Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Adding chicken broth at this point elevates the umami flavor to an even higher level, reaching an unparalleled level; the sensation is simply...

　A tender embrace between the ocean and the land!

　It unfolds an unprecedented symphony of flavors on the taste buds, immersing you in the purest and most breathtaking culinary feast of nature.

　Chapter Fifty-Five: With no woman in his heart, his sword is naturally divine!

　"I see. It combines the elements of fish and lamb, no wonder you call it the Molecular Umami Burger. The umami flavor released in your mouth the moment you bite into it is simply unbelievably strong!"

　Feeling the umami flavor spreading from the inside out on his tongue, continuous and distinct, Lancy Jon showed an approving expression.

　He had just seen Alice Nakiri go and get the mutton, which is why he said she had a good idea.

　Combining fish and mutton in a golden ratio is a simple concept if you can think of it, but difficult if you can't.

　That's the thing about cooking. If you can think of it, you can go further; if you can't think of it, you'll never progress. It's all about having an extreme talent for eating!

　"Um..."

　Chihiro Orie bit her lower lip slightly with her pearly teeth, and the muscles in her legs bulged slightly, as if her whole body was exerting force.

　If she could tolerate Jancis's fish burger, she really couldn't stand Alice Nakiri's molecular umami burger!

　Upon closer inspection, in addition to the outstanding patty, the sauce in the burger is also unique, using mushrooms and matsutake mushrooms, which elevates the burger's umami flavor to another level!

　"boom!"

　On the other side, with her fingers gripping the table tightly, Chihiro Natsume's face was flushed red, and her breathing became extremely heavy.

　Her legs went weak at that moment; the powerful impact of the dish caught her off guard! Luckily, a table blocked her view, preventing her embarrassing moment from being seen by the audience!

　As for Lancy Jon, although he was still enjoying the delicious food, he didn't react much. He simply closed his eyes and savored the flavor.

　This is also the real reason why different levels of food battles require different levels of gourmets to serve as judges.

　Only discerning and experienced gourmets can appreciate the subtle differences in the details of each dish and use these differences to determine the winner between the two chefs.

　In addition, great food critics are usually also master chefs, because only they, as fellow chefs, have enough theoretical knowledge to make the most accurate judgments.

　"It seems you already know the outcome of this match."

　After exchanging a glance, Chihiro Natsume and Chihiro Orie had recovered from the afterglow of the meal and were now taking small bites of the molecular gastronomy burger, their faces showing enjoyment. They could still tolerate this level of enjoyment.

　The main reason was that I took too big a bite, and the taste was so good that I couldn't stop once I started eating. The impact went straight to the depths of my body!

　In that instant, they knew they might embarrass themselves in front of the audience, and they all instinctively raised their hands to cover their faces, afraid of appearing too shy.

　Little did they know, this behavior was even more alluring; covering her face with her hand and revealing half of her face in a seductive manner, she possessed a captivating charm that seemed to both resist and welcome.

　"Okay, let's begin the judgment..."

　Natsume Senpyo and Orie Senpyo nodded in agreement, clearly indicating that they also understood.

　Answer.

　Because of the earpiece, their voices were also transmitted and heard by the audience, which attracted the attention of both contestants.

　The atmosphere in the room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop, and all eyes were on the three judges, Lancy and Jon.

　Who will be the victor?!

　"After discussions among the three parties, the winner of this match is... Alice Nakiri!"

　After a brief silence, Lancy Jon gave his answer. Chihiro Natsume and Chihiro Orie, who were resting with their eyes closed, clearly agreed with the answer.

　"Impossible! Why? How is my fish burger inferior to her molecular umami burger?!"

　Upon hearing his defeat, Jesse's face contorted for a moment, then he took two steps forward in disbelief, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked as he looked towards the judges' panel and shouted defiantly.

　"If we're just talking about the meat patties, you two are indeed evenly matched. Even if there's a difference, it's extremely small, and generally speaking, it can only be considered a draw."

　But this time the theme is hamburgers, and the test isn't just about the deliciousness of the patty, but also the overall harmony of the hamburger's flavor. When you get to the hamburger buns, your defeat is already assured!

