Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Furthermore, he also wanted to use this dish to enhance Zhuang Huiyuan's reputation, attract more attention to it, and thus bring in more customers.

　The impact of this is profound and will not diminish with his departure; it can be considered a gift he gave to Mieko Tadokoro before leaving.

　“Okay, if you want to buy vegetables, Uncle Zagu’s is the best place. His vegetables are grown in his yard and he uses farmyard manure.”

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Tadokoro Megumi replied without hesitation.

　As an indigenous person who has lived here for over a decade, she has an incredibly clear understanding of who sells the best ingredients.

　"Alright, lead the way."

　Seeing the girl's determined look, Bai Yuan raised his hand and waved it forward, signaling her to lead the way.

　"No need, it's just ahead."

　As she spoke, Tadokoro Megumi suddenly quickened her pace and soon came to a bearded, somewhat melancholy-looking middle-aged man. She smiled and said to him, "Uncle Zaku, it's been a long time."

　"It's Xiao Hui, it's been a long time indeed."

　I heard you're having a food battle with the hotel across the street this evening. Your opponent seems really strong; I heard they're a top-tier chef. Good luck!

　Upon hearing the sound, Uncle Zaku, who was playing on his phone, looked up. Just as he was about to say something, his eyes lit up when he saw that it was Tadokoro Megumi. Then he remembered the "Hyakurii" advertisement that had been posted on the street earlier.

　The gist of the message was that they could come to watch the game in the afternoon and get free food.

　This was a determined effort to win the competition decisively in front of everyone, thereby acquiring the property rights of Zhuang Huiyuan and turning it into a place where "all birds live separately".

　"The one who will be having the food battle in the evening is not me, but Mr. Shirayuki next to me."

　I came here simply to buy some vegetables from you. Your vegetables are of the highest quality in the market, and having them will definitely increase my chances of success.

　Megumi Tadokoro's voice is gentle and melodious.

　Turning around, it's like a spring breeze caressing the heart.

　"That's a bit of an exaggeration. Pick whatever you like. The vegetables are free today, consider it a small token of my support."

　Uncle Zaku patted his chest generously and decided to give them the vegetables in front of him as ingredients for the food battle.

　"How can you do this? You've worked so hard to grow them..."

　"Don't say things like that. A few vegetables aren't worth much. If you feel embarrassed, just win the game beautifully. I'll be there to watch."

　Just as Tadokoro Megumi was about to decline, Uncle Zaku stopped her with his words.

　The other person forcefully packed up all the vegetables in front of him, stuffed them into Bai Yuan's arms, took the small stool he was sitting on, and left.

　"This uncle is really enthusiastic."

　Looking at the vegetables in the bag in front of him, Bai Yuan couldn't help but sigh. The chrysanthemum pumpkin, the Lichuan burdock, and the red-rooted radish were all local specialties.

　"Honestly, they ran away after only a few words."

　Let's take these back first, then head to the next place.

　Watching Uncle Zaku's departing figure, Tadokoro Megumi puffed out her cheeks and said, then turned her gaze to Shirayuki, wanting to take the vegetables from his hands.

　"I can carry these things myself, you just need to stay by my side."

　Bai Yuan personally delivered the vegetables back to Zhuang Huiyuan, and then set off again with Tadokoro Megumi.

　When they arrived at the shopping street, Shirabuchi and Tadokoro were surprised to find that everyone in the town seemed to know that "Shohui Garden" and "Hyakutorii" were about to have a food battle, and they all gave her the ingredients by coincidence.

　Even though Megumi Tadokoro repeatedly declined, thinking it was inappropriate, she couldn't resist the enthusiasm of everyone, who gave her the best ingredients from their respective stalls.

　The implication is that winning the game would be the best way to repay them.

　"Logically speaking, you should be the main character in this food battle; I'm the one who stole your spot."

　"In that case, the development of the dishes will be entrusted to you. Don't refuse; I will be responsible for perfecting the dishes you develop."

　Shirabuchi's voice suddenly rang out as he watched Tadokoro Megumi, after chatting with a burly man, push a giant anglerfish out of the factory behind him.

　He had originally decided to develop his own recipe and use it to enter the competition.

　But when he saw the enthusiasm of the other people in the town for Tadokoro Megumi, he suddenly felt that the protagonist of this food battle should not be him, but Tadokoro Megumi.

　It was only because of his limited skill level that he was unlikely to win even with his best efforts that he was forced to step up and save the day.

　"Leave the development of the dishes to me..."

