Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"Yes."

　"The maximum score is ten. How would you rate yourself?"

　Seeing the hesitant and conflicted expression on Jin Lanyu's face, the skillful old woman did not slow down, but spoke with particular sternness.

　My cooking deserves an 8 out of 10!

　Jin Lanyu raised her hand in a gesture of respect to the skillful old woman and then gave her score for her cooking.

　Why did you give your work an eight out of ten?

　The skillful old woman then asked, her expression serious.

　"This dish represents the limit of what I've achieved by utilizing all my knowledge and doing my utmost. It's also what I consider my best."

　"This is my work. Normally, I would definitely give it a perfect score, because I have enough confidence in it!"

　Jin Lanyu let out a long breath, her expression seemingly a little nervous, but she still continued speaking.

　"However, this dish has a fatal flaw: the mushrooms, which are the core of the skewers, are not cooked through."

　Giving this dish a perfect score of 10 would be shameless, so after much consideration, I've decided to award it a fair 8.

　Jin Lanyu spoke each word without the slightest hesitation; these were indeed her entire thoughts.

　Although I have done everything I can, the mistakes in the cooking are irreversible, and the best I can do with this dish is only 80%!

　If you were to give yourself a perfect score in this situation, that would be truly shameless and would only leave people with an impression of arrogance and self-importance.

　Watching the skillful old woman take a step back, seemingly discussing something with the staff, Jin Lanyu nervously clutched the hem of her clothes. This was the final step...

　Once she steps over that step, she's a genuine top-tier chef!

　Thirty years of unwavering dedication have culminated in this dish that embodies her passion. Will she be able to earn the title of Master Chef?

　·

　·

　"I am now announcing the names of those who have passed the master chef test."

　"Boom~"

　After the discussion, the skillful old woman walked up to Jin Lanyu. At the same time, the sound of gongs rang out, bringing the tense atmosphere to its peak.

　The sky was already bright, and everyone was looking in Jin Lanyu's direction, including Bai Yuan. This part was a test of people's character.

　"Chef Jin Lanyu, the special beef-flavored vegetarian skewers you made are excellent in both flavor and skill. Although the mushrooms were not fully cooked, the flaws do not detract from the overall excellence. They fully demonstrate the skills of a master chef."

　Meanwhile, the last question, the self-assessment section, was designed to test whether you possess the self-esteem and pride expected of a chef. You performed exceptionally well, demonstrating the ability to rationally analyze your dish.

　"Jin Lanyu, you've passed!"

　When the skillful old woman said her last words, a smile finally appeared on her previously serious face, and she stepped forward to pat her on the shoulder.

　At the same time, a ray of sunlight shone into the competition venue, dispelling the gloom and tension in Jin Lanyu's heart and bringing a smile to her face.

　"Yes! Yes! Yes! I passed!"

　Jin Lanyu clenched her fists and then relaxed them, shouting loudly as she jumped and hopped around, tears slowly streaming down her face. Her emotions were complicated.

　"Congratulations, you have passed the top-level assessment."

　Bai Yuan also stepped forward to congratulate her. After all, they had participated in the assessment together, and he was happy for her to pass. This meant that her ability as a chef and her hard work over the past thirty years had been officially recognized.

　"That's really impressive. It seems I really underestimated Guangzhou's culinary assessment before."

　Kakuzaki Taki also said from the side that this time, apart from that person who went off-topic, she was the worst performer.

　She had thought that even if she didn't qualify, she would at least be second, but reality gave her a harsh slap in the face.

　It's conceivable that if Bai Yuan hadn't stayed out of the final assessment and Liya hadn't misunderstood the questions, she would probably have been at the bottom of the five.

　"It seems I still have a lot to learn!"

　Kakuzaki Taki muttered to herself, but there was not a trace of frustration in her eyes, because she had walked in the direction she was heading.

　"Amazing! Chef from Guangzhou! Your signature beef-flavored vegetarian skewers are truly delicious. You deserve your title as a master chef!"

　Lia also offered her sincere blessings, saying that Jin Lanyu's cooking was excellent and had long since reached the top-tier level.