　Seeing Jesse's face full of dissatisfaction, Chihiro Natsume wasn't too surprised. After all, these special chefs were all ambitious and wouldn't agree unless they presented compelling evidence.

　However, the outcome of this match was too obvious; there was almost no suspense whatsoever.

　"Hamburger bun? The overall taste? Shouldn't the focus be on the patty? And this guy's haphazardly made patty is actually comparable to my newly developed persimmon and fish triple broth? That's impossible!"

　Hearing Chihaya's explanation, Jessie still looked unconvinced, wondering if there was some kind of conspiracy, since it seemed that Grandpa Lancy Jon was quite familiar with Bai Yuan.

　Since both dishes were not glowing, there was no question of determining the winner at a glance.

　"Alice Nakiri's hamburger bun has a dense, airy cavity inside."

　These hollows allow the flavor of the gravy to infuse, creating a harmonious blend of flavors from top to bottom in the burger, rather than making each component stand alone as a separate dish.

　That wouldn't be a hamburger at all; it would be a forced fusion of different dishes. Even if the taste isn't bad, its potential is destined to be limited.

　In other words, you've been doing addition, while Alice has been doing multiplication. It's obvious which is better.

　Seeing Jesse's furious questioning of her, Chihiro Natsume was not annoyed. Instead, she analyzed the situation logically and with evidence, explaining that this kind of debate was not about whoever had the loudest voice; it was about presenting facts and evidence.

　These sophisticated gourmets play this role; only with rich experience can they persuade the master chef with astonishing theoretical knowledge.

　If everyone has their own version of the truth, then there's no need for a food battle; we can just see who has the better debater.

　"And because of the vacuum baking process, the outer layer of the hamburger bun does not lose its crispy texture despite the absorption of deep meat juices, making it undoubtedly an amazing hamburger bun!"

　Beside her, Chihiro Orie chimed in, a faint smile on her face. After all, it was someone she supported who had won, and she was happy for them too.

　"Try it, I knew you wouldn't be satisfied, so I made a few extra..."

　She packed up the hamburgers on the counter, intending to bring them to Nakiri Leonora and Shirobuchi after the competition. Seeing that Jessie refused to admit defeat, Nakiri Alice simply took one out of the packed hamburgers.

　Although she was a little reluctant, she was still generous this time in order to convince Jancis. After giving him the hamburger, she stood aside and watched Jancis unpack the hamburger with a cold expression.

　At this moment, Jancis was staring blankly at the hamburger in her hand. It was so soft that it would spring back even when pressed hard.

　According to Alice Nakiri's explanation, it seems that some kind of baking powder was used in this product? Anyway, after using it, the bread became so fluffy and soft.

　Is this what they call molecular gastronomy...?

　Holding the hamburger wrapper, I opened my mouth and took a bite.

　An abundance of umami flavors bursts forth from the tip of the tongue, bringing an incomparably wonderful taste.

　Furthermore, these umami flavors are not released all at once, but rather in multiple layers and gradients, wave after wave like ocean tides.

　Close your eyes, and you can hear the sound of ocean waves, and sheep grazing on the grassland, welcoming the crisp, cool breeze.

　In that instant, even the soul is free.

　“Jenny…”

　In a daze, on the quiet harbor at night, Jesse saw a thin and slender figure, and couldn't help but take two steps forward and call out softly.

　Upon hearing the voice, the other person turned around, and upon seeing him, immediately waved their arms enthusiastically, appearing very excited.

　That was their first encounter. At night, at the harbor, the girl was seeing her father off. She had run away from home because of a fight with her family and happened to bump into him and his friend.

　After that, the three of them became good friends.

　"Why did you marry Nettley? He's so arrogant and domineering, even bullying the weak. Didn't you say you hated that kind of person the most?"

　"What?! Why did you marry him! I've become the person you like now... Can you look at me even once more?"

　"..."

　Upon hearing his voice, the figure's lips trembled, as if trying to say something, but ultimately realized he couldn't speak and could only smile at Jesse.

　Then...it vanished without a trace.

　"You will definitely become the world's number one fish cuisine chef."

　"You have to make this for me every day then! I love Jancis's fish dishes the most!"

