Food Wars, My Dishes Don't Just Shine

　How could she possibly call Bai Yuan while she was doing *that* with her, hoping to get excited by her voice?

　That would be way too perverted!

　"The main thing is that you came downstairs with Teacher Bai Yuan, and you were limping, which clearly means you had been through a fierce battle."

　Plus, last night's phone call was really unusual; you never call me and then hang up, which is why this happened.

　A misunderstanding..."

　Hisako Shinoto's explanation, her face flushed.

　However, at this moment, Erina Nakiri's opinion of her had undergone a subtle change, and she was deeply shaken. The kind, innocent, and cute Hisako Shirato from before seemed to have disappeared.

　As they grew older, the other person's heart, which was as white as a sheet of paper, became stained with ink marks, and yellow paint spread within it.

　This is a very normal thing.

　Humans do grow.

　Of course, this does not mean that Erina Nakiri does not regret this.

　"Hisako, I understand your needs. You need Hakugen-sensei, right?"

　Looking at Hisako Shinto, who was anxiously explaining and trying to dispel any misunderstanding, Erina Nakiri seemed to have thought of something. She snapped her fingers cheerfully and said her guess with bright eyes.

　"Huh? Why are you suddenly saying that?!"

　Upon hearing Erina Nakiri's abrupt words, Hisako Shinoto's face visibly flushed red, and she shrank back as if some strange switch had been flipped.

　"Look, you watch those kinds of videos every day, so you must have some kind of need for them."

　"And we only have one person here who can meet your needs, and you probably wouldn't consider anyone else, so that leaves only Teacher Bai Yuan, right?"

　Erina Nakiri began to analyze the situation with clear logic.

　Hisako Shinoto made so many connections based on just one phone call, which Erina Nakiri saw as a sign of loneliness, and the best way to solve that loneliness was to find her a boyfriend.

　Coincidentally, Hisako Shinto also has some feelings for Shirabuchi, in other words, she needs him.

　"You, you're using sophistry!"

　Hisako Shinoto, of course, was unwilling to admit that she had such thoughts. Her face turned frighteningly red, and her voice rose even higher.

　"What sophistry? This is a perfectly reasonable analysis."

　Looking at Hisako Shinoto's expression, Erina Nakiri became even more certain that her judgment was correct. The other party did need Shirabuchi, and very much so, with a clear need for that aspect.

　"Don't worry, I'll create opportunities for you!"

　As she became more certain of her thoughts, various plans began to surface in her mind. Erina Nakiri patted her chest and made a "leave it to me" expression.

　Just as Hisako Shinto was about to say something, Erina Nakiri got up to get breakfast, since they had come here specifically for breakfast.

　"Eh...but it's me."

　Watching Erina Nakiri's departing figure, Hisako Shinoto wanted to say something, but after hesitating for a moment, she could only watch as Erina squeezed into the crowd and disappeared.

　"The sweet potato porridge was so delicious! It was both rustic and refined, and I finished it all in no time because of its sweetness!"

　After licking the last drop of rice porridge from the bowl in front of her, Alice Nakiri placed the bowl back in front of her and exclaimed in admiration.

　The rich flavor of sweet potato porridge makes it so delicious that you can't stop eating it!

　"Indeed, the chef who made this porridge is quite skilled. It's sweet, smooth, and silky. No wonder it's made by a chef from a five-star hotel."

　Bai Yuan nodded in agreement. Although it was just a small bowl of sweet potato porridge, it could still be made incredibly delicious if the details were followed.

　For example, the one in front of us has the level of a special grade two star.

　A dish of two special-grade quality would be a signature dish in some small restaurants, even if it's just a bowl of sweet potato porridge.

　"By the way, Brother Baiyuan, have you thought about your training plan? We only need to win one more match to advance to the finals, but unless we face Erina, the other two will probably be tough to deal with!"

　Alice Nakiri's voice rang out, her face revealing a hint of solemnity.

　In the semifinals, apart from facing Erina Nakiri, she had no confidence against anyone else and could only fight with all her might to seek victory.

　"Don't underestimate Erina. She's very strong now, especially after her sense of smell was enhanced. Combined with her excellent sense of taste and the specialized training plan I've devised for her, she will undergo a complete transformation in this young chef competition."

　Seeing how much Alice Nakiri looked down on Erina Nakiri, Bai Yuan frowned slightly, reminding her not to let her guard down.

　People with extrasensory abilities can progress very quickly. Back then, he only took a few years to become invincible in the dark cooking world, and even the Five Tiger Stars were no match for him, which is enough to show how terrifying extrasensory abilities are.

　"Has Erina really gotten to this point...?"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's account, Alice Nakiri's voice was filled with disbelief. She had watched all of Bai Yuan's matches, and if her opponent hadn't been weaker, she wouldn't have been able to advance to the semifinals.

　"Once a chef reaches the top level, the gap isn't that big. Even if she can't beat you in terms of raw skill, if you underestimate her when she's in a high-spirited and energetic state, you'll be the one who loses in the end."

　Although there are four levels between a Master Chef and a Master Four-Star Chef, the difference between them is not significant.

　The key is stability.

　Even a master chef, in peak condition, can create a dish that shines like a light, so in a master chef duel, never giving up on yourself and never underestimating your opponent is crucial.

