365 Days with the Celebrity

Chapter 31 - The Graduation she never had

Ariel slaved through the entire day past midnight to plan her dishes for the show, managing only a few hours of sleep. Today was the dreaded day. Apart from Team Waltz, Fujita's PR team were also present. Ariel was dressed in chef attire and chef hat with Fujita's logo on them, and her makeup and hair bun were neatly done by Ryan. She stood behind the island counter in the TV studio, with the ingredients laid bare before the bright lights and cameras.

While she stood beside Leon, a beautiful female Japanese presenter with milk tea coloured hair, Shinju Hayashi was speaking in that typical Japanese cutesy tone before the camera, and who was also their translator. Even though she was trying her hardest to smile, Ariel's heart felt like it was about to burst out of her ribcage anytime soon. She wasn't sure if the recipes presented would be good enough. Behind the island counter, her nervous hands fiddled endlessly with the hem of her attire.

Leon lowered his lids and noticed her trembling hands. He intertwined his fingers through hers and held her hand firmly.

Oh, those soft hands!

Ariel widened her eyes in bewilderment at the sudden intrusion on her flesh.

"Calm down, it'll be fine," he leaned into her ear and whispered, without lifting his gaze from the camera. She nodded discreetly and kept smiling. It was as if his warm hand pumped a steady stream of calm into her as she held it tight to calm her nerves. No one noticed the secret hand-holding behind the island counter, neither did any camera catch it. Andy was standing far off, flashing his wide grin and thumbs-up to his mother. Looking at Andy and having Leon by her side, Ariel felt her nervousness subsiding.

"Ariel-さん(i.e Ariel-san), what are the dishes you'll be cooking today?" Shinju asked her.

"I'm going to make Yuzu meringue cake with Fujita Yuzu Curd topped with fresh lemon zest, a fruit crepe with Fujita chocolate sauce, and coffee vanilla jelly with chia seeds topped with Fujita coconut sauce," Ariel replied, surprised by her sudden smooth speech without a single stammer.

Shinju translated her words to the camera while Leon whispered in Ariel's ear, "Very good. It's your show now." He released her hand.

Taking a soft, deep breath, Ariel began the cooking demonstration, soon forgetting about the anxiety and nervousness. Gradually, she found herself enjoying the demonstration that the fake smile she wore was replaced with a genuine smile. Once Ariel was done, Shinju tasted each of the dishes, nodding in amazement at the mouth-watering taste and describing the taste to the cameras with exaggerated expressions of awe in Japanese.

"You really got yourself a very good and talented chef," Shinju said to Leon. "Now we know the kinds of foods you're spoiled with."

"Absolutely!" he affirmed.

Ariel was pleased that her entire night's worth passed the test.

Shinju finished off with a few more words before the director exclaimed, "Cut!"

The cameras stopped rolling and the crew applauded. Some gathered around the island counter to taste her dishes.

"Mum! You did great!" Andy went to hug her.

"Thanks, sweetheart. I'm glad this is over and done with," she hugged him back with a smile of relief.

"Your food's really good. You are so lucky to live with Leon Waltz," Shinju remarked and shook her hand.

"Oh, thank you! Your presentation and translation skills are amazing," Ariel complimented. "I wish I can be this smooth like you, cos I'm a nerve wreck by nature!"

"Aw, thanks! You did well, don't worry about it," Shinju assured.

The two ladies giggled before Shinju excused herself and walked over to Leon.