Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　However, due to the chef assessments being held recently, chefs from all over the world are flocking to Guangzhou, making the city exceptionally lively, with foreigners frequently seen on the streets and alleys.

　“I see, what a coincidence! Could you tell me about the rules for the chef assessment in Guangzhou? Although I have some information online, Denmark is a long way from Guangzhou, so there are some discrepancies in the information.”

　Bai Yuan humbly sought guidance and asked the question he most wanted to know.

　Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. Although his skills are stronger than those of the judges from the Guangzhou Culinary Association, it's always safer to ask him for clarification.

　He came to Guangzhou for two purposes: one was to obtain the title of Master Chef, and the other was to obtain the Master Chef armband.

　The most practical way to obtain a master chef's armband is to wrap it with a white cloth. If a dispute arises with another chef, and both sides insist on their version of events and neither is willing to concede, he can casually remove the white cloth from his arm, revealing the master chef's armband underneath!

　That way you can observe the stunned expression on the other person's face.

　No, we should find a henchman to help us remove the white cloth while things are in chaos. It would be too unrefined to tear it off ourselves!

　Moreover, if he were alone, he felt he wouldn't even have to wait until the "tear off the white cloth" part; he'd just punch that "nitpicker" and knock him down.

　"The chef assessment in Guangzhou has been the same for decades, so you don't need to worry too much."

　"Among them, the third-level chef exam involves drawing a main ingredient from the type of dish you are good at. As long as the taste of the dish you cook meets the judges' requirements, you can pass the exam."

　"The second-class chef assessment is a themed cooking test. Choose your area of ​​expertise and make 18 dishes in a row. If the taste of these 18 dishes is consistent and meets the passing score of the exam, you will pass."

　"The first-class chef exam is an upgraded themed exam. The organizers will give candidates a direction to choose from, and then provide them with a clear theme based on that direction."

　Candidates will create an impromptu dish based on a given theme. The dish must adhere to the theme; only those who meet both the creativity and taste standards will pass the assessment.

　"As for the top-grade..."

　"The top-tier dishes are also themed dishes, but the themes are completely random, and the questions are different every year. Not only are the ingredients limited, but the content is also more difficult to understand. Many chefs fail at the very first step."

　Just as Li Wanwan was about to continue speaking, Bai Yuan chimed in.

　These were not much different from what he knew. In short, the master chef tests a chef's imagination and the basic skill of turning rich imagination into reality.

　"Yes, but that's not something we should worry about."

　"You're so young, you must be taking the Level 2 chef exam, right? If you pass the Level 2 chef exam, you'll be a full-fledged chef at any restaurant, with a decent salary."

　Li Wanwan said with a smile that, apart from a few exceptionally talented individuals, a chef's age is generally correlated with their skill level.

　If you start cooking from elementary school, without the guidance of a master chef.

　Around twenty years old, one is generally a second-class chef; around thirty years old, one is a first-class chef.

　As for the master chef...

　There's a saying in the culinary world: if you can't become a master chef before the age of fifty, you'll never reach that level in your lifetime.

　Because after the age of fifty, chefs' thinking gradually becomes rigid, their ability to accept new things decreases, and it becomes difficult for them to create innovative dishes, thus losing the possibility of entering the top tier.

　·

　·

　Subsequently, Bai Yuan and Li

　Wanwan talked for a long time.

　Because Bai Yuan had just helped them, Li Wanwan was completely open and honest with him, answering all his questions without any reservations.

　Finally, she even revealed her own identity and invited him to visit.

　She is the daughter of the owner of "Xianglan Restaurant" in Guangzhou, whose restaurant specializes in Hunan cuisine.

　Her father is a three-star chef and also the mentor of Hojo Miyoko's father. She went to Japan to pick up Hojo Miyoko to take the second-class chef exam.

　It is worth mentioning that.

　This is the second time that Miyoko Hojo has taken the second-class chef exam. The last time, she failed because of a mistake in a dish.

　"The main problem was that I didn't have enough time. I got a little anxious and rushed the cooking process, which caused some mistakes, and that's why it didn't pass..."

　Since the discussion was about herself, Hojo Miyoko could no longer pretend to be indifferent and instead spoke with some anxiety. At the same time, she glared at Bai Yuan, as if afraid of being looked down upon by him.

　Because of her upbringing, she likes to compare herself with boys. She can do what boys can do, and she can do what boys can't do!

