Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"If you'd like, I can provide you with funding and technical support. Go for it!"

　Yoshino Yuuki's words piqued Bai Yuan's interest. The world's number one breeding expert? If he really succeeded, wouldn't all the food he cultivated belong to him?

　"Thank you, Teacher Bai Yuan. I can't pretend I didn't hear that. I'll definitely come to you for help if I encounter any related problems in the future!"

　With Bai Yuan's support, Yoshino Yuuki's face lit up with excitement.

　Even though Bai Yuan never showed off his abilities to them, he was still a top-tier seven-star chef. Even if he only let some resources slip through his fingers, it would be enough for them to enjoy endlessly!

　"Then I will become the world's number one 'fermented cuisine' expert!"

　Ryoko Sakaki also made the same vow, looking directly at the moon in the sky. However, it is unknown how much of her statement was sincere and how much was just following the trend.

　For a moment, the scene was filled with the voices of young girls announcing their goals. Their energetic appearance even attracted the attention of passersby, who gave them thumbs up.

　"Teacher Bai Yuan, I have something I'd like to say to you. Could you come with me for a moment?"

　Just as the group was moving forward and about to reach their destination, Tadokoro Megumi's voice suddenly rang out, and she tugged at Shiroyuki's sleeve as she spoke.

　"Want to talk to me? Hmm, okay..."

　Looking around at the people, Bai Yuan had a rough idea of ​​what was going on. Unless it was something important, Tadokoro rarely asked him to chat privately.

　To avoid suspicion was one aspect, but more importantly, her heart raced and she felt hot all over when she saw him. She was very shy and embarrassed to look him in the eye.

　But today, the initiative was unexpected.

　The two broke away from the main group and took a side path. They noticed that not many people had left, except for Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko, who were walking slowly behind. Seeing this, people began to speculate about what the two were going to do.

　"Could it be..."

　Seeing Tadokoro Megumi's restrained expression, Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko exchanged glances and said in unison.

　They were all too familiar with that expression! Because whenever they were with Bai Yuan, everyone present would have that same expression.

　At this moment, as the road ahead became increasingly remote, Bai Yuan gradually slowed down. He actually had the answer in his heart as to why Tadokoro Megumi had suddenly come to find him.

　Only a fool wouldn't be able to see the other person's feelings for him.

　It's like a person sitting next to a stove; no matter what they're doing, they'll feel the warmth from it.

　then.

　When the two of them changed from a brisk walk to a leisurely stroll, walking slowly through the mountains and forests.

　Sensing Tadokoro Megumi's inner turmoil and the hand trembling beside her, Bai Yuan felt nervous for her and boldly took her hand.

　"Bai Yuan...Teacher?"

　Feeling her hand suddenly being grasped, Tadokoro Megumi

　Somewhat unexpectedly, her already flustered heart stirred again, and she whispered his name.

　"I'm here. People still pass by here occasionally. Come with me."

　Bai Yuan nodded slightly, then quickened his pace and led Tadokoro Megumi towards a less crowded area.

　Because she was being pulled along by Bai Yuan, who was her favorite person, she obediently followed him despite opening her mouth to speak several times but then stopping herself.

　Soon, the two found a quiet, deserted place. Because it was far from the main road, the surroundings were so quiet that even the chirping of insects could be heard.

　"Teacher Bai Yuan, I like you. From the first time you helped me and affirmed me, a seed of love was planted in my heart."

　Totsuki Academy is built on a mountain, making it undoubtedly a mountain high school. The buildings are scattered throughout, and with the cold wind blowing and the moon hanging in the sky, it has a unique charm.

　Just then, looking at Bai Yuan's tall and straight back and feeling the wonderful atmosphere around her, Tadokoro Megumi felt that the time was just right, so she stepped forward and said something a little shyly.

　Because there was no one around, her voice, though not loud, reached Bai Yuan's ears with perfect clarity, and he heard every single word.

　"I know this request is excessive, and perhaps even a little selfish, because you and Alice are a very loving couple."

　But I have to say it, because these words have been bottled up inside me for a long time, and even knowing I'll be rejected, I still have to say them. I like you, Bai Yuan!

　Bai Yuan turned around abruptly upon hearing her words. Under the streetlights, his already handsome face was illuminated with even more ambiance, making one want to kiss him.

　Tadokoro Megumi looked up at Bai Yuan with a serious expression. When he didn't reply, her heart beat faster and faster, and her fists, hidden under her sleeves, clenched tighter and tighter.

　After learning about what happened today, she knew that she and Bai Yuan could no longer get along like before, but she did not regret it.