　These are important qualities.

　"I understand, I will take it seriously."

　After listening to Bai Yuan's story, Nakiri Alice withdrew the disdain in her eyes.

　She didn't want to be defeated by Erina Nakiri in this kind of competition, because that would definitely become something for the other party to brag about for a while, making it impossible for her to have the upper hand anymore. That kind of thing absolutely couldn't happen!

　"Tell me what I'm going to do next. I need to become stronger!"

　The thought that Erina Nakiri might surpass her sent a chill down Alice's spine, and she anxiously inquired about ways to become stronger.

　"Previously, you were asked to focus on refining the sauces in molecular gastronomy, but now you need to go back to basics and spend most of your time on traditional cuisine."

　Looking at the spirited Alice Nakiri, Bai Yuan nodded in satisfaction. This was the Alice he wanted to see!

　"Used in traditional dishes?"

　Bai Yuan's words puzzled Nakiri Alice.

　She originally thought Bai Yuan would let her continue to refine her molecular gastronomy skills, focusing on one point to reach the pinnacle and win with the unexpected style of molecular gastronomy. Who would have thought that he would actually let her spend her time on traditional cuisine.

　Why is this again?

　"That's right, this time you need to intensify your training in traditional cuisine."

　Your molecular gastronomy skills are now top-notch; there are few in the world better than you, and it's unlikely that a significant leap forward will occur in just two days.

　In contrast, your traditional cooking skills are relatively average, only at the top-tier level. These next two days will be spent making up for all your shortcomings!

　Bai Yuan gave a brief explanation of the situation, which will become the motivation for Nakiri Alice's next efforts.

　"If it's something we're lacking, then there's nothing we can do. If we don't address our weaknesses, we'll lose the match. I'll ask Brother Bai Yuan for your guidance these next couple of days."

　Molecular gastronomy is impressive; traditional cuisine is just average. There are many ideas in her mind that she cannot realize, or rather, cannot reach the best state.

　Addressing this weakness will significantly improve her overall abilities.

　"I don't know how many times I've tried to instruct you, but it's always the same ridiculous noise. Can't you be a little more normal?"

　"Hey, I used to enjoy it so much, but now that there are more girls around me, are they starting to dislike me? Waaaaah."

　Seeing that Nakiri Alice had suddenly become coquettish and aggrieved, Bai Yuan reached out and flicked her forehead. Then he placed the empty bowl and chopsticks in front of her on top of his own, stood up and said, "I'm not disgusted by you. It's just that it's weird for an old married couple to do this mushy thing. Go to the top floor and wait for me."

　"Oh."

　Bai Yuan's force wasn't strong, but Nakiri Alice still covered her forehead and pretended to be aggrieved, hoping to make the other party feel guilty and thus feel more pity for her.

　She mastered this method when she was a child, and it always worked, so she still uses it now.

　"Here, have a candy. Go on up now."

　Seeing the girl's aggrieved expression, Bai Yuan took a piece of candy out of his pocket and put it in her hand, while also ruffling her hair.

　After spending so much time together, he knows what she wants to do just by looking at her.

　The reason he let her go up first was because he had something to discuss with Erina Nakiri, and also because he wanted to find Hisako Shinoto to ask her about her sudden change of attitude on the stairs earlier.

　He still can't understand it.

　Why did Hisako Niito's attitude towards him change so drastically after she mentioned the phone call?

　"Hisako, Erina."

　After placing his rice bowl in the hotel's storage area, Bai Yuan found Nakiri Erina and Shinoto Hisako eating in a corner. He strode over and greeted them before he even arrived.

　"Teacher Bai Yuan."

　Upon seeing Bai Yuan, Erina Nakiri stood up from her seat and greeted him cheerfully.

　"How did you get here...?"

　Looking at Bai Yuan as well, Hisako Shinto muttered to herself, especially when she thought about the misunderstanding that had just happened; her face turned frighteningly red.

　"What's wrong? Seeing my expression, did I do something to upset you? If so, please tell me specifically, and I'll change it."

　Seeing Hisako Shinto's evasive gaze, Shirayuki naturally sat down next to her, his doubts growing even stronger.

　He couldn't remember where he had offended her, and he was determined to find out this time!

　"It's nothing. You've always done a great job and haven't done anything to upset me."

　Hearing Bai Yuan's seemingly submissive question, Shinoto Hisako blushed furiously. She felt guilty and didn't know what to say in this situation.

　Because a single phone call led to so many associations and caused such a huge misunderstanding.

　Now that she's come to her senses, Hisako Aragaki feels incredibly ashamed.

　"Hisako has feelings for you, Shiroyuki-sensei. I wonder what your opinion of her is?"

　Beside her, seeing Hisako Shinomiya cower, Erina Nakiri frowned, looking utterly disappointed.

　So she acted as a mediator and took the initiative to explain the girl's complicated thoughts.

　This thin veil of paper must be broken, but she also knows how difficult it will be to break through it.

　Even with Alice Nakiri's desperate urging, she couldn't...

　It took real courage, and with the help of alcohol and the stimulation from Tadokoro Megumi, that he finally spoke his mind to Shirobuchi.

　That was also the first time that Erina Nakiri truly understood her own heart.

　Even after the confession, their relationship did not immediately become that of a couple.