The blazing sun before her was incredibly stable. Although it's said that the closer one gets to the sun, the more one gets hurt, she still couldn't help but want to go closer, to stand shoulder to shoulder!
Thinking of Dylan's noble and imposing figure, Huang Mei's eyes gleamed. He was an existence worth her lifelong pursuit, holding extraordinary significance for her.
Seeing Huang Mei's dissatisfied expression, Li Wanwan twitched her lips, poured out all the flour from the scale, and then made a 'please' gesture.
"No, Super Sense of Touch is very hard to improve further at this stage. What I need to practice now is this competition's theme. My opponent is Liu Yu. Fish, just 'fish' alone, there are simply too many suitable dishes. I must choose a dish that can maximize the power of my Super Sense of Touch!"
Hearing Li Wanwan's words, Huang Mei waved her hand in refusal, then expressed her thoughts. At this moment, the refrigerator still held the fish she had bought that morning.
"That's fine too..."
Watching Huang Mei take the fish out of the refrigerator and place it on the cutting board, Li Wanwan softly murmured, then said: "Let me help you out."
"Okay."
Megumi Tadokoro and Soma Yukihira each occupied a corner of the kitchen, their cooking stations laden with various ingredients, as they conducted research on their respective themed dishes.
"Yukihira-kun, what dish are you planning to make?"
Reaching up to scratch her head, Megumi Tadokoro looked towards Soma Yukihira. She currently had no ideas, so she looked to him, attempting to find inspiration from him.
"I've tried all kinds of rice-based dishes: donburi, fried rice, even crispy rice, and they tasted quite good, but I haven't found anything I'm particularly satisfied with."
Hearing Megumi Tadokoro's voice, Soma Yukihira said, without lifting his head, what he had been trying during this period. He had tried all sorts of rice-related dishes, and they all tasted quite good, but none of them could truly satisfy him.
"Your theme is rice, and the key point is to highlight the flavor of the rice itself, not the surrounding ingredients. The results of the first eight matches have already proven that perfectly expressing the theme leads to victory."
Sensing the vagueness in Soma Yukihira's words, Megumi Tadokoro thought for a moment before offering a solution. This was the best approach based on his theme.
"What you said isn't unreasonable. Previously, most of my research focused on ingredients related to rice, but I paid little attention to the rice itself. In that case, this time I'll start by steaming rice and conduct an in-depth study of rice!"
Pinching his chin, pondering the meaning of Megumi Tadokoro's words, Soma Yukihira suddenly clapped his hands, his eyes lighting up as he realized something.
"It's better to have a clear theme like yours; there's no need to agonize over it. Unlike my theme, which has too many options, so I still haven't settled on one."
Compared to his very clear theme, this time she drew the theme 'cold dishes', the scope of which was extraordinarily broad, leaving her extremely troubled.
Her opponent was Ryo Kurokiba, a dockside chef from the Nordic coast, extremely skilled in seafood dishes.
This time, the cold dish made would most likely be based on fish, shrimp, or crab, with a heavy flavor profile.
And seafood, as an ingredient, has a rich umami flavor, becoming incredibly delicious without much seasoning. If paired with richly flavored sauces, it would be very easy to create top-tier cuisine.
Facing such an opponent, rather than directly countering the impact of his dishes, it would be better to find a way to utilize...
"Dylan-bro, what did that old man tell you?"
After seeing off Zhou Tai and his grandson and granddaughter, Dylan returned home to be met with Alice Nakiri's curious gaze.
"This matter isn't even set in stone yet; it's currently vague information. Plus, I just promised him to keep it a secret, so I won't tell you."
Putting his jacket on the sofa, remembering Zhou Tai had told him to keep it confidential earlier, Dylan did not reveal the content of their conversation.
"Alright then, tell me when you're ready."
Hearing Dylan's words, Alice Nakiri didn't delve deeper into the matter. She reached out and hugged his arm, her gaze unconsciously sweeping towards the room.
