Hearing that Xiangling could be easily recruited, Ningguang let out a visible sigh of relief. This mission was of the utmost importance. As long as it was completed, Liyue's "Starlit Prosperity" plan could finally begin. If they missed this opportunity, the next mission wouldn't be for another three days. For now, Xiangling was the most suitable candidate; within Liyue Harbor, she was the person with the highest level of culinary skill.
Su Han found Xiangling in the back kitchen. She was sitting on a small stool, a forlorn look on her face, apparently still pondering why the Crystalfly dish had tasted so awful.
"Xiangling?"
"Oh, Su Han! Are you done eating?" Hearing someone call her name, the young woman quickly stood up. As someone who often played with Hu Tao, she was naturally very familiar with Su Han as well. In fact, the idea for Wanmin Restaurant's now-famous hot pot had been provided by him, a venture that had earned her a great deal of money.
"Just about," he replied. "I've come because there's a very special matter that requires your help."
"A special… matter?" Xiangling tilted her head, not understanding what he meant. All she knew how to do was cook. When it came to fighting, she was truly not very good at it.
Su Han moved closer and whispered into her ear for a moment. Xiangling's expression transformed from surprise to absolute, unadulterated joy.
"What? Really?! I'll go, I'll go!"
"Shh, keep your voice down. Come with me, and don't make a scene."
"Hehe, I know! Just let me grab some seasonings!" Xiangling turned and began to rummage through her cabinets and chests, packing all of her treasured, personal seasonings. A duel with a chef from another world—the very thought was exhilarating. If she could learn their recipes, it would be a massive gain. Nearby, Guoba watched the frenzied Xiangling, not understanding why she was suddenly so happy.
When the two of them returned to the private room, Su Han immediately sent out an invitation. Soon, a notification sound chimed within the Multiverse Mission Group.
[Ding! Congratulations to the newcomer, Xiangling, for joining the Multiverse Mission Group.]
Hu Tao:Xiangling, you're here! Welcome, welcome!
Ganyu:We're counting on you this time, Xiangling! You have to defeat our opponent!~~~~
Ningguang:The points for completing the mission will go to me, but Xiangling, you can make any request you wish in return.
Xiangling:Hehe, you don't have to be so formal, Lady Ningguang. As long as I get to compete with a chef from another world, I'll be happy. You don't have to worry about requests or anything.
Ningguang already looked after her family's restaurant on a daily basis. How could she possibly ask for more? As for what "points" were, she didn't really care to know.
Su Han:@Xiangling, you can do it!!! Don't forget what I told you…
Xiangling:Mhm… I'm heading off now!
After accepting the mission, Xiangling's body quickly grew faint, and in a moment, she disappeared. The view shifted, and the group live stream activated. Xiangling now stood at the entrance of the Yangquan Restaurant. People were coming and going, creating a bustling atmosphere that was in no way inferior to Wanmin Restaurant. The head chef here must be very skilled, she thought. Xiangling straightened her bag and walked inside.
Back in the Jade Chamber, Ningguang looked at Su Han and asked, "What do you think Xiangling's chances are of defeating this opponent?"
"If Xiao Dangjia's food doesn't glow, she has a ten-out-of-ten chance. If it glows, she has an eight-out-of-ten chance," Su Han replied calmly.
The others were completely baffled. Can food glow? Isn't that just acrobatics?
Hu Tao asked curiously, "Su Han, why would the food glow? Are there fireflies in it?"
"You'll understand when you see it," Su Han said with a sly grin. If Xiao Dangjia's food didn't glow, he was guaranteed to lose.
The Yangquan Restaurant was currently at the peak of its rush hour. As soon as Xiangling entered, she was spotted by Dudu, who was greeting customers. He quickly came forward. "Hello, what would you like to eat?"
"I am the chef Xiangling, from Liyue. I have come specifically to challenge the Super Chef, Xiao Dangjia! I hear he is very skilled."
"Ah? So you're here to challenge the restaurant!" Dudu looked at the young woman before him with a surprised expression. Her small frame wasn't much taller than Shirou's. Could she even handle a wok? He doubted she was even proficient at cutting vegetables.
Seeing his expression, Xiangling knew she was being underestimated. She took a deep breath and shouted, "I am Xiangling, head chef of the Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue Harbor, and I have come to challenge the Super Chef of the Yangquan Restaurant, Xiao Dangjia!"
Her voice cut through the noise, and the entire Yangquan Restaurant fell silent. The customers all turned to look at the blue-haired young woman at the door. Well, well, they thought. Looks like we get to see someone challenge the restaurant today. This is going to be a good show.
In the back kitchen, Xiao Dangjia heard the commotion and asked, "Shirou, what's happening out there?"
"It's not good, Xiao Dangjia! A young woman suddenly appeared, claiming to be the head chef of some 'Wanmin Restaurant,' and she says she wants to challenge you!"
"Head chef?"
"Yes! I don't know if she's telling the truth or not!"
"Wanmin Restaurant? I've never heard of such a place. Could it be…" Xiao Dangjia suddenly remembered the mysterious voice that had appeared in his mind earlier. He had been chopping vegetables and had idly wished that someone would come and challenge him. Immediately after, the mysterious voice had appeared.
[Do you wish to issue a mission? If you select yes, a challenger will arrive shortly!]
He had thought it was a hallucination, but now he realized someone had actually come.