"Delicious! This is completely different from all the Mapo Tofu I've had before! If it's this, I wouldn't mind eating it for another year straight!"
Kakizaki Taki's face showed an expression of extreme enjoyment. Her fair legs underneath the judges' table subtly rubbed together, her cheeks flushed, and her breathing slightly quickened. After eating the Mapo Tofu, she felt her entire body heat up.
This also caused Kikuchi Sonoka next to her to take off her jacket, her astonishing elasticity giving the surrounding audience an eyeful, with some even whistling.
Seeing this, Kakizaki Taki was filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.
Damn it!
"This 'meat'... Although it tastes very much like meat, it shouldn't be."
Picking up a piece of 'beef' with chopsticks, it was bright red, exuded a rich meaty aroma, and had the same texture as meat. However, this was definitely not meat. The astonishing elasticity, fried meat couldn't possibly have that!
Pressing the 'beef' with her chopsticks and feeling its astonishing elasticity, Inui Hinako frowned and asked in confusion, what on earth was it that even she couldn't identify!?
"It's soybeans,"
Hoshino Sora explained with a smile how to make a meaty texture from soybeans, which left the judges stunned for a moment. After a while, Sakurai Yuri finally blurted out two words: "Brilliant!"
"Soybeans are known as the 'meat of the fields.' Considering that everyone is used to Mapo Tofu made with beef, I chose to use soybeans instead of beef."
Considering how well-known Mapo Tofu was in this world, Hoshino Sora deliberated for a long time between beef and soybeans, ultimately deciding to use soybeans as a meat substitute in Mapo Tofu.
The purpose of this was to change the judges' preconceived notions of Mapo Tofu and achieve an unexpected effect.
"Excellent creativity! In terms of both texture and flavor, this vegetarian meat made from soybeans is no less inferior to real beef; it even possesses an elasticity that real beef does not."
Dojima Gin couldn't help but praise him. It was his first time seeing soybeans used to replace beef. Sure enough, human imagination is limitless!
What the culinary world lacks is precisely this kind of imagination. People nowadays are not good at thinking, their minds are rigid, and the dishes they serve are all the same. This is undoubtedly wrong; it has made the culinary world stagnant.
Among them, the country with the most severe such phenomenon is China.
Because their culinary culture has a long history, the more they possess, the more they fear losing it. They want to preserve tradition yet also truly innovate. It's very difficult, very difficult...
Because your idea might have been used by someone else a long time ago, and the dish you conceive might have become a famous dish centuries ago. Therefore, innovation is not easy in China.
Neon is different. Because the country is small, its culinary culture is, frankly, not very developed. It can only grow by absorbing the essence of various countries. Far Moon is one such school.
You will find Italians, Neon people, French people, and even Chinese people there. It is complex and diverse, and the dishes students learn are mostly Western, with very few traditional Japanese dishes.
"This feeling is like attending a feast exclusively for soybeans."
Closing their eyes, the illusion reappeared. They seemed to be in a field, where soybeans and chili peppers were growing. In a trance, their vision blurred.
Their eyes went dark, and when they opened them again, there were many soybean spirits and chili spirits around them. More like monsters than spirits, they were anthropomorphic, warm, and hospitable. They sang and danced around them while offering their best treasures.
Soy milk, soymilk, tofu pudding, and various soybean dishes.
The chili peppers were also hospitable, diligently adding flavor to the soybean dishes. The two complemented each other, and soon the dishes covered the ground. The five judges also began to enjoy themselves in the illusion.
One Mapo Tofu, yet it could yield thousands of combinations. Hoshino Sora's was truly unique. By the time they came to their senses, ten minutes had passed.
During this process, Hoshino Sora also handed a Mapo Tofu to Yumeko Jabami.
"Delicious!"
The moment Yumeko Jabami ate the tofu Mapo Tofu, a layer of light appeared in her eyes. She exhaled hot air and couldn't help but exclaim, then continued to bury her head in eating.
