"Orthodox Vegetarian Dumplings?"
Watching the dumplings bubbling "gurgle, gurgle" in front of him, Senzaemon Nakiri rested his face on one hand, a bewildered expression on his face. The dumpling wrappers in the pot adhered tightly to the filling, leaving no gaps, and continuously expanded outwards under the agitation of the boiling water.
"These dumpling wrappers are exceptionally well-handled."
"Indeed, one can tell at a glance that great effort was put into kneading the dough; otherwise, it would be impossible to produce dumplings of this quality."
"Stop discussing, quick, taste it."
The short old man in pinkish-brown clothes picked up a dumpling, an eager look on his face. He then, disregarding the heat, dipped it into the sauce prepared on the table and directly put it into his mouth.
"Wow... Delicious beyond words, it's incredible! The dumpling wrapper is transparent, chewy, and elastic. The dumpling filling is rich and flavorful, and the dipping sauce is wonderfully sour, spicy, and appetizing. Excellent!"
Savoring the deliciousness on his tongue, the old man in pinkish-brown clothes spoke with a face full of happiness. Seeing this, the people beside him also picked up dumplings.
"Orthodox Vegetarian Dumplings. Let me see how many kinds of vegetables were used in this. To defeat meat dumplings with vegetarian ones, that's not an easy feat."
The bald old man with a beard spoke as he observed the vegetarian dumplings in front of him. He then dipped them into the sauce in front of him and put them into his mouth.
"Eggs, dried bamboo shoots, dried shiitake mushrooms, and dried tofu... And dried purslane."
The umami on his tongue almost made the bald old man swallow his own tongue. While the taste still lingered in his mouth, he quickly savored it, and soon identified all the ingredients of the dish.
"That's right. This is a method I found in an ancient book. I integrated and seasoned these several vegetarian ingredients according to specific ratios to complete this Orthodox Vegetarian Dumpling dish."
Soma Yukihira nodded, spreading his hands to explain to the audience and judges. The flavor of meat combined with vegetables is too common; everyone usually eats these kinds of dumplings. So, he thought of pure vegetarian dishes. It seems the effect is quite good now.
"The texture of this dumpling wrapper is truly impeccable. The secret behind its resilience must lie with that vacuum machine."
After kneading the dough evenly, putting it into a vacuum machine to extract the air allows the dough to become more elastic and chewy.
"Of course, if that were all, it wouldn't create a perfect dumpling wrapper. You must have added vital wheat gluten, right?"
Dylan's gaze subtly fell upon Alice Nakiri. She gave him a faint smile, simultaneously confirming his thoughts.
"Vital wheat gluten? Are you referring to the gluten formed when making seitan, where all the starch is washed away with water, and the remaining part, once dehydrated, forms vital wheat gluten?"
The short old man in pinkish-brown clothes said. As someone who had dominated the culinary world for many years, he naturally knew what vital wheat gluten was.
"That's right. Everyone has eaten seitan; its texture is chewy and resilient. All of these qualities come from vital wheat gluten at work. Similarly, by adding vital wheat gluten to the dough and then vacuum-sealing it, you can achieve perfect dough."
Dylan patiently explained the principle behind the dumpling wrappers' exceptional chewiness, which caused the other judges to glance at him repeatedly, their eyes filled with deep admiration, understanding why he was there.
"Actually, the most crucial element is this dipping sauce in front of us. It's sour, spicy, palatable, and appetizing, complementing the deliciousness of the dumplings perfectly."
Senzaemon Nakiri, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. Looking at the sauce in front of him, and then at Uenosugi in the corner, he realized this was precisely what Uenosugi's dish lacked.
"Taro dumplings, using taro and sweet potato starch for the wrapper, and pork and water chestnuts for the filling, primarily showcased the soft, creamy texture of taro, and the rich flavor of pork."
"Orthodox Vegetarian Dumplings, utilizing vacuum cooking technology and adding vital wheat gluten to the dough, made the dumpling wrapper even chewier and more resilient. Its filling ingeniously used five kinds of vegetarian ingredients to create an incredibly wonderful world of umami, paired with a sour, spicy, and palatable sauce, making one utterly unwilling to stop eating. Delicious!"
