Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　But I remember you graduated a week ago, right? What are you doing here...?

　Graduates leave a week earlier than current students, so Kikuchi Sonoka should have left long ago, instead of still being here now.

　"Didn't you say you were going to travel to Japan during winter break? I think we have the same goal, so why don't we travel together and look after each other?"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's question, Mujichi Yuanguo blushed, inwardly cursing him for being such a blockhead and clueless about romance.

　The girl was standing at the station entrance; wasn't she obviously waiting for someone?

　"I see, then let's go together."

　Bai Yuan wasn't truly unaware of the other person's thoughts. Upon hearing what Kikuchi Sonoka said, he agreed to her invitation without much hesitation.

　Traveling can be lonely, but having a pretty girl as a companion can be a joyful thing.

　Especially since this guy has already graduated, it will be hard to see him at school in the future, and he won't have time to go on a graduation trip after he starts working. This is probably what is called a graduation trip.

　"Give me your luggage, I'll help you carry it upstairs."

　They decided to travel together. Seeing that Kikuchi Sonoka was carrying two suitcases, Bai Yuan naturally took the handles and then put them in the car.

　"We must win over Teacher Bai Yuan this time!"

　Instead of rejecting Bai Yuan's thoughtfulness, she gazed intently at his retreating figure, her fists clenching slightly as she made up her mind.

　Although the two expressed their feelings for each other and did many things that only boyfriends and girlfriends would do, they never took the final step.

　This made her a little anxious.

　Because her friend told her that if a girl isn't attractive to a guy, the relationship definitely won't last.

　So, in the month before graduation, she tried her best to create opportunities for the two of them to be alone, but she didn't know if Bai Yuan had a problem in that area, because even though she took such initiative, he remained unmoved.

　This was the most outrageous incident.

　She finally mustered up the courage to put on the ○○ apron, which was known as a male killer, and invited Bai Yuan to her home for guidance.

　As it turned out, he only glanced at her a few times before getting absorbed in cooking, and nothing happened between them all afternoon!

　"The scenery is really nice. Even without any specific purpose, it would be great to go out and have some fun like this."

　After placing their luggage at their feet, they found empty seats because it wasn't rush hour and there were few passengers around.

　The seat faces a window, offering a view of the outside scenery.

　"Indeed, I really enjoy traveling. I wish I had decided to be with you back then. I overthought things, and now I only have regrets."

　Following Bai Yuan's gaze, Kikuchi Sonoka's eyes softened, the scenery outside the window was soothing, and her words reminded her of the past.

　I wish I could go back a year and tell my past self that following Bai Yuan was far more promising than staying in Yuan Yue, and that I could find happiness there!

　If she had stayed with Bai Yuan instead of returning to Yuan Yue, she might have become a top-tier chef by now.

　Compared to the title of a master chef, the first seat of the Elite Ten is really not worth mentioning.

　"Let's not dwell on the past. What matters is the present. Aren't we doing just fine as we are? Let's enjoy our graduation trip to the fullest."

　As they spoke, Bai Yuan reached out and put his arm around Mujichi Yuanguo's waist. Since they had already established a relationship, his actions were very natural.

　This is also the most frustrating point: they act like a loving couple in every way, yet they can't seem to take that final step.

　Think of this...

　"Teacher Bai Yuan, am I really that uncharming?"

　Suddenly, Kikuchi Sonoka turned her head to look at Bai Yuan and asked this question.

　"Why do you ask this suddenly?"

　"Because you never touch me. I'm already 18 years old this year. In every respect, I'm old enough to be an adult!"

　When she said this, Kikuchi Sonoka's face turned red, but taking advantage of the atmosphere, she still mustered up the courage to voice her doubts.

　"Or is it that you, Teacher Bai Yuan, are not good at that? Do you need to go see a doctor?"

　Swallowing hard, Kikuchi Sonoka uttered words that she would deeply regret a month later.

　"Let's wait a month."

　A month from now, even if you beg for mercy, it won't be enough. Not even the King of Heaven can save you!

　Upon hearing Kikuchi Sonoka's provocative words, several veins bulged on Bai Yuan's forehead, and he squeezed the handle of his suitcase until it was deformed.

　"I'm getting off at the next stop; I'm going to meet someone very interesting."

　Looking at the station name, Bai Yuan's expression shifted slightly. A red-haired figure appeared in his mind, and an interested look appeared on his face.

　Chapter 129 Joichiro Yukihira

　Why did you suddenly get off at this stop?

　Carrying two suitcases, she got off the car and looked at the somewhat desolate street scene. Kikuchi Sonoka asked with some confusion.

　The stop where the two got off the train was located in the old town on the outskirts of the city, and it was not very prosperous.

　"I'll take you to a nice shop; it might be helpful for you when you open your own shop in the future."

　Bai Yuan didn't offer much explanation, but instead looked around the station entrance and grabbed a passerby: "Excuse me, do you know where the 'Yukihira' restaurant is?"

　"Xingping Restaurant? What an old-fashioned name, I've never heard of it."

　However, I know a really good Western restaurant! I don't know if you're interested.

　interest..."

　The girl looked somewhat displeased when she was suddenly approached.

　But the moment she turned around and saw Bai Yuan's face, all her displeasure turned into joy and shyness.

　The reason is simple: he's too handsome.

　"Sorry, I have a girlfriend."

　Looking at the incessantly chattering woman in front of him, Bai Yuan felt a bit overwhelmed. He then pulled over Kikuchi Sonoka, who was watching the commotion, and stood in front of her to shield her.

