Everyday Life Starting with Food Wars

The rich soy sauce broth, infused with the flavors of seafood and pork bones, is incredibly tempting. Paired with golden noodles and a variety of side dishes, it's sure to whet your appetite.

He picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a noodle, and slurped it up.

"Suck it-"

The noodles were very chewy, and the soy sauce broth was rich, sweet, and delicious.

Moreover, the flavor of the broth did not clash with the soy sauce; instead, they blended together perfectly, creating distinct layers and an unforgettable aftertaste.

"Delicious! This bowl of noodles smells amazing."

Daigo Aoki, who was standing next to him, finished his bowl of soup. "The noodles were very chewy and had absorbed all the broth. They had a rich wheat flavor and a strong soup base flavor."

Chen Yuxing also praised it, saying, "Moreover, it abandons the clear broth used in the original soy sauce ramen and instead uses a broth made from pork bones and seafood, which combines the rich white aroma of pork bones with the sweet and fresh taste of seafood, making the taste more mellow than ordinary soy sauce ramen."

"Hehehe, of course!" Soma laughed smugly. "I researched this special dish myself, and so did this broth."

"Not bad, it seems you've really improved a lot lately."

Yukihira Joichiro watched from the side, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, but his expression quickly turned serious again.

"But if you think you can defeat me just like that, you're being too naive."

As he spoke, Yukihira Joichiro brought out his own dishes.

"This is also a dish I made specially."

As he spoke, Joichiro Yukihira brought out his dish.

"This is my special 'Yukihira-ryu' broth risotto!

Chen Yuxing was somewhat surprised when he saw the dish that Yukihira Joichiro brought out.

It wasn't because the dish was particularly luxurious; on the contrary, this risotto looked rather ordinary.

There was no plating or side dishes; it just looked like a bowl of ordinary white rice cooked by Gao Tao.

Chen Yuxing picked up a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of rice, and put it in his mouth. The moment he tasted it, his eyes widened in surprise.

What... what is this smell?!

The flavor of the broth permeated every grain of rice perfectly.

The savory flavor of the seafood and pork bones complements the soft and sticky rice. Moreover, the broth has more spices than the original, such as fennel, star anise, bay leaves, and cinnamon, which makes the broth less greasy and more delicious.

If we were to describe the flavor of Soma Yukihira's ramen, the broth would be a layered taste that blends seamlessly with the soy sauce.

In Joichiro Yukihira's risotto, the broth itself is the key to the dish. The added spices enhance the overall flavor of the broth, making it even more delicious, while the rice perfectly complements the aroma.

The sweetness of the rice and the umami of the broth intertwine perfectly in the mouth, creating a wonderful taste that cannot be described in words.

There was nothing else, just broth and rice.

Chen Yuxing closed his eyes, and he seemed to see a vast world.

This world was made entirely of rice. Just as he stood there admiring it, a colossal wave composed of bones, seafood, and various spices suddenly surged from afar, completely engulfing him. Just when he thought it was all over, the rice absorbed all the broth, and the originally pure white world began to turn golden.

"Is this 'Shura's' culinary skill?"

Chen Yuxing muttered to himself, Cheng Yilang's culinary skills were currently beyond his reach.

Such a dish can be made with only simple ingredients and seasonings, which is something that ordinary chefs cannot do. Even if he used all his skills now, he probably couldn't match it.

Chen Yuxing opened his eyes and looked at Yukihira Joichiro, saying sincerely, "Senior Joichiro, your cooking and culinary skills are truly impeccable."

The final review results were also a foregone conclusion.

Joichiro Yukihira achieved his 491st victory in the father-son duel with an overwhelming advantage.

“Dad…you rascal, you even have this.” Soma Yukihira naturally also tasted the details in the broth. He put down his bowl and looked at his father across from him with resentment.

"That's the difference in experience, kid."

Joichiro Yukihira walked up to Soma and patted him on the shoulder. "You still have a long way to go. But I can see that you've grown a lot. Keep up the good work, and maybe one day you'll actually be able to beat me."

Soma Yukihira gritted his teeth. Although he was very unwilling, he knew that his current strength was far inferior to that of his father.

"Damn it, I'll definitely beat you!" Soma shouted.

"Hahaha, I'll wait for that day, but let's forget about the next few days." Yukihira Joichiro said with a smile, "Isn't the Autumn Selection Tournament about to start? Soma, don't lose to anyone else before you lose to me next time."

After the cooking competition ended, everyone returned to the living room, sat in a circle, and began to chat about their holiday experiences.

When Chen Yuxing talked about how he participated in a cooking competition during his trip to China and even won the championship, everyone was shocked.

"What!? Ah Xing, you actually participated in that kind of old-fashioned cooking competition!" Aoki Daigo stared wide-eyed at Chen Yuxing as if he were looking at a monster.

"Ah Xing... you're really amazing..." Tadokoro Megumi looked at Chen Yuxing with eyes full of admiration.