　Bai Yuan's words startled Tadokoro Megumi, who clearly hadn't expected him to entrust her with such an important matter, as it concerned the fate of Zhuang Huiyuan.

　"Calm down. With your current abilities, it's not difficult for you to develop a dish with the potential to be a top-tier dish. Besides, I'll always be there to back you up no matter what. Just go ahead and do it with confidence."

　Bai Yuan raised his hand and patted Tadokoro Megumi's head. It was time for her to participate in the food battle of the special-grade chefs. After all, this girl's strength had already reached the edge of the special-grade chef level.

　This Fujian Youth Chef Competition may be a good opportunity for transformation.

　"In that case, I'll develop the recipes, and you can refine them."

　After thinking it over, Tadokoro Megumi agreed. Even if she didn't believe in herself, she believed in Bai Yuan and that he had the ability to turn the impossible into the possible.

　Chapter 226 A dish that suits the current situation: Monkfish Tempura

　"Based on the principle of making fish stew, fish and vegetables can complement each other very well. Perhaps I should start from this point."

　In Zhuang Huiyuan's kitchen, Tadokoro Megumi, wearing an apron, looked at the various ingredients in front of her that represented everyone's good intentions, and felt inexplicably nervous.

　Although it was Bai Yuan who made the move, he entrusted her with the important task of developing the cuisine.

　If possible, since the ingredients were donated by everyone, she wanted to make a dish that carries everyone's memories and showcase everything!

　"Monkfish is an essential ingredient. Live monkfish need to be saved for the competition to ensure freshness. We'll use the ones we bought from the fish market for the experimental dish..."

　Besides the fish stew, this place also has a famous dish that has been passed down from ancient times: monkfish hot pot, a specialty dish passed down from generation to generation by fishermen.

　It's perfect for enjoying with the whole family around a warm stove on a cold winter's day; that harmonious family atmosphere is the essence of appreciating this dish.

　The main ingredient that Megumi Tadokoro will be using this time.

　It's an anglerfish.

　"The most distinctive feature of monkfish soup is that the liver of the monkfish is slowly stir-fried in a pot until it melts, and then miso and sake are added as the soup base."

　If you add the right spices, the flavor will penetrate even more deeply...

　Instead of rushing to cook, I forced myself to calm down.

　Carefully examining the numerous ingredients in front of her, she realized that not all of them were useful; she needed to select those that would be helpful to her and try cooking them.

　Among them, anglerfish is a local specialty, famous for its delicious taste.

　The stew made from monkfish offal is also known as the "Golden Pot," which shows how highly monkfish is regarded in the town.

　This is why dissecting monkfish has been a highlight of Zhuang Huiyuan's business for so many years, attracting many people to come and try it. However, the business was significantly affected when the head chef became unable to continue.

　Later, in order to perform this show again, she went to the dissection room of the anglerfish without fail, rain or shine.

　The uncle who ran the fish business learned the techniques.

　It was precisely because of this culinary talent that Tadokoro Mieko ultimately decided to send Tadokoro Megumi to Totsuki Culinary Academy, and now everything has returned to square one.

　"During this period of time, I have tried all kinds of dishes, among which tempura is the one I am most skilled at."

　If these ingredients could be combined and blended, and then a sauce made with monkfish liver was used, perhaps the results would be quite different!

　As her thoughts gradually became clearer, Tadokoro Megumi quickly began to try it out.

　First, make a sauce from the purchased monkfish liver. Second, adjust the recipe and see which part of the monkfish is best suited for tempura.

　At the kitchen doorway, Bai Yuan leaned against the door, arms crossed, watching the busy Tadokoro Megumi with a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

　If she didn't even dare to try, then her culinary journey would end there. Fortunately, Tadokoro Megumi did not disappoint him.

　"When you truly become a master chef, you'll find that being a master chef is just the beginning of your journey as a chef."

　After taking a deep look at Tadokoro Megumi, who was busy in the kitchen, Shirabuchi turned around and went back to the living room, where Tadokoro Mieko was sitting, her eyes filled with unease.

　"Don't worry, we have no chance of losing this match. Just be prepared to take over their 'Hundred Birds Gate' and develop it into a branch of Zhuang Hui Garden."

　Seeing that Tadokoro Mieko was a little nervous, Shirai smiled and patted her shoulder to ease her tension.

　This was a match he couldn't possibly lose. His opponent just didn't understand his strength, otherwise they would be laughing all the way to the bank right now.

