"The Special Grade Chef Examination isn't something you can pass just by ruining someone else's dish! Get rid of those petty thoughts and cook properly!"
Dylan shook his head as he watched the man, who had been sent flying and slammed hard against the wall, clutch his stomach, unable to get up for a long moment.
Every year, there were people like this who felt they had no hope of advancing and tried to sabotage the dishes of others.
Simply put, they were rotten themselves and couldn't stand to see others succeed, so they wanted to ruin the dishes of those likely to pass before they were eliminated.
Human nature is complex; people who are laughing with you one moment might stab you in the heart the next. Such instances have not been uncommon throughout history.
"Take him away!"
Witnessing such a blatant act of sabotaging another's dish, Ma Mei immediately instructed the security guards standing at the door.
"On what grounds?! He clearly ruined the dishes of two women earlier! Why wasn't he punished, but I am?! This is favoritism and fraud! I'm going to report you to the Guangchu Lian! Just you all wait!"
The man, his arms held by two guards, shouted indignantly, "This is discriminatory treatment! I'm going to report it to the Guangchu Lian!"
"He merely spoke to those two young women; he didn't actually interfere with their cooking. As a chef, if you give up or even flee in disarray just because someone says a few words to you, then you have absolutely no chance of becoming a Special Grade Chef!" Ma Mei declared with righteous indignation.
However, the truth was that her brother had asked her to look out for Dylan and to forgive him as long as he didn't commit any fundamental errors.
Initially, she had wondered what was so special about this young man for her brother, a Three-Star Special Chef, to show such concern.
That was until she witnessed him execute the stunningly powerful ultimate technique, the 'Raging Bull Blue Dragon Slash'.
One could only imagine this young man's potential!
"Dylan-senpai didn't ruin our dishes! He just pointed out our shortcomings!" Mokujichi Sonoka's breathless voice sounded from the doorway.
"I know my skills are insufficient, so I'll withdraw from this Special Grade Examination. But I'll still finish cooking my dish, as a way to properly conclude my participation in the exam!"
She had heard the argument from a distance, apparently concerning them, which made her quicken her pace to rush in and explain. Fortunately... she made it in time!
"See? The concerned parties themselves have no issue. You, however, genuinely intended to ruin a dish and indeed acted on it. Take him away!"
Hearing Mokujichi Sonoka's words, Ma Mei's confidence instantly solidified. She also understood what Dylan had said earlier – he was actually giving guidance?
How audacious!
This was the Special Grade Chef Examination; every chef's nerves were stretched taut. To offer guidance at such a time was undoubtedly messing with people's composure.
Normally, it wouldn't be surprising if he got beaten up for it. But, looking at the state of those two young women, they had clearly been persuaded by him.
Truly incredible!
This meant that Dylan's skills completely overwhelmed these two young women!
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to guide them and have them be thoroughly convinced!
"Finally made it back! What are you all gathered at the entrance for?"
Just then, Kakuzaki Taki also returned, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, carrying bags of ingredients in her hands.
It was clear that this time, Kakuzaki Taki had truly given her all.
"It's nothing. Hurry back to your cooking," Dylan said, shaking his head.
He turned his gaze to the braised beef in the pressure cooker. An hour had passed; it was time to take it out and reduce the sauce over high heat!
He poured the braised beef from the pressure cooker into the wok. With a flick and lift of his fingers, all the aromatics were picked out, leaving only the beef in the wok.
After such a long period of braising, the aroma of the beef was fully released!
Especially the sauce in the wok; its rich, reddish color was incredibly appetizing. He turned up the heat to reduce the sauce naturally, careful not to compromise its original flavor.
He took a clay pot, ladled the dish out, and poured it all in, then sprinkled a handful of chopped spring onions on top for color.
Thus, a pot of braised beef was complete.
Dylan looked up at Ma Mei.
"I'm done. The main ingredient is beef, and the theme is 'Eternal Vows of Love'. I call it: Inseparable Braised Beef!"
His steady voice resonated through the venue.
Because he was the first to enter and had used the high-tech pressure cooker, he had become the first person on site to complete his dish!
