Third day, 6 PM.
"Central Area, third place Taotao Xuan, second place Kuga Restaurant, first place Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant! Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant completed a perfect comeback, with its turnover more than double that of the second-place Kuga Restaurant!"
The broadcast sounded, and Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant's turnover officially surpassed Kuga Restaurant, simultaneously breaking the thousand song tickets mark, becoming the veritable leader of the Central Area.
Fourth day.
With the addition of Xiang Ling and Mimasaka Subaru, Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant's efficiency greatly improved. Coupled with Hoshino Sora's Silver Chopsticks Ten Pot Return, he could now control 6 woks simultaneously.
Currently, it was equivalent to having over ten chefs cooking at the same time in the kitchen. Alice also retreated to the second line under this arrangement, preparing ingredients with Yumeko Jabami and Tadokoro Megumi.
At the same time, due to the excessive number of customers queuing outside the shop, the shop's originally reserved capacity had reached its limit, so Hoshino Sora shamelessly borrowed half of Yukihira Soma's business area.
However, this meant that five waitstaff were clearly not enough. Helplessly, Hoshino Sora could only continue calling for help, summoning Feng Xuanya and her companions to assist.
It was clear that he truly valued this reward.
And Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant thus became the most beautiful scenery in the Central Area, attracting a large number of customers. This area, with only three shops, had more customers than other areas with over a dozen shops.
"Serve me one of every dish your restaurant has!"
Kuga Terunori's voice appeared in the hall of Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant. Because most of his business had been snatched away, the dignified Elite Ten member had actually fallen to second place. He wanted to see what made this small Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant capable of taking so many of his customers!
The essence of Sichuan Cuisine, he believed, lay in 'ma' (numbing) and 'la' (spicy); only the numbing and spicy flavors constituted the true soul of Sichuan cooking. His viewpoint was absolutely correct!
So, where exactly did things go wrong?
"Guo Ba Rou Pian (Sizzling Rice Crust with Pork Slices), Snowflake Chicken Paste, Camphor Tea Sesame Duck Fillet, Lamp Shadow Beef. Kobayashi-senpai is here too."
Hearing Kuga Terunori's voice, Hoshino Sora personally came out to serve the dishes. He then saw Kuga Terunori and Kobayashi Rindo sitting in the corner of the hall, and immediately greeted them with a wide smile.
"I came to taste the legendary Spicy Sichuan Cuisine at your place. Little Kuga is also very curious about what it tastes like."
"Don't talk nonsense! I wasn't curious at all! If you hadn't dragged me here, I wouldn't have come."
Hisako Arato's face subtly flushed. Kuga Terunori clearly didn't want to admit that he wanted to come himself, because it felt as if 'spicy' Sichuan Cuisine was bowing to 'non-spicy' Sichuan Cuisine.
"Yes, yes, yes, I dragged you here by force. Anyway, let's try these dishes first."
Without refuting Kuga Terunori's words, Kobayashi Rindo turned her gaze to the dishes in front of her. As she spoke, she sniffed, and a rich aroma immediately lingered at the tip of her nose, continuous and unending.
"Let's try this Guo Ba Rou Pian (Sizzling Rice Crust with Pork Slices) first~"
Kobayashi Rindo said, extending her chopsticks into the dish in front of her. Her crimson lips slightly parted, and she closed her eyes, savoring it carefully. A special taste burst forth in her mouth.
The fragrant crispiness of the rice crust, the tender smoothness of the pork slices, and the slightly chewy texture of the mushrooms, all merged into one the moment they entered the mouth, perfectly natural, truly the best of the best!
With wide eyes, experiencing the deliciousness of the dish, Kuga Terunori's face showed a hint of disbelief.
This rich flavor was definitely Sichuan Cuisine, but it lacked the numbing and spicy elements, leaving only freshness and fragrance that spread and diffused in the mouth, making one genuinely happy and want to smile.
