Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　This guy just magically pulled the dishes off the table out of thin air. If he wasn't mistaken, it must be some kind of internal energy technique passed down in some reclusive family.

　Sure enough, this kid's identity is not simple!

　Chapter Sixty: Guangzhou Chef Examination

　"Gudu..."

　Upon hearing Master Baiyao's words, Li Wanwan and the others couldn't help but swallow hard. They exchanged glances and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

　This is Master Baiyao, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Cantonese Culinary Association. To actually invite them to a private room for a gathering is such an honor!

　"Can...we really do it?"

　Li Wanwan said somewhat uncertainly that even her father was not qualified enough to sit with Master Baiyao.

　They? What have they done to deserve this?!

　"Meeting is fate, what's wrong with that? I'm not some high-status person, just an ordinary old man."

　After saying this, Master Baiyao smiled and glanced at Bai Yuan at the back of the crowd. He then walked into the private room first with his hands behind his back. Seeing this, the others no longer hesitated and quickened their pace to follow him.

　However, I was somewhat speechless inside.

　You, just an ordinary old man? Who would believe that if word got out? If word got out that you were here, countless chefs would rush to visit you overnight!

　Fortunately, after they entered the private room, Marvin immediately found the guests present that day and used the promise of waiving the cost of today's meal as leverage to ask them not to spread the news for a while. He also revealed that this was Master Baiyao's idea.

　Thus, the news was temporarily blocked.

　"Everyone, please don't be so reserved. Just treat me like an ordinary old man. Say whatever you want, especially young friend Bai Yuan. Don't you still have a lot of things you want to ask me?"

　After the conversation, Master Baiyao learned Bai Yuan's name and specifically asked him to liven up the atmosphere.

　Otherwise, I simply couldn't eat this meal.

　"You never said you were one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Guangzhou Culinary Association. When I heard that just now, it really startled me."

　"So, how did you guys select these people? Was it through a cooking competition, whoever was the best got it? Or was it based on seniority, whoever had the most experience got it?"

　Upon being chosen, Bai Yuan was not shy at all and directly asked what had been puzzling him: These Four Heavenly Kings sounded so impressive, they must be the top figures in the Guangdong culinary world, so how exactly does one become one?

　"Both are possible. Either you can work your way up like this useless old man, or you can rely on your absolute culinary skills to constantly challenge the best and gain the recognition of all chefs."

　Are you also interested in the position of one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Cantonese Chefs Association, young friend Bai Yuan?

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's question, Master Baiyao seemed to be lost in some kind of memory. After thinking for a while, he answered, teasing Bai Yuan in a half-joking manner.

　"Don't overthink it. This has nothing to do with us. The Four Heavenly Kings of the Cantonese Culinary Alliance haven't changed in 30 years!"

　Seeing Bai Yuan's serious expression, Li Wanwan couldn't help but tease him.

　This guy is really fantasizing! The Four Heavenly Kings of the Cantonese Chefs Association—is that something a nobody like him, who didn't even pass the second-class chef assessment, could dream of?!

　"I'm not interested in the positions of the Four Heavenly Kings, but I am very interested in challenging strong opponents. If there is an opportunity, I hope to have a match with you."

　Ignoring Li Wanwan's words, Bai Yuan looked at Master Baiyao seriously and said, "Challenging strong opponents has always been my wish, because only in that way can I make my cooking even better."

　"A competition? There's a chance, but you have to become a Special Grade first, and then grow to at least a Special Grade Five Star."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Master Baiyao burst into laughter, greatly admiring his courage. As a chef, one must possess this kind of unwavering courage! Otherwise, it would be difficult to reach the summit!

　Of course, at that moment he only thought it was a joke the boy was making.

　laugh.

　After all, he is an absolute authority in Guangzhou's culinary world, a six-star chef. It's really unexpected that Bai Yuan is serious.

　"A top-level assessment...?"

　Bai Yuan murmured to himself, having already made this plan in mind, because the timing of his arrival was just right; the waiting time he needed to wait was neither too long nor too short.

　"Wait a minute, you came to Guangzhou not to take the master chef exam, but to prepare for it?!"

　Hearing Bai Yuan and Master Baiyao's conversation, and recalling the master's unusual attitude towards him, Li Wanwan seemed to suddenly realize something and said in shock.

