"Actually, molecular gastronomy is the real treasure."
"It's a completely new field, one that nobody understands yet. The value you can create within it…
you would undoubtedly be a pioneer in the entire field."
Seeing the slightly moved expression on Alice Nakiri's face, Okabe continued.
Objectively speaking, molecular gastronomy was still in its infancy, unrefined in many aspects.
As a pioneer, it was already impressive that Alice Nakiri could use it to create delicious dishes. As long as she perse
vered, she was bound to achieve something.
"A pioneer, huh? That does sound tempting."
Okabe's words made Alice Nakiri's eyes sparkle.
To her, being a pioneer of a culinary school was undoubtedly a very cool thing. If she made a name for herself,
she could even be called a founding master.
"The potential of molecular gastronomy is definitely there; the key is how you develop it.
Of course, you can't neglect practicing your fundamentals either. That is what will ultimately distinguish you from other molecular gastronomy chefs,
and it's also your greatest advantage."
Looking into Alice Nakiri's eyes, Okabe knew her worries had been resolved, and he let out a long sigh of relief.
"Mm! I will."
Alice Nakiri nodded solemnly.
Trying to have everything at once would only lead to having nothing. Instead of worrying about this and that, it was better to focus on one thing and reach
the pinnacle.
She loved molecular gastronomy and disliked the tedious practice of fundamentals. Interest is the best teacher. Rather than for
cing her to polish her basics, it would be better to let her research molecular gastronomy more and see if she could make a breakthrough.
"Get a good night's rest. We'll assemble in the courtyard outside tomorrow at six."
"Six o'clock?!"
The moment Okabe finished speaking, Alice Nakiri couldn't help but cry out in alarm, her eyes instantly clearing up.
"The day's plan is made in the morning. Since you're here, don't even think about sleeping in."
Okabe's smile was gentle.
But to Alice Nakiri, that very smile looked like that of a vengeful demon crawling out of hell to claim her soul, which ma
de her reveal a pained expression.
"You demon!"
Alice Nakiri shouted, exasperated.
The next day.
Okabe arrived in the courtyard early.
Looking at the three spirited girls, he arranged their training plan in meticulous detail, then gave Miu Fūrinji a few ins
tructions before heading toward the kitchen.
Shigure Kōsaka had been waiting for a while, with a dozen rabbits struggling in a corner of the kitchen.
"Let's begin training."
Seeing Okabe enter from outside, Shigure Kōsaka's gaze flickered slightly as she called out to him.
"Right."
Hearing her voice, Okabe took a deep breath and replied softly, then walked resolutely toward the pile of rabbits, picki
ng up a particularly plump one.
He knew in his heart.
To master a formidable cooking skill like the Ephemeral Blossom Slash, there were absolutely no shortcuts.
Only through repeated practice—memorizing the rabbits' bone structure and muscle texture, and internalizing the force,
angle, and speed of his cuts until they became instinct—could he succeed.
At this stage, what was needed was patience.
For the next month, Okabe's life became exceptionally routine.
He would wake up before dawn, first heading to the courtyard to set the day's training goals for Erina Nakiri and the others, then entrusting Miu
Fūrinji to watch over them.
Afterward, he would go to the kitchen and wholeheartedly learn the Kōsaka family's secret art, the Ephemeral Blossom Slash, from Shigure Kōsaka.
On his one day off during the weekend, Okabe would go down the mountain to Momo Akanegakubo's shop for afternoon tea, and spend the other day with
Kensei Ma, learning the art of cultivating qi.
In simpler terms, it was about training his inner energy.
Because something like qigong was very profound and couldn't be mastered in a short time, Okabe scheduled his qigong training for the
evenings, with a fixed weekly consultation.
This consultation was mainly for clarifying doubts and checking if he was practicing incorrectly.
Although his progress wasn't fast, he gained something new every day.
One afternoon, a month later, Okabe panted heavily as he looked at the butchered rabbit on the cooking station, a look of
ecstasy on his face.
