Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　The blanching process of scallions and dried chilies allows their aroma to be fully released, intertwining with the orange scent to create a deep and rich aroma that whets the appetite.

　"It looks so delicious, and it smells so good! It must taste amazing! I really want to go up and try it!"

　"This is truly amazing food! Even from this distance, it makes me crave it and want to go up and devour it all!"

　"I want to..."

　Discussions rose and fell in the room, especially when the judges used chopsticks to cut open the fish, releasing its aroma.

　Many viewers wore expressions of longing, as if they wanted to take his place. Only experienced chefs and gourmets could resist the urge to do so.

　However, the constant glancing in their direction revealed, to some extent, their thoughts.

　"Actually, what's most satisfying is the sauce that's poured on top at the end. It's made with scallion oil, dark soy sauce, and fish sauce, plus steamed scallions."

　I remember that after the sauce was brought to a boil in the pot, a thin layer of cornstarch was added.

　This spoonful of sauce not only makes the fish more appealing in color and richer in flavor, but it also locks in all the taste from the cooking process, releasing it only the moment you bite into it!

　Upon tasting the food, Kikuchi Sonoka's body trembled slightly.

　Then, a complex yet well-ordered flavor slowly spread in the mouth. The fish was tender and there were no bones to be found, which meant that Huang Mei had clearly removed the bones before cooking.

　Grass carp has a moderate number of bones compared to other fish. The main bone is relatively large and prominent, while the intermuscular bones are smaller and distributed throughout the flesh. Removing them without damaging the flesh requires a high level of skill.

　"Every bite is a symphony of tender fish and rich sauce, with crispy and soft textures intertwining in your mouth, truly leaving you wanting more!"

　Dojima Gin's voice was filled with satisfaction.

　"This dish should have already reached the threshold of being a top-grade dish!"

　Kakuzaki Taki gave Huang Mei a deep look, his voice filled with disbelief.

　In the year following her graduation, she participated in the Japanese Master Chef Examination and, thanks to her exceptional skills, easily became a Master Chef.

　Even so, the probability of her creating a top-grade dish is not very high; she only manages to produce one out of every two dishes, and that's only when she's giving it her all.

　And now, this little girl in front of me has actually served up a top-grade dish in the competition. Although she has only just come close to the top grade, it is already quite remarkable. At least she couldn't have done it at Huang Mei's age.

　"Indeed, but more accurately, it's somewhere between Grade 1 and Special Grade cuisine, let's call it near-Special Grade cuisine for now. To be able to make such a dish at this age..."

　A top-tier dish, with unlimited potential!

　Dojima Gin nodded, giving a more definitive answer, while looking at Huang Mei with admiration in his eyes. What an excellent fellow!

　"It's really amazing that a first-grader can make a top-grade dish."

　Kikuchi Sonoka also praised him, saying that through her all-night conversation with Shirobuchi, she knew that he had sent a group of people from the dark cuisine world to settle in Totsuki, and the person in front of her was one of them.

　The Dark Cuisine World is a force controlled by Bai Yuan. The more geniuses there are in it, the happier she is, hence her beaming smile.

　"My dish is ready, please enjoy."

　Just then, Liu Yu's voice came from below the judges' panel, attracting a lot of attention. The girl slowly stepped forward carrying a pot of food.

　The dish was placed on the judges' table, and the lid was lifted. A rich and fresh aroma wafted out, causing the five judges to swallow almost simultaneously.

　"This smell alone evokes a strong sense of craving!"

　"Indeed, the rich umami flavor and the golden color of the soup make it look incredibly delicious, irresistibly tempting to the taste buds!"

　Her pink tongue lightly licked her lips, and a faint blush appeared on Hinako Inui's face. The lingering aroma of the dish made her body tremble slightly.

　The fish and mutton soup has an enticing golden color, combining the freshness of fish with the richness of mutton, creating a perfect synergy.

　"I'm gonna start now!"

　Faced with such a dish, although she wanted to be reserved and restrained, her hands acted before her mind could process it, and before she knew it, the dish was already in her hands.

　Without any hesitation, she parted her lips slightly and drank from the rim of the bowl in front of her, gulping it down.

　The fresh soup melts in your mouth, the freshness of the crucian carp and the richness of the lamb chops intertwine, creating a unique savory flavor that is neither overly overpowering nor lacking in subtlety.

　Subsequently, the soup's delicate texture and layers of flavor gradually emerge.

　The sweetness of the fish and the richness of the mutton permeate each other, and every sip of the soup is full of rich layers, with both the lightness of the fish and the warmth of the mutton.