"What? He's finished already?! It's only been a little over an hour since the exam started! This competition is way too intense."
"Braised beef? It's braised beef? I remember he took those scraps. What does braised beef made from scraps even taste like?"
"Hmph! In such a short time, let's see what kind of dish you could possibly have cooked!"
As Dylan's words fell, the venue instantly filled with discussions about his dish. What would the braised beef, bubbling away under the lid in the clay pot, taste like?! Unanimously, this thought surfaced in everyone's mind.
"I'm finished too! Authentic, hand-pounded Chaozhou Beef Balls!"
Thirty seconds after Dylan finished speaking, another voice rang out. Many looked over and found that the one who had completed their dish was none other than 'Iron Arm' A Mu!
"According to the time order, I should taste Dylan's dish first, then yours."
Ma Mei glanced at 'Iron Arm' A Mu. It could only be said that his timing was unfortunate. If he had been half a minute earlier, or even a little later, it would have been different.
"Well then, let me unveil your mystery!"
Looking at the clay pot before her, which continuously emitted a rich aroma, Ma Mei couldn't help but swallow. She reached for the lid and lifted it.
In that instant...
"Gold?! Golden light! How is that possible! This is actually a dish of the glowing-level!"
"Impossible! Aren't only Five-Star Special Chefs capable of making glowing-level cuisine? How could a young brat like him make it?!"
"Fake, it's all fake! Is it an illusion? When did it happen?! I've fallen under an illusion, aaah!"
The moment the lid was opened, a dazzling golden light burst forth, illuminating the entire kitchen. Even those chefs who had been engrossed in their cooking, aiming for good results, looked over.
A glowing-level dish... had appeared at the Special Grade Chef Examination site?!
What kind of monster was this guy?! Why come here to compete with them for a Special Chef spot?
Wouldn't it be better to participate in competitions without rank restrictions and directly seize a Special Chef star rating?!
It was known that the annual Special Grade Chef Examination wasn't the only way to obtain Special Chef status. In large-scale competitions held by official organizations, as long as one demonstrated corresponding skill and achieved a certain ranking, they could directly obtain Special Chef status.
Of course, those with the ability to compete and win rankings were mostly not aiming for Special Chef status itself, but for stars.
There were two ways for a Special Grade Chef to increase their star rating. One was to engage in a Shokugeki with a Special Chef of the same star level, wagering their stars; winning would grant one of the opponent's stars. The other way was to participate in competitions.
"..."
Looking at the glowing-level dish before her, Ma Mei was also utterly shocked. She couldn't help but look up at Dylan, only to find him maintaining a calm demeanor throughout.
In other words, Dylan already knew he would make a glowing-level dish? This wasn't a sudden outperformance, but a consistent display of his ability?!
This was too exaggerated!
If you have this kind of skill, why the hell are you participating in the Special Grade Chef Examination?!
She herself was only a Two-Star Special Chef; how could she possibly evaluate the deliciousness of a glowing-level dish?! What qualifications did she have to judge a Five-Star Special Chef?!
"Don't just stand there stunned. Hurry up and taste it. Whether it's good or bad, whether it can pass this round, tell me the answer."
Dylan extended a hand, a faint, mischievous smile on his face.
And the pot of Inseparable Braised Beef, as if sensing his intent, its aroma transformed into invisible tendrils, madly coiling around her body, creeping up her clothes until they drilled into her nostrils...
She picked up her chopsticks and took a piece.
The braised beef was still practically dancing in the clay pot, as vibrant as if it were alive. Beneath it, bubbles were forming with a "gurgle-sizzle-pop" sound due to the immense heat retained within the beef.
Without hesitation, Ma Mei lightly parted her lips and put the translucent beef tendon and meat into her mouth. Then she closed her eyes. A complex aroma exploded in her mouth, making her involuntarily clench her thighs.
"The beef melts in your mouth, the meat is tender and soft yet retains a satisfying chewiness. The perfect fusion of spices and beef makes one feel as if they're experiencing a journey of flavors while tasting it, from the initial freshness to the rich middle notes, and then to the long, lingering aftertaste..."
