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I Work as a Male Chef in the Azure Gang
墨書 Inktalez
In the kitchen of Qing Gang, I hurriedly stir-fried the dishes in the pan, steam rising as sweat trickled down my forehead.
This place has never given me a sense of security.
I was always afraid—afraid that my identity as a girl disguised as a boy would be exposed, afraid of getting caught up in the internal conflicts of Qing Gang.
My name is Chun Li. Besides Master Li Xiang, no one else knows my true identity; everyone thinks I'm just a simple-minded boy.
They all call me A Li.
More than a year ago, when I realized the differences between men and women, I wanted to run away, but there was nowhere to escape to, so I could only endure in silence.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, a cold voice interrupted me.
Liu Feng stood at the kitchen door, his gaze fixed on me like a venomous snake.
"A Li, you didn't go out to buy groceries today?"
His words seemed casual but were laced with probing intent.
Liu Feng, the leader of Zuo Feng Hall in Qing Gang, is a cunning and ruthless man, but he has an insatiable appetite and often sneaks into the kitchen.
A couple of days ago, when I returned from grocery shopping and delivered supplies to the warehouse, he was conspiring with a group of people.
To be honest, I didn’t hear anything.
But it seemed to have raised his suspicions.
I knew he had the power to put me in grave danger, which was exactly what I feared most.
Despite this, I forced myself to remain calm, biting my lip hard to suppress any sign of panic.
After all, aside from Master Li Xiang, I am the best cook here.
Many guests specifically requested the dishes I prepare. I still hold some value.
"Lord Liu, as a cook, I simply do what the masters tell me to do," I said.
I continued to stir-fry the vegetables in the pan, pretending to be indifferent.
But inside, my mind raced with strategies.
"Please try this," I said, picking up a piece of freshly cooked Braised Pork with my chopsticks and handing it to him with a slight smile. "This is my specialty."
Liu Feng hesitated for a moment but ultimately took the chopsticks.
As he savored the delicious dish, the coldness on his face softened slightly. "Not bad."
Seizing the opportunity, I continued, "If you like it, feel free to come to the kitchen more often."
Liu Feng nodded, seemingly setting aside his suspicions about me for the time being. "Good, keep it up."
With that, he turned and left the kitchen, leaving behind his low and chilling laughter echoing in the air.
I let out a sigh of relief, knowing I had temporarily escaped disaster, but my heart still felt uneasy.
That night, I dared not return to the dormitory to sleep.
Sleeping among a group of smelly men was risky, so I hid almost entirely in the haystack of the kitchen.
Tonight, I drifted in and out of sleep in the haystack.
Suddenly, a bright red light ahead woke me up.
I slowly opened my eyes.
A plump chicken, entirely crimson and shimmering, appeared before me. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be a bird.
"Don't be afraid, I am Chi Jiu, a descendant of the Vermilion Bird. I have come to thank you for saving my life," it spoke, its voice clear and melodious.
I was so astonished that I couldn't find my voice.
Earlier in the day, some brothers from the Qing Gang had clamored for Roasted Mountain Dove and brought me a basket full of them.
This was not an easy task to handle.
I had cleverly swapped them out and made Roasted Chicken Wings instead.
The basket of birds, I had simply released.
Could this be related?
Chi Jiu led me to the stove,
gently gliding its shimmering feathers over my utensils.
"Let them regain their rightful power; go ahead and touch them."
I understood it was referring to the knife, pot, and bowl—these were my own belongings.
As I picked them up, the kitchen knife gleamed with golden light, mysterious patterns etched into its blade.
When I touched the ancient Iron Pot, a faint blue glow emanated from its bottom.
There was also an exquisite Porcelain Bowl, adorned with lifelike images of the Vermilion Bird.
"Give it a try," Chi Jiu softly encouraged.
Trembling, I grasped the kitchen knife and gave it a gentle swing.
The remaining green peppers before me were instantly sliced into perfect shreds, astonishingly neat.
"Someone's coming!" Chi Jiu suddenly raised his head, alert.
I quickly lifted my head as well.
How am I still in this haystack?
Where is Chi Jiu Bird?
What happened to my mysterious kitchen tools?
Am I dreaming?
However, a familiar figure emerged from the darkness—it was Li Xiang.
Li Xiang was the head chef of the Qing Gang kitchen.
He was in his sixties.
He never engaged in violence but possessed a wealth of knowledge; he had taken care of me since I was young.
"The divine bird has sent a dream! You should try it!"
"Huh? How can you see me in this dream, Master Li?"
"Just give it a try!"
I took a deep breath and picked up the kitchen tools.
The knife drew a golden arc through the air, and the ingredients were instantly cut into perfect shapes. Even the stale meat seemed to regain its fresh flavor.
Blue flames danced in the Iron Pot, releasing an enticing aroma.
Finally, I served the dish in a Porcelain Bowl, presenting an unprecedented delicacy before me.
Master Li Xiang took a bite, and his expression instantly turned to one of astonishment.
"What... what kind of divine flavor is this?" His voice was filled with disbelief.
I looked at Master Li, noticing his complexion had become rosy, as if his health had improved.
Just then, a low thudding sound of footsteps echoed from a distance.
"It's Liu Feng!" Li Xiang warned in a hushed tone.
However, Liu Feng did not enter the kitchen.
Liu Feng was looking for Master Li Xiang.
He believed my culinary skills were exceptional and wanted to invite me directly to Zuo Feng Hall as a cook.
If I went there, my identity as a woman disguised as a man could be exposed, and if he took a dislike to me, it could cost me my life.
I needed to come up with a plan.
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