Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　"You...you pervert! How could you be so shameless in public!"

　Before Baiyuan could greet Tadokoro Megumi, a soft shout came from not far away.

　Looking up, I saw it was Erina Nakiri. The girl had changed into a dress and was wearing a mask. Her neat ponytail, which she had tied up for the competition, was now free, and her waist-length hair flowed down her back.

　"This isn't shamelessness. If Erina wants, I can hug you too."

　Although it was Lia who took the initiative, being told that by Erina Nakiri still made her a little unhappy.

　With a playful smile on his face, Bai Yuan opened his arms towards Nakiri Erina as he spoke, while Lia, who was on him, left his embrace at the same time.

　He added, "If that's what Erina thinks, then it's not impossible for me to give up this position."

　"Who wants this seat! If you want to sit, then sit here and give up your current spot!"

　Following Bai Yuan's face downwards, Nakiri Erina almost instantly looked away, then turned to Lia with a flushed face and spoke.

　Bai Yuan's legs were clearly Liya's exclusive seat, because only her petite figure could nestle in Bai Yuan's arms without attracting attention. If it were her, with her large size, she would definitely be the center of attention in no time.

　At that time, someone might see through her disguise and recognize her, which would be incredibly embarrassing!

　Having finally made it to the semifinals, she didn't want to do anything that would ruin her reputation.

　but...

　Looking at Lia, who was perfectly positioned next to Bai Yuan, with a hint of envy in her eyes, Erina Nakiri thought, "It seems that being petite has its advantages!"

　Thinking of this, she couldn't help but lower her head, and then realized that she couldn't see her heels, which made her feel a little helpless.

　Unless humans can reverse aging, she probably will never be able to be held in Bai Yuan's arms in this lifetime.

　"If you really like me, come to my room tonight. I'll hold you, and it can last as long as you want."

　Seeing through Erina Nakiri's little scheme, Shiro's voice rang in her ear.

　"I don't like it at all! Of course, if you insist on hugging me, I'll come over for a little while tonight..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's voice, Erina Nakiri's body trembled almost imperceptibly. She felt inexplicably moved, but on the surface, she maintained a cold and aloof demeanor and replied indifferently.

　"How tsundere! It's alright, I'll make you say the two words you want tonight."

　Knowing Erina Nakiri's personality, Bai Yuan only found her exceptionally cute at that moment, while thinking about what he would do that night.

　How to torment her.

　Making a proud and arrogant woman no longer proud, but only charming, is a very fulfilling thing.

　"personally..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Erina Nakiri's face visibly flushed red, as if she had thought of something. With her head down, she could hear her own heart pounding. Although he hadn't specified what she was supposed to do, she could already imagine what might happen that night.

　After all, no matter how you look at it, Bai Yuan is an absolute freak.

　"There's still some time before the afternoon match starts. You can go to the restroom or go out for some fresh air if you want. There's no need to just sit here and do nothing."

　I glanced at the time and noticed that the number of people in the venue had visibly decreased. I headed towards the exit because a food festival was being held outside, a tradition that the Young Chefs Competition has always had.

　The wealthy buy tickets to watch the game inside, while those without money watch the broadcast from the outer area and enjoy the various delicacies at the food festival.

　This place not only offers local Fujian snacks and delicacies, but also a wide variety of other regional cuisines, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere with smiles on the faces of visitors.

　"I don't mind, would you like to go out and have a look together, Teacher Bai Yuan?"

　Erina Nakiri looked at Shirai Awakening with bright eyes. Next to her sat Hisako Shinoto, who had rushed over.

　"Indeed, it's too boring to be alone. It would be nice if Boss Bai came along. I didn't eat anything for lunch and I'm starving."

　"You have the nerve to say that? You stayed in bed until after 11 o'clock. If I hadn't gone to your room to take a look, I would have thought you had already left."

　Looking at Liya, who was pressing her head against his chest and gazing at him with an innocent and radiant expression, Bai Yuan couldn't help but put his hands on her face, kneading it while making sarcastic remarks.

　"All of this is thanks to Boss Bai!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Liya suddenly puffed out her cheeks, crossed her arms, and struck an angry pose.

　"How did it become my achievement? I didn't even go to your room last night."

　Bai Yuan was puzzled by this. His first reaction was that Liya was trying to pin the blame on him, so he made even bigger movements with his hands. It couldn't possibly be that someone from the harem had attacked her at night.

　It doesn't seem that bad...

　"Delayed reaction, delayed reaction, Boss Bai, you don't think I can recover in one night with your abilities, do you?"

　To be honest, even now, my lower back is still sore and uncomfortable.

　And this was only because Boss Bai took pity on them.

　At this point, a hint of resentment crept into Lia's voice.

　"It seems being small isn't all good..."

