Food Wars: Let him cook

Looking at Huang Mei, who had suddenly collapsed, a fragrant breeze washed over Dylan. The next moment, the young woman was in his arms, and her charming face came into view.

Large eyes, a small, elegant nose, a face with a hint of baby fat, and rosy lips—all of this indicated that she was very pretty.

It had to be said, since being brought to the Dark Cooking Society, this girl's meals had been very good. In just half a year, she had transformed from a thin, scrawny little girl into her current plump, charming, and cute appearance.

Feeling the firm shoulders behind her, from which a faint warmth emanated, Huang Mei's face turned slightly red. After hearing his words, she responded with a shy sound.

Afterward, Dylan bent down and lifted her in a princess carry, gently placing her on a chair in the examination hall. Erina Nakiri also cast her gaze over and said, "This dish is very outstanding. You've made eggs taste like crab roe. You've passed this assessment."

Although it was something that should have been without objection, when she actually heard Erina Nakiri say these words, a happy expression still appeared on Huang Mei's face.

At this moment, Huang Mei was like a child showing off her achievements to the adults at home, so happy.

"Yes, you succeeded. It's very remarkable."

Facing such a Huang Mei, Dylan also provided excellent emotional support, smiling as he patted her head.

In his eyes, this little girl was no different from his younger sister, and younger sisters were meant to be doted on.

Huang Mei let out a "hehe" laugh, looking at the young man's face with a different kind of emotion.

She could finally be with Dylan!

Although it was as a student at the academy, the thought of being able to see him every day from now on already made her feel very happy and satisfied!

"You two are still so close. You don't even know how to show some concern for me."

Holding a dish in her hands, Li Wanwan's slightly jealous voice came from not far away. Dylan followed the sound with his gaze and saw that she was holding a bowl of noodles.

"Are you making Zha Jiang Mian? If my sense of smell is correct, the topping should be an egg-based Zha Jiang sauce."

Taking a deep breath of the aroma wafting from not far away, which carried a rich eggy fragrance, there was no doubt that this was a secret-recipe egg Zha Jiang sauce.

Reunited after a long separation, without much small talk, she just placed the freshly cooked egg Zha Jiang Mian in front of his nose, striking a posture of invitation.

Dylan nodded, then took the egg Zha Jiang Mian that Li Wanwan handed him. Their fingers inadvertently touched, causing the young woman's face to turn red.

Although they separated quickly as if shocked by electricity, he could still feel the warmth from her fingertips, which made one's imagination run wild.

"Hurry up and eat."

Withdrawing her hand, Li Wanwan said with a face full of expectation.

"Mm."

Dylan said as he used chopsticks to mix the egg Zha Jiang Mian. The heat from the noodles once again stimulated the aroma of the egg Zha Jiang, filling his nostrils.

"This flavor, you don't even have to think to know it must be very fragrant!"

Dylan said as he put the mixed noodles into his mouth. A rich, heavy flavor exploded in his oral cavity. Besides that, there was also the taste of ginger and garlic.

"Heat oil in a wok, scramble the eggs until fluffy, then remove and set aside. Use the remaining oil from scrambling the eggs to add dried shrimp for flavor, stir-fry the dried shrimp until their moisture is released, then take them out. Heat oil in the wok again, then add garlic, ginger, and scallions in order to create layers. After that, add a mixed sauce of yellow soybean paste and dried shrimp water, simmer on high heat for three to four minutes to combine the oil and water, then add the fried dried shrimp and eggs and mix well. I'm not wrong, am I?"

A bite of Zha Jiang, a bite of noodles. Savoring the taste on his tongue, Dylan closed his eyes and thought for a few seconds. When he opened his eyes, he began to explain the cooking process.

"As expected, any dish will be easily dissected in front of you."

Hearing Dylan's words, Li Wanwan let out a long, cloudy breath and couldn't help but complain.

Zha Jiang sauce, it could be said, has a different taste for every family. Everyone's recipe is slightly different, so there's no possibility of knowing it beforehand.

