Everyday Life Starting with Food Wars

"Please have some clear broth dragon beard noodles."

Hojo Miyoko looked at the noodles, which resembled a wisp of white mist swirling in a clear spring, swallowed hard, and picked up her chopsticks.

Erina Nakiri glanced down at the bowl. The soup was crystal clear, without a trace of oil. The noodles were as thin as hair, quietly coiled at the bottom of the bowl, like a ball of pure white silk.

"After eating such a rich and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish, they actually served a bowl of noodles that tasted like plain boiled water."

Erina Nakiri scoffed, "Are you sure our taste buds can still taste the flavor in this bowl?"

"You'll know once you try it," Chen Yuxing gestured for him to try.

With a hint of disbelief, Erina Nakiri picked up a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of clear soup, along with a few strands of thin, silken noodles, and put it into her mouth.

"boom--!!!"

The moment that sip of soup touched the "God's Tongue," Erina Nakiri's brain felt as if it had been struck by a giant hammer, and she went completely blank!

What on earth does this taste like?!

It looks like plain water, but the moment it enters her mouth, the intensely rich freshness of the old hen, the mellowness of the pork ribs, and the salty aroma of the Jinhua ham are like a supernova that has been contained to the extreme and then suddenly explodes, spreading wildly on her taste buds!

The numbing and spicy sensation left by the braised pork intestine noodles vanished instantly upon touching the noodles and clear broth, like mud washed away by spring rain!

"What...what is this?!"

The thin, hair-like noodles didn't become mushy when they touched your teeth. Although they melted in your mouth, the almost imperceptible "elasticity" and "chewiness" of the gluten, combined with the rich broth, gave your tongue an electric, tingling sensation!

Erina finds herself no longer the high and mighty queen of Totsuki Academy. She has become a girl dressed in a thin white veil, falling into a warm and golden pool. The pool is not water, but a hot spring made of delicious broth. All around her, countless soft clouds made of white luminous threads wrap around her.

"Ah...no...don't cling to me like this..." Erina's eyes were glazed over in the illusion. She felt the golden broth and soft noodles spreading along her skin. The ultimate comfort made her give up all resistance. Her body writhed restlessly in the clouds, completely succumbing to this domineering yet gentle delicacy.

To onlookers, Erina Nakiri's face instantly turned bright red, her legs went weak, and she involuntarily slumped into a chair. Hisako, standing nearby, turned pale with fright and quickly grabbed a coat to cover Erina, saying, "Lady Erina! Please, please pull yourself together!"

On the other side, Hojo Miyoko's reaction was equally intense!

"Boom!"

Miyoko snapped the chopsticks in her hand in her excitement, her body jolted, and her back was soaked with sweat.

In her illusion, she was wielding her most prized pure iron Chinese wok when suddenly, a real dragon composed of millions of silver threads descended from the sky. The dragon was devoid of any human presence, yet it carried an irresistible pressure. With a single move, "Dragon Tail Swing," it shattered her iron wok.

In the illusion, Miyoko knelt on the ground, gazing up at the noodle dragon rolling in the clouds. The thrill of being completely conquered by the most authentic and sophisticated "delicacy and heritage" of Chinese cuisine made her muscles tremble all over.

"How could this happen... Five consecutive high-intensity food battles, with his arms almost completely exhausted, and he was still able to develop such resilient gluten and pull out such even and delicate dragon beard noodles."

Miyoko Hojo was panting heavily, having drunk every last drop of soup from her bowl.

Apart from Erina Nakiri and Miyoko Hojo, the other judges reacted even more dramatically, wolfing down their food while shedding tears, barely able to speak.

"score!"

The head judge finally swallowed the last bite of noodles and said, followed by raising five plaques representing Chen Yuxing!

"5:0! In this ultimate food battle, the winner is—Polaris Dormitory, Chen Yuxing! He has achieved an incredible five-game winning streak!" Kawashima Rei screamed as she announced the result.

Chapter 16 ends, let's celebrate!

Amidst deafening gasps from the entire audience.

Chen Yuxing stood there and exhaled a long breath.

