Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"So, Mayumi-san, why do you want us to join the Confectionery Research Club so badly?"

　The other party has been incredibly enthusiastic since the beginning. Even if they really wanted them to join, they shouldn't be acting like this. There must be some reason.

　"Oh, what else could it be? The club needs to recruit new members, and you freshmen are the most suitable candidates, so of course we have to recruit you."

　Misaka Mayumi spoke without changing her expression, then naturally put the chocolate lava puff in her hand into her mouth, revealing an expression of enjoyment.

　"Hurry up and try it! Haruna-nee's desserts are really amazing! I guarantee you won't forget them once you taste them."

　"Um..."

　Upon hearing Misaka Mayumi's words, Li Wanwan and Huang Mei exchanged glances, their faces showing noncommittal, before turning their attention to the cream puffs in their hands.

　Cream puffs are very common, a very ordinary dessert. Bai Yuan squeezed them slightly, and they were still slightly warm.

　Take a bite, and you'll find the outer layer light and crispy, covered with a thin layer of cocoa powder, offering a profound allure and a subtle balance of bitterness.

　When your teeth pierce through that tempting crispy outer shell, you'll be greeted by a warm and silky chocolate filling.

　The filling flows slowly like lava, at just the right temperature—neither too hot to burn your mouth nor too cold to lose its rich chocolate flavor.

　Like a delightful surprise, it bursts with rich cocoa flavor in the mouth, accompanied by a subtle sweetness and a barely perceptible bitterness, creating a layered yet harmonious taste experience.

　"This is really quite good. The exterior is made using the same method as regular cream puffs, making it crispy and delicious. The inside is extremely soft and fluffy, paired with warm, molten chocolate filling."

　One bite gives you unparalleled satisfaction!

　Furthermore, the cocoa powder sprinkled on top of the cream puffs adds a slightly bitter flavor, which effectively counteracts the richness and makes it irresistible.

　Savoring the rich and full flavor on his tongue, Bai Yuan was generous with his praise, saying that this cream puff had reached the pinnacle of second-class culinary standards.

　He has limited experience with desserts, which could even be considered his weakness, but he does have a basic understanding of them.

　"As long as you like it."

　Seeing the happy expressions on Bai Yuan and the others' faces, the girl called Chun Cai smiled sweetly and handed out a few more cream puffs from the baking tray.

　For her, it is very fulfilling to have her cooking bring happiness to others.

　"How about that? If you join the Dessert Research Club, you can eat this level of cuisine every day, and there's no limit to the types—eat until you're sick of it!"

　On the other side, seeing that the three of them were enjoying their meal, Misaka Mayumi immediately pressed her advantage, her words full of enticement.

　Several membership application forms had appeared in her hand, and a ballpoint pen sat on the table beside her. Her eyes were full of anticipation.

　"It can't be that simple."

　Li Wanwan muttered to herself.

　"What did you say?"

　“We’re not three-year-olds. Your eagerness to have us join can’t just be because the club needs new members. There must be another reason.”

　Li Wanwan looked up at Misaka Mayumi and slowly began to speak.

　Although the chocolate lava puffs in her hands were very delicious, and Misaka Mayumi was incredibly enthusiastic and eager to recruit them into the club, the more she did so, the more likely problems would arise; there's no such thing as a free lunch.

　"how come..."

　Misaka Mayumi gave an awkward smile.

　"Mayumi, just tell the truth, the food battle in a few days..."

　The outcome cannot be changed by one or two people; at most, it can only delay things a bit.

　Just as Misaka Mayumi was about to say something, she was interrupted by Haruna, who couldn't stand it any longer. The girl's expression was subtle, and she sighed at the end.

　"Isn't this a case of more opportunities, more hope? I also want to be of more help to Senior Tao..."

　Misaka Mayumi blushed slightly as her secret was exposed. She looked at Haruna as she spoke, her voice tinged with displeasure.

　If these people find out about the food battle, and they're afraid of trouble, they definitely won't join the dessert research club anymore. It's a complete mess.

　"Food Wars, what exactly is this about?"

　Blinking her eyes, Li Wanwan asked Misaka Mayumi with a hint of curiosity in her voice.

　"Fine, since you've asked, I won't hide it from you."

　Our club president has a conflict with Tousuke Megijima, the third seat of the Elite Ten. I heard that he wants our current confectionery research club building.

　Since it concerned their respective research clubs, they discussed it and decided to hold a joint food battle.

　The method of competition is to have each research club send its members to the stage to compete in a round-robin format. The winner stays to continue competing while the loser leaves and is eliminated, until one side is completely wiped out.

　Under these conditions and rules, the more members the research club has, the greater its chances of winning in the end. That's why I so earnestly wanted you to join. I apologize to both of you.

　But honestly, joining our Dessert Research Club is absolutely beneficial in every way, after all, our club president is also a member of the Elite Ten Council!

　In the end, Mayumi Misaka reached out and grasped the hands of Li Wanwan and Huang Mei, her eyes filled with intense longing, wanting them to join.

　Although we don't know their strength, since they joined Totsuki Academy as transfer students, their strength must have reached the average level among first-year students.

　This year's first-year students are no ordinary students; many of them are strong enough to rival the second-year students, so these two are definitely not weak!

　With their help, the dessert research club's chances of winning would increase by another 50%.

　"This seems so troublesome..."

　Li Wanwan muttered a complaint under her breath.

　"I find it quite interesting. This is a chance to fight against the Elite Ten, and it's a good opportunity to see how strong Totsuki Academy is."

　The members of the Elite Ten Council are among the most elite and capable students of Totsuki Academy, representing the school's overall level.

　"What you say isn't without merit; this is indeed an opportunity..."

　Seeing Huang Mei's bright eyes, Li Wanwan revealed a thoughtful expression.