Unlike the slightly coercive numbing and spicy dishes, this dish, from beginning to end, seemed to say, 'Please accept me without worry,' such incredibly gentle words.
He spooned the dish into his mouth bite after bite, and when he came back to his senses, the plate in front of him was empty. Kuga Terunori also showed a thoughtful expression.
Although he had been mentally prepared when he arrived, he was still shocked when he truly tasted this dish. The non-spicy form of Sichuan Cuisine could actually be so delicious. Undoubtedly, this had overturned his perception.
"Wow, this is really good! Your craftsmanship has improved again, Hoshino.
It seems Little Kuga's Elite Ten position might not be secure."
With a happy expression on her face, Kobayashi Rindo praised him, then patted Kuga Terunori's shoulder, teasing him.
It must be said, Hoshino Sora had truly improved at a divine speed. His current skill level compared to a few months ago made it impossible to believe they were the same person.
"Impossible. Such a dish can never defeat me."
Kuga Terunori's tone was firm. Although the non-spicy Sichuan Cuisine in front of him was delicious, it was absolutely impossible to defeat him with just that. He had absolute confidence in his own strength.
"Being overly confident isn't a good thing. But is this really okay? Aren't you going to challenge Tsukasa?"
"There's nothing I can do about it. If I'm inferior in skill and still cling on, that would be too lame."
"Surprisingly frank."
Hearing Kuga Terunori's words, Kobayashi Rindo said approvingly. She had expected him to be stubborn, but he admitted his shortcomings so readily.
----------
On the fifth day, with the holiday boost, Spicy Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant, occupying one and a half venues, completely surpassed "Dark Cuisine." At the same time, its sales broke the two thousand song tickets mark, surpassing the highest record of all previous Moon Feast Festivals.
As soon as 6 PM passed, the sound of the broadcast came, and everyone present showed expressions of relief. At the same time, a system prompt sounded in Hoshino Sora's mind.
[Task Completed]: King of the Moon Feast Festival
[Task Requirement]: Participate in the Moon Feast Festival held by Far Moon, win the overall championship in three areas to receive all the following rewards.
[Task Rewards]: ① 10000 Reputation Points ② Cooking Skill: Immortal Wine Brewing ③ Cooking Skill: Spice Equation ? Spice Inequality (Advanced)
[Immortal Wine Brewing Lv1]: Can brew wine from all things in the world. The better the materials used, the higher the quality of the wine. Wine brewed from special materials will produce special effects. 100% success rate in brewing.
[Spice Inequality Lv1]: Use ultra-vision to completely replicate the opponent's dish, then re-process it with one's own spice knowledge, ultimately creating a dish more perfect than the opponent's.
[Spice Mastery Lv1]: An extension of Spice Inequality. As long as a spice has been seen, its effect and function can be immediately understood.
(Note: Ultra-vision needs to be unlocked for Spice Inequality to truly take effect. It has been detected that the host previously mastered Spice Equation, which has now evolved into Spice Mastery.)
"It's finally over!"
"We are first."
"I knew Hoshino-kun could do it!"
Stretching his somewhat sore arms, his face brimming with happy satisfaction, Hoshino Sora was instantly surrounded by countless girls, literally becoming meat wrapped in a zongzi.
However, in terms of feeling, he didn't particularly dislike it.
Finally, it's over...
Closing his eyes, he digested the newly added brewing knowledge in his brain. This skill was simply tailor-made for the Gourmet Manor. In the future, if there were mutated fruits and vegetables, he could try brewing wine with them.
But... could that really brew wine?
Hoshino Sora was skeptical, but since the system said his brewing success rate was 100%, it should be fine.
Sniffing, the distinct aromas of spices and ingredients in the air were particularly noticeable.
Star anise, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, white pepper, and... fermented black beans.
Even before acquiring Spice Inequality, Hoshino Sora could distinguish the different spice aromas in the air, but it was never as clear and distinct as it was now.
