Chapter 37: The Rising Star and the Fragrance’s…

Yun Xuan returned to the rendezvous point, and Yun Xun’er did not ask what had happened.

Since there was a match in the afternoon, and everyone could observe the strength of the other contestants, they no longer spent time playing.

...

Five o’clock in the afternoon.

Shiling Arena.

Spectators began to enter in a steady stream. Yun Xuan was fortunate enough to sit in the VIP area, watching alongside the other contestants.

“Thank you for waiting, everyone. The Shiling Battle’s Top Five Tournament officially begins now. There are three judges: Mr. Sanjo Kamikawa, Dean of the Culinary Academy; Senior Kamijo Furukawa, Director of the Culinary Garden; and Miss Dongfang Aoxue from Huaxia. The theme is rice, each match limited to one hour.” Chishima Mingyin took the stage, wasting no words, simply introducing the judges and jumping straight to the topic.

“For the first match, will both contestants please come forward!” With a wave of Chishima Mingyin’s hand, names appeared on the big screen.

Masato Kazuma vs. Miyauchi Qingyue!

“Yun Xuan, do you know Kazuma?” Sakagami Ginzi, sitting beside Yun Xuan, asked.

“I don’t. Or rather, I have no knowledge of your culinary lore at all,” Yun Xuan shrugged.

“Well, Kazuma is skilled at copying dishes. If he’s eaten a dish, he can reproduce seventy percent of it. It’s a remarkable talent,” Sakagami Ginzi said earnestly.

“Copying dishes? What’s the point of that?” Yun Xuan laughed softly.

“He has countless prototypes of dishes in his mind. By gathering them, he can create original recipes. That’s his idea,” Sakagami Ginzi smiled wryly.

For someone like Yun Xuan, who had already presented two original dishes in succession, the struggle to create new recipes was incomprehensible—a difference akin to that between a wealthy merchant and an ordinary laborer.

Masato Kazuma and Miyauchi Qingyue took their places at the cooking stations.

“Begin cooking!” Chishima Mingyin announced loudly.

Both began simultaneously, each producing beef as their primary ingredient.

“The ingredients are almost identical?” Yun Xuan remarked with interest.

“That’s his copying style—before the match, he investigates his opponent’s planned dish, then chooses the same ingredients,” Sakagami Ginzi said, a hint of worry in her tone.

“Judging what the opponent intends to make based on the ingredients?” Yun Xuan was not surprised; that was why he had listed some unnecessary items when declaring his ingredients.

If it was an original dish, there was no risk of being deciphered by others.

When declaring ingredients, each pair would know the other’s choices, whether they attended the declaration in person or not.

Long Ao and Yun Xuan had both skipped the declaration. Long Ao was still experimenting, and Yun Xuan simply hadn’t thought to go—he couldn’t even find the place.

...

One hour passed, neither more nor less, and soon it was over.

“It seems Masato Kazuma has finished first,” Chishima Mingyin observed, watching as Kazuma brought over three bowls of beef rice.

“Please enjoy—this is my revised beef rice bowl,” Masato Kazuma set down the bowls with a smile.

“The beef melts in your mouth, paired with rice fried with minced onion—the taste is simply irresistible,” Kamijo Furukawa praised after a bite, smiling.

“The rice is fragrant and sweet, and the juicy beef enhances the deliciousness of the bowl,” Dongfang Aoxue murmured.

“This flavor... did you add broth?” Sanjo Kamikawa’s eyes widened, as he detected a deeper layer of taste.

“Yes, it’s my own special broth, which makes the rice and beef complement each other better,” Masato Kazuma nodded.

“It certainly does,” Sanjo Kamikawa nodded, though he wondered what flavor Yun Xuan would create if he had made the dish.

“Next, let’s have Miyauchi Qingyue present her dish...” Chishima Mingyin hadn’t finished speaking when Miyauchi Qingyue lifted the lid.

“What an aroma!” Chishima Mingyin exclaimed in surprise.