Feeling the culinary energy circulating within his abdomen, Senzaemon Nakiri let out a long breath, his eyes shining brightly as he looked at the two individuals in front of him. Immediately after, his loose clothes tore open.
"It appeared!"
"The 'Clothes Bursting Transmission' that only the Nakiri family can exhibit!"
"This is truly astonishing! I never expected the academy's Director's 'Clothes Bursting Transmission' to appear so early this year!"
"In that case, the outcome is clear!"
The sudden clothes bursting caused the venue to become incredibly boisterous. Everyone stared in astonishment at Senzaemon Nakiri's muscular upper body, seemingly not expecting him to burst his clothes in the first round.
"So... Dylan-sensei wanted to remind me about the sauce."
Seeing the sauce in front of every judge, Uenosugi's face revealed a bitter smile. He had considered every single detail, yet he missed this one.
"The sauce can be said to be the soul of the dumpling. The same dumplings, with different sauces, result in vastly different final tastes."
Watching the somewhat disheartened Uenosugi, Dylan began to explain. This kid, if only he had the awareness to make sauce, and given the judges even the simplest sauce, he wouldn't have lost so badly in this match. Hmm, wouldn't have lost so badly.
"Eggs, dried bamboo shoots, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried tofu, and dried purslane. Your recipe must come from a certain cookbook, Soma Yukihira."
Turning his gaze to Soma Yukihira, who was waiting nearby, Dylan spoke slowly. As his words fell, many people in the venue shifted their gaze to him, curious about what he would say next.
"That's right. This is a special vegetarian omelet dish I found in an ancient book, said to have been invented and created by Two-Star Special Grade Chef Li Yan."
Hearing Dylan's words, Soma Yukihira first flinched, then answered aloud.
"Invented and created by him? He certainly knows how to praise himself. Although you stumbled into the right choice, as your teacher, I still need to tell you the true origin of this dish."
Who knew, Dylan, hearing his words, let out a soft sigh, thought for a few seconds, and finally decided to tell him the true origin of this dish.
"True origin?!"
Soma Yukihira was surprised, and the audience was equally astonished, as if they had just heard shocking gossip, eagerly perking up their ears to listen. The scene instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop; everyone was waiting for Dylan to speak.
"There are two main types of dumpling preparation. One type emphasizes the flavor of a specific ingredient, like Ueno's pork and water chestnut dumplings. The other involves systematically integrating flavors to make them achieve a 'one plus one is greater than two' effect."
Dylan didn't explain directly but instead talked about the two categories of dumpling flavors. Then he picked up a dumpling from Soma Yukihira's bowl and broke it open with his chopsticks.
"Eggs, dried bamboo shoots, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried tofu, and dried purslane. Actually, these are all part of the filling for another famous dumpling dish. That dumpling dish was a court dumpling, specially supplied to the ancient imperial family, requiring nine kinds of vegetarian ingredients for the filling to collectively create a perfect flavor."
Watching the expectant expressions of the audience, Dylan spoke after a moment of silence. He had made this dumpling dish more than once, because it was a product of the era he came from.
"Nine kinds of vegetables? Which nine..."
Soma Yukihira was doubtful, his eyes filled with longing. Dumplings made with five kinds of vegetables were already so delicious; it was hard to imagine the taste of dumplings with nine kinds of vegetables, true court dumplings!
"The more traditional ones are dried purslane, dried bamboo shoots, dried shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, dried seitan, daylily, dried tofu, eggs, and carrots. Talented chefs can change the overall flavor by adjusting the vegetables within. As for the specific ratios, if you're interested, go back and experiment slowly. However, before that, you can continue to perfect your Orthodox Dumplings. Although they are already very good, the filling ratio is not yet in its most perfect state."
The best way to increase a dish's completeness is to refine its details. However, for many people, even if they want to refine details and increase completeness, they wouldn't even know where to begin. This is the most fundamental difference between a Special Grade Chef and an ordinary chef.
