"By the way, you still haven't told me where you're going next.
I was serious when I said last night that I want to travel with you for a while. I can pay, and it's no problem for me to cover all the travel expenses."
Chuan Weihua finished the last bite of her meat bun, then took two big gulps of soy milk. Remembering that they hadn't agreed to let her travel with them, she looked at the two of them and said with utmost seriousness.
If nothing else, she would definitely be able to learn a lot by sticking with a Special Grade Seven-Star Chef. That was the experience she needed most right now!
"Not everything can be bought with money. We're going to China next."
Dylan retorted helplessly, wondering why modern people always wanted to solve problems with money. He had also understood the Chinese conversation between Chuan Weihua and Special Grade Chef Wang Zhi earlier.
This girl was most likely the granddaughter of some Special Grade Seven-Star Chef, just like that Chouyu from before, only her cooking talent was clearly stronger.
The champion of the Sichuan Provincial Youth Cooking Competition, was it? Looking at Chuan Weihua, she seemed to be in her early twenties, not much different in age from him. To have such an achievement was already incredible—a true natural prodigy.
It would be a shame not to recruit such a talent into the Underground Cooking Society!
Such a thought surfaced in Dylan's mind.
Of course, although he was keen to recruit her, he couldn't be direct with a woman of her personality. He had to wait until she needed something from him, then he could propose his terms.
That was the only way to keep the upper hand.
And this was the so-called art of persuasion.
"Going to China? I know that place well! I'm from there. I know the delicacies of every province, and I know which restaurants are good. When the time comes, whatever you want to eat, I'll pay for it. You won't have to spend a single cent. Taking me along is definitely all gain and no pain!"
Sure enough, upon hearing that Dylan's destination was China, Chuan Weihua's eyes lit up. She immediately slapped her ample chest and began to talk nonstop.
For a moment, the scene became incredibly suggestive. Dylan's eyes seemed to have auto-aim switched on, locking directly onto the part of Chuan Weihua's body that was shaking violently.
Chuan Weihua naturally noticed this as well, and her hand movements paused. Realizing what she had done, her face turned visibly red.
However, to maintain her persona of a love guru who had had many boyfriends, she didn't say anything, merely putting her hand down quietly and reducing the range of her movements.
"So, you definitely won't lose out by taking me with you. On the contrary, I can help you a lot and ensure you have the most perfect trip to China!"
Chuan Weihua said very excitedly. She had been in Japan for a few months now and had learned quite a few local specialty dishes to enrich her own experience.
She had already planned to leave in a few days for the next country, but she had been delayed because she hadn't decided where to go.
Now, Dylan's appearance was a timely help for her indecisiveness.
Let's go back to China. China is vast and abundant; there were many places she hadn't visited. This was the perfect opportunity to travel and experience the local cuisines.
"Since you're so eager, then let's go together. But you have to listen to me on the road, otherwise we can part ways at any time."
Dylan pretended to hesitate before agreeing, but he was laughing to himself. She was such an easy girl to fool; one could tell she had been well-protected by her family.
"Really? That's great!"
Hearing Dylan's words, an excited expression appeared on Chuan Weihua's face, and she jumped up, her eyes curving into crescents with happiness.
"Then you go pack up. We'll leave in a bit."
Dylan instructed, then continued eating his meat bun and pancake.
Megumi Tadokoro said nothing, just quietly refilling his cup with soy milk, playing the role of a good wife and loving mother while he handled matters.
"Okay!"
Chuan Weihua nodded in agreement, then trotted back to her room. A few minutes later, she returned carrying a bag.
Because her family was wealthy, she could buy whatever she wanted and mail home anything she liked, so she didn't have much luggage with her.
"I'm all packed," ready to go anytime!
"Then have a little more to eat. There are no buses at this time anyway."
"Uh…"
Dylan patted the bench beside him. He hadn't expected her to pack so quickly; he thought it would take an hour or two.
