that the official Mueller's Future Star poster already portrayed Madam Quentin as the queen and him as the genius, easily competing against Lin Kesong and a blind opponent. He proposed quitting and handing the trophy to Lin Kesong and Oliver, attributing their situation to Elise's actions. Madam Quentin firmly told Victor not to meddle in Elise and Oliver's affairs.
She emphasized that the competition was not merely about winning, but about demonstrating his skills to the world, and she would not tolerate any complacency from him. Victor agreed to be ready. That evening, Li Yan returned Elise's car keys and bank card. He confronted her, asking if making Oliver lose his sense of taste wasn't enough, and why she had to make him blind too.
Elise denied intentionally blinding him, explaining that Oliver, in his haste to detox, took an excessive amount of medication, which, combined with the poison, caused the side effect of blindness. She urged Li Yan to confirm with Junbin if he didn't believe her. Li Yan, though still skeptical, agreed to trust her one last time, making it clear that his patience was for Oliver and Yuxuan, and he would not let her off if anything happened to either of them.
After returning home, Elise received an email from the drug seller claiming to have medicine that could cure Oliver's eyes. Seizing onto this hope, she immediately called Junbin for advice. Junbin informed her that the drug, called "Hope #1," works by forcing open or severing nerve pathways. However, it had not passed animal testing because it indiscriminately affected all nerve pathways, causing severe pain throughout the body, making it unsuitable for human use. Elise ended the call, acknowledging the information.
She then asked Madam Quentin for a loan of 500,000 yuan, explaining that Junbin had already done so much for her, and she couldn't burden him further. When Madam Quentin hesitated, Elise implied she would have no choice but to borrow from loan sharks if her mother refused. Although Madam Quentin was still upset about a previous incident, she eventually transferred the money to Elise.
Afterwards, Elise sent a message to the drug seller, stating her intent to buy the medicine. Xiaoyu was discharged from the hospital, and Blu joined her and others at their restaurant for a celebratory gathering. Lin Kesong's mother expressed concern that Oliver, now blind and without taste, couldn't teach Lin Kesong to make desserts.
Xiaoyu then suggested making some of her best desserts and recording the process for Lin Kesong to help her with ideas, confident in her cousin's ability to learn quickly. Everyone enthusiastically agreed to contribute their own signature desserts to offer Lin Kesong variety and inspiration for the upcoming finals. Oliver guided Lin Kesong in the kitchen, teaching her key techniques for making custard, such as stirring quickly after adding sugar to yolks and controlling milk temperature.
He explained that while sugar provides a basic pleasant feeling, a true chef must infuse their emotions into a dessert for it to be touching and special. Oliver also emphasized that a chef's fundamental quality is to leave all negative emotions outside the kitchen and focus solely on the ingredients and cooking upon entering. Lin Kesong received numerous desserts from her friends and family, expressing their collective support.
Soon after, Xiaoyu called, informing Lin Kesong that a video demonstrating the dessert preparations had been sent to Oliver's phone. This gesture deeply moved Lin Kesong, mending any lingering tension between them as she affectionately told Xiaoyu, "I love you." Oliver assured Lin Kesong that he was not upset by receiving so many desserts, as everyone was simply trying their best to help her.
Lin Kesong then offered to make desserts based on Oliver's preferences, to which he replied that since he couldn't taste, she should decide. Lin Kesong playfully insisted he would like what she liked. A junior chef at Yuxuan informed Da Mai that a Mr. Zhao was trying to poach Xiao Pa with an offer of double salary, and Xiao Pa was reportedly inquiring about the reply deadline.
Enraged, Da Mai confronted Xiao Pa publicly, accusing him of betraying Yuxuan at its most difficult time and forgetting Elise's past support, calling him ungrateful. Xiao Pa argued that staying was out of courtesy, but leaving was his right, especially if Yuxuan might close, and Da Mai shouldn't drag others down with his idealism. When Da Mai asked the other chefs for their opinions, they all sided with him. Elise then emerged from her office, having overheard the commotion.
