Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Seeing the spirited Erina Nakiri, Bai Yuan simply waved his hand and then turned his gaze to Hisako Shinto, who was walking behind her.

　"Then, bring out your work!"

　"Yes, Professor Bai Yuan."

　Bai Yuan looked at the girl in front of him, or more accurately, at the dishes in front of her.

　The ingredients for the dish were the same as those for his shredded pork with garlic sauce, but the aroma in the air had changed significantly.

　"Did you soak the herbs in the sauce? But you must have prepared an extra bowl of sauce."

　First, use a clay pot to simmer the medicinal herbs to extract their properties, then use a cooking method to infuse the flavor of the herbs into the shredded pork with fish-fragrant sauce. Am I right?

　Bai Yuan's voice rang out, carrying a slightly strange tone. It wasn't until Hisako Shinto placed the dish in front of him that he reached out with his chopsticks to pick it up and examine it.

　"That's right, I want to combine what I've learned to make Yu Xiang Rou Si (shredded pork with garlic sauce) have nourishing effects, achieving the effect of medicinal cuisine."

　Looking at the blushing girl in front of him, Bai Yuan did not put the food into his mouth, but silently put down his chopsticks.

　“I can roughly understand your thoughts, but the cooking of medicinal cuisine is not something that can be done in such a simple and crude way. Your dish is a typical example, focusing only on the word ‘medicine’ while completely ignoring the word ‘culinary’.”

　Seeing the slightly stunned girl, Bai Yuan continued speaking without hesitation.

　"When I was traveling in Guangzhou, I met an old man who was very good at making soup, which, upon closer reflection, could be considered a kind of medicinal cuisine."

　Because he adds many medicinal herbs to his soup, giving it a nourishing effect that can help sick people recover quickly.

　However, even though he added a lot of medicinal herbs, the people who ate it could not taste the bitterness of the herbs at all. The soup was only delicious and made people unable to stop drinking it.

　I went to him for a while to learn how to make good soup, and he told me that the most important thing is patience and meticulousness.

　I never believed such things, but after much pleading and exchanging ideas, I finally got some secret medicinal recipes from him.

　After studying the recipes, I discovered that the key to medicinal cuisine lies in the harmony between the medicinal properties, and in how cooking methods can transform bitterness and astringency into flavor, thus enhancing the taste of the cooked dishes.

　Looking at the clear-eyed girl in front of him, Bai Yuan suppressed the urge to smash all the shredded pork with garlic sauce in front of him and instead slowly began to talk about the way of medicinal cuisine.

　So-called medicinal cuisine mainly focuses on dietary therapy, aiming to enhance physical fitness and become healthier by enjoying delicious food.

　The most important part of medicinal cuisine is not the medicine, but the "cuisine" part; otherwise, it would be better to just take medicine directly.

　It's clear that Hisako Shinto hasn't grasped the true meaning of medicinal cuisine.

　"I guarantee that after eating this shredded pork with garlic sauce, the aftertaste will definitely be slightly bitter. This dish is undoubtedly a failure."

　If I were you, even if I really wanted to add medicinal herbs to this dish, I would only choose herbs with a similar flavor to those used in Yu Xiang Rou Si (shredded pork with garlic sauce), not just throw them in indiscriminately. It would be strange if they tasted good that way! Hold out your hand.

　Bai Yuan solemnly picked up the ruler beside him, and Hisako Shinto was stunned when she heard his words, but still obediently stretched out her hand.

　“Pah~Pah~”

　The ruler struck her palm with a crisp sound, causing the girl to gasp in pain, but she did not flinch.

　"Eat all the food you made, and then make it again as I tell you!"

　Bai Yuan's expression was stern, but in his heart he was marveling at his own gentleness. Under normal circumstances, he would have smashed the plate into Hisako's face long ago.

　If those aspiring masters of culinary disasters saw this, their eyes would probably pop out of their sockets, and they'd probably lament his favoritism.

　However, there are differences between the two.

　The reserve members of the dark cuisine world on the Loulin ship all carried grudges to varying degrees, and were recruited by Bai Yuan by chance.

　Each of them wanted to become stronger quickly and take revenge.

　That's why they asked Bai Yuan to be as strict with them as possible.

　As the leader of the Dark Cuisine world, Bai Yuan naturally couldn't refuse such a request and always trained them to the highest standards.