In other words, for Dylan to be able to so accurately state the recipe for the Zha Jiang sauce, he had to have dissected the flavor bit by bit with his tongue.

What a monstrous ability!

"Master Dylan, do you also possess the God's Tongue?"

Hearing Dylan's extremely detailed explanation and Li Wanwan's complaint, Erina Nakiri, who had picked up the Zha Jiang Mian from the cooking station and was eating it in large mouthfuls, couldn't help but ask.

Dylan shrugged, not hiding it.

"Why does it feel like your ability is so much more formidable than mine? At most, I can taste the ingredients used in a dish, but you can even dissect the cooking method."

Lightly biting her lower lip, Erina Nakiri's voice revealed confusion and puzzlement. They were clearly similar abilities, so why was the gap so huge?

"If I can't even surpass you, then how am I worthy of being called a teacher? Your God's Tongue still needs to be slowly developed, and so does Huang Mei's Super Touch. Also, Wanwan, your egg Zha Jiang is very good, but the noodles are too plain. The side dishes are the same as those for meat Zha Jiang Mian; you can change them up a bit."

Dylan casually said a few words, then turned his gaze to Li Wanwan not far away, telling her the shortcomings of her dish.

Afterward, he walked over to Liu Yu. At this moment, she had just finished steaming the rice. There were a few eggs beside the bowl, and she was vigorously stir-frying rice in a wok.

Seeing Dylan walk over, Liu Yu's voice was full of respect. She then dished out the fried rice, held it with both hands, and brought it before him, her eyes full of passion.

To have the Leader personally taste her dish and point out her mistakes—this was something she wouldn't have even dared to think of before. After all, there were so many Special Grade Chef seniors waiting in line; how could it ever be her turn?

But now...

Looking at Dylan smiling and nodding at her, while also picking up her dish to taste, Liu Yu's fists clenched slightly, her heart a little nervous.

"Your method is correct, but you probably haven't cooked it many times usually. Your hands are too inexperienced. There's not much technical skill in Golden Fried Rice; the main ingredients used are only eggs and rice. But the more simple a dish is, the more it requires control over the heat. However, for your age, it's still acceptable."

Looking at the Golden Fried Rice before him, with golden egg coating the silver rice, emitting steaming heat, it was just that the heat control and texture were slightly lacking, but that was relative to him.

"This has also reached the standard of a first-grade dish, right?"

Beside him, Erina Nakiri followed Dylan like a little fangirl. Tasting the Golden Fried Rice that he didn't rate highly, her heart was incredibly shaken.

The reason was simple: these dishes were all too outstanding. Although Dylan said they were worthless, almost every single one was of a first-grade standard.

And even at Totsuki, those whose strength had currently reached first-grade head chef were basically at the level of the Elite Ten. And now several of them had appeared at once?

Shaken in her heart, but her face remained calm, her gaze towards Dylan's back grew even more worshipful.

Only Master Dylan could so easily cultivate so many geniuses.

After this, Zhang Chen also completed his dish. He made a portion of egg dumplings. Although the taste was not very prominent, it was also a genuine first-grade dish.

And at the scene, only Soma Yukihira was still busy. At this moment, the young man was completely focused and did not fall into internal strife because others had finished their dishes, still proceeding with his cooking in an orderly manner.

"What dish is this one making now?"

Because she had tasted quite a few good dishes, Erina Nakiri had some expectations for this kid before her, even though behind him was just an ordinary little shop.

"You still can't tell even now? It seems the head examiner of this great academy isn't all that."

Hearing Erina Nakiri's words, this thought appeared in Soma Yukihira's mind.

"Using meat jelly to make egg drop rice? That's a good idea."

Slightly twitching his nose, sensing the faint aroma in the air, Dylan smelled the key component.

"As expected of Master Dylan, you saw the key to my dish at a glance. Have a taste, this is [Yukihira-style Egg Drop Rice]!"

