Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"Now it's up to Erina to perform."

　After the start-up funds were handed over to the two contestants, a professional photographer followed them and broadcast live to the audience the scene of them buying ingredients, starting from when they left the competition venue.

　This is also part of the competition; such interaction allows the audience to quickly understand the contestants' personalities.

　Meanwhile, regarding the Fujian Provincial Youth Chef Competition.

　Afterwards, a professional editor will edit the footage and produce it into a variety show, which will then be uploaded online. The money earned from the traffic will be used as the activity funds for the Fujian Chefs Association.

　This is the same in all provinces.

　The fact that Kawashiro Hana is recognized in the Japanese countryside is inextricably linked to this.

　"Look, they've separated!"

　Suddenly, cheers erupted from the audience, who were all focused on the screen in front of them.

　After leaving the competition venue, Erina Nakiri and Soma Yukihira went in two different directions.

　Chapter 257 Is this how you beg for help? Erina

　"National prosperity and people's well-being are the themes given by the organizers, so national prosperity should be the first consideration, followed by people's well-being."

　"The country comes first, then the family."

　If the country is destroyed, the individual's family will also cease to exist.

　Therefore, as long as the nation's prosperity and strength are demonstrated, the people's well-being will naturally follow.

　Walking slowly on her way to buy ingredients, Erina Nakiri was clearly thinking about what kind of dish would be suitable.

　"This topic is neither particularly difficult nor particularly easy. In general, it tests your divergent thinking and, of course, the taste of the dish."

　The taste of the food is the key to success. To express the theme while ensuring the deliciousness of the food, the chef needs to have extremely strong comprehensive abilities.

　In some ways, this is much more difficult than the first round of selecting ingredients and cooking together.

　"How do we represent a nation? Grandeur, stability, mountains and rivers, peace—these are all vague adjectives and cannot truly express the word 'nation'..."

　The most important thing now is to concretize these abstract concepts; only in this way can we represent the nation. But how do we do that...?

　Erina Nakiri pinched her chin, asking her to come up with a dish that perfectly embodies the phrase "peace and prosperity for the nation" in such a short time was really too much to ask of her; she didn't even have a clear idea of ​​what to do!

　"Millet crisps, millet crisps, delicious millet crisps, would you like some? These are all made with the finest millet, eight yuan per pound, or your money back!"

　"Millet cake? This is..."

　Looking at the products made from millet in front of her, Erina Nakiri's face showed a hint of doubt before she stopped in front of the millet crisps stall.

　"This is a specialty of our Fujian region. It is made primarily of millet, with some sunflower seeds and peanuts mixed in. Some families with better financial conditions will add some nuts to enhance the texture and flavor. The one I have here is the basic version, millet crisp with sunflower seeds and peanuts."

　Seeing that Erina Nakiri was interested, the man selling millet cakes immediately began to introduce them. He didn't exaggerate or boast, but gave a proper and straightforward introduction.

　Because he believes that only sincere people can touch the hearts of other sincere people.

　"Is this all I need?"

　"Of course! You can try it first, and buy it if you're satisfied."

　As they were talking, the man broke off a piece of millet cake from the bag and handed it to Erina, who was standing not far away. The drone happened to capture this moment.

　The footage was simultaneously transmitted to the screens at the competition venue.

　"What is this little girl doing? Instead of thinking about what ingredients to buy, she's come to the food stall..."

　"I don't understand, I really don't understand. Are you trying to use this millet cake to open my mind?"

　"How could that be? Millet cakes and national peace and prosperity are practically unrelated. What amazing dishes could you possibly create inspired by that?"

　Upon seeing the scene on the screen, the audience immediately began to discuss it. Although they did not openly criticize her, they all questioned Erina Nakiri's choice.

　After all, the competition time is limited. Instead of using that time to select ingredients, it's a waste of time at roadside stalls, which is simply disrespectful to the competition!

　"Let's keep watching. The contestants' choice is their own business. There's no use in us worrying about it."

　"Since the other party is an outstanding young chef, and he stopped at this stall, he must have unique insights. Let's keep watching and we'll find out."

　"Indeed, arguing won't get us anywhere; it all comes down to the players' performance."

　Their back-and-forth banter steered public opinion in a positive direction. At the same time, someone pointed excitedly at the footage of Soma Yukihira being filmed.

　"Soma Yukihira over there has already entered the supermarket."

