Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Soma Yukihira's idea was excellent. He used the scenery of the upper reaches of the Yellow River to concretize the theme of national peace and prosperity, and then made a point of the dough color and filling to express his attitude, perfectly expressing this theme.

　But now it's a cooking competition.

　If both sides have valid themes, the final winner will be determined by the taste of the dishes.

　Erina Nakiri has recently undergone special training, which has greatly improved her sense of smell.

　In terms of cooking, this means a more precise grasp of flavor. Coupled with my good form during the competition, the dishes I served this time were already at the level of a top-tier one-star dish.

　"In that case, Yukihira would be like an ant trapped in a spider web, unable to break free no matter how hard he struggles, and all his efforts would be in vain..."

　Thinking of this, a touch of sadness appeared in Yoshino Yuuki's eyes. Who knows who she was thinking of as she looked at Yukihira Soma's lonely figure?

　"How could it be in vain? By giving your all time and time again and constantly striving, you can improve your culinary skills until you transform into a true master."

　Hearing Yoshino Yuuki's words and sensing her pessimism, Bai Yuan raised his hand and gently tapped her head.

　Effort is never in vain. Even if it doesn't show results in the short term, it will gradually come to life over the countless days and nights that follow.

　It's like planting a seed in spring. You won't see any changes in a short time, but once autumn comes, it will take root and sprout, gradually growing into a towering tree.

　"I see..."

　Yoshino Yuuki seemed to understand only part of what she was saying, but she nodded seriously and then lowered her head to think.

　Effort cannot be transformed into strength immediately; it requires the tempering of time. This is the point where so many people give up.

　If you can understand it, you can soar to great heights; if you can't, you'll just fade into obscurity.

　"Try it, you loser, Yukihira-kun."

　Looking at Soma Yukihira again, Erina Nakiri's gaze softened considerably. After all, she couldn't muster much hostility towards a little dog who had lost the match and could only wag its tail and beg for mercy.

　As she spoke, she handed him the plate containing the Harvest Symphony.

　"A loser?"

　"Hehe, I was indeed the loser in this match, but I won't stay a loser forever. Just like last time I lost to Liu Yu, I won back this time, didn't I?"

　Taking the plate from Erina Nakiri, Soma Yukihira looked up at the sky, thinking that having lost once, he would no longer hate the taste of defeat.

　Unfortunately, the unforgettable pain emanating from his heart made him realize that he could never truly let go.

　Then let's carry on with this grief!

　Holding the plate and spoon, Yukihira Soma began to eat heartily. The moment his mouth touched the food, he experienced the magical flavors. The taste of corn, sweet potatoes, and other grains spread across his tongue, delicate and mellow, making it worth closing his eyes to savor the experience.

　"Is this what they call molecular gastronomy? Breaking down and reconstructing ingredients, combining them with other flavors, and ultimately creating an unparalleled taste."

　Opening his eyes and looking at Erina Nakiri, Soma Yukihira's voice was filled with admiration: What amazing technique!

　Is this your real source of confidence?

　Using high-tech equipment, we can create flavors that are absolutely impossible to achieve under normal circumstances.

　Looking up at Erina Nakiri, Soma Yukihira's voice held a questioning tone.

　"Real confidence? That's laughable. Molecular gastronomy isn't my forte; it's just that this dish happened to require it, so I used it."

　I could make the same taste using other methods, but they would be more complicated and take longer, making them unsuitable for competitions. Therefore, I chose this cooking method.

　In response to Soma Yukihira's words, Erina Nakiri raised an eyebrow. This was never her confidence; it was merely one of the many cooking techniques she had mastered.

　"I see. It seems I've truly lost completely this time."

　Upon hearing Erina Nakiri's words, Soma Yukihira's expression froze for a moment, then he gave a wry smile.

　I thought I had lost to molecular gastronomy, but it turns out I lost to Erina Nakiri.

　His opponent's culinary skills completely overwhelmed him; even using cooking techniques he wasn't very familiar with, the opponent could surpass him.

　but...

　That's what makes it exciting, isn't it?