The system's notification sound echoed in his mind.
[Detected that the host, under the careful guidance of Shigure Kōsaka and after thousands of practical attempts, has comprehended the secrets of ultimate blade speed and
precise dissection. Unlocking skill: Ephemeral Blossom Slash (Purple)]
[Ephemeral Blossom Slash (Purple)]: A secret art of the Kōsaka family, passed down to no outsider. An ultimate knife technique that precisely acquires the desired ingredient parts in an instant,
at the cost of processing precision for non-target parts.
[Skill Description]: Infuse勁力 (jinli) or inner energy into the blade, combined with exceptional dynamic vision and spatial awareness
, to deliver multiple precise slashes in an extremely short time. Can efficiently separate specific parts of an ingredient according to the user's intent,
greatly reducing ingredient processing time, suitable for culinary duels where every second counts. When performed, the blade's gleam is like a fleeting blossom, hence
the name "Ephemeral Blossom."
[Proficiency]: Novice (1/500)
"Finally! After a month of persistence, I've finally managed to master this move!"
Looking at the system panel floating in the air, Okabe could barely contain his grin. It had been incredibly difficult;
mastering a purple skill was a hundred times harder than a blue one!
This was his most sincere thought.
"To have reached the entry-level in just one month... you truly are a genius."
Looking at the rabbit that had been instantly butchered, its meat already processed into small pieces, Shigure Kōsaka maintained her usual expression
less, stern demeanor.
But if one looked closely, one could see a faint glimmer of approval flash through her placid eyes.
"It's all because Master Shigure taught me well!"
In response, Okabe didn't act proud, but humbly gave the credit to her.
"The method I taught you is the same one my father taught me.
Using this method, it took me a month and a half to barely reach the entry-level. You did it in one month, and your
grasp of it is quite good. Your talent is greater than mine."
Hearing Okabe's humble words, Shigure Kōsaka stated calmly.
"I was just standing on the shoulders of giants, which saved me from many wrong turns. If I were on my own, I definite
ly wouldn't have mastered it so quickly."
Okabe smiled, graciously accepting her praise.
"We've killed so many rabbits today. With this big basin of rabbit meat, why don't we make Fresh Pot Rabbit."
Looking at the basin already piled high with rabbit meat on the cutting board, Okabe's face showed eager anticipation as the na
me of a dish came to mind.
Although they had been killing rabbits for some time, leading to everyone at Ryōzanpaku eating rabbit for a month,
not a single person had grown tired of it.
This was because Okabe's culinary skills were astounding. Even though it was always rabbit meat, every meal was different. Accompanied by classic Sichuan home-style dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, twice-cooked pork,
water-boiled beef, and numbing and spicy chicken, every meal was incredibly satisfying.
It could be said that after a month of eating like this, everyone at Ryōzanpaku had gained quite a bit of weight. Even E
rina Nakiri, who usually had a small appetite, was wolfing down several bowls of rice.
"Okay. I want it extra spicy, otherwise it won't have enough kick."
Hearing Okabe's suggestion, Shigure Kōsaka's eyes instantly lit up, and she excitedly made her request.
"You got it, I guarantee it'll be flavorful enough!"
Okabe smiled, then looked at the rabbit meat in the basin.
He added salt, pepper, and cooking wine to the basin, stirring clockwise to work the meat. Along the way, he added starch, giving its surface
a thin coating.
After working the meat, Okabe poured in a spoonful of cool oil and mixed it in to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
"This ginger of yours is a bit different from ordinary ginger."
While Okabe was cooking, Shigure Kōsaka watched him from the side the entire time. Seeing him take out a variety of ginger she didn't recognize
, she directly asked about it.
"Yes, this is Tuanjie young ginger, from Tuanjie Town in Zigong, Sichuan. That place is perfect for growing young ginger.
