Chapter 32: The Final Entrant Is Always the Most Formidable

"Hello everyone, I am Furukawa Kamijo, the director of the Gourmet Garden at the Culinary Academy." The last person stood up and introduced himself.

"Kamijo Furukawa?" Yun Xuan was slightly taken aback, then recalled the name.

The triple crown of Food Spirits—this was the most outstanding achievement in the academy, unprecedented, a true genius. Until the arrival of Ao Xue Dongfang from another school.

The Gourmet Garden referred to the outer circle of 108 shops, the hotels affiliated with the Culinary Academy. To be entrusted with the role of director, Kamijo Furukawa was certainly extraordinary.

"All five judges are alumni who have already graduated. Thank you for taking the time to come and judge. I hope everyone will do their best to create delicious dishes. Now, I will explain the rules of this competition," Chishima Mingyin announced, waving her hand. A single character appeared on the big screen.

"Meat!"

"What does that mean?"

"Is it referring to barbecue?"

Some students in the audience were confused, uncertain of the meaning.

"The theme is meat, which includes all kinds—seafood as well. You have two hours. Begin cooking!" Chishima Mingyin declared loudly.

A drumbeat sounded.

All the chefs began to move, except for Yun Xuan, who leisurely took out flour, preparing to make pancakes.

"Is that the chef who created the original cold noodle dish?" The blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty, Krist, fixed her gaze on Yun Xuan.

"Yes, the director has high hopes for him," Kamijo Furukawa nodded.

"Krist, did you come for the cold noodles?" Saionji Koguo smiled lightly.

"Yes. Cold noodles have the potential to become fast food. If I can secure overseas distribution rights, I could sell them everywhere abroad, and my old man could make a fortune. By the way, it seems the Dongfang family got the rights for China—1.5 million per year, quite a bargain," Krist glanced at Ao Xue Dongfang in the distance.

"No, the Dongfang family made him a three-star chef with his original cold noodle recipe," Yu Ping said with a smile. As the owner of Chuanhua Restaurant, he understood the situation in China well.

"A business deal? That is worthwhile. I wonder what dish he'll present this time. If it's another original creation, I'll truly be interested," Krist propped her chin in her hands and smiled sweetly.

"Original recipes are not so easily created, Krist," Saionji Koguo laughed behind her hand.

"Koguo, you're still as adorable as ever. I envy your face. If only I were as pretty as you," Krist sighed in frustration.

"He will create another original dish," Yechuan Yixia said seriously.

"If Yixia says so, then I look forward to it even more. After all these years, you're still so cold," Krist said with a hint of complaint.

"Mmm," Yechuan Yixia responded with a grunt.

…

Leaving aside the judges' conversation, at the cooking stations, each chef had already begun preparing their dishes, and the aroma spread everywhere.

A young man with long black hair and a stern face watched the grill in front of him with arms crossed, exuding a fighting spirit.

A girl with short black hair and stunning beauty focused intently on the pot before her.

A girl with long red hair tied in a single ponytail, dressed in a shrine maiden's outfit, was frying steaks.

A dazzling blonde, noble as a princess, was making braised fish.

A young man with short black hair, a sword at his waist, dressed in a kimono, was preparing seafood.

These five were the hot favorites among the outer circle's top contenders, elites of the Culinary Academy's first year.

"It's almost time. Let's take it slow," Yun Xuan said, observing that dishes were being completed one after another as he slowed his pace.

The first to step onto the stage was the long-haired, black-haired youth named Long Ao—the name itself was striking.

"This is my dish: vegetable barbecue," Long Ao said coldly.

"Barbecue? That irresistible aroma," Saionji Koguo blew on the steaming skewer and took a bite.

"Delicious! The meat juice and seasoning are perfect, and the fresh vegetables add their own flavor," Saionji Koguo looked completely enchanted.

"Yes, the sweetness of the vegetables balances the saltiness, making the barbecue even tastier," Yu Ping praised.

"This sauce—the spices you used are excellent. Your grasp of aroma is impressive," Krist commented with a smile.

"Not bad," Yechuan Yixia said coolly.

"Let's begin scoring," Kamijo Furukawa glanced at Long Ao, clearly optimistic about the young chef from China.

"85 points! A brilliant start—this barbecue aroma makes me want to eat," Chishima Mingyin announced, and Long Ao's name shot to the top of the big screen.

"85 points, truly worthy of the Long family."

"He really is a genius."

"This young man is impressive."

Several wealthy guests in the VIP area favored Long Ao.

"Long Ao?" In the audience, Nangong Xiaoxiao smiled softly, her eyes on Yun Xuan.

Following Long Ao was a nervous young man, trembling as he presented his rice bowl.

The five judges took only three bites before stopping.

"Total score… 10!" Chishima Mingyin exclaimed in surprise.

The nervous boy flushed with embarrassment and hurried off the stage.

"37 points!"

"14 points!"

"25 points!"

"83 points! Contestant Alice's braised fish has once again received a score above 80!" Chishima Mingyin announced in shock, her expression perfect.

Alice, blonde like a princess, smiled and bowed to the judges, then stepped aside at her station.

…

"83 points! Contestant Miyauchi Aotsuki's hamburger looks delicious," Chishima Mingyin cried in admiration.

The red-haired girl in shrine maiden attire, Miyauchi Aotsuki, bowed and stepped back.

"83 points. Contestant Kitagawa Yukika's French cuisine has once again scored above 80," Chishima Mingyin exclaimed.

The beautiful, short-haired girl turned and walked away, a hint of unwillingness in her eyes.

"My little sister, you are destined never to surpass me." In the stands, a black-haired girl with bangs covering half her face wore a twisted smile—a classic yandere.

Those around her shivered, and Yun Xuan glanced at her with a touch of awe.

On the other side—

"Only two left: Xuan and that one," Lin Qingyu said, watching Yun Xuan.

"Brother will be fine, right? Sister?" Yun Xue asked anxiously.

"Don't worry, Xiao Xuan. He'll be fine," Yun Xun'er smiled, looking at Yun Xuan, whose expression was full of confidence.

"His smile hasn't faded since earlier, as if victory is already his," Nangong Xiaomeng pouted, still holding a grudge about last night.

Back with the judges—

"Is he still not coming up?" Kamijo Furukawa watched Yun Xuan, his interest growing.

"83 points! Contestant Saki's seafood dish ranks fifth!" Chishima Mingyin announced cheerfully, which was not unexpected.

The entire audience turned to the last contestant, Yun Xuan, who carried his plate forward.

"Those five have already claimed the top spots, yet he remains so composed…" Yechuan Yixia murmured.

"What dish will he present?" The question arose simultaneously in the minds of judges and spectators.

(PS: What is the dish? Please stay tuned. Vote for recommendations!)