She stated that she understood both Da Mai's view of Yuxuan as a career and Xiao Pa's as a job, and welcomed both, pledging to do her best to stabilize Yuxuan and ensure no one's salary was cut. Xiao Pa questioned why London Yuxuan was unaffected while Shanghai Yuxuan's orders dwindled, asking if there was still hope.
Elise explained that London Yuxuan, established for four years, had built trust and reputation over time, a process Shanghai Yuxuan would also need to undergo through persistent effort. She added that she wouldn't stop anyone lacking confidence from leaving. After Elise departed, Da Mai rallied the staff, emphasizing that their only disadvantage compared to London Yuxuan was time.
He expressed belief that their collective effort would see them through, reminding them that Oliver once called them the "pillars of Yuxuan," and declared his own unwavering commitment. Da Mai's passionate words left Xiao Pa feeling ashamed. On the eve of the finals, Victor went to a bar with K-jie to relax. While he was on stage singing, Madam Quentin called. Victor put her on speakerphone, inviting her to listen to him sing.
Finding it too noisy, Madam Quentin hung up, telling him to come home early. That evening, Oliver asked Lin Kesong to take him out for some fresh air. Lin Kesong sensed his unusual nervousness, and Oliver admitted his fear that his low scores due to his blindness would drag her down. He explained that Madam Quentin was the queen of European desserts, and even Montgomery might not have beaten her, let alone himself, but he still didn't want to lose.
Lin Kesong reassured him, encouraging him to simply enjoy making the dishes he loved on stage with her the next day. She affectionately leaned on him, expressing gratitude that fate had brought her to the finals and to him, always wanting to do something for him but feeling unsure how.
Oliver countered that it was her kindness and persistence that had brought them this far, suggesting that anyone else would have given up, and perhaps it was because she was an "angel." Lin Kesong jokingly called him shameless, but Oliver confessed he called her an angel because he couldn't comprehend why she was so good to him. The next day, before the competition, a reporter interviewed Huang Shi, asking about Oliver's chances of winning.
Huang Shi acknowledged that the unfamiliar environment of the competition venue would be Oliver's greatest challenge. He expressed his hope that Oliver could overcome these difficulties, but admitted it would be a formidable task, as even minor errors in a complex dish could lead to failure. Lin Kesong's mother, Xiaoyu, Blu, Boris, and Da Mai all arrived at the finals venue, ready to cheer for Lin Kesong and Oliver. The lively atmosphere at the venue exceeded Thomas's expectations.
After the mentors, Madam Quentin and Oliver, and contestants, Victor and Lin Kesong, were introduced to a cheering crowd, Thomas announced that the competition would focus on sweet cuisine, with the theme "Original Intent."
Episode 38 Recap
The 20th Future Star Culinary Competition began with Thomas introducing its enduring tradition of mentors selecting and teaching apprentices to ensure the progress and legacy of culinary arts. He emphasized that a chef's original intent is to bring warmth, beauty, and joy through food.
Thomas then acknowledged Jiang Qianfan, a mentor present who once notoriously despised sugar, before announcing the competition rules: two teams of mentor and apprentice would collaborate to create a sweet dish using glutinous rice and osmanthus within one hour. Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong worked seamlessly, with Jiang Qianfan quickly familiarizing himself with the unfamiliar cooking counter by touch while Lin Kesong gathered ingredients.
However, just after Lin Kesong finished plating in the final moments, Jiang Qianfan accidentally knocked over their entire dish with an empty plate, ruining their entry. The mishap left everyone in the audience heartbroken. Watching them, Lin Xiaoyu reflected on her own shortcomings, realizing that unlike Lin Kesong and Jiang Qianfan who brought out the best in each other, she and Boris had always blamed one another. Bru, sitting beside her, was relieved to see her newfound self-awareness.