　The Elite Ten of Totsuki Academy all possess such strength; just thinking about it makes my body tremble with excitement!

　"I hope to have another match with you in the future."

　"

　After saying this, Soma Yukihira resolutely walked towards the contestant's passage, while Alice Nakiri, who was in Bai Yuan's arms, also stood up and glanced at the time on her phone.

　"In two hours, it will be time for the main characters on the field to change, let's make the atmosphere even more exciting!"

　Standing up and stretching, Alice Nakiri glanced at the judges who were taking a break and the audience members who had dispersed from the front row, her face burning with fierce fighting spirit.

　"Your opponent is Zhu Yan. If you play normally, the chances of losing are very low, but you can't be careless."

　"Don't worry, I'll give it my all this time, except for not using molecular gastronomy. Consider it revenge for Xiaohui!"

　As she spoke, Alice Nakiri glanced at Megumi Tadokoro sitting behind Shirobuchi, her voice carrying a hint of exhilaration.

　Avenging one's own sister is such a righteous act; just thinking about it makes one's blood boil!

　"Thanks..."

　When Alice Nakiri suddenly mentioned it, Megumi Tadokoro was taken aback for a moment, then thanked her quietly. Although she didn't need this kind of help, it would be rude of her to speak up and spoil the mood since the other party had already finished speaking.

　"You're welcome. I'll head to the players' lounge now, Brother Bai Yuan."

　"Go."

　Looking at the girl's bright back, Bai Yuan's eyes were like those of an old father watching his daughter grow up.

　He had been by her side throughout her journey, and it could be said that the bond between Alice Nakiri and him was the deepest in the harem.

　"Then I'll accept the position in Boss Bai's arms!"

　Seeing that Bai Yuan's eyes were always fixed on Nakiri Alice, Lia, who was sitting next to him, couldn't help but feel a little jealous. She then leaned half of her body against him and rolled her head in his arms.

　"Hehe, Boss Bai's embrace is so warm, let me take it."

　As they were talking, Lia was no longer satisfied with just leaning against him. She stood up from her seat. Compared to the large Alice Nakiri, she was much smaller. When she sat on Bai Yuan's lap, her head only reached his eye level.

　"Indeed, Boss Bai's embrace is the most comfortable!"

　Feeling the faint warmth beneath her, Leah said with a slight blush.

　She naturally sensed the drastic change, but the back row was dimly lit, and everyone around her was one of their own, so not many people paid any attention to them.

　This feeling of sneaking around...

　So exciting!

　Her heart pounded violently. No one would have imagined that the girl who shone brightly on the glittering stage would now be sitting on a man's lap in public, resting her head on his chest.

　"excuse me."

　Seeing that Lia was so proactive, two seats next to Bai Yuan became available. Tadokoro Megumi stepped forward without hesitation and naturally sat in Lia's original seat.

　"You...you pervert! How could you be so shameless in public!"

　Before Baiyuan could greet Tadokoro Megumi, a soft shout came from not far away.

　Looking up, I saw it was Erina Nakiri. The girl had changed into a dress and was wearing a mask. Her neat ponytail, which she had tied up for the competition, was now free, and her waist-length hair flowed down her back.

　"This isn't shamelessness. If Erina wants, I can hug you too."

　Although it was Lia who took the initiative, being told that by Erina Nakiri still made her a little unhappy.

　With a playful smile on his face, Bai Yuan opened his arms towards Nakiri Erina as he spoke, while Lia, who was on him, left his embrace at the same time.

　He added, "If that's what Erina thinks, then it's not impossible for me to give up this position."

　"Who wants this seat! If you want to sit, then sit here and give up your current spot!"

　Following Bai Yuan's face downwards, Nakiri Erina almost instantly looked away, then turned to Lia with a flushed face and spoke.

　Bai Yuan's legs were clearly Liya's exclusive seat, because only her petite figure could nestle in Bai Yuan's arms without attracting attention. If it were her, with her large size, she would definitely be the center of attention in no time.

　At that time, someone might see through her disguise and recognize her, which would be incredibly embarrassing!

　Having finally made it to the semifinals, she didn't want to do anything that would ruin her reputation.

　but...

