Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　"The tartness of oranges and lemons, combined with the sweetness of honey, achieves a perfect balance through stir-frying and thickening, resulting in a refreshing taste experience that is neither too sweet nor too sour!"

　The sweet and sour taste on her tongue made Madam Xianglan murmur softly, and she began to ramble on with her evaluation, her face filled with immense satisfaction.

　"The aromas of pineapple, green apple and cantaloupe unfold in layers, combining the warmth of tropical fruits with the freshness of temperate fruits."

　The middle-aged man clasped his hands tightly over his shoulders, his fingers digging into his muscles. His face showed suppressed and restrained emotions, but the rich aroma made it hard for him to control himself!

　"The cantaloupe has a delicate and soft texture that melts in your mouth, mimicking the tender texture of fish. The pineapple has a moderate fiber content, providing a chewy texture similar to fried fish, while the sweet and sour flesh blends perfectly with the sauce. The sauce has just the right consistency, coating the fruit and bringing a warm and satisfying sensation when you eat it."

　The combined flavor is almost indistinguishable from real squirrel fish. And because it uses only fruit, it naturally has a rich, fruity aroma!

　The old man stated his conclusion, his face filled with astonishment. It was hard to imagine that this squirrel-shaped fish dish was made entirely of fruit!

　"What an amazing dish! Fruit Squirrel Fish... It uses several fruits that are theoretically impossible to make into squirrel fish, yet it has created the flavor of squirrel fish!"

　Lady Xianglan blushed deeply, whether from the delicious food or because the person in front of her was the leader, she couldn't tell; even her eyes became somewhat unfocused.

　"It's not just amazing, it's revolutionary! Before tasting it, who would have thought that this squirrel fish was made from fruit, and that it would be so delicious!"

　The only elderly judge was also somewhat dazed. After regaining his senses, he looked at the fruit squirrel fish in front of him and praised it without reservation.

　"It tastes even better when it's cold, since all the ingredients are fruit. You can also put it in the refrigerator if needed and eat it as a frozen treat."

　Seeing the group quickly devour the fruit squirrel fish while scrambling to finish it, Bai Yuan finally spoke up helplessly.

　How did it finish in less than a minute...?

　Can't you be a little more polite?

　Not all fruits are suitable to be enjoyed as hot dishes; this fruit squirrel fish is undoubtedly more suitable to be enjoyed as an iced dessert.

　However, because the people in front of him were in a hurry, they didn't even wait for Bai Yuan to say anything before clearing up the dish.

　"That's a pity, it's all already eaten..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, the middle-aged man paused, looking at the plate in front of him with only some sauce left, a look of regret on his face.

　"Pity..."

　Lady Xianglan is the same; she's already so delicious when it's hot. If, as Bai Yuan said, she becomes an ice cream, just how delicious would she be?!

　"Please come with me, sir. I'll take you to see the president of the Fujian Chefs Association."

　Seeing that the food had been completely eaten, the old man looked at Bai Yuan in front of him, gestured for him to go see the chairman.

　"Okay, lead the way."

　Bai Yuan did not refuse. After his identity was exposed, it was no longer appropriate for him to stay in the contestant area. He might as well leave and go have tea with the president of the Chefs' Association.

　Compared to the four kings of Cantonese cuisine.

　The Fujian Chefs Association consists of one president, two vice presidents, and eight hall masters, each with their own area of ​​expertise.

　Specifically, it is divided into seafood, mountain delicacies, soups, snacks, desserts, barbecue, seasonings, and vegetarian dishes.

　Although the naming of the establishments is somewhat whimsical, each head chef is a genuine five-star chef, and the apprenticeship system is adopted.

　The two vice presidents are veteran six-star chefs, while the president is the only publicly known seven-star chef in Fujian, and has a great reputation in China.

　Only someone like him is qualified to sit down and discuss the Dao with Bai Yuan!

　After passing through the competition venue, the two arrived at a simple courtyard where a plump old man was sweeping the yard. He immediately squinted his eyes when he saw someone coming.

