However, reality dealt her a heavy blow.

"What kind of dish is this?" Ye Qingqing looked at the bowl of soup in front of her, completely bewildered.

The large basin of clear broth contained three dough figurines, dressed in ballet skirts, floating on top of each other, recreating the classic scene from the film "Emerging Lotus" as much as possible.

The idea was brilliant, but it wasn't what she wanted.

The other dishes were either authentic lotus flower dumpling soup, refreshing lotus leaf porridge, lotus leaf cured pork rice, lotus flower pastries, and all sorts of other things. Even if Ye Qingqing only ate a bite of each, she would be stuffed to the point of bursting, while Ruan Yingzi was enjoying herself immensely.

"I think they're all quite delicious!"

Ruan Yingzi let out a burp, her little mouth glistening with oil.

Ye Qingqing rolled her eyes at her, "Your mouth makes everything taste delicious, sigh... there's only one day left, looks like there's no chance."

Tang Yuanyuan comforted her, "There's still one more day, maybe we can find it!"

Ye Qingqing smiled bitterly; she felt there was little hope.

On the last day, fewer people came to apply, but there were still quite a few. Ye Qingqing sent them away directly, as they were definitely not qualified.

As darkness fell and dinnertime approached, Ye Qingqing was extremely disappointed. It seemed she couldn't let Ding Ba have his way this time.

"Let's pack up and go. We'll eat at my place tonight." Ye Qingqing got up, stretched, and then called Lu Mo. Her plan had failed.

"I'll go cook. What would you like to eat?" Tang Yuanyuan went to the kitchen eagerly. With her father's training, her cooking skills had improved significantly. Many customers who ate at Baiweiju would directly request Tang Yuanyuan to cook for them.

Having repeat customers is the greatest honor for a chef, and Tangyuanyuan is ready to graduate.

"I don't care, Yuanyuan, everything you make is delicious." Ruan Yingzi smiled sweetly.

Just as Ye Qingqing was about to say she wanted to eat steamed pork ribs with rice flour, a gentle, husky female voice sounded at the door, "Excuse me, are you looking for a chef who can make 'Lotus Emerging from Water'?"

A neat and clean old woman stood at the door. Although her clothes were outdated and her face was full of vicissitudes, her hair was combed neatly and not a single strand was out of place, and every button was fastened tightly.

Moreover, the old woman stood upright with a slight smile, neither humble nor arrogant, exuding an elegant demeanor.

Ye Qingqing was taken aback, a strange feeling creeping into her heart. She quickly invited the old woman into the house, "Yes, did you bring your groceries?"

"I brought it, please take a look!"

The old woman lifted the basket she was carrying, which contained the dishes she had prepared, tightly wrapped in clean white gauze. She slowly unwrapped it, her movements unhurried and meticulous. Ye Qingqing and the others subconsciously held their breath, sensing that a surprise was about to unfold.

Finally, the cloth was untied, revealing its true form, and it was indeed a pleasant surprise.

"It's so beautiful, just like a painting. Can this really be eaten?" Ruan Yingzi exclaimed in admiration.

"Of course, young lady, please have a taste!" the old woman smiled.

Ruan Yingzi shook her head, "I won't eat it, it will make me look ugly."

The old woman's smile deepened, and the fine lines around her eyes became more pronounced, but this did not diminish her beauty. It was clear that she must have been a great beauty in her youth. Although she is now old and her life is not going well, it does not affect her beauty and elegance.

"Even the most delicious food is meant to be eaten; it would be a waste not to eat it," the old woman said softly.

Ye Qingqing nudged Tangyuan, "Try it."

Actually, she was reluctant to eat it, feeling that it would be a waste to eat it, because the lotus emerging from the water dish was just too beautiful.