Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"Of course, we're a couple, what's wrong with that?"

　Seeing the girl's surprised expression, Bai Yuan stood up from the chair, then reached out and lifted Liya onto the chair so that she could sit more comfortably on his back.

　"It feels like we're siblings."

　Lying on Bai Yuan's back with a sense of longing, Liya thought of the feeling of being carried by her brother when she was a child.

　Come to think of it, it seems like it's been over a decade since her brother carried her on his back.

　On the one hand, they intentionally avoided each other as they grew up; on the other hand, their dedication to cooking had weakened their sibling bond, leaving only a blood relation as their remaining connection.

　"Erina, Megumi, let's go."

　He supported Lia's bottom with both hands to make sure she wouldn't fall, then turned to greet Nakiri Erina. She probably hadn't eaten much for breakfast, and after a match, she must be hungry.

　"it is good."

　As they were talking, Erina Nakiri pulled Hisako Shinoto to her feet.

　Tadokoro Megumi didn't answer, but gently put her arm around Shiro's arm, striking a pose like that of an empress.

　Other girls wanted to join in when they saw this, but considering that Bai Yuan hadn't invited them and that it was too crowded, they ultimately didn't go forward.

　Haste makes waste. Let's wait until we're truly in a committed relationship before showing affection in public!

　Chapter 261 Second Theme: The Ingredients' Counterattack

　"Da da da."

　Footsteps echoed through the silent corridor, and Alice Nakiri appeared, scrolling through her phone as she headed towards the player lounge that the organizers had prepared for her.

　However, before she even arrived, an uninvited guest stopped her outside the lounge.

　"Zhu Yan, why aren't you in your own lounge? What are you doing here?"

　She paused, looked up, and saw a familiar face. Seeing that she was looking at her with a smiling expression, Alice Nakiri's expression instantly turned cold.

　His gaze unconsciously swept around, confirming...

　He breathed a sigh of relief when there was no one else around except Zhu Yan.

　"Of course, it's just pre-match pleasantries. Next up is our match."

　As an opponent, it's perfectly normal for them to come over and say hello before the match.

　Seeing the wary expression on Alice's face, Zhu Yan shrugged to show that she was harmless, and then explained the purpose of her visit.

　"I have nothing to say to you. If you can, please move aside. I need to go inside and rest."

　When Zhu Yan greeted her, Alice Nakiri frowned slightly. She didn't think she had anything in common with her, and the other woman must have some unspeakable secret to come here!

　In such situations, it's best not to dwell on it; avoidance is the most effective approach.

　Let's talk about it after the game!

　"Don't be so cold. The 'ice queen' persona isn't popular with boys. Alice, do you have a boyfriend yet? Are you still single?"

　Seeing Alice Nakiri about to enter the house, Zhu Yan immediately went up to stop her, chattering incessantly.

　"Boyfriend? Of course I have one."

　"What, you're interested in my boyfriend and want me to introduce him to you?"

　Noticing that the door was blocked by Zhu Yan, Alice Nakiri's expression turned completely cold.

　She didn't want to cause trouble before the match, as that would affect her performance during the match. But that didn't mean she was afraid of causing trouble. If the other party insisted on provoking her, she wouldn't mind retaliating with a heavy blow!

　However, the most important thing now is to figure out what this guy is trying to do!?

　"You should keep your boyfriend to yourself. I have no intention of coveting someone else's boyfriend."

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Zhu Yan blushed, then stepped aside to clear the doorway: "Let's go inside and talk."

　"Ok."

　Seeing this, Alice Nakiri, though somewhat reluctant, let her in.

　She wanted to see what this guy was up to!

　"Drink tea."

　Looking at Zhu Yan, who was sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, acting like the master of the house, Alice Nakiri raised an eyebrow.

　Although the other party had been forced to enter, she still made tea for her and personally served it to her.

　"What brings you here? You'd better give me a satisfactory answer." He stared intently at Zhu Yan, as if he wouldn't let her go until she gave a clear explanation.

　"You must be Alice Nakiri, the molecular gastronomy prodigy who was featured in a gourmet magazine before."

　Even though you were wearing a mask and had joined this bizarre organization called the Dark Cuisine World, I actually recognized you the moment I saw you.

　Taking the tea offered by Alice Nakiri, Zhu Yan took a sip and spoke these words with a knowing look on her face.

　"So what? You came here to tell me all this, are you trying to threaten me?"

　Zhu Yan's words made Alice Nakiri's heart sink. She didn't understand where she had given herself away, but she remained calm on the surface and looked at her with a forced smile.

　"Not only you, but the person on the stage today should be Erina Nakiri, the new hope of the Japanese culinary world, who is said to have the 'God Tongue' that can distinguish the flavors of the world."

　"I was only guessing about your identities at first, but it wasn't until she took out the molecular gastronomy machine that I truly became certain of my suspicions."

　Without responding to Alice Nakiri, she slowly finished her tea, then picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup, revealing another discovery she had made.

　Both Nakiri sisters are exceptionally talented, standing out from the crowd. Those familiar with them can easily recognize them.

　However, this place is China. Although the two are somewhat famous overseas, they are only recognizable. Once they leave their comfort zone, they are nobodies in China. That's why they were not recognized when they came to participate in the competition.

　And she, Zhu Yan, happens to enjoy comparing herself with chefs from other countries, using this to remind herself that there are always people better than her, and to prevent herself from becoming arrogant and conceited as her skills improve.

　This is also the key to her being able to recognize Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri. There may already be many people at the scene who know their identities, but they are not sure, so they have not made it public.

　The adult world often values ​​a decisive blow and doesn't spread false rumors.

　"What exactly do you want? Now that you've found out our identities, you should know that we're not afraid of threats to our identities. It's just a matter of dropping a layer of disguise."