Today, Zhou Yuyu's appearance inexplicably made her feel a sense of crisis.
Seeing through the girl's thoughts, Dylan put his arm around Alice's waist, and with a slight effort, lifted her into his arms.
"I just learned some new 'positions' online. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I practice alone, I can only master their form. This kind of thing requires two people, so I'm counting on you tonight!"
Looking at the handsome face before her, Alice Nakiri's face quickly flushed red. Although they were already like an old married couple, no matter when, seeing Dylan always made her feel shy.
Especially when doing this kind of thing.
Although she usually acted outgoing, once they were 'bare before each other', she would uncontrollably feel shy. This contrast was something Dylan greatly liked.
"Don't worry, with me here, any 'position' you desire can be satisfied. Who knows, we might even extend to some new things~"
Dylan's face held a mischievous smile. He then tossed the already prepared Alice Nakiri onto the bed, and began 'practicing positions'.
A week's time passed in a blink.
Everyone had undergone rigorous special training and finally returned to Totsuki.
Tsukiten-no-Ma.
"Dear beloved audience, good morning everyone! It's time once again for our long-awaited Summer Selection Championship! This round is the semifinals, a gathering of elites!"
The deep thrumming of drums sounded, one beat after another, as if capable of shaking hearts, making people's hearts uncontrollably quicken, their faces On the spectator stands, there were far more people than in the first round.
The air was filled with fervent fighting spirit, and everyone's gaze was fixed on Urara Kawashima.
"Today is the match between Soma Yukihira and Wang Jing. Both are strong students, and their strength is very formidable. The theme is the widely known 'rice'. Let's see what kind of surprises these two contestants can bring everyone!"
Urara Kawashima's impassioned voice hyped up the atmosphere.
She was the host of this competition, and before the matches began, she was also the main mood-setter, responsible for rousing the audience's emotions.
"Here he comes, Soma Yukihira is entering the arena!"
From the contestant's passage, Soma Yukihira slowly walked in, holding a high-speed blender. Spotlights shone on him, and cameras also.
Yet, facing all of this, Soma Yukihira remained unfazed. His steps showed not the slightest disarray, and his face was filled with determination.
"The Summer Selection Main Tournament Semifinals, first match. Contestant Soma Yukihira must have made thorough preparations. Let's see if he, a chef from a humble diner, can once again create a miracle and defeat the fierce dragon from the East!"
Looking at Soma Yukihira appearing on the screen, Urara Kawashima stepped forward, holding a microphone as she introduced his background, while also introducing the next contestant.
"And now, the second contestant is the top genius from the East, Wang Jing, who obtained her First-Class Master Chef certificate at a young age! This time, she will, as always, showcase the elegance of Eastern cuisine!"
From the opposite contestant passage, Wang Jing's figure appeared. The girl's small face was taut; facing the host's introduction, she remained serious throughout, without a smile.
"The talented chef from the East, China, a great culinary nation—those coming from there should be very powerful. This girl is Hui Muslim, and she once made a name for herself in the Fujian Youth Chef Championship, ranking among the top three results. It is said that she has a very unique insight into Halal cuisine. I truly look forward to her dish."
Looking at Wang Jing's face on the big screen, the audience immediately began to buzz with discussion. Those who knew her background began to share information with those around them.
After all, even before joining the Dark Cooking Society, Wang Jing was already a minor celebrity. However, compared to Special Grade Chefs, her fame only circulated within a small circle.
But now, spectators from all corners of the world were gathered here. There were always a few well-informed individuals who recognized Wang Jing's identity, and these people held great expectations for her.
Some even loudly cheered her on.
The camera quickly moved, finally focusing on the judges' panel. This time, the judges were all outstanding graduates of Totsuki, who had watched so many Totsuki competitions and had a deep impression of these individuals who became Elite Ten, so they began to discuss among themselves.