　Having spent a week here, they had gained some understanding of the status of the Ten Heroes in Far Moon. For ordinary students, let alone challenging them, even just catching a glimpse of them was extremely difficult.

　In this situation, joining the dessert research club and persevering to the end could very well lead to a showdown with such a figure; all that's needed is some time...

　What are you arguing about?

　Just as the group was talking...

　A clear, childlike voice came from upstairs. Everyone looked up and saw that the speaker was a cute little girl.

　She has short, purple hair that reaches her shoulders, and she wears a cat-ear headband inside, which makes it look like she has a pair of cat ears. She looks adorable and very cute.

　She was holding a pinkish-purple teddy bear in her arms, with stitches visible on its hands. It was hard to imagine that such a person would be in the kitchen instead of in a quaint shop window.

　"Ah! It's Lady Momo!"

　"Senior Xiaotao is so cute, I want to pinch her cheeks!"

　"Look here, Little Peach! Cheese!"

　Her appearance attracted the attention of those around her, and they swarmed around her, chattering amongst themselves.

　"Senior Xiaotao, you're finally down here! I've discovered two very promising newcomers and would like to invite them to join our dessert research club!"

　Upon seeing that familiar face, Mayumi Misaka's face lit up with excitement. She then rushed forward, taking three steps at a time, and became the first person in the crowd.

　"you are?"

　Looking at the excited and enthusiastic Misaka Mayumi, Akanekubo Momo frowned slightly and took two steps back without making a sound. The person in front of her looked familiar, but she didn't really remember her.

　what do you say that is?

　"Mayumi, Misaka Mayumi!"

　Despite being forgotten by Momo Akane, Mayumi Misaka was not angry. Instead, she excitedly repeated her name twice.

　She admires Momoko Akane and respects her greatly, so she wants to do everything she can to help her, even though Momoko may not need her help.

　"You mean Yumi-chan? I know this is Shirabuchi-sensei, and the other two are..."

　She nodded very seriously to Bai Yuan, then looked at Li Wanwan and Huang Mei, her voice tinged with doubt.

　"Li Wanwan".

　"Huangmei".

　Without hesitation, Li Wanwan told Huang Mei her name, and couldn't help but look at the petite girl.

　Judging from Misaka Mayumi's eager attitude, it's easy to tell that the person in front of her must be the president of the Confectionery Research Club, Akanekubo Momo.

　It's somewhat surprising that he looks like a middle school student.

　"Li Wanwan and Huang Mei? You two are transfer students, right? Interested in cute things, would you like to join the dessert research club?"

　His clear, large eyes looked at Li Wanwan and Huang

　plum.

　Although I don't have much of an impression of them, it's not hard to tell from the aura they exude that they must be quite strong.

　Of course, what truly solidified her belief was Bai Yuan, the extremely mysterious man standing beside them.

　"No, we just came to visit, but now we're a little interested."

　What are the requirements for joining?

　After thinking it over for a while, Li Wanwan and Huang Mei decided to join the Dessert Research Club.

　On one hand, they really like desserts, and on the other hand, they wanted to take this opportunity to see the strength of the top ten experts so that they would have a goal to strive for in the future.

　"Make a dessert that satisfies me."

　Upon hearing Li Wanwan and Huang Mei's words, Akane Kubo Momo stated the requirements for joining the company.

　Are there no restrictions on the types?

　Li Wanwan blinked and asked further.

　"If possible, I hope to be as cute as possible, because Momo likes cute things~"

　After a moment of silence, Momo Akane looked at the two of them and said that she loved cute things the most. If the dish she served was cute, she would let them pass even if it didn't taste good.

　Don't underestimate her obsession with cuteness!

　"I see, so cuteness is justice... That's a little childish."

　Upon hearing what Akane Momo said, Li Wanwan couldn't help but mentally complain. She clicked on it but her expression didn't change; instead, she quickly began to imagine the dish.

　Cute is essentially just good-looking.

　In simpler terms, Momo Akane wanted a high-quality dessert that was both visually appealing and delicious.

　Such desserts are not uncommon in the culinary world; cakes and cream puffs are examples. However, common things are ordinary and cannot achieve the goal of being eye-catching.

　If you're going to do it, you should do it to the best of your ability.

　This is Li Wanwan's simple and unpretentious idea.

　She closed her eyes, and all sorts of dessert recipes flooded her mind. Then, as if stimulated by something, in a flash, images appeared in her mind.

　That was a period in the world of culinary disasters. A retired French chef was teaching these newcomers how to cook, and the last dish he made before leaving was dessert.

　"In that case, let's do that."

　When Li Wanwan opened her eyes again, she already had an idea. She then found an empty counter, rolled up her sleeves, and began to work.

　We won't let you down.

　Beside her, Huang Mei was surprised to see Li Wanwan make a decision so quickly. Then she looked at Qian Kubo Momo and showed a confident smile.

　Chapter 164 Teaching and Resolving Doubts, Another Little Fangirl Gains

　"You must be the new transfer students. I met you at the opening ceremony. Xiaotao will be looking forward to your desserts."

　"Teacher Bai Yuan, please have a seat."

　Seeing the two already in place, Akane Momo exchanged a few pleasantries, and at that moment, someone brought over a chair, which she thoughtfully placed next to Shiro.

　"Thank you."

　"You are welcome."

　Faced with Akane Momo's kindness, Bai Yuan did not refuse and sat down directly.

　The girl took another chair handed to her from behind and sat down directly next to him. There was a wooden table in front of her, and she sat upright, like a porcelain doll.

　"By the way, what conflict did you have with that Nyogijima? Why did you suddenly decide to have a food battle?"

　With nothing else to do, Bai Yuan asked curiously.