However, as student cuisine, Soma Yukihira's dish is undoubtedly of a top-tier special grade!
"Bring me a pen!"
They exchanged glances, each seeing the same thought in the other's eyes. Senzaemon Nakiri, full of vigor, shouted towards his surroundings. Immediately, a serving staff member nearby rushed over with a pen.
A huge white paper was unfurled beneath the judges' table.
"The winner of the first round is—Soma Yukihira!"
Bare-chested, with powerful strokes, he wrote "Soma Yukihira" in large characters on the huge white paper. Senzaemon Nakiri announced the final winner of the match! This was an undeniable conclusion.
"My apologies for the poor hospitality!"
Hearing Senzaemon Nakiri's words, Soma Yukihira took off the bandage from his head, held it in his hand letting it sway with the wind, and shouted to everyone present.
"We won!"
"That's incredible!"
"Yukihira..."
In the audience, as Senzaemon Nakiri announced the final result, the venue erupted in cheers. Everyone was shouting Soma Yukihira's name.
"Yukihira, you're interesting."
Lifting his head, Soma Yukihira met Ryo Hayama's gaze from the audience. Soma Yukihira read this meaning from his opponent's lip movements.
A large bubble was blown from the chewing gum, then it suddenly burst, splattering over his mouth, and was skillfully retrieved by Huang Mei with her tongue, repeating the cycle.
"The first match is over. Next up is Huang Mei."
Looking at the large screen in front, Liu Shi suddenly spoke. In the lounge, everyone's gaze collectively turned to Huang Mei.
"Go, Xiao Mei! Show those guys what you're made of!"
Ning Feng encouragingly tried to pat Huang Mei's shoulder, but she cleverly dodged it, while also saying, "I can't possibly lose this match."
After saying this, Huang Mei left the lounge without looking back, striding towards the Summer Selection Office with an unstoppable momentum.
She had a reason she absolutely could not lose!
In another lounge.
"Brother, it's your turn to go on stage."
With a light chuckle, Isami Aldini looked at Takumi Aldini, whose face was full of nervousness, and couldn't help but pat his shoulder vigorously, laughing.
"I know! Don't pat so hard, Isami!"
Looking at Isami Aldini who was fooling around next to him, Takumi Aldini's face showed a hint of helplessness. But also because of his antics, the tension in his heart significantly faded.
"Thank you, Isami. Wait for my good news!"
After realizing this, Takumi Aldini waved his hand at his younger brother behind him, then strode swiftly towards the Summer Selection Office.
He had to win this match!
"That's roughly all for the explanation. Finally, one more point: the chicken meat will be prepared by us. Any kind of chicken from around the world is acceptable, and I also have some recommendations here."
Looking at the two individuals in front of him, Satoshi Isshiki pushed forward the list in his hand. It contained various breeds of chicken for them to choose from.
"I'll take this one."
In just an instant, Huang Mei made her decision, raising her hand to point at the Xinghua chicken on the list in Satoshi Isshiki's hand, then added: "Oh, and I need a chick of about 40 days old. Its meat is the most tender and delicious."
"Alright. Are you sure you don't want to consider it further?"
Satoshi Isshiki nodded, then looked at Huang Mei, concerned that her decision might be too hasty, and thoughtfully asked.
"No need. In that very instant, I've already decided what dish I want to make."
Huang Mei shook her head. The moment she learned the theme, she already knew what dish she would make, so she didn't need more time.
"Takumi, what about you?"
"I've also decided what to make. Please prepare a Leghorn chicken for me."
Isami Aldini nodded to Satoshi Isshiki, then stated his request. Leghorn chickens, originally from Italy, have a delicate and tender texture, making them a premium choice suitable for all kinds of Italian chicken dishes.
"Alright, I'll report your requests first. If you wish to change anything, come to Polar Star Dorm before midnight."
Seeing them make their decisions so quickly, Satoshi Isshiki nodded and said no more, instead telling them to come find him later if they wanted to change anything.
After completing this, Huang Mei and Takumi Aldini left the office one after another, preparing to return home and refine their cooking to prepare for tomorrow's match.
