Chapter 55 Shopping
CHAPTER 55
Shopping.
The final bell echoed softly through the culinary hall, signaling the end of class. Students began to move almost immediately, aprons untied, utensils cleaned and returned, conversations rising again now that the pressure of the lesson had lifted. The once focused atmosphere dissolved into something lighter and more casual. Ruby wiped her hands carefully on a clean towel, her movements was slower than usual, more thoughtful.
“Ruby.”
She turned.
The Chef Master stood a few steps away, his posture straight as always, his sharp gaze fixed on her.
“Stay behind for a moment.”
Ruby blinked, slightly surprised. “Yes, Chef.”
Jane, already halfway out, turned back with wide eyes.
“Ooooh,” she mouthed silently.
Victor smirked. “You’re in trouble.”
Ruby shot them both a look.
“Just go,” she whispered.
Jane grinned. “We’ll wait outside.”
With that, they disappeared through the doors, leaving Ruby alone in the quiet kitchen. The sounds faded quickly, replaced by a calm stillness.
The Chef walked slowly toward her, hands clasped behind his back.
Ruby straightened slightly, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
“You did well today,” he said.
The words were simple. But coming from him, they carried weight.
Ruby’s eyes widened slightly. “Thank you, Chef.”
He studied her for a moment, as if measuring something deeper than her performance. “You understood the lesson.”
Ruby nodded softly. “I tried to.”
“No,” he corrected. “You felt it.”
That made her pause.
The Chef moved toward the counter, resting his hand lightly against its edge.
“Tell me,” he said, “what did you learn?”
Ruby hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “That food is more than just taste,” she began slowly. “It’s how it looks… how it makes you feel before you even eat it.”
The Chef nodded slightly. “And?”
She continued, “It’s also about memory. Emotion. A dish can remind you of something… or someone.”
Her voice softened at the last word.
The Chef noticed. “Someone?” he asked.
Ruby blinked, realizing what she had said. She smiled faintly. “Just… an example.”
The Chef didn’t push further. Instead, he said, “Good chefs don’t just cook. They communicate.”
Ruby listened carefully.
“Every dish tells a story,” he continued. “The question is, what story are you telling?”
Ruby looked down briefly, then back up.
“I think… I want to tell stories that make people feel something real.”
The Chef’s expression didn’t change much, but there was approval in his eyes.
“You’re improving,” he said.
Ruby felt a small sense of pride. “Thank you, Chef.”
He nodded once. “Keep practicing. And don’t lose that instinct.”
“I won’t.”
Then he added, “And next time… stay focused from the beginning.”
Ruby blushed slightly. “Yes, Chef.”
“Good. You may go.”
Ruby nodded politely and turned, walking toward the exit. As she pushed the door open, the noise of the outside world returned instantly.
And so did Jane.
“There you are!” she exclaimed, grabbing Ruby’s arm. “What happened? What did he say?”
Ruby laughed softly. “He said I did well.”
Jane gasped. “From him? That’s huge!”
Victor leaned against the wall nearby, arms crossed. “Impressive.”
Ruby shrugged lightly, though she couldn’t hide the small smile on her face. “It wasn’t that serious.”
Jane shook her head dramatically. “No, it is serious. This calls for celebration.”
Victor raised an eyebrow. “Shopping, I assume?”
Jane pointed at him. “Exactly.”
Ruby laughed. “I actually needed that anyway.”
Jane linked her arm with Ruby’s immediately. “Perfect. Let’s go.”
Victor pushed himself off the wall. “I’m coming too.”
Jane looked at him. “Why?”
“Because I don’t trust your fashion choices.”
Jane scoffed. “Excuse me?”
Ruby laughed, stepping between them. “Both of you, behave.
××××××××××~~×××××××××
The mall was lively, filled with music, chatter, and the constant movement of people. Bright lights reflected off polished floors, and colorful displays filled the storefronts.
Ruby walked between Jane and Victor, taking everything in. It felt… normal and simple. And she liked it.
“Okay,” Jane said, clapping her hands once.
“Mission one outfit.”
“For who?” Victor asked.
Ruby hesitated slightly. “For… me.”
Jane narrowed her eyes. “Just you?”
Ruby smiled innocently. “Yes.”
Jane didn’t look convinced. “Fine. But we’re coming back to that.”
They entered the first boutique, racks of clothes arranged neatly by color and style. Jane immediately started pulling items.
“This one.”
“No.”
“This?”
“Too much.”
Victor picked up a dress and held it up.
“This looks like something you’d wear to a royal event.”
Ruby laughed. “Exactly why I won’t wear it.”
Jane rolled her eyes. “You’re both useless.”
After trying a few outfits, Ruby finally stepped out of the fitting room in a soft, elegant dress.
Jane’s eyes widened. “Oh.”
Victor nodded slowly.“That’s the one.”
Ruby looked at herself in the mirror. The dress was simple. But it felt right. “I like it,” she said softly.
Jane smiled. “Of course you do.”
Ruby changed back, holding the dress carefully. “Okay… now for the real reason.”
Jane’s expression lit up instantly. “Yes!”
Victor groaned slightly. “This is where it gets complicated.”
Ruby smiled. “I need something for Leo.”
Jane clasped her hands. “Alright. What does he like?”
Ruby thought for a moment. “He doesn’t really… show it.”
Victor shrugged. “Then get something meaningful.”
Ruby looked at him. “That’s what I want.”
They moved through different stores, watches, accessories, small personalized items.
Ruby took her time, carefully looking at each option.
“This?” Jane suggested.
Ruby shook her head. “No… it doesn’t feel right.”
Victor leaned slightly closer. “You’re overthinking.”
“Maybe.”
“Think simple,” he added. “What reminds you of him?”
Ruby paused. Her mind drifted back to the beach, the way he looked at her, the quiet moments they shared. Her expression softened.
“I think I know,” she said.
Jane leaned in. “What?”
Ruby smiled. “It’s a surprise.”
Jane groaned dramatically. “You’re copying him now.”
Ruby laughed. “Maybe I am.”
Victor shook his head. “You two are something else.”
Ruby held the small item she had chosen, her fingers brushing over it gently.
This time around she felt so sure, and she couldn’t wait to give it to him.