　"What a huge bag of flour! Are they going to make noodles? Do they have any noodle dishes that fit the theme of peace and prosperity for the country? I wonder what they'll serve up in the end."

　"Besides these, there are all sorts of vegetables, pumpkins, and even roses. What are they planning to do with all this? They even used red yeast rice powder..."

　As Soma Yukihira kept going back and forth in the supermarket, picking up ingredients and putting them down again, and soon he had selected a basket full of them, another discussion broke out on the spot.

　Although I don't understand it,

　But it looks amazing! They've chosen so many ingredients. Are they going to use all of them in the cooking? It sounds fantastic!

　"This is much better than the previous contestant who was just slacking off. This young man has his own ideas. I wonder what kind of dish he will serve up. I'm looking forward to it."

　On the big screen, Soma Yukihira walks back and forth in the market, looking left and right, occasionally picking up ingredients and examining them for a long time, as if he is thinking about something.

　The surrounding audience, observing his expression, couldn't help but start discussing it. Compared to Erina Nakiri, who seemed clueless about what to do, Soma Yukihira's performance was simply outstanding.

　"Brother Bai Yuan, what kind of dish do you think he's going to cook?"

　Unaware of Yukihira Soma's thoughts but curious, Nakiri Alice looked at Shirai and asked the question.

　"How could I possibly see that it's only at this stage? Don't try to mythologize me, you idiot."

　Bai Yuan glanced at Nakiri Alice speechlessly. This was nothing. How could he possibly tell the difference from the few ingredients Yukihira bought?

　"Hmm, can't you tell?"

　Alice Nakiri grunted, seemingly unconcerned, and immediately refocused her attention on the large screen.

　On the other side of Soma Yukihira.

　"It tastes great. The unique aroma of millet is brought out, and the combination with sunflower seeds and peanuts provides a unique flavor and texture."

　Looking at the small and delicate millet pastry in her hand, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but comment on it.

　Every bite reveals the distinct grainy texture of millet, delicate yet chewy, accompanied by a subtle caramel aroma.

　"Crispy and fragrant, millet..."

　Suddenly, Erina Nakiri felt as if she had been electrocuted; her hands stopped moving abruptly, and she seemed to freeze.

　National prosperity and people's well-being are not only reflected by national prosperity, but conversely, people's well-being can also demonstrate national prosperity! The two are inherently symbiotic!

　And the best way to show peace and security is through food!

　Only when the problem of food and clothing is solved can people live in peace and multiply, leading to various forms of entertainment, and only then can society truly achieve stability.

　This is what is meant by peace and security for the people.

　"Rice, wheat, corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes..."

　A bunch of easy-to-grow, high-yield whole grains quickly flashed through her mind. Nakiri Erina stared blankly, ignoring the uncle selling millet cakes, and strode towards the market.

　May the country be prosperous and the people at peace, and may the harvests be plentiful.

　With food, the people live in peace; with the people living in peace, the country prospers.

　Before long, Erina Nakiri arrived at the market. Vendors were calling out their wares, and pedestrians were coming and going. Everyone's face was filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for the future—a beautiful picture of peaceful and prosperous life...

　Okay, all of this is just Erina Nakiri's imagination.

　The truth is that there are hardly any people in the market at 1 p.m., just a few scattered people, and no one is there to greet them.

　As soon as Erina Nakiri arrived, she saw the stall owners gathered together, chatting idly.

　Her arrival roused the previously listless stall owners, who put down their sunflower seeds and peanuts and turned their attention to her.

　The reason was simple: Erina Nakiri was followed by a long line of cameras and microphones, with name tags that read "Fujian Youth Chef Competition," making her very eye-catching.

　This is a great opportunity to become famous!

　This thought crossed everyone's mind.

　Immediately afterwards, the stall owners who had been gathered together dispersed, returned to their respective positions, took a sip of water, and opened their throats to the maximum.

　"Hey—fresh Chinese cabbage! Just pulled from the ground, so juicy and tender, you could squeeze water out of a single leaf!"

　Zhang Qiang's voice was like an incredibly sharp knife, slicing through the tranquil atmosphere.

　Old Wang, the fishmonger next door, wasn't about to be outdone. He yelled back, "A lively, jumping carp! Look at how energetically it's wagging its tail!"

　Old Zhang picked up a large cabbage and weighed it in his hand: "Look at the weight and the quality! Three yuan a pound, buy two pounds and get half a pound free!"

