The story begins in Food Wars, when Alice took him home.

Seeing that Kawahira was ready, Tadokoro Megumi wiped her mouth with a tissue, got up and went back to her room to pack her luggage. A short while later, she returned to the living room dragging a large suitcase, which was in stark contrast to her.

"Xiao Hui, I'm quite busy here right now, so I won't be able to see you off. Take care on the road."

Looking at the passengers who were getting up and preparing for breakfast, Mieko Tadokoro gave Megumi Tadokoro an apologetic look. After all, she would see her off every year, but this year, due to the full house, she couldn't leave.

Fortunately, Bai Yuan was there, and she felt at ease as he escorted Tadokoro Megumi away.

"It's okay, Mom, you go ahead and do your work."

Knowing her mother was busy, Tadokoro Megumi said considerately. Just as she was about to grab her luggage and leave, she discovered that Shiro had already taken it.

"Speaking of which, what are you planning to do in China? Oh, I see! China is a vast country with abundant resources. You want to learn more advanced culinary techniques, or perhaps you want to gain inspiration, so that's why you're going, right?"

Or do you know anyone in the culinary world? Or what kind of food you'd like to eat? Tell me, and I can help you find out. Don't let my appearance fool you; I know quite a few people in the culinary world.

On the street, Kawanoka followed beside Shiro, chattering excitedly, her face full of excitement, like a child on a trip.

Bai Yuan didn't pay much attention to this, only saying a few words when the topic interested him. Most of the time, Ueda-do Megumi would chime in, and their relationship improved considerably as a result.

During this process, Kawahiko discovers that Hakugen is only interested in topics related to cooking and is a complete cooking idiot.

However, this suited her just fine, since she had asked Bai Yuan to bring her along in order to ask him some questions about cooking, so she took the initiative to start a conversation about cooking.

Kawano Rinka was a top-tier chef, and with the guidance of high-ranking chefs since childhood, she had a unique understanding of cooking, which greatly benefited Bai Yuan.

That's how chefs are; they need constant communication to improve their culinary skills.

Knowledge comes in stages, and skills have their own specializations. Even a chef with a lower star rating than oneself still has areas where one can excel.

The essence of communication is to absorb the strengths of others and use them to improve oneself.

"Speaking of which, you're a top-tier seven-star chef, right?"

"It must be, otherwise it would be impossible to create a 'Radiant' level dish so easily. But such a young Special Grade Seven Star should be world-renowned, so why is he completely unknown..."

As if she had thought of something, Kawanishika muttered to herself, a look of confusion on her face.

Logically speaking, every country treats young geniuses extremely well, eager to announce to the world that they have produced a genius.

Furthermore, every genius has their own growth trajectory; they don't just appear out of nowhere.

Thinking about this, Kawanahiko's confusion deepened.

After our conversation, she learned that Bai Yuan was Chinese and had passed the top-level chef exam in Guangzhou, so he shouldn't be so unknown...

"No, wait a minute."

Guangzhou, yes, Guangzhou, I remember now!

Her consciousness gradually sank into the depths of her memory, and then suddenly jumped out at a certain key point. Kawanishika looked at Shirayuki, her mouth forming an "O" shape.

"The knife skills duel before the gods, you must be that young chef! You gained the recognition of the Eternal Spirit Knife after participating in that competition, but you disappeared quickly and haven't been heard from since. It turns out you went to Japan!"

If we're talking about the most talked-about competition in the past two years, it has to be the knife skills duel in front of the gods, because a strong person emerged who could create luminous dishes and was recognized by the legendary cooking utensil, the Eternal Spirit Knife.

Come to think of it, aren't their names exactly the same?!

When the rumors first came out, everyone assumed that Bai Yuan, who won first place, was a reclusive master in his seventies or eighties, and no one considered that he might be a teenager or a young man in his twenties.

Even though some of the spectators knew Bai Yuan's age, others still didn't believe it. After all, a top-tier seven-star chef in his twenties was just too outrageous.

This is like saying that an eight-year-old child can build a rocket.

This guy is eight years old?!

Even Kawanashika, before meeting Baiyuan, believed that the person who gained the approval of the legendary kitchen utensil Yongling Blade was a reclusive old man.

"Yes, it's me."

Bai Yuan was not surprised that Kawanishika recognized his identity.

He never deliberately hid himself; it's just that some people in China thought it was too amazing for someone his age to possess such strength, and that he might encounter unnecessary trouble, so they deliberately suppressed the news.

Even the highly anticipated knife-fighting match was seen by foreigners and even many Chinese as nothing more than a shameless publicity stunt.

Without witnessing firsthand the legendary kitchenware recognizing its owner, no one would believe such a thing could exist in the world.

How to make spoiled food fresh again?

Do not make jokes!

If we had this technology, we would have invented a time machine long ago!

"But then, you're carrying the legendary kitchen utensils with you?"

Honestly, I'm incredibly interested in the Eternal Spirit Blade! It's a legendary blade that can make rotten food fresh again. I was planning to wait a few years before trying to get my hands on it, but you beat me to it!

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's admission, Chuan Linghua gasped, her mind already conjuring up the thrilling image of him taking away the legendary kitchen utensils in front of a group of veteran chefs. She then leaned closer, her delicate face close to his, and whispered:

"Can I take a look? Just one look! I'm so incredibly curious about what these legendary kitchen utensils are! Is their ability to make rotten ingredients fresh really true?!"

Blinking her bright, big eyes and looking at the handsome face in front of her, Kawanishika's eyes were filled with longing. Then she put her hands together in a praying gesture.

