"Isn't this just a plate of ordinary Kung Pao Shrimp? But why do these shrimp seem a size larger than usual..."
Looking at the dish Hoshino Sora brought up, Hoshino Umihira showed a disappointed expression.
Earlier, seeing Hoshino Sora stewing a pot of tomatoes, he had wondered what new dish it would be. In the end, there was no change? If it was just Kung Pao Shrimp, it wouldn't be up to his standards!
Picking up his chopsticks, his movements slow, as a top wealthy man, Hoshino Umihira was not short of Master Chefs around him, many of whom could make Kung Pao Shrimp, but he hadn't eaten it in half a year.
"Anyway, it's definitely that same taste..."
Wait?!
"This prominent sweet and sour taste, the rich aroma of tomato and lychee are perfectly combined, and because they are both sweet and sour, their combination has not destroyed the flavor profile of the Kung Pao Shrimp, but instead added two hints of fruitiness!"
As the Kung Pao Shrimp entered his mouth, Hoshino Umihira's eyes instantly changed, from calm to colorful. The rich flavors in his mouth seemed to be fighting, a strong sweet and sour taste with a hint of spicy and salty.
"The layers of the Kung Pao sauce are amazing; each layer of flavor has its own space. Raw green onion and ginger slices must have been added when preparing the Kung Pao sauce, and then more green onion, ginger, and garlic slices were sautéed in the pot.
Separating raw and cooked ingredients creates the layering. The ratio of tomato juice and lychee juice is also well controlled; the main body is tomato with a hint of lychee aroma—a brilliant idea!"
A bright light appeared in his eyes. Tasting the dish before him, Ohno Higashinoboru began to regret the mocking words he had spoken earlier. Offending a talented chef was not a good thing for him.
It was all that fat guy's fault!
"The exterior is incredibly crispy. You added sesame oil to the water starch, didn't you? The numbing sensation of the Sichuan peppercorns bursts in the mouth. This rich umami flavor, did you add lobster shells to it?!"
Akame slowly spoke, a hint of surprise in her eyes. This guy really dared to do it. If the sweet and sour taste hadn't been prominent enough, the rich umami flavor alone would have ruined the dish.
"To be precise, it's lobster shell powder, and I also coated the outside of the shrimp with a layer of lobster meat," Hoshino Sora explained with a smile. He had been researching this dish for almost a month, going through various trials and errors. Its completeness could be said to be very high.
"No wonder! I knew the texture felt subtly off, and I mean that in a good way. The gently minced, delicate lobster meat combined with shrimp that has only had its vein removed is an absolute perfect match!
The outer shell is crispy, the lobster meat is delicate, and the shrimp meat is springy. In terms of texture alone, there are three layers of change! When combined with the flavors, it can create over a dozen combinations in a mere instant."
Takenori Takeshi, the judge sitting to Akame's right, showed a look of shock on his face. The improved Kung Pao Shrimp still tasted like Kung Pao, which was undoubtedly a successful improvement.
And within the rich Kung Pao flavor, one could also taste some delicate nuances, which was undoubtedly the best manifestation of a chef's skill.
"The balance between the spicy and sweet-sour flavors is also excellent. It's hard to imagine this is the work of a student. It truly amazes me! This level of completion, even some Master Chefs in hotels might not be able to achieve!"
The last judge, after tasting Hoshino Sora's dish, couldn't help but exclaim. He had visited many famous restaurants over the years, and to reach this level at such a young age, no wonder he dared to ask if he could serve his dish early in front of so many people.
How could a truly skilled person fear a challenge?
This perfectly fit his stereotype of a genius.
"No, there's still something else in here..."
"After the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, there's a complex aftertaste: cinnamon, pepper, onion... lingering in the mouth, swirling for a long time without dissipating."
Akame's face was flushed, her breathing slightly hurried as she looked at the Kung Pao Shrimp on her chopsticks. This aftertaste did not destroy the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors within it; instead, it further enhanced the dish's flavor. Perhaps this is what it means to say the next bite is even better!
"I just can't stop! It feels like my body is being repeatedly impacted by an endless wave of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, as if I'm being fought over by two top predators in the deep sea, barely surviving amidst raging waves.
The thrill brought by that swaying sensation is the best!"
Chopsticks kept reaching into the plate, almost sparking. In the face of ultimate deliciousness, all people are equal—this is the charm of top-tier cuisine!
"Hey, hey, that's extremely high praise."
"No way, is the dish made by this transfer student really that delicious?"
"Isn't it just an ordinary plate of Kung Pao Shrimp? It doesn't look special from the outside!"
