Shirou's clones number 30 million

"This isn't like using a washing machine to do laundry! If you could cook a meal just by pressing a button, what would be the point of having chefs?"

Am I still dreaming? Or am I not fully awake yet?

Shirou turned and glanced at her, then smiled:

"This is the world's largest research institute, filled with high-tech talents from all over the world. Its technological level is at least fifteen years ahead of the outside world."

"This food-making machine, although it looks very powerful, is actually similar to a highly sophisticated washing machine."

"There's no need to be so surprised; it can't replace a chef."

Erina Nakiri fell into deep thought. It was true that she couldn't completely replace the chef, but she would still have a huge impact on the culinary world.

After all, not every chef has superb culinary skills.

Although the dishes produced by this machine are mass-produced, they are still quite delicate.

At the very least, in terms of knife skills, humans still can't compare to machines.

There may be people in the world who can beat machines in knife skills, but even on a global scale, there are definitely no more than ten, and possibly even fewer.

This machine is enough to easily defeat mediocre chefs and even housewives with decent cooking skills.

"Should we... go public?"

"No, it won't be possible to sell it for five, six, or even ten years."

Shirou paused for a moment, then pondered:

"On the one hand, the cost is too high, and it is difficult to lower the selling price, which is simply unaffordable for ordinary families. Selling it is not worthwhile at all."

"On the other hand, the scrap rate is too high. Many precision parts are easily damaged. If you sell them, you'll have to repair them every few days, which will only ruin your reputation."

We won't be selling it for now.

Erina Nakiri breathed a sigh of relief, but a question immediately arose in her mind, and she subconsciously asked:

"You came here specifically to see the development progress of this... gourmet food maker?"

“No.” Shirou shook his head slightly. “This is the first time I’ve heard that they’re researching this kind of thing and have already made a finished product.”

"Huh...? How do you know that high costs also mean a high scrap rate?" Erina Nakiri couldn't help but worry again.

Isn't this obvious?

Shirou chuckled and explained:

"Dr. Hayano's eyes were darting around, and he didn't dare to look at me. Then he led us straight here."

“I don’t believe that this is his only research result, so it’s obvious what he’s hiding.”

"Plus, those parts piled up in the corner are very similar to parts of the food-making machine..."

"Now things are clear."

"It is expensive to manufacture and easily damaged; it is just a flashy but impractical piece of furniture."

"But Dr. Hayano spent too much money on it and was worried that I would reduce the research funding he could apply for later, so he wanted me to come and take a look in order to impress me."

"Clearly, he was very optimistic about this machine and believed that I could also see its value, thus increasing his investment."

Dr. Hayano, whose thoughts had been hit where it hurt, chuckled awkwardly and said in a low voice:

"As expected of the Boss, he has the same keen insight as always, and he saw through my thoughts at a glance."

"Well... most of it is just guesswork."

"that…"

"I won't reduce your research funding, but it would be best if you changed projects."

"Phew... I'll seal it away." Dr. Hayano breathed a sigh of relief; as long as the research funding wasn't reduced.

Erina Nakiri stared blankly at Shirou Sakurai, thinking to herself:

This guy is so smart; he can see so much at a glance.

But then again, how could someone who can reach such a position all by himself be simple?

"Can we look at other places?"

“Of course, that was the purpose of our visit today.” Shirou smiled slightly.

If a promising project is found, the investment should be increased; if a project is found to be a waste of money or useless, it should be replaced with another research project.

“Boss, actually, besides the gourmet food maker, I have another project that's also underway.” Dr. Hayano suddenly spoke up.

"Oh...? What project? Tell me about it."

"Food testing instrument".

"That sounds good. Tell me more about it."

"Please follow me... Look, this is the food testing device we developed. Point the camera at the food, then press this button, and a voice will immediately announce the harvest time, freshness, and texture of the food."

This is an instrument that looks like a flashlight, but its internal structure is very precise and it is three times the size of a normal flashlight. It can only be held with both hands to lift it up.

Chapter 140 I'm About to Lose My Job (and Fall in Love)

Chapter 140, Section 141: I'm About to Lose My Job (and Fall in Love)

"Give it a try."

Shiro took the flashlight-shaped detector, pointed the light at a decent-looking tomato, and gently pressed the button.

The next moment, Dr. Hayano's serious voice came from the detector:

"These tomatoes have been picked eight days ago, have lost 26% of their moisture, and have a freshness index of 21%..."

Shirou turned back to look at Dr. Hayano with surprise, and asked with a smile:

"You created the voice pack yourself?"

"Yes, it's still in the experimental stage, so there's no need to hire someone specifically. It's more convenient for me to do it myself."

"This device is quite nice, and it doesn't seem to cost very much. It's probably just a byproduct of your research on food-making machines, right?"

"Indeed, Boss has a keen eye."

"Let's continue the research and strive to develop a version that can be released to the market as soon as possible. In my opinion, this version is still too rough. In addition, we also need to find a way to reduce the cost."

"Yes, I will focus on developing food testing instruments from now on."

Erina Nakiri curiously examined the testing device, then asked:

"Can I try it?"

"Here you go, it's a little heavy, hold it steady."

After taking the testing device from Shirou and testing several ingredients, Erina Nakiri fell silent.

After a long silence, he said softly:

"Is there any need to study this kind of thing? Selecting ingredients is a basic skill for every chef. Anyone who has cooked can do simple ingredient selection."

"If even the selection of ingredients is done by machines, then the chef is being extremely negligent."

“That makes sense.” Shirou nodded slightly, then turned to Dr. Hayano and smiled, “So, shall we switch to a different research project? Or continue with the current one?”

"This……"

"Don't worry about me. This is your research, and it's entirely up to you whether you want to continue. Although I also feel that its impact is not very significant, it can still be sold to some extent."

Of course, most importantly, even if the cost is low, it won't waste much money.

Shirou always maintained a detached attitude towards projects that were useful but not extremely useful.

After all, it's a kind of technological accumulation, and who knows, one day inspiration might strike and create something that everyone loves.

"Hmm..." Dr. Hayano hesitated for a few seconds before asking tentatively, "Boss, who is this young lady?"

"Erina Nakiri, one of the most famous young chefs in the world today."

"Since even professional chefs say so, I'll switch to a different research project."

……

Meanwhile, in the commercial street where Yukihira's family lived.

"Sōjin, think of something quick! If this continues, this shopping street is doomed."

"Yes, Soma, you have a wide network of connections, you can definitely find a way to take down that in-station store."

Listening to the various opinions from his neighbors, Soma Yukihira couldn't help but frown.

These guys aren't looking for me at all; they're looking for Shirou Sakurai.

"Don't rush, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

"Haven't you noticed? The number of people on the commercial street has decreased significantly these past few days."

"It seems so."

"My convenience store's sales have plummeted in the past few days. If this continues, it won't be able to stay afloat for another month or two."

Do you know why?

"Of course! We've already investigated. The shops inside the station reopened after renovations last week, and with their abundance of food, they've stolen the crowds from our shopping street. And among those foods, the most popular is a type of fried chicken nugget..."

It turned out to be the case.

Soma Yukihira nodded slightly, roughly understanding.

"In that case, I'll think of a way. If we can develop even more delicious fried chicken nuggets, we should be able to win back our customers."

Will this work?

"No problem! Customers are very greedy. As long as we can bring out something truly good, they will definitely notice."

"Oh oh..."

"That being said, with only two days on the weekend, I don't know if that will be enough."

"Soma will definitely be fine."

"You guys are even more confident than I am, huh... Anyway, let's go buy some fried chicken nuggets and try them out. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. By the way, who should I ask to come with me?"