　"How confident are you? I've already inquired; our opponent is a top-tier four-star chef. If things don't go well, we can avoid the fight. There's no shame in that."

　Thinking that Bai Yuan was unaware of the terror of his opponent, which was why he was putting on such a relaxed appearance, Tadokoro Mieko quickly reminded him. However, when she saw his determined expression, she felt inexplicably at ease.

　It's a really strange feeling.

　He was clearly just a young man in his early twenties, yet he gave her the feeling of a mature man.

　"I know, he already said that when he came, but if it's only a top-tier four-star, then I can only say four words: nothing to worry about."

　Seeing Tadokoro Mieko's performance, Bai Yuan understood what she was worried about. For ordinary people, a master chef is an insurmountable obstacle.

　Even though he appeared incredibly confident, it was difficult to dispel Tadokoro Mieko's doubts. This is only natural and does not mean that she does not trust him.

　Moreover, Zhuang Huiyuan's vast estate has become a stake on the gambling table and coveted by others because of a seemingly insignificant food battle.

　If the other party trusts him unconditionally, Bai Yuan finds it strange and suspects there is some conspiracy involved.

　"Keep it up. This is the dowry I've been saving for Xiaohui. Since she trusts you so much, it would be inappropriate for me to doubt her."

　"Little Bai, give it your all, don't let her down!"

　As she spoke, Mieko Tadokoro also turned her gaze to the kitchen, watching Megumi Tadokoro's back as she studied cooking, and said something quite earnestly.

　"Don't worry, just trust me."

　Bai Yuan pounded his chest with a thunderous sound to express his determination.

　After that, the two chatted for a while, and to help Tadokoro Mieko ease her tension, Shiroyuki brewed a pot of tea and drank it.

　The two were in the hotel lobby, where many other travelers were also present.

　They were all quite surprised to see this, as many of them had personally witnessed Wang Zhi challenging Bai Yuan to a food battle.

　Have you given up? Is that why you're wallowing in self-pity here?

　But it didn't seem like it. The boy's face held a smile, showing no sign of dejection. If that were the case, he must not take his opponent seriously.

　This news was leaked by someone, I don't know who.

　The words finally reached Wang Zhi's ears, causing him to let out a cold laugh and say bluntly, "With such behavior, it's hard to imagine what kind of skilled chef the other party could be."

　A truly skilled chef will give his all, even against the weakest opponent, instead of being indulgent and dismissive like Bai Yuan.

　Instead of researching the recipes for the competition themselves, they handed them over to others, which is undoubtedly a major taboo in competitions.

　After all, some dishes suit Tadokoro Megumi but not necessarily Hakubuchi; this is a difference in individuality caused by different upbringing.

　I just hope they don't use that as an excuse when they lose in the end; that would be too embarrassing.

　Wang Zhi shook his head, and his tense heart relaxed a lot.

　He felt he had taken Bai Yuan too seriously. He felt he could win against such an opponent even if he had one hand to his head!

　Zhuang Huiyuan.

　After chatting with Mieko Tadokoro about funny things that happened when Megumi Tadokoro was a child, Shirabuchi glanced at the time on the wall and got up to go to the kitchen.

　As soon as he stepped into the kitchen, a rich aroma of fried fish wafted into his nostrils. Looking down, he saw monkfish tempura that Tadokoro Megumi had placed on the stove.

　Without much hesitation, I strode forward to the food stall, picked up some monkfish tempura, dipped it in sauce, and then closed my eyes to savor its flavor.

　"Is it fish tail meat? Compared to other parts, fish tail meat has a firmer texture but lower fat content, resulting in a lighter taste."

　Experiencing the wonderful texture of the fried monkfish tail tempura, Bai Yuan gave his evaluation.

　"That's right, we also tried the back meat and cheek meat of the fish."

　And the gills and meat—these three have different textures and flavors, and you can try them all on that plate over there.

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's voice, Tadokoro Megumi, who was focused on frying vegetable tempura, immediately turned around and pointed excitedly at the other parts.

　She bought a lot of monkfish at the supermarket, all kinds of parts, but only a few parts tasted good when made into tempura.

　Frying and stewing are completely different types of cooking.

　Only by trying it yourself can you know the specific advantages and disadvantages and scores.

　"Then there's the sauce, which is quite innovative. Does it combine monkfish liver with spices?"

　Monkfish liver is rich in oil, and if not prepared properly, the sauce may be too greasy.

　That makes sense, but you shouldn't add no oil at all, or only a very small amount of oil.