Its spiciness is gentle and its fresh sweetness is prominent, making it very suitable for dishes like Fresh Pot Rabbit, which focus on a 'fresh and spicy' flavor profile.
It's a rare and excellent ingredient."
Okabe explained as he sliced the Tuanjie young ginger in his hand into thin strips, then placed them on a plate to set aside.
He took out a few vibrant green Erjingtiao chilis from a bag, cut them into knuckle-sized pieces, and also put them on the pla
te to set aside.
Half of the Xiaomi chilis were cut into sections, the other half minced.
He heated rapeseed oil in a wok and stir-fried Sichuan peppercorns, Pixian broad bean paste, and minced ginger and garlic until fragrant.
"It smells so good."
Smelling the extremely rich aroma in the air, Shigure Kōsaka expressed her heartfelt admiration.
The defining characteristics of Sichuan cuisine are its numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant qualities.
After self-studying Sichuan cuisine from recipes for a month, the dishes Okabe now made had completely conquered the taste
buds of everyone at Ryōzanpaku; he could be considered a true master of the craft.
"It's about to get even more fragrant!"
A smile appeared on Okabe's face. He then added the minced Xiaomi chilis to the wok, stir-fried them evenly, added the ginger strips, and poured in
enough water to cover all the ingredients, bringing it to a boil.
In another pot, he flash-fried the deboned rabbit meat in oil heated to medium-high for eight seconds, then scooped it out with a strainer
and transferred it directly into the adjacent soup pot.
After simmering over medium heat for three minutes, he added the ginger strips, Zigong sun-dried vinegar, and the sectioned Erjingtiao and Xiaomi chilis, allowing their fresh
ness and spiciness to be perfectly released.
Just before taking it off the heat, he drizzled in the most essential component of Fresh Pot Rabbit: the fresh chili and young ginger oil.
The moment the ginger oil was poured in, a rich fragrance burst forth in all directions. Even the people training
in the courtyard could smell it.
"Kid Okabe, your skill with rabbit meat is getting more and more amazing! You've learned so many ways to cook it. This aroma
is drifting all the way from the kitchen to the front yard."
Before Okabe could even react, Kensei Ma's figure appeared before him.
He stared at the bubbling Fresh Pot Rabbit in the pot with an entranced expression, then urged, "Hurry and serve it, or the
rabbit meat will get tough."
"Yes, sir."
Hearing Kensei Ma's words, Okabe immediately got busy. Soon, he had plated the Fresh Pot Rabbit, and Ken
sei Ma carried it to the dining hall.
Seeing this, Okabe took other ingredients from the refrigerator and started making other side dishes, then cooked a large
pot of seaweed and egg drop soup.
Once everything was ready, Okabe and Shigure Kōsaka carried out all the remaining dishes, then went to the backyard
to call Erina Nakiri and the others who were training.
"Miu-nee, Erina, Alice, and Hisako, the food is ready! Wash your hands and come eat."
Waving in Miu Fūrinji's direction, Okabe shouted loudly.
In response, Erina Nakiri and the others simultaneously put down the jars they were lifting, stopping their afternoon tra
ining, and bright smiles appeared on their faces.
"Great! What kind of rabbit are we having today?!"
"Did you make my dry-fried beef? I've been looking forward to that flavor for so long!"
"My twice-cooked pork!"
The four girls chattered as they surrounded him, trapping Okabe in the middle to discuss today's dinner, their eyes fil
led with anticipation.
"Don't worry, everything you wanted is ready. Today's rabbit dish is Fresh Pot Rabbit. You probably haven't had
it before. I used the young ginger that just arrived from China to make a batch for you to try."
Facing the chattering girls, Okabe gestured downwards with his hand, which finally quieted them down a bit.
He then smilingly announced today's main course and led them toward the dining hall.
Not long after.
Everyone took their seats one by one.
As Hayato Fūrinji's figure appeared at the head of the table, everyone present looked up.
"Let's eat!"
After he said this, the scene descended into chaos.
