Shadowing Practice: [MSU] Secret Spice - Full - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Flying to the other side of the world just to try this steak was totally worth it.
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Medium rare, juicy, and tender.
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It wasn't just a steak, it was a five -star marriage proposal.
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To my tongue!
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Her freaking scream makes me want to freaking lose my freaking appetite!
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Freaking!
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This tastes like my childhood and my 20 -second divorce healing at the same time!
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My life was basically all about food.
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Eating and tasting dishes, restaurant hopping, food festivals, cooking show marathon.
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But here's the thing, I have golden taste buds, and they never lie.
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So the question is, are you joining the club just to roll your eyes at me every five minutes?
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Or do you actually cook?
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The world doesn't revolve around you and your stupid food cravings, you annoying brat.
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The morning bell echoes through the halls.
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A thousand voices bouncing off the walls
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From the quiet corners of the library floor
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To the laughter leaking through the classroom door
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We're walking hallways where the legends grew
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But today the ink is fresh and the story's new A student stares at a blank white screen
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While an artist paints the things unseen A scholar's lamp burns through the night
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The athlete runs toward the morning light A teacher sighs, hoping the spark they lit survives
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Finding the light when the halls get dark
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Welcome to the life that I haven't seen
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The story's changing and I'll leave you
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So guard your name in the wind, let the legacy breathe
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There's a world in the pages that we're starting to weave
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Not just a school, but the soul of a story
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Turning our scars into stars and our grid into glory
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Nutmeg makes soup creamier, rosemary is steak's best friend, basil goes with almost everything,
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cinnamon brings comfort to sweet and savory alike, and chili?
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Chili sets the soul alight, But nothing, nothing could have prepared my tongue for what came next.
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Flying to the other side of the world just to try this steak was totally worth it.
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Medium rare, juicy and tender, garlic butter glaze, flame -kissed edges.
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The scent alone levitates my soul to heaven like it was invited to have lunch with the beautiful angels up above.
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Okay, here comes the love of my tongue's life.
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Oh my Gordon!
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Freakin' Ramsey!
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My taste buds were twerking like it was a Friday night.
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It's savory!
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Juicy!
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Yummy!
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Steak -tacular!
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It wasn't just a steak.
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It was a five -star marriage proposal.
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To my tongue!
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Goodness gracious lady, get a room!
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Oh god, she's either possessed or just really, really starving.
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I was still mid -foodgasm, letting every bite baptize the very depths of my taste buds when the haters around started mumbling.
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Did I care?
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Not one juicy crumb.
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I had my priorities, and it was to finish this masterpiece.
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It seems like you've been thoroughly enjoying our food, m 'lady.
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Oregano.
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I finally opened my eyes and came face to face with the handsome chef.
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Oh, I practically proposed to the steak.
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Weren't you watching me, Mr. Chef?
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I was, and now I'm wondering, should I be jealous of the steak?
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Wow.
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Okay, that was my cue to leave before I started flirting back and accidentally dated this man over medium -rare beef.
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I came here for the food.
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Just the food, not the flirty chefs with dangerous dimples.
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My life was basically all about food.
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Eating and tasting dishes, restaurant hopping, food festivals, cooking show marathons, experimenting in my family's restaurant kitchen.
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Just name it.
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But here's the thing, I have golden taste buds and they never lie.
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So the question is, will your dish make me scream and lose my voice?
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Or spit it out in disgust and hate you for the rest of my life?
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Some boys at school have made it their life's mission to get option A.
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And I wasn't complaining.
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It was literally free food and a little ego boost.
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Try mine first, Taffy.
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My mom helped cut the onions and boil the eggs.
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Forget that, peasant.
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This is from a 5 ,000 -star Michelin restaurant.
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It cost me 10 kidneys.
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Mine's completely and personally handmade.
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It took me a month to make this.
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But don't worry, it's not rotting yet.
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My mouth and soul were ready, but my brain was totally overwhelmed.
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Just then, my bestie Jules swooped in with his imaginary cape fluttering.
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Excuse me, take it easy, gentlemen.
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Form an orderly line if you wish for Queen Taffy to bless your humble dishes with her divine taste buds.
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If your food makes her moan louder than a K -drama kiss scene, congrats!
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You win a date after class, but only for 60 minutes.
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No extensions, no exceptions.
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The boys went feral.
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What are you doing?
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I don't have time for boys.
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I just want to eat, and that's it.
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Oh, babe, it's time you started eating with them, not just their food.
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Whatever.
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But let's see if one of these can make me scream.
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Unfortunately, every dish was a disaster.
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This one tastes like a zombie rat crawled out of the sewer, licked a quadruple -a battery, dipped in rotten mayonnaise, and fell into my mouth.
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What were you even thinking, dude?
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Next, fish and chocolate?
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It's bold and daring, but a total abomination.
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Next, please!
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Are you sure you've ordered this from a Michelin star restaurant?
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Or did you accidentally grab it from a dumpster behind one?
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Suddenly, I felt it again.
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That weird, stabby vibe that hits me every time I chew.
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I turned my head, already knowing the source.
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And there he was.
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Gavin!
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The silent brooding window guy.
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I always caught him glaring at me as if I just ate his pet goldfish.
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And maybe the bowl, too.
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And whenever I confronted him about it, he'd just roll his eyes at me.
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Like, seriously, did I eat his precious lunch in a past life or what?
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It was insanely annoying.
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It was even worse because he's stupidly attractive.
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Why do Hawkeyes always have to have the worst attitudes?
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I was so ready to snap at him when Nicholas, the handsome French student, stepped forward holding a steaming ornate box.
