Tadokoro Megumi had known Liu Ming for almost two months, and she never expected the usually gentle Liu Ming to be so angry as he was now.
In her eyes, Liu Ming had always been a gentle person, whether it was towards her, or towards Thor and Xiao Hina.
Even when facing the mischievous Miyu, she had never seen Liu Ming lose his temper.
Now, looking at the indifferent Liu Ming, Tadokoro Megumi felt a bit unfamiliar, but more than that, she felt touched.
Because she knew that Liu Ming had become like this entirely because of her.
Her Master was doing this to seek justice for her.
And she, on the other hand, had shamed her Master, being called a ninth-rate chef. She really couldn't forgive herself.
...
Seeing that he couldn't argue with Liu Ming, Kojiro Shinomiya had no choice but to turn his attention to Gin Dojima.
He looked at Gin Dojima and asked, "Mr. Dojima, this assessment is entirely my responsibility, right?"
"That's what was said, but…" Gin Dojima hesitated. Although he had said so during the meeting, the current situation was clearly not suitable.
"Then there's no problem. Since she violated the theme, it's perfectly reasonable for me to expel her, isn't it?" Kojiro Shinomiya pressed on.
"How dare you even bring up your nonsensical theme?" Liu Ming looked at him mockingly, then said, "You can't change the recipe? Even I, a ninth-rate chef, know that there is no single recipe, only the idea of constantly innovating."
Liu Ming suddenly showed a look of realization. "I remember you were once the First Seat of Totsuki Academy, right? You didn't get that position through such shady means, did you?"
Kojiro Shinomiya laughed in anger. He said furiously, "I relied on my strength."
Liu Ming suddenly took two steps forward and snatched the recipe from Kojiro Shinomiya's hand.
He looked at the marked content, and with the boost of his 37 intelligence (human maximum is 10 intelligence), he quickly came up with several modification plans.
He looked at Kojiro Shinomiya indifferently, listing them out one by one.
Listening to those feasible and effective adjustment plans, Kojiro Shinomiya's expression changed repeatedly.
After only listing three plans, Liu Ming stopped. He put down the recipe and said, "Don't make a big deal out of your incompetence. If you can't do it yourself, don't hinder the growth of the nation's future."
"What a monster. As expected of the man even the Director General admires." Gin Dojima thought to himself, while also looking at Kojiro Shinomiya with some pity. Of all people to provoke, he had to provoke such a pervert.
"Master~" Tadokoro Megumi suddenly tugged at Liu Ming's sleeve.
Hearing his beloved disciple's call, Liu Ming no longer bothered to speak further. He immediately put on a gentle smile and looked at Tadokoro Megumi.
Such obvious differential treatment made the few people present secretly click their tongues.
"Master, can I handle this matter?" Tadokoro Megumi looked up at Liu Ming, her expression extremely serious.
"Actually, Master can handle it and make sure he's completely compliant." Liu Ming frowned. Tadokoro Megumi's personality was not suitable for handling such matters.
"This matter started because of me, and I hope it can end with me." Tadokoro Megumi said with a firm attitude.
He gently ruffled Tadokoro Megumi's head and said, "Go ahead and do it, but remember, I'm behind you."
Tadokoro Megumi stepped out from behind Liu Ming, her movements firm and strong. She came in front of Kojiro Shinomiya.
Kojiro Shinomiya was choked by Liu Ming and was looking for a punching bag. He didn't expect someone to deliver themselves to him.
However, feeling Liu Ming's indifferent gaze behind Tadokoro Megumi, the words he was about to say were swallowed back down.
He was truly afraid of Liu Ming's mouth.
"Senior Shinomiya, since neither of us can persuade the other, then let's follow Tootsuki's rules and have a Food War." Tadokoro Megumi's words were astonishing.
Liu Ming's eyebrows couldn't help but twitch. He didn't expect this to happen after all.
"Hmph." Kojiro Shinomiya pushed up his glasses and said with a hint of disdain, "What right does a small fry like you have to challenge me to a Food War? If you want to compete, let your Master come out and compete with me."
"This matter started because of me, so it should be handled by me. Moreover, I can never forgive you for daring to insult Master." Tadokoro Megumi stared intently at Kojiro Shinomiya.
"Why should I compete with you?" Kojiro Shinomiya still refused.
"Isn't it quite interesting? Shinomiya, just agree to it." Gin Dojima rarely saw the situation improve and would not allow Kojiro Shinomiya to evade.
"Mr. Dojima, there's no need for this." Kojiro Shinomiya said discontentedly.
"There is a great need, otherwise this matter will never end."
"What about the stakes? Since it's a Food War, there must be corresponding stakes. If you lose, then you leave Tootsuki."
Kojiro Shinomiya, facing the unyielding Gin Dojima, really couldn't refuse.
"You still dare to make conditions?" Liu Ming couldn't help but speak. Then, he looked at Tadokoro Megumi, "Megumi, how about you don't study at Totsuki Academy anymore?"
"At most, I'll set up a challenge ring at the entrance of Totsuki Academy then. I want to see which of the current students at Totsuki Academy can defeat you."
"At that time, I'll invite a bunch of reporters. Wow, just thinking about that scene is interesting."
"The headline at that time would probably become something like this: 'Expelled student annihilates all current students, is this a distortion of human nature or a degradation of morality, or the darkness of the school?'"
Gin Dojima couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. He was, after all, a former chief of Totsuki Academy and the current Executive Chef of Totsuki Resort.
Knowing that he was here, couldn't Liu Ming give him a little face?
"Master," Tadokoro Megumi was also startled by Liu Ming's idea. Although Totsuki Academy was very harsh, she had made many good friends at the academy, and she didn't want the academy to suffer because of her.
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi's pleading eyes, Liu Ming could only reluctantly abandon this interesting idea.
"Honestly, you're too kind." Liu Ming vigorously ruffled Tadokoro Megumi's hair into a messy bird's nest.
Then he said to Kojiro Shinomiya, "Don't bring up the expulsion matter again, it was your fault to begin with. If you win this Food War, I'll pretend nothing happened. If you lose, apologize to Megumi obediently."
"No, I did this because he insulted Master. I just need him to retract that 'ninth-rate chef' comment." Tadokoro Megumi waved her hands repeatedly, stating her own request.
Seeing Kojiro Shinomiya remain silent, Liu Ming decided for him, "You can also disagree to this Food War. In that case, I'll take it as you challenging me, and I will fully target your restaurant. Don't blame me then."
Gin Dojima's expression changed drastically. He looked at Kojiro Shinomiya and said in a deep voice, "Shinomiya, agree to this Food War."
"Mr. Dojima?" Kojiro Shinomiya didn't understand why Gin Dojima would say that.
"I told you to agree."
Kojiro Shinomiya clenched his fists unwillingly, then finally nodded in resignation, agreeing to this Food War with unfair stakes.