"So, when does the owner come back?" Lily Evans suddenly found herself curious about the mysterious boss of Savory House. After all, as the deputy manager, it was only right she meet her partner in business.
Manager Zhang looked troubled and scratched his head. "That, I really can't say. The owner travels all over the country, checking on their businesses. Most days, I only keep in touch by letter. The owner was in Greenfield City not long ago, but just left yesterday. No idea when they'll be back."
"Oh, I see..." Lily Evans felt a twinge of disappointment. She'd wanted to meet the owner, and with such a powerful background, surely they knew the ins and outs of Phoenix Academy.
Lily Evans was about to invest several thousand taels of silver—she couldn't afford to be careless. She needed to get the full story before making any moves.
Manager Zhang said, "Miss Evans, if you really want the scoop on Phoenix Academy, I know someone who can give you all the juicy details."
"Who?" Lily Evans perked up.
Manager Zhang pointed upstairs to a private room. "Mr. Lawrence from the capital! He's a big deal here in Greenfield City—even the local officials fall over themselves to please him. If anyone knows the inside story, it's definitely him. Who knows, Mr. Lawrence might even be chummy with the bigwig behind Phoenix Academy!"
Lily Evans nodded. That made perfect sense—Mr. Lawrence was a well-connected noble from the capital, with information networks everywhere. If she wanted answers, he was her best bet.
Lily Evans wasn't one to miss a trick. If you need a favor, you start by buttering people up.
Mr. Lawrence was a certified foodie, so Lily Evans slipped into the kitchen and whipped up her signature pine nut fish. She called Alan to help carry the dish and personally delivered it to the private room.
"Well, look who's here—the chef herself!" Leonard Li's eyes lit up as Lily Evans entered the room.
"Mr. Lawrence, thank you for supporting Savory House these days. This is a new private dish I'll be launching next month, but I made it ahead of time for you to try!" Lily Evans called Alan to set the pine nut fish on the table.
"Oh wow, what a rare treat!" Leonard Li eyed the colorful, fragrant pine nut fish and couldn't help but salivate. "I've never seen anyone slice fish like this and make a dish out of it."
He grabbed his chopsticks, picked up a piece of fish, and popped it into his mouth, savoring every bite.
Leonard Li's brows furrowed for a moment, then his face went blank, and finally he sighed deeply, setting his chopsticks down and staring at the pine nut fish. "Heavens, how will I ever eat fish in the capital again after tasting this?"
Lily Evans couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics. "Don't worry, Mr. Lawrence. Once Savory House opens branches nationwide, you'll be able to eat my dishes even in the capital!"
Leonard Li munched thoughtfully, secretly admitting that though others might try, no chef came close to Lily Evans. Only here could he taste her cooking.
After the meal, Lily Evans poured Leonard Li a cup of tea, then leaned in with a smile. "Mr. Lawrence, I heard a rumor about Phoenix Academy recently. Do you know anything about it?"
Leonard Li took a sip, then glanced at Lily Evans. "Phoenix Academy, huh? That's not just any school. Only the best and brightest get in, and the selection process is tougher than you think."
Lily Evans’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Is it really that exclusive? I’ve heard the selection is so strict, even the officials’ children can’t just waltz in."