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Mademoiselle Tuffy, is the taster still open?
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Depends.
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What's in the box, Frenchie?
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Something très spéciale, made especially for you.
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I took a bite, and fireworks started exploding around me instantly.
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Sweet gravy heavens!
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This is criminally delicious!
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Oh, I knew it!
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His dish looks as perfect as he is.
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So, do we have a winner now?
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Did you hear me scream?
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No, right?
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Because it's missing something.
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Are you implying my dish isn't perfect?
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It's really good, but it needs a little more kick.
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Maybe some spice, some crunch, some little twist, you know?
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Something to surprise me.
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Right now, it's just giving something, but not everything.
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You'll regret this woman?
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I'm sorry, what?
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Nothing.
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I said I'll do better next time, just to hear that sweet scream of yours, mademoiselle.
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We'll see about that then, buddy.
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There was only one place that had ever made me scream so loud I lost my voice.
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The MSU cafeteria.
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I didn't come to this school for academics.
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I came for the food.
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The cozy, stylish ambience was just a bonus.
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And you know what was more interesting?
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Behind those lunch ladies hides a secret cooking legend.
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A masked mystery chef.
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Whipping up dishes so good, they'll make you cry in a thousand different languages.
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the texture oh the crunch the glaze the magic
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there she freaking goes again her freaking scream makes me want
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to freaking lose my freaking appetite she's just a freaking freshman
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but she freaking acts like she freaking owns this freaking cafeteria every freaking day
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It's so freaking annoying.
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I freaking know, right?
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Girl, you're moaning like a feral sexy cat in heat.
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Don't it down, or those freaking girlies will start complaining again.
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Those freaking haters can choke.
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I only listen to flavor, not jealousy.
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It had been six months since we started at MSU, and I still hadn't made any new friends.
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Just Jules, my ride -or -die -sense diapers.
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Now slaying here in MSU on a fashion scholarship like Yeong the Runway.
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And that's exactly why you don't have friends.
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You treat food like it's your boyfriend. So what?
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I've got you.
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Oh, wait.
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Are you getting tired of me?
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Tired?
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Never, babe.
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But let's say I get kidnapped by a cute guy in Milan.
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What's gonna happen to you then?
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Are you sure he's the one who'll kidnap you?
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Or is it the other way around?
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Excuse me, miss ma 'am.
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That's a bit rude.
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Just then my phone buzzed.
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It was from my older sister, Tanya, and my heart leapt when I saw the word emergency.
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I zoomed out of the school and headed straight to our family restaurant without wasting a second.
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What's going on?
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Taffy!
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The mayor's here with the whole table of business tycoons, and they asked for a special twist on our signature steak.
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I tried tweaking the sauce, but the flavor's flat.
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Something's off.
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I've added, adjusted, prayed.
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Nothing's working.
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If we mess this up, we'll be trending for all the wrong reasons, and Dad's gonna kill me.
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Breathe, okay?
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Okay, let me see.
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Too much soy, not enough salt.
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All right, everyone, I got this.
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I swung the spice rack open and started working my magic.
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Two pitches of smoked paprika, one drizzle of honey, a splash of aged balsamic vinegar for depth, a whisper of garlic, not chopped,
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grated, two drops of lemon juice for a little spark, and a dash of espresso powder.
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Now, try it.
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Tanya took a bite, and her eyes went as wide as the earth itself.
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Quickly clapped a hand over her mouth before she could scream and alarm the entire restaurant.
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Now go serve that magic to your VVIPs.
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Oh, you're a lifesaver, sissy, as always.
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I assisted her as she served it herself to the VIP table.
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The mayor took one bite and started crying.
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This tastes like my childhood and my 22nd divorce healing at the same time.
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I, I need a moment.
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This steak just forgave me for all of my sins.
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Your food is divine.
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Fine!
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You should expand this place.
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Branch out, and you'll have my full support.
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Oh, that sounds tempting, sir.
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Thank you.
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But we actually prefer to stay small, family style.
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Our restaurant had been around since the 1900s.
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No branches, no fusion.
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Because for us, it was never about the money.
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It was about legacy. And okay, maybe we were also deathly afraid someone would steal my
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great -great -great -great -great -great -grandma's top -secret recipe for our signature dishes.
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I felt like a hero today.
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So I threw myself a mini -feast in my bedroom as soon as I got home.
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Half an hour later, Jules barged in and was immediately intrigued by all the food around me.
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Hmm, salty, sweet, cheesy, ooh, spicy.
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You're clearly riding a flavor high.
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Did you fall in love?
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Wait, no, hmm, not enough sugar.
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You're just really happy.
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Like, I just saved the whole world moment, kind of happy.
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My mood was always connected to the food I ate, and Jules had basically mastered the art of reading me like a menu.
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I just saved the restaurant from going down in flames and made the mayor cry.
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The mayor himself?
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Oh my god, that sounds so dramatic and I love it!
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Now pass me those fries and start spilling me the deets!
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Jules listened to my story with sparkly eyes and the biggest proud smile on his face.
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Your restaurant's going to be in amazing hands once you take over someday.
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You know that, right?
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You really think so?
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Taffy, please.
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That's not even a question.
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Now get up.
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You're trying on my new designs tonight.
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I was basically his personal doll at this point.
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We spent the rest of the night turning my room into a mini runway.
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Me twirling around in his freshly sewn outfits.
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And I was loving it.
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While I was walking down the hallway, a girl suddenly bumped into me
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and a pile of books crashed to the floor oh my god i'm
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so sorry no no it's totally on me i wasn't looking i remembered her during the freshman orientation
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because she had this pretty innocent face i crouched down to help her
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and noticed every single book was a cookbook
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or a recipe guide you're into food too um kinda
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i mean yeah i guess just prepping for something prepping for what oh
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Oh, um, the cooking club.