Just then, the long-lost "ding" sound in my mind finally rang out.

[Hidden stage mission complete: Achieve a five-game winning streak in the Food Wars!]

[Achievement Completed: Emerging Genius!]

[Get Rewards:]

1. Special Ingredient – ​​Shu Han Old-fashioned Noodles. Description: Shu Han Old-fashioned Noodles originate from the old-fashioned yeast strain passed down in the Shu region during the Three Kingdoms period. Dough fermented with Shu Han Old-fashioned Noodles has double the maximum gluten extensibility, allowing for the creation of pastries that break through the limitations of conventional processes. Currently suitable recipes: Soul-Soothing Noodles, Four Gods Seafood Eight-Treasure Buns.

2. New Recipe: Soul-Soothing Noodles. Source: "Cooking Master Boy" - The Story of Luo Genji, the King of Noodles. Requires "Shu Han Old Noodles" as the fermentation base.

3. New Recipe: Four-Herb Seafood Eight-Treasure Buns. Source: Logan's Recipe from "Cooking Master Boy". Made with Shu Han-style old dough, these buns are filled with a luxurious filling of eight kinds of seafood. The four different ingredients in each bun represent a distinct flavor profile. (Includes the eight-treasure filling recipe)

4. New Secret Technique: The White Snake Spin Kneading Technique. From the anime/manga series *Cooking Master Boy*, this is a family-inherited kneading technique using rotation to smooth the dough.

Upon hearing the reward in his mind, Chen Yuxing's nerves, which had been feeling heavy due to exhaustion, suddenly twitched.

"Holy crap, they even exposed the secrets of the King of Noodles. We're really going to strike it rich now."

Just then, Miyoko Hojo strode over. Her expression didn't show any dejection after her defeat; instead, it carried the excitement of having met a master.

“I lost.” She bowed solemnly to Chen Yuxing. “I have lived in Yokohama Chinatown for so many years, and I always thought that my strength and firepower were the limit of the younger generation. But I realize today that I still have so much to learn.”

She straightened up, her eyes gleaming with fire: "Chen Yuxing, your skills far surpass those of those old men in Yokohama Chinatown. If I have the chance... no, even if it's just to do odd jobs, I hope I can learn some real skills from you!"

Chen Yuxing looked at the straightforward short-haired girl in front of him and smiled kindly: "You flatter me, Hojo-kun. You are also very outstanding. If you have time, we can exchange ideas. Chinese cuisine is inclusive and diverse, with no distinction between high and low, only continuous exploration."

“Okay! It’s a deal!” Hojo Miyoko was a straightforward person and nodded heavily.

At this moment, Erina Nakiri finally regained her senses from that shameful "illusion." Although her legs were still a little weak, she still managed to stand up, raising her proud, swan-like face and trying to hide the blush in the corners of her eyes.

"It's just... so-so!"

Erina Nakiri gritted her teeth and turned her head away arrogantly. "You do have some skill. But don't think you can get away with anything just because you beat a few guys from the research club! In Totsuki, these tricks are far from enough to make you think you can do whatever you want!"

After saying that, she turned around quickly, as if she didn't dare to stay a moment longer, "Hisako, let's go!"

Hisako Shinto, holding her tablet, glanced back at Chen Yuxing before leaving, her eyes filled with complex emotions. As the person who knew Erina best, she knew all too well what the young lady's reaction just now meant. It was the kind of loss of composure that the young lady would only show when she encountered something truly delicious.

"This person... is terrifying." Hisako silently memorized the name and quickly followed Erina's steps.

……

The moment Chen Yuxing stepped off the arena and out of the spotlight, carrying his knife case, his tense nerves relaxed, and a deep sense of fatigue instantly washed over him, causing him to stagger almost imperceptibly.

Before he could even stand still, the members of Polaris Dormitory rushed over like a group of happy monkeys.

"You're amazing, kid! Five consecutive wins! You really pulled it off!" Aoki Daigo grabbed Chen Yuxing by the neck and shouted excitedly.