Her lips and tongue collided with the beef tendon and meat, bringing a strong and steady, wonderful impact that made Ma Mei's legs tremble uncontrollably. That continuous impact was truly making it difficult for her to maintain composure.
In a daze...
A vast, boundless grassland appeared before her eyes. Golden sunlight sprinkled onto the soft grass, reflecting a dazzling brilliance.
In the distance, a herd of robust cattle grazed leisurely, their hides gleaming warmly in the sun, as if every strand of hair contained the power of nature and the vitality of life.
She was lying in the midst of the herd, enjoying the sun, enjoying the grass, looking completely carefree.
Suddenly, the cattle stood up, walking on two legs. Their hooves, at some unknown point, now held leather whips, which they continuously lashed towards her body.
Hot, fierce, the force neither too light nor too heavy, just enough to arouse the deepest desires within her. She even proactively moved closer, indulging wantonly.
"Hehe, hehehe."
Her face filled with contentment, Ma Mei let out strange sounds. A few seconds later, she came to her senses. Just as she was about to continue her evaluation, her hand, moving on its own, had already picked up another large piece of beef.
At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.
In just a few dozen seconds, more than half of the beef before her was gone. When the stout elder arrived, he saw Ma Mei with an expression as greedy as a wolf's.
"This... What terrifying cuisine is this!"
The stout elder muttered to himself. Under the gazes of all the chefs, he approached Ma Mei's side and also picked up a piece of braised beef with his chopsticks.
The extremely abundant collagen delivered an exceptionally wonderful texture. The stout elder raised his eyebrows and opened his eyes.
So much tendon and meat, all braised to flavorful perfection, yet not the slightest bit greasy?! He could devour five large bowls of rice with this!
"What an outstanding creation! So let me ask you, Dylan, how does this Inseparable Braised Beef of yours embody the theme of 'Eternal Vows of Love'?"
Before long, the two of them had eaten every last bit of the braised beef in the clay pot, not even willing to let a drop of the sauce go to waste! This was the true charm of glowing cuisine!
Not even a drop of sauce, a drop of liquid, would one want to waste; the desire was to eat it all, clean to the last bit!
"In my braised beef, the texture of the meat gradually becomes 'inseparable like glue and lacquer' during the braising process."
"This stickiness isn't just a physical change; it's an emotional metaphor. It symbolizes the unbreakable, tightly connected emotional bond between lovers, which remains tenacious no matter how time flows."
"This stickiness, when tasted, allows one to feel that deep and lasting love, as indestructible as vows sworn by the sea and mountains!"
Seeing the cleanly devoured braised beef, the corners of Dylan's mouth turned up. He knew in his heart this was a sure win. Next up was the classic storytelling segment!
"And the length of the braising time is the best interpretation of the depth and purity of this love."
"In this process, every minute, every second is crucial! They are not just the passage of time, but the accumulation and sublimation of emotions."
"Just like the eternal vows between lovers, which need the test and tempering of time to become firmer and deeper. This braised beef is the same; it needs a long and meticulous braising process to allow the beef, spices, and seasonings to fully integrate, achieving a state of extremely harmonious perfection."
After speaking, Dylan looked directly at the two. The stout elder and Ma Mei nodded repeatedly. Savoring the flavor carefully, they could indeed feel his dedication.
But then again, how could one make glowing cuisine without dedication?!
Ultimately, this inquiry was merely a formality. Whether he could pass, with this glowing-level dish, everyone already knew the answer in their hearts.
Dong~
"Freelance Chef Dylan, Qualified!"
Exchanging a glance, Ma Mei and the stout elder nodded to each other.
Then, the crisp sound of a gong rang out, and a resonant voice emanated from the stout elder's mouth, spreading throughout the competition site, making everyone's heart tremble.
"I didn't expect a qualifier to appear so quickly, truly impressive!"
"Are you kidding? It's glowing-level cuisine! A dish only Five-Star Special Chefs can cook! Even in Guangzhou, that's the absolute top tier of chefs!"
