Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"Come on, is there anyone smart enough to answer what my purpose is in doing this?"

　Seeing the girls around him watching with great interest, Bai Yuan took the mantis shrimp out of the sand and placed it on a plate for later use. Then he turned to ask.

　"If I remember correctly, this cooking method is quite common in seafood cooking in Guangdong and Fujian in China, as well as in Thailand and Vietnam."

　The sand and gravel heat up rapidly under high temperatures, instantly baking the mantis shrimp's shell until it is golden and crispy, while locking in the tender juices inside the shrimp meat.

　This high-temperature, rapid heating method preserves the original freshness of mantis shrimp to the greatest extent and avoids moisture loss and deterioration in taste caused by prolonged cooking.

　This method produces shrimp with a crispy outer shell and a tender, juicy interior—an ultimate contrast in texture!

　As she smelled the fragrance in the air, Erina Nakiri's voice rang out.

　She had read many cookbooks, some of which described this cooking method, which is popularly known as stone cooking or slab grilling and is quite famous in its place of origin.

　"Indeed, I've seen it in books before, but when it comes to cooking with sand and stones, the most famous example is probably roasted chestnuts."

　Touching her chin lightly as she looked at Bai Yuan, Alice Nakiri described a dish that utilized sand and stones to their fullest potential, making it a very representative dish.

　"That's right, roasted chestnuts are a famous Chinese snack. They utilize the unique thermal conductivity of sand and stones to evenly transfer heat to the chestnuts."

　At the same time, sand and gravel release trace amounts of minerals at high temperatures, which can penetrate into food and give it a unique flavor.

　Chestnuts roasted with sand and stones in this way develop a natural caramelized aroma and mineral notes, which are enjoyed by many. The same applies to seafood.

　Bai Yuan nodded in agreement with Erina Nakiri's words, then processed the remaining ingredients in the bucket one by one, and put them all into the large iron basin.

　Peel the garlic, smash it with the back of a knife, and then mince it. It doesn't need to be minced too finely; you need to retain some texture when making garlic sauce.

　Divide the minced garlic into two portions, one-third of which is minced garlic and the other two-thirds of which is minced garlic. Then chop a small red chili pepper and place them on a plate for later use.

　Ginger slices, scallions, onions, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and two or three bay leaves are all sources of the aroma in garlic sauce. Among them, Sichuan peppercorns...

　The star anise and bay leaves need to be cleaned and then fried in cooking oil until fragrant.

　"Ginger slices, scallions, onions..."

　As Bai Yuan processed the ingredients, he poured them into the pot, his nose twitching slightly as he adjusted the amounts of ingredients, while simultaneously frying them over high heat until they were dry and fragrant.

　This process will last five minutes. Once the spices change color, remove them from the pot.

　After removing the spices, add one-third of the minced garlic and gently shake with a spoon to prevent the garlic from overflowing from the pot.

　Add fresh minced garlic as the moisture decreases.

　This process takes about three to five minutes. Only in this way can the minced garlic be fried thoroughly. When its color turns slightly golden, turn down the heat, add the chopped chili peppers, and stir well.

　Sauté the minced garlic over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Continue until the garlic turns completely golden brown and releases a rich garlic aroma.

　Combine 30g oyster sauce, 20g chicken broth, 10g salt, 5g sugar, and a pinch of pepper. Once all the ingredients are combined with the minced garlic, turn off the heat and let it cool.

　"This is the right flavor! Pure minced garlic can make the garlic flavor incredibly strong, but it greatly reduces the richness of the flavor."

　By adding numerous spices and turning peanut oil into a spiced oil, the garlic sauce undergoes a significant enhancement in both flavor and complexity!

　Looking at the garlic sauce in front of him, Bai Yuan sniffed and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

　As if she had anticipated this, Alice Nakiri began processing the shellfish in the bucket when he started frying the garlic.

　Open all their shells to reveal the softest, sweetest part inside, and place them on a plate.

　Beside her, Hojo Miyoko began soaking and washing the glass noodles.

　Garlic with scallops just doesn't feel quite right without some glass noodles.

　Bai Yuan noticed their actions and immediately picked up a spoon to spread garlic sauce on the scallops. Hojo Miyoko followed suit and added soaked vermicelli.

　Just then, Tadokoro Megumi came over carrying a steamer about the same size as herself and placed it in front of Shirayuki, intending to use it as a cooking utensil for this meal.