Shoji Sato patted him on the shoulder: "Hahahaha! From today onwards, our Polar Star Dormitory's food expenses for the whole year will be covered!! Hoshino, you are our god!"

Soma Yukihira, carrying his spoils from defeating Ikumi Mito, grinned carefree: "I knew you wouldn't lose! But next time, I'm definitely going to have a match with you too!"

Ibuzaki Jun leaned against the pillar at the far end of the audience seats and didn't squeeze over. He didn't leave immediately as usual. He watched Chen Yuxing being surrounded by a group of people from a distance, then nodded and turned away when no one was paying attention.

Yoshino Yuuki clung to Chen Yuxing's shoulder, almost knocking him over: "Xing! Tell me right now how your noodles are glowing! Did Isshiki-senpai secretly hide a flashlight next to your bowl? Or did you add something that glows to the dough?!"

You almost scared the chicks away!

The chick was struggling desperately, tucked under her arm.

"Alright, everyone, stop making things worse."

Isshiki Satoshi held a fan he'd somehow acquired, still sporting his usual sly, mischievous senior smile, but with a hint of admiration in his eyes: "What Hoshino needs right now is rest. But I must say, tonight, the Polaris Dormitory truly shone because of you."

Chen Yuxing was indeed exhausted. Five consecutive high-intensity matches, and in the last match, he almost exhausted the strength in his arms while pulling the dragon beard noodles.

Just as he was slightly unsteady on his feet.

A pair of soft, warm little hands, carrying a faint scent of lavender, suddenly gently supported his arm from the side.

Chen Yuxing turned his head and saw that it was Tadokoro Megumi.

At this moment, Tadokoro Megumi's eyes were still slightly red, obviously from being nervous for him while watching him fight on stage. She looked at Chen Yuxing with worry in her watery golden eyes, and firmly supported half of his body with both hands.

"Ah Xing... are you alright? You've had a hard time." Her voice was soft but full of concern, as if she was afraid that raising her voice would disturb him. "If you can't stand steadily, you can... you can lean on me."

After saying this, Xiao Hui's face turned bright red, but she did not back down. Instead, she moved her shoulder closer to Chen Yuxing.

Chen Yuxing felt the warmth emanating from beside him, and his heart inexplicably softened.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Xiao Hui."

Chen Yuxing did not refuse, but instead leaned a small portion of his weight gently on Tadokoro Megumi's shoulder. As he leaned against her soft shoulder and smelled the faint scent of shampoo emanating from her hair, his inner fatigue miraculously eased.

"To be honest, I'm really exhausted. All I want to do now is go back to Polaris Dormitory and eat the rice balls you made this morning."

Hearing these words, which carried a hint of dependence and praise, Tadokoro Megumi felt her heart pounding like a little rabbit.

"Okay! I'll make them for you when we get back! I'll make lots and lots!"

In the crowd at Polar Star Dormitory, Yoshino Yuuki nudged Sakaki Ryoko with her elbow, giving her a knowing look.

Surrounded by a group of chattering roommates from Polaris Dormitory, Chen Yuxing, half-supported by Tadokoro Megumi, walked out of the Moonlit Sky Branch Hall in the afterglow of the setting sun.

In the shadows on the second floor above the venue, several figures dressed in the uniforms of the Elite Ten were looking down at their backs.

"Is this the one who single-handedly defeated the first-year student in the research club?"

"Hehe, it seems the upcoming autumn selection will be interesting."

……

"Why! Why my room again?!"

Marui Zenji knelt down at the door of room 205, shouting with grief and indignation.

His room used to be the cleanest and tidiest place in the Polaris Dormitory, but now the floor is covered with picnic mats.

Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato were sitting cross-legged in the corner, fighting over a piece of fried chicken cutlet. Yuki Yoshino was chasing a clucking chick around the room. Even Soma Yukihira swaggered in with a small portable gas stove, saying he was going to cook two dishes of appetizers on the spot.

"Hey, Marui, don't be so stingy!"

Yoshino Yuuki slapped Marui on the back, almost knocking him over. "Who told you to have the biggest room, and with so many good novels to read? Today is the day Hoshino and Soma return victorious, how can we not have some fun! And we'll clean it for you afterwards."