　It is this belief that has sustained her all the way to where she is today!

　"Don't worry, you'll definitely pass this time. After all, you've put in so much sweat and effort, it would be unreasonable if you didn't pass."

　I also have to take the first-class chef exam. I don't know why my father insists we take it in Guangzhou; it's much easier to pass in other places...

　The last sentence sounded like a complaint, as Li Wanwan muttered to herself. Then she sighed and leaned back in her airplane seat, letting her mind wander.

　“That person is taking the second-level chef exam. You can follow me throughout the whole process. I already registered last year, so I'm familiar with all the procedures. You don't want to waste too much time on the registration process, do you?”

　Suddenly, Hojo Miyoko turned her head and spoke to Shirabuchi.

　She's actually a very kind-hearted person. Even though they've only met by chance, she doesn't mind helping out if she can.

　"Oh right, just follow us when you're taking the chef exam. Anyway, the registration is all in the same place, it's just that the lines are different."

　Hearing Hojo Miyoko's voice, Li Wanwan also said, "It's rare to meet someone from my hometown while I'm away. I should naturally help if I can. Besides, they had a pleasant chat just now, and Bai Yuan is quite handsome; having him around is very pleasing to the eye..."

　"Thank you then."

　Bai Yuan was wondering how to start the conversation when Li Wanwan and the others invited him. He accepted without hesitation and then remained silent.

　"You're welcome. We still have a few hours left, so let's get some sleep first. We got up early this morning to catch our flight, and we're so tired."

　They raised their hands to yawn, then stretched. Flying from Japan to Denmark, and then from Denmark to Guangzhou, this back-and-forth journey had truly exhausted them.

　"You guys rest now, I'll call you when we get off the plane."

　Putting aside the chef assessment, they were, after all, just strangers who had just met, so naturally they didn't have much to say to each other.

　I put on an eye mask, closed my eyes to rest, ate a reasonably tasty airplane meal during the flight, and after several hours of turbulence, finally landed smoothly.

　·

　·

　Guangzhou, China, at the airport entrance.

　"The chef assessment will be held in three days. Let's part ways here. Here is my contact information. Call me later."

　As they were getting off the plane, Li Wanwan stopped Bai Yuan, who was about to leave, and slipped him a note.

　"Never mind, just leave me your phone number, I'll contact you later."

　After thinking for a moment, Li Wanwan took the note back, handed him her phone, and looked at him expectantly as he entered his phone number.

　"Give."

　After quickly entering the phone number, Bai Yuan returned the phone to Li Wanwan, nodded to her, and didn't say much more.

　"Okay, see you in three days."

　Li Wanwan smiled as she spoke, and then led Hojo Miyoko away in another direction.

　Bai Yuan took out his phone to check hotel information and quickly found the hotel that Nakiri Leonora had booked for him, then put his luggage down.

　"I really miss it."

　Having finally arrived at this famous culinary paradise, let's treat ourselves to something delicious to reward ourselves after a long day, and also get a glimpse into Guangzhou's culinary scene.

　Looking out the hotel window at the night sky, Bai Yuan's thoughts suddenly drifted back to a few years ago, when he had spent an unforgettable time here.

　Now, times have changed and the surrounding landscape has undergone tremendous changes, but the only thing that has remained unchanged is Guangzhou, which is still a food paradise.

　Without hesitation, Bai Yuan opened his backpack, put the pre-exchanged Chinese Yuan into his wallet, and then got up and left the hotel.

　In Guangzhou, the first meal after arriving must be poached chicken, claypot rice, and slow-cooked soup, as these dishes best reflect the restaurant's quality.

　Of course, this refers to the Cantonese cuisine.

　Besides Cantonese cuisine, there are also Chaoshan cuisine and Hakka cuisine, which together make up Cantonese cuisine.

　Wandering the streets of Guangzhou, searching for a suitable restaurant, Bai Yuan stood with his hands in his pockets, looking somewhat nonchalant, his eyes scanning the streets.

　Guangzhou at night is like a flowing painting.

　Street vendors hawking their wares, pedestrians laughing, and delicious food...

　The aroma wafted from the restaurants and wineries on both sides, tempting the appetite and making people stop in their tracks.

　What attracted Bai Yuan's attention the most was...

　He was an elderly man in plain clothes standing in front of the restaurant.

