Chapter 229 - An Impromptu Food Tasting

"What I mean is that without connections in the corporate world, the business is very vulnerable and would be easily swallowed by the competitors. You'll understand this concept soon, sister Jing," Sofia said while looking at Jing Jing's face. 

"Wait, Miss Sofia, I wanna know something. Is the Chronos company connected to the Lee family?" Jing Jing asked. It did not seem like they had a connection. From what she knew, the Chronos company is composed of the members of the Chronos squad only. The young master of the Lee family is not part of their corporation. So, what was really the connection?

"Not the company. Connection is not limited to being in the same company. As long as the direction is aligned with a similar goal and intention, it's enough to form a bond. The business of the Lee family has a goal that aimed to develop district 7 by providing good and innovative infrastructures. I will help them if they ask assistance from us," Sofia responded.

A young female servant suddenly emerged from the side and approached them. She offered a customary bow and slightly smiled at them.

"Guests, the lunch is ready. Madam asked me to call you. This way, please!" she gestured for them to follow her before she turned around and started walking.

Sofia and Jing Jing nodded and trailed behind her. As they entered the dining area, the first thing that Sofia noticed was the large cake types of equipment that were placed on the side. 

"Come, come, let's eat before we finalized our negotiation," the old man said.

"Thank you for the bountiful lunch!" Sofia expressed after seeing the table full of food. And the dishes on the plates were actually exquisite.

"This is the food that we agreed to serve at the reception. I have called the mansion of the Lee family. And the young master had told me to ask you for a favor and have a food tasting on their behalf," the old man explained.

"These bride and groom are busy with other things. So, they said that they trust you and will not disappoint them," his wife added.

"Ohh... It's an honor to do this for them," Sofia smiled.

"Hehe, young lady, I also talked to them about the cost of the reception. And I have a good news to you! The young master had agreed to pay. I asked my assistant to make a contract. Let's sign it later," the old man spoke freely.

Jing Jing broke into a smile and clapped her hand happily. "Yey!"

'Alas! Miss Sofia had really predicted correctly!' she thought.

"Mmn, let's sign the contract later!" Sofia agreed and started tasting the food on the table.

"This is the menu of the food on the table. There are total of 20 dishes. Please put a checkmark and the cross mark on the side so we will also know which food we should serve," the old man continued.

"This is my first time doing a food tasting for a wedding," Sofia chuckled. The three other people only laughed and did not think too much of her words. After all, she was just a teenager in their eyes. How would she get an experience with a food tasting at such a young age?

Minutes passed and Sofia indeed place four cross marks on the menu while the rest of the other 16 dishes had a checkmark. 

"I'm finished tasting and my stomach is too full. I can't move!" Sofia giggled. "There is nothing wrong with all these 20 dishes. The taste is truly appetizing. But the four on the list had nuts and seafood that may trigger an allergic reaction to sensitive guests. So, if you will put this on the wedding buffet, be sure to indicate the ingredients to avoid any incident," Sofia explained after showing the list to the elder couple.

"Didn't you say that it's your first time to have a food tasting? Young lady, you seemed to be an expert!" the old man commented. He expected Sofia to say something like 'too sweet' or 'too bland' for the other four dishes. But it turned out, the young lady was actually giving them an important reminder that they had overlooked.

"Haha, no, it's really my first-time, sir. But, since my business is also operating a restaurant soon, I am also concerned with certain precautions in terms of food. I don't have any allergy so I can taste all of the dishes," Sofia asserted. 

"Then, we will do as you say. Thank you for reminding us about the allergy. We have forgotten that the public is included as the guest of the reception," the old man stated.

"I'm glad to help!" Sofia replied and finished the last portion of food on her plate.

The couple smiled at her with a joyful look. Out of a sudden, the telephone started ringing and the old man excused himself briefly.

He went to answer the telephone and Sofia followed his movement. The old man did not speak and only listened to the person on the other line. 

"The contract is here. Wait, I'll get it," the old man announced and walked towards the other room which Sofia assumed was the office.

"Young lady, I apologize for any rudeness that we may have shown earlier," the wife of the old man said. Her tone was actually showing deep respect for the young lady in front of her.

"In fact, all you have said to me was also correct. We are new and we are not even operating yet. We should be considerate and lower the price of our services. But, because Brent and Grace is my friend, I know they will agree to my price. I'm taking advantage of them," Sofia boldly admitted.

"Hahaha, you are something, young lady! I hope to have more cooperation with you. Ehh... let me tell you after my husband spoke with the young master of the Lee family, he also proposed to increase our payment. And the young master also agreed! We have benefited greatly!"

Sofia gave her a smile. "That's great!"

"Here is your copy and here is our copy," the old man said after returning to the dining table. He handed two folders to Sofia and a pen.

"Thank you, sir," Sofia said and accepted to folders and the pen.

The foods were not completely eaten but the four of them were already contented that they did not bother transferring to the other table for the signing of the contract.

They just sat there while reading the content and executing their signatures on the documents.