It also took longer.
At this moment, the spices in the air seemed to have an extra layer of color in his eyes, like ribbons intertwining, ultimately composing a magnificent tapestry of colors.
This was the basic Spice Inequality.
With just a thought, various color combinations could appear, forming flavors never before created by anyone. They swirled and overlapped in the air, incredibly magnificent.
This made Hoshino Sora somewhat entranced.
"The latest Moon Feast Festival newspaper is here! We are not only first in the Central Area, but also first in the overall Moon Feast Festival rankings, leading the second place by a full 200 song tickets!"
Her face beaming with pride and excitement, Shiina Mahiru ran into the kitchen with the newspaper, then saw Hoshino Sora surrounded by beautiful girls, and her expression immediately stiffened slightly.
"Just as I expected. Everyone has worked hard during this time. After we finish serving this batch of customers, we'll close the shop and rest. Then I'll take you to try Erina's cooking.
However, even at the last moment, don't let your guard down."
With difficulty, he took the newspaper from Shiina Mahiru's hand. On the fifth day, he led "Dark Cuisine" by a full 500 song tickets, ultimately achieving a come-from-behind victory.
"Yes!"
They responded energetically, all full of drive. Even though it was the final stretch, this was precisely the time not to make mistakes, to bring a perfect close to this Moon Feast Festival.
Watching the busy crowd, Hoshino Sora said nothing more, only cast his gaze towards the distance outside the shop, a worried expression in his eyes.
That was the direction of Erina Nakiri's shop.
Azami Nakiri, if nothing unexpected happened, he would visit Erina Nakiri's shop tonight.
And he would become the new director of Far Moon, with the strong support of six Elite Ten members.
This was unavoidable. Although he had established connections with Kobayashi Rindo and Akikubo Momo, their relationship wasn't deep enough to influence their decisions.
So he didn't intend to interfere.
There was nothing wrong with Azami Nakiri taking the position. In fact, for Hoshino Sora, it was a good thing. A Regiment de Cuisine, an event that sounded full of tasks, would undoubtedly bring him generous rewards.
However, unlike the original world where everything was known.
This world had too many variables. The Chinese culinary world, the Dark Cuisine World, and the map of Japan were merely small corners, remote places, in such a worldview.
"Phew..."
In any case, he should just do it first, and then consider the consequences. For now, he just needed to keep winning!
As long as he won and completed the tasks, he could become stronger, challenge more powerful opponents, and receive more generous rewards. This was undoubtedly a virtuous cycle!
Time flew by quickly, and soon Hoshino Sora, with a wide smile, saw off the last customer, and led his 'female army' towards the Gaotai Area.
"How extravagant this place is."
Looking at the dazzling, neon-lit scene before her, Kitagawa couldn't help but exclaim.
"It's alright, just average. But this year's scale is indeed much larger than in previous years; even this High Platform Area has been decorated more luxuriously."
To this, Alice gave such an evaluation. For a young lady like her, this could only be considered a small-scale event.
"Is this high society...?"
Yuigahama murmured to herself, her eyes reflecting the neon lights. High-end cars were everywhere, and the place was filled with extravagance.
"As expected of an aristocratic school. In our China, although we don't have a School Festival, we do have an annual food festival.
However, we are all individual small stalls, with regulated stall sizes, and no mutual cooperation allowed. The aim is to test the chef's individual skill, unlike here, where it's divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers."
Feng Xuanya's words revealed a hint of emotion. Far Moon's scale was completely unlike a School Festival; it was even more magnificent than the food festivals held for various restaurants in Chinese society.
However, it was a pity that the taste of the dishes did not match this magnificent layout; everything was an illusion.
"This is it."
Ignoring the discussion of the group behind him, Hoshino Sora looked at the shop in front of him.
He raised his hand and greeted Hisako Arato, who was waiting at the entrance. He had reserved a spot here two days ago for today's celebration with everyone.
