Everyday Life Starting with Food Wars

"Alright, don't be so nervous. Megumi Tadokoro, keep up the good work when you get back. Your basic skills are still a bit rough, but your concern for the diners is starting to resemble that of a head chef. Don't get expelled in the future. I'll come back to test you again when I have the chance."

"Okay! Senior Shinomiya! I will definitely do my best!" Tadokoro Megumi bowed to Shinomiya Kojiro, her eyes a little hot. She knew that for this proud chef, saying such words was the greatest affirmation.

Shinomiya Kojiro nodded and then looked at Chen Yuxing.

He didn't say anything, and the two of them just stared at each other.

"Tsk, I've remembered what happened last night." Shinomiya Kojiro narrowed his eyes. "Totsuki is a deep place. I hope you can give me another surprise next time we meet. Relying on ingredients all the time will only lead to stagnation."

"Don't worry, Chef Shinomiya," Chen Yuxing replied earnestly. "If there's another chance next time, I'll definitely show you my true abilities."

Upon hearing Chen Yuxing's words, Shinomiya Kojiro didn't say anything more, turned around and left, waving his hand behind his back to the two of them.

"Ciao~ My dear boy!"

Donato Wutongtian suddenly appeared out of nowhere, winking at Chen Yuxing, "Don't forget my 'Tesoro' restaurant! My invitation is always valid. Whenever you feel tired of Japan or graduate, come find me at my restaurant! You're always welcome!"

"I'll definitely do it next time." Chen Yuxing waved his hand dismissively at the flashy Donato in front of him.

"Chen Yuxing".

Just as Chen Yuxing was about to turn around and get on the bus, Dojima Gin also came out.

Without saying any unnecessary words, he simply took out his phone from his pocket and handed it to Chen Yuxing.

"Enter your number."

Chen Yuxing paused for a moment, then smiled, took the phone, left his number on it, and even tested the call by dialing it.

Hearing the vibration coming from Chen Yuxing's pocket, Dojima Gin put away his phone and looked at him with some appreciation.

"You've given me so many surprises these past few days, whether it was with Tadokoro Megumi or the competition last night." Dojima Gin patted Chen Yuxing on the shoulder. "Your skills have already surpassed those of your peers. You could easily become the head chef at any famous restaurant now. But I still want to say, never lose your desire to explore the unknown. There are still many talented people at Totsuki Academy."

"If you encounter any problems that you can't solve or need any special ingredients, you can call me. Although I graduated a long time ago, I can still be of some help in Totsuki Culinary Arts and the culinary world."

"Then thank you very much, Chief Dojima." Chen Yuxing didn't stand on ceremony and directly saved Dojima Gin's contact information into his address book.

"Go on, enjoy your well-deserved vacation. Oh, and your payment will be transferred to you later, so please check it then." After saying that, Dojima Gin turned and went back.

The bus started up amidst a bumpy ride and slowly drove away from the Far Moon Resort.

Inside the carriage, everyone was initially quite energetic, discussing their experiences over the past few days and the dinner party the previous night. However, as the bus entered the tunnel, everyone became tired and soon fell asleep, leaving only the sound of snoring.

Chen Yuxing leaned back in his seat, looking out the window. His eyelids began to close. The accommodation training these past few days had been quite intense, and even now he just wanted to rest for a while.

When Chen Yuxing opened his eyes again, the bus had already stopped in front of the Polar Star Dormitory.

"We're here! We're finally back!"

Yoshino Yuuki was the first to jump out of the car, stretch out her arms, and start shouting loudly at the Polar Star Dormitory.

Granny Fumio and Isshiki Satoshi were already waiting for everyone at the entrance of the Polar Star Dormitory.

"Hmph, you brats are lucky to have all made it back." Mrs. Wenxu tapped the floor with the broom handle. "Go inside and wash off your sweaty clothes, put your luggage back in your rooms, and don't get in the way of the door!"

