Chapter 14: The Threshold of the Cooking Contest

After breakfast, one man and one spirit set out.

First, they made a round in the Food Material Market and picked up a few good oxtails before arriving at the Starlight Restaurant.

The lunch service time hadn't started, Luo Hui noticed Qin Lang and quickly greeted him, "Little Qin, you're here early."

"I just went to the food market to get some produce this morning, so I came over early."

"Good." Luo Hui nodded approvingly, "It's always best to get produce in the morning, the earlier the fresher."

"I've prepared your bass." He pointed towards the kitchen and then lowered his voice, looking around, "When you steam the bass at lunch today, you must go all out."

"Uncle Luo Hui, don't worry, I always put my all into every dish." Qin Lang replied earnestly.

Me, Qin Lang, professional!

"The four food guests who have booked for lunch today include one special individual." Luo Hui explained, "That person is a Food Recommender, which I think is a great opportunity for you."

Qin Lang was slightly stunned.

This touched on his knowledge blind spot.

Having not yet become a Spirit Chef, there were things that he could only understand from experience, not just from reading.

"Uncle Luo Hui, could you elaborate?"

"No problem, service hasn't started yet, take a seat!" Luo Hui sat Qin Lang down and then looked at him seriously, "Little Qin, I think you're a Spirit Chef with a lot of talent in cooking."

"The fact that you're able to cook dishes like steamed bass is proof enough."

"You've just become a Spirit Chef, given time, you will definitely shine."

"So, you must be thinking about participating in cooking competitions, don't you?"

"Cooking competition?" Qin Lang nodded, "I am indeed interested."

The so-called cooking competition is actually a series of Food Fights against other contestants to gain honor.

Titles of honor for Spirit Chefs are earned through competitions.

The treatment varies greatly for Spirit Chefs with different titles.

Moreover, participating in cooking contests can also earn Star Power, which helps Food Spirits grow faster.

Qin Lang, who's interested in food fights, naturally wouldn't reject cooking contests.

"Given your current situation, you can only participate in City-level cooking competitions, and regarding higher-level competitions, you'll naturally get to know once you achieve a certain ranking in the city-level competitions."

Luo Hui took a sip of water and continued to explain, "The Dongxia City Cooking Competition is held every three months, and the nearest one is a week from now."

It's just a week left, good thing Uncle Luo Hui told me today.

Expectation welled up in Qin Lang's eyes.

"Can I register now?"

"No," Luo Hui shook his head, "There are certain requirements for entering the City-level Cooking Competition."

"This has to do with the Food Recommenders I mentioned earlier."

"There are three levels of Food Recommenders, from low to high they are First-Level, Second-Level, and Third-Level."

"Each Food Recommender has an exclusive Food Recommender Badge, which they award to the Spirit Chefs they approve of. Once you acquire three local First-level Food recommender badges, you can register for the City-level Cooking Competition."

"There are a total of eleven First-Level Food Recommenders in Dongxia City, their challenges are all different. I believe that you have the skills to earn the recognition of at least three of them."

Luo Hui, with a comforting tone, said, "But a week is a bit rushed, perhaps you might consider participating in the competition three months from now."

"I've digressed." He slapped his forehead, "The Food Recommender who's coming today has quite a reputation in Dongxia City, as he himself is also a reputed Spirit Chef who excels in cooking fish dishes."

"His name is Zhou Qing, he specializes in cooking fish dishes, and he likes to challenge Spirit Chefs with fish dishes."

"So if your steamed bass pleases him, it will be easier for you to get his Food Recommender Badge in the future."

A warmth welled up in Qin Lang's heart as he understood the intention behind Luo Hui's reminder.

"Thank you, Uncle Luo Hui."

"It's almost time to start the service. Go and get ready!" Luo Hui waved his hand.

"Ok!" Qin Lang nodded and headed to the kitchen.

Get three First-Level Food Recommender Badges in a week to participate in the City-level Cooking Competition?

"Dan Bao, do you want to participate in the cooking competition with me?"

"Gududu!"

Dan Bao's little yolk face wobbled up and down, its eyes shining with light.

After spending these two days cooperating with Qin Lang in cooking dishes, it had fully experienced the joy of cooking.

Moreover, participating in cooking contests will also grant Star Power.

"If that's the case, then we'll have to work hard." Qin Lang hugged Dan Bao, his face displayed confidence, "Three months might be a bit long, if possible, I'd like to participate in the cooking competition next week."

"So after tomorrow's Food Fight, we'll make time to visit the Food Recommenders in Dongxia City!"

"Gulululu!"

Dan Bao nodded in approval.

It had also heard Luo Hui's words.

To claim acquiring three badges in a week is rushed, Dan Bao was the first to disagree.

You have no idea about the skills of my Spirit Chef!

"Only need to cook four servings of steamed bass for lunch, it's pretty easy." Qin Lang pulled out the auxiliary ingredients and started planning the afternoon's tasks while talking, "Tomorrow is the Food Fight, so in the afternoon, let's return home and practice the dishes we've prepared."

"Gudululu!"

Hearing this, Dan Bao's eyes lit up.

The oxtail soup from yesterday left a deep impression, it wondered what kind of delicious food to expect for the afternoon.

Seeing Qin Lang place ginger, scallions, and other auxiliary ingredients on the table, Dan Bao knew it was time to lend a hand.

Ah, fresh and full!

…

"Mr. Zhou Qing, please come in."

"No need, I'm just an ordinary food guest." Zhou Qing waved his hand, found an empty seat, and sat down, "The steamed bass I ordered yesterday, and a bowl of rice, that's all."

"Wait a moment, please." Luo Hui nodded slightly and then quickly went into the kitchen.

"Mr. Zhou Qing is here. The next serving of steamed bass should be served by you." Entering the kitchen, Luo Hui reminded him.

Understanding that Luo Hui was giving him an opportunity to show off in front of the Food Recommender, Qin Lang didn't refuse, "I understand!"

With all the preparations done in advance, a serving of steamed bass would take no more than ten minutes.

Soon, Qin Lang carried the steaming hot steamed bass out of the kitchen.

"Mr. Zhou Qing, this young man, Qin Lang, is our hanging position chef here at the restaurant. He made the steamed bass." Luo Hui introduced with a smile and then signaled Qin Lang with his eyes.

Qin Lang got the hint, he put the plate in front of the old man, "Please enjoy, feel free to provide any feedback."

This was the last order for lunch, he stood to the side and quietly observed the old man.

White-haired, simple but wrinkle-free clothing, and barely any smile lines.

Such elderly people were often quite strict.

He didn't know what kind of evaluation this old man would give his dish.

Although he was a special class 1 chef in his previous life, Qin Lang would not look down on the people of this world. If the other party could provide constructive suggestions, he was willing to humbly accept.