　"No need for a steamer, just wrap them all in aluminum foil and bake them once, that should be enough."

　Bai Yuan's voice was indifferent as he refused Tadokoro Megumi's offer of a steamer. Instead, he found a spot with soil and quickly dug with a shovel.

　In just over ten minutes, he had mixed the clay, then added shell ash and stones, and found some plant roots to increase its toughness, and kneaded it into a simple clay stove.

　Place some charcoal inside, light it, and bake it dry to increase its stability. At the same time, leave a chimney opening to facilitate smoke exhaust and control the heat.

　Although it's not very stable, it's fine for one-time use.

　"Xiao Hui, help me take the foil off."

　"it is good!"

　Seeing the surprised looks on the faces of those around him, Bai Yuan patted the dejected Tadokoro Megumi and gave her a new task.

　As a member of the dark cuisine world, hand-kneading the cooking station is just a basic operation; given sufficient conditions, he can knead anything by hand.

　Seafood covered in minced garlic was wrapped in tin foil and then placed in a preheated oven. Bai Yuan patted his slightly dirty hands, and Tadokoro Megumi, being very perceptive, stepped forward to help him wash his hands with mineral water.

　"Now all we have to do is wait."

　Sniffing, Bai Yuan looked at the steaming clay stove and nodded with satisfaction. All that was left was to wait.

　After a busy morning, he was getting a little hungry.

　"Now..."

　"Please tidy up the surrounding clutter a bit. I left a few dozen iced Cokes in the trunk when I left yesterday. Can any of you go and get them?"

　Speaking of summer, how can we forget cola!

　"I'll get it."

　After finishing all his tasks, Bai Yuan stood up. Mito Yumi, having nothing else to do, jogged over after hearing his instructions.

　"Is there anything else you want to do? There's still some time before lunch, so you're free to do whatever you want."

　Seeing that the people around her were standing still, Bai Yuan tilted her head in confusion. Could it be that their morning's beachcombing had left them tired and unwilling to move...?

　"Watermelon! Watermelon! Let's hit some watermelons!"

　Yoshino Yuuki shouted excitedly as she ran towards the van not far away, carrying two large watermelons from it.

　They knew they were going to the beach today, so they got up early to buy these at the nearby market, just so they could play blindfolded watermelon smashing game on the beach.

　Spitting watermelon seeds while enjoying the sea breeze at the beach—that feeling is indescribably joyful!

　And what's more! Watermelons in China are incredibly cheap! The price that buys you only one slice in Japan can buy you a whole watermelon in China!

　If there weren't so few people here, and they really couldn't eat it all, they would definitely buy ten or eight.

　"Then let's smash the watermelon!"

　Seeing Yoshino Yuuki's excited expression, Bai Yuan smiled and agreed to her request.

　"Great!"

　Having received Bai Yuan's affirmation, Yoshino Yuuki jumped up excitedly, then carefully walked to the nearby beach and gently placed the watermelon down.

　"But the beach in summer is so comfortable. Walking barefoot on it, the sun warms the sand, it feels like a foot massage."

　Looking at the lively Yoshino Yuuki, Mito Ikumi lazily stretched, her face full of comfort and ease. This feeling couldn't be more pleasant!

　"Indeed, it wasn't very noticeable in the morning before the sun rose, but now that the sun is shining brightly and it's warm and cozy, it's incredibly comfortable!"

　Erina Nakiri had put on sunglasses at some point, and the sea breeze blowing around her made her hair flutter slightly, revealing her perfect profile. She looked like the most sacred goddess in the world.

　"Who should go first? Since Yuuki is so proactive, you can go first."

　Seeing the watermelons laid out, Bai Yuan volunteered to host the event.

　He drew a starting line on the sand with his foot, then stood aside, silently took out a white cloth from his pocket, and looked at Yoshino Yuuki.

　The starting line is exactly fifteen meters away from the watermelon, which is the standard range for this game.

　"At this distance, there's no way it could have missed!"

　Judging from the distance between her and the watermelon, Yoshino Yuuki took the baseball bat handed to her by Shirabuchi, covered herself with a white cloth, and stood on the beach, ready to set off.

　"Stop, stop, stop! You haven't even spun around yet."

　Seeing that Yoshino Yuuki was in a hurry to leave, Bai Yuan and the others immediately stopped her.

　The essence of the watermelon-smashing game on the beach is to spin around blindfolded until the person is almost dizzy and disoriented in the dark before proceeding.