The dishes on the table disappeared at an astonishing rate. Everyone's chopsticks became a blur, even clashing with
others' while grabbing food. No one held back in the fight to snatch the most delicious-looking parts.
The weak are only fit to eat the scraps!
When Erina Nakiri and the others saw this scene, they too joined the fray.
They clearly remembered their second day here, when they froze for a moment at the sight of such a scramble and could only po
ur the sauce from some leftover dishes over their rice.
They didn't get any of the meat dishes at all!
Later, they learned to be smarter.
They would first put the meat dishes into their bowls before eating rice. That way, no matter how fiercely the others fought, they wouldn't be affected. They
could have a perfectly balanced meal of meat and vegetables.
"Fresh, fragrant, tender, and smooth! And because it's deboned, you can eat it in one bite without any hassle. It's a perfect match with
hot rice!"
As the rabbit meat entered her mouth, Hisako Arato couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, her eyes flashing with amazement.
"The aromas of star anise, bay leaf, cao guo, xiang guo, and cinnamon together form a solid soup base, paired with the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns,
the saltiness of fermented soybeans, the fragrance of Erjingtiao chilis, and the spiciness of Xiaomi chilis, and finally, the aroma of the rabbit meat itself.
The essence of Sichuan cuisine—numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant—is perfectly embodied in this one dish."
Erina Nakiri's voice was also filled with emotion. The rich, fresh flavor spread through her mouth, making her tongue tremble
uncontrollably. She felt like she was about to fly!
"The twice-cooked pork is also great with rice!"
Miu Fūrinji had a blissful expression. Ever since Okabe came to Ryōzanpaku, the food had gotten better day by day. Becau
se of this, she had even gained a few pounds.
Although her figure hadn't changed, the innerwear that used to fit easily now felt unnaturally tight. This ma
tter had been troubling her for quite some time.
[I should find a chance to go shopping with Okabe, and get some new things for Ryōzanpaku while I'm at it.]
As she enjoyed the savory, fresh, and spicy twice-cooked pork, this thought emerged in Miu Fūrinji's mind.
And while things were peaceful on the girls' side...
Okabe's outstretched chopsticks were constantly blocked. Every time he tried to grab some food, he was thwarted. After much effort, he only managed to snag a few pie
ces of meat, and he ended up looking at the others with a resentful expression.
Ahem...
The people around him who had blocked his chopsticks guiltily looked away and silently picked up their rice bowls to start eating.
And whenever Okabe tried to grab some meat, his target would disappear at an astonishing speed. Even if he managed to pick it up,
it would vanish.
This often led to him grabbing the vegetables underneath the meat. It wouldn't be right to put them back, so he had no choice but to put them in his bowl.
The girls around him were already used to this.
After all, for Okabe, this was also a form of training. If he didn't give it his all during every meal, he wouldn't be able to get any
meat at all, and would just be humbly eating vegetables on the side.
And even when he tried his best, he could only get some of what everyone else left behind.
However, he had his own way of dealing with it.
When the meat in a dish was almost finished, he would dump his rice directly into it, creating an unbelievably delicious
rice bowl!
Looking at the large bowl of twice-cooked pork over rice in front of him, Okabe put down his chopsticks, picked up a spoon, and began to eat in large mouthfuls.
"Speaking of which, isn't Alice going back to Denmark in the next couple of days? I remember when you came, you said you could only st
ay here for a month."
As Miu Fūrinji's words fell, a brief silence descended upon the scene. Everyone's eating speed noticeably slowed as they all
pricked up their ears to eavesdrop.
"Yeah, Mom called me a couple of days ago and told me to pack up soon. I'll most likely be leaving tomorrow
."
The perfect smile on her face stiffened for a moment. Alice Nakiri looked at Miu Fūrinji with some surprise, clearly not expec
ting her to remember this.
"Tomorrow? So suddenly…?"