　"Thank you, thank you."

　At this moment, hearing everyone's blessings, Jin Lanyu smiled brightly. With her flawless and beautiful face, she looked like a blooming hibiscus flower, exceptionally radiant and charming.

　In an instant, the tense atmosphere dissipated into a relaxed one, and the group gathered together for a pleasant chat.

　·

　·

　"Bai Yuan, Jin Lanyu. I now present you with the armbands of the Master Chef."

　"Yes."

　Jin Lanyu knelt down, while Bai Yuan stood tall, both looking at the dragon-headed chariot being pushed forward, their eyes burning with desire.

　As they were talking, two pretty young girls came up and handed Bai Yuan and Jin Lanyu armbands that represented their status as top-level chefs.

　Although they are called armbands, they are actually a complete set of clothes, and the styles of the two are completely different.

　“Some people have complained that top chefs wear identical clothes, making them easily recognizable when they walk around, which can sometimes cause unnecessary trouble.”

　Therefore, the uniforms for top-level chefs today are all handmade by professional tailors we found, during your competition.

　Seeing the surprised expressions on Bai Yuan and Jin Lanyu's faces, the skillful old woman explained, because there were just too many people complaining about this.

　"I see. That explains why it's a little different from what I remembered."

　Bai Yuan nodded, no longer dwelling on the matter, but the skillful old woman said at that moment, "You should put it together."

　"Yes."

　Immediately, Bai Yuan was changed by Jin Lanyu on the spot. Since only one layer needed to be put on the outside, there was no need to avoid it.

　Soon, the two will...

　He changed into his chef's uniform and stood before everyone, looking radiant.

　"This is the dragon-shaped armband worn by a top-level Chinese chef? It's really beautiful!"

　Seeing Bai Yuan put on the clothes of a top-level chef, Lia appeared beside him at some point and gently touched the dragon-shaped armband on his shoulder.

　In the end, she even pressed her face against it, feeling the texture, her face full of enjoyment.

　"You look really good in this, Teacher Bai Yuan."

　Kikuchi Sonoka praised from the side, saying that Bai Yuan's height of about 1.8 meters, combined with this tailor-made top-grade chef's uniform, greatly enhanced his overall temperament, making people's hearts race.

　"Indeed, I never expected you to have such a handsome side."

　A look of amazement flashed in Kakuzaki Taki's eyes. It is said that clothes make the man and the horse makes the horse. After changing into nice clothes, Bai Yuan gave her a different feeling.

　"Listen up, you two. Being a top-level chef is just an ornament. For you two, passing this test is just a process. To further improve your skills, you must continue to study and refine your craft."

　As the group was talking, the skillful old woman's voice suddenly rang out. Looking in their direction, she spoke earnestly.

　"Yes."

　Bai Yuan and Jin Lanyu responded in unison, saying that they would do the same without a doubt, as the so-called top-level chef was not the pinnacle.

　After obtaining the title of Master Chef, becoming a Master Chef becomes the starting point. Next, they will climb towards even higher peaks!

　Seeing the determined expressions on their faces, the skillful old woman nodded inwardly, then turned to leave, as she had something important to do.

　"A skillful old lady."

　Bai Yuan's voice suddenly rang out in the arena, causing Granny Qiaoshou to stop in her tracks and look at him with a puzzled expression.

　"I don't know if you have any time recently, I'd like to exchange ideas with you and have a little discussion about dim sum dishes."

　The boy looked at the skilled old woman with burning eyes, as if he were looking at a rare treasure, but his gaze sent a chill down the old woman's spine.

　Oh no, this wave is coming for me!

　Chapter 71 The Real Purpose of Coming to Guangzhou

　"Exchanges are fine, but let's forget about sparring. My old bones can't take this kind of strain. However, if you ever want to achieve something, it's not impossible for me to be your stepping stone."

　The skillful old woman smiled and shook her head, refusing to accept Bai Yuan's challenge.

　She hadn't accepted a challenge from anyone for many years, and naturally, she couldn't accept something like winning being taken for granted and losing being ridiculed.