　At Totsuki Academy, Hakugen completely adopted a relaxed, retirement-like demeanor, giving the impression that he had been busy for so long and could finally take a break.

　Of course, this only applies to large classes. As for the private lessons to come, he will show them what strictness really means!

　We'll only recruit female students then.

　Chapter Ninety: Best of the Night - Persimmon Version of Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork

　"Yes! I'll go try again right away!"

　The pain in her palm woke Hisako Shinoto, but she wasn't angry. Instead, she nodded seriously in agreement.

　After quickly finishing the shredded pork with garlic sauce in front of him, he jogged back to the cooking station and started cooking as Bai Yuan had instructed.

　Combining medicinal cuisine with traditional dishes is inherently very difficult; even top-level chefs may not be able to do it well, let alone her.

　Failure, failure, endless failure!

　Redo it, redo it, keep redoing it!

　Hisako Shirato seemed to be bewitched, constantly experimenting at her cooking station, frying and eating each dish until she could eat no more.

　"Fei Sha..."

　Seeing Hisako Shirato unleash her culinary frenzy, Erina Nakiri's eyes revealed a hint of worry, but she did not step forward.

　This was the path Hisako chose herself, and she couldn't interfere. All she could do was stay behind her and offer encouragement and support when Hisako was tired.

　"call..."

　"Teacher, this is my dish."

　After failing several times and trying again, Erina Nakiri placed her latest dish in front of Shirabuchi, her eyes filled with anticipation.

　"You still need more control over the heat. You'll need to practice more on your own. But you've improved a lot since the beginning, so I'll consider you a pass."

　As he savored Erina Nakiri's cooking, Shirabuchi nodded and smiled.

　His words shocked the students around them who were watching him, eager to see his evaluation.

　"As expected of Erina! With a top-tier talent like the God Tongue, she even managed to pass this teacher's cooking test!"

　“I am guilty.”

　I initially thought the teacher was deliberately trying to prevent us from passing because of our initial offense, but it turns out I'm just too incompetent. How embarrassing!

　"Ugh! Just what level do I need to reach to pass?! Professor Baiyuan's test seems even stricter than Professor Shapel's!"

　The fact that the first person passed smoothly caused a huge uproar at the scene, with many people looking at Erina Nakiri with envy, because she had stood out.

　Next, she can enjoy Bai Yuan's cooking all by herself, a dish that is so delicious that it makes you want to linger just by looking at it!

　"Does this just mean you passed...?"

　Compared to the envy of others, Erina Nakiri felt somewhat disappointed.

　If her stomach hadn't already reached its limit, she would have immediately eaten the food in front of her and then cooked another pot!

　She is never one to settle for "good enough." She always strives to do her best in every assessment and earns an A grade from her instructors without exception!

　However, this time...

　Erina Nakiri pursed her lower lip, crossed her arms tightly over her chest, and looked at Bai Yuan with a hint of humiliation as he wrote "C" on her evaluation form.

　My first C grade.

　Very well, man, you've caught my attention!

　"Keep working hard. Your potential shouldn't be limited to this. The best way to improve your cooking skills is to keep practicing the basics."

　"For now, abandon your God Tongue; you're relying on it too much!"

　"Yes, Professor Bai Yuan!"

　Erina Nakiri nodded vigorously. Since Bai Yuan said her skills weren't up to par, she'd just have to go back and practice like crazy! It just so happens that today ends right before the weekend; she'd ask him where he lived after class so she could visit him and ask for his help over the weekend!

　If she makes good use of her rest time, she can definitely become stronger quickly!

　Meanwhile, Alice Nakiri is currently standing still somewhere. If this continues, it won't be long before she surpasses her. It's something to look forward to!

　Alice is nothing but a mere child, yet she dares to call her "older sister." So what if she was born a few months earlier? She will never submit to anyone!

　As if she had thought of something, Erina Nakiri's lips curled up involuntarily, and she stepped back, her heart filled with anticipation for Shirabuchi's cooking.

　That's a luminous dish! Although she's the young lady of Totsuki Academy and has eaten many luminous dishes, this is the first time she's seen one of that luminous level.

　The shock she experienced not long ago, and the magical power of the food's aroma, left a deep impression on her, one that she still finds hard to forget.

　She would give anything to taste such a dish!

　"Teacher, I..."

　"Your knife skills are poor, and you didn't control the heat well. This can't possibly be up to standard. Eat it all yourself. If you bring up this kind of garbage again, get out of here."