Okabe muttered to himself. Because all his energy had been focused on the kitchen lately, he had completely forgotten that Alice Nakiri would on
ly be staying at Ryōzanpaku for a month.
Opposite him, upon hearing this news, Erina Nakiri's voice suddenly grew louder. She looked at Alice Nakiri with
disbelief in her eyes: "You're always like this! You never say anything until the very last minute!"
"Sorry, I actually considered staying, but there isn't suitable ground for my growth here.
After struggling with it for a few days, I finally decided to go back to Denmark. I was planning to explain all
this to you guys after dinner, since we still had training this afternoon."
Alice Nakiri stuck out her tongue, trying to bluff her way through, but was cut off by Erina Nakiri's sharp glare: "Skipping
one day of training isn't a big deal, nobody's going to fall behind in just a day or two. The point is that you kept it from us, which is really
disappointing!"
Alice Nakiri fell silent.
It wasn't that she didn't want to say anything, but she didn't know how to bring it up. People who are usually extroverted can become awkward at moments of parting
.
It was like that last time, and it was the same this time.
She hoped everyone would give her a proper send-off, but she also worried they would be too busy with their own things and wouldn't care about her leaving, leaving her with only anticipation
that would eventually turn into disappointment.
Precocious people tend to overthink things like this, feeling that others won't care much about them. In reality, not sayi
ng anything is what makes people not care.
Some things are clearly better when spoken aloud.
"So that means we only have one night left. That seems a bit tight. In that case, let's
throw a farewell party."
Okabe suggested.
Calculating the time, if Alice Nakiri was leaving tomorrow, then they only had one night
left.
If they didn't have the farewell party now, it would be too late!
"Yes! It's decided!"
"Miu, you'll come with me to buy streamers and other things for the farewell party.
Erina and Hisako, you two clean up my room. Alice, you just rest. We'll hold the farewell party there in a bit
."
Putting down his clean plate, Okabe quickly started giving orders, then looked at Miu Fūrinji, who immediate
ly stood up upon hearing his words.
"Okay."
"Roger."
"Then let's go."
Instantly, the youths sprang into action.
"Ah, youth."
Watching the group quickly leave the dining hall to start preparing for the farewell party, Akisame Koetsuji, who had remained in his seat, couldn't help but sigh
with emotion.
"Young people are so full of energy. It's been a long time since Ryōzanpaku was this lively."
Hayato Fūrinji laughed heartily.
With more people around recently, Ryōzanpaku was clearly much, much livelier than before.
As night fell.
Okabe and Miu Fūrinji returned from outside carrying large and small bags. They had bought everything they could think
of: streamers, balloons, snacks, drinks, and more.
When they pushed open the door to the room, it was already completely transformed.
Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato were in casual clothes, their foreheads beaded with sweat. They had clearly put in a lot of effort.
The room was now clean and tidy, with a large empty space in the middle where they could put snacks, drinks, and various
board games and cards.
Alice Nakiri sat in a corner of the room, watching them work with a somewhat complicated expression.
"We're back. We bought about this much stuff." Okabe smiled and held up the bags in his hands, showing off the
contents.
"Thank you for your hard work!"
Seeing the large and small bags in Okabe's hands, Hisako Arato immediately went over to greet him.
Taking the decorations out of the bags, everyone pitched in and began to decorate the room.
Streamers were hung on the walls, balloons were inflated and left to float beneath the ceiling, and then colorful neon lights were set up.
Although simple, it created a great party atmosphere.
"Let's play a game."
Placing a deck of cards on the table that she had packed in her suitcase long ago but never had a chance to take out, Alice Nakiri
showed a bright smile.
Even though it was a farewell, they only wanted to smile.
"With six people, let's play Old Maid."
Looking at the group sitting in a circle, and including Ikaros sitting beside him, there were exactly six of them.
So Okabe clapped his hands and made the suggestion.
"Count me in, too."
Shigure Kōsaka's figure had appeared on the rafters at some point. Hearing they were going to play Old Maid, she immediately clambered
down and sat next to Okabe.