　Because she had been reserved and demure for over a decade, she also wanted to indulge herself just this once!

　"I won't make any promises, because I know that making a promise that I can't keep is hurtful. I will do my best to make you happy for the rest of your life."

　Bai Yuan has never been one to say sweet words, and at times like this, no matter what he says, he cannot express his truest thoughts.

　Helpless, he finally just looked intently into her eyes and pressed his head against hers.

　Her soft lips carried a faint scent of jasmine. Tadokoro Megumi was stunned by Shiro's sudden action and instinctively wanted to back away.

　However, Bai Yuan tightly embraced Tadokoro Megumi's waist, pulling her forward and pressing her against his chest.

　This process lasted for more than three minutes, until Tadokoro Megumi was a little out of breath, at which point Bai Yuan released her, held her in his arms, and gently patted her back.

　After spending some time together, Tadokoro Megumi calmed down and traced circles on Shiroyuki's chest with her fingers, savoring the warmth within.

　"From now on, you can stay with me. I won't restrict what you do. I will support you in whatever you want to do or pursue, just like before."

　Bai Yuan dislikes stories about spoiled wives and doesn't want a highly talented chef to become a divorced woman.

　He hopes that the girl he likes can shine brightly in her field and be dazzling on the competition stage; that would be her best destiny!

　"Like before...?"

　Tadokoro Megumi's expression froze for a moment, and she looked at Bai Yuan pitifully, thinking that he did not accept her and therefore wanted to maintain the status quo.

　Although this is the best outcome for her, she is unwilling to simply maintain the status quo now that things have come to this point, as the other party clearly also has feelings for her.

　If I didn't like her, I probably wouldn't have invited her...

　Now all we need to do is put in a little more effort!

　"I only told you to act the same way as before, I didn't say our relationship would be like before. Things are already like this, do you still think you can escape?"

　Seeing Tadokoro Megumi's dejection, Shiro lowered his head and kissed her again, this time not a long kiss, but a light, fleeting one.

　Even though it was just a fleeting glimpse, Tadokoro Megumi was still overjoyed, her lips almost trembling with delight, but she tried her best to remain calm.

　"Thank you, Professor Bai Yuan."

　"I don't remember doing anything that deserves my gratitude. It's because you're so outstanding that I accepted you, Xiaohui."

　This world allows polygamy, so Bai Yuan feels no burden in saying these things.

　Megumi Tadokoro felt the same way. Although she felt that she was being a bit unfair, she did not see herself as a third party who interfered in other people's relationships.

　Teacher Bai Yuan is so outstanding, what's wrong with having a few more people around him?!

　"Let's go back."

　After a brief, tender embrace, Bai Yuan took Tadokoro Megumi's hand, exchanged a smile with her, and then their ordinary hand-holding turned into a tight interlocking of fingers.

　With such a significant development in their relationship, Tadokoro Megumi expected to be very excited, but in reality, she quickly calmed down.

　However, the faint happiness deep in her heart told her that she had made the right choice.

　Love can be a loud, passionate declaration, or it can be a quiet, gentle reliance. For Tadokoro Megumi, the best gift is that Hakubuchi can stay by her side.

　The two strolled along the mountain path. The night breeze was cool and carried the scent of grass. Because they were on the mountain, the air was exceptionally fresh, making it a pleasant experience.

　"Oh, where have you all been? We've been looking for you for ages! The party was missing you guys, you're the ones who are here today!"

　The main character for the evening is nowhere to be found, which is quite ridiculous!

　Just as they were about to arrive home, Alice Nakiri's voice came from not far away. As soon as she saw Bai Yuan, she reached out and pulled him inside.

　However, she managed to pull the person, but couldn't move them. Then Alice turned her head in confusion and noticed Tadokoro Megumi and Shirabuchi's hands clasped together.

　She wasn't stupid; after a moment's thought, she figured out what had happened. She immediately put her hands on her hips and questioned the two of them: "I was wondering where you two had run off to. Turns out you were sneaking around eating behind my back. You were pretty good at hiding it!"

　"I...actually, I just..."

　Seeing that Alice Nakiri seemed to have misunderstood something, Megumi Tadokoro immediately explained. She had just confessed; she couldn't let it be misinterpreted as cheating!

　"Anyway, welcome to this big family, Xiao Hui."

　Seeing the embarrassed look on Tadokoro Megumi's face, as if she wanted to explain something, Nakiri Alice waved her hand to indicate that she shouldn't say anything, and at the same time extended her hand.

　"I'm sorry, Alice..."

　Seeing this, Tadokoro Megumi was stunned for a moment. Faced with Alice Nakiri's pure and innocent smile, she suddenly felt a little shameless...