　"Yes, that's how it is."

　Suddenly being acknowledged as his girlfriend, Kikuchi Sonoka's heart skipped a beat. She then took two steps forward with her head held high and met the eyes of the girl who had approached Shirai.

　"Oh, I'm so sorry, I have to take my leave now!"

　Seeing the 'aggressive' Kikuchi Sonoka, a fleeting look of embarrassment crossed the girl's face, but she still forced a smile and ran away after saying those words.

　"Hehe, having me along is actually quite useful, isn't it?"

　Seeing that she had worked her magic and driven away the girl who was trying to flirt with Shirai, Kikuchi Sonoka revealed a smug expression.

　Then she turned to look at Bai Yuan, her eyes practically screaming, "Praise me!"

　"Indeed, my little orchard fruit is the most useful!"

　Knowing that the girl was hoping for praise, Bai Yuan smiled and patted Kikuchi Sonoka's head.

　"So what do we do now? Should we still go look for that 'Yukihira' restaurant you mentioned?"

　I couldn't get directions, and the map navigation didn't show up for this kind of small street shop.

　Their plan to explore the restaurant had reached a stalemate, and they stood there for a long time without taking any action.

　"Go, why wouldn't you go?"

　As Bai Yuan spoke, he dragged the two suitcases placed by the roadside, feeling their weight, and couldn't help but marvel at how organized girls were.

　Alice Nakiri is the same; one of her suitcases weighs more than two ordinary people's.

　If he hadn't exercised regularly, he probably wouldn't have been able to lift it.

　"I'll take this."

　Seeing that both of Bai Yuan's hands were occupied, Mujichi Yuanguo ran forward and snatched the other box.

　After all, these things belonged to her, so naturally she couldn't just push them all onto Bai Yuan.

　Having a boyfriend can indeed help share stress, but you can't put all your stress on him, otherwise he might end up as your ex-boyfriend.

　"Then you can take it."

　Seeing the proactive girl, Bai Yuan didn't refuse and followed her, dragging his suitcase.

　"Okay! Let's go! Let's find the mysterious little shop!"

　Raising her hand high, her face beaming with excitement, Kikuchi Yoko said energetically.

　·

　·

　I don't know how much time had passed, but it was already dusk outside.

　After a long day of work, single people in apartments who can't cook, students who have no one at home after school, and elderly people with mobility issues start looking for food.

　A restaurant called "Kohei" changed its "Closed" sign to "Open" at the very last minute.

　"Welcome, Grandma Sanhe. Is it the same as usual today? If you have trouble walking, you can call to order and I'll deliver it to you."

　Seeing the elderly woman slowly making her way into the shop with a cane, the red-haired boy in an apron immediately went up to her and helped her into the shop.

　"Why go through all that trouble? I'm just having some leg problems, it's not like I can't walk anymore. A little exercise is good for me."

　Besides, food tastes best when it's piping hot! By the time you bring it to me, it will have already gone bad, so it's better not to eat it at all!

　As usual, a bowl of tempura fish noodles, with the tempura served on a separate plate and the sauce as usual.

　"Tempura noodles, right? Okay."

　After glancing at Soma Yukihira who was helping the old lady into a chair, Joichiro Yukihira, who was preparing food in the kitchen, peeked out and called out.

　Then they started working on it in the kitchen.

　The dishes displayed on the shop wall and the side dishes they prepare daily are the most frequently ordered dishes by these regular customers on the street, with new items added occasionally.

　This is because the main guests of the "Yukihira" Hotel are all the neighbors in the surrounding area, and very few outsiders come here.

　This is a popular restaurant that serves the local community!

　"Yukihira is open! So punctual, opening at six o'clock every night without fail."

　"Joichiro, one tonkatsu set meal, please!"

　A few minutes after the store opened, a sound came from the doorway, and a portly man walked in, shouting loudly to the kitchen as he went.

　"Okay, wait a moment."

　As Yukihira Joichiro fried tempura, he shouted something to the outside. His nimble and skillful movements perfectly showcased the beauty of cooking.

　"Joichiro, give me a beef rice bowl!"

　"I also want beef rice bowl, and fried dough sticks as well."

　"Jiro, bring me today's signature dish, Yukihira-ryu Honey Grilled Eel Rice. This is a new dish developed by Soma, isn't it?"

　"A dish newly developed by Soma? I'd better try it and see what it's all about! I'll have one too!"

　With the opening of the "Yukihira" Hotel, a steady stream of guests began to enter from outside.

　The first thing everyone did upon entering was to greet Joichiro Yukihira, followed by small talk with those around them, their bodies, weary from a long day, finding healing in that moment.

　"Squeak~"

　"Welcome! What would you like to order?"

　The door opened again, and Soma Yukihira, who had just finished serving the guests, was carrying a plate...

　They stepped forward to greet them.

　At this moment, a ribbon was tied around his head, fluttering slightly in the wind. Because he had been moving back and forth in the store, there were already water stains on the ribbon.

　"Kid, bring me one of everything from here to here."

　He followed Soma Yukihira to an empty table and sat down, placing his luggage at the far end of the table.

　The man took the menu from Soma Yukihira, glanced at it briefly, and then returned it to him, asking him to order one of everything.

　He hadn't had breakfast yet, so his stomach was empty, and he could enjoy the restaurant's food to his heart's content.

　"From here to here? Isn't this all the food we have in our house?"

　Our portions are quite large; one meal is usually enough to feed a grown man all day. If you'd like to try some, you could consider ordering the sample versions of each dish; that would save you a significant amount of money.