Meanwhile, Elise, following instructions from a seller, retrieved a package of medicine from an automatic locker at a shopping mall. As the judges began their scoring, the host interviewed the contestants. Madam Quentin, speaking to her apprentice Victor, advised him to remain "sober and not get arrogant" like green tea. Victor then announced his decision to stay in Shanghai, expressing his fondness for China and hoping his mother wouldn't be upset, as they were connected by their common interest.
When interviewed, Jiang Qianfan expressed his apologies for the team's failure to complete their dish and for disappointing everyone, especially Lin Kesong. Lin Kesong quickly interjected, assuring him it wasn't his fault. She emphasized that his blindness was beyond his control and that she deeply understood his struggles and efforts. She told him she was incredibly happy he came with her, and that having worked hard, they had no regrets.
Lin Kesong then emotionally likened Jiang Qianfan to osmanthus, symbolizing beauty and loyalty, calling him her confidant, her muse, and her only teacher, profoundly thanking him for being in her life. Her heartfelt words moved Lin Xiaoyu and Lin Kesong's mother to tears in the audience. Thomas then thanked all the participants for their dedication to the Future Star Culinary Competition before announcing the results.
Due to their incomplete work, Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong were awarded second place, while Madam Quentin and Victor were crowned champions. Victor, in a gracious gesture, thanked Jiang Qianfan for teaching him that the journey, not just winning or losing, was the most important aspect of a competition. He then shook hands with both Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong, inviting them to join him in lifting the championship trophy.
After the ceremony, Jiang Qianfan, wanting to avoid the press, asked Lin Kesong to take him through the back door. As they exited, Boris, having anticipated Jiang Qianfan's desire for privacy, was waiting in his car and swiftly drove them away from the throng of reporters. In the car, Jiang Qianfan tried to act nonchalant about their zero score, but Lin Kesong sensed his profound disappointment, knowing that a proud man like him would not easily "restart from zero."
Back home, Lin Kesong discovered an admission letter from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. She initially chided Jiang Qianfan for enrolling her after she had refused, but he explained that she was a talented individual and he felt it was his duty to send her to a place where she could further her skills, emphasizing she was still "100,000 hours away" from becoming the best chef. He then surprised her by revealing he would accompany her to France.
He asked her not to tell anyone about their plans, except her parents, to avoid unnecessary complications. Delighted, Lin Kesong immediately called her mother with the news. Her mother, concerned about who would care for Jiang Qianfan during Lin Kesong's year-and-a-half stay in France, discussed finding a helper with her husband. Soon after, Bru arrived at Lin Xiaoyu's private kitchen with Victor and Sister K to offer their help, much to Lin Feng's relief.
Boris sought out Lin Xiaoyu to say goodbye. Noticing a scar on her arm, he expressed deep remorse. Lin Xiaoyu, however, downplayed it, insisting that Boris would always be her mentor and that the scar was "quite cool," making her an "experienced woman." Boris, feeling ashamed, admitted he had ruined her potential and pledged to return as her mentor only after he had learned "to get along with this world."
Lin Xiaoyu warmly told him that his public cheering for Jiang Qianfan at the competition already proved he had changed. Boris, in turn, confessed he was moved to tears by her emotional support for Lin Kesong. They shared a heartfelt hug before he departed. Madam Quentin invited Huang Shi to dinner, suggesting he expand his culinary career in England, where his skills could attract "a thousand times" more customers than his current restaurant.
Huang Shi politely declined, stating his home, the thriving Chinese market, abundant opportunities, and his long-standing friendships kept him rooted in China. He even suggested Madam Quentin consider moving to China, but she demurred, citing her lifelong connection to London. At Yuxuan, with customer numbers dwindling, the chefs were dispirited. Xiao Pa, who had previously submitted his resignation, returned to work. Da Mai confronted him, accusing him of disloyalty during Yuxuan's difficult period.
Xiao Pa defended his decision to return, explaining that he had withdrawn his resignation letter, which Elise hadn't approved, and that she had agreed to let him stay. He declared his desire to become a respected individual like Jiang Qianfan and, having reflected, realized that individual talent was limited. He believed that integrating into Yuxuan's "loving group" and fostering team cohesion was the path to true security and hope for the restaurant.