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They're reopening the Culinary Society for Freshmen, and they're choosing ten new members.
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The announcement's tomorrow at the auditorium.
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Finally!
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A club that was made for me!
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No way!
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Girl, you just made my day!
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I'm Taffy, by the way.
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You are?
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J -Jillian.
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Well, see you around then.
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Future clubmate?
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Oh, I don't know.
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I -I'm not sure I'll make it in.
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The hesitation in her eyes caught my attention.
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I wanted to ask more, but before I could, someone called out her name and she hurried off.
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And just like that, my curiosity was hooked, so I immediately told Jules about it.
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Congrats on finally making a new friend!
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Please, I think she's way too shy for my energy, but guess what?
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I'm joining that club.
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You in a cooking club?
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Babe, it's about cooking food, not just inhaling and eating it.
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You're way too lazy for that.
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But I have a golden tongue.
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Of course I can cook too.
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Last time you actually tried to do it yourself, I almost died!
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I just accidentally grabbed the salt instead of the sugar.
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It was baking powder!
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Okay, whatever.
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This time I'm serious.
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The culinary society could help me hone my skills.
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Plus it's great prep for restaurant management.
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Or you just want to try everyone else's dishes. That too.
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The auditorium buzzed with freshman students the next day, all cramming in for the big announcement.
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I scanned the room and spotted Jillian in the corner, nervously biting her nails like they were snacks.
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I slid into the seat beside her.
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She looked so relieved it was kind of cute.
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Hey, you're here.
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Of course, I was.
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Was that Gavin?
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What was he doing here?
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Don't tell me.
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He also cooks?
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Broody boy has kitchen skills?
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My curious thoughts were cut off as the president of the Culinary Society finally stepped up to the mic
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and started the announcement.
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Welcome, aspiring chefs.
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The Culinary Society is now officially open.
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This program aims to discover hidden culinary talent.
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Those who pass the initiation will receive a sponsorship.
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It's all about the guidance, support, and even funding to grow your skills.
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The club's goal is simple.
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It's to discover you with the right sponsor your talent can be developed
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and taken further I then felt Jillian trembling beside me
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I really need to get in no matter what hey
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we're gonna make it both of us no plan B no backing out got
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it I smiled as she gave me a tiny nod the initiation will last three days
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and the judges will be the senior members of the club just
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then the student council president stepped forward
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this guy looked like he had walked straight out of a rule book dead serious
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and probably hasn't smiled once since birth tomorrow's challenge is a written exam
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so study hard the second and third challenges will be surprise practical tests exam venue
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and time will be posted shortly
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you may now return to your classes holy spicy sauce explosion
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this is gonna be amazing my foodie heart was on fire
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i glanced back at gavin only to find him already looking at me of course
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he was glaring again seriously what was his deal the glaring
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the eye rolling the mysterious brooding energy was driving me nuts
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so on the way back to class i finally snapped
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and cornered him hey got a second
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he didn't even respond just rolled his eyes at me as
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always are you joining the club just to roll your eyes at me every five minutes
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or do you actually cook the world doesn't revolve around you and your stupid food cravings you annoying brat.
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Seriously, why are you so mad at me?
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What did I ever do to you?
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You exist.
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That's enough.
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Now, get out of my face.
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Unbelievable!
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This guy clearly didn't know who he was dealing with.
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That night, I studied like my life depended on it.
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Notes in one hand, spicy instant ramen in the other.
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Then came the written exam day, and everyone looked so tense.
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But for me, it was easy peasy mac and cheesy.
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I was the first one to finish the test, so I stood up with a proud smile till I saw Gavin, already done and standing.
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Before me?
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After submitting his papers, he turned to me and scoffed before walking off like he owned the place.
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The audacity!
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The next morning, I dragged Jules with me to check the results.
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Out of a hundred applicants, only half made it, and I nearly choked on my gummy bears when I didn't see my name at the top.
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Second place!
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Wait, who's first?
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I leaned in and gasped when I saw the name.
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Gavin?
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Like, Gavin the cute and brooding window guy?
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He cooks?
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No, there's no way.
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That's probably a different Gavin.
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But then the crowd parted, and speaking of the devil...
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Excuse me, oh, look.
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It's me on top.
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The one and only Gavin.
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When he turned to me and smirked.
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Oh my god, he's so hot.
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Like, hotter than a steak on a grill.
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Jules was right, to be honest.
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But I shouldn't be distracted right now.
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Can we focus on his evil smirk, please?
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He's literally challenging me.
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Mm -hmm.
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I think that's officially a war declaration, babe.
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This is gonna be extra interesting.
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That jerk better be ready, because I'm gonna crush him big time.
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The second challenge finally came.
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We had to cook a chicken -based dish in pairs.
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My eyes immediately landed on my mortal enemy, who was casually tying his apron like he was the master chef.
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And the sight was such a sore in my eyes.
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I was about to hunt Jillian down when someone suddenly blocked my way.
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Nicholas!
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He was here too?
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How did I not notice him last time?
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Ah, Mademoiselle, fate brings you back to me.
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I'm still wounded from you turning down my masterpiece last time, you know?
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Team up with me, and if we win, you owe me a dinner date.
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Fair trade, no?
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I was about to reject him, but then my cinnamon roll savior appeared.
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Hey, Taffy.
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I...
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I was wondering if maybe we could...
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Oh, here comes my lovely partner.
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Sorry, buddy.
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Maybe next time?
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Ah, très bien.
