Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　"That's right, only when all three are combined can it be called a top-notch dish."

　Zhang Zhong nodded slightly, gazing at the Molecular Garden in front of him, lost in thought. Seeing him like this, Tan Guai and Su Yan beside him also fell silent.

　It's a bit cruel to say, but although both of them are very good at cooking, Alice Nakiri is better in terms of creativity and everything else.

　When something good meets something even better, it's only natural that something good should give way to something even better.

　However, this is somewhat cruel for Zhu Yan, since she belongs to the good side.

Chapter 266 You're a pervert, but I love it!

　"The winner of this competition is love."

　Although the ending was cruel, one must always face reality. Looking at Zhu Yan's expectant gaze, Zhang Zhong made the fairest decision.

　Alice Nakiri won the match and is the victor of this duel.

　"I lost?"

　Upon hearing Zhang Zhong's words, Zhu Yan's expression froze instantly. Although she had some premonition, she collapsed to the ground upon hearing the confirmation, her face filled with utter despair.

　"I want to know exactly where we lost."

　Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, Zhu Yan raised her head and looked at Zhang Zhong with burning eyes, wanting to get an answer from him.

　"You didn't lose in any particular way. Your cooking was excellent, but it was lacking in several aspects. When there are too many of these shortcomings, it becomes inferior."

　Zhang Zhong raised the issue of Zhu Yan.

　If there is a deficiency in only one aspect, it can be compensated for by improving in another aspect.

　But if it falls short in every aspect, then the problem is quite serious. This kind of fundamental backwardness is something that can never be remedied.

　"Try it and see the difference between us."

　As she spoke, Alice Nakiri handed the dish to Zhu Yan, her voice tinged with a sense of triumph and satisfaction at having won the competition.

　It's been a long time since I've had such a fierce competition. The dishes I made are of an unusually high grade, almost reaching the level of a top-tier three-star dish.

　Even within her culinary history, she would rank among the top three.

　"gap..."

　Looking at the dish in front of her, Zhu Yan took a deep breath, then picked up a spoon without hesitation, scooped up a large spoonful, put it in her mouth, and closed her eyes.

　An incredibly delicate flavor.

　Compared to her carelessness, Alice Nakiri's cooking has a gentle flavor that gives people a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze, making them clearly feel happy.

　That's right, I could feel it clearly!

　This feeling is somewhat mystical, since everyone's definition of happiness is different.

　But for Zhu Yan, the moment she tasted the food, the gentle flavors transformed into a warm current, rippling through her heart and nourishing it. In her world, that feeling was happiness.

　It's amazing that a dish could bring her such a feeling!

　Her eyes went from confusion to realization, and then to resentment. No wonder she lost the competition; faced with such a dish, she had absolutely no chance of winning.

　This is an absolute difference in quality!

　"You are very good. You are the strongest opponent I have encountered besides my master."

　As they were talking, Alice Nakiri came up to Zhu Yan and extended her hand to her.

　"Are you mocking me?"

　Seeing Alice Nakiri's outstretched hand and recalling her crushing defeat just now, Zhu Yan's expression turned somewhat grim, and her fists clenched slightly.

　"No, I mean it sincerely."

　Alice Nakiri shook her head slightly, her eyes burning with passion and sincerity.

　She wasn't being sarcastic. Zhu Yan was indeed the strongest opponent she had ever encountered besides Bai Yuan, and she only reached out to him out of respect for him.

　"That's good, I admit defeat this time."

　But I'll definitely be the winner next time!

　Looking into Alice Nakiri's sincere eyes, Zhu Yan hesitated for a moment before finally taking her hand and standing up with her help.

　"Although I really want to cheer you on, if I were your opponent, you probably still wouldn't be able to win."

　Hearing Zhu Yan's words, Nakiri Alice pursed her lips. Although the other party was indeed the strongest opponent she had ever encountered, it did not mean that the gap between them was small; on the contrary, the gap between them was huge.

　"You really spoil the mood when you talk!"

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Zhu Yan immediately shook off her hand, her face showing a sullen expression, but her voice was not very angry.

　Alice Nakiri simply touched her nose and didn't say anything more.

　After a brief conversation and pleasantries, the two parted ways on the field. Alice Nakiri, looking excited, skipped and jumped, and soon arrived in front of Shiro Awakening.

　"Got it! Hehe!"

　"Why did you end up using molecular gastronomy? Didn't you say you were saving it for the later competitions?"

　Looking at Alice Nakiri, who was smugly trying to take credit for him, Bai Yuan patted her head considerately and then asked curiously.

　"I didn't want to either, mainly because..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's question, Alice Nakiri finally had an outlet for her emotions. She spoke with a wronged tone, recounting how Zhu Yan had threatened her.

