Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

"Is such that..."

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's muttered question, Yoshino Yuuki and Sakaki Ryoko exchanged glances before stepping forward to speak to him.

"So, Yukihira Soma didn't know that the third-place match was being held today. If that's the case, then it's definitely a failure of Totsuki to properly inform him. Where is he now?"

Bai Yuan nodded. The fact that the other party had not received a message from the committee was indeed a relatively reasonable explanation; it could only be said that no one had noticed this point.

After all, the probability of such a thing happening is extremely small, and under normal circumstances, no one would expect that Soma Yukihira would not even come to the finals.

Shirabuchi glanced at Hisako Shinto on the podium, who seemed a little sullen because she hadn't seen her opponent yet, and shook his head with a wry smile.

He was quite understanding of her.

After preparing so much hard, it would be devastating for anyone to have their opponent not show up. Even if they won, they wouldn't be truly happy.

The award ceremony ended quickly.

The fact that the top three spots were all taken by girls is unprecedented since the founding of Totsuki Academy.

It must be said that both the students inside and outsiders were shocked by this, and at the same time became curious about Bai Yuan, the teacher.

Chapter 220 Megumi Tadokoro's Confession

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

Hisako Shinto pouted, kicking stones as she followed behind Shirai, showing no joy at winning third place, only dissatisfaction.

"Alright, relax. There will always be a chance to fight back. We'll teach that guy a lesson then, and winning the game will make us happier."

After listening to complaints all the way, Bai Yuan stopped, turned around and pinched Shinto Hisako's fair and tender face, trying to cheer her up a little.

Otherwise, wouldn't this third place be a waste?

"I know, I'm just really annoyed! I was so well prepared, I haven't been sleeping well lately, I could have won even if they came!"

"I know, Hisako is the best."

Following Hisako Shinto's words, Shiraigen spoke as if he were coaxing a child. Sensing the doting tone in his words, the girl's face visibly flushed red, and she looked away without saying another word.

"I guess she's shy."

Noticing Hisako Shirato's expression, Yuuki Yoshino, who was standing next to Shirabuchi, couldn't help but tease her, and the atmosphere became cheerful again in the process.

"Let's hold a celebration party tonight as usual, to celebrate that Xiaohui and Hisako won first and third place respectively."

In fact, the top ten in each year have been selected from those who have performed exceptionally well in the selection competition.

Achieving a top-three finish is essentially a basic ticket to the Top Ten Council.

Isshiki Satoshi's voice rang out in the group. Since they were going the same way back, he and the other boys from the Polar Star Dormitory were also there and chatting.

"The Ten Heroes..."

Upon hearing Isshiki Satoshi's words, Hisako Shinoto stopped being angry and began to mutter to herself, her eyes filled with longing.

If she becomes one of the Ten Heroes, can she stand shoulder to shoulder with Lady Erina?!

For Totsuki Academy students, being one of the Elite Ten is an immense honor! Even if they perform exceptionally well in the summer selection, the probability of becoming one of the Elite Ten is still very small.

"Let's set our sights on the long term. The title of Elite Ten is only useful within Totsuki Culinary Academy. Outside of Totsuki, it's nothing. Its value is even less than that of a Master Chef title."

If you're striving for that goal, you're underestimating yourself. Just aim to be the world's number one medicinal cuisine chef!

Seeing the complexity in the girl's eyes, Bai Yuan spoke up beside her.

If the goal is to reach the Elite Ten, then the upper limit is the Elite Ten, which is not good for Hisako Shinoto's development, so he needs to correct her attitude.

Because he had never seen a bigger world, he regarded this birdcage as the whole world. He had made this mistake before, always thinking that if he was invincible in the world of dark cuisine, he would be invincible in the world.

"I understand, I will try my best!"

Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, a different light appeared in Shinoto Hisako's eyes. Becoming the world's number one medicinal cuisine chef—what an exciting goal!

"Then I will become the world's number one breeding expert. The plants and animals I cultivate can be made into unparalleled delicacies even with simple cooking!"

Knowing full well that she lacks talent in cooking, Yoshino Yuuki expressed a somewhat unconventional goal: to become the world's number one aquaculture expert and research the best ingredients. Isn't that a kind of success?

"If you'd like, I can provide you with funding and technical support. Go for it!"

Yoshino Yuuki's words piqued Bai Yuan's interest. The world's number one breeding expert? If he really succeeded, wouldn't all the food he cultivated belong to him?

"Thank you, Teacher Bai Yuan. I can't pretend I didn't hear that. I'll definitely come to you for help if I encounter any related problems in the future!"

With Bai Yuan's support, Yoshino Yuuki's face lit up with excitement.

Even though Bai Yuan never showed off his abilities to them, he was still a top-tier seven-star chef. Even if he only let some resources slip through his fingers, it would be enough for them to enjoy endlessly!

"Then I will become the world's number one expert in fermented cuisine!"

Ryoko Sakaki also made the same vow, looking directly at the moon in the sky. However, it is unknown how much of her statement was sincere and how much was just following the trend.

For a moment, the scene was filled with the voices of young girls announcing their goals. Their energetic appearance even attracted the attention of passersby, who gave them thumbs up.

"Teacher Bai Yuan, I have something I'd like to say to you. Could you come with me for a moment?"

Just as the group was moving forward and about to reach their destination, Tadokoro Megumi's voice suddenly rang out, and she tugged at Shiroyuki's sleeve as she spoke.

"Want to talk to me? Hmm, okay..."