As he spoke, Soma Yukihira poured the egg mixture from the bowl onto the rice.

And the meat jelly hidden in the eggs also melted in an instant upon falling, released by the steaming heat of the rice, emitting a rich 'chicken' aroma.

"Using a slow fire to gently cook the chicken, thereby perfectly bringing out its fresh and fragrant taste. It's quite different from traditional egg drop rice, a good idea indeed."

Looking at the egg drop rice that had revealed its full form, Erina Nakiri stepped forward and picked up the bowl. Looking at the scene inside the bowl, she spoke.

She didn't need to say much; the rich aroma already explained the standard of this dish. This commoner chef was more formidable than she had imagined.

However, the others before had already given her quite a shock, so facing Soma Yukihira's dish, she didn't have much of a reaction.

It couldn't be helped. When everyone was outstanding, even if you were also very outstanding, you would just be one among the crowd. It could only be said that he was born at the wrong time.

"I see. Yukihira-kun, you used 'meat jelly' in this dish, right?"

"That's right. That square thing in the rice is the meat jelly I made with chicken wings. The so-called meat jelly refers to food that is made by cooling rich, gelatinous meat broth and fish broth, solidifying them into a jelly-like state. I simmered chicken wings and fresh fish broth with light soy sauce on low heat, then cooled the resulting soup. When it solidified, I cut it into small pieces. After sprinkling these on the hot rice, the melted chicken broth will 'gurgle' onto the eggs."

Extending his finger, Soma Yukihira explained with a smile. As he spoke, he looked at Dylan not far away, a faint expectation in his eyes.

After his old man's special training, his skills had improved a lot.

And with such skills, could he make this man's eyes light up?!

"A good idea. The meat jelly contains the concentrated essence of the delicious chicken soup. The smooth and palatable soup's rich texture and salty taste perfectly complement the tender and fluffy taste of the eggs."

Closing his eyes and carefully tasting Soma Yukihira's dish, Dylan gave his evaluation. In terms of creativity, this guy had done very well.

However, he hadn't tasted this dish at Restaurant Yukihira back then. It must be a new dish developed after he left.

"You've improved quite a bit compared to before, but it's still far from enough. I am a teacher at Totsuki Academy. If you have any questions about cooking in the future, you can come and ask me. This isn't just for Yukihira; it's the same for all of you."

Dylan's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an indescribable authority. As he spoke, his gaze swept around, looking at the few who had passed the transfer student assessment.

And these people also looked at him with eager faces, especially those from the Dark Cooking Society, whose eyes were filled with fanaticism as they looked at him.

No one knew better than them the weight of the Leader's words.

If he said this in the Dark Cooking Society, the threshold of his house would probably be worn away by the next day. There wouldn't be a moment's rest from morning till night.

"Alright, Erina, you help them arrange for lodging. Everyone passed this assessment. You can handle the specific procedures."

"Yes, Master Dylan."

Although Dylan had just said she was the main one, Erina Nakiri was naturally not naive enough to think she was really in charge. Whatever he said, she would just agree.

What's more, the skills of these chefs before her were not bad; they were ridiculously good. Totsuki Academy had no reason not to recruit them.

"Master Dylan, can you show us around the school?"

Her vermilion lips parted. Looking at Dylan, who was preparing to leave, Li Wanwan stood in place and hesitated for a moment, then suddenly spoke.

"That's right! We're new here and don't know our way around. If the Leader shows us, we can definitely get familiar with the campus quickly."

Beside her, Huang Mei also blinked her eyes and spoke.

Because she had received Dylan's personal guidance for a period, she knew his personality was very good and felt no pressure in making this request.

"I don't have much to do next anyway. If you guys want, I'll show you around the school."

After a moment of thought, thinking that he didn't have much to do next, Dylan nodded and decided to show the few of them around Totsuki.

"We can wait until tomorrow for the tour. Tomorrow is the first day of school for new students, and the school's clubs will start recruiting new members. You can go and have a look then."

