Tick-tock.
Cold sweat dripped from the forehead.
Wei Zhong was awake, yet the silence of the judges' table filled his heart with an overwhelming tide of fear.
Had it been a chef not strong enough mentally, they would have collapsed on stage.
"Ahem!"
The female host, Qi Qingyan, glanced at the young man standing at the table, Xia Yu, who slightly lowered his eyes. However, from the side, there was a fleeting and serene smile at the corner of his mouth. Qi Qingyan's heart raced as if zapped by that smile.
In contrast to Wei Zhong, the young man's demeanor clearly revealed who the true victor was in this brutal battle.
Qi Qingyan pursed her lips and announced, "The tasting segment ends here. Please, judges, review the two chefs' creations and cast your precious votes!"
"Gaining 3 votes will be considered a win!"
"...And the loser will face the ultimate penalty—"
"The Mark of Disdain!"
Clang!