　His voice rose and fell, like he was singing an impromptu aria, which immediately caught Erina Nakiri's attention. She looked at the cabbage in his hand, which was indeed the best quality in the entire stall.

　Just then, Old Li, who was selling tomatoes across the street, chimed in: "Old Zhang, no matter how fresh your cabbages are, can they compare to the freshness of my tomatoes? They were just picked this morning, as red as lanterns!" He picked up a tomato and waved it under the light, "Look at this bright red skin, this plumpness, it's so sweet it'll make your teeth ache if you eat it raw!"

　Seeing that Erina Nakiri's gaze was drawn to it, Zhang Qiang immediately retorted, "Hey Lao Li, no matter how red your tomatoes are, can they be as pleasing to the eye as my spinach?"

　He grabbed a handful of vibrant green spinach. "Look at these leaves, so fresh and tender! They're great for replenishing iron and blood, perfect for young girls!"

　"Your methods won't work. Look at my carrots! They're crisp and sweet, perfect for soups and stir-fries!"

　Seeing how lively the scene was, Old Zhou, who was selling carrots nearby, also joined in the fray.

　He broke off a carrot, glancing at Erina Nakiri out of the corner of his eye. Seeing her looking over, he quickly said, "Listen to that sound, so crisp!"

　This bustling scene was just a small part of the market; those further back, seeing her arrive and facing the cameras and microphones, all wanted to say a few words.

　Erina Nakiri's expression was subtle as she watched the stall owner suddenly become lively.

　The stall owners all wanted to present themselves as conspicuously as possible, standing upright and trying to...

　They would present themselves and their stall in front of the camera, reciting the same sales pitches they usually used to entice customers to spend money, thus attracting business for themselves.

　Erina Nakiri wandered through the market, ignoring those who greeted her, her hawk-like gaze sweeping over the various vegetable stalls.

　As a chef, she prefers to trust her own judgment rather than the boss's introduction.

　Soon, Erina Nakiri gathered all sorts of ingredients into her basket, each one of the highest quality, which was her basic requirement for selecting ingredients.

　"Corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkin, edamame, and pork belly—what are we going to make?"

　At the competition, some spectators noticed the ingredients chosen by Erina Nakiri and couldn't help but mutter curiously.

　"Vegetable stew with meat? But what does that have to do with national peace and prosperity..."

　The audience watched the big screen and started discussing again, speculating about what kind of dish Erina Nakiri wanted to make, given the ingredients she had chosen.

　On the surface, some fruits and vegetables seem to have nothing to do with national prosperity and peace.

　"I see. Corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, and edamame are all coarse grains, which are high-yield foods that people can use to fill their stomachs."

　This is a fairly conventional idea, using the characters "民安" (Min An) to correspond with the theme.

　On the judges' panel, Tan Guai stroked his chin and explained Nakiri Erina's strategy.

　"It's already quite impressive that you can think of these things. In ancient times, any emperor who could ensure that his people had enough to eat was already considered to have made a great achievement for generations to come."

　Beside him, Zhang Zhong watched the live stream and offered his comments.

　The contestant's approach was very much in line with the theme, and he even carefully chose whole grains to make the ingredients more accessible to ordinary people rather than to merchants or officials.

　After all, people who can't even afford to eat can't afford to eat refined grains; most of them can only eat coarse grains to fill their stomachs.

　During famine years, there was no coarse grain available, and people could only eat tree bark, grass roots, or even clay to fill their stomachs.

　"I'm really looking forward to it. I wonder what kind of dish she will bring us."

　Su Yan lightly touched her lips with her finger, her voice tinged with a hint of joy.

　The Young Chef Competition is essentially a fierce collision of ideas, and they won't be surprised no matter what kind of dish the chefs serve.

　"Speaking of which, the young man next to me seems to be planning to start with vegetables as well."

　Their gazes shifted and they saw Soma Yukihira picking out vegetables. His soft voice, though not loud, drew the attention of the others.

　"Indeed, Soma Yukihira chose spinach and pumpkin, as well as a range of ingredients suitable for making desserts, such as roses and white chocolate."

　It's clear he wants to make desserts, desserts related to the theme of national peace and prosperity? I've never heard of such things before, it's quite intriguing.

　Tan Guai's voice rang out again, tinged with surprise.

　"Desserts? Indeed, most of the ingredients chosen by Soma Yukihira are related to desserts. Filled pastries? Or shaped pastries? I'm really looking forward to it."

　Su Yan's tone was light and cheerful, with a hint of excitement in it.