Tofu strands.
Shiitake mushroom strands.
Winter bamboo shoot strands.
Combined with delicate green vegetable strands, they formed a dish as visually stunning as it was flavorful.
As the silky tofu strands, infused with rich chicken broth, slid down Anne's throat, her taste buds were completely awakened. The subtle transition from light to intensely savory struck her like a jolt of electricity. A shiver ran down her spine, her body trembling slightly, and her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
Unable to resist, she grasped the ceramic bowl with both hands, forgetting any semblance of decorum. She slurped down the soup eagerly, savoring every drop.
The fresh and tender tofu strands melted in her mouth, each bite bursting with delicate umami. It was as if she had stepped into a dream—yet it was the most vivid, intoxicating reality she had ever experienced.
Across from her, Sonoka was frozen in disbelief.
She had spent years perfecting a high-class foie gras dish, hoping to impress this WGO first-class executive. Yet now, that same executive was utterly captivated by a simple bowl of classic tofu?
Zane, as calm as ever, explained, "The soup base is key. It has been simmered for over three years using premium chicken, then clarified three times to achieve its crystal-clear appearance. The shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and greens enhance the flavor, while the tofu strands, gently separated in the swirling broth, absorb the essence of the dish."
As Anne continued eating, she felt herself slipping into a dreamlike trance.
She was no longer in the tavern. Instead, she found herself standing in a secluded hot spring, surrounded by lush greenery. The warm steam curled around her body, washing away her fatigue. The soothing water massaged her skin, making her feel as if she were dissolving into pure tranquility.
The gentle murmur of the flowing spring deepened her relaxation, as though the dish itself was cleansing her very soul.
Classic Tofu: A True Culinary Art
The secret of classic tofu lay in the knife work, but its soul resided in the broth.
Anne had judged countless chefs, witnessed masterful techniques, and admired breathtaking performances. But in the end, refined knife skills alone were merely a spectacle—what truly mattered was how they enhanced the dish.
Zane understood this deeply. His technique was not for show; it was for perfecting the highest level of Huaiyang cuisine.
This bowl of classic tofu, seemingly simple, contained the distilled essence of its ingredients. The broth, painstakingly simmered, was rich yet clear. The tofu strands, cut with surgical precision, were delicate as silk yet resilient enough to hold their form.
It was a dish of pure, unadulterated flavor.
As Anne set down her empty bowl, she blinked in surprise.
"Gone already? When did I finish eating?"
Surpassing All Chefs
She stared at the empty bowl in front of her, unable to comprehend how deeply this dish had moved her.
"Why?" she murmured. "This dish uses only the most common ingredients—firm tofu, chicken breast, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and greens. And yet… every bite was unforgettable."
Anne had dined at the world's finest restaurants, met renowned chefs, and experienced countless dishes crafted to impress the WGO. Yet none had ever left an impression quite like this.
"So many chefs chase after fame and fortune," she said, her voice trembling. "They create elaborate dishes designed to dazzle, but in the end… they feel empty."
"But this…" She placed a hand over her chest, feeling her heart racing. "This dish was different. It didn't need extravagance. It was simply perfect."
Tears welled in her eyes. Before she knew it, she was crying.
"Lady Mana… I've finally found it!"
The realization hit her like a tidal wave. Amidst her sobs, one thought dominated her mind.
She had finally found a dish that could cure Mana Nakiri's anorexia.
For years, the WGO's top executives had traveled the world, searching relentlessly for a dish that could awaken Mana's appetite. They had visited the finest restaurants, tasted the most exquisite meals, and enlisted the most skilled chefs—but they had always returned empty-handed.
Yes, the curse of the God's Tongue was not so easily broken.
Anne had watched helplessly as Mana, once a pillar of culinary authority, grew weaker and thinner, surviving only on nutrient injections. The sight of her frail body haunted Anne daily, weighing heavily on her heart.
And now, in this humble tavern, she had found the answer.
A Chef Beyond the World's Standards
For high-end restaurants, many people hold deep-seated biases.
No chef can please everyone, and no dish can satisfy every palate.
The WGO had been founded to establish a universal standard—to judge food based on skill, quality, and craftsmanship rather than personal preference. While some chefs, like Zane, dismissed the organization's authority, there was no denying that the WGO remained the world's most respected culinary institution.
But even within the WGO, there was an unspoken truth.
The real purpose of the organization was not just to evaluate restaurants—it was to find a chef who could conquer the God's Tongue.
For years, they had searched.
For years, they had failed.
But now… had they finally found him?
Erina's Struggle
That night, the world outside was silent.
The sky stretched dark and endless, broken only by the occasional shooting star. The shimmering surface of the lake reflected the soft glow of the moon, creating a picture of quiet beauty.
In the tavern's kitchen, Erina Nakiri worked in solitude.
She carefully wrapped a shrimp dumpling, sealing the essence of its filling within two delicate layers of dumpling skin. Then, she placed it in the steamer, watching as the mist curled around it like a protective shroud.
As she removed the lid, a rich fragrance burst forth, enveloping the entire kitchen. Her golden eyes sparkled with anticipation, but… nothing miraculous happened.
Unlike Zane's dragon dumplings, which soared through the air in defiance of logic, her creation lay lifeless in the steamer.
"Ah!" Erina let out a frustrated sigh.
Still, she refused to give up. With keen eyes, she noticed something—the tail of the shrimp dragon twitched ever so slightly.
"Yes!" she whispered excitedly. "It's finally moving!"
Then… it drooped again.
"…Ugh."
Grumbling in frustration, she picked up her chopsticks and took a bite.
The dumpling was juicy, flavorful, and exquisitely wrapped. It was, by all accounts, perfect.
And yet…
"Every time, it's the same," she muttered. "I use the same ingredients. The same methods. But I can't replicate his dishes perfectly."
Despite her unparalleled talent, her God's Tongue, and her prestigious position in Totsuki Academy, she was falling behind.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't catch up to Zane.
For the first time in her life, Erina Nakiri was afraid.
Afraid that Zane wasn't just an extraordinary chef.
Afraid that he would shatter everything she had ever believed about cooking.
A Chef Above All Others
There existed a hierarchy in the culinary world.
Some ingredients were considered superior—imported meats, fine seafood, rare delicacies like black truffles and foie gras.
Certain cuisines were held in higher regard—French over English, gourmet over street food.
Even Anne, a first-class WGO executive, had once dismissed commoner cuisine.
And yet, this one bowl of classic tofu had obliterated all those preconceived notions.
Anne took a deep breath and looked up at Zane.
"Perhaps you already know my identity," she said, her voice steady. "But I'll tell you anyway—I am Anne, first-class executive of the WGO and personal secretary to Mana Nakiri."
She met his gaze.
"And Zane… this is the greatest dish I have ever eaten."