　"Xuanqing, this is that young seven-star chef? Are you sure you're not mistaken? He may be young according to the intelligence, but isn't he a bit too young?!"

　"That's right, he is Bai Yuan. I personally witnessed him create the 'Radiant Cuisine,' and it was absolutely genuine. He is China's youngest Special Grade Seven-Star Chef!"

　His gaze swept over Bai Yuan, and although he already knew his age, the shock of actually meeting him still struck his heart.

　The other person was about the same age as his great-grandson, and he was surprised that the other person could cook at the same level as him!

　"Truly, heroes emerge from among the young! I never imagined that I would live to see a twenty-year-old become a seven-star chef. It makes me wonder if I'm dreaming."

　Jin Dafu's gaze swept back and forth over Bai Yuan, observing his calm demeanor and the faint smile he gave him. He couldn't help but nod in approval.

　Putting everything else aside, this calm and composed demeanor alone is enough to make people feel that only a truly skilled chef can exude such a unique aura.

　"Senior Jin, you flatter me. I have only achieved some success by chance and I really do not deserve to be called a hero. Your achievements and prestige in the culinary world are the role models for us younger generations."

　Bai Yuan spoke very modestly, while also exchanging pleasantries, which made Jin Dafu laugh heartily.

　"I like what you're saying, but I'm not just praising you; I mean it sincerely. Don't be too modest; you have every right to be proud!"

　Jin Dafu admired Bai Yuan's attitude even more.

　He remains humble and modest despite his age and impressive abilities, which is truly admirable.

　Put yourself in his shoes. If he had achieved this much at Bai Yuan's age, he would probably be swaggering around, and no one could sway him!

　After all, a top-tier seven-star chef has already reached the pinnacle of the culinary world, with no rivals except for the extremely rare top-tier eight-star chefs!

　"It's not that I'm being modest, it's just that I feel there's still so much I need to learn."

　I've heard that you have the best expertise in black pork dishes. May I ask you some questions related to black pork cooking?

　Before coming, Bai Yuan had already inquired about the Fujian Culinary Association. Jin Dafu, the president of the association, was extremely skilled in meat dishes, with black pork being his most renowned specialty.

　During this time, he happened to develop an interest in black pigs, which have a more delicate texture and richer flavor compared to regular pork.

　"Black pork dishes? You've come to the right person! Of all the meats in the world, black pork is my favorite!"

　Let me briefly mention a few of its advantages: black pork has evenly distributed fat, firm and elastic meat, and a more tender taste than ordinary pork.

　Furthermore, due to the longer growth cycle of black pigs, their meat accumulates more flavor compounds, resulting in a fragrant aroma and rich, mellow taste after cooking.

　When Bai Yuan asked about the area he was familiar with, Jin Dafu immediately pulled him to sit on a stone bench in the courtyard and personally poured him a cup of hot tea.

　The old man, who had been called Xuanqing, only glanced at the teapot with longing before leaving, as he still had to serve as a judge.

　"Based on the advantages you mentioned, black pork is very suitable for making dishes like meat buns and char siu."

　Bai Yuan pinched his chin, quickly forming culinary ideas in his mind. It seemed that some dishes that highlighted the natural flavor of the meat would be well-suited to black pork.

　"Let's have tea."

　Jin Dafu simply smiled at Bai Yuan's words, placed a teacup filled three-quarters full in front of him, and gestured for him to enter.

　"This is what is known as Wuyi rock tea. The leaf tips are twisted, like a dragonfly's head. The color is dark blue with a brownish-oily sheen. The inner quality is lively, sweet, clear, and fragrant."

　I glanced at the tea leaves in the teapot, then at the Wuyi rock tea in front of me. If I'm not mistaken, the tea being brewed should be Da Hong Pao.

　Because the rock tea brewed with Da Hong Pao has a bright orange-yellow color, a rich and complex aroma, and a floral, fruity, and unique mineral scent.

