First, let everyone build up an appetite; later, they can indulge, making sure not to waste this rare Arctic Snow Dragon.
“You can cook?” Renee exclaimed in surprise.
“Is it strange for a man to know how to cook?” Leo countered.
“Not at all, but what did you cook? It smells so amazing. Can I have a taste?” Renee’s cravings had been fully awakened.
Leo checked the time, “We can start at eleven, just a little more waiting.”
Hearing this, disappointment washed over Renee’s face.
Oh well, if the chef says wait, then she’ll wait.
“I heard that Dr. Leo is personally preparing a feast for us?” a cheerful voice chimed in. August Browne and Dr. Lee had also entered the kitchen.
August Browne looked rejuvenated, his face flushed, indicating he had a restful night.
Seeing her father arrive, Renee hurried over and asked, “Dad, how are you feeling now?”
“I’ve never felt this comfortable before, Renee. How about your leg?” August Browne looked at his daughter affectionately.
“My leg is fine now. I can walk freely.” Renee replied.
“Leo, your medical skills are truly remarkable, and your culinary skills are also exceptional. Thank you so much,” August Browne praised, gazing at Leo beside the stove.
He was now even more curious about Leo’s identity. Someone with such impressive medical skills must have studied from one of the prominent traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.
Dr. Lee, who stood next to August Browne, took a whiff and exclaimed, “This must be an herbal dish. Dr. Leo, you’re not only a talented healer, but also an excellent chef. You could easily win first place in a culinary competition!”
Kenneth and Ella also joined them, and upon hearing Dr. Lee’s praise, Kenneth couldn’t help but think, “It’s easy to make something fragrant, just add plenty of spices.”
“Leo, would you mind telling us what you’re stewing?” Dr. Lee asked curiously.
Leo was about to reveal it but then decided not. “You’ll find out soon enough. You all go wait in the dining room. Once it’s ready, I’ll have the servants bring it to the table.”
Ella had a pretty good idea of what was being stewed. While the aroma was enticing, the fact that it was snake meat made her a bit queasy. She wasn’t in a position to speak up at the moment. After all, Leo had successfully treated the health issues of the master and the young miss, making him a respected guest. She, on the other hand, was just a bodyguard, and it wouldn’t be wise to offend anyone.
One by one, everyone left the kitchen to anticipate Leo’s culinary creation.
At eleven o’clock, Leo had Mr. Bill summon the servants to dish out the stewed meat from the large pot onto serving plates and bring them to the dining room.
As for the smaller pot, Leo would be dining alone.
In the dining room, August Browne and the others eagerly eyed the tender, succulent meat on their plates.
Having enjoyed various delicacies, August Browne couldn’t resist salivating, a clear sign of the dish’s delectable nature.
While everyone used plates, Leo used a basin, the type used for tossing salads.
The contents of the smaller pot were now transferred into the basin.
Weight concerns aside, Renee hesitated. Her inner foodie warred with her determination to maintain her figure.
Normally, she preferred light, vegetarian dishes, rarely indulging in meat.
Ella and Mr. Bill also sat at the table, their expressions mirroring each other’s-apprehension.
Staring at the plate, Ella could almost imagine the vague outline of the four-legged snake’s head swaying before her.
Though the aroma was tempting and appetizing, the meat was still snake flesh.
Kenneth was the only one standing apart. Since Leo cooked it, his pride wouldn’t let him eat it.
Leo seemed to have left out a portion for him, which was probably why he didn’t instruct a servant to serve his .
“Damn, this is like a feast for a pig. Eating so much,” Kenneth mumbled, glancing at Leo’s overflowing basin.
“Alright, everyone, stop staring. Let’s eat,” Leo announced, taking a big bite.
August Browne was the next to dig in. He speared a piece of meat with his fork, tasted it, and his eyes lit up.
Having sampled a variety of extravagant dishes, he was awestruck by the tenderness and flavor. The melt-in-your-mouth sensation combined with the herbal aroma was a new experience for him. He temporarily forgot about maintaining his composure and heartily savored the meal.
“It’s absolutely delicious, Leo. Your medical skills and culinary expertise are extraordinary. If you were to enter a culinary competition, you’d definitely win first place!” August Browne raved between bites.
During the time he suffered from his strange illness, his appetite had waned considerably. Thus, being able to relish such a sumptuous meal was an absolute delight.
As the food entered his stomachs, a warm feeling spread, nourishing every cell and sending pleasant signals throughout the nervous system.
It was the first time Renee had seen her father eat like this, with a mixture of joy over his recovery from the strange illness and curiosity about the delectable food on the plate. Could it really be this delicious?
Curious and intrigued, she picked up a fork and cut herself a piece of meat, raising it to her mouth.
“Miss, wait-” Ella exclaimed, but it was too late. Renee had already taken a bite.
Like August Browne, her eyes lit up upon tasting it, and she quickly chewed.
“It’s truly delicious! Ella, don’t just watch me, try some too,” Renee said, taking another bite.
One piece followed another, and she couldn’t help herself, even disregarding her weight concerns.
Watching Leo, August Browne, and Renee wolf down their food, Dr. Lee’s curiosity got the better of him. He took a bite, and his reaction mirrored theirs.
As a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, he understood the nourishing effects this dish had on the body. Without any reservations, he indulged.
Seeing all four of them devour the meal like they hadn’t eaten meat in centuries, Ella and Mr. Bill couldn’t hold back any longer. Ella picked up a fork and glanced at Mr. Bill, saying, “Mr. Bill, shall we give it a try?”
“Let’s give it a shot,” Mr. Bill replied, trying not to think about Leo butchering the four-legged snake the previous night. He took a bite quickly.
Soon enough, Mr. Bill’s reaction and expressions matched those of August Browne and the others.
Ella, eyes closed, also took a bite and immediately joined the ranks of enthusiastic eaters.
Kenneth stood aside, observing the six of them consume the meal without any reservations, their expressions reflecting sheer delight. He couldn’t help but wonder if the meat was really that good.