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No hard feelings.
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At least Nicholas was always classy about rejection.
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Congratulations on passing the written exams.
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Thanks!
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I had been preparing for that way before I got here at MSU.
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Oh, you're really into this, huh?
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All right, girl, let's do this.
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You cook, I supervise.
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Uh, we're not doing it together?
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Of course we are.
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I'll be guiding you.
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So, what are we making?
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Let's go with crispy garlic honey chicken with mango salsa.
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That sounds fancy.
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Okay.
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We had exactly one hour.
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Jillian got to work while I hovered nearby, supervising like a resident chef.
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But my eyes kept drifting to Gavin.
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He looked calm and focused, like he belonged in a commercial for Knive.
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His partner looked so lost.
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The fact that he was also into cooking made him even more annoying.
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A few minutes later, Jillian finally threw her hands up and beamed.
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All right, done.
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Ooh, let me taste, let me taste.
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I took a confident bite, only to gag and narrowly scream in disgust.
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I tossed the dish and everything else into the trash.
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Then it landed dangerously close to Gavin's station and he hissed like a cat that it just got misted.
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Oh, gosh, girl, what happened to the chicken meat?
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Did you marinate it in mud and ask an old goat with horrible breath to spit on it or what?
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But I just followed everything you said.
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Jillian looked like she was on the verge of tears.
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So I took a breath to calm myself down.
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It's okay, my love.
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We've still got 20 minutes.
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We're gonna fix this.
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This time, I rolled up my sleeves and took over.
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Just as the final bell rang, we slammed our dish down and handed it to the judges, who actually liked it.
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As expected, we passed, and we're now qualified for the final challenge.
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But when I looked at Jillian, she didn't look happy at all.
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We only passed because of you.
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We almost failed because of me.
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Oh, come on, girl.
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It was my fault, too.
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I made you do most of the work.
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It was supposed to be a team effort.
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You know what?
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Let's practice after hours.
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Together.
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Is that okay with you? Of course.
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We then snuck into the kitchen later that day.
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A few other students were there, too, including Gavin, of course.
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For the sake of my sanity, I ignored his brooding presence and locked in on Jillian.
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This girl needed serious kitchen rehab.
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She was way too clumsy to be left alone with fire knives or even a blender.
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Honestly, if someone didn't supervise her, she'd either blow up the kitchen or food poison someone. Or both.
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She tried dish after dish, and I sacrificed my precious tongue for each one.
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Is this supposed to be a hard -boiled egg or a charcoal?
436
The oil is separating from your sauce.
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Did you forget to stir?
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Or did it walk out on its own?
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Your rice is crunchy.
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Were you trying to make popcorn?
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Then came her meat dish.
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Okay, listen.
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Onion, honey, or pineapple.
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Any of those can tenderize meat.
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Pick whichever one's available.
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Okay, got it.
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Note it.
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Soon we had a mountain of failed dishes in the trash.
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While we were about to try one last dish, Gavin suddenly stormed over, looking like an offended bull.
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You wasted all of this? for what for your stupid little
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practice huh why are you acting like you bought all of this are you the official supplier of this school
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now thank god i'm not look i'm just helping an aspiring chef chase her dreams failures happen it's called trial
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and error look it up he rolled his eyes
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so i rolled mine harder what is your problem with me anyway just
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because you're attractive doesn't mean you get a pass for being a total jerk
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and i don't care if you're attractive either I just hate arrogant food snobs who love to waste food.
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You don't deserve a spot in the club.
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Before I could finally explode, Jillian slid in.
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Wait, did I just hear you both call each other attractive?
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Why don't you just date each other instead of arguing every five seconds?
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You must be having some auditory hallucinations.
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I'd rather hug a giant, rotten cactus than date this brat.
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He really hated me that much, huh?
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I hoped I'd never see his stupid, smug face ever again.
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Unfortunately, we were in the same class.
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And worse, we still had one final challenge and the club initiation left.
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The announcement came sooner than expected, and the venue was deep in the woods.
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As soon as we got there, all our phones and stuff were confiscated.
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Goodbye, Wi -Fi.
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Goodbye, Sanity.
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There were only about 15 of us left, and that included Nicholas, who wouldn't stop staring at me like I owed him money.
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Lovely to see you're here, Mademoiselle.
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If we both make it in, you owe me a date, remember?
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Uh, since when did I agree to that?
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Since the day you insulted my masterpiece.
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But I gave constructive criticism. Of course.
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That's why I've made it my life mission to make you cry.
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The next time you taste my dish.
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Okay, but why did that sound like a low -key threat?
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Our conversation got totally cut off when the club president finally stepped up for the announcement.
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Your final test will challenge your creativity, resourcefulness, and pure culinary courage.
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So here are the rules.
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You're not allowed to help each other.
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You can't bring anything from home.
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And we're not giving you anything either.
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You can only use whatever you find in the woods.
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Ugh, this is gonna be harder than I thought.
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I didn't even know how to start a fire.
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Or cut stuff without a knife.
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Or build a stove out of sticks.
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I was meant to taste food, not cook in the wilderness.
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My brain wasn't braining for this.
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Prepare your dish by 7 p .m in the assembly hall.
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And your fate will depend on a surprise judge.
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Good luck!
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A surprise, Judge?
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I turned to Jillian, who was one chopped onion away from crying.
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So I gave her a quick pep talk before the challenge officially started.
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First things first, I had to find something, anything, to chop stuff on.
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So I kicked a tree stump, but it was too moldy.
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I picked up a flat rock, but it was too spiny.
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I almost grabbed a squirrel as well, but it was too alive.