"I'm full. I'll go back and pack too."
Seeing that Chuan Weihua was ready, Megumi Tadokoro wiped her mouth with a tissue, then got up and went back to her room to pack her luggage. A short while later, she returned to the living room dragging a large suitcase, creating a stark contrast.
"Megumi, it's quite busy here right now, so I won't see you off. Be careful on the road."
Looking at the guests getting up one after another for breakfast, Tadokoro Mieko gave Megumi Tadokoro an apologetic look. After all, she usually saw her off, but this year she couldn't get away because the inn was packed with customers.
Fortunately, there was Dylan; she felt very reassured with him escorting Megumi Tadokoro.
"It's okay, Mom. You go get busy."
Megumi Tadokoro knew how busy her mother was and spoke considerately. Just as she was about to grab her luggage to leave, she found that Dylan had already picked it up.
"By the way, what are you guys planning to do in China? Oh, I get it! China is vast and abundant, so you want to learn more advanced cooking techniques, or maybe you're looking for inspiration, right?"
Or is there someone you know? Or a dish you want to eat? You can tell me about all of that, and I can help you ask around. Don't underestimate me; I know quite a few people in the culinary world."
On the street, Chuan Weihua walked beside Dylan, chattering away with an excited expression on her face, like a child on a trip.
Dylan didn't pay much attention to this, only chiming in with a few words when a topic interested him. Most of the time, Megumi Tadokoro was the one responding, and because of this, the two girls' relationship improved considerably.
In the process, Chuan Weihua discovered that Dylan was only interested in topics related to cooking, making him a true cooking fanatic.
But this was exactly what she wanted. After all, her main reason for asking Dylan to take her along was to ask for his guidance on some of her culinary questions, so she proactively started talking about cooking.
Chuan Weihua was already a Special Grade Chef, and having been taught by a high-star Special Grade Chef since childhood, she had a very unique understanding of cooking. For a time, even Dylan learned a lot from her.
That's how chefs are; they need constant communication to improve their skills.
Knowledge has its order, and skills have their specializations. Even a chef whose star level was far below his own would still have things that were superior to him in their area of expertise.
The so-called communication is about absorbing the other party's excellent points to perfect oneself.
"By the way, you're a Special Grade Seven-Star Chef, right?
You must be, otherwise it would be impossible to make Flowing Light Cuisine so easily. But such a young Seven-Star Chef should logically be world-famous. Why is there no fame at all…"
As if remembering something, Chuan Weihua started muttering to herself, a trace of doubt appearing on her face.
Logically speaking, every country treats its young geniuses extremely well, wishing they could announce it to the world and let everyone know they have a prodigy.
Furthermore, every genius has their own growth trajectory; they don't just appear out of thin air like this.
Thinking of this, Chuan Weihua's confusion deepened.
After their chat just now, she already knew that Dylan was Chinese and had passed the Special Grade Chef examination in Guangzhou. He shouldn't be so unknown…
"No, wait."
Guangzhou, yes, it's Guangzhou, I remember now!"
As her consciousness delved deep into her memory and suddenly burst forth at a key point, Chuan Weihua looked at Dylan, her mouth forming an 'O' shape.
"The Divine Blade Knife Skill Showdown, you're that young chef, aren't you! You gained the recognition of the Ever-Soul Blade after participating in that competition, but you quickly disappeared without a trace. So you went to Japan!"
If we're talking about the most sensational competition in the last two years, it has to be the Divine Blade Knife Skill Showdown, because of the appearance of a master who could create Flowing Light Cuisine, Dylan, who gained the recognition of the legendary cooking utensil, the Ever-Soul Blade.
Thinking about it carefully, weren't their names exactly the same?!
It was just that when the rumors first came out, everyone assumed that the Dylan who won first place was a reclusive master in his seventies or eighties. No one even considered a young man in his late teens or early twenties.