"Too incredible! He doesn't even look like he's 20 yet!"
"Aah, why is there someone like this participating in the Special Grade Chef Examination this year?! They all said the Guangzhou Special Grade Examination is highly prestigious, but no one told me it was this high!"
Watching Dylan pass the examination in just over an hour, the venue erupted in intense discussion. Everyone looked at him with envious eyes.
To create glowing cuisine at such a young age, if he were to advance further in the future, he would become a paramount, titan-level figure in the culinary world!
"To actually make glowing cuisine in the Special Grade Examination... this kid, his future is truly limitless!"
"Coupled with the Superpowered individuals appearing in places like Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xiamen, the culinary world is about to become lively again! A new golden age is about to unfold!"
Thinking of the 'Raging Bull Blue Dragon Slash' Dylan had used earlier, the stout elder had guessed then that this fellow was no ordinary person. But he hadn't expected him to be capable of making glowing-level cuisine!
Even if it was a fluke, that was still the level of a Three-Star Special Chef. And if it wasn't a fluke, then this guy was truly terrifying!
Five-Star Special Chefs, there were no more than 100 in all of China, scattered across the vast land, virtually impossible to encounter on a daily basis!
"Next, we will taste the Chaozhou Beef Balls from Chaoweifang's A Mu!"
Ma Mei reluctantly tore her gaze away from the clay pot and walked over to 'Iron Arm' A Mu's Chaozhou Beef Balls, her mind still preoccupied with the taste of the braised beef.
One had to know, even though she was a Two-Star Special Chef, she had only managed to create one glowing-level dish to date.
Her brother was slightly better; he could stably produce two or three a month, and each time he would call her over to taste them.
And every time, she would drop everything she was doing and rush over non-stop, just to experience the taste of glowing cuisine! To gain insights from it.
However, neither her nor her brother's glowing-level dishes could match the quality of the one before her.
Even among glowing dishes, there were differences in quality! The most obvious distinction was the extent of its radiance.
A dish like Dylan's, capable of illuminating an entire room, was undoubtedly top-tier even among glowing cuisine!
Damn it! She was sick of these days, being inferior to the old and outdone by the young!
"The texture is springy and firm, the meat delicate and smooth. With one bite, the juices explode in your mouth! Truly remarkable!"
Tasting Chaoweifang A Mu's dish, the stout elder nodded as he spoke. Because it was hot, his voice was a little distorted.
"The flavor is fresh, mellow, and rich, fragrant but not greasy. Because not many spices were used, the original flavor is particularly prominent. Truly authentic Chaozhou Beef Balls!"
Hearing the stout elder's voice, Ma Mei quickly readjusted her state and re-entered judging mode, evaluating with a serious demeanor.
"So, A Mu of Chaoweifang, how does your dish embody 'Oaths of Mountain and Sea'?" The stout elder put down his chopsticks, looking at 'Iron Arm' A Mu with a serious expression. Once the dish's flavor was deemed qualified, as long as the given reasoning wasn't too far-fetched, he could be passed!
"My dish, through relentless pounding and tempering, has made the meat more firm and springy. This persistence and pursuit of quality are like the steadfastness and unyielding nature of a mountain, symbolizing the firmness and reliability of a promise. Like a mountain vow, once made, it never changes."
"The broth within the beef balls bursts forth upon biting, rich and delicious. Every mouthful is an ultimate temptation for the taste buds, leaving an endless aftertaste. This persistence and depth of flavor are like an oath sworn by the sea; even as years pass, that deep affection and promise remain ever new. Combining these two creates 'Oaths of Mountain and Sea'!"
Astonishing! It was hard to imagine that the rough-looking A Mu could utter such delicate words! Ma Mei gave him a surprised look, then nodded.
Dong~
"A Mu of Chaoweifang, Qualified!"
The gong sounded, and Ma Mei loudly announced his passing of the examination. The second spot was taken.
Seeing this, the chefs on site showed expressions of urgency. They no longer had the mind to pay attention to others, silently accelerating their cooking progress.
The atmosphere, once again, became tense and oppressive!
________
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