"Please, please, just let me see it once, I'll do anything!"

Seeing that Bai Yuan was unmoved and didn't even want to talk to her, Chuan Linghua's expression became even more devout, and she raised her voice. The sudden sound attracted a lot of strange looks.

"If you keep doing this, I won't take you with me."

Feeling the strange gazes surrounding him, densely packed around him, Bai Yuan frowned slightly, then coldly spoke to Chuan Linghua.

As any parent knows, if you give in to a child's tantrums, it's like being controlled, which is detrimental to the child's development.

Although Baiyuan is not Kawanishika's parent, he does not want to be manipulated like this.

"Well…"

Sure enough, when she heard that Bai Yuan might not take her along because of this, Chuan Linghua immediately dropped her act and stopped begging for pity.

"I'm sorry, I'll never do it again."

Kawano Rinka said pitifully, but this time she dared not exaggerate, lest she attract a crowd of onlookers and make things difficult for Bai Yuan.

"It's good that you know you were wrong. The Eternal Spirit Blade isn't a monkey in a circus; it has a soul, its own consciousness, and can choose its master."

If you're destined to see it, you'll meet it someday; there's no need to rush.

Seeing that Kawai Rinka had finally calmed down and returned to normal, Bai Yuan then spoke, explaining why he hadn't let her see the Eternal Spirit Blade.

The Eternal Spirit Knife was never some juggling tool to be looked at; it was a legendary kitchen utensil with earth-shattering power, not to be underestimated or insulted.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't unsheathe the Eternal Spirit Blade. Because a good blade needs to be nurtured, especially one with such magical abilities.

Furthermore, compared to relying on the power of a knife, he prefers to defeat his opponents with his own strength and make high-end dishes with ordinary ingredients. Isn't that more impressive?

"Okay, I understand. I hope to witness his power someday."

Sensing the seriousness in Bai Yuan's words, and though somewhat confused, Chuan Linghua remained silent. She knew her opponent was already a little unhappy, and it was best to behave herself until he calmed down.

As you walk along the street, the population gradually thins out, with vast wheat fields on both sides and the sea below.

The three of them soon arrived at the town's bus station. Upon seeing the people waiting in front of the station, they stopped in their tracks, especially Tadokoro Megumi, whose eyes were filled with emotion.

"Everyone…"

A dozen or so bearded, burly men were chatting and waiting in front of the station. When they saw Tadokoro Megumi, they immediately waved and greeted her.

“I just called and your mom told us you’re leaving today. Why are you in such a hurry? You didn’t even tell us. And isn’t it a bit early this year?”

"Because I need to go to the competition venue in advance to prepare, I left a few days earlier."

Upon hearing the uncle's question, Tadokoro Megumi gave a truthful explanation.

"I see. Good luck in the competition!"

The middle-aged man patted Tadokoro Megumi on the shoulder, his eyes filled with encouragement.

"I'll do my best!"

"Xiao Hui, have a safe trip."

"Remember to tell us about the interesting things that happened in Totsuki next time you come back."

"You must study cooking diligently and not slack off. We will come to watch you compete again next year."

As Tadokoro Megumi stood before them, the people at the station greeted her warmly, their faces showing a mixture of enthusiasm and reluctance.

"Here's some for you to eat on your journey. We'll see each other again during the Chinese New Year. Take good care of yourself while you're away from home. We'll set off fireworks together then."

Yamato and Lily ran up to her and handed her the cookies they had made while staying up all night. They told her to take care of herself, and the reluctance in their eyes was far greater than that of others.

As her best friend, she was naturally reluctant to let Tadokoro Megumi go, as she had only been back for less than three days. However, there was nothing she could do, since Tadokoro had a competition to attend.

"Young man, it's an honor for you that Xiaohui chose to date you. She's a very good girl, and I hope you won't let her down."

"If you dare to let her down, no matter what level of chef you are, we'll beat you up!"

After exchanging pleasantries with Tadokoro Megumi, the group of uncles turned their gaze to Shiro Awakening, then revealed the muscles honed from years of fishing, speaking with a rather intimidating air.

"That's right, we're all Xiaohui's family! We're her support! If you dare to bully her, we'll never let you get away with it!"

Another middle-aged man spoke up. He looked rather refined and was wearing a thin white T-shirt, which gave off an inexplicable sense of pressure.

"Don't worry, everyone, I will take good care of Xiaohui and will never let her suffer the slightest grievance."

As he spoke, Bai Yuan put his arm around Tadokoro Megumi's shoulder. His words were firm and resolute. Even under the gaze of such a burly man, he did not take a step back, nor did he feel guilty in the slightest.

Although what these people said to him was somewhat offensive, Baiyuan knew that they were genuinely concerned for Tadokoro Megumi, so he didn't take it to heart.

"Well done, that's a real man!"

Seeing Bai Yuan's performance, the people around him exchanged glances, all seeing approval in each other's eyes. Then, a man around 40 years old stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and gave him a thumbs up.

"Our car is here. You can go back now. Aren't you about to open for business?"

A tram roared in from afar. Tadokoro Megumi watched it approach quickly and stop at the station. She then spoke to the uncles who were standing at the station seeing them off.

"We'll wait until you get on the bus before we leave."

"That's right, you go ahead and don't worry about us."

"Bon Voyage!"

"Goodbye, everyone."

Although I have experienced many such separations, each time I have new feelings.

As she boarded the train, Megumi Tadokoro braced herself on the seat with one hand and waved frantically with the other, trying her best to say goodbye to the men who were watching her at the station.