Konikoni City, Aina's Kitchen.
When Li Wei and Cynthia arrived at Aina's Kitchen, the dinner rush was at its peak.
Despite Professor Kukui and his students doing everything they could to help, the restaurant was still packed, and they could barely keep up.
"We're back!"
Li Wei's voice was music to their ears.
"Mr. Li Wei! Champion Cynthia!"
Mallow nearly cried with joy when she saw them.
"Let's save the pleasantries for later and get to work."
Cynthia took off her black trench coat, revealing practical casual clothes underneath, then washed her hands and put on an apron.
Li Wei headed straight for the kitchen.
"Leave the kitchen to me."
Lucario became a waiter, carrying trays steadily, while Diancie took over the front desk.
Meloetta flew up to the center of the restaurant and softly hummed an ancient, lilting melody.
The song had a magical quality, soothing the impatience of the waiting customers and whetting the appetites of those already eating.
In the kitchen, Li Wei demonstrated the capabilities of a Master Tier chef. Although he had prepared nothing in advance, one glance at the ingredients told him what to make.
Alola's local ingredients blended perfectly with his cooking skills, leaving Professor Kukui and Mallow's father staring in amazement.
"That's Lucario! So cool!"
"Zeraora is grilling meat?!
Am I seeing things?"
"That's Meloetta singing! This is heaven!"
"Champion Cynthia is helping in the kitchen! If I get to eat her cooking, I can die happy!"
"Get real. Li Wei made that."
"Li Wei's cooking works too!"
Cries of surprise and admiration rang out throughout the restaurant.
With everyone working together, they handled what had seemed like an overwhelming flood of customers without a hitch.
When the last table of satisfied customers left,
with Professor Kukui leading the way,
the restaurant