　Looking at Lia, who was perfectly positioned next to Bai Yuan, with a hint of envy in her eyes, Erina Nakiri thought, "It seems there are advantages to being petite!"

　Thinking of this, she couldn't help but lower her head, and then realized that she couldn't see her heels, which made her feel a little helpless.

　Unless humans can reverse aging, she probably will never be able to be held in Bai Yuan's arms in this lifetime.

　"If you really like me, come to my room tonight. I'll hold you, and it can last as long as you want."

　Seeing through Erina Nakiri's little scheme, Shiro's voice rang in her ear.

　"I don't like it at all! Of course, if you insist on hugging me, I'll come over for a little while tonight..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's voice, Erina Nakiri's body trembled almost imperceptibly. She felt inexplicably moved, but on the surface, she maintained a cold and aloof demeanor and replied indifferently.

　"How tsundere you are. It's okay, I'll make you say 'I want it' tonight."

　Knowing Erina Nakiri's personality, Bai Yuan only found her exceptionally cute at that moment, while thinking about what he would do that night.

　How to torment her.

　Making a proud and arrogant woman no longer proud, but only charming, is a very fulfilling thing.

　"personally..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Erina Nakiri's face visibly flushed red, as if she had thought of something. With her head down, she could hear her own heart pounding. Although he hadn't specified what she was supposed to do, she could already imagine what might happen that night.

　After all, no matter how you look at it, Bai Yuan is an absolute freak.

　"There's still some time before the afternoon match starts. You can go to the restroom or go out for some fresh air if you want. There's no need to just sit here and do nothing."

　I glanced at the time and noticed that the number of people in the venue had visibly decreased. I headed towards the exit because a food festival was being held outside, a tradition that the Young Chefs Competition has always had.

　The wealthy buy tickets to watch the game inside, while those without money watch the broadcast from the outer area and enjoy the various delicacies at the food festival.

　This place not only offers local Fujian snacks and delicacies, but also a wide variety of other regional cuisines, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere with smiles on the faces of visitors.

　"I don't mind, would you like to go out and have a look together, Teacher Bai Yuan?"

　Erina Nakiri looked at Shirai Awakening with bright eyes. Next to her sat Hisako Shinoto, who had rushed over.

　"Indeed, it's too boring to be alone. It would be nice if Boss Bai came along. I didn't eat anything for lunch and I'm starving."

　"You have the nerve to say that? You stayed in bed until after 11 o'clock. If I hadn't gone to your room to take a look, I would have thought you had already left."

　Looking at Liya, who was pressing her head against his chest and gazing at him with an innocent and radiant expression, Bai Yuan couldn't help but put his hands on her face, kneading it while making sarcastic remarks.

　"All of this is thanks to Boss Bai!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Liya suddenly puffed out her cheeks, crossed her arms, and struck an angry pose.

　"How did it become my achievement? I didn't even go to your room last night."

　Bai Yuan was puzzled by this. His first reaction was that Liya was trying to pin the blame on him, so he made even bigger movements with his hands. It couldn't possibly be that someone from the harem had attacked her at night.

　It doesn't seem that bad...

　"Delayed reaction, delayed reaction, Boss Bai, you don't think I can recover in one night with your abilities, do you?"

　To be honest, even now, my lower back is still sore and uncomfortable.

　And this was only because Boss Bai took pity on them.

　At this point, a hint of resentment crept into Lia's voice.

　"It seems being small isn't all good..."

　Hearing Lia's slightly complaining words, the thought popped into Erina Nakiri's mind, because she had absolutely no idea what the other person had gone through.

　Bai Yuan showed her little pity, and mostly acted quite wildly...

　Although she enjoyed it...

　As if she had thought of something, Erina Nakiri covered her face, not daring to think any further.

　"Do you want me to carry you?"

　Hearing Lia's words and thinking of the wonderful night they spent together the night before last, Bai Yuan felt a little embarrassed, so he took the initiative to make a suggestion.

　"May I?!"

　Hearing Bai Yuan's words, Liya looked surprised, twisting the hem of her clothes.