"Was he that strong last time?"
Watching the judges' reactions on stage, the audience below began to chatter, their faces filled with shock. This transfer student's dishes seemed to evolve every time!
"So, what is the final score?"
Sensing the intense atmosphere, Kawashima Rei's steps gained a bit of power, trying to draw everyone's attention. Holding the microphone, she loudly asked the question everyone was most anticipating.
19-19-20-19-19
As the judges gave their scores, the sounds in the venue instantly ceased, becoming so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.
96 points.
Even among previous Autumn Elections, this was among the top tier.
"Tsk, not a perfect score? The judges are still conservative with their points."
Looking at his score with some dissatisfaction, a dish he had painstakingly practiced for a month only got ninety-six points. How should he put it? Although everyone's shocked expressions were genuine, he still felt it was lacking something.
Could such a score make him first in the overall evaluation?
"Look, why does that guy still seem unhappy?"
"He's getting way too carried away!"
"But it seems he has the right to be carried away."
"Maybe we really are just stepping stones."
Someone in the audience noticed Hoshino Sora's expression and spoke with a sour tone. However, fewer people agreed with him this time; more people began to doubt themselves.
"96 points! It's here, the highest score so far, an incredibly good score even compared to previous years!"
On the large screen, Hoshino Sora's name appeared, and on the right was his score, looking incredibly imposing.
"96 points, wait for me to surpass you!"
Untying the headband from his hand and tying it around his head, Kurokiba Ryo's aura instantly changed, causing the students near him to shiver. Their gazes darted around, finally settling on Kurokiba.
Just his aura could affect those around him; what a terrifying guy.
"Hoshino Sora? A dark horse has emerged."
Looking at the score on the big screen, Hayama Akira couldn't help but exclaim. However, there was no fear on his face, only battle intent. He cast his gaze towards the audience, looking at Shiomi Jun, who was sitting beside Professor Chapelle and silently watching him, a confident smile appearing on his face.
"Hoshino-kun! Hoshino-kun!"
With a look of wild excitement in her eyes, Yumeko Jabami suddenly sped up as she looked at the score on the screen, her kitchen knife dancing in her hand.
Rhythm, the rhythm of cooking, was perfectly displayed at this moment.
"Phew... what an amazing score. If I had stayed in that small shop, I probably would never have seen a sight like this in my entire life."
Letting out a long breath, Soma Yukihira's face also lit up with fighting spirit as he looked at the mountain-like score, and he also fell into a flashback.
"That's amazing."
Shiina Mahiru had the same thought.
Although she didn't know how she was chosen, since she was standing here, she had to give it her all. At the very least, she couldn't embarrass Hoshino Sora; he had taught her for a while.
Inspired by Hoshino Sora, all the students present were invigorated, their faces burning with fighting spirit. The 96 points brought more than just a simple number.
More importantly, it ignited everyone's fighting spirit.
However, this fighting spirit was quickly suppressed when the next contestant appeared.
7-4-2-8-4
25 points.
"You don't think we gave the first contestant a high score just because he submitted his dish early, do you?"
"Although he also trained, who do you think we are? We eat dishes made by professional Master Chefs every day. Is this just student level after all? It's completely not in the same league as the previous one."
Hoshino Umihira and the other judges looked at the student before them with amusement. If Hoshino Sora's dish had the qualification to be served early, then this guy's was a complete provocation.
Bringing such an utterly ordinary dish to their table was simply an insult to them.
"Ho... how could this be?"
"We lost our guard because they gave Hoshino Sora a high score. These five people in front of us have enjoyed all the delicacies in the world, and their experience with deliciousness is incredibly high."
Retreating from the steps of the stage, the man's face was filled with caution as he watched the previous contestant leave with regret. They had indeed underestimated these five people.
These five people were far from as simple as they thought!
They were true gourmets, gourmets with incredibly picky tastes!
On the other side, Hoshino Sora had already left A venue.
Mao Jinyu and Xiang Ling had left a step earlier. Seeing Hoshino Sora use what he had learned during this time, Mao Jinyu felt satisfied. There was nothing more he could teach him.
This child's talent was strong; he understood everything with just a hint. Even in China, he hadn't seen many children with such talent. His future was limitless.
"Grandpa."
"Tomorrow, I'll handle your enrollment. You'll take the Far Moon transfer student assessment. I need to return to the Mao family and report what has happened recently."
"Huh? You're going back? Can't I go back with you...?"
Hearing Mao Jinyu's words, Xiang Ling tilted her head in confusion, then became anxious, clearly not wanting to be left alone here.