Impressed by his newfound commitment, Da Mai rallied the team, urging them to embrace this "rare opportunity for reversal" created by Jiang Qianfan and deliver their best dishes and service to honor their customers' support. Later, Song Yiran confided in Chu Ting that Lin Kesong's gaze towards Jiang Qianfan during the competition was filled with love, a look he had never received. Chu Ting, acknowledging Song Yiran's hard work, offered to treat him to dinner at Yuxuan.
Shortly after, Xiao Pa excitedly announced that Yuxuan had received three new reservations, matching their average before Jiang Qianfan's blindness. The most thrilling news was that the first booking came from renowned food critic Marco, who wanted to support Jiang Qianfan. At home, Lin Kesong eagerly browsed French villas online, dreaming of their future life together.
Jiang Qianfan, however, brought her back to reality, reminding her that with less than a month until school started, she needed to travel back to Wuzhen with her parents to secure her passport. He assured her that he would manage perfectly well on his own.
Episode 39 Recap
Kesong successfully brought Nina back home. Oliver sincerely apologized to Nina, admitting he felt guilty for chasing her out, especially since he never truly believed she wanted to harm him. He explained that in his distraught state at the time, he couldn't trust anyone and just needed to vent his anger on those around him. He also confessed that he had wanted to call her multiple times but was too proud to lower his head.
Nina accepted his apology, stating that having known him for ten years, she understood him better than he knew himself. She acknowledged that while she was initially sad to leave, she wasn't aggrieved because she knew he didn't truly believe she was at fault, and conflict was inevitable given the circumstances. Oliver then revealed Kesong's steadfast loyalty to Nina, mentioning that Kesong was determined to get her back and hadn't allowed anyone, including himself, into Nina’s room.
He even playfully complained about Kesong making him sleep in the study. Nina had brought various Malaysian dishes, which they all eagerly anticipated. Later that night, Oliver, feeling restless, booked a taxi and went alone to the kitchen of Yuxuan, the restaurant where he once thrived. As he wandered through the familiar space, he was flooded with nostalgic memories of his past successes and interactions with his team, including Kesong and Madam Quentin.
Hidden from view, Oliver overheard Elise on the phone with Junbin, confessing that she had acquired "Hope #1" but was unsure of its authenticity. Soon after, Junbin arrived. He immediately demanded the medicine, intending to destroy it, citing that it had not passed animal trials, was extremely dangerous, and illegal. Elise vehemently refused, arguing that the medicine offered a theoretical 10% chance of healing, which was Oliver’s only hope, and he should be the one to decide its fate.
Junbin countered with a grim explanation: the drug would cause ten billion nerve cells to react simultaneously throughout Oliver’s body, an unbearable pain that would lead to organ failure and death, emphasizing that anesthesia could not be used as pain was essential to activate the nerve cells. He concluded that it would be "10 deaths and no life" from sheer agony. Elise broke down, expressing her profound guilt over Oliver's condition and her desire for redemption.
She cried that she wished she could kill herself, but seeing this small glimmer of hope, she desperately wanted to hold onto it for Oliver. Junbin, while understanding her pain, implored her not to act rashly and to hand over the medicine for both her and Oliver's sake. Elise, still crying, ran back to her office. Oliver, observing from the shadows, bit his hand, tears streaming down his face, wishing it weren't Elise involved.
Upon returning to her office, Elise locked the "Hope #1" medicine in a drawer, stating she would keep it for herself "just to commemorate it," before leaving with Junbin. After they had gone, Oliver, clutching a knife he had retrieved from the kitchen, went to Elise’s office. He pried open the drawer and took the medicine. Following this, Oliver called Boris, apologizing for standing him up for their planned sea trip the next day.
When Boris questioned if it was due to Kesong again, Oliver confirmed, saying he was worried about her. They ended the call, wishing each other to take care. Oliver then called a sleeping Kesong and asked her to meet him. They sat by the riverside, where Oliver reminisced about how the Suzhou Creek reminded him of the River Thames in London and how he used to wish he could sit there forever when tired.
