The train driver in the courtyard

Food is the most important thing for people. Since ancient times, eating has been the most important thing.

To satisfy their appetites, people constantly research how to make various dishes.

Culinary competitions have been held around the world one after another.

The dishes chosen for the competition vary depending on local customs.

But they have one thing in common.

There are vegetables.

Now, the little notebook is actually holding a cooking competition without any dishes, and it's a contest between chefs and rice cookers, which has immediately caused quite a stir.

Especially with Komatsu's intentional or unintentional promotion, Komatsu's newspapers and television stations began to create hype.

"An Easterner dares to call himself the Rice Cooking Immortal; this is an insult to the title of Rice Cooking Immortal."

"How can rice cooked in an electric rice cooker compare to rice carefully cooked by a master rice cooker?"

"The manufacturer of Hongxing rice cookers is insulting our rice-cooking genius."

It has to be said that the newspapers and TV stations in the small town really got things done when they were paid; in just a few days, most people knew about the match.

Then came Xiaomei's family and the European side.

This competition originally had nothing to do with these two sides, but these two regions are also the main sales areas for Komatsu rice cookers.

If we can ruin the reputation of Red Star rice cookers, then the entire market will belong to Japan.

In this context, the rice cooking competition quickly attracted the attention of food critics from all over the world, and Xiao Mei's family and European journalists also flew to Tokyo.

More and more people.

The more people there are, the more it will come.

Hextech also sent a representative to oversee the cooking competition.

Komatsu Electric had no worries about Chen's arrival, since they really had no intention of rigging the competition.

One is a true master of cooking.

One is a rice cooker.

Isn't it obvious which one will win?
"Ladies and gentlemen, today's competition is very simple. Each of you will cook a pot of rice, and the judges will score it. The one with the higher score will win," Chairman Komatsu said, looking up.

"Who are the judges?" Officer Chen asked.

“Naturally, the judges are our local gourmets,” Komatsu sneered. “The competition is being held here, so the judges will naturally be chosen from our side.”

I've seen shameless people.

However, people who can take pride in shamelessness are rare.

I finally got to meet Officer Chen today.

However, remembering Li Aiguo's instructions, he suppressed his anger and pointed to the food lovers from all over the world next to him.

"Those who are here today are all people who love food. I think we should invite them to be the judges."

Upon hearing this, Xiaosong realized that things were not going well. He had originally wanted to control the judges as well, which would give him a 100% chance of winning, but now that seemed impossible.

Sure enough, the food lovers were already dissatisfied with the fact that Xiaobenzi had monopolized the judging panel, and when someone proposed to become a judge, they were surprised.

There was no other way but to select a few from among them.

Just then, several Willys Jeeps sped towards us from a distance.

Wherever it passed, pedestrians and vehicles on the road had to give way.

For no other reason than that the jeep had the Pacific Command's license plate on it.

Everyone was startled by the commotion.

When they saw the man with the pipe getting out of the Willys Jeep, everyone's expression turned serious.

"Hasn't Corporal James, a five-star general, already returned home?"

"The current Commander-in-Chief Edward is a student of Corporal James. I heard that Corporal James is here on vacation."

Why did Corporal James get off the train?

"Don't just stand there, hurry up and bow."

If we're talking about who holds the highest position on the Japanese side in this era, it would undoubtedly be Corporal James, a five-star general.

The important figures in the notebook all bowed ninety degrees and respectfully greeted the emperor.

Meanwhile, the foreign food journalists, as well as Chen and others, remained standing still.

The two form a sharp contrast.

Seeing Corporal James appear, Komatsu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

While preparing for the competition, Komatsu heard that Corporal James was vacationing in Osaka, so he asked a friend from the bereaved families' association to invite Corporal James to participate.

Corporal James's prestige was higher than that of the heavens.

If he could participate in the judging and casually criticize the Red Star rice cooker, then the Red Star rice cooker would have absolutely no market share in the UK.

Even though Corporal James was no longer the commander, his status was still extraordinary, and he was not someone that a mere chairman of an electrical company could invite.

I didn't expect them to actually come.

