Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　"Let's go!"

　Yoshino Yuuki raised her hands high, her face full of excitement.

　"Target: Fujian, China!"

　Beside her, Kawanoka was equally excited. She already knew the destination, which was a place she had never traveled to before, so she could have a good time.

　"I want to try their Buddha Jumps Over the Wall! I want to see if it's really true that even Buddha would jump over the wall to eat it because of the aroma!"

　Hisako Shinto, wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a fitted business suit with thigh-high black stockings, couldn't help but steal a second glance from Bai Yuan.

　"Let's board the plane first, no matter what."

　Because of the large number of people traveling this time, Senzaemon Nakiri chartered a private plane so that they could arrive in China as soon as possible.

　Bai Yuan and the others naturally wouldn't refuse such a thoughtful arrangement, and dragging their luggage, they boarded the plane together with Nakiri Erina and the others.

　However, the seating arrangement sparked a dispute.

　"Erina, are you really going to try and take this spot from me?"

　As soon as Alice Nakiri boarded the plane, she saw Erina walk straight to Shirabuchi and sit down next to him without hesitation. She gritted her teeth and strode forward, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction.

　"First come, first served. Please find another seat."

　Setting down her backpack, Erina Nakiri slightly raised her chin, a smug smile playing on her lips, as if declaring her victory.

　She remained seated firmly, showing no intention of giving up her seat.

　"Brother Bai Yuan, look at her!"

　Alice Nakiri wanted to pull Erina away, but then thought it would be too rude, so she could only stomp her foot and turn to Shirayuki for help. However, Shirayuki just shrugged helplessly and pretended not to see anything.

　After all, these two young ladies were part of his "harem," and offending either of them would bring him no good. Besides, taking sides was something he...

　They couldn't bring themselves to do it. In the end, they could only pretend to be deaf and dumb and silently avoid the conflict.

　"Don't you usually sit next to Teacher Bai Yuan? What's wrong with me sitting next to him today? I can't let you hog him all the time."

　"I speak confidently," Erina Nakiri said, her tone laced with provocation. She had long been dissatisfied with Alice always occupying the position next to Shirabuchi, and today she finally had a chance to "get back at him."

　"Hmph, just this once!"

　Seeing that Erina showed no sign of backing down, Alice Nakiri knew she couldn't win an argument, and since Shirabuchi couldn't help her, she could only turn around angrily and head to the back seat. Before leaving, she couldn't help but glare at Erina again, muttering, "What a greedy girl..."

　"You're right, aren't you, Professor Bai Yuan?"

　Pretending not to hear Alice Nakiri's mutterings, Erina Nakiri turned her head to look at Bai Yuan, her tone carrying a hint of coquettish complaint. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but her eyes revealed a touch of smugness.

　Since sobering up two days ago, Erina has forgotten most of the details, but she clearly remembers confessing her feelings to Shirai while drunk, and he agreed without hesitation. They even kissed.

　For a girl who had never been in love, such an experience undoubtedly stirred up her heart, especially since she liked Bai Yuan.

　Therefore, she naturally regarded herself as Bai Yuan's "girlfriend" and her attitude became much more intimate. Things that she used to feel shy about and dared not do now became natural.

　Erina Nakiri leaned back lazily in her chair, glancing at Bai Yuan from time to time, a slight smile playing on her lips, a hint of smug satisfaction in her expression.

　Bai Yuan, sensing the faint fragrance emanating from beside him, felt a mixture of helplessness and secret delight. Being fought over by two girls simultaneously, to some extent, demonstrated his remarkable charm.

　As for Alice Nakiri in the back row, she was currently standing with her arms crossed, glaring angrily ahead, vowing to take back her seat next time!

　The two girls' thoughts intertwined in the cabin, while many other girls watched them with complicated expressions, each with their own worries.

　After an unknown amount of time, Bai Yuan removed his blindfold as a feeling of falling came over him.

　The plane descended lower and lower, with wheels extending from its sides and rubbing intimately against the ground, gliding forward a considerable distance before slowly coming to a stop.

　The flight attendants announced in the cabin that the plane was about to land, and then stood at the boarding gate, waiting until the plane had come to a complete stop before smiling and opening the cabin door for them.

　The group disembarked with their luggage and quickly arrived at the airport entrance. They were then taken to a magnificent hotel by a private car.

　As the group disembarked...

　"Holy crap, this is so luxurious!"

　Yoshino Yuuki couldn't help but sigh, her breathing becoming heavy. The hotel in front of her was like a palace, magnificent and breathtaking.

　The hotel's exterior walls are made of marble, smooth as a mirror. A huge crystal chandelier hangs above the main entrance, sparkling and translucent. The fountain in front of the entrance shoots high into the air, splashing water with extraordinary vitality.

　"Let's go in anyway."

　Even Bai Yuan, who was used to grand occasions, couldn't help but swallow hard. The Nakiri family was truly extravagant, casually booking such a luxurious hotel for them.

　Staying here for one night probably isn't cheap.

　"Go in first."

　Erina Nakiri also spoke up, but she wasn't as surprised as Bai Yuan and the others. She often came to places like this when she was a child, to comment on the hotel kitchen.

　As they spoke, the group dragged their suitcases into the lobby, where a scene of luxury greeted them.

　The floor was covered with thick Persian carpets, soft and comfortable to walk on, as if stepping on clouds. The ceiling was a pale gold color, exuding grandeur.

　In the center of the lobby stands a huge grand piano, its body gleaming black and its keys as white as snow. A pianist in a formal suit is playing with great dedication, and the melodious music echoes throughout the lobby, soothing the soul.

　"Is this the legendary five-star hotel...?"

　Yoshino Yuuki looked left and right, even reaching out to touch the floor; it was very clean. Could they really live in a place like this?!