Seeing Yumeko Jabami's expression, Hoshino Sora showed a satisfied smile. Sure enough, he still liked the happy expressions of diners after tasting his dishes.
"Now, let's begin the judgment of victory and defeat! Autumn Selection Semi-Finals, first round! Please, judges, cast your votes."
Seeing the judges gradually emerge from their dreamlike state, Kawashima Rei, who had been silent, raised her hand, held the microphone, and shouted. Her voice was sweet. The atmosphere was already set; it was time to decide the victor!
Calming themselves, carefully comparing the taste differences between the two tofu dishes, the judges picked up their brushes and wrote down their chosen qualifier on the blank paper on the table.
"I lost, and I lost willingly, but next time I will definitely win! Just wait, Hoshino-kun."
Before the judges announced the answer, Yumeko Jabami spoke first with a bitter smile. However, there was no dejection in her eyes; instead, they were filled with even more fervent fighting spirit.
Having a difficult opponent to surpass was not a bad thing for her!
"Mm, I'll be waiting for you."
Hoshino Sora nodded lightly, seriously accepting Yumeko Jabami's challenge. At the same time, Kawashima Rei's voice came from the stage.
"Alright, what is the result...?"
Their gazes turned to the five judges on the stage, who were all holding up the white papers with names written on them.
"Unanimous decision! Hoshino Sora, advances to the finals!"
An impassioned voice came from Kawashima Rei's mouth, and then the audience below erupted in enthusiastic cheers, raising their arms to congratulate Hoshino Sora.
At this moment, his previous arrogant words now seemed like personality to them. From the facts, Hoshino Sora indeed possessed strength matching his arrogant demeanor.
"Phew…"
Having received the definite answer, Hoshino Sora silently breathed a sigh of relief. His gaze shifted upwards, watching Erina Nakiri, who was observing from the high platform, raise her hand and make a V-sign, her little expression full of triumph.
"Hmph, well done."
Erina Nakiri lightly snorted and turned to leave without any response. However, after turning, a faint smile appeared on her face, one she herself didn't notice.
Noticing Alice Nakiri sitting in the audience, Hoshino Sora quickly left through the contestant passage, then Around ed around to the back door and entered Tsukiten Space.
"I won, is there a reward?"
Sitting next to Alice Nakiri, Hoshino Sora asked for a reward with a wide smile.
"No! Why didn't you call me when you left this morning, Sora-kun, you idiot!"
Alice Nakiri turned her head, seemingly angry, and grumbled with a pout.
"I just wanted you to sleep a bit longer, and I thought it would be better to come to you with a successful result. How does that saying go? Returning victorious! Don't be angry, alright?"
"But I wanted to see you shine on the stage."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's explanation, Alice Nakiri was clearly not very satisfied. What kind of explanation was this? It felt so perfunctory...
"Well…"
Hoshino Sora gave an awkward laugh. He couldn't exactly say that he deliberately didn't wake Alice so he could go into the competition feeling refreshed, could he?
"Hmph."
She turned her head away in dissatisfaction. If they weren't living together, it would be one thing, but now that they were, he hadn't woken her up. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got!
[Stage Mission ④ Complete]: Semi-final Battle, Fated Showdown!
[Mission Requirement]: Defeat Yumeko Jabami with your cooking.
[Mission Reward]: Talent: Infinite Charm
[Infinite Charm]: Generates extremely strong personal charm, increases attractiveness to the opposite sex by 200%, increases attractiveness to the same sex by 50%, and makes general requests to the opposite sex less likely to be refused.
"Then how do you want me to compensate you? Can I come to your house tonight and make you dinner?"
The system prompt ringing in his mind made Hoshino Sora's expression freeze for a moment. Then, as if he had thought of something, he grabbed Alice Nakiri's hand with a deeply affectionate look and spoke with great emotion.
"Don't think…"
Her heart raced.