Yukihira Joichiro, standing to the side, also looked surprised: "The Mahjong King Championship? If I remember correctly, it's a competition in Guangzhou, right? I think the last champion was from Guangzhou Restaurant?"

"Yes, it's Chef Xie from Guangzhou Restaurant. He's one of the judges for this competition. And Chef Zhou, who is also a champion with me, is also from Guangzhou Restaurant," Chen Yuxing replied.

"Young people these days are really impressive." Yukihira Joichiro looked at him admiringly: "If I remember correctly, that Master Zhou's name is Zhou Lixian, right?"

Chen Yuxing was taken aback: "Senior Cheng Yilang, do you know Master Zhou?"

“I guess so.” Joichiro Yukihira leaned back in his chair. “I’ve been there and had some dealings with him a few times when I was traveling.

As he spoke, he looked at Soma Yukihira: "See, you brat? Learn from others. Even when you go on vacation, you should participate in these kinds of competitions. You've been competing against me at home and lost 490 times."

“It’s 491 times!” Soma Yukihira rolled his eyes at Chen Yuxing: “It doesn’t matter! I need strong opponents like this to keep me motivated! Whether it’s Xing or Dad, I will beat you one day!”

After everyone had played around for a while, Chen Yuxing suddenly remembered something, took back the canvas bag he had left in the kitchen, and took out some exquisite little paper bags and boxes from it.

"Oh, by the way, I also brought back some local specialties and small gifts for everyone when I went out this time."

"Yuji, these are Longjing tea cakes and West Lake lotus root starch for you."

"Ryoko, this is osmanthus wine from Hangzhou, and a jar of top-quality Longjing tea."

"Marui, I brought you a set of postcards from over there and a printed copy of 'Suiyuan Shidan' (隨園食單)."

"Ibuzaki, this is Hangzhou smoked fish I brought for you."

"Daigo and Shoji, I've brought you each a Wang Xingji folding fan from over there."

"Xiao Hui, this Suzhou embroidery scarf is for you. I think it suits you very well."

"This is a ping-pong paddle and a unique tomato pendant for Isshiki-senpai."

"And there's Granny Wenxu's stuff, these are dried abalone gelatin, all kinds of dried seafood."

He then handed a paper bag to Joichiro, saying, "Senior Joichiro, I really didn't expect you to come, so I didn't prepare a special gift. This bag of Xinhui tangerine peel and pre-Qingming Longjing tea was bought from a local old shop. I hope you will like it."

"Oh, these are all good stuff." Yukihira Joichiro took the paper bag with a smile. "Then I won't be polite. I'll brew a pot of tea and try it later."

"As for Chuangzhen..." Chen Yuxing took out the last big box from his bag, "West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork, both vacuum-packed, you can try them when you have time."

Chapter 54: The Challenge from Terunori Kuga

On the last day of the holiday, everyone partied all night in Marui's room despite his refusal.

As dawn broke, Chen Yuxing was almost awake.

When he got up, everyone was still lying sprawled out in different places. He smiled at the sleeping crowd, then went back to his room to wash up before going downstairs to prepare breakfast for everyone.

However, just as I reached the stairwell, a fragrant aroma wafted from the direction of the kitchen, carrying the savory and slightly sour smell of miso soup.

"This smell...who got up so early...?"

Chen Yuxing followed the aroma and went over. The kitchen door was open, and Yukihira Joichiro, wearing the apron that Fumio's grandmother had worn, was ladling miso soup into several bowls. Several breakfasts were already laid out on the counter: grilled saury, tamagoyaki, pickled radish, and some cherry tomatoes.

"Good morning, Joichiro-senpai." Chen Yuxing knocked on the door and greeted Yukihira Joichiro, "You're up so early to make breakfast?"

"Good morning, Chen Yuxing-kun." Cheng Yilang turned around and saw Chen Yuxing, and smiled heartily. "You're up so early. I thought Granny Wenxu would be the first one to come down."

"Senior Chengyilang got up earlier than me." Chen Yuxing walked to the kitchen counter and glanced at the breakfast prepared on the table.

"Haha, I just woke up and couldn't fall back asleep." Joichiro placed the last bowl of miso soup on the counter and untied his apron. "Since I'm already up, I thought I'd make everyone breakfast before I leave as a farewell."

Chen Yuxing noticed a travel bag next to the kitchen counter.

"Is Senior Shiro leaving so soon?" Chen Yuxing asked.

“Yes, actually we should have left last night.” Jōichirō took a tray from the side and put the breakfast on it. “But Granny Fumio insisted on keeping me from leaving, saying that she hadn’t been back to Polar Star Dormitory for so many years and that she should stay at least one more night before leaving.”

"I couldn't refuse her request, so I had to let her stay one more night."

Chen Yuxing and Yukihira Joichiro chatted as they carried the prepared breakfast outside.

As the two were talking, footsteps came from upstairs again. Grandma Wenxu came down wearing a sweater. She looked at the breakfast spread out on the table and Cheng Yilang beside her and remained silent for a moment.

