Food Wars!: Delicious Food of the Heavens

The next morning, Isshiki Satoshi got up early as usual to prepare to work in the fields.

But when he finished washing up, packed his tools, and was about to leave, he heard a noise coming from the kitchen as he passed by the kitchen door.

"Could it be Lin Yujun making breakfast again?" Thinking about what had happened in the past few days, Isshiki Satoshi couldn't help but wonder.

Full of anticipation, Isshiki Satoshi went into the kitchen to take a look.

Sure enough!

On the stove, a clay pot was being simmered, with plumes of white steam rising from it and the sound of water boiling constantly emanating from it. Lin Yu stood in front of the stove, holding a long-handled ladle and stirring the contents of the clay pot continuously.

Isshiki Satoshi smiled knowingly.

"Lin Yujun?"

Lin Yu, who was busy at the stove, heard the sound, turned around, and saw Isshiki Satoshi holding tools in her hand.

"Good morning, Isshiki-senpai!"

"Lin Yujun, good morning! What are you doing now?"

"I was planning to go out today, so I got up early. I didn't have much to do, so I made some breakfast for everyone."

Lin Yu turned around and continued to stir the casserole in front of him with the long-handled ladle.

Isshiki stepped forward and saw that the clay pot was simmering with a pot of white rice porridge. The rice grains had already bloomed and were boiling continuously, with bubbles rising to the surface. As the bubbles burst, a fragrant aroma of rice wafted out of the pot.

"White rice porridge~"

Isshiki Satoshi smiled expectantly.

"To be honest, it's been a long time since I've had plain rice porridge for breakfast."

"That's perfect, let's see how I make it today." Lin Yu replied with a smile, without looking up, constantly observing the cooking process of the rice porridge in the pot.

Isshiki Satoshi was amused. "Of course, Lin Yujun's skills are definitely trustworthy. There's no need to say more about that."

Watching the rice porridge boil continuously, Isshiki Satoshi couldn't help but move closer and smell the aroma wafting from the pot.

"It smells so good!"

"And it has such a rich, savory aroma... does it seem like it's not just plain white rice porridge?"

"Iroha-senpai has a very keen sense of smell!" Lin Yu praised. "I also added minced meat to the porridge to cook together, so the flavor is definitely amazing."

Isshiki Satoshi nodded. "But plain white porridge... wouldn't that be a bit too monotonous? Should I prepare some side dishes?"

"No need, I'm already ready!" Lin Yu pointed to the side.

Following the direction Lin Yu pointed, Isshiki looked over and saw on the table next to him the vegetables they had picked from the fields the day before.

"How about we just make a simple stir-fried vegetable dish as a side dish?" Lin Yu asked.

"No problem!" Isshiki Satoshi replied. "It's early in the morning, so a light meal is good. Fragrant white porridge with refreshing stir-fried vegetables sounds like a perfect combination!"

Isshiki Satoshi pulled out a chair from the table, just about to sit down and wait, but when she looked up at Lin Yu's busy back and then at herself who had nothing to do, she suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

Isshiki Satoshi spoke up, "Lin Yu-kun? Do you need my help?"

"After all, Lin Yujun made breakfast yesterday. I would feel guilty if I just stood by and watched."

Lin Yu immediately refused.

"I know you're a kind-hearted person, Isshiki-senpai, and I appreciate your kindness, but it's alright. You can just stand aside and watch."

"Are you sure you don't need it?" Isshiki Satoshi asked again, seemingly eager to lend a hand.

"Really, you don't need to!"

Hearing Isshiki Satoshi's words, Lin Yu was at a loss for words, both amused and exasperated.

"Actually... I have a habit of cooking alone. I don't feel comfortable having someone else around, even if they're helping me. Otherwise, I always feel a little uncomfortable."

"what?"

Hearing Lin Yu's words, Isshiki Satoshi was immediately surprised.

"So what do you do during class?"

"After all, many courses directly require two-person group work, and partners are forcibly assigned in class. Even the presentation of project results, in-class assessments, and grading are done in groups."

"What else can we do?"

Lin Yu shrugged and said in a somewhat helpless tone, "Just try your best to overcome it!"

"If your partner is someone you know, it's a bit better, and you won't feel particularly uncomfortable. But if you're unlucky and your partner is a stranger, even if you feel uncomfortable, you just have to put up with it."

Upon hearing this, Isshiki Satoshi gave a somewhat strange expression, as if he wanted to laugh but felt it wouldn't be good to laugh out loud, so he could only hold it in.

"Well, how should I put it, Lin Yujun's habit is really quite troublesome."

Suddenly, Isshiki Satoshi changed the subject.

"But then I thought about it, there are plenty of people with quirks in Totsuki Academy, not just you, Lin Yu-jun."

"Really?"

Lin Yu was curious about Isshiki Satoshi's words, and his interest was immediately piqued.

"Yes, I'm not kidding, there really are quite a lot."

Isshiki Satoshi counted them one by one on her fingers.

