“Of course not. I’ve always wanted to be like my father since I was younger. Although most people like my mother because of the delicious food and dishes she made, she has avoided some hardships of being a chef because she has my father by her side.”

Zhang Qing couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was this really the reason why Shen Lingqing didn’t pursue the same path her mother had?

For the longest time, people had been speculating about the reason why she made such a choice… when most of them were aware that she had inherited a superb palate from her mother.

“It’s not that I don’t want to be a chef, but I know how hard it is to become one, Auntie. And I don’t think I am capable enough to bear the consequence of my choice… have I chosen to become a chef.

“Being a chef is a physically demanding job, and for some people, it may sound like a fancy profession, but it’s not. Working in a kitchen, you’re going to be standing and moving around for at least eight hours. You’ll also need to be lifting heavy pots of food, carrying large bags of food, and stocking walk-ins with food; all of which can put a strain on your body.

“If that isn’t enough, you will also sacrifice your social life in favor of it. For most restaurants, weekends are the busiest time of the week, and as a result, you’ll almost certainly be working by then—which makes it difficult to make plans with family and friends. Additionally, the long hours will interfere with your other hobbies and passions.

“Do you know, Auntie? I still remember the time when Mom had to bring me along with her to Oriental Bliss, although she promised me that she would spend the whole day with me. I know Mom felt guilt for cutting her time with me in favor of extending a hand to work in the kitchen, just so they could finish the dinner service on time. At least with being a businessman, I would be able to reschedule some of my meetings, to not interfere with my personal life.”

Just like what her father had been doing to make sure he would always have time to spend with his wife and their children. One thing that Shen Lingqing liked about her father was how efficient he was at work and how he was able to maximize his time to make sure that work wouldn’t overlap with his personal time to spend with his family.

“Qingqing, do you blame your mother? Do you blame her for choosing to become a chef?” Zhang Qing asked. Of course, she knew well how much Lu Xinyi loved her daughter, but did Shen Lingqing feel suffocated being trapped in her mother’s shadow?

Shen Lingqing was persistently compared to her parents since she was younger, and people had some expectations towards her whenever they found out that she was the daughter of the ShenLu couple. Some even believed that Shen Lingqing was wasting her talent for choosing to follow her father’s footsteps.

Shen Lingqing shook her head and sighed. She then lifted her head and looked heavenward, appreciating the clouds and the hint of red-orange on the far horizon informing her that the sun was about to set soon.

“No. Never. I know how much Mom and Dad love me, and I know that they’d been trying their best to be good parents to me and to my siblings, but I hate seeing them exhausted at the end of the day.

“I know for a fact that Mom has always wanted to become a chef like my grandpa, and I’m proud that she was able to achieve such a dream. Mom told me not to worry too much about what people may say about my choice and that it isn’t their business to poke on. More than anything, I just want Mom and Dad to be proud of me, and I don’t want to bring them shame and fail them.”

“Oh, Miss Qingqing. I think you are overthinking things again. I’m also a parent like your mother.” Zhang Qing took one of Shen Lingqing’s hand into hers. “I know for the fact that we, parents, only wanted the best for our children. It didn’t matter to us what people think as long as our child is content and happy while knowing, of course, that they didn’t wrong anyone in the process.”

“Y-you think so, Auntie?” Shen Lingqing’s eyes were wide in disbelief.

“Of course. You might not know, but your mother constantly worries about you, especially when you have gone abroad to study. There were even nights that she couldn’t fall asleep, worrying about you. Miss Qingqing, it’s our job as parents to constantly look after our children. Your mother only wants you to be happy. Do you know what she told me when I asked her why she didn’t convince you to become a chef like her?”

Shen Lingqing’s attention zeroed on Zhang Qing’s words. Perhaps, her Auntie was right. She might have been overthinking things and worrying too much. “What did she say, Auntie?”

“She said that it wouldn’t make you happy if she forced you. Madam said: ‘Qingqing’s smile is the most precious thing in the world, so I would make sure to protect it.’ She loves you that much, Miss,” Zhang Qing explained, “So whether you become a chef or not, it doesn’t matter to Madam as long as she knows you will be happy and content with your condition.”

“And if I was wrong? What if I made a mistake?”

“It’s normal to make mistakes, Miss Qing. Most people committed several mistakes before they learned from it.” The older woman assured her.

Shen Lingqing’s lips curled up, and she chuckled. Somehow, talking to Zhang Qing about her choices somewhat lifted the pressure on her mind.

“Thank you, Auntie. I’m really glad you came here with us.”

“It’s a pleasure to be on your assistance, Miss Qingqing.”