(T/N: Sorry, late cuz was working on an engineering project.)
"Judges, please begin tasting."
At Yanfei's signal, Su Bai and the others tacitly saved Cloud Retainer's dishes for last. Su Bai knew they weren't good, while the others worried that tasting Cloud Retainer's food first would ruin their palates for the other dishes. That wouldn't be fair to Xiangling and Yanxiao.
To ensure fairness, they had agreed to first choose a winner between Yanxiao and Xiangling, then carefully taste Cloud Retainer's dishes afterward.
"Hmm, very impressive. Both sides put tremendous effort into their dishes. Clever and delicious. I'd like another Golden Shrimp— I mean, I'd like to savor both chefs' skills once more. My vote goes to contestant Yanxiao."
Realizing she had almost let something slip, Keqing quickly cut herself off and gave her verdict. Su Bai wasn't surprised by her choice. He knew she liked Golden Shrimp Balls.
"My turn, my turn. Your director thinks Contestant Xiangling's dishes are ordinary in both heat control and ingredient selection. But to make such delicious food with such ordinary ingredients shows extraordinary skill. So my vote goes to Xiangling."
Hu Tao's commentary made Uncle Tian nod. He hadn't expected someone so young to have such insight. Of course, if he knew Hu Tao was only thinking about shrimp dumplings, he might have felt differently.
"Lumine, Lumine, it's almost our turn. Have you decided who to vote for?"
"Paimon, which dish did you think was best?"
"Um... if I tell you, you can't tell Xiangling. Actually, I think Yanxiao's Adeptus' Temptation is really good... That dish has the richest flavors I've ever tasted. It's so delicious! Huh? Lumine, did you get something in your eye? Let me blow on it."
Seeing Paimon blurt out her thoughts without hesitation gave Lumine a headache. By the time Paimon realized what she'd done, her voice had carried. Xiangling and Yanxiao had both heard her.
"Lumine, why didn't you warn me?!"
"I was giving you signals with my eyes... Forget it. I'll vote for Yanxiao. Xiangling's dishes are delicious, but perhaps because of the ingredients, her dishes lack that extra depth compared to Yanxiao's Adeptus' Temptation."
If Paimon hadn't spoken so loudly, Lumine might have favored Xiangling and found some excuse to vote for her. But now that Paimon had said her piece, Lumine couldn't be bothered to think of a reason. She cast her vote for Yanxiao.
Seeing himself temporarily ahead of Xiangling, Yanxiao grinned. His boss had promised him a raise if he brought home first place.
"Contestant Xiangling's concept is fascinating. Using a cold dish as the main course is very bold."
"This Sautéed Matsutake with Jueyun Chili is quite unique. Though the dish is served cold, the chilies were stir-fried, leaving a residual warmth. Chewing it gives you heat within the spice, crispness within the heat, and a hint of pepper. Excellent."
"As for this Adeptus' Temptation, I tasted this dish from a master chef when I was young. Yanxiao, you might try simmering it a bit longer next time. The texture would improve. So, I cast my vote for young Xiangling."
Uncle Tian savored each bite carefully before setting down his chopsticks. Unlike the others who had favorite dishes, Uncle Tian had dined on every delicacy imaginable during his years reporting to Ningguang. He wouldn't let personal preference sway his judgment.
"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Tian."
His suggestion made Yanxiao's eyes light up. That was it. He had always felt his Adeptus' Temptation lacked the richness described in ancient texts. It was probably because he hadn't simmered it long enough.
"Haha, no need for thanks. This old man just offered a small suggestion."
After Uncle Tian finished, all eyes turned to Su Bai. The score between Xiangling and Yanxiao was now two to two. The deciding vote rested with him.
"Hmm. If we're judging purely by flavor, Yanxiao's Adeptus' Temptation is indeed better than Xiangling's dishes. But I think a cooking competition should also consider the ceiling of a dish."
"Yanxiao, I've eaten at your restaurant often. I know your skills. This Adeptus' Temptation and Steamed Three Delicacies are far from your best. But Xiangling's three dishes have reached a level that's beyond reproach."
"Even if Adeptus' Temptation and Steamed Three Delicacies are extremely difficult dishes, converting them to ordinary dishes, your culinary skill still falls slightly short of Xiangling's. So my vote goes to Xiangling."
After a few bites, Su Bai immediately noticed the shortcomings in Yanxiao's dishes. Since they were old friends, he didn't hold back.
Yanxiao nodded in agreement. Of the three dishes, aside from the Golden Shrimp Balls, he had only mastered the other two. His Adeptus' Temptation had probably just reached proficiency.
But the theme required both land and sea elements, and the dishes couldn't repeat what had been made before. Having used one of his trump cards against a tough opponent in the semifinals, Yanxiao had been forced to choose these three dishes.
"Ah, too bad the Almond Tofu is off-topic. Otherwise, I would have brought that out."
"Congratulations, Xiangling. Next time I'm at Wanmin Restaurant, let's have another cook-off."
Though he felt some regret, Yanxiao was a man of his word. A loss was a loss. Rather than dwelling on it, he'd improve his skills and win next time.
"I-it's really me? Yes! Guoba, we're number one! Yay!!"
"Lulu lulu~"
Watching Xiangling jump for joy at the venue, everyone wore genuine smiles. Happiness was contagious, after all.
"Um, Xiangling, if you don't let go soon, Guoba might suffocate..."
"Ah, sorry, sorry! Guoba, I'm so sorry. I was just too excited."
Seeing Guoba struggling in her arms, Xiangling quickly set him down. Seeing her old friend being manhandled by a little girl, Cloud Retainer huffed coldly.
"Little girl, don't celebrate too soon. My machine's dishes might not be worse than yours."
"Since we've chosen a winner between these two, it's time to taste my dishes."
Seeing Cloud Retainer so confident in her machine, Xiangling couldn't help but feel nervous. If she were truly defeated by a machine, wouldn't that mean years of training had been for nothing?