Looking at the handsome face in front of her, Alice Nakiri's words stopped abruptly. Her normally steady heartbeat suddenly accelerated.
"Don't think what?"
Hoshino Sora tilted his head, feigning confusion, as he asked. As he spoke, his finger lightly traced her palm. That faint warmth was something she couldn't resist.
What's going on? Was this guy ever this handsome before? It seems like he was, but why is he suddenly so captivating? Is it because he just won the match? Does he have a victory bonus!?
That tall, straight nose, deep eyes, and chiseled features were so infinitely charming just to look at!
"Nothing. Just do as you said. Remember to come to my house tonight and cook for me. Anyway, the finals are in three days."
"Okay~ Staying at your place tonight is no problem."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Hoshino Sora drew out his words suggestively. After hearing him, Alice instinctively twitched her foot, and her already accelerating heartbeat quickened even more.
Sure enough, charm is always useful!
So, next...
Their gaze turned to the competition arena ahead. Kurokiba Ryo, carrying his cooking equipment box, walked out from the left contestant's passage with a lazy expression. Lei Yuxing came from the right, holding a handheld game console, also looking very relaxed.
"Semi-final, second match, now begin!"
Dojima Gin took a deep breath and roared, suppressing his voice, as the two contestants took their positions. The next moment, a gong sounded, and Kurokiba Ryo and Lei Yuxing immediately took their places at the cooking stations upon hearing the sound.
Holding Alice Nakiri's hand, Hoshino Sora felt a strange feeling inexplicably well up in his heart as he watched Kurokiba Ryo preparing ingredients on the stage.
He turned his head to observe Alice Nakiri's expression out of the corner of his eye, only to find that her attention wasn't focused on the competition at all, but rather she was secretly watching him.
As he secretly looked, their gazes instantly met. Alice Nakiri moved her gaze away like lightning, tightly pinching her thighs, trying to calm herself with the pain.
What was wrong with her?
Alice Nakiri was a little puzzled. Was she really such a shy person? It shouldn't be! This feeling was too subtle, that kind of shyness that came from the heart.
Thinking of this, Alice Nakiri suddenly reached out and grabbed Hoshino Sora's hand, shifting her gaze back. Although her cheeks were a little flushed, she still tried hard to meet his gaze, which was filled with affection.
Indeed, he was the only one for her!
"He's so handsome! I vaguely felt it during the match, and up close, it's even more apparent! Should I go up and ask for an autograph later?"
"Exactly! I'm so envious of that girl, having such a handsome boyfriend, and an incredibly talented emerging chef."
"He's so handsome."
The soft discussions of the people around them filled Alice Nakiri's heart with pride. Girls, more or less, have some vanity, and she was no exception.
Although she had been admired since childhood, a large part of that was due to her family's influence.
Although she had received many honors, they were also closely related to her family. If she hadn't been born into the Nakitiri Family, she would never have had such good conditions for research.
But Hoshino Sora was different; she had found this guy with her own efforts. Now, being envied by outsiders, her pride was truly heartfelt.
Feeling the warmth from his palm, she provocatively looked towards Erina Nakiri, who was looking down from the high platform, only to find that she was also looking at her, or more accurately, at Hoshino Sora beside her.
And after being discovered by Alice, Erina immediately averted her gaze, her face slightly flushed.
She didn't know why, but she always felt that Hoshino Sora had become much more handsome.
Is it an illusion?
Her gaze shifted downwards, watching Kurokiba Ryo on the competition stage. Erina Nakiri observed the match. At this point, Kurokiba had already prepared all the side dishes and was slowly raising his hand to untie his headband.
The next moment, his entire aura surged.
Crushing shrimp shells, smashing fish bones, Kurokiba Ryo diligently cooked the broth portion for the Ramen.
The theme of the competition was "Noodles," but to Hoshino Sora's surprise, Kurokiba Ryo did not make the "Traditional French Fish Soup Ramen" he had made in Food Wars!