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Just when I was about to give up, I spotted it.
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A big, flat piece of bark lying under a tree.
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You're my chopping board now.
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Next, I needed something to cook and serve the food.
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I searched around like a hungry raccoon on a mission.
508
Bingo!
509
I found an old tin can that could work as a pot, and some giant leaves that looked perfect for plates.
510
Now for the utensils.
511
It took me several minutes to find a rock knife, a stick spatula, and a shell spoon.
512
Finally, the ingredients.
513
Good thing I knew a bunch of wild plants thanks to my grandma and her obsession with tea.
514
Skin, preserves, and spices, baby.
515
I continued walking around until I reached the riverbank.
516
I leaned down to grab a leaf, and my foot slipped on some mud.
517
So, you're not just a brat and a snob.
518
You're clumsy too.
519
Do you really have to insult me?
520
I didn't ask for your help anyway.
521
Fine, then I'll take it back.
522
Wait, what?
523
Ew, get off me, tall boy!
524
You're the one who hugged me like I was a pillow.
525
I ignored him and stomped off like I was totally fine, except I wasn't.
526
Because why the heck did I blush?
527
No, no, no, bad hormones, bad.
528
Focus, Taffy, focus.
529
Half an hour later, I'd gathered enough herbs to open a mini forest restaurant.
530
Now it was time for the protein.
531
But the problem was, I can't fish and hunt.
532
I can't even catch something still.
533
So I did what any desperate girl would do target acquired eggs sorry bird mom finally
534
it was time to build a fire i tried i really tried
535
but at this point i was basically just bullying those sticks just
536
then i heard some chopping noises nearby i walked closer to take a peek
537
and realize that it was the rabbit's chopping wood
538
I think my brain just short -circuited at the sight of those magnificent abs before
539
i could stop myself a weird squeaky sound escaped my mouth
540
i was busted are you stalking me what no
541
i was just peacefully trying to cook in my spot over there
542
and then i heard something
543
and obviously i had to check
544
it out sure why are you even shirtless why does it bother
545
you yeah it's too indecent then find another spot
546
i was here first you're the one who somehow set up your camp near mine.
547
I was so furious!
548
I huffed and stormed back to my sad little fire pit.
549
I snatched up all my stuff and stomped off to find a new cooking spot, way further from him.
550
I threw all my rage into rubbing those stupid sticks together like my life depended on it, and after what felt like 500 years,
551
a tiny, weak little flame finally popped up.
552
Yes, yes, yes!
553
Wait!
554
No, no, no!
555
It suddenly started raining?
556
Are you kidding me right now?
557
I crabbed my stuff, and as I dashed through the rain towards the nearest cover,
558
I spotted Gavin running toward the same place from the other side.
559
We both reached the shade at the same time, soaked and panty.
560
Wow, so the rat can run, huh?
561
What do you think of me?
562
The corn dog?
563
Uh, what?
564
Before either of us could say anything else, a soft sob broke through the sound of the rain.
565
We both turned toward it and saw Jillian.
566
She was soaking wet and crying.
567
Jillian?
568
What's wrong, girl?
569
Are you okay?
570
My family doesn't have much, and this was my only chance,
571
but I think I'm too stupid for this taffy.
572
As I comforted her, Gavin sat down next to her, pulled a small dry cloth from his bag and handed it to her gently.
573
No attitude, Dude, no sarcasm, and he looked so soft like that, like a totally different guy.
574
He hated how my heart noticed.
575
Thanks, Gavin.
576
To break the tension, I changed the topic to food and cooking, and somehow, it worked.
577
Jillian started to relax and even smiled a little.
578
How about you, Gavin?
579
Why do you love cooking?
580
My ears perked up at her question.
581
Gavin didn't answer right away.
582
Instead, he stared out at the rain, silent, like he was watching a memory unfold in the distance.
583
Tragedy struck me since I could remember, and I was homeless for a long time.
584
Park benches, cardboard blankets, cold nights when I thought I wouldn't wake up,
585
scavenging for even ketchup packets just to trick my stomach into thinking I'd eaten.
586
One night, I saw this couple fighting outside a fancy restaurant.
587
They were screaming, throwing words and insults, and then the guy just tossed their untouched takeout into the trash like it meant nothing.
588
I hadn't eaten in days.
589
I was dizzy, shaking.
590
If you're gonna fight, fine.
591
But don't waste good food.
592
The guy looked at me like I was dirt.
593
Then go ahead and eat it if you care that much.
594
I didn't hesitate.
595
Right there, on the wet pavement, I sat down and ate every bite like it was a five -star meal.
596
I remember whispering, they're fools, they don't even know what heaven tastes like.
597
But I didn't realize, the owner of the restaurant had been watching.
598
He came out, no judgment, no pity, just asked if I wanted a job and a place to stay.
599
that's how it started that tiny kitchen saved my life
600
but also i found passion
601
but the rest of the staff
602
they didn't see me as one of them just a stray
603
they took in a charity case with no pedigree no past
604
i worked twice as hard to prove i deserved to be there
605
and i came to msu to prove
606
that i belong in the kitchen to find a sponsor who
607
actually believes in what i can do you wasted all of this for what for your stupid little practice
608
just hate arrogant food stops who love to waste food you don't deserve a spot in the club
609
I gasped as my eyes flew open.
610
I almost screamed when I realized that I had actually fallen asleep on Gavin's shoulder.
611
Oh, and to make it worse, I drooled on his shirt.
612
Oh, oh my gosh.
613
I'm so sorry.
614
Relax.
615
It's just drool.
616
Unless you care about what I think.
617
Duh, no, absolutely not.