　"I see. But it's not surprising that your identities have been discovered. After all, you're not wild men from the mountains, and communication is very advanced in modern society."

　Even if they didn't know before, a little investigation would reveal the truth; it's neither realistic nor possible to hide it from others for a long time.

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's answer, Bai Yuan nodded slightly in understanding; he wasn't surprised that their identities had been discovered.

　Given the advanced communication technology in modern society, it would be unreasonable for someone not to be detected.

　"Then what to do."

　"Just let things take their course; there's nothing shameful about it."

　Moreover, your identities might even bring honor to the Dark Cuisine World, since it's currently just an emerging force, and its influence isn't as great as your original identities.

　"That's true. But in the future, the Dark Cuisine World will definitely become a leading force in the world, even surpassing the World Culinary Association!"

　"That's for sure. The so-called World Gastronomy Association is nothing more than an organization with a large number of chefs, and it uses the word 'wide' to describe it."

　Our world of culinary disasters, however, uses the finest ingredients. The quantity may differ, but the quality will absolutely crush the competition.

　Looking at the worried face of the girl in front of him, Bai Yuan raised his hand and patted her head, speaking softly.

　"So what if they know? I've never thought that a small mask could hide my charm. This isn't a TV drama."

　Beside her, Erina Nakiri shrugged, appearing completely unconcerned.

　"Indeed, a mask is just a symbol of identity. Unless one completely changes their appearance, it's impossible not to be recognized."

　In fact, because of the competition, someone contacted me a few days ago, wanting me to return to France to lead the youth chef community.

　Just then, Liya, who was in Bai Yuan's arms, spoke up and told him about what she had experienced in the past few days.

　Two days ago, she was stopped by French people who came to China to find her, who wanted her and her brother to return to France to lead the French youth chef community.

　Compared to culinary powerhouses, in countries like France, a young chef who reaches the highest three-star rating before the age of thirty is already considered top-tier.

　Lia, who is only in her early twenties, is already a two-star chef and is destined to be a leading figure in the French culinary world.

　Have you all encountered people who know your identities?

　Hearing Lia's words, Alice Nakiri's voice carried a hint of surprise.

　"Yeah, so just relax. My disguise was exposed on the very first day."

　At this point, Bai Yuan's voice carried a hint of helplessness. He had hoped to dominate the Youth Chef Competition, but he was banned on the first day of the preliminary rounds because the other party wouldn't let him participate.

　"On the first day of the qualifiers, he made a luminous dish, and he's so young. I guess there's only one like him in the world, Bai Laoda."

　How could the organizers possibly allow a chef of this caliber to participate?

　Lia began to complain from the bottom of her heart, snuggling closer to Bai Yuan as she spoke, greedily seeking his warmth.

　"Almost everyone's left, let's go too."

　While they were chatting, the crowd dispersed. Bai Yuan looked at Liya, who was still clinging to him and refused to get up, and pinched her cheek.

　"My body is completely limp, I can't walk anymore, Boss Bai, can you carry me back?"

　Enjoying Bai Yuan's pinching of her cheek with a comfortable expression, Liya tilted her head back slightly, twisted her body, and softly coaxed him.

　"If you weren't really cute, looking up like that would be a death angle."

　"My greatest advantage is my natural beauty!"

　Looking at Leah's flawless face, composed of delicate and exquisite features.

　Bai Yuan sighed sincerely, then stood up and picked her up in a princess carry, thus agreeing to her request.

　"It's rare for you to make a request of me, so it would be unreasonable not to fulfill it."

　As he spoke, Bai Yuan took a step, his steps light and quick; judging from his posture, it was clear...

　They planned to carry Leah back in a princess carry.

　"hey-hey."

　With her arms wrapped around Bai Yuan's neck, Liya let out a silvery laugh, clearly very happy, and naturally rested her little head in his arms.

　"I'm so envious! Brother Bai Yuan has never carried me home like this before!"

　Looking at Lia, who was happily nestled in Bai Yuan's arms, Nakiri Alice spoke up, feeling a little jealous. Even she had never enjoyed such treatment!

　"Do you like this? If you do, I'll carry you home tomorrow, but hurry up and follow me now, or the reporters will swarm us."

　Bai Yuan glanced at the reporter who had been searching for Nakiri Alice since she took off her mask, and gestured for her to leave.

　"Let's forget about it then. It's better to do this privately. Doing it in public is too embarrassing; we're not children anymore..."

　Bai Yuan carried Liya as they walked ahead, surrounded by curious and inquisitive gazes.

　The thought of enduring such gazes while in Bai Yuan's arms made Alice Nakiri want to groan and feel incredibly ashamed.

　"I actually feel quite happy. Isn't this passionate expression of love for each other quite romantic?"

　Lia looked at Bai Yuan's face with deep affection. As a Frenchwoman, she had been raised with romanticism.