　"You've finally realized it. I've felt something was off since just now. Your friend doesn't seem to be a simple character."

　Beside her, Wang Wanqing couldn't help but complain as she watched Li Wanwan finally realize what was happening. This girl was really harmed by her own preconceived notions.

　Bai Yuan is such a respectful person as Master Baiyao, and he even had a meal with him alone just now. How could he be a simple person?

　"Participating in the top-level assessment... May I ask, how old are you now?"

　Muttering to herself, Miyoko Hojo suddenly asked from the side, her eyes flashing with an inexplicable light, as if she had found someone to pursue.

　"nineteen."

　"Wouldn't that mean he's even younger than me?"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's age, Li Wanwan was somewhat surprised. This tall and handsome young man in front of her had only recently come of age.

　"I like younger men."

　Wang Wanqing, meanwhile, pinched her chin, her gaze sweeping over Bai Yuan's muscles. The younger ones were good at acting cute, and it just so happened that she was now at the age to have a boyfriend. If Bai Yuan could successfully pass the top-level chef assessment, then maybe the two of them could give it a try.

　As for whether Bai Yuan would agree? You're kidding! Being a top-tier chef is nowhere near as appealing as living off a woman!

　Just as the group was chatting happily, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open. They turned around and saw that it was Ma Wen himself who came in carrying appetizers.

　"The first dish is raw marinated seafood from Chaoshan. Please enjoy."

　·

　·

　The banquet ended in the early hours of the morning. Bai Yuan said goodbye to the group at the entrance of the restaurant and headed straight for the hotel.

　The "Tianfu" restaurant lived up to its name. Although there was a minor mishap, there were still many commendable aspects after Chef Ma Wen gave his all.

　At least, the prices on the menu are fine.

　"Ding ding ding~"

　On the way back to the hotel, Bai Yuan's phone suddenly rang. He looked down at the caller ID and saw that it was Nakiri Alice. He couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

　"Hey, did you miss me? Why are you calling me so late?"

　"I miss you. Is it too late? It's only seven o'clock in the evening, isn't it?"

　Lying on the soft, large bed with the door tightly closed, the girl wore an extremely thin nightgown. Hearing Bai Yuan's teasing, Nakiri Alice blushed with a hint of confusion.

　"Oh, I almost forgot that Guangzhou and Denmark are six hours apart."

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Bai Yuan thought for a moment, then revealed a look of sudden realization: the region they were in had a time difference.

　"Is that so? It seems I can't call Brother Bai Yuan after six o'clock anymore. It must be the middle of the night where you are. Am I disturbing your rest?"

　After quickly calculating the time, Alice Nakiri realized that it was already past 1 a.m. for Bai Yuan. Her face flushed, thinking that she had disturbed his rest.

　"No, I just finished eating and am on my way back to the hotel. Is something wrong at home that you're calling me at this hour?"

　"No... I just wanted to hear Bai Yuan's voice. It's the first time we've been apart for so long, and I'm a little lonely..."

　Hearing Bai Yuan deny it, Nakiri Alice breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that she hadn't been disturbed, otherwise she would have felt guilty and couldn't sleep all night.

　"Let's keep the call going. I'll tell you what happened today. You'll never guess who I ran into!"

　Sensing Alice Nakiri's low spirits, Bai Yuan thought for a moment and decided to share what had happened that day with her.

　Relatively speaking, he's having a pretty exciting and fulfilling time here.

　"Yes! I want to hear it!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Alice Nakiri became excited. As she spoke, she raised her long, beautiful legs and hugged the long cushion with Bai Yuan's pattern on it tightly. She had rushed to make it today.

　For the rest of the year, it will be my only companion!

　"Let's start from boarding the plane..."

　·

　·

　Three days passed in a flash. On this day, Bai Yuan carried the Seven Star Blade on his back and a kitchen utensil box full of various seasonings in his hand. He swaggered out of the hotel and headed towards the chef assessment site in Guangzhou.

　Along the way, there were many men dressed in pristine white chef uniforms, embroidered with the words "second-class" and "third-class" chef, who looked quite energetic.