"Respected Five-Star General, we are holding a rice cooking competition. It would be a great honor for us if you could come to the event." Komatsu's nose almost touched Corporal James's shoe.

"Is this a competition between the Red Star Rice Cooker and the Rice Cooking Master? Lead the way." Corporal James, five-star general, put his hands on his hips and nodded slightly.

The venue for the competition had been chosen long ago: a seemingly unremarkable, popular diner in Osaka.

"This place looks ordinary, but it's where Master Meng cooks his meals. Every day, a steady stream of people come to taste the rice he prepares." The event staff has also been replaced by pretty young women who speak in pleasant voices to Corporal James, a five-star general.

The weathered shop facade, adorned with carved characters that exude a sense of history, coupled with the long queue beside it, completely elevates the master's prestige.

Once inside the storefront, everyone immediately recognized Master Meng from the village.

There was nothing else to it, except that he was wearing a traditional outfit with the words "Cooking Immortal" written in large characters on the front and back.

With an air of arrogance.

Personable.

Arrogant and disdainful of the world.

The master truly lived up to his reputation; upon seeing these people enter, he didn't even raise his head, remaining preoccupied with the task at hand.

The event staff proudly introduced, "Master Cunmeng is the most famous rice master in our area."

He personally oversaw every step and every detail. It's said that Master Murata would get up at 4 a.m., not immediately to start cooking, but to exercise in the fresh air and morning light of Osaka—a habit that helped him concentrate better.

If this were a fantasy novel, he would definitely be a hermit master living in a secluded mountain village.

Flashbulbs went off constantly as reporters swarmed in.

"Master, what are the special techniques you use when cooking rice?"

"This is a family heirloom. Five thousand years ago, our founder of the Chimu School created the method of steaming rice in an earthen pot," the master said slowly, stroking his white beard.

A reporter raised his hand: "Five thousand years ago, this was the Jomon period, right? Rice was introduced to you from the east during the Yayoi period. What did your ancestors use to cook rice?"

The master chef stumbled and almost fell to the ground, glaring at the reporter: "Don't try to make trouble here. In short, our cooking skills have been passed down for thousands of years."

Seeing this, Komatsu quickly tried to smooth things over.

"It's getting late, everyone. Let's start our rice cooking competition right away."

The Red Star rice cooker is very simple. Just rinse the rice, add water according to the instructions, plug it in, and press the switch.

On the other hand, the master was full of charisma. He first washed the rice with specially prepared water with great force, which he claimed was to infuse the rice with soul.

It took half an hour just to wash the rice before it was poured into the aluminum pot. The master immediately put the lid on the pot, lit the stove, and the whole set of movements was extremely smooth, showing the unique rhythm of a craftsman.

When it comes to cooking rice, it's even more remarkable.

The master chef continuously rotated the pot lid with both hands, as if pushing a millstone. Xiao Song explained that this was a unique way of steaming rice, which could preserve the aroma of the rice.

The master's skill drew waves of admiration.

"As expected of a master, I feel that today's trip has been worthwhile."

An hour later, both of their rice dishes were ready.

The rice should have been judged by the judges, but since Corporal James, a five-star general, is here, this important task undoubtedly falls on his shoulders.

Corporal James, a five-star general, was the first to pick up the master's rice, take a bite, and his eyes immediately lit up.

"This is the best rice I've ever eaten. No wonder it's made by a master."

Seeing this, Xiaosong's heart, which had been hanging in his throat, finally settled back into his stomach.

Corporal James, a five-star general, is known for his pickiness. If even he praised it, then it must be perfect.

Komatsu glanced at the Hextech representative and snorted coldly.

At this moment, Corporal James, a five-star general, picked up the rice from the rice cooker, looked at it, and said, "Rice cookers are known for their convenience, but it's quite remarkable that they can cook rice with such just the right amount of moisture. In just a few years, has the technological strength of the East developed to this level?"

Indeed, it was no coincidence that Corporal James, a five-star general, was here.

After losing the competition for the position of President to General Kenneth, Corporal James, a five-star general, had planned to retire and spend his later years with his wife and children.

However, he received an invitation from RAND Corporation to serve as its chairman.

