Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　And so, the cherry blossom mochi is complete.

　Bai Yuan placed them on a small wooden shelf with a sense of ceremony; there were five in total, and their surfaces emitted a stable and continuous stream of light.

　He pushed the small wooden frame forward a little, then looked up to indicate that it was ready to eat.

　"These cherry blossom mochi are so pretty."

　Picking up the cherry blossom mochi from the small wooden shelf, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but exclaim in admiration at its exquisite appearance.

　Sakura mochi is a common national delicacy in Japan, but it's only available in spring, so she plans to enjoy it at the best confectionery shops across the country next year.

　Even the best confectionery shops can only produce sakura mochi to this extent; the deeper flavors...

　Swallowed.

　Erina Nakiri's face was full of anticipation as she opened her mouth wide and took a bite of the leaf.

　"The texture is amazing! After being steamed twice, the glutinous rice becomes exceptionally soft yet still elastic."

　Erina Nakiri was somewhat surprised. The faint cherry blossom scent intertwined with the natural sweetness of the glutinous rice, making it both soft and chewy.

　This feeling is like spring clouds gently melting in your mouth, carrying a faint cherry blossom fragrance, making you feel as if you are in the season when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, feeling the gentle breeze on your face.

　As she savored the food, Erina Nakiri slowly closed her eyes, as if she were floating among the clouds.

　The cloud is shaped like a cherry blossom leaf, its surface covered with cherry blossoms. Lying down on it, it is fluffy and soft, making you feel like you are lying in a sea of ​​flowers.

　"The most eye-catching part of the cherry blossom cake is indeed the salted cherry leaves and salted cherry blossoms, which add a unique touch of saltiness and floral fragrance to this dessert."

　"Moreover, the freshness of the cherry leaves and the elegance of the cherry blossoms complement each other, making the flavor of this cherry blossom cake more three-dimensional and full.

　Every bite is like savoring the taste of spring, so intoxicating and irresistible. My previous sakura mochi didn't seem to have such a strong flavor; it truly deserves to be called a divine dish!

　Kobayashi Rindou and Shinoto Hisako spoke almost simultaneously, both expressing high praise for the salted cherry blossom leaves and the salted cherry blossoms.

　"I like the red bean paste inside the most. It has the richness of brown sugar and the sticky sweetness of maltose. The pinch of salt added during the process enhances the sweetness and makes the taste sweet but not cloying."

　I've been looking forward to it since the creation of Baiyuan, and I've been waiting for it until now.

　The moment Alice Nakiri tasted the red bean paste, her happiness reached its peak, and she even squinted her eyes in satisfaction.

　"Although it's just a simple combination, somewhat similar to the red bean and glutinous rice balls in our area, it's no wonder it's been passed down for so long."

　Bai Yuan said with some emotion.

　Before making it, he thought the cherry blossom cake would taste similar to Chinese red bean glutinous rice balls, but after actually tasting it, he realized he was wrong.

　With the addition of salted cherry blossoms and salted cherry blossom leaves, its flavor and texture are completely different from red bean glutinous rice balls.

　After finishing the cherry blossom mochi in his hand, Bai Yuan quickly began to work with the remaining glutinous rice and red bean paste.

　Soon, one after another, delicate cherry blossom mochi appeared on the small wooden shelf.

　Chapter 167 Summer Selection, Bai Yuan Wants to Make a Move

　Spring goes and summer comes.

　Time flies, and June arrives quickly.

　"Hey, hurry up! Don't fall behind!"

　"The results have finally been released."

　As the bell rang, the students who were cooking in the classroom ran out one after another and ran towards the square in the center of the teaching building.

　now.

　A board stands in the central square, covered by a white cloth.

　Several staff members dressed in white uniforms with red armbands were constantly checking their watches. At the exact moment the time was up, they simultaneously ripped the white armbands off.

　The contents of the board then came into view.

　"what!"

　"Great! I've been selected."