　"welcome!"

　A uniformed waiter greeted them with a smile and led them to the front desk to check in; this troublesome task was left to Hisako Shinomoto by Shirabuchi.

　Once all the formalities were completed, a butler in a tuxedo led them to their guest room.

　Because they came together, the hotel thoughtfully arranged for them to stay on the same floor. Each room was about 70 or 80 square meters and had a private bathroom, balcony, and even a kitchenette.

　Every single one of them was like that.

　"If you need anything, please press the call bell by the bedside, and our staff will arrive promptly without disturbing your rest."

　The butler handed the keys to the guests and said in a gentle voice that this was part of their hotel's service, and that customers were always the priority.

　"understood."

　Bai Yuan nodded, then returned to his room, put down his luggage, took a shower in the bathroom, and then stood at the door to send a message to everyone to come out.

　It was already evening.

　The sun sets.

　The area outside the hotel was becoming increasingly lively.

　"Today you

　There's only one mission: to eat and drink well. As the capital of Fujian province, Fuzhou is home to the best cuisine from all over the province.

　You are free to choose whatever you like and learn about the stories behind the dishes. These dishes will likely be featured prominently in the Fujian Youth Chef Competition. Knowing your opponent is half the battle.

　As the girls gathered in the corridor one after another, Bai Yuan clapped his hands to attract their attention and announced the plans for tonight.

　Although they ate some bread and snacks on the plane, those things were only enough to fill their stomachs and were far from enough to make them full.

　The real reason for leaving room in the stomach was to sample the local delicacies.

　"it is good!"

　The women responded excitedly; they had been eagerly anticipating it. Coming to Fuzhou and not tasting Fujian cuisine would be an absolute crime!

　"Then we'll head this way."

　Because of the large number of people, after leaving the hotel, everyone decided to split up. Before parting, Bai Yuan stopped, turned around and looked at them, his tone carrying a hint of concern:

　"Be careful on the road. Your Chinese isn't very fluent yet, so if you get lost or encounter any trouble, remember to call me immediately. I'll come pick you up right away and help you with things."

　His gaze swept over Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri standing to his left and right, then looked at Yuuki Yoshino and the others who had split into several small groups, his expression serious.

　"Okay, see you later!"

　Yoshino Yuuki waved, then grabbed Tadokoro Megumi and Sakaki Ryoko and strode off in the direction of the dense crowd, disappearing into the bustling street in no time.

　"I've heard that fish balls are very famous in Fuzhou. Let's go try them tonight."

　Bai Yuan watched their figures disappear, then turned to Nakiri Erina and Nakiri Alice beside him and made a suggestion.

　"And there's satay noodles. I know a shop where both the satay noodles and the seven-star fish balls taste authentic. You must try it when you come to Fuzhou!"

　A crisp voice suddenly broke in. The three looked in the direction of the sound and saw Chuan Linghua walking over with a box of snacks in her hand and a pair of chopsticks in her hand. There was still some oil on the corner of her mouth, which meant that she had just had a good meal.

　"That must be an oyster omelet, right? When did you buy it? You're so quick!"

　Erina Nakiri sniffed lightly, and a rich seafood aroma wafted towards her. It was the unique freshness of fresh oysters mixed with the caramelized scent of fried eggs. If you sniffed carefully, you could also catch the fresh aroma of scallions released during the frying process.

　"I had already prepared this while you were exchanging pleasantries and saying goodbye. This oyster omelet is one I carefully selected; it's definitely the best quality on this street. I asked for a few extra pairs of chopsticks so you can try it too."

　As Kawanoka spoke, she handed over the snack box. The rich aroma became even more intense, and Bai Yuan unceremoniously accepted the disposable chopsticks she offered and began to taste.

　"Putting everything else aside, the ingredients are absolutely the freshest, all freshly caught oysters."

　Moreover, the oysters are fried until the outer layer is golden and crispy, while the inside remains relatively soft. The contrast in texture between the oysters and the egg is particularly striking.

　The fresh oysters were incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with a slight springiness. The fried egg was smooth and creamy, a perfect complement to the oysters' delicate flavor! It was truly excellent, comparable to large hotel restaurants.

　As he took a bite of the oyster omelet, Bai Yuan closed his eyes and savored it.

　This snack is simple to make; the only thing you need to master is controlling the heat. As long as the heat is right and the ingredients are fresh, it's hard to make it taste bad.

　"I want some too! I want some too! Brother Bai Yuan, let me have a taste!"

　Beside them, Alice Nakiri saw Shirabuchi and Kawaki Rinka eating with great relish, and a curious look appeared on her face. She then leaned forward and opened her mouth wide.

　"promise."

　Seeing this, Bai Yuan naturally picked up a piece of oyster omelet and put it in his mouth. Nakiri Alice also closed her eyes and savored it.

　"Erina, this is for you."

　As they spoke, Bai Yuan picked up another piece and brought it to Erina Nakiri's lips, pretending to feed her. Upon seeing this, Erina blushed, but after hesitating for a moment, she opened her mouth and gently took a bite.

　"The sweetness of oysters, the caramelized aroma of fried eggs, the freshness of scallions, the sweet and sour taste of the sauce..."

　Almost the instant she took a bite of the food, a vast blue ocean suddenly appeared before Erina Nakiri's eyes, stretching as far as the eye could see.

　The waves gently lapped against the rocks, and seagulls soared in the sky. Fresh oysters were just pulled from the sea, carrying the freshness of the sea breeze and the warmth of the sun.

　The golden-brown egg crepe transforms into a golden wheat field before my eyes, with waves of wheat rippling in the breeze.

　The scallions transformed into a group of green sprites, dancing lightly across the golden fields.