"I am Gin Dōjima, the head chef of Totsuki Resort. This judging will be rigorously assessed by us. The first match of the semifinals: Soma Yukihira versus Wang Jing! Let the match begin!"
Holding the microphone, his voice escalated from calm to passionate, the last sentence almost shouted. Gin Dōjima forcefully waved his hand, announcing the start of the match.
At the same time, the gong was struck, emitting a clear and loud sound, which completely ignited the atmosphere!
"Oh!"
"Ahhh!"
"Go!"
The cheering from the audience was incessant. Everyone's faces were brimming with excitement, raising their arms and shouting loudly, to stir up the contestants' emotions.
"What a great stage. There are even more people here than at a regional youth chef competition."
Hearing the cheers from below the stage, Wang Jing couldn't help but murmur. Her body grew heated, and she then strode to her cooking station.
The judges' panel, from left to right.
"The first judge is the 80th Generation Elite Ten Second Seat, Hinako Inui-senpai, currently the head chef of the Japanese restaurant 'Kiri-no-Ya'. Next to her is the 79th Generation Elite Ten Second Seat, Fuyumi Mizuhara-senpai, who manages the Italian restaurant 'Ristorante F'. The one in the middle is Totsuki's most outstanding graduate of all time, the 69th Generation Elite Ten First Seat, Gin Dōjima-senpai, currently the Head Chef of Totsuki Resort. The last two are the 88th Generation Elite Ten Second Seat and the 89th Generation Elite Ten First Seat, respectively, Taki Tsunozaki-senpai and Sonoka Kikuchi-senpai, who once had some interactions with you, Teacher, in China."
Sitting beside Dylan, Erina Nakiri softly introduced the five judges present. She was somewhat.
As her voice trailed off, she noticed Dylan wasn't listening at all. She looked up at the judges' panel and saw Taki Tsunozaki and Sonoka Kikuchi waving at him.
"Isn't the atmosphere between you two a bit strange? It's a bit too ambiguous."
Looking at Sonoka Kikuchi, who was openly flirting with Dylan, Taki Tsunozaki's expression was subtle. She felt the other party was being a bit too provocative.
Because she had graduated early, this was her first meeting with Dylan since he came to Totsuki. However, because she already knew he was teaching here, she wasn't surprised to see him.
It's just...
When did Sonoka Kikuchi get so close to Teacher Dylan?
"Strange?"
Hearing Taki Tsunozaki's words, Sonoka Kikuchi tilted her head in confusion. Because they were in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, she felt her behavior was completely normal.
"Of course it's strange! Normally, no student would flirt with their teacher, right!"
Taki Tsunozaki's voice was peculiar. She then looked at Dylan and saw him gazing gently at Sonoka Kikuchi, who was behind him. This made her even more confused.
What exactly happened between these two while she was away?
"You didn't use your detestable 'assets' to seduce Teacher Dylan, did you?"
As if she suddenly thought of something, Taki Tsunozaki shifted her gaze downwards, then her lips twitched, and she spoke in a voice full of suspicion.
"What are you thinking! How could it be me seducing Teacher Dylan? Although having a good figure might have played a small part, we definitely got together because our feelings naturally developed."
Looking at Taki Tsunozaki's extremely subtle gaze, Sonoka Kikuchi explained, her face flushed red. She didn't want to be misunderstood by the other party.
"You two are together?!"
Taki Tsunozaki's voice was filled with disbelief; she even lost her voice on the last word. She inexplicably felt a surge of emotion.
Because she also quite liked Dylan, but too much time had passed, and while she wanted to see him, she also felt hesitant, which was why she hadn't sought him out.
Never did she expect that while she was away, Sonoka Kikuchi had actually made a move and, from the looks of it, was already together with Teacher Dylan!?!?
"With what? With those 'assets' of hers?!"
Taki Tsunozaki turned her face away, forcing herself to look at Soma Yukihira, trying not to think about it. It seemed she had missed her chance due to being uninformed...
"That detestable big-chested monster!"