618
Just then I realized it was getting dark already.
619
Oh my gosh, what time is it?
620
I haven't even started cooking.
621
Where's Jillian?
622
Chill.
623
We've still got an hour and a half before 7.
624
And Jillian's over there.
625
She already got started.
626
Apparently, she had already built her own campfire and was cooking over it like a master chef.
627
Gavin and I then rushed back to our spots.
628
And this time, it was extra serious.
629
I no longer just wanted to pass the test.
630
I wanted to make something real.
631
After finishing my dish, I washed back to the assembly hall.
632
Everyone was already there and their dishes looked so yummy.
633
The whole room smelled like a five -star buffet.
634
Just then I noticed that Jillian wasn't here yet.
635
I glanced at Gavin and he looked worried too.
636
Come on, girl, where are you?
637
Soon there were only five minutes left and panic started creeping in.
638
Just when I was about to bolt out the door to look for her,
639
she finally appeared, holding a steaming plate with the most unique -looking fish dish I'd ever seen.
640
What took you so long?
641
You got me so worried.
642
Sorry.
643
I just wanted to make sure everything was perfect.
644
Before I could respond, the lights dimmed, and the club president stepped up to the stage.
645
And now, for your final judge, a true master of flavor.
646
The one, the only.
647
The masked cafeteria chef the legend behind the lunch trays
648
it all lined up in front of him clutching our plates like newborn babies
649
he was just sitting at the table silently tasting each dish one by one
650
but his presence commanded attention
651
then it was my turn interesting most people played safe with eggs
652
but You took a risk.
653
The texture's playful, the flavor's daring, and the sauce, it's bold, defiant, and unforgettable, just like you.
654
I nearly passed out from happiness, or hunger, or his dangerously calm voice.
655
Then came Jillian's turn.
656
There was a long pause before he finally spoke.
657
Hmm, this is not perfect, but passionate.
658
I like it.
659
Oh, Jillian was finally able to breathe.
660
The judging ended.
661
Then came the moment we'd all been sweating for.
662
The announcement of the top ten.
663
The official new members of the culinary society.
664
As expected, Gavin and I made the list.
665
My name flashed on the screen and I nearly screamed!
666
Then, the final spot.
667
Jillian was trembling as she gripped my hand.
668
We all held our breath.
669
And the last spot goes to...
670
Jillian!
671
She instantly burst into tears.
672
As we celebrated, I noticed someone storming out of the venue looking curious.
673
Nicholas!
674
Wait, he didn't make it?
675
That actually surprised me.
676
As the winners celebrated, Gavin then strolled over to us, holding his plate like a trophy.
677
Well, well.
678
Looks like we all made it.
679
Wanna try my dish?
680
Taffy!
681
You have to try this!
682
Careful.
683
She might scream loud enough to summon the forest spirits.
684
Oh, please.
685
My golden tongue has standards.
686
Oh, I know.
687
That's why I strategically kept my masterpieces far away from you.
688
Strategically?
689
Yes.
690
I knew the moment you tasted my food, you'd scream your lungs out and fall hopelessly in love.
691
I'm gonna throw this plate at your face.
692
But not before you taste it.
693
Fine.
694
One bite.
695
I took a bite and instantly exploded.
696
Oh my freaking goodness!
697
This is...
698
In the middle of my foodgasm, I saw him smirking, so I immediately stopped myself from praising his dish.
699
I knew it.
700
One bite and there goes your dignity.
701
Shut up!
702
He kept teasing me all the way home on the bus.
703
But of course, I had to stay strong for my pride.
704
I will never admit it ever.
705
Unfortunately, I couldn't stop thinking about him and his cooking skills that night, so I stuffed my face with sugar to distract myself.
706
That was when Jules barred into my room.
707
Girl, why are you blushing and inhaling candy like you just caught feelings?
708
Are you in love or something?
709
I'm not blushing, and no, I'm not in love.
710
Got it, Miss Totally Not In Love.
711
Anyway, why is your voice all scratchy?
712
He was never finding out my voice died because of Gavin's food.
713
He'd never let me live it down.
714
It's the rain.
715
My vocal cords got water damage.
716
Mm -hmm, sure.
717
The next day at school, my voice was completely gone.
718
Jules wouldn't let it go.
719
Are you sure it was because of the rain and not because of screaming over a certain someone's cooking?
720
I glared at him in silence, and just then, because the universe hates me, Gavin walked by looking extra smug,
721
like his ego had its own stupid fan club.
722
Oh no. Please.
723
Not now.
724
Don't say it.
725
Don't.
726
Lost your voice, huh?
727
Told you my dish was too good.
728
Jules nearly choked from laughing.
729
Since then, things just got weird.
730
Gavin and I started getting closer.
731
Before, he used to glare at me all the time.
732
But now, that glare was replaced with a stupid little grin that made my brain malfunction every time.
733
Like that time in the hallway when I opened my locker and a sticky note fell out.
734
Try not to scream over my food next time, G.
735
Looked around, and of course, there he was, leaning against the wall with that grin.
736
Ugh, so annoying.
737
During lunch, he started joining us at our table, like he was officially part of our squad.
738
Relax, I'm here for the food, not you.
739
And worse, Jules literally saved him a seat every freaking day.
740
Aww, why do you always walk in like it's a K -drama entrance?
741
My heart can't take this!
742
Nowadays, I just find myself finishing all my food.
743
Clean plate and no crumbs, even if the dish wasn't perfect.
744
And of course he had a comment about it.
745
The trash bin must be lonely without all the food you used to waste.
746
Seriously, who kidnapped old you?
747
People change, duh.
748
And I didn't do it because of you.
