The delicacies of the heavens begin with obtaining gem meat.

Chapter 180 Ruishan's Scheme

After understanding the situation, Jiang Yan looked at the nineteen students who had also applied for berth B-16.

"Did Eizan Etsu send you as well?"

Jiang Yan didn't believe in coincidences.

The berth he chose, B-16, wasn't exactly a prime location; it was just an average spot in the mountainous area.

Given the unique nature of the mountainous area, it's quite rare for two or three people to apply at the same time under normal circumstances.

Moreover, all nineteen applications were submitted within half an hour of his submission; to call this a coincidence would be utterly ridiculous.

In Totsuki Academy, Jiang Yan couldn't think of anyone other than Eizan Etsuya who could do this and would also target him.

Jiang Yan believes that if the academy hadn't limited each stall to a maximum of twenty applications, there would definitely have been more than nineteen people applying today.

"Jiang Yan, you're mistaken about that."

A second-year student with a buzz cut crossed his arms and looked at Jiang Yan with a defiant expression.

"We simply wanted this shop; it has absolutely nothing to do with Ruishan."

"Although you won first place in the fall selection, it's obviously impossible to get this position easily."

As he spoke, the other person took a step forward, his eyes filled with even more provocation.

"Now you have two options: either be smart and give up your spot and go somewhere else."

"Or, let's have a food battle, one by one, with each of the nineteen of us."

"What, you're afraid to accept the first place in the fall selection?"

Other trainees chimed in, their cacophony filled with jeers and provocations.

It was certainly not by chance that they chose this berth.

In fact, they were all arranged by Eizan Ezuya, with only one goal: to force Jiang Yan to participate in a food war, using a series of tag-team battles to wear down Jiang Yan's physical strength and energy.

"How boring."

Jiang Yan frowned, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes.

"Is this the only underhanded and dirty tricks that Eizan Etsu can pull off?"

-

Despite his annoyance, Jiang Yan knew in his heart that this matter was far more troublesome than it appeared on the surface.

If he chooses to back down now and switch to another berth, another group of people will immediately follow suit and choose the same berth, and then the same situation will happen again.

So, why not just close the shop altogether?

The moment the thought crossed Jiang Yan's mind, the image of Isshiki Satoshi's expectant eyes flashed before his eyes, and goosebumps instantly rose all over his body.

No, absolutely not.

Even if it means killing him, we absolutely cannot give Isshiki Satoshi the chance to drag him into a host club.

So, he had no other choice but to choose the food battle.

Jiang Yan just couldn't understand what Ruizan Etsuya's purpose was in doing this.

To test his strength?

impossible.

After returning from his field study, he participated in numerous food battles.

Eizan Etsu must have collected information on every dish, the way ingredients were handled, and even his cooking habits.

There's absolutely no need to test him in such a complicated way.

What was the purpose of that?

Jiang Yan's gaze swept over the nineteen trainees present, and suddenly he had an answer in his heart.

A war of attrition.

Eizan Etsuya's goal was probably not to let these people defeat him from the beginning, but to use these nineteen consecutive food battles to completely drain his physical strength and spirit, and then personally step in when he was exhausted and in poor condition.

Realizing this, Jiang Yan was no longer averse to having a food battle with these people.

He wasn't afraid of a battle of attrition; what he feared was that even Eizan Etsu wouldn't dare to challenge him to a food battle.

"We don't understand what you're saying."

Another student wearing an earring pursed his lips and said nonchalantly,

"We've got our eye on this spot. Either take the food battle or get out of here. Don't give me any more nonsense."

This kind of thing is not exactly honorable, and if it were to be publicized, it would definitely affect Eizan Etsuya's reputation, so naturally he could not admit it.

Even though everyone knew perfectly well that they were sent by Ruishan.

But as long as they stubbornly refuse to admit it, then it doesn't matter.

Jiang Yan looked at the students and suddenly smiled.

He loosened his collar with a raised hand, his eyes carrying a calm that exuded a sense of pressure.

"Alright, since you guys are so eager to have a food war, I'll play along."

As he spoke, Jiang Yan shrugged.

"This spot is mine. I'll take the food battle."

Since Eizan Etsu went to such great lengths to set up this scheme, let him have his fun.

For the next half day, Jiang Yan directly participated in nineteen food battles, one after another, without any pause.

The opponents have first-year students, but are mainly second-year students.

The themes range from shellfish dishes and Japanese set meals to meat main courses and creative desserts, covering almost all categories of cuisine.

Many of his opponents deliberately chose complex and time-consuming problems, clearly intending to maximize his physical exertion.

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Even when faced with such a relentless barrage of attacks, Jiang Yan remained remarkably calm.

His knife skills are swift and precise, each cut precise and accurate; his control over the heat is superb, even when processing three different ingredients at the same time, he can control the temperature of each pot perfectly.

Nineteen food battles, all nineteen victories.

There was no dispute over the outcome of any match; without exception, all the judges voted for Jiang Yan.

When the results of the final food battle were announced, Jiang Yan successfully obtained the berth he wanted.

He raised his hand to wipe the thin layer of sweat from his forehead and stretched his slightly sore shoulders.

Even he couldn't help feeling physically tired and mentally exhausted after several hours of intense concentration.

Just then, Eizan Etsu also walked in slowly, a sinister, confident smile on his face.

Walking up to the kitchen counter, looking at Jiang Yan standing behind it, she slowly clapped her hands.

"Fantastic, absolutely fantastic!"

"Nineteen Food Wars, all won. No wonder Jiang Yan is the most popular player in Totsuki recently."

-

Eizan Etsuya's tone was filled with feigned praise, but his eyes were full of calculation.

"Seeing how tired you are, I'll cut to the chase. Let's have a food battle."

"The bet is simple. If you win, the exclusive agency rights for 23 top food suppliers across the country, as well as my food sourcing channels, will all be yours."

"I won. You'll have to hand over the source of those special ingredients you have to me."

"How about that? Pretty fair, right?"

Jiang Yan looked at Ruishan Zhizun's hypocritical appearance and suddenly chuckled.

Leaning against the kitchen counter, his eyes were full of undisguised mockery, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth, as if he were looking at a clown.