　"I was selected too! I never thought I'd have the chance to participate in such a grand event! I must perform well; if a leading food company takes notice, I'll be set for life!"

　As the white cloth was lifted, everyone's eyes swept across the board, and those who found their names shouted excitedly, their eyes filled with pride as they looked at others.

　"The names written on the whiteboard are those of the participants selected in the summer selection process."

　Looking at the whiteboard in front of him, Ibuzaki Shun said to Yukihira Soma, who was somewhat confused.

　"Summer Selection?"

　Soma Yukihira's voice was filled with doubt.

　Because the residential training program was cancelled this year, the Autumn Selection was moved up three months and changed to the Summer Selection, but the specific process is the same as the Autumn Selection.

　Not

　The difference this time is that because there are fewer first-year students, and those who were able to stay after the last midterm exam are all elites, everyone is on the board.

　Of course, this only qualified them for the preliminary rounds. To officially compete in the Summer Selection, they had to be among the top eight in their group.

　"Simply put, it's a competition. The better you perform, the more likely you are to attract attention from above. All the previous top ten have performed exceptionally well in the Summer Selection."

　Bai Yuan appeared at the scene at some point, surrounded by girls such as Nakiri Alice, and further out were the bottom performers who had come up the mountain for training.

　"Simply put, it's a cooking competition, right?"

　Soma Yukihira pinched his chin, a hint of excitement on his face. He longed to fight against a strong opponent, and now he finally had a legitimate opportunity!

　"That's right, but this year's cooking competition is extraordinary. There are many strong competitors. If you don't take it seriously, you might be eliminated in the preliminaries."

　Bai Yuan nodded, then looked at Li Wanwan, Huang Mei and the others who were walking towards him, his eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.

　Compared to these chefs in the dark cuisine world who reached the first-class chef level a year ago, after training so many students for so long, who can be better?

　In terms of apparent strength.

　Li Wanwan and her team are undoubtedly of a higher rank than other chefs. Although they are not as skilled as those veteran first-class chefs, they are not newly certified either. Their skill level is in the middle range among first-class chefs.

　In comparison, Totsuki's students were far weaker, and even with his personal instruction every day, it would be difficult to make up for the gap from the early stages.

　Among them, the most formidable are Erina Nakiri, Hisako Shinoto, Megumi Tadokoro, and Miyoko Hojo.

　Although they haven't taken any certification exams, they all possess the skills of top-tier chefs, and with careful preparation, they certainly have a chance of winning.

　After all, a chef's level doesn't represent everything. What's more important is the chef's condition on the day and their familiarity with the competition theme. These are the key factors that influence the final outcome.

　"I will do my best and will never let Teacher Bai Yuan down!"

　Before Yukihira Soma could say anything after hearing Bai Yuan's words, Hojo Miyoko, who was standing next to him, spoke first, patting her ample chest as she spoke.

　That fleeting moment of ecstasy was captivating.

　"You little slut."

　Seeing the same scene, Alice Nakiri thought to herself, but remained outwardly calm.

　"Brother Bai Yuan, why isn't my name on this?"

　Her gaze swept across the notice board, and her brows suddenly furrowed. Turning her head to look at Bai Yuan, Alice Nakiri's cheeks puffed out slightly.

　She was all prepared to shine in the Summer Selection, but her name wasn't even on the list...

　It can't be that she's not qualified.

　“You’re already a top-tier player, so there’s no need for you to participate in these selection competitions anymore. Wait until the finals determine the winner, and then you can compete against him.”

　"That means you'll advance directly to the finals."

　"Yes."

　Bai Yuan nodded. With Alice Nakiri's strength, there was indeed no need to waste time here. Only the final match was worth watching.

　"Don't be discouraged. After the finals, I'll take you to the Fujian Youth Chef Competition. It should be in the next two months."

　Seeing Alice Nakiri lower her head, Bai Yuan assumed she was feeling down and spoke again.