　During this process, those around the blindfolded person may give instructions, but whether those instructions are correct is another matter.

　"Eh..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Yoshino Yuuki stuck out her tongue. She had originally wanted to back out, but unfortunately, everyone present was shrewd and didn't give her the chance.

　With that in mind, Yoshino Yuuki stopped wasting time and silently counted the number of spins before starting to spin around in the center of the crowd.

　One lap, two laps... ten laps.

　"We can set off now!"

　Soon, Yoshino Yuuki spun around ten times, wobbling as she held the baseball bat. She stood there for a long time, looking like she was about to fall, making people wonder if she could still do it.

　"Yuuki, walk straight ahead!"

　In the darkness, Yoshino Yuuki, whose consciousness had become somewhat hazy after spinning around, resolutely strode forward after hearing Tadokoro Megumi's voice.

　"Xiao Hui is lying to you. There's nothing there. The right way is to go back!"

　Ryoko Sakaki's voice followed immediately, causing Yuuki Yoshino to hesitate, and her originally decisive steps became hesitant.

　Which of these two is lying?!

　"You two are so mean, you even lied to your best friends!"

　"Yoshino-kun, listen to me. Turn right about thirty degrees and walk straight ahead for about ten steps. That's the watermelon you're going to smash!"

　Alice Nakiri's seductive voice rang out from the side, joining the game of deception, which made Yoshino Yuuki's already confused expression even more bewildered.

　"So where is it?! Why are all your answers different..."

　Realizing that no one at the scene could help her, and that everyone's words could be true or false, she now had no choice but to take a gamble!

　Thinking of this, Yoshino Yuuki gripped the baseball bat tightly, her palms sweating, and various thoughts raced through her mind. Finally, under the command of Nakiri Alice, she strode forward.

　Since two of the three parties are her friends, she will trust the stranger!

　That way, they won't be stuck in hesitation and indecision, and even if they fail in the end, it will be the malice of strangers, and it has nothing to do with Xiaohui and the others!

　"That's right, this is the spot! Just walk about seven or eight steps forward..."

　Seeing Yoshino Yuuki follow her instructions and grip the baseball bat tightly, a wicked smile appeared on Nakiri Alice's face, but she tried her best to keep her voice relatively calm.

　Seeing that Yoshino Yuuki had embarked on a path of no return, Tadokoro Megumi and Sakaki Ryoko repeated their directions, but this time Yoshino Yuuki seemed not to hear them and even quickened her pace.

　"Two, three, four, five... Ouch."

　As she stepped forward, calculating numbers in her mind, Yoshino Yuuki tightened her grip on the baseball bat, just as she was about to raise it to get a feel for it, when she bumped into a warm embrace.

　Because she didn't know there was someone in front of her, Yoshino Yuuki bumped into someone very hard, and even her chest was squeezed out in an amazing arc.

　Her waist was tightly embraced, and warm breath came from her nose.

　"Teacher Bai... Bai Yuan."

　The white cloth covering her face was torn off, and looking at the handsome face in front of her, as well as the watermelon that was more than ten meters away, Yoshino Yuuki finally realized what was happening.

　"Hey hey hey."

　At the same time, a girl's soft laughter reached his ears, and turning his head slightly, he saw Alice Nakiri covering her mouth and chuckling not far away.

　Then she looked at the places that Tadokoro Megumi and Sakaki Ryoko had pointed out to her, and none of them were correct.

　Great opportunity, but not a single good person among them!!

　She glanced at the others with a subtle expression, then looked at the man in front of her and found herself still in his arms, being held tightly by him. Yoshino Yuuki's face instantly turned red.

　"Is everything okay?"

　Feeling the softness pressing against his chest, Bai Yuan was in a great mood. He then gently patted Yoshino Yuuki's head and asked softly.

　"Haha, it's alright, cough cough, who's next?"

　While talking,

　Yoshino Yuuki, her face slightly flushed, pushed Bai Yuan away, trying her best to remain calm, but her heart was beating so fast that she couldn't calm down for a moment.

　"Let me do it."

　Seeing the white cloth strip in Yoshino Yuuki's hand, Nakiri Erina volunteered to step forward, took the cloth strip from her hand, and blindfolded herself.

　The familiar darkness enveloped her, and the surrounding scenery vanished. This time, Erina Nakiri did not panic. Instead, she calculated the distance in her mind, closed her eyes, and started spinning around. After counting to ten in her mind, she stopped and headed straight for the watermelon.