RAND Corporation is a think tank affiliated with Xiaomei's family.

Its main function is to provide research and intelligence analysis services to the US military. Although it is called a "company", it actually analyzes the economic and military situations of various countries to provide a basis for the US president's decision-making.

The east has always been the RAND Corporation's primary focus, which is why Corporal James accepted the invitation.

Corporal James, a five-star general, had already given the rice cooker a passing grade.

After all, machines and humans are incomparable, let alone the fact that the other side is a cooking master.

As Corporal James, a five-star general, spoke, he scooped up a little rice with a spoon, put it in his mouth, chewed it lightly a couple of times, and his expression changed instantly.

Komatsu had been keeping an eye on Corporal James, and upon seeing this, he quickly asked, "Is the rice not cooked? Heh, I told you long ago, the East doesn't know how to make rice cookers at all. If we're talking about the best rice cookers on the market right now, it has to be our little Japanese company."

"No, this rice... this rice is simply divine."

Corporal James, a five-star general, was too busy finishing his bowl of rice to speak. He then stood up and handed the bowl to Officer Chen, saying, "Another bowl, please."

Secretary Chen: "."

All the judges present: "."

Xiaosong sensed something was wrong, so he picked up a bowl, scooped up some rice, and put it in his mouth to taste. But after just one chew, he froze on the spot, and the spoon clattered to the ground.

The rice grains are distinct yet coated with a warm, glossy sheen. They easily break apart when you gently grind them with your teeth, without any stickiness or astringency. Instead, they have just the right amount of springiness.

At this point, the reporters also realized something was wrong and all pointed their microphones at Corporal James, the five-star general.

"General, what are your thoughts on these two types of rice?"

"The rice cooked by the Rice Master is indeed very good, but that's all it is."

Five-star general Corporal James put on his signature sunglasses and pointed his index finger at the camera.

"And the rice cooked in the Red Star rice cooker is perfect."

"I have spent my life on the battlefield, commanding countless iron torrents of war, but I never imagined that I could be conquered by a rice cooker—this is the Red Star Rice Cooker, the uncrowned king of the kitchen world." The five-star general frankly said: "Before I met the Red Star Rice Cooker, I thought that perfect rice only existed in legends."

It wasn't until the rice grains underwent their transformation within its inner container that I understood: true victory lies in allowing each grain to fully express its unique flavor.

"Don't underestimate the power of the Red Star Rice Cooker," the five-star general emphasized. "It can transform ordinary rice into a culinary legend and turn kitchen novices into cooking masters. Those who underestimate it will eventually regret it with hard, undercooked rice."

Upon hearing this, the reporter's eyes lit up, and he quickly jotted it down in his notebook: "Old soldiers never die, but delicious food lives on forever. This is the Red Star Rice Cooker, a 'strategic kitchen weapon' certified by General MacArthur."

Xiaosong's legs were already weak.

They originally thought they could use this rice cooking competition to undermine Red Star Rice Cooker, but their attempt backfired.

The results of the rice cooking competition quickly spread around the world, especially with the endorsement of Corporal James, a five-star general, which made the Red Star rice cooker's victory even more impressive.

New York mornings are filled with hustle and bustle.

Chris is a modern woman who has to take care of her family and work at the company, leaving her with very little time.

Early this morning, she took half a day off and drove to the store in the square to buy a Red Star rice cooker.

This rice cooker makes rice delicious and convenient, and due to its high price, it has become an essential household appliance for white-collar and gold-collar workers.

In modern terms, these are "viral products".

A large television outside the store was connected to a VCR, which was playing MacArthur's review of the Red Star rice cooker.

Of course, this wasn't an advertisement, but rather an interview with MacArthur by a reporter; otherwise, he would have had to pay an endorsement fee.

Chris thought she had arrived early enough, but when she got to the store entrance, she was stunned to find a long queue already formed inside.

People have a herd mentality, and the long queue did not deter Chris; instead, she obediently joined the line.

It took a full half hour to get a picture of the counter.

"Sir, could you please give me a Red Star rice cooker, the pink one?"

Red Star rice cookers are only available in white in China, but in other countries they come in white, gold, and pink. The gold and pink versions cost extra but are the best-selling.