"Rice is the cornerstone of the culinary world. Rice from different regions will have subtle differences in texture and flavor. If I'm not mistaken, Soma Yukihira must be using Koshihikari rice from Niigata Prefecture."
Looking at the rice bag in front of Soma Yukihira, Gin Dōjima's voice echoed through the venue. The rice bag had a Niigata Prefecture label, proving the origin of the rice.
renowned for its appearance.
"Its texture is firm and elastic, its aroma fragrant, and it retains considerable flexibility even after cooling. It can be said to be truly excellent rice."
Hinako Inui's voice sounded. As a Special A-grade rice designated by the Japan Grain Inspection Association, Koshihikari rice enjoys considerable popularity in Japan.
"Not only that, Koshihikari rice has a low amylose content, and its other components are balanced, resulting in an exceptionally rich flavor. This kid has good taste."
Taki Tsunozaki crossed her arms, but unfortunately, couldn't squeeze anything out. She looked at Soma Yukihira, who was cooking, and couldn't help but nod, because her restaurant also used Koshihikari rice.
Spain has studied rice to the extreme, and many of the Spanish dishes she inherited are rice-related, so her demand for rice quality is very high. After much deliberation, Koshihikari rice ultimately became a regular feature in her shop.
Now seeing Soma Yukihira also using Koshihikari rice, she couldn't help but feel a sense of finding a kindred spirit.
"That young lady over there, she must be using Blood Glutinous Rice, which is quite an unconventional idea."
While Gin Dōjima and Taki Tsunozaki observed Soma Yukihira, Sonoka Kikuchi and Fuyumi Mizuhara's attention was focused on Wang Jing.
The grains of rice in front of her were deep purple, looking very unique.
"Blood Glutinous Rice has a soft, fragrant, and sweet taste, with a unique aroma, and is rich in natural pigments and various nutrients. It is suitable..."
Looking at the deep purple glutinous rice in the bowl on Wang Jing's cooking station, several judges present immediately began to discuss.
Glutinous rice is undoubtedly a type of rice. At the same time, glutinous rice can be used to make even more rice-based dishes. In terms of ingredients, Wang Jing has the edge.
"Blood Glutinous Rice is sweet and warming in nature; it can warm the spleen and stomach, and tonify the qi of the middle burner. It has a certain alleviating effect on symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. In a sense, this can also be considered a medicinal ingredient."
Gin Dōjima's voice also sounded at this moment, as he secretly nodded in Wang Jing's direction.
This year's Summer Selection is truly interesting. Everyone is very strong and has their own ideas.
No wonder they postponed the Accommodation Camp. It seems they plan to rank everyone first, and then motivate everyone to move forward.
Looking at the Blood Glutinous Rice, which had been soaked for three hours in advance, Wang Jing directly put it into the pot, cooking it until it had a hard core that could be easily crushed with a little force.
The cooked Blood Glutinous Rice was relatively dry. Wang Jing watched the pot, controlling the water perfectly. She then transferred it to a bowl, added brown sugar, and stirred it evenly to enhance the aroma.
Compared to steaming, the cooked Blood Glutinous Rice could fully absorb water, its texture becoming even more glutinous, with a soft and elastic mouthfeel.
Dried sweet potatoes were cut into small square pieces, red dates into four strips, and soaked lotus seeds, longan, and raisins were separately placed in small bowls for later use.
Next came the assembly.
A layer of lard was spread in the bowl, into which longan, red dates, lotus seeds, and raisins were placed. The chopped dried sweet potatoes were arranged around the edges as garnish.
Lard was added to the Blood Glutinous Rice, stirred evenly from bottom to top until the two perfectly blended, then added into a shaped mold.
This serving of Blood Glutinous Rice needed to be layered. The first layer completely covered the bottom ingredients, then a layer of red bean paste was added on top of the Blood Glutinous Rice, followed by another layer of Blood Glutinous Rice.
Covered with a plate, steamed for 30 minutes.