749
Sure you didn't.
750
Can you two stop?
751
I'm getting secondhand butterflies.
752
Shut up!
753
And because of him, the kitchen feels weird now.
754
Am I too conscious of Gavin?
755
He's still him, the broody, annoyingly talented chef in the making.
756
Lately, he's been working way too close to my station.
757
Offering help I didn't ask for.
758
Smirking whenever I refuse like he's deliberately trying to make me skittish.
759
Your knife grip's a little stiff.
760
Don't sneak up on people!
761
Holy broccoli, why is he standing too close?
762
I wasn't sneaking, just helping.
763
I turned back to the cutting board, trying not to imagine how good his voice sounded that close.
764
Taffy, focus, knife, chop, chop, scallions.
765
Not his stupid smirk.
766
You really don't have to hover.
767
I'm not going to murder the soup.
768
Hmm, I wasn't worried about the soup.
769
My heart skipped.
770
What was that supposed to mean?
771
Are you just going to stand there and silently judge me all afternoon?
772
Just observing.
773
You're interesting when you're flustered.
774
What?
775
What?
776
I'm not flustered.
777
Careful now, I bite.
778
I've pushed away too fast and nearly slipped again.
779
What? That was...
780
You were just in the way.
781
Gavin finally stepped back.
782
He looked way too satisfied.
783
I'll try to be more in the way next time.
784
Then he walked past me, as if to tease me more, and my back went straight.
785
I could still feel his heat in the air.
786
That's spicy right there.
787
Oh, what are you even doing here?
788
Rude, but I forgive you.
789
I nearly melted watching you two.
790
The tension, Michelin star level.
791
I groaned, trying to will my face not to combust.
792
But girly, sorry to pour cold water on your sizzling enemies to maybe lover's arc, But your sister called me,
793
said there's an emergency family meeting at the restaurant.
794
I blinked as my stomach dropped.
795
Emergency family meetings were never casual.
796
Without a word, I grabbed my bag.
797
Didn't even bother untying my apron.
798
Just ran.
799
Apparently, a new diner around the block had been copying our menu and signature dishes.
800
And it had been a week since our sales had gone down to dangerous levels.
801
As in going bankrupt.
802
I need to check on it and got the shock of my life
803
when I saw who one of the chefs was, Nicholas.
804
Ah, pleasure to see you here mademoiselle.
805
Our family decided to branch out and try a new location.
806
This part is perfect.
807
Is it, no?
808
Everything on your menu is exactly like ours.
809
This is illegal.
810
You copied ours.
811
Hmm, if we copied yours,
812
then why do most people flock to ours and keep saying that ours is more delicious and better?
813
His weird behavior ever since I rejected him suddenly made sense now.
814
Is this what you meant by wanting to see me cry?
815
That's what you get for insulting my masterpiece.
816
Now go cry and run back to your little kitchen.
817
The audacity!
818
Huh, keep it.
819
That old recipe is all yours.
820
I can just let my expertise do its magic and make something so good.
821
It'll make yours taste like reheated kitchen scraps.
822
And when the tears come, make sure they don't water down your salty little ego.
823
I then marched out of this stupid restaurant without looking back.
824
I went back to our restaurant and saw Tanya and the rest of the staff reviewing the security footage.
825
We all then froze when we realized
826
that a shady looking guy had been snapping photos of our restaurant from every angle for several days.
827
And if that wasn't bad enough, he even disguised himself as one of our staff!
828
They didn't just steal ideas!
829
They cloned our entire concept and turned it into a fancier, more Instagrammable version!
830
The audacity!
831
We decided to temporarily close our restaurant while I cooked up some new ideas for the menu.
832
Later that day, while brainstorming, I noticed a few hungry street kids outside.
833
Their eyes weren't begging, they were just watching.
834
Like food was something distant, almost like a dream.
835
I remembered Gavin and just found myself opening the door.
836
I'm not serving anything fancy as of this moment, but if you're hungry, come in.
837
I sat quietly as I cooked.
838
No fancy plating, no pressure to impress, just warm food from the heart.
839
As I watched them eat, something shifted in me.
840
A thought came into my mind.
841
Food isn't just about flavor or technique.
842
It's about the connection you share with the meal.
843
After they were done eating, I gave them some more food and a neat takeaway.
844
My eyes sparkled.
845
They thanked me loudly before waving goodbye.
846
Think about some charity project and look for some volunteers to feed those kids again.
847
Oh my god!
848
Gavin!
849
You scared the carrots out of me!
850
What are you doing here?
851
I overheard earlier, and I got worried.
852
I asked your friend, and he told me everything.
853
Well, I'm here to help you out.
854
I just stared at him with my heart pounding.
855
So, the food waster is now feeding kids, huh?
856
Hey, what are you, a stalker?
857
Gavin just shrugged and gave me that infuriatingly smug smirk.
858
Okay, fine, I'll admit it.
859
Your story got to me, all right?
860
I realized food isn't just for enjoyment.
861
It's something to be grateful for.
862
Not everyone gets something to eat every day.
863
Gavin's eyes lit up with something fierce and warm all at once.
864
So hot I couldn't breathe.
865
The air between us shifted.
866
I really want to kiss you right now.
867
What?
868
Say no. I clutched his arms, the warmth of his touch sending my heart into a race, and my knees wobbled.
869
He grinned.
870
His intense eyes smiled.
871
I take that as a yes.
872
Then he pulled me in, and before I could blink, his lips crushed into mine.
873
Hot.
874
Intense.
875
Sweet.
876
And it tasted like cinnamon made from heaven.
877
I melted.
878
I never knew kissing the person you like is the sweetest thing ever.