　Alice Nakiri frowned and asked, still not understanding what this guy needed.

　It's impossible for her to think she can use this information to manipulate her and make her give up the competition, right? If that's the case, then this guy is being far too naive!

　"It's very simple. Since you are good at molecular gastronomy, I hope you can use this to compete against me in a match where I won't have any excuses if I lose."

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Zhu Yan stepped forward and met her gaze, earnestly stating her request.

　She didn't want Alice Nakiri to go easy on her, even if that would greatly increase her chances of winning.

　But in that situation, even if she won, she wouldn't feel happy.

　If you're going to win, you have to win fair and square!

　That way, the opponent won't make excuses after the match, saying that they didn't use their preferred cooking method.

　Of course, another reason was that she wanted to see the complete form of molecular gastronomy. (Nakiri E)

　Rina clearly only has a superficial understanding, and her molecular gastronomy dishes are still very rough. If her opponent were her, she would definitely not lose!

　"Why do you think I can't compete with you in molecular gastronomy? I brought all the equipment with me."

　Alice Nakiri was somewhat puzzled by Zhu Yan's request.

　Apart from Bai Yuan, she never told anyone that she wouldn't use molecular gastronomy in this competition, after all, she even brought a molecular gastronomy machine with her.

　"It's nothing, just a woman's intuition."

　Seeing the slightly surprised expression on Nakiri Alice's face, Zhu Yan knew that she had made the right decision to come today.

　This arrogant guy in front of her actually had no intention of competing with her using his expertise in molecular gastronomy.

　What an arrogant fellow!

　"Your intuition is spot on. If this is a condition for keeping quiet, I agree. I'll show you my full power!"

　Looking at Zhu Yan's serious face, Alice Nakiri smiled.

　She suddenly realized that this guy in front of her was no longer a lowly soldier who could be dealt with with ordinary cooking; it seemed she would have to use some real skills.

　"As you say, I'll be waiting for you at the competition, Miss Alice."

　Zhu Yan stood up from the sofa as she spoke. She had achieved her goal, and now it was time to give it her all in the next match.

　No matter what, she can't afford to lose the next match.

　Otherwise, it would be rather clownish to make grand pronouncements before the match only to be easily defeated during it.

　"Walk slowly without sending."

　Watching Zhu Yan's departing figure, Nakiri Alice escorted her to the door.

　"Zhu Yan? I'll remember you. I hope your strength will allow me to have some fun!"

　As Zhu Yan's figure disappeared, a sharp white glint flashed in Alice Nakiri's eyes.

　"Take a break..."

　She closed the door, walked to the massage chair in the lounge, set the alarm, lay down, and began her final relaxation before the competition.

　·

　·

　"Ah! This feels so good! A massage chair after a good meal is simply the greatest invention in the world!"

　Lying on the massage chair, feeling the pressure, Bai Yuan's body rose and fell, his voice filled with amazement.

　"Indeed, this continuous wave of comfortable feeling throughout my body is so great!"

　Beside her, Leah shouted in French, immediately attracting a lot of attention, and everyone looked at her in surprise.

　After all, this is China, and blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigners naturally receive more attention.

　Moreover, Leah is petite and has exquisite features, making her an absolute super beauty, which attracts even more attention.

　"so cute!"

　Not far away, a girl secretly took a picture of Liya lying on the massage chair with a blissful expression on her face. She kept stomping her little leather shoes and muttered to herself in amazement at how cute she was.

　"Not only her, but the others are also very beautiful, like ordinary people who are considered celebrities!"

　Who's that man in the middle of the massage chair? I'm so envious, surrounded by so many gorgeous girls! I wish I could take his place!

　"You could have someone as good-looking as him, he's a real heartthrob! I guarantee he's the most handsome guy in this area!"

　"He's my type, tall and handsome, dressed casually, with the air of a noble young master. Underneath those loose clothes, he must have abs!"

　A dozen meters apart, the group walked together. When they passed by Bai Yuan and the others, no one could help but glance at them. Even if some tried to pretend they didn't see them, they would definitely regret turning away afterward.

　"Tomorrow's first match is Teacher Liya's match, and her opponent is that Wang Qing."

　It's said that he and Liu Xiaotian fought fiercely last year, with Liu ultimately losing by a hair's breadth. He's also a favorite to win this year. Are you confident?

　Thinking about Lia's opponent in tomorrow's competition, the runner-up in last year's and this year's cooking competition, Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but ask, her voice revealing a hint of worry.

　"My goal is to win the championship this time."

　In response to Tadokoro Megumi's words, Lia simply replied that her only goal had always been to win the Youth Tournament.

　Only by winning this competition can she become a top-tier three-star chef.

　Although she has already won the heart of her beloved, improving her chef level is her own business. She also wants to become a skilled high-star chef so that staying by Bai Yuan's side wouldn't be considered climbing the social ladder, but rather a perfect match.

　As a strong-willed girl, this was very important to her.

　"That's right! If you're going to participate in the competition, it wouldn't be fun if you didn't aim for first place."

　I'll be waiting for you at the finals. I hope you don't lose before then.

　"I also want to say this to you: don't lose to anyone before you lose to me. Let me see how much you've grown during this time!"

　Erina Nakiri's voice rang out, expressing her strong agreement with Lia's determination.

　The word 'second place' doesn't exist in her dictionary. She lost to Bai Yuan because they were from different eras, and he was much older than her, so it was understandable that she lost.

　But when facing rivals of the same age, Erina Nakiri doesn't think she's any worse than them!

　Beside her, Hisako Shinoto looked at the spirited Erina Nakiri with starry eyes, as if she were looking at a great deity.

　"It's about time. Let's go back and watch Alice's match."

　Looking at the determined Nakiri