Everyday Life Starting with Food Wars

Chapter 59 Victory Celebration Banquet

"Then, as agreed, starting today, the eighth seat of the Elite Ten will be yours."

When Terunori Kuga said those words, the members of the Chinese Cuisine Research Club on the stage burst into tears.

"No! Commander!"

"Kuga-senpai!"

"We disagree!"

The students in the audience erupted in excitement once again.

"No way, is Kuga-senpai really going to give up his spot in the Elite Ten?!"

"A first-year student has become the eighth seat of the Elite Ten! This is the first time this has ever happened in the history of Totsuki Academy!"

"Are we going to have two Elite Ten members in the first year?! The second one after Erina-sama!"

Chen Yuxing suddenly smiled, took a towel to wipe his hands, and then looked at Kuga Terunori and said, "Kuga-senpai, did you remember something wrong?"

"What did you remember wrong?" Terunori Kuga was taken aback.

"The terms we agreed upon before the food battle were that if I lost, I would be your assistant; if I won, you would grant me one request," Chen Yuxing yawned. "I don't have any requests for you yet."

"As for the Ten Heroes, you should be the one yourself."

Kuga Terunori opened his mouth, staring at Chen Yuxing as if he were an alien. "Do you know how many people want this position? This is the pinnacle position in the Far Moon, the entire Far Moon—"

"For now, let's forget about it." Chen Yuxing replied while turning around and tidying up the kitchen counter. "After becoming one of the Ten Heroes, I remember I would have to deal with all sorts of big and small things at school. It seems so troublesome."

The entire audience stared in disbelief at Chen Yuxing below.

Those are the Elite Ten! The Elite Ten who wield supreme power within Totsuki Academy! You think it's too much trouble and don't want to be one? Then let me be one! I dream of being one of the Totsuki Elite Ten!

Terunori Kuga's lips twitched: "Alright, then what do you want me to do?"

"Hmm... let me think..." Chen Yuxing finished tidying up the kitchen counter and turned around to think for a moment. "You can owe me this request for now. I haven't thought about it yet. I'll tell you when I do. For now, you should just sit obediently in your eighth seat."

“Alright.” Terunori Kuga’s expression was somewhat complicated. He then handed Chen Yuxing a key. “Take this first. It’s the key to the kitchen of the Chinese Cuisine Research Society. You can use it anytime you need.”

"I'll take this. I'll be leaving now." Chen Yuxing took the keys, waved to Kuga Terunori, and then turned and left gracefully.

“Chen Yuxing… I’ll definitely show you my new transformation next time… about the fusion of Chinese cuisine…” Kuga Terunori stood there watching his back for a while before turning around to tidy up his own work station.

……

"After winning this food battle, no one should bother me anymore? Finally, I can have some peace and quiet." Chen Yuxing stretched and walked out of the Moonlit Pavilion.

As soon as he stepped outside, the glaring sunlight made him squint.

Before he could react, an orange figure crashed into him like a cannonball.

"Ah Xing!!!"

Yoshino Yuuki bumped into Chen Yuxing and grabbed his arm, shaking it vigorously. "You're amazing! You actually managed to take down Kuga-senpai!"

"Yuki, be gentle, your arm..." Chen Yuxing was so shaken that he could hardly stand.

Before he could finish speaking, Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato rushed up from the left and right, their strong arms directly choking Chen Yuxing's neck.

"Well done, Aoki! A first-year student defeating the Elite Ten in a head-on battle—this seems to be the first time since Totsuki Academy was founded!" Daigo Aoki shouted.

"Yeah, Xing, you're amazing! When I heard you win, I thought I was dreaming," said Shoji Sato, his face full of disbelief.

Tadokoro Megumi ran up behind them and handed the thermos cup in her hand to Chen Yuxing: "Ah Xing, you've worked hard. This is honey lemon water that Ryoko-nee made. Try it."

Soma Yukihira grinned and walked over, his eyes full of fighting spirit: "Shin-chan, you always manage to cause such a commotion. When are you going to have a match with me?"

"Alright, alright, let go of Ah Xing first, he can hardly breathe." Ryoko Sakaki couldn't help but smile as she looked at the group hugging each other.

Just then, Hojo Miyoko walked over from the side. She looked at Chen Yuxing and laughed heartily: "Congratulations, Mahjong King! I knew you wouldn't lose, but you actually refused Kuga's position in the Top Ten."

Mentioning this immediately reminded everyone of the important matter at hand.

"Yeah, yeah, why did you refuse a spot in the Top Ten?!" Yoshino Yuuki said to Chen Yuxing with her hands on her hips, looking somewhat regretful. "That's a position that so many people dream of."

"Do you know what giving up this seat means? What a waste!" Marui Zenji said, adjusting his glasses.

“That’s right, you’re probably the first student from Totsuki Academy to refuse a spot in the Elite Ten!” Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato both expressed their heartache.