Looking around at the people, Bai Yuan had a rough idea of ​​what was going on. Unless it was something important, Tadokoro rarely asked him to chat privately.

To avoid suspicion was one aspect, but more importantly, her heart raced and she felt hot all over when she saw him. She was very shy and embarrassed to look him in the eye.

But today, the initiative was unexpected.

The two broke away from the main group and took a side path. They noticed that not many people had left, except for Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko, who were walking slowly behind. Seeing this, people began to speculate about what the two were going to do.

"Could it be..."

Seeing Tadokoro Megumi's restrained expression, Mito Ikumi and Hojo Miyoko exchanged glances and said in unison.

They were all too familiar with that expression! Because whenever they were with Bai Yuan, everyone present would have that same expression.

At this moment, as the road ahead became increasingly remote, Bai Yuan gradually slowed down. He actually had the answer in his heart as to why Tadokoro Megumi had suddenly come to find him.

Only a fool wouldn't be able to see the other person's feelings for him.

It's like a person sitting next to a stove; no matter what they're doing, they'll feel the warmth from it.

then.

When the two of them changed from a brisk walk to a leisurely stroll, walking slowly through the mountains and forests.

Sensing Tadokoro Megumi's inner turmoil and the hand trembling beside her, Bai Yuan felt nervous for her and boldly took her hand.

"Bai Yuan...Teacher?"

Feeling her hand suddenly being grasped, Tadokoro Megumi was somewhat surprised. Her already flustered heart was stirred again, and she then whispered his name.

"I'm here. People still pass by here occasionally. Come with me."

Bai Yuan nodded slightly, then quickened his pace and led Tadokoro Megumi towards a less crowded area.

Because she was being pulled along by Bai Yuan, who was her favorite person, she obediently followed him despite opening her mouth to speak several times but then stopping herself.

Soon, the two found a quiet, deserted place. Because it was far from the main road, the surroundings were so quiet that even the chirping of insects could be heard.

"Teacher Bai Yuan, I like you. From the first time you helped me and affirmed me, a seed of love was planted in my heart."

Totsuki Academy is built on a mountain, making it undoubtedly a mountain high school. The buildings are scattered throughout, and with the cold wind blowing and the moon hanging in the sky, it has a unique charm.

Just then, looking at Bai Yuan's tall and straight back and feeling the wonderful atmosphere around her, Tadokoro Megumi felt that the time was just right, so she stepped forward and said something a little shyly.

Because there was no one around, her voice, though not loud, reached Bai Yuan's ears with perfect clarity, and he heard every single word.

"I know this request is excessive, and perhaps even a little selfish, because you and Alice are a very loving couple."

But I have to say it, because these words have been bottled up inside me for a long time, and even knowing I'll be rejected, I still have to say them. I like you, Bai Yuan!

Bai Yuan turned around abruptly upon hearing her words. Under the streetlights, his already handsome face was illuminated with even more ambiance, making one want to kiss him.

Tadokoro Megumi looked up at Bai Yuan with a serious expression. When he didn't reply, her heart beat faster and faster, and her fists, hidden under her sleeves, clenched tighter and tighter.

After learning about what happened today, she knew that she and Bai Yuan could no longer get along like before, but she did not regret it.

Because she had been reserved and demure for over a decade, she also wanted to indulge herself just this once!

"I won't make any promises, because I know that making a promise that I can't keep is hurtful. I will do my best to make you happy for the rest of your life."

Bai Yuan has never been one to say sweet words, and at times like this, no matter what he says, he cannot express his truest thoughts.

Helpless, he finally just looked intently into her eyes and pressed his head against hers.

Her soft lips carried a faint scent of jasmine. Tadokoro Megumi was stunned by Shiro's sudden action and instinctively wanted to back away.

However, Bai Yuan tightly embraced Tadokoro Megumi's waist, pulling her forward and pressing her against his chest.

This process lasted for more than three minutes, until Tadokoro Megumi was a little out of breath, at which point Bai Yuan released her, held her in his arms, and gently patted her back.

After spending some time together, Tadokoro Megumi calmed down and traced circles on Shiroyuki's chest with her fingers, savoring the warmth within.

"From now on, you can stay with me. I won't restrict what you do. I will support you in whatever you want to do or pursue, just like before."

Bai Yuan dislikes stories about spoiled wives and doesn't want a highly talented chef to become a divorced woman.

He hopes that the girl he likes can shine brightly in her field and be dazzling on the competition stage; that would be her best destiny!

"Like before...?"

Tadokoro Megumi's expression froze for a moment, and she looked at Bai Yuan pitifully, thinking that he did not accept her and therefore wanted to maintain the status quo.

Although this is the best outcome for her, she is unwilling to simply maintain the status quo now that things have come to this point, as the other party clearly also has feelings for her.

If I didn't like her, I probably wouldn't have invited her...

Now all we need to do is put in a little more effort!

"I only told you to act the same way as before, I didn't say our relationship would be like before. Things are already like this, do you still think you can escape?"

Seeing Tadokoro Megumi's dejection, Shiro lowered his head and kissed her again, this time not a long kiss, but a light, fleeting one.

Even though it was just a fleeting glimpse, Tadokoro Megumi was still overjoyed, her lips almost trembling with delight, but she tried her best to remain calm.

"Thank you, Professor Bai Yuan."

"I don't remember doing anything that deserves my gratitude. It's because you're so outstanding that I accepted you, Xiaohui."

This world allows polygamy, so Bai Yuan feels no burden in saying these things.