　"Whoever marries Jancis will have an endless supply of 'fish dishes'—just thinking about it makes me so happy!"

　"Jerseys, you'll bless us, won't you?"

　A scene flashed through his mind: the two met at the harbor and parted on the plains, and he remembered every word Jenny said to him during that time.

　"bless..."

　"What kind of blessing would I give?!"

　"You were flirting with me all the time, but in the end you chose someone else. You've become this inhuman mess because of you. What a shameful bastard!"

　When he came to his senses, the hamburger in his hand was already in his mouth. Jesse suddenly knelt on the ground, muttering in a frenzied manner.

　"I used to be the most promising new chef in Britain. For you, I left my hometown, came to Denmark, and opened a 'fish cuisine' restaurant to remember you."

　"But more than a decade ago, I was originally good at cooking vegetable dishes. For you, I changed my hobbies and became someone I wasn't like..."

　"No, it's actually for my own sake. I have no right to blame anyone else!"

　As if he had thought of something, Jesse shook his head seriously. It seemed that Jenny had never asked him to do anything from beginning to end; it was just that he kept giving because of his love for her.

　"Since the past is behind us, let's start afresh. I am Jancis! Once the most dazzling new chef in Britain! Denmark's top chef specializing in 'fish dishes'!"

　Now he's just Jancis, a chef.

　As the words fell one by one, Jesse's eyes grew clearer and clearer.

　He took out a razor from his pocket and, in front of the audience, judges, and Alice Nakiri, shaved off his slicked-back hair, which he had kept for ten years and which had become a kind of trademark.

　"Congratulations, you won this match."

　That was a truly spectacular food battle! I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. If the opportunity arises, I hope we can have another match.

　After shaving his head into a flat, uneven buzz cut, Jesse touched his head and gave a wry smile. Then he turned to look at Alice Nakiri and said seriously.

　"We are always ready to welcome your challenge."

　Alice Nakiri responded politely, but for some reason, she felt that the person in front of her seemed a little different.

　I just got a haircut, so why is there such a big change?

　Does going bald make you stronger?

　Weird.

　Shaking her head, Alice Nakiri didn't think much of it. After bowing to the judges and the audience, she ran towards the direction where Bai Yuan was.

　Jesse watched her retreating figure, then glanced at Shiro Awa, who sat calmly on the preparation bench, showing no joy at Alice Nakiri's victory, and bowed slightly.

　Bai Yuan nodded in response.

　It seems that another top-tier chef will be joining the mainland in the future.

　"Have you forgotten her?"

　A relieved smile appeared on Toth's face as he watched Jesse slowly walk toward him.

　No, it's still deeply etched in my mind; let's just consider it a beautiful memory.

　However, this memory no longer affects me; what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger.

　"It's good that you've come out of this. I've been waiting for this day for ten years. Shall we go back to England together? Everyone misses you."

　Thoth reached out and patted Jesse on the shoulder, his eyes filled with complex emotions. This kid has good talent; if he can overcome the shadows of his youth, he will surely reach even greater heights!

　"I'm not going back. I want to travel around the world and experience different cuisines to enrich my cooking skills."

　Jancis shook his head and refused Thoth without hesitation. After today's contest, he fully understood his shortcomings.

　His understanding of cooking is still stuck ten years in the past, and that won't do.

　You must travel across mountains and rivers to learn from renowned chefs around the world; simply working in isolation will only lead to stagnation.

　“I respect your decision, but other countries are not like Denmark. You must not be as arrogant as before. Otherwise, even I will not be able to clean up your messes every time.”

　"Don't worry, I've reformed!"

　·

　·

　"Congratulations on defeating a Master Chef in a head-on battle. But don't get too cocky, you're still a ways off from being a Master Chef."

　Seeing Alice Nakiri running towards him with a 'please praise me' expression on her face, Bai Yuan reached out and patted her head, saying this.

　Normally, he would certainly not hesitate to praise you.

　But not now, because he's about to leave. Without anyone to supervise him, excessive praise could make him arrogant and potentially cause him to neglect his studies. Therefore, he needs a gentle nudge.

　"Defeated the master chef"