"Congratulations on advancing to the semi-finals, Megumi. You did very well this time.
As the competition concluded successfully, the audience gradually dispersed, and the arena returned to tranquility.
Megumi Tadokoro walked towards him, and Dylan stepped forward, his voice carrying praise.
"It's all thanks to Dylan-sensei; otherwise, it wouldn't have gone so smoothly."
Megumi Tadokoro bloomed with a sweet smile, feeling secretly fortunate.
Before Ryo Kurokiba's dish was served, she had actually been on edge the whole time, afraid her speculation was wrong.
Fortunately, the result was just as she thought. Ryo Kurokiba couldn't abandon seafood cuisine, nor did he change his style, allowing her to cleverly win the match.
"This can't be credited to me. It was your diligence and hard work that won you this match. Moreover, your strategy was truly outstanding."
Hearing the young woman's words, Dylan shook his head.
He also hadn't expected that Megumi Tadokoro would actually use Kurokiba's dish to elevate her own. She must have thoroughly researched her opponent before the match.
Dylan's praise made Megumi Tadokoro smile.
She had originally worried that winning in such a clever manner would cause him to look down on her, or even dislike her. Now, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Keep working hard. You can do even better. After all, you're someone I have my eye on."
Seeing Megumi Tadokoro's somewhat awkward thoughts, Dylan patted her on the head, telling her not to overthink things, and then spoke in a gentle voice.
"Mm, I will definitely work even harder!"
Looking at Dylan's face, Megumi Tadokoro nodded seriously.
She had always been working hard, just hoping that one day she could truly become someone he was proud of.
Just like the two sisters, Alice Nakiri and Erina Nakiri.
"Megumi, you were amazing! Congratulations on making it to the semi-finals!"
"Yeah! You actually beat that powerful Kurokiba! When they announced the results just now, my heart almost stopped!"
Not far away, the voices of Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki rang out, filled with surprise and excitement.
Dylan followed the sound with his gaze and saw the two girls running over, panting.
They had clearly been in such a hurry that they had jogged the whole way.
"Megumi has already made it to the semi-finals. You two need to step it up, too. Don't fall too far behind, or you'll lose face. You know."
Looking at the two energetic girls, Dylan decided to put some pressure on them.
"I've been reading the encyclopedia of ingredients recently! Once I memorize everything inside, I'll be able to apply it creatively when I cook!"
Yūki Yoshino eagerly shared her cooking plan, her eyes twinkling with a thirst for knowledge, while also hoping for Dylan's approval.
"I'm researching yeast cultures. The internet is super advanced now. For a small fee, you can listen to professors' online lectures. I've learned a lot these past few days."
Not to be outdone, Ryōko Sakaki immediately reported her own progress, her voice full of excitement, and likewise with a hint of anticipation for praise.
"That's pretty good. After this Summer Selection is over, you should be on your autumn break. I'll take you all to China to watch a competition."
The culinary battles at Totsuki Academy were just a warm-up. The real challenge lay in higher-level events like the Fujian Youth Chef Championship.
Therefore, he decided to use this opportunity to take them to China to broaden their horizons.
Even if they couldn't compete, just observing would allow them to absorb a wealth of knowledge and experience, which would be of great benefit to their future culinary paths.
"Can we go too?"
Yūki Yoshino's eyes instantly lit up. She excitedly grabbed Dylan's arm, her big eyes sparkling.
Ryōko Sakaki didn't show much of a reaction, but she also stared at Dylan with eager eyes, clearly very tempted by his proposal.
"Of course. I'll cover your plane tickets and accommodations. Just make sure to learn a lot while you're there."
Looking at the two girls who had moved closer, Dylan's hands naturally came to rest gently on their heads, as if he were soothing two well-behaved kittens, grooming their 'fur'.
Seeing this, Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki, far from feeling uncomfortable, actually snuggled closer to him, their faces beaming with enjoyment and happiness.
Megumi Tadokoro watched this scene from the side with great envy.
Although she had just experienced the warmth of being petted by Dylan-sensei, the feeling always left one wanting more.
Dylan-sensei's hands seemed to possess a kind of magic, making one unconsciously want to immerse themselves in it, to be petted forever.
"Alright, it's getting late, and I'm a bit hungry. Let's go back and have lunch."
After ruffling Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki's hair for a while, Dylan let go and then looked at Alice Nakiri beside him.
Seeing that he was finished, she immediately stepped forward, hooked her arm through his, and pressed her body against him, putting on an intimate display.
The people around them watched her with envy, especially Megumi Tadokoro, who wished she could take her place.
