Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Next, mince the crab meat, add salt and pepper to taste, shape it into small balls, steam them, and then quickly deep-fry them to form a crispy shell.

　Heat the broth to a simmer, add the crab roe foam, and stir gently. Place the fried crab meat balls on a plate, using the broth with the crab roe foam as a base, drizzle with the crab roe foam, and garnish with a few herbs.

　"A rather innovative dish. Does it utilize so-called molecular gastronomy techniques?"

　Just as Bai Yuan was about to offer his comments, Chuan Linghua curiously stepped forward, her eyes scanning the dishes with great interest.

　"That's right, but not much is used. The part in the data only uses a high-speed blender. The other steps are no different from normal cooking."

　Turning her gaze to Kawahira, Alice Nakiri explained with a smile.

　Dishes created by combining molecular gastronomy techniques with traditional cooking methods are often more delicious than those made using a single type of cuisine.

　"I thought molecular gastronomy was about extracting the characteristics of one ingredient and making it into another."

　I once ate at a molecular gastronomy restaurant. The dishes were small and exquisite, and the flavors were quite unique, as if they didn't belong to this world. However, the prices were very high, and it wasn't very filling; it was more like a dessert.

　Kawanobi was very excited. There are many molecular gastronomy restaurants in China, and she has been to several of them.

　Lemon-flavored strawberries, caviar with a meaty texture, and what looks like ordinary rice are actually delicious black truffles.

　Experiencing molecular gastronomy is like entering a bizarre and fantastical world, because you never know what the next dish will taste like.

　"That kind of thing is just a very superficial application, using molecular gastronomy techniques to make money. The taste may be unique, but it probably isn't very good."

　Upon hearing Kawabika's description, Alice Nakiri's expression became subtle. She couldn't imagine that dish would taste good; at most, it would just have a unique flavor.

　"Indeed, most of them are at the level of second-class cuisine. There is only one molecular gastronomy restaurant that does a decent job, but the dishes there reach the level of first-class cuisine. Overall, they are very average. They are the kind of restaurants you would try once and not go back to a second time."

　Kawakihika nodded. According to Alice Nakiri, those molecular gastronomy restaurants were indeed just a way to make money.

　“Truly high-end molecular gastronomy is not simply about extracting elements and piling them up to make the flavor of the dish unique, but about making good use of the elements to make the dish taste better.”

　Alice Nakiri spoke, pointing to the crab roe foam and crab meat balls on the silver plate.

　Although only a high-speed blender was used and only the crab roe was processed, the flavor of the dish was significantly improved, which is good.

　If you can't enhance the flavor of the dish, even if you incorporate both crab roe and crab meat into molecular gastronomy, it will all be a waste of effort.

　"May I taste a little?"

　"Okay, let's give it a try."

　Seeing the curious look on Kawabika's face, Alice Nakiri didn't refuse. Instead, she pushed the dish in her hand forward, her eyes filled with anticipation.

　Bai Yuan stood aside, momentarily becoming an outsider, but he wasn't annoyed and silently waited for Chuanlinghua to taste it first.

　"The texture is so light and fluffy, like a cloud, that it melts in your mouth."

　Feeling the gentle touch on her tongue, Kawanoka closed her eyes, only in this way could she fully appreciate and savor the unparalleled flavor.

　Crab roe foam is made with crab roe and cream as a base, and then processed with soy lecithin to form a light and dense foam.

　Upon tasting, the foam quickly dissolves, releasing a rich aroma of crab roe with a hint of milkiness, resulting in a delicious and layered flavor.

　"After steaming, the crab meat balls have a firm and bouncy texture. They are also quickly fried, which creates a crispy outer shell that locks in the moisture. When you bite into them, you can feel the fibrous texture of the crab meat, making them tender and juicy!"

　Crab meat balls are made from minced fresh crab meat, simply seasoned with salt and pepper to retain the original flavor of the crab meat.

　As you chew, a rich, savory aroma bursts forth from the crab meat. The unique flavor and texture of the crab meat, each strand swirling on your tongue, releases a burst of juice.

　"The fluidity of the broth allows the foam and crab meat balls to blend more seamlessly in the mouth, creating a warm and satisfying sensation. The subtle texture of the vanilla contrasts with the lightness of the foam."

　This further enriches the layers of flavor.

　Opening her eyes, Kawahira looked at Nakiri Alice with a more serious expression.