He made a modified version of Ramen. In addition to lobster, the crushed shells also included a small amount of crab, and he used crushed caviar to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
It was clear that after so many battles, Kurokiba Ryo had gained a lot of experience.
"Eat! 'Deep Sea Rich Soup Ramen'! Eat it all while it's hot, slurp it down!"
Very skillfully shaking off the water from the noodles, then pouring them into the prepared soup, Kurokiba Ryo looked at the judges in front of him with full vigor.
His eyes were filled with passion, Kurokiba Ryo's body trembled with excitement. Just one more step, only the final step remained, and he could face Hoshino Sora again!
When that time came, he would definitely crush him fiercely!
"Deep Sea Rich Soup Ramen, a modified version based on French fish soup Ramen, huh? The broth is richer, and the toppings are crispy black bread and crispy fried dough sticks."
"First, let's taste the soup."
This is...
"Shrimp brains and fish offal, all the rich flavors blend into one, wild yet orderly!"
Dojima Gin's eyes widened as he looked at the soup in front of him. The rich flavor bloomed in his mouth. This year's Far Moon truly had many talents. Broth of this caliber required considerable skill to make!
"And then there are these noodles, soaked in the broth."
No, my consciousness is being swept away!
Her eyeballs slightly rolled upwards. Kakizaki Taki, next to her, felt her consciousness being swept away. It was simply the aesthetics of violence!
Her steps became wobbly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the four types of shredded cheese toppings in the bowl, as well as the garlic chili sauce made by adding red chili peppers to garlic mayonnaise, and the crispy fried dough sticks used to replace croutons!
Gulp.
Swallowing her saliva, Kikuchi Sonoka's eyes were full of longing as she looked at the crispy fried dough sticks floating on the red soup. She pressed them into the soup to soak up the flavor, and finally, put them into her mouth.
Like a colorful bomb exploding, complex flavors overlapped and burst forth in her mouth. The crispness of the fried dough sticks, the richness of the soup, like a woven river of time, incredibly profound!
Bling, bling~
Affected by the Ramen, Kikuchi Sonoka's breathing quickened once again. Her chest rose and fell, her heart rate slightly increased, and a mysterious blush appeared on her face.
"This guy!"
Gripping her chopsticks, Kakizaki Taki felt utterly displeased watching Kikuchi Sonoka's wildly heaving chest attracting everyone's attention. What was there to look at!
Not pretty at all!
Jealousy~ Jealousy~ Jealousy~ Jealousy~ Jealousy
Jealousy that almost overflowed the screen. She picked up a mouthful of Ramen with her chopsticks and fiercely shoved it into her mouth. The rich broth mixed with the noodles entered her mouth, an incredibly wonderful taste!
This feeling was like someone forcibly pulling your clothes down, and you could only struggle to resist. The pleasure generated by that tug-of-war was simply irresistible!
"Ah!"
The rye bread crisps themselves were incredibly fragrant and mellow, and when paired with the thick soup, the taste and texture reached a new level, the strong impact making Sakurai Yuri gasp in surprise.
At the same time, Lei Yuxing had also finished his dish and slowly walked forward.
"Six Shrimp Noodles, please enjoy."
Gently placing the noodles on the dining table, Lei Yuxing's voice was soft, and the moment he uncovered the dish, a rich tide of fragrance instantly swept over them.
Following that, a bowl of Six Shrimp Noodles, covered with shrimp and shrimp roe, and even with noodles made from shrimp powder, appeared before the judges. Its visual appeal alone was enough to earn full marks.
"Six Shrimp Noodles? I know this one, it's super famous, and the preparation is notoriously complex!"
"Anyway, let's try the taste first."
Dojima Gin said, picking up a spoon and scooping a mouthful of soup. The next moment, his body trembled as if struck by lightning, and a rich umami flavor exploded in his mouth, leaving him speechless.
"What a rich shrimp aroma!"
"It instantly overshadowed Kurokiba's dish…"
Such comments echoed across the competition arena.