"I was thinking that being one of the Ten Outstanding Individuals would definitely be a lot of trouble." Chen Yuxing rubbed his neck, took the thermos cup that Xiao Hui handed him and took a sip. "Isn't it said that you have to deal with all kinds of big and small things in the academy every day, and have to hold meetings and discussions? Just hearing about it makes me feel like it's going to be a lot of trouble."

"Ah Xing, who told you that?"

A smiling voice came from behind the group, and Isshiki Satoshi slowly walked over.

"Is not it?"

“The Elite Ten do have to handle some campus affairs, but they don’t have as many meetings as you might imagine,” Isshiki Satoshi explained as he stepped in front of the group. “After all, the Elite Ten are also students of Totsuki Academy, and they all have their own research topics and culinary directions. The council probably only meets twice or three times a month.”

"Most matters are handled by a dedicated management bureau; the Ten Heroes only need to make decisions."

"and……"

At this point, Isshiki Satoshi's smile suddenly turned sinister.

"And what?" Yoshino Yuuki asked on behalf of Chen Yuxing.

"Furthermore, Ah Xing, you may not know this, but the Elite Ten, as the pinnacle of Totsuki Academy, enjoy treatment that ordinary students cannot compare to."

Isshiki Satoshi counted on his fingers one by one, "For example, the unlimited funding from Totsuki Academy. No matter what dish you want to research or how expensive the ingredients are, the academy will buy them for you unconditionally."

"Then the top ten will also have their own dedicated culinary research lab, as well as opportunities for exchange with off-campus restaurants, field trips, and all kinds of travel expenses and funding will be covered by the academy. For students who need money and space, this is a huge benefit."

Chen Yuxing, who was originally standing there stretching, suddenly froze when he heard Isshiki Satoshi's words.

"Unlimited...funds...support?" He blinked and stared blankly at Isshiki Satoshi.

"That's right, otherwise where do you think my huge Chinese cuisine research club got so many ingredients and spices? The Elite Ten's funding is enough for an ordinary research club to last for several years." Isshiki Satoshi looked at the stunned Chen Yuxing and laughed even harder. "Regret it now, huh?"

Chen Yuxing thought about his savings and the large sum of money he had spent on his previous trip. He covered his face, his heart bleeding. He had been too hasty. If he had known that the treatment of the Ten Outstanding Individuals was so good, he would have accepted the eighth seat directly.

"Forget it, if you don't want it, you don't want it!" Chen Yuxing waved his hand, suppressing his heartache, and said, "Thinking about it carefully, I'm not that short of money, and someone has already taken care of our food this year, so it's not that important. Besides, there's still one thing they owe me."

“That’s true.” Isshiki Satoshi couldn’t help but burst into laughter at his appearance. “You’re now completely famous in Totsuki. Beating the Elite Ten but refusing the Elite Ten’s position will definitely be a topic of discussion for a long time.”

"Since we've already won, let's not think about those things anymore." Yoshino Yuuki suddenly raised her hand: "Today is a big day for A-Xing's victory. We must have a celebration banquet when we get back. Also, I really want to eat the 'Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth' that you made. Make some for us all to try when we get back!"

"I agree! I want to try it too!" Soma Yukihira nodded frantically.

Chen Yuxing smiled and nodded, "Then I'll make you a pot when we get back, since everyone's here today."

“Alright! Let’s go to Marui’s room!” Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato said in unison.

Marui Zenji's face instantly fell: "Why is it always my room! Last time you said you'd help me clean up, but I ended up cleaning it all by myself!"

"Because your room is the cleanest," Ryoko Sakaki said with a smile.

"And your room is the biggest," Ibuzaki Shun added, a rare occurrence for him.

"Besides, Marui, your room is the most convenient for getting things, and everyone is used to going to your room..." Yoshino Yuuki counted the advantages on her fingers.

Marui Zenji opened his mouth but found himself unable to refute, and could only sigh in the end: "Fine... but you guys have to help me clean the room after this is over!"

Miyoko Hojo stood aside watching the Polar Star Dormitory members play around with a hint of envy. Although she had a cheerful personality, the Hojo family had very strict upbringing, so she had almost never participated in such gatherings.

Chen Yuxing looked at Hojo Miyoko, who was standing outside.

"Hojo, do you want to come along? The victory celebration at Polaris Dormitory is quite a lively affair."

"Me? Can I go? Would it be too much of a disturbance?" Hojo Miyoko hesitated.

"How could we be disturbing you!" Yoshino Yuuki ran straight to Kora and hugged her arm: "Miyoko, you're A-Xing's friend, so you're our friend too! Besides, we've heard that A-Xing is going to China for a competition, and we're all really looking forward to meeting you. Come join us at Polaris Dormitory!"

“Yes, let’s all come together,” Ryoko Sakaki invited.