"Some are greedy, some like to pose and look cool, some like to be silly and goofy, some like to pull their dolls' hands as gloves, some always say strange and inexplicable things when tasting food, and some like rare and unusual ingredients..."

"Are there people who like to take off all their clothes and dance wearing only an apron at the drop of a hat?"

Lin Yu looked at Isshiki Satoshi, his eyes full of teasing.

"Ahem!"

Isshiki Satoshi coughed a few times, forcibly changing the subject.

"Don't say strange things, Lin Yujun."

"What I mean is, compared to others, Lin Yu, your quirk isn't so strange after all!"

As Lin Yu stirred the congee in the clay pot, he couldn't help but sigh, "It seems this academy truly produces many extraordinary talents!"

Satoshi Isshiki shrugged. "There's nothing I can do. Talented people are proud, and proud people don't bother to hide their quirks. After all, they don't care what others think."

Suddenly, Isshiki Satoshi's tone became low.

"And what's even more coincidental is that almost everyone at Totsuki Academy is incredibly arrogant."

"Hehe, how about it? Lin Yu-kun, are you feeling nervous after hearing what I said?" Isshiki Satoshi looked at Lin Yu, inexplicably looking forward to his answer.

"Oh!"

Lin Yu sneered.

"There are so many weirdos... this is really difficult to deal with!"

Although he said "difficult to deal with," Lin Yu's expression was very calm and his tone was also very indifferent. He was obviously not nervous at all because of Isshiki Satoshi's words.

"As expected of Lin Yu-jun..." Isshiki Satoshi murmured softly.

Lin Yu's expression remained unchanged, and his hand movements continued as he manipulated the long-handled ladle in his hand, stirring the white porridge in the pot at a steady pace.

Watching the white porridge thicken as it boiled, finally reaching a satisfactory consistency, Lin Yu stopped, scooped out a small half-bowl of porridge with a spoon, blew on it, and then took a small sip.

The piping hot white porridge spreads in your mouth, with a rich meaty aroma upon first taste. Before the lingering meaty aroma dissipates, a gentle rice fragrance emerges next.

The two flavors intertwine, lingering in the mouth.

White rice porridge is thick, sticky, and fragrant. Having a bowl of it first thing in the morning is sure to make you feel very comfortable.

Lin Yu ladled out a bowl of plain porridge and handed it to Isshiki Satoshi. "Isshiki-senpai, could you taste it and give me some pointers?"

"Lin Yujun doesn't need my guidance at all."

Isshiki Satoshi knew that Lin Yu was joking, so he smiled and replied, then took the bowl, blew on the steam from the surface of the porridge, and took a sip.

"So delicious!"

Isshiki Satoshi's eyes lit up, and he took another big gulp, revealing a comfortable expression.

"The added minced meat not only had no fishy smell, but also did not mask the mild aroma of the rice. In fact, the light and mild fragrance of the rice stood out even more against the backdrop of the meat aroma, leaving a deep impression."

"Even with such simple ingredients, the dishes are incredibly flavorful, truly in line with Lin Yujun's consistent culinary style!"

"Having a bowl of hot porridge first thing in the morning makes me feel so warm and comforted!"

"Lin Yujun, the porridge is delicious."

Isshiki Satoshi finished a bowl of porridge in a few gulps, put down the bowl, and had a comfortable expression on his face.

"As long as it tastes good!"

Lin Yu's lips curled into a smile, revealing a triumphant look.

"Since you've had the porridge, senpai, do something for me."

"Eh?"

Isshiki Satoshi's face was filled with a helpless, bitter smile.

"Lin Yujun, didn't you just say that you prefer to cook alone and don't really like having help?"

"Hehe, Isshiki-senpai, you've already had your porridge, so tell me if you're going to help or not?"

Isshiki Satoshi was a little annoyed. "Does he expect me to cook for you?"

"Of course not!"

Lin Yu was both amused and exasperated. "I wanted you to go and wake everyone in the Polaris Dormitory up for breakfast."

Lin Yu explained, "After all, whether it's plain porridge or stir-fried vegetables, it's best when it's fresh out of the pot and still very hot."

"If we leave it in the kitchen and let everyone get it after they get up, the porridge will probably be cold by then. Even if we keep it warm with hot water or reheat it, it will taste different by then."

Lin Yu looked at Isshiki Satoshi, "And Isshiki-senpai, are you going to the farm to tend to those vegetables?"

"Since you're going to work, don't go on an empty stomach. Eat something first with everyone else, otherwise you'll be hungry before noon after all that strenuous work."

Satoshi Isshiki then realized, "So that's what Lin Yujun was planning. I misunderstood you."

"Hehe, it's okay, I forgive you!" Lin Yu laughed. "Iroha-senpai, since you ate my food, it's alright if you help out with some chores, right?"

"Haha! Alright, I'm beholden to your kindness, I'll go wake everyone up."

"Um... actually, there's no need to call me..."