"Let's go."
Sniffing the air, Hoshino Sora watched the dish Lei Yuxing presented to the judges' table, then pulled Alice Nakiri's hand, getting up to leave.
"Why? The competition isn't over yet, don't you want to know who your final opponent will be?"
Alice Nakiri tilted her head, asking in confusion.
"The outcome is already clear. I really didn't expect that guy to be the ultimate dark horse."
Hoshino Sora's voice carried a hint of emotion. He had originally thought the other party was just an insignificant passerby, but now it seemed he was a formidable dragon crossing the river. So many Far Moon talents were no match for him.
"The outcome is decided?"
She looked puzzled but still followed him, glancing at the tense atmosphere in the arena, wondering how Hoshino Sora had made such a judgment.
"Yes, that kid from China will win, and it will be a decisive victory. We all underestimated him."
Compared to the familiar Kurokiba Ryo, Hoshino Sora had focused all his attention on Lei Yuxing after the competition began, and then he discovered something astonishing: the other party seemed not to have used his full strength.
This was not without basis; it could be seen from Lei Yuxing's eyes, and secondly, from his movements. That guy looked listless, with a drained appearance.
This also left Hoshino Sora somewhat bewildered.
Could it be that he had manually released some energy before the competition?
Regardless, Lei Yuxing most likely did not take Kurokiba Ryo seriously, otherwise he wouldn't have faced him in such a state.
But if it was just like this, Hoshino Sora would only think that the other party was disrespectful and lacked culinary ethics.
The problem lay in the dish the other party presented; it didn't suffer from his poor state, but instead had an exceptionally good appearance.
Cuisine emphasizes color, aroma, and taste.
Although Hoshino Sora could only observe the color and smell the aroma of Lei Yuxing's dish, with just these two aspects, the other party had already surpassed Kurokiba Ryo by far.
The dish was as exquisite as a meticulously carved work of art, and its final taste was surely not bad, which could be seen from the judges' surprised expressions after tasting the dish.
That's why he said the outcome was decided.
"Lei Yuxing is a famous genius from our region, skilled in several cuisines. It's hard to imagine, isn't it? An ordinary person needs to exert all their effort just to learn one cuisine."
A voice came from ahead, and turning his head, he found it was Feng Xuanya. She had already noticed that the person behind her was Hoshino Sora, because his voice was simply too familiar.
They had clearly agreed to be opponents in the semifinals, but she was eliminated in the quarterfinals, which was so embarrassing that she didn't want to talk to him. However, hearing them discuss Lei Yuxing, she finally couldn't help but turn her head.
"Genius? Who here isn't a genius?"
Alice Nakiri retorted grumpily, because the other party had eliminated her in the first round and then easily lost to someone else in the second round. This made her seem very weak, so she could be said to have deep resentment now.
"He's not a genius from your small place. At 14, he won second place in the Fujian Youth Chef Competition, and its value is much higher than those theoretical championships you've won."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Feng Xuanya wasn't angry. With a calm expression, she recounted Lei Yuxing's achievements. In China, every region holds a Youth Chef Competition annually.
At that time, countless young talents would choose to participate. From the preliminaries to the finals, it lasted seven days and seven nights, with thousands of registrants alone.
However, only 128 contestants could participate in the ranking battles.
And Lei Yuxing, at the age of 14, outshone the crowd, overthrowing the then-favorite to win as an absolute dark horse. Unfortunately, an even stronger dark horse appeared at the end, which stopped him at second place.
After that, he was specially recruited by Fujian Academy…
Until now.
Perhaps it was due to his lack of performance and indulgence in games during his school days that people had forgotten his strength, including Feng Xuanya. So before he advanced to the semifinals, she had barely paid attention to him.
Even to her, the people accompanying her on this trip were merely stepping stones; only she was the true ace. Unfortunately, she was taught a lesson by Yumeko Jabami…
However, she also gained a lot from this competition.