　"Young Master Bai Yuan also enjoys tea?"

　Jin Dafu looked at Bai Yuan with slight surprise, seemingly not expecting someone so young to know so much about tea, since young people these days don't like tea and prefer Western coffee. However, after remembering that Bai Yuan was a seven-star chef, everything made sense.

　What great chef doesn't like drinking tea?

　"This distinct rocky floral aroma is definitely a top-grade oolong tea; it's hard not to notice it."

　Bai Yuan smiled and shook his head, then picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip of the tea.

　The environment shapes the people, and tea, in a way, reflects the local environment.

　"The taste is rich and mellow, with a strong aftertaste and a long finish, as if you can feel the weight of the rocks of Wuyi Mountain and the spirit of nature."

　As he savored the delicate flavor on his tongue, Bai Yuan's brows relaxed, and an expression of enjoyment appeared on his face.

　"This tea was picked in the first batch this April, and it's the best quality among the batches. Only three and a half pounds were produced, and I shamelessly asked for six pounds."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's assessment, Jin Dafu laughed heartily, feeling quite pleased with himself. He then picked up his teacup and took a sip.

　"Speaking of which, what did you come to Fujian for? It couldn't just be to participate in a youth chef competition, that kind of competition doesn't mean much to you, right?"

　After putting down his teacup, Jin Dafu's expression suddenly turned serious, and he inquired about Bai Yuan's purpose in coming here.

　“I brought my students here. They’ve always lived in small towns and haven’t seen any really good chefs. This is a good opportunity to put some pressure on them.”

　Faced with questions that sounded like accusations, Bai Yuan was not annoyed. Instead, he simply explained why he had come, saying there was nothing to hide.

　"A student? I heard that you went to Totsuki Academy in Japan during your time away from China. No wonder there are several Japanese contestants in this competition."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, and considering his year-long disappearance and the rumors circulating among the upper-level chefs, Jin Dafu suddenly realized what was going on.

　"That's right, mainly my..."

　My fiancée is still there, so I need to go take care of her. I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone in Totsuki.

　"Fiancée? A 'raising-up' type? Are young people these days planning to get married so early...?"

　Upon learning Bai Yuan's purpose, Jin Dafu breathed a sigh of relief. The sudden appearance of a young powerhouse of equal strength in his territory had truly put him under immense pressure!

　As long as the other party doesn't come to cause trouble, he can do whatever he wants. He's too old to handle any more trouble.

　Unfortunately, his apprentice was in a car accident years ago and could not be saved. The talented chef died an untimely death, and his grand-apprentice had not yet grown up.

　Otherwise, he would have retired long ago, instead of clinging to the position of chairman and doing thankless tasks every day.

　"If you're just participating in a competition, then Fujian welcomes you and hopes you can achieve good results."

　"Don't worry, my apprentices are no pushovers."

　"My grand-disciple will also be participating in this competition, so we'll have to have a good showdown then."

　Thinking of his grand-disciple, the person who would succeed him in the future, a smile appeared on Jin Dafu's face.

　"There will definitely be this opportunity!"

　Bai Yuan smiled as well, raised his teacup, took a sip, and savored the flavor. He had great confidence in Nakiri Alice's abilities.

　The current Alice Nakiri can even stand up to a 3-star chef!

　This Fujian Youth Chef Competition is the perfect opportunity for her to transform!

Chapter 238 News of Soma Yukihira, Special Competition Mechanism

　It was almost evening when we left Jin Dafu's courtyard.

　Bai Yuan walked towards the venue of the Youth Chef Competition and saw young chefs with dejected expressions coming out of the venue.

　Clearly, these guys are all losers.

　"The little ones? How are they?"

　Looking at Alice Nakiri and the others, who stood tall and proud, their demeanor clearly different from those around them, Bai Yuan already knew the answer even without asking. His smile was the triumphant song of a victor.

　"Very smoothly, the third-place team in Group A has passed."