"The theme for the second round is chicken dishes? Brother, what are you planning to make...?"
Looking at Takumi Aldini who had returned home, Isami Aldini asked curiously after learning the theme for the second round.
"To highlight the deliciousness of chicken, the main points are the cooking method and the choice of seasonings. Besides that, there's also the pairing of side dishes. Several flavors must be harmoniously combined to act together on the chicken; otherwise, the taste will become chaotic..."
Ignoring Isami Aldini beside him, Takumi Aldini stood in front of the cooking station, pinching his chin, contemplating the considerations for making chicken dishes.
Isami Aldini saw that his brother was ignoring him, understood he was deep in thought, and quietly left to avoid disturbing him further.
"Thinking so much is useless. In any case, let's start by doing it!"
For a moment, many thoughts surfaced in his mind. Takumi Aldini shook his head, deciding to take action first, as only practice leads to true knowledge.
"Isami, let's..."
He looked to his side, intending to call his brother, but found that he had already left. He could only smile helplessly.
"Never mind, I'll do it myself."
"You asked me to buy chicks. Is the theme for this round chicken meat?"
"That's right. I'm going into seclusion to cook!"
Li Wanwan placed the newly bought chicks from the market onto the cooking station. Huang Mei skillfully took them and began to slaughter them, then started.
Although she had made this dish countless times, to perfectly interpret it, she had to refine every single detail to the extreme!
The next day, early morning.
"Come on, the match is about to start."
Dylan's voice was gentle as he patted Alice Nakiri, who was still lounging in bed beside him. This girl had been quite "roughed up" by him last night, to the point she couldn't get up in the morning. And since Alice Nakiri wasn't getting up, he naturally wouldn't leave. But if she kept lounging in bed, they would miss the start of the match.
"Mmm, help me get dressed."
The girl's voice was sweet and coquettish, raising her hand as she spoke. The scene was laid bare: clothes scattered beside the bed.
"What a little lazybones. But never mind. I'm in a good mood today, so I'll help you out."
He reached out and tapped Alice Nakiri's delicate nose. Looking at the snow-white skin beneath the blanket, Dylan picked up the stockings that had fallen beside him, took her plump, jade-like foot, and gently helped her put them on.
Alice Nakiri evidently hadn't expected Dylan to actually agree. After feigning to extend her foot, she tried to pull it back, but he held it firmly. Her toes curled slightly from the ticklish sensation on her sole, and feeling the warmth spreading from her ankle, her cheeks flushed crimson.
However, because the person was Dylan, even though she felt shy, she maintained a composed demeanor, even quietly closing her eyes to enjoy it.
This process lasted for over ten minutes, during which she, like a doll, performed various actions under Dylan's control.
It wasn't until Dylan meticulously straightened her collar that she opened her eyes. At that moment, a line of teeth marks was clearly visible below her lip, showing she had been very suppressed and restrained.
Dylan gently patted Alice Nakiri's shoulder, calling her to wake up. He stretched, adopting a lazy posture.
After quickly finishing their morning routine, Dylan and Alice Nakiri arrived at the door. The car destined for Tsukiten Hall had been waiting there for a long time.
At this very moment, Tsukiten Hall.
"Hasn't Dylan-sensei arrived yet? Well, the Leader is busy with a myriad of daily affairs; it's already rare for him to come. How could he possibly arrive before the opening?"
Looking at the only empty seat among the five judges' chairs, Huang Mei's expression was subtle. She wondered why Dylan hadn't arrived, but quickly came to a regretful realization.
Dylan was different from them. As a Seven-Star Special Grade Chef, he was constantly occupied with a multitude of daily tasks. For them, the highly important Summer Selection might simply be an insignificant match for Dylan.
After realizing this, Huang Mei was no longer anxious and focused all her attention on the cooking station in front of her. On it was the Xinghua chick prepared by Totsuki, which had already been processed by a professional chef.
"Dylan-sensei, I won't disappoint you."
Huang Mei clenched her fist, lifting her head. Across from her, Takumi Aldini also looked over. As their eyes met, streaks of electric light seemed to flash through the air, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.
______
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