"Sorry, the pink one is out of stock," the sales assistant replied politely.

Chris was a little disappointed and sighed, saying, "Then I want a gold one."

"Sorry, the gold one is also out of stock."

"Any color is fine, just buy me one."

"Sorry, we're sold out. We don't have any colors left."

"."

Chris felt like punching someone.

"Miss, if you want to make a reservation, you can sign your name here and pay a deposit." The clerk also felt that she might have gone too far, and reminded her, "The reservation slots are almost full."

“Okay, I’ll order a pink one.” Kerry took out her wallet without hesitation.

"Sorry, the pink seats are fully booked."

"."

The same thing is happening in major cities across North America.

In just a few days, the North American market received orders for 500,000 units.

Some newspapers even published reports such as, "The people of North America need the Red Star rice cooker."

Li Aiguo saw these reports in a newspaper from the port city.

"This five-star general really has the potential to become an internet celebrity!"

"We just received a call from Gangcheng. Hongxing rice cookers are selling like hotcakes overseas. We've received orders for 500,000 units in the North American market." Section Chief Xing's eyes widened with excitement.

It's important to know that the Red Star rice cooker is marketed as a high-tech product, selling for $200 per unit overseas, with a net profit of $150 – it's practically free money!

Li Aiguo had anticipated this situation.

Corporal James, a five-star general, spent his life in the military and, apart from being defeated by us, had never lost a battle. He enjoyed great prestige abroad.

"The notebook computer company has also received an order for 200,000 units!"

If the North American market is an economic account, then the small-market account is a regulatory account.

No wonder Section Chief Xing was so excited.

"I really didn't expect that Corporal James, a five-star general, would have such high prestige in the notebook." Section Chief Xing couldn't understand.

“That’s how people are over there. You have to beat them down before they’ll submit to you,” Li Aiguo said.

"Yes, we had that opportunity back then, but unfortunately it was given up," Section Chief Xing said with a sigh.

In fact, after the second fight, in accordance with legal principles, we also sent a small delegation to the home of the Japanese.

It was only because the US was too domineering, coupled with some of the micro-management master's shady tactics, that the delegation withdrew in 1946.

The root cause was that we were too weak at the time, which led to a series of events that followed.

These are not things Li Aiguo should care about, and he has no intention of caring about them for the time being.

Section Chief Xing took a sip of the tea that Li Aiguo had poured and said, "This year, the benefits at our Qianmen Locomotive Depot are even better. The First Ministry of Machinery Industry sent over a large batch of beef, mutton, and a large batch of big mangoes. After you get off work, go to the Materials Section to collect some."

Beef and lamb are one thing, but what's with this huge mango?
Li Aiguo asked casually.

"You don't know? We've made decisive progress in South Asia. We've brought back a large batch of supplies, including rice, beef, mangoes, and the like. These mangoes are said to be huge, some kind of 'Mango King'," Section Chief Xing said excitedly.

Li Aiguo then realized that he hadn't been paying attention to the situation there recently.

"It should be the Alfonso mango, right?"

"Yes, yes, it's these mangoes. Everyone can get twenty jin. Remember to collect them." Section Chief Xing was worried that Li Aiguo might forget, so he reminded him repeatedly.

Li Aiguo nodded. Li Yunlong was invincible over there and had already taken over a large area.

However, the other side has taken advantage of its terrain and started to be more flexible and mobile. If armed helicopters were developed and sent to South Asia, they might play a crucial role.

After Section Chief Xing left, Li Aiguo went into the 116 Project workshop, where the assembly of the armed helicopter was almost complete.

"There was a small problem with the engine assembly, which delayed us a bit. It will probably take another half month."

Good things come to those who wait.

Li Aiguo, however, was not in a hurry.

Armed helicopters use the most advanced technology of later generations, and their manufacturing and assembly are very difficult. Even though Project 116 brought together the efforts of dozens of factories and research institutes, it was impossible to develop them so easily.

Li Aiguo remembered the mangoes, so he left Workshop 116 to collect twenty jin of mangoes from the materials department. He distributed some to Workshop 116 and planned to take the rest home.