　"The addition of ginger, with its unique spiciness and aroma, effectively neutralizes the warmth of mutton and the coldness of fish."

　Angelica dahurica adds a touch of freshness and elegance to the soup. Goji berries alleviate the heat and dryness of the soup.

　The final addition of pepper brings a subtle spiciness to the soup, like a flash of lightning, instantly igniting the taste buds and making the overall flavor of the soup more vivid and complex!

　After taking a sip, Dojima Gin added what Inui Hinako hadn't mentioned: the few food and medicinal ingredients in the soup.

　Even if it were just fish and mutton, the flavor wouldn't be as balanced, even if it were delicious. It's the ginger, angelica root, pepper, and goji berries added during the simmering process that truly bring this soup to a state of balance.

　"This is a truly premium dish."

　A look of amazement flashed in his eyes. After closing his eyes and savoring the moment, Dojima Gin gave his conclusion.

　The dish in front of me is perfectly executed, both in terms of details and overall presentation. The amount of ingredients is just right, making the soup taste completely natural without any off-flavors.

　Such a dish can already be considered a top-tier dish. If it continues to be improved and refined in its details, it can be upgraded to a star-level dish.

　"Okay, we can announce the final winner now."

　Liu Yu nodded, not surprised by Dojima Gin's assessment. She knew perfectly well that her cooking was mediocre.

　However, given her already strong skills and excellent form today, there's little doubt that she'll win the competition by creating a top-tier dish.

　"Huangmei's cooking makes good use of the flavor of oranges, and with the addition of various spices, it creates a rich and flavorful braised fish."

　Its flavor is incredibly impactful, the fish is tender and delicious, and the bones have been thoughtfully removed, ensuring a good dining experience for customers – that's a great feature.

　As they spoke, a figure appeared before everyone's eyes: Huang Mei, dressed in coarse cloth and wielding a swordsman's longsword. He looked heroic and imposing.

　"As for Liu Yu, although your cooking is decent, the flavors are very harmonious. There is not a single flaw in the whole dish, like a shield that defends the city."

　"boom!"

　The illusion before everyone's eyes flashed, and Liu Yu, dressed in armor and holding a large shield, suddenly reappeared, looking provocatively at Huang Mei, who was holding a swordsman's longsword.

　Upon seeing her, Huang Mei's previously bewildered gaze instantly hardened. She stood still and shouted, then charged forward with her long sword, the tip pointing directly at Liu Yu's throat, which was unprotected by armor, intending to kill her with a single blow!

　However, Liu Yu, who was armed to the teeth, was not so easily defeated. She blocked the attack with a large shield and a contemptuous smile appeared on her face.

　Ping-pong.

　The sword, representing impact, and the shield, representing defense, clash. On the surface, neither can gain the upper hand, but the moment the sword, despite its best efforts, is blocked, the outcome of the match is already decided.

　Seeing Huang Mei exerting all her strength, Liu Yu didn't hesitate much. She quickly drew the curved knife from her waist and slit her throat.

　The valiant female swordsman finally collapsed to the ground, unwilling to accept her fate.

　"The final winner of this match is Liu Yu."

　As Dojima Gin finished speaking, Liu Yu's name appeared on the large screen in the sky.

　5:0, winning against Huangmei with an absolute crushing victory.

　Looking at the name on the big screen, Huang Mei pursed her thin lips, beads of sweat still clung to her forehead, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

　Despite knowing that she lacked the necessary strength and that her chances of winning were slim, she still couldn't help but sigh when she actually lost.

　Oh well, she's already given it her all in the competition. Losing is just a matter of not being good enough. She can try again next time.

　Congratulations on advancing to the semifinals.

　Seeing that Liu Yu's expression remained unchanged, as if she had already guessed the outcome, Huang Mei stepped forward and extended her hand to her, and Liu Yu smiled and shook her hand in return.

　"You also performed very well. For a chef who has only been studying for a year to be able to compete with me like this, your talent and potential are truly amazing!"

　Liu Yu's voice carried a hint of emotion.

　Although Huang Mei is not as good as her now, given her current growth rate, she will probably surpass her in every aspect in less than two years.

　"You're the only one left in our Dark Cuisine world. It seems you'll have to win the Summer Selection again. Good luck!"

　With near-specialist-level strength, Liu Yu has a high chance of winning the championship if he performs normally; no one else can compete with him.