　After half a year of growth, Totsuki is no longer suitable for Alice Nakiri. She wants to go to a broader stage, and the Fujian Youth Chef Competition is the first stop.

　Young chefs under the age of 25 can participate in the competition, so each time it is held, it attracts chefs from several surrounding provinces, including many top-level chefs.

　The rewards for the Young Chefs Competition are also very generous: the first place winner gets promoted to two stars, the second and third place winners get promoted to one star, and the top five get promoted to the top tier.

　Of course, the upper limit is a top-tier three-star chef.

　In other words, even if a top-tier two-star chef wins first place, they can only be promoted directly to one star.

　Even so, it still holds immense appeal for master chefs.

　"Can we go to the Fujian Youth Chef Competition together?"

　Bai Yuan spoke without trying to hide it from others, and the girls around him heard him clearly. Their faces immediately lit up with longing, as they also wanted to fight alongside their teacher.

　"I will bring four people. The list will depend on your performance in this Summer Selection."

　Seeing the eager looks on everyone's faces, Bai Yuan gave them another boost of enthusiasm, which excited Yoshino Yuuki and the others.

　"If we perform exceptionally well, will you take us to the competition?"

　Just then, Kurokiba Ryo's voice came from not far away. Bai Yuan looked over and found that the other person was staring straight at him, obviously having listened for a long time.

　And there are several others like him.

　At this moment, they all looked at him with bright, piercing eyes.

　"Not only you, but all the first-year students of Totsuki Academy, as long as they perform well in this Summer Selection, I will take them to participate."

　Seeing the eager gazes of those around him, Bai Yuan decided to add fuel to the fire, and his impassioned voice immediately rang out at the scene.

　"Great!"

　"No one can stop me from taking first place!"

　"You? Take a piss and look at yourself. I'd be satisfied with making it to the top eight. The important thing is to know your own limitations."

　"What do you mean, mine or yours?"

　A bunch of guys who might not even make it through the preliminaries dare to spout nonsense here.

　As Bai Yuan finished speaking, the atmosphere at the scene was ignited once again.

　They all wanted Bai Yuan's approval, which would be a great honor for them.

　"Let's go back and begin the special training before the Summer Selection Tournament."

　After glancing at the lively scene, Bai Yuan simply smiled faintly, then turned to look at Nakiri Erina and the others, before heading towards home.

　"Wait for us."

　Seeing Bai Yuan leave, Nakiri Erina and the others exchanged glances, then strode after him with their long legs.

　·

　·

　"There are only a few days left until the Summer Selection, so I won't teach you anything else."

　Starting today, continue to refine your fundamentals. A solid foundation is the starting point for everything and can effectively enhance the deliciousness of your dishes.

　Holding a long ruler in his hand, Bai Yuan tapped the table as he spoke to the row of girls standing in front of him.

　Since there's not much time left, starting a new course is pointless; it's better to improve the basics.

　"Do you understand everything?"

　Seeing that the others remained silent, Bai Yuan frowned slightly, then raised the ruler and struck the kitchen counter forcefully, the loud noise bringing them back to their senses.

　"I understand!"

　After saying this, the women no longer hesitated and ran to their respective kitchen counters, where they began practicing their knife skills with carrots, cabbage, and tofu.

　"Strictly speaking, knife skills can be divided into straight knife method, flat knife method, oblique knife method and mixed knife method."

　This is further divided into basic cutting methods, such as dicing, slicing, shredding, and cutting into pieces.

　The art of carving patterns involves cutting various shapes into ingredients, such as fish scales or chrysanthemums, to enhance the appearance and taste of the dish.

　Specialized knife techniques, such as mincing and shaping, are often used in filling preparation.

　Watching the women get to work, Bai Yuan walked around the scene, patiently explaining the basics to them. His eyes scanned back and forth, and when he saw someone having a problem with their knife-wielding posture, he would step forward to give them close guidance.

　During this process, some physical contact was unavoidable, but fortunately, no one resisted it, and everything was normal except for the increased heart rate.