Chapter 43: Food Spirits and Thoughts

Just as Yun Xuan’s deal was finalized, Chidao Mingyin tactfully spoke up.

“This year’s Battle for the Title of Gourmet Spirit ends here. Now, Dean Sanjo Uekawa, please announce the winner of the Gourmet Spirit title.” She glanced at Yun Xuan and winked at him.

Sanjo Uekawa stood up and walked to the judges’ podium, first offering high praise for all the dishes. To be honest, Yun Xuan was still a bit nervous—there might be no penalty for losing, but the reward for victory was the coveted Senior Chef title.

“This time, the winner of the Gourmet Spirit title is… Yun Xuan!” Sanjo Uekawa announced with a smile, sweeping his gaze over the other four contestants.

They seemed to have anticipated the result; none appeared disappointed. Instead, each shook Yun Xuan’s hand in turn.

The entire audience rose to their feet, applauding as Sanjo Uekawa produced a gold medal and placed it around Yun Xuan’s neck. Engraved with a large “Gourmet” character, the medal was solid gold.

The million-yuan prize couldn’t be handed over on the spot, but Yun Xuan didn’t mind. He raised his hands high and waved to Yun Xue and the others.

In the stands, Nangong Xiaoxiao finished the final stroke of her writing as she watched Yun Xuan.

“What an interesting subject—an interview with him would be perfect,” she murmured softly to herself.

…

With the Gourmet Spirit Competition concluded, Yun Xuan, along with the last dish—the Golden River Crab Balls—was escorted away by a group of wealthy culinary academy patrons and Sanjo Uekawa.

Uekawa Furukawa left with the pot of soup; Yun Xuan merely smiled. Two million was easily earned, and though the businessmen pleaded for him to make the Golden River Crab Balls again, Yun Xuan politely declined, explaining that the powder and medicinal ingredients required careful preparation and that, having been so exhausted these days, it was almost impossible to replicate on short notice.

The wealthy patrons were disappointed, but out of respect for Yun Xuan’s status as a three-star chef, they pressed no further. Each left him a business card, promising to support his restaurant if he ever opened one.

Yun Xuan thanked them and said he would consider it, then left the reception room.

At a small restaurant, Yun Xuan made a meal of cold noodles for his friends, guiding Ye Shan Yuanting through the process.

Watching Ye Shan Yuanting’s focused expression, Yun Xuan was suddenly struck by an idea.

“Ye Shan, do you want to become a three-star chef?” Yun Xuan asked.

“Huh?” Ye Shan Yuanting looked up, slightly startled.

“You can stay at the Culinary Academy, work hard before graduation to reach two stars, and hone your skills. Or, you can come with me back to China—I’m planning to open a restaurant where every dish will be original creations,” Yun Xuan said seriously.

“You… you’d teach me?” Ye Shan Yuanting’s eyes widened with delight.

“Yes, I can make you a three-star chef within three years, if you’re willing to learn. Once I return to the Chinese Culinary Management Association, I’ll take the four-star chef exam,” Yun Xuan replied with a smile.

“I… I want to go to China with you!” Ye Shan Yuanting thought for a moment, and, remembering Sanjo Himetsuki, felt a pang in his heart.

“One day, you’ll be glad you made this choice,” Yun Xuan said, extending his hand.

“I hope so,” Ye Shan Yuanting replied, shaking his hand.

The Gourmet Spirit title and the three-star chef status were reason enough for Ye Shan Yuanting to call Yun Xuan his master. To study under Yun Xuan was already more than he’d hoped for.

After leaving Ye Shan Yuanting’s little restaurant, Yun Xuan left him 100,000 yuan, telling him to call once he was ready to leave.

This time, not counting the Eight Treasures Porridge and Golden River Crab Balls, Yun Xuan had earned a total of 16 million. After deducting a ten percent handling fee, 14.4 million remained.

Yun Xuan gave four million to Yun Xun’er, and told her of his plan to open a restaurant with the remaining ten million.

Yun Xun’er agreed, only reminding Yun Xuan to rest more and not overexert himself.

For ordinary people like them, 14 million was enough to live on for a lifetime.

“There’s still 400,000 left. Xue’er, Xun’er, Qin Yue, Nangong, and Qingyu, I want to buy each of you a gift. Let’s head to the department store—let’s go!” Yun Xuan said, leading the way as the five followed after him.

…

Over the next few days, Yun Xuan and Lin Qingyu traveled to his hometown, touring famous sights and scenic spots with the girls. They enjoyed themselves thoroughly, spending less than 50,000 yuan thanks to everyone’s restraint.

At night, in a high-rise hotel suite—

“Yun Xuan, it really wasn’t easy to get you here. Have you been enjoying yourself these past days?” Kryst muttered with a meaningful smile as she ate her steak.

“It’s been nice, except for all the people trying to chat me up,” Yun Xuan replied honestly, recalling the discomfort he’d felt at the beach every time someone approached him.

“Hahaha, truly a man who eats from one bowl and eyes the next.” Kryst’s laughter was anything but ladylike.

“Yun Xuan, about the cooperation on the Eight Treasures Porridge and Golden River Crab Balls…” Dongfang Aoxue began.

Sitting stiffly beside her, Sanjo Himetsuki looked up at Yun Xuan.

Indeed, the three women represented three parties here to negotiate with Yun Xuan.

“Miss Dongfang, you really aren’t very charming. But you look beautiful tonight.” Yun Xuan glanced at her purple evening gown.

“Thank you for the compliment,” Dongfang Aoxue replied coolly, placing an authorization contract in front of him.

“Yun Xuan, this is the Culinary Academy’s contract,” Sanjo Himetsuki blushed deeply, placing the document before him as well.

Also dressed in a purple gown, Sanjo Himetsuki looked uncomfortable. If not for Sanjo Uekawa’s orders, she would never have come.

“Miss Sanjo is quite adorable,” Yun Xuan said as he signed the academy’s agreement, authorizing Eight Treasures Porridge for sale at one million yuan.

“Here’s my contract. Yun Xuan, you’ll be making ten million a year from me. When I visit China, you must treat me well,” Kryst said with a smile, dabbing at her lips.

“Of course, if you come,” Yun Xuan replied, signing her contract.

“And mine?” Dongfang Aoxue frowned, her tone icy.

“Miss Dongfang, if this were a negotiation table, I’d toss your contract in the trash. Five hundred thousand a year for both Eight Treasures Porridge and Golden River Crab Balls? I’ll offer you half a million if you can cook something to rival the crab balls,” Yun Xuan said with a sigh, looking at the contract.

He couldn’t tell if it was Dongfang Aoxue’s explanation or her family’s lack of faith—how could Golden River Crab Balls be worth only three hundred thousand? What a joke.

Uekawa Furukawa had paid a million for just one!

“You’re… not satisfied?” Dongfang Aoxue asked, puzzled. She had little concept of money.

“The Golden River Crab Balls aren’t for sale. The other two didn’t get the rights to sell them either. Eight Treasures Porridge, two million a year—I’ll discuss it with your family head,” Yun Xuan said, raising his hand to cut her off.

“Fine,” Dongfang Aoxue said, rising to leave. She cared nothing for table manners.

“I’ll go as well, Yun Xuan. Goodbye,” Sanjo Himetsuki said, bowing before departing.

“I should be going too, Yun Xuan,” Kryst said, shaking his hand before leaving.

“One million eight hundred and fifty thousand a year—this will do.” Watching the three women go, Yun Xuan picked up the cola on the table and drained it in a single gulp.

“Check, please,” Yun Xuan said, setting down the glass.