"Grandma Fumio! Senpai Isshiki! We all survived and came back!" Soma Yukihira grinned as he carried his backpack. "Shouldn't you treat us to something delicious tonight as a reward?"

"Sure, but you'll have to pick the ingredients yourself from the garden," Isshiki Satoshi said with a smile, turning to open the door.

Everyone rushed into the Polaris Dormitory's lounge, threw their luggage on the ground, and slumped down on a sofa or chair.

“It’s finally over…” Marui Zenji slumped into the sofa like a lump of mud, too weak to even push up his glasses. “I feel like I’ve aged ten years.”

"Yes, but at least everyone made it through." Ryoko Sakaki took a sip of her freshly brewed hot tea. "I heard that after this residential training program ends, the school needs to deal with student withdrawals and grade evaluations. Also, to give us students a break, the school will probably suspend classes for about a week. With the weekend included, we'll have about a week and a half to rest. What are everyone's plans?"

Upon hearing "holiday" mentioned twice, the previously listless crowd immediately perked up.

"A holiday?! There's still a week and a half left?!" Daigo Aoki jumped up from the sofa. "I'm going to sleep for three days and three nights! Then I'll go to the arcade in the city and play video games all day long!"

"I want to go check out the mountains nearby," Yoshino Yuuki said, her eyes lighting up. "At this time of year, maybe we can catch some pheasants or rabbits."

"I...I want to go back to my hometown." Tadokoro Megumi lowered her head somewhat shyly. "I haven't seen my mother in a long time. I want to go back to see her and talk to her about things at school so she won't worry about me too much."

“It’s good to go back to see your mother. Xiaohui did so well this time, your mother will definitely be proud of you.” Sakaki Ryoko smiled gently and then looked at Chen Yuxing and Yukihira Soma, “Xing and Soma, what are your plans?”

“My words?” Soma Yukihira sat on the ground and stroked his chin. “I’m planning to go back to the shopping district and take a look at ‘Yukihira’. My dad went on a long trip and no one has been looking after the restaurant. It’s been so long since I’ve been back, the kitchen utensils and such must be covered in dust. I need to go back and clean them up. I can also work out some new recipes while I’m at it.”

At this point, Soma Yukihira looked at Chen Yuxing and said, "Yuxing, what are you planning to do? Why don't you come and visit my Yukihira Restaurant? We can even research new dishes together and then have a competition!"

"Spare me." Chen Yuxing waved his hand. "I'm in a similar situation to you. I'm also planning to go back to my 'Star' restaurant for a visit. I haven't been back for a long time. I originally planned to go back for two days every weekend, but I haven't had the time."

"Does Ah Xing also own a shop outside?" Marui Zenji looked at him with some surprise.

“Yes, it’s on an old street not far from the school.” Chen Yuxing stood up and stretched. “Didn’t I tell you? My little shop isn’t very big. I’m just taking advantage of these few days off to go back and clean it up and reopen it for a few days. As for the next few days, we’ll see. Maybe I’ll go back to school or visit Chuangzhen’s shop when I have time.”

"They never mentioned that! We had no idea!" Yoshino Yuuki's eyes instantly lit up with stars. "Then can we eat at your restaurant next time?"

"Of course, but if you want to eat any kind of food, you'll have to bring your own ingredients." Chen Yuxing joked, then picked up his luggage. "Okay, I'm going upstairs to take a shower and go to bed early. I should be leaving tomorrow morning."

……

The next morning.

While everyone else was still sound asleep, Chen Yuxing had already gotten up and packed the things he needed to take back.

I went downstairs, greeted Grandma Wenxu, and then went straight out the door.

Chen Yuxing was dressed in simple casual clothes and carrying a canvas bag as he walked down an old street that looked very vintage.

Most of the buildings here are small, two or three stories high, and various shop posters are pasted on the utility poles along the street.

Compared to the atmosphere of the city center and the far moon, this place has a very relaxed, rural feel.

