Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　Taking the tea offered by Alice Nakiri, Zhu Yan took a sip and spoke these words with a knowing look on her face.

　"So what? You came here to tell me all this, are you trying to threaten me?"

　Zhu Yan's words made Alice Nakiri's heart sink. She didn't understand where she had given herself away, but she remained calm on the surface and looked at her with a forced smile.

　"Not only you, but the person on the stage today should be Erina Nakiri, the new hope of the Japanese culinary world, who is said to have the 'God Tongue' that can distinguish the flavors of the world."

　"I was only guessing about your identities at first, but it wasn't until she took out the molecular gastronomy machine that I truly became certain of my suspicions."

　Without responding to Alice Nakiri, she slowly finished her tea, then picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup, revealing another discovery she had made.

　Both Nakiri sisters are exceptionally talented, standing out from the crowd. Those familiar with them can easily recognize them.

　However, this place is China. Although the two are somewhat famous overseas, they are only recognizable. Once they leave their comfort zone, they are nobodies in China. That's why they were not recognized when they came to participate in the competition.

　And she, Zhu Yan, happens to enjoy comparing herself with chefs from other countries, using this to remind herself that there are always people better than her, and to prevent herself from becoming arrogant and conceited as her skills improve.

　This is also the key to her being able to recognize Erina Nakiri and Alice Nakiri. There may already be many people at the scene who know their identities, but they are not sure, so they have not made it public.

　The adult world often values ​​a decisive blow and doesn't spread false rumors.

　"What exactly do you want? Now that you've found out our identities, you should know that we're not afraid of threats to our identities. It's just a matter of dropping a layer of disguise."

　Alice Nakiri frowned and asked, still not understanding what this guy needed.

　It's impossible for her to think she can use this information to manipulate her and make her give up the competition, right? If that's the case, then this guy is being far too naive!

　"It's very simple. Since you are good at molecular gastronomy, I hope you can use this to compete against me in a match where I won't have any excuses if I lose."

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Zhu Yan stepped forward and met her gaze, earnestly stating her request.

　She didn't want Alice Nakiri to go easy on her, even if that would greatly increase her chances of winning.

　But in that situation, even if she won, she wouldn't feel happy.

　If you're going to win, you have to win fair and square!

　That way, the opponent won't make excuses after the match, saying that they didn't use their preferred cooking method.

　Of course, another reason was that she wanted to see the complete form of molecular gastronomy. (Nakiri E)

　Rina clearly only has a superficial understanding, and her molecular gastronomy dishes are still very rough. If her opponent were her, she would definitely not lose!

　"Why do you think I can't compete with you in molecular gastronomy? I brought all the equipment with me."

　Alice Nakiri was somewhat puzzled by Zhu Yan's request.

　Apart from Bai Yuan, she never told anyone that she wouldn't use molecular gastronomy in this competition, after all, she even brought a molecular gastronomy machine with her.

　"It's nothing, just a woman's intuition."

　Seeing the slightly surprised expression on Nakiri Alice's face, Zhu Yan knew that she had made the right decision to come today.

　This arrogant guy in front of her actually had no intention of competing with her using his expertise in molecular gastronomy.

　What an arrogant fellow!

　"Your intuition is spot on. If this is a condition for keeping quiet, I agree. I'll show you my full power!"

　Looking at Zhu Yan's serious face, Alice Nakiri smiled.

　She suddenly realized that this guy in front of her was no longer a lowly soldier who could be dealt with with ordinary cooking; it seemed she would have to use some real skills.

　"As you say, I'll be waiting for you at the competition, Miss Alice."

　Zhu Yan stood up from the sofa as she spoke. She had achieved her goal, and now it was time to give it her all in the next match.

　No matter what, she can't afford to lose the next match.

　Otherwise, it would be rather clownish to make grand pronouncements before the match only to be easily defeated during it.

　"Walk slowly without sending."

　Watching Zhu Yan's departing figure, Nakiri Alice escorted her to the door.

　"Zhu Yan? I'll remember you. I hope your strength will allow me to have some fun!"

　As Zhu Yan's figure disappeared, a sharp white glint flashed in Alice Nakiri's eyes.

　"Take a break..."

　She closed the door, walked to the massage chair in the lounge, set the alarm, lay down, and began her final relaxation before the competition.

　"Ah! This feels so good! A massage chair after a good meal is simply the greatest invention in the world!"

　Lying on the massage chair, feeling the pressure, Bai Yuan's body rose and fell, his voice filled with amazement.

　"Indeed, this continuous wave of comfortable feeling throughout my body is so great!"

　Beside her, Leah shouted in French, immediately attracting a lot of attention, and everyone looked at her in surprise.

　After all, this is China, and blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigners naturally receive more attention.

　Moreover, Leah is petite and has exquisite features, making her an absolute super beauty, which attracts even more attention.