"You stay here and protect Sora. If anything strange happens around him, report it to me immediately. The culinary world has not been peaceful in recent years."
——————
"Hello, student, we'd like to ask for directions. Do you know where the A and B sections of the Autumn Elections are?"
"I know where Section A is. Go straight from here and turn left. Section B is right next to it."
Looking at the three men and one woman who stopped him, the girl among them smiled and approached him, speaking in very broken Japanese, which made Hoshino Sora uncomfortable, but he still answered.
"How is it? Xuanya, did that person tell you the place?"
"Wait, let me think what that sentence means..."
Chinese.
"Go straight from here and turn left, and you'll be there. Section B is next to Section A, you can see it at a glance."
Hoshino Sora was surprised in his heart, then looked at the four people in front of him and spoke. Although he hadn't spoken his native language for a long time, how could he forget the language that was ingrained in his bones?
"Ah? You can speak Chinese?"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's voice, the four showed surprised expressions, seemingly wondering why a Japanese person could speak Chinese.
"Yes, I learned a little bit before. Is there anything else besides finding Venue A? If not, I'll be leaving now."
Hoshino Sora's voice was calm; he didn't take their surprise to heart.
Observing closely, the girl in front of him was quite pretty; on a scale of ten, her looks would probably be an eight or higher, and she seemed to be completely without makeup, aside from her slightly lacking figure.
The boy to her left had a square face and looked youthful, appearing to be the youngest of the group.
The boy on her right was handsome, but still inferior to him, perhaps the difference between a prince and a knight.
The last one was a kid wearing glasses, holding a handheld game console, with light reflecting in his eyes. That pure white screen, why did it look so much like a butt?
"No, there's nothing else, but aren't you going to observe the Autumn Elections live? It's said there are many amazing people this year, and you can see some really great dishes."
Seeing Hoshino Sora's nonchalant demeanor, Feng Xuanya couldn't help but ask curiously. Before setting off, her father had told her that Far Moon's new student quality this year was very high, with many formidable characters.
"I just came out of there. I have something to do this afternoon, so I don't have time to keep watching."
"Alright, by the way, what's your name? Maybe we'll have a chance to meet again."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who was about to leave, Feng Xuanya couldn't help but ask. It was truly difficult to find someone who spoke their hometown language in a foreign land. Perhaps he could even be a translator later.
And this guy was so handsome and tall. She wondered if he had a girlfriend.
"Hoshino Sora, we'll definitely meet again."
Hoshino Sora said meaningfully.
"Hurry up and go! We were late because you woke up late."
"Isn't it common sense to sleep until noon?"
"That's just your common sense, right? Hey!"
As they spoke, the group headed towards the place Hoshino Sora had pointed out. The square-faced young man was Huoguo Guo, the handsome boy was Yan Ba, and the gaming otaku was Lei Yuxing. They were exchange students sent by the Chinese Min Academy.
"This must be the place, right? It looks so grand."
"It's truly reeking of money. I guess only our main academy has a place as grand as this."
Huoguo Guo said with a longing expression. He had been greatly shocked by Far Moon these past two days. The reason was simple: it was too magnificent. Its area alone was more than three times that of Min Academy.
In addition, it had complete facilities and impressive buildings, looking very wealthy.
"The main academy is much grander than this, resplendent and magnificent. Its area is more than ten times this, and its interior can even be called a small city. Otherwise, so many people wouldn't aspire to go there."
Hearing Huoguo Guo's words, Feng Xuanya couldn't help but speak. She had visited Oriental Academy once when she was little, and it felt like a completely different small world from the outside!
"So many people. Why are they already scoring over there? Didn't they say scoring wouldn't start until after 2 PM…?"
"It's so quiet. Why does the atmosphere feel a bit heavy?"
Squinting at the large screen above, Hoshino Sora's name was prominently displayed in first place, with a score 62 points higher than the second-place contestant. On site, there were still over twenty chefs cooking.
"Hoshino Sora… Is it that guy!?"
Looking at the name in first place, Feng Xuanya's expression was first puzzled, then a face appeared in her mind. Her mouth slightly opened, filled with shock.
"I knew he wasn't simple."
Pushing up his glasses and looking at the name on the screen, Lei Yuxing, who was beside him, said calmly. He had long seen that Hoshino Sora was no ordinary person.
From his temperament, demeanor, appearance, and voice, from every angle, that guy was a protagonist-level character. After playing so many games, his judgment of people was exceptionally accurate.
——————
"Good, very good!"