Even if some people who attended the match knew Dylan's age, they couldn't convince others who didn't believe them. After all, a Special Grade Seven-Star Chef in his twenties was too ridiculous.
It was like someone saying an eight-year-old child could build a rocket.
Eight years old?! Bullshit!
Even Chuan Weihua, before meeting Dylan, believed that the person who gained the recognition of the legendary cooking utensil, the Ever-Soul Blade, was a reclusive old man.
"That's right, it's me."
Dylan wasn't surprised that Chuan Weihua had recognized him.
He had never intentionally hidden his identity. It was just that some people in China thought that possessing such strength at his age was too shocking and might lead to unnecessary trouble, so they deliberately suppressed the news.
Even the Divine Blade Knife Skill Showdown, held under the public eye, was considered nothing more than a shameless publicity stunt in the minds of foreigners, and even many Chinese people.
Without seeing the legendary cooking utensil choose its master with their own eyes, no one would believe such a thing could happen in the world.
Making rotten ingredients fresh again?
Don't be ridiculous!
With that kind of technology, a time machine would have been invented long ago!
"But in that case, you're carrying the legendary cooking utensil, right?
To be honest, I'm super interested in the Ever-Soul Blade! It's the legendary blade that can make rotten ingredients fresh. I was planning to go and challenge for it in a few years, but I didn't expect you to beat me to it."
Hearing Dylan's admission, Chuan Weihua sucked in a breath of cold air. Her mind already pictured the epic scene of him taking the legendary cooking utensil in front of a group of veteran chefs. Then, she brought her fair little face close, looked into his eyes, and whispered:
"Can you let me see it? Just a glance, just one glance! I'm really, really super curious about what a legendary cooking utensil is! Is the ability to make rotten ingredients fresh real or not?!"
Blinking her big, shining eyes and looking at the handsome face before her, Chuan Weihua's eyes were filled with longing. She then clasped her hands together in a prayer-like gesture.
"Please, please, just let me see it for a moment. I'll do anything!"
Seeing Dylan unmoved, even seeming to ignore her, Chuan Weihua's expression became even more pitiful. At the same time, she raised her volume, and the sudden sound attracted quite a few strange looks.
"If you keep this up, I'm not taking you with me."
Feeling the many strange gazes from the surroundings pricking his skin, Dylan frowned slightly and then said to Chuan Weihua.
Anyone who's been a parent knows that if you give a child what they want the moment they cry for it, you're essentially letting them control you, which is not conducive to their growth.
Dylan was certainly not Chuan Weihua's parent, but he didn't want to be manipulated like this either.
"Huh…"
Sure enough, upon hearing that Dylan might not take her along because of this, Chuan Weihua immediately dropped her act and stopped pleading pitifully.
"I'm sorry, I won't do it again."
Chuan Weihua said pitifully, but this time she didn't dare to be overly dramatic, lest she attract a crowd and make things difficult for Dylan.
"It's good that you know you were wrong. The Ever-Soul Blade is not a circus monkey. It has a spirit, its own consciousness, and it can choose its master.
If fate allows, you will see it one day. There's no need to be so anxious."
Seeing that Chuan Weihua had finally quieted down and returned to normal, Dylan continued, explaining why he wouldn't let her see the Ever-Soul Blade.
The Ever-Soul Blade was never some miscellaneous tool for people to look at. It is a legendary cooking utensil, possessing world-altering power, not to be disrespected or trifled with.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't even unsheathe the Ever-Soul Blade. Because a good blade needs to be nurtured, especially a blade with such miraculous abilities.
Furthermore, compared to relying on the blade's power, he preferred to defeat opponents with his own strength. Isn't it more impressive to make high-class cuisine from ordinary ingredients?
"Okay, I understand. I hope to witness its power one day."
Hearing the seriousness in Dylan's words, although she didn't quite understand, Chuan Weihua didn't say any more. She knew he was already a little annoyed. Before he cooled down, it was better for her to behave.