879
More than the best macaroons in the universe.
880
I told you, I bite.
881
Maybe it's the kiss.
882
Okay, no, it was definitely the kiss that inspired this new recipe.
883
Sweet, warm, with the right amount of spice.
884
Nice.
885
It lingered and was very special.
886
Whoa, you made this look like it belongs in a 5 million star restaurant.
887
Thanks for helping out, Jillian.
888
While we worked on our test dishes, we discovered her secret skill.
889
She was amazing at plating, garnishing, and all the aesthetics.
890
Just don't ask me to actually cook it, like ever.
891
Girl, you're now officially the queen of food catfishing and I say that with love.
892
Then Jules popped in while holding up a sketch pad.
893
Okay, if we're leveling up the food, then we're leveling up the fashion.
894
It flipped the sketch pad around, revealing a full lineup of brand new uniforms.
895
Mm, chic, comfy, and grease -stain resistant.
896
You're welcome.
897
Oh my God, you made slayable uniforms?
898
Ah, I am an aspiring fashion icon, babe.
899
Let me slay in peace.
900
We all laughed.
901
And in that moment, I realized that this wasn't just my comeback.
902
It was ours.
903
And for the cherry on top, we added a tagline for our new and special dish.
904
The dish that can make you scream.
905
It was inspired by someone, and as expected, it was a hit.
906
Customers were literally screaming, and their videos went viral.
907
They kept returning to our restaurant, so we finally decided to add it to the official menu.
908
I used to think food was just about taste and fun.
909
Now, I knew better.
910
Nutmeg makes soup creamier.
911
Rosemary is steak's best friend.
912
Basil goes with almost everything.
913
Cinnamon brings comfort to sweet and savory alike. And chili?
914
Chili sets the soul alight.
915
But the most important ingredient of all is love.
916
Love is the secret spice.
917
You won't find it on any shelf, but it lingers in every bite, making each dish as special as it can be.
918
All that we have is each other now
919
Promise you won't leave my side
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This speaking lesson is built on the video “[MSU] Secret Spice - Full”. This video has 919 sentences and 7713 words to shadow. The speech runs for 50:13. The speaker talks at a natural 154 words per minute, close to everyday conversation. Only 75% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| dish noun | /dɪʃ/ | A vessel such as a plate for holding or serving food, often flat with a depressed region in the middle. |
| scream verb | /skɹiːm/ | To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, sharp outcry, or shrill, loud cry, as in fright or extreme pain; to screech, to shriek. |
| bite verb | /baɪt/ | To cut into something by clamping the teeth. |
| chef noun | /ʃɛf/ | The presiding cook in the kitchen of a large household. |
| steak noun | /steɪk/ | Beefsteak: a slice of beef, broiled or cut for broiling. |
| chop verb | /t͡ʃɑp/ | To cut into pieces with short, vigorous cutting motions. |
| culinary adjective | /ˈkʌlɪˌnɛɹi/ | Relating to the practice of cookery or the activity of cooking. |
| announcement noun | /əˈnaʊns.mənt/ | An act of announcing, or giving notice. |
| menu noun | /ˈmɛn.juː/ | The details of the food to be served at a banquet; a bill of fare. |
| babe noun | /beɪb/ | A baby or infant; a very young human or animal. |
| bud noun | /bʌd/ | A newly sprouted leaf or blossom that has not yet unfolded. |
| trash noun | /tɹæʃ/ | Useless physical things to be discarded; rubbish; refuse. |
| knife noun | /ˈnaɪ̯f/ | A utensil or a tool designed for cutting, consisting of a flat piece of hard material, usually steel or other metal (the blade), usually sharpened on one edge… |
| fancy noun | /ˈfæn.si/ | The imagination. |
| breathe verb | /bɹiːð/ | To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| branch out verb | To expand in the manner of branches. | |
| cut off verb | /ˌkʌt ˈɔf/ [ˌkɐɾ ˈɔf] | To remove by cutting. |
| shut up | /ʃʌt ʌp/ | Stop talking (usually in the form of making annoying, irrelevant, or false comments, during a period of peace and quiet, or when one is not allowed to talk)… |
| sit down verb | To assume a sitting position from a standing position. | |
| step forward verb | to take one or more steps forward, especially in response to a request for identification | |
| back out verb | To reverse (a vehicle) from a confined space. | |
| blow up verb | To explode or be destroyed by explosion. | |
| bounce off verb | To test (ideas) on someone. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- What were you even thinking, dude?
- Did you hear me scream?
- Are you implying my dish isn't perfect?
- What's gonna happen to you then?
- Are you sure he's the one who'll kidnap you?
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| “Used to” used to + verb — a past habit or state that is no longer true | used to glare · used to waste · used to think |
| Conditional sentences if + clause, will/would + verb — a condition and its result | If we mess this up, we'll be · if someone didn't supervise her, she'd either |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | was invited · was immediately intrigued · was always connected |
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | haven't seen · you've been · have made |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 176 contractions and reduced forms, such as you're, I'm, didn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: breathe /bɹiːð/, bother /ˈbɑðɚ/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: dish /dɪʃ/, chef /ʃɛf/, trash /tɹæʃ/, examination /ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, freshman /ˈfɹɛʃ.mən/
- Long words — get the stress right: culinary /ˈkʌlɪˌnɛɹi/, examination /ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, accidentally /ˌæk.sɪˈdɛnt(ə)li/, initiation /ɪˌnɪʃ.iˈeɪ.ʃən/, congratulations /kənˌɡɹæt͡ʃəˈleɪʃ(ə)nz/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like dish, scream, bite.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.