"Sora, do we really have to wear these clothes? It feels so embarrassing…"
"Exactly, this feels even more embarrassing than wearing nothing. But do you really like this kind of thing?"
Looking at Yaxiang Lixiang in the mirror, her lower body wrapped in a shimmering silver sequined skirt, the girl's shy appearance was truly the best seasoning. The fabric felt cool and comfortable to the touch.
And the upper body was even more daring, with only a thin layer of sequined fabric, hung by a string around both of their necks. The silver sequins shifted with every movement of their bodies.
This kind of attire, which only covered the critical parts and was half-exposed, was the most exciting!
"It's fine, anyway, we're at home, and the only person who will see is me. Only I will see the embarrassing side. It would be such a waste for such a wonderful sight to be seen by others!"
"Even if you say that, we won't be happy."
"And it's not fair that only we have to wear this."
"Take it off now!"
——————
It was already evening when he returned home. Communicating with his girlfriends was something he had to do every day. Occasionally, he would take a break, but it was rare, all to deepen their relationship.
Hoshino Sora knew that relationships needed to be maintained. Since he was in a relationship, he had to treat them well and not show favoritism.
However, he was still only one person, and he was truly stretched thin. He could only rely on his intuition to figure out who he had neglected recently, and then go to her to strengthen their bond.
He was busy every day, and his life was incredibly fulfilling, so much so that he could be called a modern master of time management.
His behavior, no matter when, could be called that of a scumbag, and Hoshino Sora admitted this, but he also enjoyed it.
His current wish was to quickly complete that task, making this world a world where harems were accepted, so he could openly bring girls out.
Unlike now, where he had to be constantly on edge when going on a date, confirming the whereabouts of the other girls, fearing they might run into each other and cause a tragic shura field.
However, paper can't cover fire forever. The only solution is to extinguish the fire, which means completing the task given by the system.
"I'm back. How were everyone's results?"
Looking at Yumeko Jabami and the others gathered in the living room having a party, Hoshino Sora asked with a smile.
His phone was still lit up, showing a chat window from Shiina Mahiru asking him what time he would be back tonight, and his reply below: in ten minutes.
"So slow~~"
Looking at Hoshino Sora as he pushed open the door and entered Yōbi Dormitory, Shiina Mahiru pouted and complained with a long drawl, then pulled open the seat she had saved for him beside her.
"Speaking of which, Hoshino-kun is always running around outside, and every time he comes back, he has a different scent on him than yesterday, kind of like a girl's perfume."
Unbeknownst to him, Kobayashi Rindo appeared behind Hoshino Sora, reached out, grabbed his clothes, gently kneaded them, and then brought them to her nose to sniff.
She was confident in her sense of smell. This scent wasn't from anyone in Yōbi Dormitory, but it was indeed a woman's scent, she had smelled it many times.
"Work requires me to interact with women."
At this, Hoshino Sora felt a chill down his spine, but on the surface, he maintained a composed expression. His explanation clearly did not dispel Kobayashi Rindo's suspicion.
However, the other party did not press further.
"Oh, I see~"
"Alright, hurry up and sit down. You're the only one left, otherwise, we would have started already."
Shiina Mahiru urged.
"Exactly! You're the star of the day, the genius boy ranked first in the overall score. The highest score below you is only ninety-three, wait, why did I use 'only'?"
Mito Ikumi added from the side, a brilliant smile on her face, clearly very satisfied with being selected for the elimination round.
"My apologies, my apologies."
As they talked, Hoshino Sora sat down next to Shiina Mahiru, beside Yumeko. He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt that Yumeko kept looking at him from time to time.
But she didn't say anything.
As he took his seat, the celebration party officially began. Amidst clinking glasses, the people present gradually started chatting. Hoshino Sora also turned his head and spoke quietly with Shiina Mahiru.
"So, how are things?"
"Xiao Hui was selected. According to her, Yukihira Soma and Yoshino Yuki from their dormitory were also selected. From our dormitory, you, Yumeko, and Mito were selected."
Counting on her fingers as she spoke, Shiina Mahiru nodded emphatically after confirming she hadn't missed anyone, then looked at Hoshino Sora.
"I'm asking about you, what was your score?"
"Me?… Only sixty-something. Ahhh, don't ask, it feels a bit embarrassing."
When it came to herself, Shiina Mahiru covered her face in shame. She had the lowest score among her dorm mates, or rather, among everyone she knew. Even Xiao Hui had over eighty points. She had thought they were sisters in the same boat, but the other person had far surpassed her.
At this point, Shiina Mahiru's eyes were filled with dejection.
-----------------------------
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