"You guys promised to help me clean up at the last gathering, but when I woke up the next day, you were all gone!" Marui said, on the verge of tears. "My back almost broke from cleaning all by myself that time!"

Seeing Marui Zenji's pitiful appearance, Chen Yuxing, who had just pushed the door open, couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, alright, I promise to keep an eye on them tonight. If anyone runs away before cleaning the house properly, I won't help them taste the dishes in the kitchen anymore."

Chen Yuxing placed the two plates he was holding on the small table in the center of the room, then clapped his hands, "Come and try the spicy crayfish and cold beef salad I just made, eat them while they're hot."

"Wow! Long live Ah Xing!"

Even Marui stopped lying there; everyone was drawn in by the aroma of spicy crayfish and beef.

"Ah Xing is the hero of today! Come on, everyone, have some of this. It's rice juice that I specially brought out from the wine cellar."

Ryoko Sakaki walked in with a smile, carrying two glass bottles with corks, the bottles containing a milky white liquid.

"Fermented rice juice!"

Yoshino Yuuki took the bottle with shining eyes, popped the stopper open, and filled everyone's cup to the brim.

Although it's called fruit juice, this kind of beverage, which is fermented with rice koji, has some alcohol content. It tastes sweet at first, but has a strong aftereffect.

"To Ah Xing's five-game winning streak and undefeated record! To preserve Soma of the Rice Bowl Research Club! Cheers!"

"cheers!!!"

The paper cups collided, and the juice foamed up.

After a few glasses of "rice juice," the atmosphere in the room was completely ignited.

Before he could react, Marui Zenji had already been forced to drink several large cups of liquor. His face flushed an unnatural red, and he stopped complaining. Instead, he went to a corner to argue with Aoki Daigo and Sato Shoji about which type of flour was more scientific for making fried shrimp.

Chen Yuxing, holding his cup, found a relatively quiet corner and sat down against the wall. The battle in the afternoon had exhausted him, and now he just wanted to quietly watch the energetic guys in front of him party.

"Ah Xing, it's actually okay if you go and go crazy with everyone."

Wearing his signature loincloth, Isshiki Satoshi walked over to Chen Yuxing and sat down on the ground, holding a small wine glass in his hand.

Chen Yuxing rolled her eyes at him: "Senior Yise, can you please put on some clothes properly? Every time I see you wearing either a loincloth or a naked apron, it's really hard for me to stand it."

“Haha, this is what youth is all about.” Isshiki Satoshi replied with a smile, then looked gently at the lively crowd, took a sip of rice wine, and said, “While everyone can still laugh without restraint, let them make a fuss for a while longer.”

Chen Yuxing paused, turned to look at Isshiki Satoshi: "What's wrong? You're making it sound like someone's about to have a really bad day."

"It'll probably be another week or so." Isshiki Satoshi's smile faded a bit. "The first real test for the first-year students, which is what the Commander-in-Chief called the 'Jade' selection, the dormitory training will begin soon. I wonder how many of you in the rooms right now will be able to return to Polar Star Dormitory unscathed."

Just then, Marui Zenji, who was standing next to him, also heard Isshiki Satoshi's words. He suddenly turned around, pushed up his glasses, and said, "This...this is the first real hell we're about to face since entering high school! The boarding training at Totsuki Academy is also the most terrifying hell for first-year students! All first-year students have to participate in a series of extremely difficult projects. If they fail, they will be sent back on the spot and expelled immediately!"

The laughter and chatter inside the house abruptly stopped.

Aoki Daigo accidentally dropped the crayfish in his hand onto the table, and Sato Shoji next to him stared in disbelief with his mouth agape.

"I heard that a few years ago, there was a competition where more than half of the participants were eliminated on the first day alone," Ibuzaki Shun added sarcastically.

"Clap."

"Everyone... thank you for taking care of me all this time..."

Chen Yuxing turned his head and saw that Tadokoro Megumi, who was not far away, had been beaten to a pulp and turned black and white. She was slumped on the tatami like a soulless doll.