"Just like twenty years ago, Joichiro, are you planning to run away again?" Granny Fumio looked at Joichiro Yukihira with some reproach. "Gin still sends me greeting cards and writes letters every year, but you, every time you leave, it's for a long time without even a word."

"Oh dear, I came back to see you in person these past two days." Joichiro scratched his head, his tone softening. "Next time, I'll definitely stay a few more days."

"You said the same thing last time." Grandma Wenxu snorted and walked to the table to sit down. "Alright, alright, if you're going to leave, hurry up and eat breakfast, or you'll miss the bus again."

At this moment, Isshiki Satoshi also came downstairs. He was still wearing that naked apron. When he saw the travel bag next to Joichiro, he understood what was going on.

"Isn't Mr. Joichiro going to say goodbye to Soma?" Isshiki Satoshi asked as he came over to help set the table.

"Haha, if that kid sees me leave, he'll probably start saying things like 'You haven't settled things with me yet,' which is too much trouble." Joichiro waved his hand with a smile. "I've already explained some things to him, and now it's up to him to figure it out himself. Oh, and Grandma, could you please give my regards to Gin as well?"

Granny Fumio nodded without speaking, while Isshiki Satoshi said with some emotion, "Mr. Joichiro, if there is a chance next time, please let me have a match with you. As one of the Ten Heroes, I am really looking forward to fighting the legendary Shura."

"That's easy to solve. Just don't wear these strange clothes next time I come back."

Yukihira Joichiro quickly finished his portion, picked up his travel bag, slung it over his shoulder, and glanced upstairs.

"Soma will probably sleep a little longer." He looked away and said with a hint of helplessness, "Although I didn't want to say goodbye to him, I'll have to trouble you to tell him later that I'm leaving first."

Yukihira Joichiro stopped at the door and turned to look at Chen Yuxing.

“Chen Yuxing-kun.” Cheng Yilang suddenly became more serious. “It’s really rare for Soma to have a friend like you. This is the path of cooking.”

"It's very lonely to go on alone. Having a companion to keep up with is very important for a chef, just like Gin and I were back then."

"From now on, I'll have to trouble you to take good care of that kid. If he ever gets lost, I hope you can give him a good wake-up call for me."

Chen Yuxing stood up and looked at Yukihira Joichiro with the same seriousness: "Don't worry, Joichiro-senpai. Although Soma is usually impulsive and unreliable, he is serious about cooking. I will improve with him."

Yukihira Joichiro paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. He turned around, pushed open the door, and waved to Chen Yuxing and the other two.

"Then it's settled, see you later!"

After saying that, he strode away.

"He's just the same as before..." Granny Fumio sighed, watching the direction Joichiro had left. "But seeing him able to make comforting dishes again, he must have let go of the past. I wonder when I'll see him again..."

The three of them didn't say anything more and sat down to enjoy the sumptuous breakfast that Joichiro had left behind.

As the sun rose higher, the other members of Polaris Dormitory began to wake up one by one.

The first one to get off was Tadokoro Megumi.

"Who made breakfast today? It smells so good." She walked to the table and looked at the breakfast on it, still a little dazed.

“It was made by Mr. Joichiro,” Isshiki Satoshi said, sitting to the side with a cup of hot tea. “It’s a farewell breakfast for everyone.”

"Hey! Has Senior Joichiro already left?" Tadokoro Megumi instantly snapped out of her daze upon hearing this. "Does Soshin-kun know?"

"You don't know, do you? Senior Joichiro even told us to tell Soma about it later." Chen Yuxing turned around from the sink. "I guess he didn't want to be sad when we parted."

Aoki Daigo, Sakaki Ryoko, and the others also came down at this time.

Holding Kamo no Suke in her arms, Yoshino Yuuki overheard the conversation below and quickly exclaimed, "What?! Uncle Joichiro has already left?! I haven't said goodbye to him yet!"

"They've been gone for a while now." Granny Wenxu came out carrying a pot of tea. "You little devils are getting up later and later. Before, at 5:30 in the morning, Gin and Joichiro would get up to help in the vegetable garden and research new dishes. But you two don't get up until the sun is already high in the sky. What are you going to do in the future?"

Grandma Wenxu said this, but she still poured everyone a cup of hot tea.

Soma Yukihira was the last to wake up. He walked into the restaurant while yawning and started eating right away.

"Breakfast is so delicious today." He took a bite of tamagoyaki and mumbled, "Grandma Fumio, why is breakfast so lavish today?"

Grandma Wenxu picked up her teacup, gave him a disapproving look, and then slowly said, "This was made by your father. He left after he finished making it, and he asked us to say goodbye to you."

"What?!" Soma Yukihira's chopsticks stopped moving. "That guy! He always does this! He never tells me he's leaving! How awful! I even prepared a new dish to have a showdown with him this morning!"

"Damn it, I'm definitely going to beat him next time we meet."

With that, Soma angrily continued eating his breakfast.

Although he appeared to be like that on the surface, everyone could see that he was still somewhat reluctant to see Yukihira Joichiro leave.