(A mixed world view of various anime, primarily gourmet, with romance as a secondary focus, a system, and a harem.)
"A pinch of salt, a sprinkle of green onions, and here comes the fragrant Golden Fried Rice!"
In the kitchen, Hoshino Sora adjusted the heat and vigorously tossed the wok. When the heat was just right, he put the main dish into a large bowl and came to the living room with a smile.
Ya Xiang and Rika looked at the lavish dinner before them, their mouths slightly agape. They never imagined their younger brother was not only strong and handsome but also possessed such culinary skill. They exchanged glances, seeing a strange glint in each other's eyes.
"To celebrate Father and Mother's remarriage, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Holding a super-sized glass of iced cola, Hoshino Sora's smile was radiant. His father had raised him alone for fifteen years, and now that he could have a second spring, he was genuinely happy for him.
Moreover, he was very familiar with his father's new spouse—or, more accurately, the two daughters his new spouse brought: Ya Xiang and Rika, who were his favorite characters during his formative years.
Young and naive, he sincerely wished he could have two older sisters like them. Unfortunately, fantasy remained fantasy; his parents were deeply in love and couldn't remarry to give him two unrelated older sisters.
That's right, he was a transmigrator from China.
His cause of death: a mud truck.
Reborn, he paid extra attention to his appearance, exercising daily, and focusing on a nutritious diet. In the end, he became a handsome guy, 1.8 meters tall, with a top-notch appearance.
His academic performance was also among the best. It should be said that doing children's problems with an adult's mindset was simply too easy; he got full marks in elementary school, and his deductions in middle school were due to not being serious, as he wasn't a genius or anything.
Because of his high Appearance and good grades, Hoshino Sora was very popular at school and had two girlfriends, both of whom initiated the relationship because he was like a block of wood when it came to emotions.
There was Yukino Yano from Soubu High, who spanned half of his youth and ended regrettably, and there was also Kaguya Shinomiya from the Shinomiya Zaibatsu, but that was a childhood joke, so strictly speaking, it probably doesn't count.
He had to admit, a handsome face was truly useful. In his previous life, he died a virgin; how could he have such a colorful youth as he did now?
"Bang bang bang—"
The knocking sound broke Hoshino Sora's thoughts. He turned his head to see someone at the door and immediately got up to open it. What met his eyes were two familiar figures, but this made the young man frown.
Erina Nakiri and Nakitiri Senzaemon, why were these grandfather and granddaughter at his house? Also, were there too many elements in this world, or was Japan just too small?
"Who are you looking for?"
Although he said this, Hoshino Sora actually knew their purpose for coming. His father was once a top chef, responsible for Japan's state banquets, and now served as a shared technical advisor for the kitchens of various top financial groups.
Why shared? Because he was so outstanding; the dishes he created made everyone tremble, earning him the title of "Prince of the Culinary World."
However, due to an incident, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. At first, it wasn't too bad, and his trembling hands still allowed him to cook, but now he had lost the ability to cook—or, more accurately, he no longer cooked.
"Is Hoshino Tani Ren home?"
Dressed in a Japanese kimono, wearing wooden clogs, with silver hair like a sculpted blade and a majestic beard, he looked like an arrogant and outgoing man, yet his tone was very soft.
"Old Man, you're here. Long time no see."
"It's been over ten years, hasn't it? This is your son, he's grown so big. He looks quite talented, and even bears some resemblance to me when I was young."
His words carried a hint of nostalgia, like old acquaintances meeting. Nakitiri Senzaemon entered the house, bringing the golden-haired girl with him. Hoshino Sora then closed the door.
"He's just an unaccomplished kid. You wouldn't come without a reason, Old Man. What brings you here today?"
Putting down his chopsticks, Hoshino Tani Ren was also a bit puzzled by Nakitiri Senzaemon's sudden visit. The other party was the helmsman of modern Japanese culinary world, and logically, he shouldn't appear here.
"Let's talk in private."
Glancing at the somewhat uncomfortable Hoshino Sora and the table full of dishes, Nakitiri Senzaemon said, and then, led by Hoshino Tani Ren, went into the study.
"Commoner's cooking."
Sniffing the air, Erina Nakiri noticed the dishes on the dining table. With just one glance, she gave her assessment, because these things were simply too ordinary.
Hmmph ╯^╰?
Hearing Erina Nakiri's words, Hoshino Sora was immediately full of question marks. This girl, even though he had only studied cooking for a year, she shouldn't be so venomous right after meeting him, right?
That's right, at Hoshino Tani Ren's request, Hoshino Sora would follow him to learn cooking every day after school. Under the guidance of a top Japanese chef, his cooking skills had progressed by leaps and bounds.
Neighbors, anyone who had tasted his cooking would sincerely say it was delicious. And with his setup—abalone, lobster, hairy crabs, all kinds of rare delicacies—to describe it as "commoner's" was clearly an insult to his craftsmanship, wasn't it?
"You're really rude! Who criticizes their host's dinner when visiting someone's house?"
Before Hoshino Sora could speak, Ya Xiang, who was sitting next to him, spoke up first, her words slightly sharp. She clearly wanted to stand up for her recently acquainted younger brother.
"I'm not here as a guest. I just happened to be on a business trip nearby and was forced to come by my grandfather."
Erina Nakiri's face was cold as she retorted mercilessly to Ya Xiang's taunt. If Nakitiri Senzaemon hadn't forcefully insisted and left no room for refusal, how would she have put down her work to come here? At this moment, she was already holding back a surge of anger in her heart.
"This isn't commoner's cooking at all! Don't believe me? Try it! It tastes super good!"
Seeing this, Ya Xiang eagerly picked up the sweet and sour pork ribs from the table and said, she sincerely believed Hoshino Sora's cooking skills were very high, and that the other party just hadn't tasted it, which was why she spoke that way.
"Are you going to let my tongue touch the taste of the bottom of the culinary world?"
Looking at the rapidly approaching dish, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but take a step back, then revealed a disgusted and disdainful expression. What was this person trying to do? Make her tongue touch filth?!
"It's alright, Asaka-nee. There's no need to prove anything. It's enough that we like it. As long as food can bring joy to people, its mission is accomplished."
Hoshino Sora didn't take Erina Nakiri's obvious provocation to heart, because he knew about her tragic childhood experiences. Her current personality could only be blamed on Azami Nakiri.
However, even for a girl with personality flaws, speaking like that was too lacking in emotional intelligence. As expected of someone who grew up amidst flattery, this attitude was truly unbearable.
So what if it's the God Tongue? Why act so high and mighty?!
Sooner or later, I'll make you stick out your tongue, flash a triumphant scissor-hand gesture above your head, and say it tastes delicious with a look of utter satisfaction!
"The duty of food lies in its deliciousness. Bad cooking only makes people feel awful, just like these dishes in front of me. Although the ingredients used are good, not a single dish is presentable. The completion is not high. If the ingredients knew they were being wasted like this, they would be sad!"
Her face slightly flushed, Erina Nakiri was actually regretting it a bit at this moment. Her previous evaluation was due to an occupational habit, and her harsh tone was because she was in a fit of pique. On second thought, the other party didn't seem to be a professional chef.
However, once the words were out, she didn't intend to retract them. Anyway, everything she said was true; the dishes in front of her were only palatable because of the ingredients themselves, with very little contribution from the cooking skill.