　Bai Yuan, dressed in casual clothes, carrying several knives on his back and a kitchen utensil box in his hand, was unique and attracted a lot of strange looks as he walked down the street.

　Bai Yuan remained calm and ignored all gazes, simply walking forward silently until he reached the place where Li Wanwan had contacted him by phone.

　A teahouse less than 100 meters from the chef assessment site was packed with people, and the waiters were working non-stop.

　These are all

　They came to participate in the chef assessment.

　Most of them sat down, while a small number who couldn't find seats stood and waited, ordering a special morning tea set from the teahouse to happily fill their stomachs.

　It's worth mentioning that Bai Yuan also saw several foreigners inside, with blond hair and blue eyes, who stood out in the crowd.

　"Bai Yuan, here, here!"

　Just as Bai Yuan was wondering how to find Li Wanwan, a sweet female voice came from not far away. He looked up and saw Li Wanwan waving enthusiastically at him from the second floor, with Hojo Miyoko by her side.

　When Hojo Miyoko saw him looking at her, she subtly looked away. She was now dressed in a pristine white chef's uniform.

　"What? Is it required to wear the same clothes for the chef's exam? It wasn't mentioned in the exam requirements... Why is everyone wearing chef's uniforms?"

　Upon reaching the second floor, Bai Yuan asked the question he was most curious about: why were all the people participating in the chef assessment wearing chef uniforms?

　"Didn't you know? Dressing neatly can improve your impression on the judges, and chef's uniforms are the most effective."

　Seeing Bai Yuan dressed exactly the same as he had been a couple of days ago, Li Wanwan couldn't help but ask in confusion. She had thought this was common sense.

　"So, wearing a chef's uniform isn't a strict requirement, and it doesn't really serve any practical purpose?"

　Bai Yuan stroked his chin as he returned.

　"Isn't improving the judges' impression score a substantial benefit?"

　Seeing Bai Yuan's suddenly indifferent expression, Li Wanwan couldn't help but complain, "This impression point could very well be the key to whether you pass or not!"

　"Incompetent people always like to take shortcuts and instead of thinking about how to impress the judges with their culinary skills, they put their efforts into other areas, which is putting the cart before the horse."

　Bai Yuan shook his head, disagreeing with Li Wanwan's words. Instead of wasting time researching the judges' preferences, he should focus on improving himself.

　As long as you can make a dish that meets the standards, the judges will not deny your previous efforts just because you are not wearing a chef's uniform.

　"Did you insult us too?"

　Li Wanwan pouted and said with some dissatisfaction, "This guy's mouth is really venomous. He actually made a sweeping generalization without any regard for the whole picture."

　She sounded like someone who was opportunistic and cunning.

　Hojo Miyoko, however, seemed to be deep in thought.

　"Don't worry about the details. Where are we? We've walked for so long, it's time to rest."

　"I remember your hotel is less than two kilometers away from the test site, right? You can't even handle such a short distance? You're really bluffing."

　Having just been mocked, Li Wanwan, not to be outdone, retorted after hearing Bai Yuan's words, getting her revenge on the spot.

　"You only know if it's true or not by experiencing it yourself."

　Bai Yuan shrugged, not paying any attention. Following the direction Li Wanwan pointed, he saw Wang Wanqing and Huang Ya.

　Huang Ya was the last of the four people who were at the restaurant that day.

　"Ugh! Pervert!"

　Watching Bai Yuan's departing figure and pondering the deeper meaning of his words, Li Wanwan couldn't help but stomp her foot, mutter a curse under her breath, and blush slightly.

　·

　·

　"Bai Yuan, you've finally arrived! We've been waiting for you here for so long."

　Seeing Bai Yuan approach, Wang Wanqing took the initiative to pick up the teapot and pour him tea.

　At this moment, she was wearing a white halter-neck mini dress, her cheeks slightly flushed, like a lotus flower just emerging from the water, looking incredibly beautiful.

　"You've been waiting for a long time, haven't you? But isn't registration supposed to start at nine o'clock? Why are you here so early? By the way... are you also taking the chef exam?"

　Looking at Wang Wanqing's attire, although there was no need to wear a chef's uniform, her outfit really didn't look like she was there to participate in a chef's assessment.

　"Huang Ya and I aren't participating; we just came to see you off."