Before Li Aiguo could even leave his office after get off work, he received a call from Lao Mao.

"Come over for a meeting."

Li Aiguo's heart skipped a beat. Recently, the weather station knew he was busy with the armed helicopter project and had hardly assigned him any tasks.

what is it today?
Li Aiguo couldn't figure it out, so he simply stopped thinking about it, slung his canvas bag over his shoulder, and rode his motorcycle to the weather station.

As soon as I entered the gate, I could feel the atmosphere was different.

The meteorologists looked hurried, carrying various documents in their hands, while the sound of beeping came from the telegraph room not far away.

"The leader is waiting for you." When Lao Mao saw Li Aiguo coming over, he invited him into a meeting room.

The farmer and several long-time employees of the weather station were all there.

"Patriotism is here, the meeting officially begins." The farmer looked up at a department leader and said, "Old Chen, please explain the current situation."

The middle-aged man wearing glasses and a black Zhongshan suit reported while holding a notebook:
"The train driver's plan to take advantage of the chaos went very smoothly."

"After the Russian Cheka realized that Langley had discovered their activities at the Sugar House, they immediately reported it to the Corn Emperor."

"The Russians accelerated the construction of a rocket launcher site in the Sugarcane country and dispatched two transport fleets to deliver supplies to the Sugarcane country."

"Xiao Mei's U2 reconnaissance aircraft spotted one of the fleets over the western part of Sugarcane's territory."

"President Ken is now convening a meeting to prepare for the Russians' actions."

"That's all the information we have right now."

Old Chen's language was very concise. After he finished speaking, he sat back down.

The farmer nodded: "Everyone understands the situation. Now, we are asked to assess how far this dispute will develop and how we should respond."

As soon as he finished speaking, the meeting room erupted in discussion.

Some people think that Sugarcane's house is too close to Xiaomei's house, and Xiaomei's house will definitely be furious. Under pressure, Corn Emperor will soon retreat.

Some people think that the installation of the firecracker launch site by the Sugar family is their own business and has nothing to do with Xiaomei's family.

President Ken is a celebrity who has never been on the battlefield and is no match for the Corn Emperor. It won't be long before he can put firecrackers on the launch pad.

The opinions of the group were not aligned.

The farmer turned to look at Li Aiguo: "Comrade train driver, what do you think?"

"Teacher, we have far too little information right now. The situation could change at any time, and the outcome is unpredictable."

However, I think this matter might escalate further, and regardless of the final outcome, the two sides will definitely be at a stalemate for some time.

Li Aiguo stood up to answer.

"What's the reason?"

"On Xiaomei's side, President Ken is indeed cracking down on celebrities, but celebrities care most about their image. People who have never been on the battlefield often lose their awe of war. President Ken is also facing pressure from the mid-term selection process and cannot easily give in."

The farmer nodded repeatedly: "That makes sense. What about the Russians?"

Li Aiguo paused for a moment, then, seeing that the room was filled with seasoned meteorologists, said directly, "The situation on the Russian side is very bad. The Corn Emperor has made some changes, but they haven't been very effective. He's under a lot of pressure and there's even a possibility that he might be replaced. Under these circumstances, the Corn Emperor is even less likely to back down easily."

How long do you expect this stalemate to last?

Based on the estimated duration of the conflict in later generations, Li Aiguo replied, "It could last at least three months."

The farmer looked up and around: "Does anyone have any opinions?"

The experienced meteorologists all shook their heads.

"The train driver's analysis was insightful, and we think the situation is likely to develop in a similar way."

The farmer did not continue discussing the outcome of the conflict, since any unexpected event could change the result of such a conflict.

For us, the most important thing is to seize this three-month gap and grow the giant mushrooms.

After the meeting, the farmer arranged for a special car to go to the lake to report.

"Teachers, comrades, I forgot to mention earlier, these are mangoes sent back from South Asia. Please have a taste." Li Aiguo opened the package and took out some mangoes.

The farmer didn't stand on ceremony; he peeled one open and took a bite.

"These Victory mangoes are really sweet."

outside.

Star bright.

(End of this chapter)