Hojo Miyoko first glanced at Chen Yuxing, who simply shrugged and said that everyone was like that. Finally, she readily nodded in response to the enthusiastic invitation from the Polar Star Dormitory members: "Then I'll gladly accept your invitation."

"Great! Let's hurry back and prepare the ingredients."

As everyone was chatting and laughing, preparing to return to the Polaris Dormitory, a series of crisp footsteps suddenly came from the other end of the corridor.

Erina Nakiri walked over with her arms crossed, followed closely by her secretary Hisako Shinto.

She walked up to Chen Yuxing, stopped, looked him up and down, and then snorted coldly.

"Your boiled cabbage in clear broth still has quite a few flaws. The umami flavor of the broth is only barely passable. If I were to make it, I could definitely make it a step better," Erina said somewhat arrogantly, though this time she wasn't as sharp as before.

Chen Yuxing looked at the arrogant young lady in front of him and forcibly suppressed his laughter. He wondered who it was that had been eating absentmindedly on stage just now.

“My cooking skills still need improvement,” Chen Yuxing teased, “So, I don’t have the chance to taste Miss Erina’s improved dishes.”

"You!" Erina was taken aback by his words, and a blush of annoyance appeared on her fair face.

"Who wants to cook for a commoner like you!" She stomped her foot, her long golden hair scattering in the air with the movement. "I'm just giving you fair advice as a judge! You'd better keep this up!"

After saying that, she glared at Chen Yuxing and quickly left.

Hisako Shinto said "Congratulations" to Yu-Hsing Chen and then quickly followed him.

Watching the two figures disappear quickly, the members of Polaris Dormitory looked at each other in bewilderment.

"So, she came all this way just to say these things?" Daigo Aoki asked, looking bewildered.

"This is probably what they call a tsundere," Soma Yukihira said, stroking his chin.

Chen Yuxing smiled and shook his head.

"Alright, let's leave her be. Time to head back to the Polaris Dormitory and start cooking!"

"Okay!" Xn

……

The group quickly returned to Polar Star Dormitory, and Marui's room was soon transformed into a party venue.

Several layers of newspapers were laid on the carpet, and they were also covered with things.

Although Marui Zenji kept complaining, his actions betrayed him as he piled all his books in the corner, making room for everyone else.

“To celebrate Ah Xing’s victory today, we shouldn’t just let Ah Xing cook for us. How about we each cook a dish?” Yoshino Yuuki said, standing in the center of the room.

"Then I'm going to make fried pork cutlets!" Daigo Aoki rolled up his sleeves and rushed to the kitchen.

"I want to make tempura!" Shoji Sato followed suit, not to be outdone.

However, the two bumped into each other as soon as they reached the door, pushing and shoving each other, neither willing to let the other go out first. In the end, it was only thanks to Ryoko Sakaki that they were pulled apart.

In addition, Soma Yukihira brought out his newly improved 'Charcoal Grilled Thick-Cut Beef Tongue', Yuuki Yoshino made a wild and flavorful 'Rosemary Roasted Rabbit', and Megumi brought out 'Homemade Tofu' that she had learned in the past few days. Everyone brought out a dish that they were good at.

Chapter 60 Curry and Spices

The atmosphere in the room was very lively. Everyone was eating delicious food and drinking Ryoko's homemade rice wine, noisily discussing today's competition and their own experiences.

"They're here, everyone be careful."

Just when everyone was half full, Chen Yuxing walked in carrying a huge clay pot.

The previously noisy crowd quieted down, and all eyes were focused on the casserole dish.

Chen Yuxing placed the casserole on the small table and lifted the lid.

Perhaps because everyone was in the room and close together, they could all smell the rich, fresh aroma.

The broth in the clay pot was crystal clear, with a few carved cabbage hearts lying quietly at the bottom. If you ignored the aroma, it would really just be ordinary boiled cabbage.

"Gudong."

A series of swallowing sounds filled the room.

"Is this the boiled cabbage in clear broth that Ah-Xing made for lunch today?" Tadokoro Megumi asked, her eyes wide as she peered closer. "The broth is so clear; I couldn't see it very well from the audience seats before..."

"Time was a bit tight during the competition, so I slightly changed the steps for making the soup. A truly state banquet-level boiled cabbage soup would take more than ten hours just to make that pot of soup."

"But I had plenty of time, so I cleaned the soup three times while I was in the kitchen, and it simmered for about four hours, so it's only now that I've finished making it and brought it up."

Chen Yuxing picked up a soup ladle and ladled a cabbage heart into each person's small bowl, then poured clear broth over it.

"Alright, alright, everyone, try it while it's hot."

Soma Yukihira was the first to pick up the bowl, and without even using a spoon, he brought it to the rim and slurped up a big mouthful.

The moment the soup entered his throat, Soma Yukihira froze completely.

He felt as if his taste buds were being gently caressed by a pair of tender hands, with various umami flavors intertwining in his mouth.