　Hearing Lia's slightly complaining words, the thought popped into Erina Nakiri's mind, because she had absolutely no idea what the other person had gone through.

　Bai Yuan showed her little pity, and mostly acted quite wildly...

　Although she enjoyed it...

　As if she had thought of something, Erina Nakiri covered her face, not daring to think any further.

　"Do you want me to carry you?"

　Hearing Lia's words and thinking of the wonderful night they spent together the night before last, Bai Yuan felt a little embarrassed, so he took the initiative to make a suggestion.

　"May I?!"

　Hearing Bai Yuan's words, Liya looked surprised, twisting the hem of her clothes.

　"Of course, we're a couple, what's wrong with that?"

　Seeing the girl's surprised expression, Bai Yuan stood up from the chair, then reached out and lifted Liya onto the chair so that she could sit more comfortably on his back.

　"It feels like we're siblings."

　Lying on Bai Yuan's back with a sense of longing, Liya thought of the feeling of being carried by her brother when she was a child.

　Come to think of it, it seems like it's been over a decade since her brother carried her on his back.

　On the one hand, they intentionally avoided each other as they grew up; on the other hand, their dedication to cooking had weakened their sibling bond, leaving only a blood relation as their remaining connection.

　"Erina, Megumi, let's go."

　He supported Lia's bottom with both hands to make sure she wouldn't fall, then turned to greet Nakiri Erina. She probably hadn't eaten much for breakfast, and after a match, she must be hungry.

　"it is good."

　As they were talking, Erina Nakiri pulled Hisako Shinoto to her feet.

　Tadokoro Megumi didn't answer, but gently put her arm around Shiro's arm, striking a pose like that of an empress.

　Other girls wanted to join in when they saw this, but considering that Bai Yuan hadn't invited them and that it was too crowded, they ultimately didn't go forward.

　Haste makes waste. Let's wait until we're truly in a committed relationship before showing affection in public!

Chapter 263, Second Theme: The Ingredients' Counterattack

　"Da da da."

　Footsteps echoed through the silent corridor, and Alice Nakiri appeared, scrolling through her phone as she headed towards the player lounge that the organizers had prepared for her.

　However, before she even arrived, an uninvited guest stopped her outside the lounge.

　"Zhu Yan, why aren't you in your own lounge? What are you doing here?"

　She paused, looked up, and saw a familiar face. Seeing that she was looking at her with a smiling expression, Alice Nakiri's expression instantly turned cold.

　His gaze unconsciously swept around, confirming...

　He breathed a sigh of relief when there was no one else around except Zhu Yan.

　"Of course, it's just pre-match pleasantries. Next up is our match."

　As an opponent, it's perfectly normal for them to come over and say hello before the match.

　Seeing the wary expression on Alice's face, Zhu Yan shrugged to show that she was harmless, and then explained the purpose of her visit.

　"I have nothing to say to you. If you can, please move aside. I need to go inside and rest."

　When Zhu Yan greeted her, Alice Nakiri frowned slightly. She didn't think she had anything in common with her, and the other woman must have some unspeakable secret to come here!

　In such situations, it's best not to dwell on it; avoidance is the most effective approach.

　Let's talk about it after the game!

　"Don't be so cold. The 'ice queen' persona isn't popular with boys. Alice, do you have a boyfriend yet? Are you still single?"

　Seeing Alice Nakiri about to enter the house, Zhu Yan immediately went up to stop her, chattering incessantly.

　"Boyfriend? Of course I have one."

　"What, you're interested in my boyfriend and want me to introduce him to you?"

　Noticing that the door was blocked by Zhu Yan, Alice Nakiri's expression turned completely cold.

　She didn't want to cause trouble before the match, as that would affect her performance during the match. But that didn't mean she was afraid of causing trouble. If the other party insisted on provoking her, she wouldn't mind retaliating with a heavy blow!

　However, the most important thing now is to figure out what this guy is trying to do!?

　"You should keep your boyfriend to yourself. I have no intention of coveting someone else's boyfriend."

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Zhu Yan blushed, then stepped aside to clear the doorway: "Let's go inside and talk."

　"Ok."

　Seeing this, Alice Nakiri, though somewhat reluctant, let her in.

　She wanted to see what this guy was up to!

　"Drink tea."

　Looking at Zhu Yan, who was sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, acting like the master of the house, Alice Nakiri raised an eyebrow.

　Although the other party had been forced to enter, she still made tea for her and personally served it to her.

　"What brings you here? You'd better give me a satisfactory answer." He stared intently at Zhu Yan, as if he wouldn't let her go until she gave a clear explanation.

　"You must be Alice Nakiri, the molecular gastronomy prodigy who was featured in a gourmet magazine before."

　Even though you were wearing a mask and had joined this bizarre organization called the Dark Cuisine World, I actually recognized you the moment I saw you.