“This is my dish—onion soy beef rice,” Miyauchi Qingyue said with a smile.

Masato Kazuma’s face stiffened, his fists clenched—he realized he’d been outplayed by this young girl.

“Does adding soy sauce enhance the umami?” Kamijo Furukawa laughed; this year’s newcomers truly were full of surprises.

“This sweetness—the rice tastes of onion broth?” Dongfang Aoxue examined the rice.

“Yes, I used soy sauce to boost the umami, and my secret onion broth to highlight a hint of sweetness. Combined with the rice’s natural saltiness, the beef is quite different as well,” Miyauchi Qingyue glanced at the grim-faced Masato Kazuma.

“You used French cooking techniques for the beef. A single beef rice bowl now combines broth, rice topping, and French cuisine. Your ideas are impressive,” Sanjo Kamikawa smiled, clearly appreciating the young woman.

“Close to an original recipe? I lost. Next time, I will challenge you again, Miyauchi Qingyue,” Masato Kazuma took a deep breath and turned away.

“Judges, please present your verdict,” Chishima Mingyin said, hardly able to believe Miyauchi Qingyue had defeated Masato Kazuma.

All three judges agreed, choosing Miyauchi Qingyue.

“The first match—winner, Miyauchi Qingyue!” Chishima Mingyin announced.

Miyauchi Qingyue glanced at the VIP area, her gaze lingering briefly on Yun Xuan before she turned and left.

...

“The second match features two contestants as lovely as princesses,” Chishima Mingyin commented, smiling.

A line appeared on the big screen: Sawamitsu Sayu vs. Alice!

Sawamitsu Sayu—short pink hair with a stray lock, a charming face, truly princess-like.

Alice, with her long golden hair, was just as adorable, exuding a noble princess aura.

“Yun Xuan, who do you think will win?” Sakagami Ginzi was a bit embarrassed by the outcome of the first match.

The five elemental seats represented the honor of their group, and now one had been defeated by Miyauchi Qingyue—a real blow to their standing.

“Alice,” Yun Xuan replied without hesitation.

“Why?” Sakagami Ginzi didn’t voice her question, simply muttering inwardly and watching quietly.

The two contestants took their places, neither saying a word.

“Begin cooking!” Chishima Mingyin called, and both sprang into action.

“Sawamitsu Sayu is making curry, while Alice... seasoned rice?” Sakagami Ginzi watched intently.

“I didn’t expect someone to use my idea,” Yun Xuan smiled. This Shiling battle truly belonged to the rising stars.

History seemed to repeat itself: Sawamitsu Sayu finished her curry rice first, earning unanimous praise, then Alice took the stage.

“Omelette rice? I recall you made seasoned rice... could it be?” Kamijo Furukawa stared in astonishment at the omelette rice, slicing into it with a spoon.

“Yun Xuan, forgive me—I used your inspiration. I promise not to sell this dish,” Alice turned to the VIP area and bowed deeply.

“A burst of aroma!” The whole arena was amazed, watching the seasoned rice flow out from inside the omelette.

“If you make me a bowl after the match, I’ll forgive you,” Yun Xuan joked.

“I will, I promise you’ll taste my cooking,” Alice’s face brightened.

“A burst of aroma, but the key is the flavor of the seasoned rice,” Sanjo Kamikawa noted, glancing at Alice—this year truly belonged to the up-and-coming talent.

The three judges ate the seasoned rice without pausing.

“You’ve won, Alice. I’d like to try your dish as well,” Sawamitsu Sayu extended her hand, a hint of disappointment on her face, but no anger.

“Thank you, Sister Sayu,” Alice shook her hand.

“The second match—winner... Alice!” Chishima Mingyin announced with a wry smile; this time, the five elemental seats had truly been humbled.

(P.S.: Regarding the culinary knowledge involved, I haven’t actually tried making these dishes—I’m not a chef. Just enjoy reading. Please vote for recommendations.)