Early the next morning, downtown, Giantwood Tower.
The morning sunlight was refracted through the lenses into the underground floors, where the kitchen staff were busy preparing breakfast.
"Lina, your roommate said you didn't come back to the dorm last night?" The head chef stopped Lina and asked with concern.
Compared with Lina's towering frame, the head chef was short and stout, with a thin drooping mustache on his round face. His habit of pinching his mustache while talking made him look rather comical.
Lina looked down at the head chef and stammered:
"I, I, had something, to do. Went out."
"Something to do?" The head chef frowned. "Did that guy come looking for you again?"
"N-no." Lina hurriedly shook her head. "After last time, he, he, hasn't come back."
"If he dares harass you again, just tell me. I'll beat the daylights out of him!" As he spoke, the head chef grabbed a ladle nearby and brandished it.
The ladle was heavy enough that a blow from it would surely break bones.
"G-got it." Lina nodded obediently.
Seeing this, the head chef smiled and changed the subject:
"Yesterday's dishes were all eaten clean. Lina, do you know what that means? The diners upstairs approve of your cooking!"
Lina lowered her head, feeling a little guilty.
The head chef continued:
"Keep up the good work! Try to catch the big boss's eye! Lina, this stage is far too small for you. You need to work your way up, cook for banquets, serve those rich and powerful guests!
"Win over their taste buds with your specialty southern dishes! Make your name the restaurant's calling card! I believe you can do it!"
The head chef delivered this speech with almost feverish enthusiasm.
He wasn't dangling empty promises before her. He genuinely had Lina's