　Of course, more importantly, she couldn't see through Bai Yuan. She originally thought he was just a chef with a little talent, but it seems that this is not the case.

　How far will this genius, who can effortlessly create luminous dishes, go in the future? And what level is he at now?

　"Is that so? That's a real shame."

　Hearing the skillful old woman's firm words, Bai Yuan's face showed a regretful expression. Why were they all like this? Not a single one of them was willing to compete with him! The more skilled a person is, the more afraid they are of competing?

　The image of Master Baiyao flashed through his mind. It seemed that the other party had said he would only fight him after he broke through to the fifth level of the Special Grade, which meant that he wasn't qualified enough yet?

　Honestly, why bother with these empty titles!

　When you encounter a suitable opponent, shouldn't you go straight to the ring and fight with all your might to improve your culinary skills?

　"I have something to attend to now, so I'll take my leave."

　Thinking about what she had to do next, the skillful old woman quickened her pace and left, leaving the others standing there looking at each other in bewilderment.

　Although Bai Yuan's desire to challenge Granny Qiaoshou, a veteran powerhouse, seemed outrageous, no one at the scene thought he was arrogant; on the contrary, they thought it was perfectly reasonable.

　This is something Baekyeon would do.

　At the same time, the main gate of the arena slowly opened, and everyone turned their attention to the sound. Several figures were waiting at the entrance.

　"It's you! What brings you here?"

　Bai Yuan looked at Li Wanwan and the others waiting at the door with a somewhat surprised expression.

　After all, they didn't have much interaction, so they really didn't expect that they would wait for him at the door, and it seemed that they had been waiting for quite a while.

　"Of course I came to wait for you! You...you really passed the master chef exam?"

　Wang Wanqing, standing behind Li Wanwan, immediately noticed the top-level chef's armband on Bai Yuan's body. She covered her mouth in shock, her face filled with disbelief.

　"A 19-year-old master chef is an extremely rare find, even in all of China. I never imagined you could actually do it!"

　Upon hearing Wang Wanqing's words, Li Wanwan also noticed the armband on Bai Yuan's arm, where a lifelike dragon was coiled, firmly locking the character "特" (special) inside.

　Without a doubt, this is the armband of a master chef!

　"He actually passed..."

　Looking at the dragon-shaped armband, Hojo Miyoko's face flushed slightly, and she looked quite shocked.

　Although we know Bai Yuan might be very strong, passing the top-level chef exam at the age of 19, especially in Guangzhou, which is said to be the most difficult in history, is just too exaggerated!

　Even at Totsuki Academy, only Dojima Gin, who graduated more than ten years ago and achieved the highest score in the history of the academy, has received this honor!

　And Dojima-senpai is now the head chef of the Totsuki Culinary Resort, a four-star chef! And he's only 35 years old this year, with great potential...

　Career prospects!

　"Simply put, it's a mere top-level assessment. I can easily handle it."

　Seeing the two of them looking surprised, Bai Yuan shrugged speechlessly. For him, participating in the top-level assessment was no different from playing around.

　"You're bragging. You must have gone through a lot of tests and finally passed with great difficulty! Just passing is already amazing. We won't laugh at your efforts."

　Wang Wanqing pursed her lips, thinking that Bai Yuan was bragging. Guangzhou is recognized as the most difficult place in China to assess a master chef.

　Even if Bai Yuan passed the test, it must have been by giving it his all, using his passion to move the judges. It couldn't have been as simple as he claimed.

　Bai Yuan simply shrugged at this, offering no further explanation.

　"It's a really imposing armband. My dad has one too, but he won't even let me touch it. He usually keeps it locked in his study."

　Li Wanwan lightly touched the top chef's armband with her fingers, her eyes filled with intense envy. This was the goal she was willing to strive for her whole life!

　"Bai Yuan, as we agreed earlier, could I borrow your clothes for a moment?"

　Suddenly, a sweet voice rang in Bai Yuan's ears, startling both Bai Yuan and Li Wanwan.

　The girl was speaking French, which only Bai Yuan could understand, while Li Wanwan looked completely bewildered.

　"Take it and wear it, but I won't give you the pants."