"Please follow me this way."
Bending slightly and gesturing, Hisako Arato looked at the large group in front of her, a hint of surprise on her face, and a subtle trace of disdain deep in her eyes.
Why are they all girls here?
Oh, there are a few men too, but their number is too small, making them particularly conspicuous among the girls.
"Hey, Erina."
Looking at Erina Nakiri waiting for them in the hall, Feng Xuanya went up to greet her first, before Hoshino Sora could speak, using broken Japanese.
"Long time no see, Feng-san."
Seeing the familiar person, Erina's expression didn't change much; she just nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Ever since Feng Xuanya was defeated by Yumeko Jabami, Erina didn't feel that Feng Xuanya was on the same level as her, so now, seeing her, Erina seemed incredibly composed.
"Pfft… Feng-san…"
Hearing Erina Nakiri's address to Feng Xuanya, with that somewhat strange tone, Hoshino Sora almost couldn't hold back his laughter. The other Chinese people beside him had the same reaction.
Lei Yuxing, Huoguo Guo, and Yan Ba.
"Feng-san~"
"You guys, die!"
However, they were teasing her in Chinese, and Erina Nakiri didn't understand the meaning of their smiles, thinking they were just very happy to be in her restaurant.
"Please sit here. Hisako, come and assist them. Dishes will be served in ten minutes."
Pointing to a nearby seat, Erina Nakiri spoke, then turned and went back to the kitchen to prepare the dishes.
"Alright, everyone, let's sit down."
Hoshino Sora casually said, then took his seat with Hisako Arato's assistance. He was very much looking forward to Erina's cooking, but today, he wasn't just here to eat...
His gaze turned to the doorway, Azami Nakiri's figure hadn't appeared yet, but Hoshino Sora was already nervous. As the primary antagonist in the early part of this story and Erina Nakiri's father, he really didn't know what attitude he should adopt.
In terms of cooking skills, although he was very unwilling, he was definitely no match for Azami Nakiri at the moment.
In terms of status, after receiving the appointment letter for the Elite Ten, Azami Nakiri had already become the academy's headmaster, a position he couldn't possibly challenge.
The only things he was stronger than Azami Nakiri in were probably potential and strength.
But having strength was enough. Although using force in a cooking academy was extremely crude, if some things absolutely required the use of force to protect, Hoshino Sora would not be polite.
Time passed slowly, and soon, Hoshino Sora and their dishes were all served. The young man's face showed an expression of enjoyment. Should it be said, as expected of Erina?
Tasting her cuisine was like attending an art exhibition!
It was too magnificent!
"So he still didn't come…"
Looking at the empty seat in the corner of the restaurant, Erina Nakiri murmured to herself, a hint of disappointment and a faint complexity appearing in the depths of her eyes.
"Creak—"
As a sound came from the doorway, Erina Nakiri also turned her gaze towards it. Hisako Arato beside her said in confusion, "All the reserved guests should have arrived today."
"Could it be?"
Such a thought surfaced in her mind, her eyes widening slightly, Erina Nakiri looked expectantly towards the doorway.
Wearing a black trench coat, with overly pale skin and chaotic eyes, Azami Nakiri pushed open the door and slowly walked in.
Behind him were three other people, one of whom Hoshino Sora was very familiar with: Lixin, who had blocked his path that night.
His eyelid twitched subtly. How did these two get together? And who were the other two? He didn't understand, he couldn't comprehend the current situation at all.
"Um, esteemed guests, this establishment is by reservation only…"
Hisako, dressed as a waitress, stepped forward to explain, but before she could finish, she recognized who the person in front of her was.
She had seen him mentioned in a book in the library, and her father had warned her not to ask anyone about that person.
"Hisako?"
Looking at Hisako Arato, who had suddenly frozen, Erina Nakiri was a bit puzzled, but she quickly understood the reason.