　Seeing that Bai Yuan had finally let people pass, some people thought he had relaxed the conditions, so they brought forward freshly cooked shredded pork with garlic sauce.

　However, after just one glance, he was reprimanded in public without any mercy, which made him feel extremely ashamed, and he silently retreated back into the crowd.

　Now, those who weren't very confident in their cooking stopped and started eating with their heads down.

　Silence fell once again, and no one dared to bring out the food. Bai Yuan, meanwhile, was quite content, sitting on the podium with his eyes closed, arms crossed, waiting for the bell to ring.

　"Hehehe, teacher, look at mine! After six rounds of repeated adjustments, this time it will definitely meet your requirements!"

　Look, here comes a mountain-style shredded pork with garlic sauce!

　At the same time, a voice carrying a hint of vitality rang in his ears, and when he opened his eyes, he found that Yoshino Yuuki had already come to stand in front of him.

　"I've learned my lesson. I replaced the apples with green apples, so they won't fall apart during the stir-frying process, while also preserving the 'crispness' of the ingredients."

　Looking at the dish in front of him, Bai Yuan praised it, saying that no matter what, it's good to make progress. Only by constantly improving can one reach the peak!

　"This is all thanks to your excellent teaching, Teacher Bai Yuan. Without your guidance, I would never have been able to come up with this idea on my own."

　"I only gave you some guidance; it was mostly your ideas."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's praise, Yoshino Yuuki scratched her head shyly and stuck out her tongue, making a cute expression.

　It has to be said that the girl's innocent appearance paired with such an expression is indeed delightful, giving off a feeling of a girl next door.

　"Green apples are a bit more sour than fully ripe apples, and have an overall sweet and sour taste. They go well with dishes like shredded pork with garlic sauce because they combine many flavors."

　Meanwhile, green apples have a crisper texture, and when shredded, they are less likely to break during stir-frying. They also have a fresher flavor with a touch of youthful charm.

　The shredded mushrooms are soft, tender, and fragrant, complementing the texture of the shredded green apples. Overall, the flavor profile is undoubtedly that of shredded pork with garlic sauce.

　Very good, you passed too!

　Bai Yuan nodded and announced that the test had been passed.

　Compared to the background characters, these girls, who received a lot of attention in the main story, are clearly a level above in terms of skill, reaching the level of a second-class chef.

　"Really? Yeah!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Yoshino Yuuki jumped up excitedly. She hadn't managed to get any food earlier because she was in the back.

　However, judging from the crazy looks of everyone and Xiao Hui's description of her afterwards, she became very interested in the fish-flavored shredded pork that Bai Yuan made.

　So I put all my effort into cooking and finally finished cooking before get out of class ended!

　And they successfully passed the assessment.

　"What are you afraid of? Once you're done cooking, hurry up and bring the food up. I'm not going to eat you!"

　Just then, Bai Yuan's voice rang out. Looking at the timid girl behind Yoshino Yuuki, he couldn't help but feel a little impatient.

　To retract my initial statement, Tadokoro Megumi does indeed have some issues. I wonder what happened in the past that made her so insecure!

　Seeing that he was looking over, and his voice was slightly stern, Tadokoro Megumi carefully served the dish.

　"Teacher, I..."

　“I don’t know what you’ve been through in the past, but your ideas and creativity are quite good, at least better than all the useless trash around you.”

　Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, who had a stiff expression and seemed to want to say something, Shirai waved his hand, interrupting her.

　"So, you don't need to be so timid, do you understand, Tadokoro-san?"

　When Tadokoro Megumi came to him, Bai Yuan couldn't help but raise his hand and gently pinch her face, his voice full of dissatisfaction.

　"Be a little more confident. If the judges see you with a long face, even if your dish tastes good, they'll probably lose points in their minds."

　Looking at Tadokoro Megumi's pained expression, Shirabuchi's voice was filled with helplessness. What to do with this girl? It's obvious this can't go on. She's such a troublesome person.

　"Ouch, ouch, ouch! I understand, teacher!"

　Feeling the pain on her face, Tadokoro Megumi gasped and cried out in pain. Only then did Shiroyuki snap out of his reverie and release her hand. Although it was an overly intimate gesture, Tadokoro Megumi wasn't angry because she knew Shiroyuki meant well; instead, she felt a little pleased.

　After this little interaction, she felt much closer to Bai Yuan, and perhaps she wouldn't be so nervous next time she cooked.