Chapter 131: Children’s Menu
After descending the dangerous flight of stone stairs, Pearl showed Anji the route to the most important place in the western district.
"It opens in the morning at ten and closes after seven in the evening. You can come anytime for food. There is always someone around to serve you the menu of the day during those hours. However, you can also choose to make your meals if you dislike the menu or need food outside those hours. Many of the more capable researchers have their assistants cook their meals here. Ingredients are free to use. You don’t have to hold back."
Approaching the kitchen, Anji immediately noticed the sooty walls. Judging by the amount of soot built up, they had not been cleaned for at least a decade. However, exterior cleanliness was the least of her concerns. The Celestial Dragon Sect cook constantly reinforced the cooking space’s cleanliness and well-maintained utensils. Knives had to be sharp and put away in safe places, dishes must be washed thoroughly, and the wok must always be oiled.
"That is the main entrance where you can order food and sit in the mass hall. However, most researchers and librarians prefer to take it away in their lunch boxes back to their workplace. It’s up to you what you want to do, but the only cooking allowed in the sect is here. Oh, and maybe in your special dormitory. However, you’re not allowed to cook without an adult supervising. Orders from our superiors."
Nodding along, Anji entered the back door with Pearl, which led to a huge kitchen. About four other newly graduated apprentices were working on preparing ingredients inside under the instructions of a librarian who was the only person wearing an apron.
"Oh? Who do we have here today?" the librarian in an apron smiled and waved at Anji. "Hello, little cutie! Are you hungry? We just finished making some omelettes."
Instead of speaking, Anji’s stomach answered for her. Blushing, she looked down at her toes and shook her head. It had been some time since she parted with Gu Ying. It was definitely past her regular lunch hour, but it was still too early for dinner. Anji thought she would finish her tour and greet everyone before she ate. However, her stomach was too impatient.
Gasping a little, Pearl apologised and quickly requested two lunch sets. Unlike Anji, the senior librarian was used to eating at odd hours. Her work was irregular, and depending on how much work they had to do, it was normal for them to skip meals. Most cultivators here are already above the Strengthened Core stage and do not need a lot of food. Researchers with higher cultivation levels seldom ate. Their sect leader was one such example. However, forgetting about Anji’s stomach was a major mistake Pearl wished had never happened. How could they neglect a child as considerate as her?!
"Two lunch sets coming up!" the librarian in charge of the kitchen hollered.