　"A chef who can create top-grade dishes? What a formidable opponent. It seems that Hisako's chances of winning the championship this time won't be so easy."

　In the audience, Erina Nakiri looked at Liu Yu with a serious expression on her face.

　Judging from her performance this time, her opponent's strength seems to be about the same as hers now.

　In other words, Liu Yu is very likely to be the biggest dark horse in this summer's selection!

　"A near-Special Grade Chef, just one step away from Special Grade, such an opponent is indeed not someone that ordinary people can deal with."

　However, even if we do face off, I will definitely win!

　Shinobu Hisako glanced at Shiroyuki, who was chatting with Zhou Tai and Nakiri Senzaemon not far away, occasionally smiling, and her eyes were filled with determination.

　Even if it's just for Teacher Bai Yuan, she's determined to win the Summer Selection this time!

　After all, I've been studying under him for so long. If in the end a transfer student takes first place, it would be too embarrassing for Teacher Bai Yuan!

　"I'll help you during this time too."

　As if she had thought of something, Erina Nakiri suddenly turned to Hisako Shinoto and said something.

　"Thank you, Lady Erina!"

　"You're my secretary. If you lose too badly, I'll feel embarrassed too."

　Upon hearing Hisako Shinoto's thanks, Erina Nakiri blushed slightly, then turned her head away, pretending that she wasn't concerned about Hisako, but rather about saving face.

　Hisako Shinoto, having long known about Erina Nakiri's tsundere personality, maintained a smile throughout, even finding her quite adorable.

　Although she was a bit stubborn, she genuinely cared about her. The past events made Hisako Shinto hug Erina Nakiri's arm.

　"Why are you doing this all of a sudden, Hisako?"

　Feeling the softness of her arm against hers, Erina Nakiri blushed slightly, somewhat unable to look at Hisako Shinoto, and finally feigned displeasure.

　"We'll be best friends for life."

　Hisako Shinto's voice came through, filled with strong emotion, instantly washing away Erina Nakiri's shyness, and she embraced her instead.

　"We'll be best friends for life!"

　Looking intently into Hisako Shinoto's eyes, Erina Nakiri grasped her hand, and despite her lack of eloquence, she remained resolute at this moment.

　"A near-Special Grade expert? I'd love to have a match with him! If I win this match, there's a one-in-three chance I'll encounter him in the next one!"

　Although he was wearing a headscarf, Kurokiba Ryo was still excited the moment he saw Liu Yu bring out the premium dishes, and his blood boiled.

　He dreamed of having a real showdown with a master chef, and he wanted to do what Alice Nakiri did two years ago!

　Chapter 195 The Reason for Joining the World of Dark Cuisine

　"Liu Yu? She's quite a nice young lady."

　Looking at Liu Yu's excellent performance on stage, Bai Yuan nodded with approval on his face.

　Despite the many flaws in the other person's cooking, being able to make a top-quality dish at this age is itself a testament to talent.

　I never expected there to be such a talent in the world of dark cuisine. No wonder those old guys sent him here. With a little training, he could become a top-tier expert.

　"She is indeed a nice young lady."

　Zhou Tai agreed, saying that the other person was about the same age as his granddaughter, but her strength was far superior, indicating that she must have worked exceptionally hard.

　Turning back, we can use this woman to inspire Zhou Yuyu. It's quite shameful to be surpassed by someone her age like this. Let's see if she dares to continue being lazy in the future!

　Thinking of Zhou Yuyu sneaking out to play, a look of helplessness flashed across Zhou Tai's face.

　That guy is a lot like him when he was young. He likes to travel around and see the beauty of the world, but he can't stop or settle down to learn how to cook.

　Unlike him, the other party's talent in cooking was not particularly outstanding.

　He was exceptionally talented. Even though he spent his youth traveling around and only spent one or two hours a day on cooking, he still became a master chef before the age of fifteen.

　After getting tired of playing, I focused all my energy on cooking and quickly broke through to the Special Grade Five Star.

　Then he rose steadily to his current level of strength.

　However, if Zhou Yuyu misses the best age to learn cooking, she will have to put in more effort to improve in the future, and her potential will not be high.

　Why don't we leave her here?

　Suddenly, this thought popped into Zhou Tai's mind.

　His granddaughter seems to have a crush on Bai Yuan. Judging from her infatuated look, if she could see Bai Yuan every day, she would probably want to stay here.

　At that time, he could also ask Bai Yuan to discipline him more. Given how well Bai Yuan had raised ordinary students, it shouldn't be a problem for him to teach his granddaughter.