　Originally, she only regarded Nakiri Alice as a junior, a disciple of Hakugen.

　But after tasting her cooking, the unexpected deliciousness made her truly regard Alice Nakiri as someone of the same caliber as herself.

　It's so easy to make a dish that's a top-tier, two-star dish.

　How serious will they be when they get serious?

　"Crab roe foam with crab meat balls, that's a bit too corny a name. How about changing it to Golden Breeze and Jade Dew?"

　"Golden wind" refers to the autumn wind, alluding to the golden color of crab roe and the harvest season of autumn. "Jade dew" symbolizes the lightness and crystal clarity of crab roe foam, as clear as morning dew. The overall meaning is that the dish is as refreshing as the autumn wind and as precious as jade dew.

　Having also tasted Alice Nakiri's dish, Bai Yuan pondered for a moment, then looked up at her and gave the dish in front of him a new name.

　"Golden wind and jade dew, what a poetic name."

　Kawanoka muttered to herself, repeating the words several times. Then her eyes lit up as she looked at Bai Yuan as if he were a treasure. This guy wasn't bad at naming things after all!

　In that case, could he be allowed to name her dishes from now on?

　"It sounds nice, let's call it Golden Breeze and Jade Dew."

　Alice Nakiri had also learned some Chinese, and at this moment she was also pondering it repeatedly. Although she did not understand its meaning, whatever Bai Yuan said was correct.

　So she nodded in agreement.

　"Our food is ready!"

　Just then, the voices of Erina Nakiri, Hisako Shinoto, and Megumi Tadokoro came through. They looked at Shirabuchi, their eyes filled with longing for his opinion.

　"Then let's bring them all up together!"

　·

　·

　The day of the Fujian Youth Chef Competition.

　The number of participants was exceptionally large, comparable to, or even more lively than, the Guangzhou Special Grade Chef Assessment in its early days.

　This is mainly because the master chef assessment only targets chefs preparing for the exam. In contrast, the Fujian Youth Chef Competition targets all eligible chefs.

　Regardless of whether they can enter the main competition or whether their skills are sufficient, participating in this grand event is the wish of all Fujian chefs.

　From the very beginning of their culinary training, their master told them about this competition and that they should strive to achieve a ranking before the age of thirty so as not to have any regrets.

　In addition, winning a ranking can exempt you from the exam, and a third-class chef may even become a master chef, as long as you have enough skill.

　Opportunities and challenges coexist.

　This is the Fujian Youth Chef Competition!

　"Wow, it's so lively! Are all these people here to participate in the competition?"

　Looking at the massive crowd in front of her, Yoshino Yuuki couldn't help but complain.

　The chef competition uses online registration. Registrants will receive a number and will be notified to go to the corresponding venue.

　"This competition is divided into four venues. The theme of each venue is drawn on the spot, and four contestants are selected to advance to the main competition."

　Looking at the message on her phone, Hisako Shinto read it aloud softly.

　"More than two hundred people have signed up this time, which means an average of fifty people per venue. With only four out of fifty people advancing, this is much more brutal than the Autumn Selection!"

　Ryoko Sakaki covered her mouth slightly, her face showing undisguised surprise.

　"One is a school-level competition, and the other is a provincial-level competition. There is absolutely no comparison between the two."

　Moreover, 80% of the participants in the Youth Chef Competition are first-class chefs, 15% are new chefs who came to practice for the next competition, and the remaining 5% are genuine master chefs—the most outstanding talents in the province!

　Chuan Linghua looked solemn. Despite having won the championship in the Sichuan Provincial Youth Chef Competition, she still dared not underestimate the youth chef competitions in other provinces.

　Because the champion of each edition can continue to participate in the next edition. Either a newcomer is crowned, or the previous champion is over thirty years old.

　This is a fierce battle!

　"No matter what, let's go in and take a look. Remember to wear your masks so that no one can tell your true identities and that you are calling yourselves the Dark Cuisine World."

　Bai Yuan spoke, looking at the number plate in his hand as he walked towards Venue A. As a young man in his early twenties, he was naturally qualified to participate in this competition.

　"Yes."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Nakiri Erina and the others exchanged glances and took out the masks they liked from their backpacks.

　Although it was somewhat shameful to wear it in front of so many people, they needed to conceal their identities, which was allowed in the youth chef competition.