Following the street straight ahead, the crowds gradually thinned out. On both sides were vast wheat fields, and below them was the sea.
The three of them soon arrived at the town's station. Upon seeing the people waiting in front of the station, they couldn't help but stop, especially Megumi Tadokoro, whose eyes were filled with emotion.
"Everyone…"
A dozen or so burly, scruffy-bearded men were chatting and waiting in front of the station. When they saw Megumi Tadokoro, they immediately waved and greeted her.
"I called earlier, and your mom told us you were leaving today. Why in such a hurry? You didn't even tell us. And isn't it a bit early this year?"
"I have to go to a competition and need to get to the venue early to prepare, so I'm leaving a few days early."
Hearing the man's question, Megumi Tadokoro explained honestly.
"I see. Well, good luck in the competition."
The leading man patted Megumi Tadokoro's shoulder, his eyes filled with encouragement.
"I'll do my best!"
"Megumi, have a safe trip."
"Next time you come back, remember to tell us the interesting things that happened at Totsuki."
"You have to study cooking well and not slack off. We'll come to watch your competition again next year."
Looking at Megumi Tadokoro standing before them, everyone at the station greeted her. Each of their faces was filled with warmth, and a hint of reluctance to see her go.
"Take this to eat on the way. We won't see each other again until the New Year. You have to take good care of yourself when you're alone out there. We'll set off fireworks together then."
Yamato Lily ran forward and handed her the cookies she had stayed up all night to make, while also reminding her to take care of herself, the reluctance in her eyes far greater than anyone else's.
As her best friend, she was naturally sad that Megumi Tadokoro was back for less than three days, but there was nothing she could do, as she had a competition.
"Kid, it's your honor that our Megumi chose to date you. She's a very good girl, and I hope you won't..."
If you dare to bully her, I don't care what level of chef you are, we'll still take you on!"
After chatting with Megumi Tadokoro, the group of men turned their gazes to Dylan, then flexed the muscles they had developed from years of fishing, speaking with considerable intimidation.
"That's right, we're all Megumi's family from her hometown! We're her support! If you dare to bully her, we will absolutely not let you off the hook!"
Another man spoke up. He looked more refined, wearing a thin white t-shirt, yet he exuded a strange sense of pressure.
"Rest assured, everyone. I will take good care of Megumi and will never let her suffer the slightest grievance."
As he spoke, Dylan put his arm around Megumi Tadokoro's shoulder. His words were resolute, and even when surrounded by so many burly men, he didn't take a single step back, nor did he show any sign of guilt.
Although what these men said to him was a bit offensive, Dylan knew they all genuinely cared for Megumi Tadokoro, so he didn't mind.
"Well said, that's a real man!"
Seeing Dylan's performance, the surrounding men exchanged glances, all seeing approval in each other's eyes. Then, a man about 40 years old stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Our train is here. You guys should go back. Aren't you about to open for business?"
A train roared in from the distance. Megumi Tadokoro watched it quickly approach and stop at the station, then spoke to the men who were seeing her off.
"We'll leave after we see you get on the train."
"That's right, you go ahead. Don't mind us."
"Have a safe trip!"
"Goodbye, everyone."
Although she had experienced many such partings, each time brought new feelings.
After boarding the train, Megumi Tadokoro leaned one hand on the seat and waved vigorously with the other, saying a forceful goodbye to the men watching her from the station.
"I didn't expect you to be so popular with these guys. Ordinary people don't get this kind of treatment."
The train gradually pulled away, and Megumi Tadokoro sat back down in her seat. Chuan Weihua couldn't help but sigh at the sight of her. This girl's charisma was absolutely undeniable.
"Uncle Kaito and the others have always taken good care of me, ever since I was little…"
Hearing Chuan Weihua's words, Megumi Tadokoro also fell into reminiscence. At the same time, she made a firm resolution in her heart: she would definitely become an amazing chef and not disappoint those who had such high hopes for her.