　“You didn’t do anything wrong. Bai Yuan is so outstanding that anyone would like him. You just did what you thought was right. The fact that Bai Yuan is willing to accept you shows that you are a great girl. In fact, he is the one who benefits.”

　Seeing Tadokoro Megumi's embarrassed expression, Nakiri Alice stepped forward, grabbed her hand, held it in her palm, and said earnestly, word by word.

　Tadokoro Megumi's feelings for Shirobuchi were generally known to everyone except herself, who thought she had hidden them well. Nakiri Alice was naturally one of them.

　So when she saw Shirayuki and Tadokoro Megumi returning hand in hand, she didn't think about anything else and guessed the answer directly.

　However, since it was someone who had grown up beside her, Alice Nakiri felt at ease, at least the other person wasn't a bad woman.

　This is also why she was so kind and gentle.

　"And also, Brother Bai Yuan, he..."

　Hearing Alice Nakiri whispering about his embarrassing moments to Megumi Tadokoro, Bai Yuan's forehead veins throbbed.

　The other person even recounted stories from his teenage years, about a time when the two of them took a bath together, which prompted Tadokoro Megumi to give him a subtle look.

　"Hey, I'm still here."

　Upon hearing their laughter, Bai Yuan's face immediately showed an embarrassed expression, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. As he spoke, he put his arms around their waists.

　"Those days are really memorable. The first time we took a bath together, little brother Bai Yuan didn't even dare to look me in the eye, even though he was just a little kid back then."

　A gentle yet teasing voice came from behind them. Turning around, they saw it was Leonora Nakiri, who walked gracefully towards them and stopped in front of them.

　"Nora, you're joking with me too."

　Bai Yuan looked helpless at the addition of Nakiri Leonora, who often bathed with him because he was young at the time.

　Of course, Alice Nakiri will also be involved in this process.

　In her words, Scandinavians are not particular about details, while taking a bath with family is a Japanese tradition. In addition, Bai Yuan was just a little kid at the time, so neither Nakiri Leonora nor Nakiri Alice paid much attention to it, even though Bai Yuan was very resistant at the time.

　"It's just a fact. Young Bai Yuan was super cute. I really wanted to hug him and pinch his cheeks hard."

　As they were talking, Bai Yuan was already embraced by Nakiri Leonora, just like when she was a child, only this time the boy was much taller than he was then.

　Bai Yuan felt a soft sensation, followed by a pleasant fragrance that wafted into his nose—the unique scent of Nakiri Leonora.

　"Oh dear, he's not like he was when he was little, so small that you could hold him in your arms. Little Brother Bai Yuan is a big kid now."

　Touching Bai Yuan's head and feeling the heat of the body in her arms, Leonora Nakiri blushed inexplicably, then let go and took a step back.

　Those solid muscles, that strong body—Alice must be eating really well!

　As if she had thought of something, Leonora stared blankly at Bai Yuan's body, a hint of resentment appearing in her eyes.

　"Alright, let's go back first. Xiaohui is the main character tonight, and they'll be getting impatient if we don't go back soon."

　After regaining his balance, Bai Yuan looked at the brightly lit villa not far away, where laughter and cheerful voices filled the air.

　The grill and food are all ready.

　He had deliberately let Nakiri Leonora hug him just now, just like when he was a child. After all, her body was so soft and supple, and he didn't dislike being hugged by her.

　Leonora Nakiri, perhaps knowing this, often teased him, leaving him in a limbo. Fortunately, this rarely happened after he grew up.

　"Go back now. Speaking of which, you didn't even come to say hello during the match today, and you disappeared right after the match ended. Now you've made me come in person. You've really grown quite arrogant."

　"No, that's not true. I just thought that we'd have plenty of time to talk once we got back, so there was no need to act too familiar in public to avoid any misunderstandings."

　Her words carried a hint of reproach, much like a young girl in early spring. As she spoke, she punched Bai Yuan's shoulder with her fist, and then followed him and his daughter into the villa.

　"Teacher Baiyuan..."

　Tadokoro Megumi, realizing she couldn't get a word in edgewise, was about to fall behind and go inside when Shiro grabbed her hand and led her into the house.

　This is unprecedented treatment!

　Megumi Tadokoro felt that everything was the same as before, yet something was different.

　Soon, the four returned to the villa.

　As soon as she opened the outer door and entered the courtyard, she was greeted by Yoshino Yuuki and Mito Ikumi, who were lying in ambush at the door, followed by cheers.

　"Congratulations on winning first place, Xiao Hui!"