"Apapa, let Apachai join too!"
Seeing Shigure Kōsaka join in, Apachai Hopachai, who had been secretly watching from the doorway, slid the do
or open, an excited look on his face.
"How can you play Old Maid without me? I'm a renowned Old Maid master, you know."
Hayato Fūrinji's figure appeared in the room out of nowhere, taking the spot next to Miu Fūrinji.
"Elder, where did you come from?"
Okabe couldn't help but complain.
There were clues to Shigure Kōsaka's and Apachai Hopachai's appearances, but Hayato Fūrinji had truly appeared out of thin
air. His martial arts prowess was terrifyingly high.
"Let us join too."
"Well, I can't help it. It is a farewell party for Alice, after all. Excluding myself would seem a bit unsociable. Count
me in."
"Old Maid? I remember playing that with my daughter before. What were the rules again? You get rid of two matching cards,
right?"
Akisame Koetsuji, Shio Sakaki, and Kensei Ma arrived together, looking at the crowd gathered in the room with faint
smiles on their faces.
Instantly, the atmosphere in the room became incredibly cheerful.
As a game that gets more fun with more people, the dozen or so players took a single deck of cards to the extreme.
Laughter and cheers were endless.
"Let's have some drinks and snacks and take a break."
After an unknown amount of time, Miu Fūrinji walked in from outside carrying several glasses of iced barley tea.
She was the first player to win. Since sitting around doing nothing was boring, she went to the kitchen to make some
snacks and pour a few glasses of iced barley tea for everyone.
"Great, I was just getting thirsty!"
"Thanks."
"This sip just brought me back to life!"
All sorts of praises rose and fell. Miu Fūrinji's lips curled into a slight smile, clearly proud of herself for doing
something that made everyone happy.
The party entered a rest period.
The masters gathered in small groups to chat, as did the younger generation.
Although they weren't all talking together, the overlapping voices still made the room feel very lively.
"Alice…"
Seeing Alice Nakiri standing alone on the veranda outside the french doors, gazing at the scene in the courtyard, Okabe walked
over with a glass of barley tea.
"Okabe, you're here."
Taking the barley tea Okabe offered, Alice Nakiri smiled and said, then looked up at the vast expanse of stars in the sky,
her eyes filled with the joy of seeing something beautiful.
"Have you made up your mind?"
Okabe sat down and followed her gaze, looking at the beautiful starry sky and feeling the gentle breeze
, his body relaxing unconsciously.
"I have. I'm going to delve deep into molecular gastronomy."
Alice Nakiri showed a bright smile.
Although she could learn a lot by staying at Ryōzanpaku, what Alice Nakiri wanted most right now was to
return to Denmark and continue her research on molecular gastronomy.
This was the path she had chosen.
"Since you've decided, don't regret it along the way. Forge ahead to the very end and carve out a piece of the sky for yourself."
Taking a sip of barley tea, Okabe spoke from the heart.
"I will. I also believe in the potential of molecular gastronomy. Sooner or later, I will make it burst onto the public scene with unrivaled power."
Alice Nakiri's voice was firm, and her eyes shone with a determination Okabe had never seen before.
If Alice Nakiri's first choice to go to Denmark was purely out of curiosity, to see if she could forge a new path with molecular gastronomy…
Then now, it was conviction.
She firmly believed that through molecular gastronomy, she could carve out her own piece of the sky.
"I believe in you."
Looking into Alice Nakiri's eyes, Okabe knew she was serious, so he raised his glass.
Seeing this, Alice Nakiri leaned forward slightly.
The two glasses clinked together.
"What are you two doing out there? The new round of Old Maid is starting. Hurry up and come in to draw your cards."
Erina Nakiri's voice rang out from inside the room.
Okabe and Alice Nakiri looked at each other and smiled, then stood up and walked back into the room.