The expected figure did not appear. Her eyes widened slightly, her gaze sweeping over various parts of the man's body in front of her. A faint fear emerged from the depths of her heart, causing her body to tremble slightly.
"Long time no see, Erina."
His voice was full of magnetism. Looking at his daughter, who had grown into a graceful young woman, Azami Nakiri's face was devoid of any expression.
"Father."
She replied with a trembling voice, Erina Nakiri supporting herself to keep from falling to the ground.
"Th-that, we're very troubled."
Seeing Erina Nakiri's reaction, Hisako Arato immediately knew what had happened. Her voice trembling, she stood in front of Erina.
"Erina, your cooking is not for these kinds of people. You should be more careful in choosing your clients; it will lower your taste."
Stepping forward, his gaze sweeping the scene, Azami Nakiri spoke with a slightly disdainful voice. His remarks immediately aroused dissatisfaction from everyone present.
"Who are you, old man? You look glamorous on the outside, but your mouth stinks like you ate shit. If we're not worthy of eating, are you? Are you worthy?"
Hoshino Sora hadn't even spoken yet, but Feng Xuanya, who was sitting next to him, stood up first and retorted. Her previously broken Japanese became incredibly fluent at this moment, as if arguing could buff her.
It was hard to imagine such a cute girl could swear so crudely.
"Uncle Azami, why is he here?"
Looking at Azami Nakiri not far away, Alice Nakiri murmured softly, a hint of worry in her eyes.
"I have an impression of this person. Could it be from the Nakitiri Family…?"
Pushing up his glasses, Shingo Ando, who had been observing Azami Nakiri since before entering the door, spoke. He had made an appearance in the preliminary rounds of the Autumn Elections, and Hoshino Sora also had an impression of him.
"No way, weren't you already expelled from Far Moon?"
Another person spoke in a shocked tone.
"That's right, I am Azami Nakiri, Erina Nakiri's father."
Ignoring Feng Xuanya's words, Azami Nakiri spoke softly. Hearing his voice, Erina Nakiri's body trembled slightly, her large eyes filled with fear.
"Then what brings you here today, Erina's father?"
Reaching out and placing his hand on Erina Nakiri's shoulder, Hoshino Sora had appeared beside her at some point. His calm voice revealed courage, which made Erina look at him.
"Hoshino-kun…"
She softly whispered his name. For some reason, at the moment she saw Hoshino Sora's face, most of the tension in Erina Nakiri's heart suddenly dissipated.
"You are?"
Azami Nakiri's tone carried a hint of doubt, and his brows furrowed slightly. Seeing a man touching his daughter's shoulder, he felt inexplicably displeased.
"Leave everything to me."
Hoshino Sora whispered in Erina's ear, his mind racing. In this situation, how should he put it? He needed to find a way to make Azami Nakiri retreat.
"Can't you tell? I'm Erina's boyfriend, Father."
Hoshino Sora said mischievously, and as he spoke, he withdrew his hand and stepped forward to offer it to Azami Nakiri, a cheerful smile on his face. However, to Azami Nakiri, this expression was undoubtedly mocking.
Behind him, Erina Nakiri's face flushed upon hearing Hoshino Sora's words. She instinctively wanted to retort, but the words caught in her throat and she held them back, effectively acquiescing to their relationship.
"Erina, I will absolutely not agree to you dating such a person!"
His voice held a hint of sternness. Looking at the frivolous man in front of him, Azami Nakiri said in a deep voice, his brows furrowed even deeper than before. Although he had a vague premonition of something bad, he truly hadn't expected it to be this kind of situation.
"Ah? Sorry, you spoke too late. We've already done all sorts of things; there's no turning back, Father."
Hoshino Sora called him "Father" without any pressure whatsoever. As he spoke, he withdrew his hand and very naturally put his arm around Erina Nakiri's waist, clearly declaring war on the other party.
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