　"so cute!"

　Not far away, a girl secretly took a picture of Liya lying on the massage chair with a blissful expression on her face. She kept stomping her little leather shoes and muttered to herself in amazement at how cute she was.

　"Not only her, but the others are also very beautiful, like ordinary people who are considered celebrities!"

　Who's that man in the middle of the massage chair? I'm so envious, surrounded by so many gorgeous girls! I wish I could take his place!

　"You could have someone as good-looking as him, he's a real heartthrob! I guarantee he's the most handsome guy in this area!"

　"He's my type, tall and handsome, dressed casually, with the air of a noble young master. Underneath those loose clothes, he must have abs!"

　A dozen meters apart, the group walked together. When they passed by Bai Yuan and the others, no one could help but glance at them. Even if some tried to pretend they didn't see them, they would definitely regret turning away afterward.

　"Tomorrow's first match is Teacher Liya's match, and her opponent is that Wang Qing."

　It's said that he and Liu Xiaotian fought fiercely last year, with Liu ultimately losing by a hair's breadth. He's also a favorite to win this year. Are you confident?

　Thinking about Lia's opponent in tomorrow's competition, the runner-up in last year's and this year's cooking competition, Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but ask, her voice revealing a hint of worry.

　"My goal is to win the championship this time."

　In response to Tadokoro Megumi's words, Lia simply replied that her only goal had always been to win the Youth Tournament.

　Only by winning this competition can she become a top-tier three-star chef.

　Although she has already won the heart of her beloved, improving her chef level is her own business. She also wants to become a skilled high-star chef so that staying by Bai Yuan's side wouldn't be considered climbing the social ladder, but rather a perfect match.

　As a strong-willed girl, this was very important to her.

　"That's right! If you're going to participate in the competition, it wouldn't be fun if you didn't aim for first place."

　I'll be waiting for you at the finals. I hope you don't lose before then.

　"I also want to say this to you: don't lose to anyone before you lose to me. Let me see how much you've grown during this time!"

　Erina Nakiri's voice rang out, expressing her strong agreement with Lia's determination.

　The word "second place" doesn't exist in her dictionary. She lost to Bai Yuan because they were from different eras, and he was much older than her, so it was understandable that she lost.

　But when facing rivals of the same age, Erina Nakiri doesn't think she's any worse than them!

　Beside her, Hisako Shinoto looked at the spirited Erina Nakiri with starry eyes, as if she were looking at a great deity.

　"It's about time. Let's go back and watch Alice's match."

　Looking at the determined Nakiri

　Bai Yuan nodded silently to Erina and Lia.

　This is the most valuable quality a chef can possess: self-belief. Only those who have this quality are qualified to climb to the top.

　"it is good."

　"I need to memorize it~"

　"I wonder what the theme will be."

　Several figures got up one after another, left the massage chairs, and walked towards the venue.

　The people who had gathered around followed, and when they saw that they were together, they showed expressions of "I knew it."

　Sure enough, handsome men and beautiful women make friends with Kayan!

　"Sorry to keep you all waiting. We've had a two-hour halftime break, so everyone should be back to their best form by now. Are you looking forward to the game?"

　When Bai Yuan and his group returned to the stadium, they just happened to see the host go on stage, holding a microphone and speaking passionately to the audience.

　There are still three minutes before the start of the competition. The host's task is to heat up the atmosphere and get the crowd excited during this time.

　"Have!"

　"Zhu Yan! Zhu Yan!"

　"Love! Love!"

　Upon hearing the host's words, the young men and women in the audience immediately waved their light sticks, some red and some white, which glowed faintly in the darkness.

　The red part represents support for Zhu Yan, while the white part represents support for Nakiri Alice.

　Looking around, most of the colors are red, with only a few white ones. These are the fans Zhu Yan gained from her outstanding performance in last year's Young Chef Competition.

　Now it has finally come in handy.

　The overwhelming cheers could easily scare someone who isn't mentally strong enough to faint.

　"This is truly exhilarating! Now, please welcome our two contestants to the stage!"

　As they spoke, the spotlights on the stage shone on both sides of the contestants' passageway.

　Zhu Yan and Alice Nakiri emerged from inside, waving to the audience as they faced the spotlights from all directions.

　It was just like a star making a highly anticipated appearance, which doubled the cheers from the audience.

　"Here you are, Teacher Bai Yuan."

　"You guys went to buy light sticks too?"

　Entering from the left side of the audience area, Bai Yuan made his way to his seat, took the light stick handed to him by Yoshino Yuuki, and showed a surprised expression on his face.

　"Well, I thought I'd do my part, even though it's a bit far. Maybe Alice can hear my cheers and it will give her more confidence."

　"I didn't expect that you, who are usually so carefree and seem to take nothing to heart, could be so meticulous when it comes to doing things. That's a good idea."