　Chapter Fifty-Eight: Tianfu Restaurant – Is it a case of a large establishment bullying its customers?

　"Grandpa, would you like to eat at this restaurant?"

　Perhaps because he was in a good mood, or perhaps because he had other considerations, Bai Yuan looked at the simply dressed old man who had been staring at the restaurant called "Tianfu" since the beginning of the night and went up to strike up a conversation.

　"What's the use of wanting to eat it if I don't have any money in my pocket? I can only look at it from the outside and smell the aroma inside to satisfy my craving."

　The old man spoke with great care. Although he wore patched clothes, they were spotless. Despite his advanced age, he was full of energy, giving people a sense of a carefree life hidden in the city.

　Bai Yuan has a keen eye for people; this old man in front of him is definitely no ordinary person.

　This is the extraordinary intuition he honed through constant duels with powerful chefs in the world of culinary disasters!

　Otherwise, with so many people stopping to look at the restaurant with drooling expressions, he wouldn't have stopped for him alone, much less asked that question.

　"How's the food at this restaurant? There are so many restaurants on this street, and you've been standing here for quite a while. You must have eaten here before."

　Since the reason for going out was to have a meal, Bai Yuan was naturally very interested in the restaurant that looked good, and then asked the old man.

　"The taste... don't even mention it, it'll make my mouth water! As for the specific flavor, it's subjective, you have to experience it for yourself."

　"Alright, let's go with this place then. The old man can come with me. We can't afford a fancy dinner, but a simple meal is fine."

　Meeting is fate, and Bai Yuan couldn't help but feel a desire to befriend the mysterious old man whose background he couldn't fathom. Even if the other party wasn't a big shot, the loss would only be the cost of a meal, and besides, the friendship between people is priceless.

　If you befriend someone only because of their high status, and discard them like straw sandals when they are of low status, your motives are impure, and you will not make true friends.

　"You're inviting this old man to dinner? Why?"

　Bai Yuan's words surprised the old man in plain clothes. Although his attire wouldn't make him look like a beggar, it also wouldn't make him look like a wealthy person. What was this guy after, inviting him to dinner?

　"It's fate that we met. Since we've run into each other here today, exchanged a few words, and had a very pleasant conversation, it wouldn't hurt to treat you to a meal."

　I happen to have some things I'd like to talk to you about regarding Guangzhou. You must have lived here for many years.

　For an elderly person who has lived in Guangzhou for decades, even if they are just an ordinary person, they must have heard about the big and small things that happen in Guangzhou.

　As the saying goes, "An elder in the family is a treasure." The other party said they had eaten at this restaurant before, so they must have been wealthy. Just that information is worth a meal.

　Meeting is fate.

　Old man, I like what you said: life should be lived freely and unrestrained, without being bound by worldly rules and regulations.

　Haha, this old man agrees to your meal!

　The old man in plain clothes nodded, then laughed heartily, patted Bai Yuan on the shoulder to accept his invitation, and then headed towards the "Tianfu" restaurant without showing the slightest bit of unease.

　Seeing this, Bai Yuan silently quickened his pace to catch up, while the old man stopped before entering the restaurant and waited for him to be ahead before following him in.

　The host should stand before the guest; this is an age-old custom and a reflection of his ingrained upbringing.

　·

　·

　"Welcome, are you two?"

　As soon as the two entered, a smartly dressed waitress greeted them with a smile and asked about their situation.

　"Yes, you two."

　"Distinguished guests, please take your seats here."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan confirm the number of people, the waiter gestured for them to proceed. He then led the two to a four-person table, cleared away two sets of tableware, and poured tea for them from the teapot.

　"The menu is here, please take a look."

　"No need for that. One serving of poached chicken, two servings of claypot rice, and a pot of slow-cooked soup will suffice for a simple dinner."

　Considering he didn't have much cash with him, Bai Yuan ordered some dishes that cost several hundred yuan at market price. He thought the restaurant was quite upscale, so the prices might be a bit higher, but it should still be within his budget.

　"Kid, you've got a good appetite."

　When visiting Guangzhou, poached chicken is a must-try, and slow-cooked soup is another Guangzhou specialty, considered the king of soups, evoking the most genuine memories. Claypot rice, as a staple food, is naturally impeccable as well.

　"Since I'm new here, I definitely have to try the classic dishes first. I haven't had Cantonese cuisine in a long time, and I do miss it a bit."