"It's Eight Treasures Rice! Usually served as the last dish for New Year's Eve dinner, its flavor is fresh and never gets old, which really fits this theme perfectly."
Seeing this, the judges present all understood the dish Wang Jing was making: Eight Treasures Rice, a famous delicacy popular throughout China.
"Among the 'Eight Big Bowls' of Halal cuisine, one is Eight Treasures Rice. She must have used this as a base and made certain improvements and innovations."
The waiting process was incredibly long. Whether it was the judges or the audience, everyone's gaze was fixed on the two cooking stations.
Forty minutes passed in a blink. Lifting the steamer lid, and smelling the enticing aroma in the air, Wang Jing's face revealed a satisfied expression.
Using tongs, she took the Eight Treasures Rice out of the pot, then placed it on a tray. Wang Jing strode to the judges' table, and placed the Eight Treasures Rice before them.
"This aroma is wonderful, and it looks so vibrant! After forty minutes of steaming, the red dates, lotus seeds, raisins, and dried sweet potatoes have perfectly melded into the Blood Glutinous Rice, radiating a faint, fresh aroma."
Twitching her cute little nose, Sonoka Kikuchi's face showed some excitement. However, because the freshly steamed glutinous rice was very hot, she didn't rush to taste it, merely revealing a look of anticipation in her eyes.
"After a long period of steaming, the Blood Glutinous Rice fully absorbed the moisture, making its texture exceptionally plump. The brown sugar added afterwards imparted a sweet flavor, while the lard gave it a delicate and fresh aroma."
A faint look of enjoyment on her face, Fuyumi Mizuhara slowly gave her evaluation. This was the taste she experienced with her first bite.
"The red bean paste has a delicate texture, adding a rich sweetness to this Eight Treasures Rice."
Feeling the sensation on her tongue, Hinako Inui was also full of delight. Her favorite was sweet food, and this Eight Treasures Rice satisfied her perfectly.
"Eating to the bottom, there's a rich fruity aroma and sweetness. The sweetness of longan and red dates blends with the mellow sweetness of the glutinous rice, while lotus seeds bring a hint of refreshing texture, and raisins add a touch of sweet and sour flavor to the entire glutinous rice dish."
Taki Tsunozaki's expression was solemn, but upon eating the Eight Treasures Rice, it couldn't help but soften. The rich flavors in her mouth made her exclaim, 'Letting myself soar in a paradise named 'sweetness'!'
The five judges present simultaneously let out soft gasps, closing their eyes as if walking on soft clouds, each step echoing with satisfaction.
As the chewing deepened, the diverse textures of longan, red dates, lotus seeds, raisins, and dried sweet potatoes emerged one by one. Each carried its natural sweetness and unique aroma, converging on the tongue, finally interweaving into a colorful vibrant culinary tapestry!
The gentle warmth of longan and red dates, the clear sweetness of lotus seeds, the mellow richness of raisins, and the rustic simplicity of dried sweet potatoes—each ingredient added a vivid stroke to this painting, making one feel as if transported to a natural realm where seasons change and flowers and fruits waft fragrance.
The gentle warmth of longan and red dates, the clear sweetness of lotus seeds, the mellow richness of raisins, and the rustic simplicity of dried sweet potatoes—each ingredient added a vivid stroke to this painting, making one feel as if transported to a natural realm where seasons change and flowers and fruits waft fragrance.
It was an illusion.
"Not bad, a very good dish."
Opening his eyes, Gin Dōjima looked at Wang Jing, praising her from the bottom of his heart.
"You added lard to it, right? Lard has characteristics such as low cholesterol and high unsaturated fatty acids, and it can also lighten the burden on the stomach and intestines. With its delicate and fresh flavor, it perfectly balanced the sweetness of the Eight Treasures Rice, allowing diners to only experience the pure deliciousness."
Sonoka Kikuchi revealed the key to the dish's harmonious flavor: the lard mixed into the rice!
______
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