The flower shop owner on the street corner is watering the plants in front of her shop, the butcher next door is wielding a cleaver to process large bones, and the owner of the old bookstore is lying down asleep.

"It feels like it's been ages since I've been back."

Chen Yuxing took a breath.

"Oh my, isn't this the Chen family's boy! You're back!"

Just as they were passing a general store, Mr. Tanaka, who was sitting in a recliner fanning himself, suddenly sat up and shouted when he saw Chen Yuxing return.

His shout immediately drew over several middle-aged women who had gotten up early to buy groceries.

"It really is Ah Xing!" Aunt Sato, who was buying fruit at the fruit shop next door, ran out with two cucumbers in her hand. "You brat, where have you been? We haven't seen you for almost half a month! You didn't even leave us a message. We thought you didn't want to keep the restaurant and just ran away!"

"That's right!" The butcher uncle came over at this moment. "That guy named Okamoto from yesterday, the one from the TV station, right? He stood in front of your shop for a while, and when he saw you weren't open, he sighed and left. Ah Xing, where have you been? Didn't you say you'd be back a few days a week? We've all been missing your cooking for so long!"

Listening to the concerned messages from his neighbors, Chen Yuxing felt a warm glow in his heart.

"Aunt Sato, Uncle Takahashi, please don't say that about me. My shop was doing just fine, how could it close down so easily?" Chen Yuxing greeted everyone while explaining, "Didn't I tell you before that I was going to take some further studies? I was too busy for the past few weeks, so I didn't have time to come back. You see, I'm back now that I'm on vacation."

Grandpa Tanaka looked at him with some suspicion. "Ah Xing, don't go and learn any of those fancy dishes or anything like that. We all love your Chinese food on this street. Don't forget your Chinese cooking skills when you learn something else!"

"Don't worry, sir, my Chinese cuisine won't be lost." Chen Yuxing pointed to his restaurant not far away. "I came back today to tidy up the shop and then reopen for one day tomorrow. If you want anything to eat, just come to the shop and tell me."

"Oh! Really!" Aunt Sato's eyes lit up. "That's great! My grandson was asking me yesterday when you'd be back, because he wanted to eat your sweet and sour pork! I'll bring him over tomorrow to support you."

"Count me in! I want to eat stir-fried beef noodles!" Uncle Takahashi from the butcher shop shouted from the side.

"No problem, I promise there will be enough tomorrow!"

Chapter 40 Departure! Guangzhou!

Chen Yuxing bid farewell to his enthusiastic neighbors and walked to his small restaurant.

Looking up at the somewhat faded 'Star' sign, Chen Yuxing took out his key from his pocket and opened the roller shutter door.

"Splash—"

As the roller shutter door was pushed up and the restaurant door was opened, a cloud of dust blew in through the doorway.

"Cough cough cough..."

Chen Yuxing fanned himself slightly and opened all the windows to let in some fresh air.

The shop wasn't very big, with only six tables and chairs at most. And because I hadn't been back for more than half a month, the tables and chairs were covered in a layer of dust, and the menus on the wall had long since fallen off.

He first put his luggage down somewhere, then went to the kitchen to get a rag, filled a basin with water, and started wiping the tables, chairs, and dusty areas. He also re-pasted the menu that had fallen on the floor back onto the wall.

After the front of the shop was cleaned up, Chen Yuxing went into the kitchen.

The kitchen is a little better than the front of house, but it still needs to be cleaned.

He carefully cleaned the stove, range hood, cutting board, knife rack, pots, and all sorts of miscellaneous kitchen utensils, and then sterilized them at high temperature.

Looking at the cleaned-up shop, Chen Yuxing smiled with satisfaction.

After cleaning up, Chen Yuxing carried a shopping bag and went to a nearby farmers' market.

I promised to open for business tomorrow, so I need to prepare the necessary ingredients today.

He now has high standards for ingredients, which makes the petty thieves in the market break out in a cold sweat.