Kesong shared her preference for the quiet valley where they once dug wild greens, finding it peaceful and comfortable, a place she wouldn't mind staying for "10,000 years," but only if someone accompanied her. When Oliver asked who she would choose, Kesong picked him, citing his lively company and their endless conversations. Oliver then confessed that she was the person he trusted most, saying, "With you by my side, I am at ease."
Kesong, however, reminded him that Elise and Doctor Xie were also his good friends who loved him, and she vowed to always stay by his side. Oliver then posed a hypothetical question: if there was a chance to regain everything he had lost, including his vision, but at a "very big cost," possibly even death, would she take it if she were in his shoes?
Kesong, tearful, hesitated, then said she didn't want to die, but that "I still have to do something." Oliver, touched by her response, praised her newfound maturity, adding that he could tell she was "moping" even without seeing her. He then suggested they go watch a movie. In the cinema, Kesong cried, moved by the film's depiction of two lovers who couldn't be together despite overcoming many challenges.
Oliver, trying to console her, playfully produced a rose, claiming he found it. Kesong noted it was her first rose and asked if he had prepared it. Oliver replied that while he didn't believe anyone would discard a rose, he was "willing to believe that this rose prepared for you by God." Kesong commented on his uncharacteristic romantic gesture. As dawn broke, Kesong and Oliver sat together, watching the sunrise.
Kesong admired its beauty and wished Oliver could see it too. Oliver, however, claimed it wasn't as beautiful as the vegetable garden and ocean they had visited, urging her to remember those places instead. He then expressed his fear of eventually forgetting everything – light, day and night, and even the faces of those he held dear, including Kesong's. Kesong promised to help him remember if that day came.
Oliver then made a heartfelt vow, "I'll definitely see you with my own eyes again. I promise you." At the airport, Huang Shi arrived to see Madam Quentin off, presenting her with a jade pendant in the shape of an "Endless Knot." He explained that it symbolized endlessness, specifically their "friendship," and encouraged her to wear it if she ever donned a Qipao in England. Madam Quentin thanked her "old friend."
Just as she was about to leave, she playfully instructed Huang Shi to pick her up "next Tuesday" at the airport, explaining that Elise was busy. Huang Shi was surprised she was returning, to which Madam Quentin confirmed she would "come back often" since Elise and Victor were in China. She then told Huang Shi to ponder what the jade truly represented, suggesting "friendship is not correct," which brought a broad, happy smile to Huang Shi's face.
It was the day Kesong was scheduled to report to the culinary academy. After preparing her luggage, she went to her uncle's restaurant to bid farewell to her parents. Her family enthusiastically loaded her with food and gifts for her trip to France, while expressing concerns about how she would manage her studies and care for Oliver. Kesong assured them she was capable, having overcome harder times.
Amidst the cheerful chaos and playful banter with her sister, Nina called, sounding distraught. She informed Kesong that Oliver was missing and not answering his phone. Kesong instructed Nina to check the security camera footage to determine when he left and if he took a car. Nina called back, reporting that Oliver had left in a taxi three hours ago.
Kesong, trying to comfort Nina, downplayed the urgency, but quickly rushed off to search for Oliver herself, disregarding her parents' pleas for her to eat and for them to accompany her. Meanwhile, Oliver, using a cane, was seen stumbling alone towards a riverside. Kesong, unable to reach Oliver by phone, called Boris. Boris revealed that Oliver had canceled their sea trip the previous night, which made Kesong realize Oliver had planned to disappear and was actively avoiding everyone.
She concluded he must have gone to an isolated, familiar place he could navigate even without his sight, thinking of the valley where they had once dug wild greens together. Oliver's voiceover mentioned his desire to find a place with water, where simple plants thrive, and reflected on the bitterness of Okinawa spinach not comparing to the bitterness of life. Separately, Li Yan was apprehended by police officers waiting for him at the entrance of Oliver's house. Detective Han subsequently called Elise to inform her of Li Yan's arrest, which Elise acknowledged with satisfaction.
Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
Elise addressed the staff at Yuxuan, expressing gratitude for their collective effort in helping the restaurant overcome its challenges and secure more reservations. She cautioned that Yuxuan still faced a long journey to full recovery, urging everyone to be prepared for a sustained effort, while also conveying her firm belief in a bright future for the restaurant with their dedication. She specifically commended Xiao Pa for making the right choice, believing his potential would be maximized within a team.
Turning to Da Mai, Elise expressed her reassurance with him managing the back kitchen, recalling his past admiration for Jiang Qianfan and encouraging him to become like his idol. She also acknowledged Zhou Zhou and Zheng Zhong as Da Mai's invaluable partners and Niu'er for turning his germophobia into a strength at Yuxuan, assuring him that Yuxuan would always be his home.
Elise concluded by saying that no matter where she went, she would remember each of them and remain proud to have them as colleagues, trusting them with everything, today and forever. After Elise's departure, Da Mai and Xiao Pa discussed her words, feeling they sounded like a farewell, and speculated that she might be returning to London. Meanwhile, Lin Kesong was searching for Jiang Qianfan near the valley where they once gathered wild vegetables.
By then, Jiang Qianfan had already ingested the "Hope No. 1" drug, experiencing such intense pain that he was on the verge of collapsing. Kesong eventually found him in severe agony. Distraught and feeling helpless, she desperately called Xie Junbin for assistance, but her call quickly lost reception after only a few words. Xie Junbin then contacted Elise, asking if she had given Jiang Qianfan the pills. Elise denied it and hurried to her office to check.
After finding the drawer empty, she reviewed the security footage, which confirmed that Jiang Qianfan had taken the medicine. Elise was consumed by guilt, realizing the medicine was originally meant for herself. Xie Junbin managed to re-establish contact with Lin Kesong and instructed her to send her location and prevent Jiang Qianfan from moving to conserve his energy. Kesong then scooped river water and fed it to Jiang Qianfan mouth-to-mouth, repeatedly urging him to "hang in there."
Jiang Qianfan, still in immense pain, recognized the taste of the water, proclaiming it was "the taste of you." Soon after, Xie Junbin arrived with an ambulance, locating them and notifying Elise of Jiang Qianfan's critical condition, advising her to be prepared. Elise reached out to Thomas, seeking his help late at night. She asked him to review a public announcement she had drafted for Yuxuan's website.
The announcement stated that their executive chef, Jiang Qianfan, had attempted a self-treatment for his loss of taste and smell and was now in a coma and critical condition, requesting everyone who loved him to pray for his survival. Thomas found the statement well-written and agreed to post it immediately. He then suggested Elise prepare a eulogy, fearing she would be too distraught to compose one later. Thomas offered a fitting line: "He is a gift sent from heaven."
Overcome with grief, Elise broke down in tears, blaming herself for destroying him. Upon seeing the announcement, Da Mai and the rest of the Yuxuan staff rushed to the hospital. Elsewhere, Nina and Boris were anxiously awaiting news. Boris learned of Jiang Qianfan's hospitalization from a call with Xiaoyu and they immediately left to join the others. Meanwhile, Elise was seen at a police station, having turned herself in.
In the emergency room, Jiang Qianfan fought for his life, his only thought being Lin Kesong, whom he couldn't bear to leave behind. Kesong was deeply moved, cherishing his words as the sweetest declaration of love. She marveled at his strength, that for her sake, he could overcome death itself. K-jie noticed Victor's somber mood and correctly surmised it was about his sister. When asked how she knew, K-jie explained she had seen news reports about changes in Yuxuan's operations.
K-jie reassured Victor, affirming her belief in his sister's good character. Sharing her own past struggles, she comforted him that his sister would also overcome this challenge. K-jie encouraged Victor to believe in his sister, and in her, suggesting he either smile or cry if he couldn't manage a smile. She promised they would await his sister's return together.
