The Chef's Trial

"Okay, we've got three restaurant options," Xiao Jiang chirped, walking between her two gege.

Jiawei and Tian Qi, both towering at 190 centimeters, flanked her like protective giants. Meanwhile, Xiao Jiang—barely 160 centimeters tall—looked almost comically tiny between them.

Jiawei chuckled softly. Xiao Jiang's presence truly brought a lighthearted charm to this otherwise intense competition, or so he thought. "What are the options?"

"Ah, I know this," Tian Qi cut in before she could answer. "It's gotta be Oasis of the Abyss, Ember's Hearth, and Aurora's Embrace, right?"

"Huh? How do you know that?" Xiao Jiang pouted, clearly caught off guard. "But yeah! You got it right!"

"They're the most famous themed restaurants in this hotel," Tian Qi replied matter-of-factly. "A kid like you would naturally get excited about places like those."

"Wait—how do you guys know so much about this hotel? I barely know anything." Jiawei asked, genuinely baffled.

Both Tian Qi and Xiao Jiang let out exaggerated sighs, answering in unison, "That is why, when you get here early, don't just sleep all day!"

"There's a hotel guidebook in our room, you know," Xiao Jiang added with an air of exasperation. "It explains everything—from the pointless history of this hotel to its unique features, special tenants, and even how to use the devices they provide in the rooms."

"Really? Where is it?" Jiawei asked, completely ignoring the pair's rolled eyes and unimpressed looks.

"In the desk drawer!" they both replied together, their voices dripping with disbelief.

Seeing Jiawei's clueless expression, Tian Qi and Xiao Jiang decided to explain the three themed restaurants to him.

Aurora's Embrace is a luxurious restaurant inspired by the night sky and the Northern Lights. The soft glow of aurora-like lights bathed the space, with crystalline glass interiors and glittering star accents. Every dish was crafted with a "glow" element, radiating an ethereal shimmer under the gentle light.

Ember's Hearth is a restaurant centered around the concept of eternal fire, featuring volcanic stone accents, open hearths, and the warm aroma of burning wood. The menu here was dominated by grilling, smoking, and flambé techniques, each dish infused with the essence of flame.

Oasis of the Abyss is an underwater-themed restaurant with an immersive blue interior, massive aquarium pools, and a tranquil atmosphere. The menu focused on elegant seafood dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients, capturing the taste of the ocean itself.

Jiawei listened, eyes widening slightly with each description. "Huh. That does sound cool," he muttered, already feeling his stomach grumble at the thought of it.

Meanwhile, Xiao Jiang beamed proudly, like she'd just given the greatest presentation of her life.

"You want to go to Oasis of the Abyss? Get close to the water? Don't you miss it?" Tian Qi asked, his tone laced with genuine concern.

Xiao Jiang shot him an incredulous look. "Miss it? Do you think I'm a fish?" she quipped.

Jiawei burst out laughing, while Tian Qi huffed in exasperation. "Such a rude little brat," he muttered.

"Then where do you want to go? Aurora's Embrace?" Jiawei asked again.

"What are we, going on a date or something?" Xiao Jiang teased, eyebrows raised mischievously.

Tian Qi responded by giving the small girl a light flick on the forehead. "Why do you always have to be so mouthy, huh, kid?"

Xiao Jiang grinned widely, a laugh escaping her lips. "Sorry, sorry. I get snappy when I'm hungry and tired."

Jiawei shook his head, a mixture of amusement and resignation on his face as the trio walked toward Ember's Hearth—the one option Xiao Jiang didn't outright refuse.

"Judging by the name and concept, Ember's Hearth is probably all about meat, right? But can Aquarii even eat meat?" Jiawei asked thoughtfully, casting a glance at Xiao Jiang.

She nodded in response.

The moment they stepped into Ember's Hearth, a wave of warmth wrapped around them, like the embrace of a campfire on a winter's night.

The restaurant's interior is a masterpiece—a blend of refined volcanic aesthetics and the rustic charm of charred wood and basalt stone. The matte-black lava rock walls were lined with faint streaks of glowing red and orange, mimicking the flow of molten magma.

At the center of the room stood a massive hearth, its eternal flames dancing gently, drawing every eye like a magnet. Encircling it were black leather chairs adorned with golden stitching, arranged like thrones in the court of a fire king.

Above the hearth hung an iron chandelier shaped like a dragon's nest, its dim light spilling down dramatically, casting flickering shadows that added to the restaurant's powerful, fiery character.

The soft crackling of wood in the hearth merged seamlessly with the gentle hum of orchestral music, underscored by an eerie whisper—like the sound of wind threading through volcanic caves. The obsidian marble floors shimmered faintly under the fire's glow, creating an illusion of infinite, mysterious depth.

Dark mahogany tables, accentuated with golden details and rich crimson velvet tablecloths, added a touch of elegance to the rugged atmosphere. At each table sat a small candle—its flame a digital illusion that flickered like an eternal ember.

The restaurant staff, clad in charcoal-black uniforms with copper accents, glided between tables carrying dishes that smoked theatrically upon arrival. A faint haze of wood-scented mist accompanied them, teasing appetites and deepening the ambiance.

"This place really does feel perfect for a date," Xiao Jiang whispered under her breath, eyes scanning the romantic glow of the space.

"Where'd a brat like you even learn about dating?" Tian Qi muttered, shaking his head.

Jiawei said nothing, watching the two bicker yet again with the quiet patience of a father dealing with his squabbling children.

Once they settled at one of the dark mahogany tables, the lingering embers of their petty quarrel fizzled out, replaced by an almost sacred calm. 

It was as if the warmth of the hearth itself seeped into the silence, soothing frayed tempers and smoothing over playful jabs. 

Xiao Jiang plopped into her chair with a dramatic sigh, her small figure practically swallowed by the velvet-backed seat, while Tian Qi leaned back casually, arms crossed as though declaring an unspoken truce. 

Jiawei, ever the quiet observer, ran his fingers thoughtfully along the edge of the table, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he took in the rare stillness that blanketed the trio. He smiled softly and turned to Xiao Jiang. "So, Aquarii really can eat meat?"