"Boss, this beef tenderloin isn't right. It's so red and the meat feels so soft. Give me that piece of beef shoulder hanging behind you, with some connective tissue."

"Auntie, the ends of your bean sprouts are a bit black. Could you replace them with fresher ones? Preferably the kind of yellow bean sprouts that are evenly thick and have leaves."

"Uncle, could you please give me the thinner, wider, and flatter kind of rice noodles? I don't want the thick ones."

After buying all the necessary ingredients, Chen Yuxing bought some new spices and returned to the shop with everything. By the time he had sorted everything and put it in the refrigerator, it was already dark outside.

After quickly eating a bowl of noodles to fill his stomach, he took a shower and went upstairs to sleep.

"Phew... It's so comfortable to sleep in my own bed. I wonder how many guests will come tomorrow."

……

Chen Yuxing slept until 10 a.m. the next day.

"Splash—"

He hung the "Open for Business" sign at the restaurant entrance and then went back to the kitchen to start preparing.

"Thorn-"

Chen Yuxing first turned on the stove to heat the pot.

Not long after, the first customer entered as the bell at the restaurant door jingled.

"Ah Xing! Give me two servings of stir-fried beef noodles, one to eat here and one to take away." Uncle Takahashi from the butcher shop ran over, sweating profusely, without even taking off his apron.

"Okay, uncle, please sit down and wait a moment."

Chen Yuxing took the beef shoulder he bought yesterday out of the freezer.

Stir-fried beef noodles are a classic and representative dish of Guangdong cuisine. You can find it in street food stalls, tea restaurants, and formal Cantonese restaurants. The ingredients are very simple: rice noodles, beef, and some side dishes such as bean sprouts. Therefore, stir-fried beef noodles are considered a "touchstone" for testing the cooking skills of Cantonese chefs, just like fried rice with eggs, which can test the chef's basic skills.

Chen Yuxing put on an apron over his clothes and then picked up a kitchen knife.

His hands moved very quickly, the blade leaving afterimages on the cutting board.

The beef shoulder is sliced ​​into thin slices, cut along the grain of the meat, so that the fibers of the beef are not damaged at all.

Then put the chopped beef into a bowl, add a little water, soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a pinch of baking soda to tenderize the meat.

"Clap clap clap!"

Quickly stir the beef in the bowl with your fingers to allow it to fully absorb the moisture from the seasonings. Finally, drizzle a spoonful of peanut oil over the beef to lock in the moisture and enhance the aroma. This step is called "sealing the oil" and is crucial to ensuring that the beef remains moist and not dry even under high heat.

"Stab!"

The wok is already smoking hot. At this point, scoop up a spoonful of cold oil and slide it down the side of the wok. Using a hot wok with cold oil ensures that the rice noodles will not stick to the bottom when you stir-fry them later.

Pour out the oil that has been used to coat the pan, add a little oil back in, and then put the marinated beef slices into the pan to fry.

The high temperature causes the protein on the surface of the beef to coagulate quickly, making a crackling sound.

With his right hand holding the spatula, Chen Yuxing pushed the wok handle sharply with his left. The wok drew a perfect arc in mid-air, and the beef inside rolled once before landing steadily back in the wok.

After stir-frying for less than fifteen seconds, as soon as the beef changed color and the edges turned slightly browned, Chen Yuxing immediately poured it out to the side to drain the oil.

The beef is about 70% cooked at this point. If it's cooked any longer, it will become tough and dry when it's put back in the pan.

Then pour out all the oil from the pan, reheat the pan, and sauté the prepared onion slices and scallion whites until fragrant.

Next comes the most crucial ingredient: rice noodles.

Chen Yuxing grabbed a handful of rice noodles and spread them evenly on the bottom of the pot.

When stir-frying beef noodles, you should never use a spatula to stir them vigorously, otherwise the noodles will easily become mushy and end up as a pot of mush.

Chen Yuxing gripped the pot handle tightly and exerted force with his wrist.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"