Song Yiran arrived at Chu Ting's shop with an adorable husky puppy, whose collar bore a note asking, "Chu Ting, can I pursue you again?" Chu Ting, initially refusing, asked Song Yiran for his reasons. He earnestly explained that he had initially been attracted to her qualities but later realized she possessed a far greater depth than he had imagined.
He praised her multilingualism, her business acumen, and her talent in fashion design, stating that in his eyes, she now shone brightly. Chu Ting then questioned his commitment, pointing out the significant responsibility of raising a small life just to pursue her. Song Yiran assured her he had considered it thoroughly and revealed the puppy's name was "Abu Jr." Chu Ting was surprised, as "Abu" was the name of her childhood husky that had accompanied her for sixteen years.
Song Yiran confessed he had meticulously researched her social media history, from Weibo to Qzone, discovering her past animal charity work and her beloved husky. He explained he had initially researched her to understand her better, but found her even more exceptional than he thought, staying up all night learning about her.
Although slightly unnerved by his thoroughness, Chu Ting eventually agreed to let him pursue her, admitting she couldn't stop him, especially since he now had a "helper" in Abu Jr. Bru approached Xiaoyu, informing her that he was returning to Canada and invited her to come with him, as his parents wished to meet her. Xiaoyu, though initially hesitant about leaving her restaurant, received encouragement from her father, Lin Feng, who offered to look after the business.
Playfully chastising her father for not missing her, Xiaoyu then agreed to go with Bru. The day arrived for Jiang Qianfan's eye bandages to be removed. Lin Kesong anxiously watched as he opened his eyes. He saw her, and a wave of immense joy washed over them both. They embraced tearfully, Jiang Qianfan reassuring her, "It's okay. I'm back." Jiang Qianfan wrote a letter of forgiveness for Elise.
Due to the absence of severe consequences from her actions and her evident remorse, she received a lighter sentence of deportation after a brief detention. Xie Junbin, showing his unwavering devotion, resigned from his job, sold his car and house, and accompanied Elise to a small, secluded city in Europe, where he opened a clinic to be by her side as she started a new life. After Elise's departure, Jiang Qianfan and Lin Kesong returned to their normal lives.
His sense of taste gradually began to recover. In the kitchen, he prepared a simple dish of tomato scrambled eggs, reflecting on his past tendency to overcomplicate things and create dishes merely for novelty. He admitted his nagging nature and acknowledged that often, the most common recipes were already perfect without needing his name on them. He offered Kesong a taste, stating he had added "just the right amount of sugar."
Kesong was stunned, asking if he could taste again, and he confirmed that he could discern "just sweet things." Kesong later reflected that his taste recovery began with sweetness, as if God had heard her prayers. She silently noted that her own sense of taste was no longer as sensitive as it once was, especially towards sweet things, but she felt no regret, content as long as she had Jiang Qianfan.
Boris hosted a live stream at Yuxuan, inviting fans to anticipate Jiang Qianfan's "Chef God's Thank You Party." Addressing his team in the Yuxuan kitchen, Jiang Qianfan apologized for the restaurant's long-standing lack of desserts.
He shared that his recent near-death experience had granted him a profound understanding: a chef should not stand between the dish and the guest, but rather become an integral part of the dish, to bring happiness and joy to diners, which he now saw as the ultimate achievement for a chef. He then joyfully declared that Yuxuan's history of having no desserts was officially over, as sugar, he realized, had always been with him.
The celebratory atmosphere at Yuxuan was palpable as Jiang Qianfan's new desserts were unveiled. Chu Ting playfully fed Song Yiran, Victor shared a dessert with K-jie, and Kesong's parents offered their heartfelt praise. Madam Quentin and Huang Shi danced gracefully, while Bru and Xiaoyu practiced tai chi. Amidst the joyous celebration, Jiang Qianfan turned to Lin Kesong and finally uttered the words, "I love you." With equal warmth, Kesong replied, "I love you too," and they shared a deep, heartfelt kiss.