The train moved on, heading towards Tokyo.
Due to the exertion of the previous night and waking up so early.
Megumi Tadokoro and Chuan Weihua soon felt drowsy. At first, they could still fight it, but soon they were swaying and leaning against Dylan's shoulder.
"This time, on the trip to China, I'll become a Dragon Chef in one fell swoop."
Feeling the weight on both of his shoulders, Dylan looked straight ahead and thought to himself.
The scenery outside the train was pleasant. The water in the rice paddies reflected the blue of the sky, and occasionally a few egrets would skim across the water's surface, leaving a trail of ripples.
The roofs of the small town glowed warmly in the sunlight, and smoke curled up from the chimneys. Everything was so peaceful.
Nighttime at the Polaris Dormitory.
In a room, Yūki Yoshino was squatting on the floor. In front of her were several large boxes filled with all sorts of seasonings and some dried ingredients.
Fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, her fingers flew across a checklist, and she muttered to herself. She nearly bumped into Ryōko Sakaki, who had just entered the room, and stumbled back two steps, falling onto the bed.
"Ouch."
Yūki Yoshino cried out, rubbing her bottom, which made Ryōko Sakaki show a helpless expression: "There's no need to be so tense, is there? It's not like we're the ones competing."
"Of course there is! Megumi is from our Polaris Dormitory. We can't support her on the front lines, but we have to at least secure the rear, making sure she doesn't lack ingredients."
The seasonings in China might be different from ours here. It's always a good idea to bring some local seasonings. Come and help me pack!"
Yūki Yoshino said as she jumped up from the bed, then took out soy sauce and other backup seasonings from the storage cabinet and stuffed them all into the suitcase.
"You can't bring these on the plane, can you? Besides, the competition will use Chinese seasonings. Even if there's a real difference in taste, theirs would be the standard, right…"
Ryōko Sakaki grumbled weakly. Ever since she learned that Megumi Tadokoro was going to participate in the Fujian Youth Chef Competition, Yūki Yoshino had been preparing every day, even asking Shun Ibusaki to make a lot of smoked ingredients to take to China, just in case Megumi needed them.
As the only seed from Polaris Dormitory participating in the competition, and also as her good friend, Yūki Yoshino had high hopes for Megumi Tadokoro.
"Oh, right, I don't think I can bring these on the plane. I almost forgot such an important thing. Good thing you reminded me! Then I'll send it by long-distance express mail."
"That could work."
Seeing that Yūki Yoshino had selectively ignored her words, Ryōko Sakaki stopped trying to persuade her and instead helped her finish what she was doing. Then she sat on the bed, crossing her sexy, slender legs.
"Have you packed a change of clothes and everything?"
"Don't worry, it's all packed."
"Whew, we're finally leaving. If we meet on the competition stage, no one should hold back. Just give it your all."
At Erina Nakiri's house, looking at Hisako Arato who had moved in with her luggage, she said slowly.
"I understand, Lady Erina."
Hisako Arato nodded.
When meeting in a cooking competition, going all out is a sign of respect for each other.
"Let's get some rest early tonight. We have a flight to catch tomorrow."
Walking up to Hisako Arato and gently stroking her hair, Erina Nakiri said in a soft voice.
"Yes! Lady Erina!"
Kawasaki City, at an inn.
"Are you ready? Yukihira!"
"I've been ready for a long time. I won't lose this time!"
Under the moonlight, Soma Yukihira sharpened his knife until it gleamed, reflecting the cold light of the moon. Hearing Takumi Aldini's question, he looked up at the sky and slowly spoke.
"The Fujian Youth Chef Competition... as long as I can win the championship, I can make a name for myself and get the special attention and training from the Underground Cooking Society. Then I won't be far from my goal!"
Liu Yu lay on her bed, her hands clasped behind her head, staring at the dark ceiling, somewhat lost in thought. She was only one step away from her goal!
____
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