"I lost. You are indeed very good," Zhang Baolong said awkwardly.
Xu Yuehua nodded. "We had a verbal agreement before. Boss Zhang said in advance that if I, Xu, lose, I will pack my bags and get out of the capital. If you, Boss Zhang, lose, well... I'm afraid you will also have to leave here and find a better job."
Zhang Baolong is a cancer in the industry; with him around, no one in the industry can make money.
As soon as Xu Yuehuai said this, the audience erupted in cheers, demonstrating their shared hatred of the enemy.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhang Baolong could not deny it and could only nod reluctantly, "I will abide by the agreement, but this is only the first round. I may not necessarily lose. If you are so capable, let's continue."
"Then I'll keep trying."
This knife skill is indeed just a preliminary attempt.
The second round was a test of steaming and boiling skills. The first round of eliminations was inhumane, and by the second round there were fewer than fifty contestants left. Guards had even taken away many of the cutting boards and pots.
Those who had lost stood below, filled with indignation, watching the stage.
Xu Yuehuai only looked at what was in front of her.
Ah Qi and the others cheered, encouraging Xu Yuehuai.
“Steaming and boiling also requires skill,” the old beggar said, looking at Wei Yixiao. Wei Yixiao nodded and stroked his beard, saying, “Don’t underestimate it. Take the broth, for example. The same chicken and beef bones can produce very different flavors when stewed.”
Everyone nodded.
Xu Yuehuai thought to herself: Today, let me achieve godhood in one battle.
Firstly, with a solid foundation, we can develop in the capital. Secondly, if we stand out today, we will surely make a name for ourselves. So let's use our most powerful move.
Everyone announced their dishes. Some said they were making "Dragon Tongue and Phoenix Tail Soup," while others said they were making "Steamed Buns." Everyone's dishes were different. When it was Xu Yuehuai's turn, he said, "I'm making steamed catfish."
The needlefish is a type of small yellow croaker. Because this fish lives in the area with the best water quality in the Yangtze River, it tastes very delicious, but it is extremely difficult to cook.
If you overcook it, the fish won't be tender.
This is something chefs have always feared, but Xu Yuehuai is going against the grain and is determined to try it today.
"Are you sure? Why don't you choose another one, something ordinary?"
"Ordinary?" Xu Yuehuai sneered. "Ordinary tasks are left to ordinary people. Someone like me naturally has to do the most difficult ones, otherwise how can I demonstrate my abilities?"
Seeing Xu Yuehuai like this, everyone was at a loss.
The competition began, and the course was about halfway through. Some people had already finished. Since it was soup and steamed food, it needed to be eaten while it was hot. This group of gourmets came over and scored each person's food on the spot.
Soon, the group arrived at Zhang Baolong's location.
Zhang Baolong made a soup, which is also the signature dish of Abaolou.
"This is the Eight Immortals Soup from my Abao Restaurant. Please enjoy."
Zhang Baolong sent over a porcelain spoon.
The group drew closer and began to taste it.
The so-called Eight Immortals Soup is made by stewing eight completely different kinds of mushrooms together in a specific order, with only a small amount of salt needed. It is a dish that is delicious, fragrant, and visually appealing.
He had soaked the mushrooms last night, so the dish made today is even more authentic and flavorful.
Everyone gave it a score of nine.
Everyone looked at Xu Yuehuai and realized that he hadn't stopped working yet, and time was running out. If he didn't finish his work within the allotted time, he would still be eliminated.
Just as Zhou Wan and the others were on tenterhooks, Xu Yuehuai glanced at Xiang beside her.
He immediately blew a breath into the fire pit, and in that instant, the flames inside were completely extinguished.
Come and see mine.
The Wensi Tofu they had just tasted was already incredible, and now that they were reminded of it, everyone hurriedly moved closer.
Xu Yuehuai gestured to Wei Yixiao to open the pot, and Wei Yixiao did not hesitate, lifting the lid with a whoosh.
All eyes were drawn to the inside, where three equally sized needlefish were seen on the grate.
The needlefish were all swimming around lifelike, but... that was just because they were cooked through; there was nothing surprising about it.
Zhang Baolong sneered and mocked, "Is that all? What's so great about that?"
"Isn't this... amazing?"
Xu Yuehuai pointed to the needlefish and began to introduce it to herself, "Every chef knows very well that needlefish has a lot of bones, which is the main reason why you all hesitate to try it. The dish I'm making now completely removes the bones while maintaining the appearance. This is the best I can do. Why don't you learn it and give it a try?"
"What a joke, a pipe dream."
The Demon Eater hit the nail on the head: "Everyone knows that the needlefish has an unbelievable number of bones. How can you possibly remove all of them?"
Why not?
Xu Yuehuai smiled and spread her hands, "Please enlighten me."
Everyone picked up their chopsticks and started eating. Not only were the fish bones gone, but even the fish brain was gone. The fish had turned into soft, glutinous tofu. Everyone looked at each other, puzzled.
Xu Yuehuai was still going to keep everyone in suspense.
Outside the carriage, Tie Xiong was also astonished, "It seems that the fish bones of that needlefish have really been removed. Your Highness, look, everyone is so surprised."
"These are all techniques."
Qi Guze seemed to know very well what Xu Yuehuai had done.
On stage, Wei Yixiao nodded approvingly, "Truly, the younger generation is formidable. This dish is quite impressive and is the grand finale of the day."
"I've eaten my way through the world," the beggar said, tears streaming down his face, "I've never tasted such delicious needlefish before, it's absolutely perfect."
"Incredibly wonderful."
The final four-word comment was "Demon Food Immortal".
Clearly, Xu Yuehuai has won once again.
Before the crowd could even cheer, Zhang Baolong approached her angrily, saying, "Miss Xu, you're cheating. How come the fish bones are gone? You're just trying to attract attention. I suspect you... prepared the fish beforehand; these fish are props."
"Say whatever you want, it's all fabricated charges. Hey, hey, hey, you're just trying to slander me because you're not as skilled as me, it's outrageous!" Xu Yuehuai was not afraid of this person at all.
Before Zhang Baolong could say anything more, Xu Yuehuai had already raised the pot lid for everyone to see.
Upon closer inspection, everyone discovered that there were actually three intact fish bones nailed under the pot lid.
The fish was complete, with its whiskers and tail intact, which was even more surprising.
"I see. Miss Xu is not only a superb cook, but also has novel and unique ideas. She is truly a role model for us all." It was Wei Yixiao who spoke.
Worried that the crowd hadn't understood, the old beggar explained, "So, Miss Xu nailed the fish to the pot lid and then let the steam cook it until it landed whole on the steamer rack. It's truly ingenious! I just don't know why Miss Xu's fish soup tastes so delicious?"
"That's it..."
Xu Yuehuai chuckled, "What's so hard to understand? I cooked some lamb bones, you can see for yourselves."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com