She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160
Athena drove slowly before asking, “Alaric. I heard that you participated in the National Basketball Tearn’s draft training camp and selection event. How did it go?”
Her family had mentioned that Alaric was a basketball athlete with a national first-level athlete certification. He scored above the second-tier line on the SAT, gaining admission to the West End University of Technology, located next to Kitmore University.
Although the West End University of Technology was not as prestigious as Kitmore University, it was still a member of the Top Universities Program. It placed a strong emphasis on sports, with its basketball team being the best among the national college basketball teams.
Just two months ago, in the finals of the National College Basketball League, the University of Technology’s basketball teamn made history by winning their first-ever championship, defeating the reigning powerhouse, Dichester University, by a narrow 2-point margin. Dichester even had players from the national team, making the win even more impressive.
Those 2 points were scored by Alaric, in a buzzer-beater at the last moment.
This achievement also helped Alaric pass the selection process and become a member of the national team’s draft training
camp.
Alaric smiled shyly and said, “It went pretty well. The draft trainees are split into two teams, and each team plays clubs from the National Professional Basketball League, making it easier for the clubs to scout players.”
against
“My team performed well, and a few clubs have already contacted me, hoping 1’ll join them,” Alaric added. “However, my goal is to join the top club in the West End, but their standards are very high. After the school year starts. West End will send substitute players to compete against our school’s basketball team to assess my performance. This is my chance to catch their attention.”
Hearing this. Athena realized that it was already the end of August, and the university would start in just a few days.
She freed one hand and made a fist, cheering, “Go for it, Alaric! You must have heard from your family that I have a good eye for talent and have never chosen the wrong person. I’m sure you can do it.”
She wasn’t just saying it to flatter him.
Instead, she had observed Alaric’s height, physique, muscle development, and reaction speed, knowing he trained very well and had excellent athletic abilities. Considering his achievements from childhood to now, she believed he would be just fine.
Not to mention, just watching how Alaric rushed down the stairs from the second floor with such speed and stability was impressive.
Alaric smiled and rubbed his neck, saying, “Hearing you say that makes me feel more confident,”
Athena could see that he was confident in himself, which matched the impression he usually gave.
If Jaden was the gentle warmth of a winter morning sun, and Arthur was the refreshing morning breeze of summer, then Alaric was the vibrant sunshine of the morning, full of energy and enthusiasm.
She said, “Alaric, on the day of your competition, I will be there to cheer you on
“That’s great!” Alaric grinned widely, his whole demeanor shining like a little sun. “I will definitely win the competition as a gift for you!”
Athena smiled. “Okay.”
As they chatted and laughed, the two of them arrived at the intersection in front of the Donovan family restaurant.
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15:31 Sun, Oct 13
Chapter 160
Athena parked the car by the side of the road and led Alaric into quaint, tranquil alley paved with blue stone slabs, reminiscent of an ancient poem.
After walking more than 300 feet, they saw a plaque hanging on the side of the bright red door, it read “Donovan’s Restaurant.
Standing in front of the bright red door, the two felt as if they had arrived not at a restaurant, but at a place that gave them a sense of returning home.
The newly renovated door appeared both old and new. It lacked the typical dampness and decay of an old house but retained a sense of ancient charm, the weight of history, and the depth that came from having endured a century of time.
Athena noticed that the door lock, couplets, and door paintings were slightly worn as if someone had always lived there.
The
e door was slightly ajar, with no one to greet them. A sign hung on the door that read, “Please push the door to enter.”
Athena pushed open the door.
Behind the door was a simple courtyard-style layout.
Upon entering, they found an entrance hall leading into a wide-open courtyard.
In the middle of the courtyard stood a large, vintage-style sun umbrella. Under the umbrella, Arthur was making cashew cheese, and the natural aroma of cashews spread throughout the area, prompting people to exclaim, “So pure!”
On either side of the courtyard were dining areas. The first floor featured an open public restaurant, while the second floor housed private rooms.
On both sides of the entrance hall, there were newly built blue stone paths over 3 feet wide, leading to the restaurants on either side of the courtyard. These paths had roofs above them, and along the courtyard side, there were bamboo plants over 3 feet tall.
When guests arrived, they could enter the restaurant through the paths on either side without being seen, ensuring a high level of privacy.
The main hall on the first floor, facing the entrance, was converted into an open kitchen, while the second floor served as a storage room.
Everyone could see everything in the kitchen.
The kitchen’s ingredients, whether they were fresh and clean, how the chefs prepared the dishes, and what cooking utensils were available, all of it was clearly visible.
Various signs were also hung on the columns and walls of the kitchen, outlining the chef’s dress code, kitchen hygiene standards, vegetable washing procedures, cooking standards, and more
All staff were required to wear masks, while the chefs and assistants had to wear matching uniforms, shoes, and chef hats.
In short, the kitchen here could definitely compete with the back kitchens of five-star hotels, and it was even cleaner and more hygienic. It was truly a blessing for those who were obsessive about cleanliness and hygiene.
In fact, the Donovan family prioritized hiring staff who had a strong obsession with cleanliness.
Today, Claire and Jaden served as the head chefs, while two assistants were responsible for handling the ingredients. Seeing Athena and Alaric, Claire quickly called out, “Have you eaten yet? If not, go ahead and eat!”
Josie was sitting in a corner of the public restaurant, happily eating her meal. When she saw them, she waved her hands. saying “Alaric, Athena, let’s eat together!”
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Chapter 160
Athena smiled and said, “Alaric just got back, so he should eat first. I’ll help serve the dishes for the guests”
She washed her hands, tied up her hair, put on a mask, and began serving the dishes,
There were a total of five tables in the afternoon, all set up in private rooms.
Among them, two tables were for the people from Vission Group, two tables were for the crew, and one i people.