Many people, even with high-end ingredients, would find it difficult to cook such an excellent broth!
"How did you cook this soup? I remember there shouldn't be any ingredients in the convenience store that could elevate a soup to such a delicious level."
Rantobi asked curiously, looking at the convenience store behind her as she spoke. The fact that the other party used convenience store ingredients to make a state banquet was truly something she hadn't expected.
"That involves some secrets. All the ingredients I used are displayed there. The only one that could significantly enhance the umami is that bottle of XO scallop ham sauce. Fortunately, it's a genuine sauce; otherwise, it would be difficult to bring out the umami in such a short time."
Facing Rantobi's questions, Hoshino Sora was simply too lazy to explain. These methods of handling ingredients were common knowledge in the culinary world, but under the influence of magic, even ordinary ingredients could achieve the effects only high-grade ingredients typically possessed.
"However, your nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars is truly full of malice! Why not give one more dollar and let your buddy break four digits?"
Thinking of Rantobi's evaluation of him just now, Hoshino Sora said with considerable dissatisfaction, "Nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars—he wouldn't believe there wasn't some 'malicious fun' in it if you killed him!"
"Hmph! I'll give as much as I want! Ugh, step back, you're too close... Alright! One thousand dollars, one thousand dollars should be enough, right!"
Looking at the handsome face so close, Rantobi's heart suddenly quickened. A strange feeling arose from the depths of her heart. This... this was the feeling of being smitten!
Why, why would her heart beat faster for a stranger? Was it because he was handsome? No, she wasn't that kind of frivolous girl.
Various scenarios flashed through her mind, and Rantobi ultimately added one dollar, her face flushed. For that dish, even two thousand dollars would not be excessive!
But she didn't have much money, so she couldn't bleed out at a time like this!
"It seems I've won this competition, Tsukasa-senpai."
Holding a thick stack of dollars, Hoshino Sora approached Eishi Tsukasa in the corner of the convenience store, a smile on his face. Seeing the stack of money in his hand, which was much thicker than his own, Eishi Tsukasa's face showed a bitter smile.
"I really can't compare to you. I originally thought I had grown during this period..."
"No, Tsukasa-senpai has made great progress compared to before. I can see it in your cuisine. It's just that I've made even greater progress, which is why Tsukasa-senpai lost."
Eishi Tsukasa looked deeply at Hoshino Sora and said nothing. He had indeed made significant progress during this time, and he had been quite happy about it. But now, it seemed he had merely been a frog in a well.
"Boiled Cabbage? To be able to make high-quality Chinese state banquet-level cuisine from those cheap convenience store ingredients, you really have a knack for it, current Ten Elite First Seat."
Looking at the spirited Hoshino Sora on the screen, Saiba Asahi's face showed a sinister smile. If such formidable ability could be used by him, then his culinary skills would undoubtedly reach the next dimension from this one!
Time passed minute by minute.
Soon, Yukihira Soma received four hundred and three dollars, Tadokoro received three hundred and twenty-three dollars, Yumeko Jabami received five hundred and twelve dollars, Lei Yuhang received one hundred dollars, Lei Lingling also received one hundred dollars, and other passing chefs received various amounts of dollars. In between, Rantobi went to the ATM twice to withdraw more money.
Thus, the second assessment concluded.
——————
"All challengers defeated, no one passed the revival round. Thus, Erina Nakiri's first trial is complete."
On the other side, Erina Nakiri let out a long sigh of relief as the broadcast announcement sounded. Around her lay chefs who had been conquered by her cuisine, while she still stood proudly.
"Next, we will proceed with the revival round for those who failed the second gate."
The broadcast sounded, and the second door immediately opened. Countless chefs eliminated in the second round appeared before Erina Nakiri, each with a heavy expression on their face.
"Excellent, exactly what I wished for!"
The warm-up match was over, and Erina Nakiri now felt in perfect condition. Looking at the contestants who had failed the second round of assessment before her, the girl's face showed a fighting spirit!
With the blessing of Gourmet Cell, this amount of work was nothing to her. Fighting dozens of people at once was even less strenuous than cooking for one night at the Dimensional Restaurant.
So, let the battle begin!
——————
"Special Executive, I have a report to make.
Miss Erina Nakiri has completed the first stage of the trial and is currently undergoing the second stage..."
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