Just as Isshiki Satoshi was about to get up and go upstairs to call someone, a voice suddenly came from the kitchen doorway.

Lin Yu and Isshiki turned their heads and saw that everyone from Polaris Dormitory was crowded at the kitchen door, craning their necks and peering into the kitchen expectantly.

Isshiki Satoshi was somewhat surprised. "Everyone's already up? When did you arrive?"

"Hehe, just when Isshiki-senpai and Lin Yu-jun were saying that many people at Totsuki Academy have their own quirks."

Isshiki Satoshi feigned anger, glaring at everyone with an annoyed expression. "How old are you all? Still eavesdropping at the door?"

As soon as Isshiki Satoshi uttered his words, someone immediately stood up to defend him.

"We weren't eavesdropping!"

"We've been here for a while, it's just that Isshiki-senpai and Lin Yu-jun didn't notice!"

"You were talking in the kitchen, and we were standing at the kitchen door, so naturally we heard you. You can't blame us, can you? We couldn't exactly cover our ears or pretend we didn't hear you!"

"So, this doesn't count as eavesdropping!"

Isshiki Satoshi only meant to tease everyone and wasn't really angry.

"Fine, I can't argue with you!"

Isshiki Satoshi looked at Lin Yu, "Lin Yu-kun, everyone's here, look?"

"Alright, what a perfect timing, the porridge is just ready."

Lin Yu washed his hands, rolled up his sleeves, and said, "Then I'll start cooking."

Stir-fried Bok Choy

According to the recipe in my mind, this dish will use chicken fat and peanut oil.

As for peanut oil, Lin Yu found a bottle in the kitchen cabinet.

However, chicken fat is relatively rare and is not frequently used in Japanese cuisine.

The people in Polaris Dormitory never use chicken fat in their daily culinary research, so there is naturally no stock in the kitchen.

"Lin Yujun, what's wrong?"

Seeing that Lin Yu was deep in thought, Isshiki Satoshi asked him a question.

"It's nothing, it's just that my recipes use a relatively niche type of oil that might not be available in the Polar Star Dormitory kitchen."

"Niche oils? What kind of oils are they?"

"Chicken oil!"

"Chicken fat?" Isshiki Satoshi frowned, looking troubled. "We probably don't have this kind of fat in the kitchen."

"fine."

Lin Yu waved his hand, appearing very casual and not at all nervous.

"It's just a small problem, how could it possibly be difficult for me?"

Lin Yu took a chicken out of the freezer, peeled off all the skin, revealing the yellow fat underneath.

Then, Lin Yu cut the yellow fat into small pieces, put them in a pot, and slowly stir-fried them over medium heat. Once the oil started to come out, he turned the heat to the lowest setting and patiently rendered the chicken fat.

Pour the rendered chicken fat into a bowl, then add some peanut oil according to the recipe, and mix the two evenly.

Isshiki Satoshi curiously leaned closer, sniffed the air, and immediately sensed a strange, oily fragrance.

"It smells so good!"

"It's not only incredibly fragrant, but it also has a refreshing quality that's more pronounced than regular oils."

"Of course," Lin Yu said with a smile.

"Now, let's officially begin."

Lin Yu boiled a pot of water, then turned the heat down to a simmer to keep the water at a gentle boil.

Then, Lin Yu gently poured a bowl of chicken oil into the water, allowing the chicken oil to form a thick film on the surface of the water.

Lin Yu dried the washed bok choy with kitchen paper, cut it horizontally in half, put the stems into the pot first, blanched them for a while, and then added the leaves.

The thick chicken fat coats the surface of the bok choy, forming an oily film.

This prevents unpleasant tastes from tap water from entering the vegetables, while also providing a touch of oily aroma to the blanched vegetables.

Meanwhile, another pot of oil next to it was already scalding hot.

Lin Yu poured in a spoonful of chicken oil, and once the oil was hot, he immediately added the chopped garlic and dried chili peppers to the pot.

A pungent cloud of smoke immediately rose from the oil pan.

Lin Yu reacted quickly, and as soon as the garlic was slightly browned, he poured the drained bok choy into the pot.

"boom--"

The residual moisture on the surface of the bok choy reacted violently with the hot oil in the pot, and a flame half a meter high suddenly shot out of the pot, almost burning Lin Yu's hair.

"What a huge fire!"

"The flames shot up so high!"

"I almost thought there had been an accident."

"Wow! That's so exciting!"

The moment the flames leaped from the pot, everyone gasped in surprise. Even Isshiki Satoshi's expression was one of barely suppressed tension.

But Lin Yu was not afraid at all, not even a little nervous. His expression remained calm, and his movements did not change or stop.

Lin Yu even showed an excited expression, staring intently at the flames in front of him, and kept vigorously tossing the wok.

Add salt and a pinch of white pepper.

Stir-fry it a couple more times.

"Alright, it's ready to serve!"

With a flick of Lin Yu's wrist, the bok choy in the pot landed on a plate, still steaming hot, and a rich aroma spread outwards.