Erina Nakiri's voice rang out at this moment, proposing a new plan.

Because she had something she wanted to ask Dylan and needed some alone time, she wanted to go back to Dylan's house after the transfer student assessment to be alone with him for a while.

Therefore, she was unwilling for Dylan to show these few people around the campus now.

Of course, she couldn't say this outright, or she would definitely be criticized. So she used the excuse that tomorrow was the first day of school, with more activities, making the tour more interesting, to shut them up.

She didn't know if anyone had seen through her.

"What do you all think?"

Hearing Erina Nakiri's words, Dylan also felt it made some sense. So he turned his head to look at the few who had regrouped at some unknown time and asked.

"I don't have a problem."

"We've been traveling all day today. Wang Jing wants to rest a bit."

"What are you talking about! It's clearly Liu Yu who wants to rest."

"Wang Jing wants to rest."

Liu Yu and Wang Jing stood together and started to bicker.

"We landed this morning and rushed here without much rest. Now that the transfer student assessment is over, the physical fatigue has also set in. If possible, we'd like to go to our lodgings and rest for a bit now. Besides, the clothes we're wearing now are really not suitable for touring the campus. Anyone who didn't know better would think we were criminals who had broken into the school."

Ning Feng's voice came, tinged with some complaint. Because he was speaking with the Leader of the Dark Cooking Society, he was very nervous.

And besides being nervous, there was also sincerity. This was their actual situation, and there was nothing to hide.

Dylan nodded after hearing this and said, "There's no time tomorrow with the start of school either. If you want to tour the school this weekend, just come to my house and find me. Erina will tell you my address later."

After saying this, Dylan turned and left the assessment site. And Erina Nakiri, looking at the few people before her, turned her head and exchanged a glance with Hisako Arato.

"I'll leave these people to you, Hisako."

Erina Nakiri said as she left the scene. Seeing Dylan, who hadn't gone far, she trotted forward and followed closely behind him.

Hisako Arato bowed respectfully, watching them leave. She then looked at Li Wanwan, Huang Mei, and the others, and took them to handle the admission procedures.

"Follow me."

"Master Dylan, I want to ask you a question."

A young woman's voice sounded from behind. Dylan looked over and found that it was Erina Nakiri. A smile appeared on his lips.

"Go ahead. I'll do my best to answer."

Not wanting to make too firm a promise, Dylan slowed his pace until she was walking alongside him.

"How exactly can the God's Tongue become stronger? I remember you once told me there was a way to enhance it. I want to become stronger."

Running to catch up, Erina Nakiri's breathing was slightly ragged, but her eyes were fervent. At this moment, her sparkling eyes were fixed on Dylan's face.

Seeing Liu Yu, Wang Jing, and the others, she felt a strong sense of crisis. Plus, Dylan had said before that there was a way to strengthen the God's Tongue, so she was eager to know, in order to enhance her culinary skills.

"Becoming strong quickly comes with a price."

"I'm never afraid of hardship, nor am I afraid of suffering. But I can't accept being an incompetent person."

Lightly biting her lower lip, Erina Nakiri said so. Clearly possessing a super talent, yet being frequently surpassed by people with ordinary talent.

The pride of being a heaven-blessed prodigy was also constantly dissipating in this process.

So she wanted to become stronger, wanted to surpass Alice Nakiri, wanted to surpass everyone, wanted to truly become the number one of the younger generation in Japan!

"Master Dylan, I'm begging you, please help me."

Looking at the tall and handsome man before her, who was also looking at her, Erina Nakiri knew in her heart that only Dylan could help her now, so she had to cling tightly to his thigh.

"Erina, becoming strong requires paying a price."

"I am willing to give my all!"

Hearing Dylan's words, Erina Nakiri's heart leaped with joy, and she then said word by word.

"Everything?"

"That's right, everything!"

Erina Nakiri's gaze was exceptionally firm. She completely didn't notice Dylan's complex gaze as he scanned her from head to toe.

-

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