　As for Bai Yuan, he put on a blue dragon-shaped mask, covering the upper half of his face.

　"What are you doing? You look so cool!"

　Seeing Bai Yuan and the others putting on masks one after another, Chuan Linghua was stunned at first, then revealed a chuunibyou expression, blinking her big eyes and asking eagerly.

　"This is our mask in the world of dark cuisine, representing our identity in the culinary world. You can think of it as a kind of information credential."

　Alice Nakiri extended a finger and explained in an arrogant tone, as if it were some extraordinary status.

　"The world of dark cuisine?!"

　After spending two days together, Kawahira and Alice Nakiri had a much better relationship than the others. At this moment, she looked anxious and could hardly hide her curiosity.

　"It would be too much trouble to explain from the beginning. Just know that we are an organization that aims to reach the pinnacle of culinary arts."

　Another voice rang out, golden hair fluttered, and Lia appeared beside Bai Yuan, naturally taking his arm and smiling as she spoke.

　"Leah? What are you doing here?"

　Looking at this figure, Bai Yuan's voice was filled with surprise.

　"Of course I'm here to participate in the Youth Chef Competition. What other reason could I have? It can't be to be a judge, can it?"

　Seeing Bai Yuan's surprised expression, Liya rolled her eyes at him cutely, then took out the Azure Phoenix Mask from her bosom.

　"I had this specially designed. Isn't it beautiful? It's a pair with yours."

　As she spoke, Lia twirled around in front of Bai Yuan. She was dressed in a smart shirt and jeans, radiating youthful energy.

　"Beautiful, like a forest sprite."

　Bai Yuan was immediately mesmerized, and the image of the other person sneaking into his bed a while ago flashed through his mind. It seemed that some progress could be made.

　"Hehe, that's a must!"

　Hearing Bai Yuan's praise, Liya's face immediately lit up with a smile, and she was very happy.

　She originally participated in the competition just to add to her resume, but she never expected to meet Bai Yuan here. How lucky she was!

　"Teacher Leah..."

　Upon seeing the visitor, Yoshino Yuuki and the others immediately greeted him. The visitor was also a teacher from the midterm exams, who had left a deep impression on them.

　"It's you guys. But to be honest, even though you're wearing masks, people who know you well can still recognize you at a glance, because the 'feeling' is just too strong."

　Lia spoke meaningfully.

　Because she had been by Bai Yuan's side for many years, she had a deep impression of Nakiri Erina and others, which was why she was able to recognize them at a glance even when they were wearing masks.

　"Why do you all have masks? I feel isolated. Can I have one too?"

　Seeing herself surrounded by a group of masked people, Kawanishika suddenly felt like an outsider, so she looked pitifully at Bai Yuan and begged for a mask.

　"This is the symbol of our dark cuisine world; it's not something you can just give us whenever you want."

　Seeing the fish take the bait, Bai Yuan's lips curled up slightly, but he still pretended to be serious on the surface.

　"Then I'll just join the world of 'dark cuisine'."

　Kawanobi gave her a look that said, "You're an idiot."

　"You think you can just join like that? Our Dark Cuisine world has its own unique set of standards. Even top-level chefs have to pass the top-level chef test before they can join."

　After Bai Yuan finished speaking, he shook his head and ignored Chuan Linghua. No matter how much she wanted the mask, he would not give in and walked straight towards the competition arena.

　"Let's take the assessment after the competition ends. We all went through extremely rigorous assessments before joining the Dark Cuisine world."

　Alice Nakiri stepped forward, patted Hibiki Kawahira on the shoulder, and said to her with a smile.

　She wasn't lying. Before going to China, they were gathered together by Bai Yuan and thoroughly investigated before joining the Dark Cuisine World.

　"This is too much trouble... Alright, I'll wait until the competition is over before I go check out the Dark Cuisine World."

　Kawanoka muttered to herself.

　She had only said it casually, intending to get a mask to show off. But Bai Yuan's attitude actually piqued her interest in the world of bizarre cooking.

　Let's go back and try that so-called assessment, see if it's really that valuable, and what kind of existence the world of culinary disasters truly is!

　As everyone knows, when a woman becomes curious about you, that's the beginning of her falling for you.

　Kawanobi Hana is in this state right now, with a strong curiosity about the world of dark cuisine, and this curiosity will inevitably push her into the embrace of darkness!

　"Are you also from Region A, Boss Bai?"