"The loser of the last round seems quite restless. Are you already eager to taste defeat again?"
Alice Nakiri's voice was teasing as she looked playfully at Erina Nakiri, quickly arriving in front of her.
"What did you say? I'll definitely win this time!"
Erina Nakiri said, annoyed.
"Really?"
"Of course!"
The atmosphere of the farewell party grew more and more festive amidst the laughter and joking, only gradually winding down late into the night.
The next morning, at the crack of dawn.
Alice Nakiri stood in front of the main gate of Ryōzanpaku with her suitcase. Beside her was a black sedan. She looked back at the large group of people who had come to see her off.
Her gaze lingered on each person's face for a moment, finally resting on Okabe and Erina Nakiri.
"I'm leaving," she said with her usual bright smile. "The next time we meet, I'll be sure to surprise you all."
"Be careful on your way."
Erina Nakiri said softly, her expression complicated.
Although they always argued, when it was truly time to part, a feeling of reluctance uncontrollably welled up in her heart.
Okabe took a step forward and handed her a sealed food container: "Something to eat on the way. I was short on time, so I just made a little something."
"Remember to keep in touch when you get to Denmark. If there's anything you don't understand about martial arts, you can call and ask me. I'll explain it to you over video chat."
Reaching out to pat Alice Nakiri's head, this second parting made Okabe feel a little sad, but he couldn't possibly stop her from rushing toward a better future.
"Thank you. I will."
Alice Nakiri took the food container, her fingertips unintentionally brushing against Okabe's hand, pausing for a slight moment. She lifted her head and gave him a deep look.
The morning breeze blew, rustling her silver-white hair.
She turned, placed her suitcase in the trunk of the black sedan, then got in. The car's engine roared, and in the blink of an eye, it disappeared at the end of the street.
Okabe stood in place until her figure was completely out of sight, then let out a soft breath.
"Let's go."
He said to Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato beside him: "Today's training must continue. From now on, you two will work hard for Alice's share as well."
"Mm."
"I will."
Both Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato were feeling a bit down. They just nodded slightly at Okabe's words before returning to the backyard to start training.
Life at Ryōzanpaku returned to its usual rhythm.
But with one lively figure missing, the backyard seemed a lot quieter.
Okabe stood alone in the kitchen.
He held a kitchen knife in his hand, and on the floor, he picked out the cutest one.
A silver light flashed, and the rabbit meat was instantly and evenly separated, the bones piled into a small mountain. He gently stroked the blade, feeling the warmth of his inner energy flowing through his meridians.
[Ephemeral Blossom Slash Proficiency +3]
[Knife Skills Proficiency +10]
The night Alice left, he had an epiphany.
A flowing stream of qi had appeared in his meridians.
As long as he channeled this qi into the blade, he could make the knife feel much lighter, making it easier to wield, as if it were an extension of his arm.
The processed rabbit meat was cut into dice-sized cubes and rinsed under running water to remove the blood.
He crushed scallions and ginger to extract their juice, added cooking wine, and mixed it with the rabbit meat, letting it marinate for fifteen minutes before picking out the scallions and ginger.
He added salt, white pepper, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce to the rabbit meat, mixed it evenly, then added sweet potato starch and a little cooking oil to prevent sticking.
He heated oil in a wok.
"Hah!"
Okabe shouted.
When the oil was at medium heat, he fried the rabbit meat until it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then strained it out and set it aside.
In a hot wok with cool oil, he stir-fried green Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilis until fragrant, then added scallions, ginger, garlic, plus green and red bell peppers, and Pixian broad bean paste to create a red oil, finally adding the golden rabbit meat.
Amidst the rolling flames, a rich aroma washed over him. In front of him were rabbit dishes, one after another, filling the kitchen table.
Okabe cooked tirelessly.
Watching his proficiency levels steadily rise, a slight smile uncontrollably lifted the corners of his mouth.
This kind of daily life where effort yields reward...
It couldn't be more satisfying!
____
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