However, constrained by her status, she couldn't say anything, and could only gaze on with a hint of regret.
Just as they were about to step out of the Tsukiten-no-Ma, Dylan's gaze was caught by a familiar figure. He looked closely, and was surprised to see that the person who had arrived was Subaru Mimasaka.
"What is he doing here?"
Dylan wondered to himself. Just as they brushed past Subaru Mimasaka, the other man suddenly spoke.
"Dylan-sensei, I will win the next match as well."
With that, Subaru Mimasaka turned and left smartly, leaving behind a group of bewildered onlookers.
"What on earth was that guy trying to say?"
Yūki Yoshino frowned deeply, her expression full of confusion. Subaru Mimasaka's actions seemed so abrupt and hard to understand.
"Perhaps he's trying to get Dylan-sensei's attention?"
Ryōko Sakaki offered her guess. For Subaru Mimasaka to be so provocative time and time again, no one present believed he had no ulterior motive.
"I agree with you."
Alice Nakiri chimed in. Subaru's series of abnormal actions was very likely an attempt to attract Dylan's attention.
As for the reason, it was still unknown for now.
"Oh, right. Tomorrow is Hisako's match against him."
Megumi Tadokoro suddenly interjected, breaking the brief silence.
"That guy can completely replicate his opponent's dish by thoroughly investigating them."
"Not only that, but he can also improve and enhance it on that basis, creating an 'upgraded version' that is a level above his opponent's original dish.""
"That ability is too broken. By targeting and improving the dish, he can basically elevate it by another grade. Without strong adaptability, I'm afraid it would be very difficult to beat him."
As they mentioned Subaru Mimasaka's special ability, the girls began to discuss it, a trace of apprehension flashing across their faces in unison.
They wondered, if their opponent was Subaru Mimasaka, would they have the ability to defeat him?
By imitating his opponent's daily life, he synchronizes his thinking with theirs, and then combines it with his own experience to take his opponent's dish to the next level.
"Let's just let nature take its course. We have to believe in Hisako. This can be considered a test for her."
Dylan said slowly, looking up at the sky.
Compared to them, Hisako Arato, as Subaru Mimasaka's opponent, was likely under even greater pressure.
"Lady Erina, how is it?"
Hisako Arato's eyes were filled with anticipation as she presented the meticulously prepared delicacy before Erina Nakiri, awaiting her response.
However, what she received was a gentle shake of the head and detailed suggestions for improvement:
"The overall flavor is a bit one-dimensional. You could add a moderate amount of chili peppers to enhance the spicy layers, making the taste fuller and more three-dimensional."
Faced with Subaru Mimasaka's infuriating dish-copying ability, Hisako Arato had unhesitatingly chosen to seek help from Erina Nakiri.
She could imagine that, at this very moment, Subaru Mimasaka must be tracking her daily life to imitate her personality and replicate her dish.
But he would surely never guess that she would ask Lady Erina for help!
"Regarding your 'Steamed Cuisine' theme, have you decided which dish you'll make in the end?" Erina Nakiri asked.
"I've decided! I'll make this Medicinal Steamed Chicken."
Hisako Arato's tone was firm.
On the counter in front of her were several steamers, containing various dishes she had been diligently researching recently.
To prevent her opponent from easily copying her, she had carefully prepared multiple backup options, waiting only to select the best one before the match.
"Medicinal Steamed Chicken? Indeed, this dish has the highest level of completion, and its flavor is the best."
"Plus, with me assisting you, dealing with a mere Subaru Mimasaka will be more than enough."
Erina Nakiri nodded in agreement. This Medicinal Steamed Chicken was the most delicious of the several dishes, having already reached the level of a quasi-Special Grade dish.
Although Hisako Arato's skill was only that of a First-Class Master Chef, she had a week to prepare, and with Erina's assistance, achieving such a result was perfectly normal.
"Since you've made your decision, stay up a little later tonight. Let's use the remaining time to continue perfecting this dish and see if we can touch the threshold of Special Grade."
Although it was a quasi-Special Grade dish, there was still a considerable gap to a true Special Grade dish. Only by eliminating all flaws could it possibly become a Special Grade dish!
"Mm, but before that, I want to try swapping the tin foil wrapping the Medicinal Steamed Chicken for a lotus leaf."
As she spoke, Hisako Arato looked towards the steamer on the side. The Medicinal Steamed Chicken was currently wrapped in tin foil, perfectly locking in its aroma.
Because tin foil has excellent heat conduction and retention, she had chosen it, but for this dish, tin foil could only be considered a mediocre material.
Therefore, she planned to switch it to a lotus leaf.
"Swapping the tin foil for a lotus leaf? That is indeed a good idea."
"In Chinese medicine, it has multiple benefits, such as relieving summer heat, promoting diuresis, strengthening the spleen, and lifting yang energy.
Wrapping ingredients in a lotus leaf for steaming can allow its medicinal properties to infuse into the food.
I remember when I was sick, you once used a lotus leaf to make congee for me. You told me all of this back then."
Erina Nakiri's voice carried a hint of nostalgia. She was extremely well cared for by Hisako Arato. Their relationship was less like master and servant and more like sisters, with Hisako being more like the older sister.
"Yes, lotus leaves have many benefits. Wrapping ingredients with them and steaming them adds a unique fragrance to the food.
But there are also some drawbacks, namely that the seal is poor and it's easily damaged, which requires the chef's attention."
Hisako Arato nodded with a smile.
Using a lotus leaf was actually a double-edged sword.
Fortunately, it was summer, and the lotus leaves were growing well and were of high quality, making it the most suitable time to use them in a dish.
Otherwise, she might not have been able to make this dish at all.
"Then you should try it quickly. The flavor should be about right, but it's still best to have a baseline and see if there's anything that can be improved."
"Mm-hm."
Hearing Erina Nakiri's words, Hisako Arato nodded emphatically, focused her gaze on the cooking station, and began to work diligently.
"Spice Master's Hand!"
A young hen, less than a year old, was slaughtered. After removing the feathers and innards, the surface moisture was absorbed, and a spoonful of salt, two spoonfuls of cooking wine, two spoonfuls of soy sauce, and a spoonful of sesame oil were added, kneading the flavors in with a special technique.
This move was also a secret skill from the Dark Cooking Society.
Although it was a relatively simple technique, it still took her a good half a year to learn.
This technique can quickly infuse ingredients with flavor, saving a large amount of marinating time, and it was also Hisako Arato's killing move.
Taking a huge step back, even if Subaru Mimasaka managed to deduce what kind of dish she was going to make by tracking her life, it would be useless if he couldn't replicate the technique.
Although the competition time was sufficient, to thoroughly marinate a young hen from the inside out, it would be difficult to achieve without letting it rest for a whole day and night.
If this step wasn't handled well, even if the subsequent steps were the same as hers, the flavor would be significantly worse. It could be said that it would be inherently deficient from the start.
Subaru Mimasaka loves to imitate, doesn't he? Then she would use a high-end technique that he couldn't imitate! No matter what he did, the flavor would be worse than hers!
Watching the young hen marinate quickly, Erina Nakiri exclaimed in admiration.
Dylan taught these techniques openly, and she had also learned many practical little tricks, such as how to quickly dismember medium to large animals, what special methods to use when adding spices...
But the one she wanted to master most was still the Silver Chopsticks, Ten Pots Return. Unfortunately, due to a lack of talent, she was still stuck at the initial stage.
"Hehe, it's all thanks to Dylan-sensei."
Hearing Erina Nakiri's words, Hisako Arato gave an embarrassed smile. Then, thinking of Dylan who had taught her this move, a shy expression appeared in her eyes.
Just a little something he casually revealed was enough for her to study for half a year.
She really didn't know how he mastered so many techniques. He was truly a monster of talent!
As she thought, her hands didn't stop moving.
She laid a lotus leaf at the bottom of the steamer, covered it with ginger slices, then placed the marinated young hen on top, adding Codonopsis root, red dates, Angelica root, goji berries, dried longan, and Astragalus root, along with four spoonfuls of clear chicken stock.
She wrapped it with two layers of lotus leaves, then secured it with rice straw, and placed it into a preheated steamer to cook for thirty minutes before taking it out.
The moment the steamer was opened, a rich aroma wafted out, causing the two of them to involuntarily close their eyes, their faces filled with bliss.
She tore a drumstick off the young hen and handed it to Erina Nakiri. Seeing this, Erina didn't hesitate and took a bite.
The next moment, Erina Nakiri's eyes widened, a look of surprise appearing on her face. She was clearly very surprised by this dish.
____
Let's unlock these community goals together!
🎯 Unlock a bonus chapter for everyone at 100 Powerstones!
🚀 Unlock a 5-chapter drop for all stories when we reach 55 SUPPORTERS!
🎉 Your Key To Join: Unlock a special welcome fee!
👻 Use it by finding Walnutchan on platform (P). You know where! 😉