"Hisako, how can you be so useless? You couldn't even beat Megumi, losing in the semi-finals. I don't want a useless secretary like you!"
"Useless thing."
"Hurry up and leave Master Dylan's side. Don't embarrass him."
"I don't have a friend this weak."
"A waste of resources."
"......"
"Hisako, you've disappointed me so much."
"No!"
Hisako Arato's eyes flew open, her hand shooting out in front of her. Her chest heaved violently, her breathing was rapid, and her face was a little pale.
She had a very long dream. In it, she was despised by Erina Nakiri and looked down upon by everyone around Dylan because she had lost the match.
And the moment she awoke, she was met with Dylan's disappointed eyes, which was more than she could bear, jolting her awake from the nightmare.
"Huu…"
Her frantic, nervous breathing gradually calmed. Hisako Arato wiped the non-existent cold sweat from her forehead, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
Even though she knew everything in the dream was fake, she couldn't help but overthink it. If something like that were to happen, it would be too terrifying!
Getting out of bed barefoot, she went to the bathroom, washed her face with cool water, brushed her teeth, and relieved herself. Then, after changing into comfortable casual clothes, Hisako Arato left her home.
Outside, the sun was warm and a gentle breeze was blowing. The direction she headed was Dylan's house; she was going there to learn cooking, which was part of her daily life.
Although she hadn't been able to seek Dylan's guidance for some time due to the Summer Selection, and a while had passed since her last visit.
But now that she had lost the match, the Summer Selection was completely behind her. She had regained her freedom, so it was only natural to go over as usual.
"Hisako, you're here quite early."
Coincidentally, Hisako Arato ran into Dylan before reaching her destination. He was carrying large and small bags of ingredients, heading home.
"I went to bed early last night and woke up naturally today feeling full of energy, so I came over a bit earlier."
Hisako Arato appeared well-behaved. Looking at the handsome young man before her, she spoke while taking some of the grocery bags from his hands to share the load.
"Then come with me. I haven't made breakfast yet. Your dish from yesterday was quite good; we can have it as dessert for everyone later."
Dylan and Hisako Arato walked steadily side-by-side, chatting casually.
"Mm, it's a shame I was utterly defeated. I didn't even have a chance to fight back. It was a pretty ugly loss, wasn't it?"
Hearing Dylan bring up her dish from yesterday, Hisako Arato couldn't help but lower her head, looking somewhat dejected. She then looked up and asked probingly.
"With the dish you made yesterday, losing was actually quite normal.
You rely a bit too much on the ingredients. While ingredients are certainly a bonus, isn't the role of us chefs to turn various materials into delicious food?
If you blindly pursue high-grade ingredients, trying only to bring out their original flavor, you'll just end up going down a rabbit hole and be bitten back by the ingredients themselves."
Hearing Hisako Arato's regretful words and thinking of the dish she had presented yesterday, Dylan replied after a moment of thought.
Pursuing high-grade ingredients isn't wrong, but one shouldn't do it blindly. A chef's role is to draw out the deliciousness of ingredients and combine them with others to create an effect where one plus one is greater than two.
Hisako Arato used numerous ingredients to push the flavor of taro to its extreme. This is a very difficult path, and she misjudged her own abilities.
Wanting to push the flavor of a single ingredient to its peak is much harder than making one plus one greater than two. Her ambition outstripping her skill was the key to her failure.
"Easily bitten back…?"
Hisako Arato murmured under her breath, a certain obscurity in her eyes. She bit her lower lip slightly, an expression of someone unwilling yet forced to believe.
"What you need to do now is continue to solidify your foundation. The foundation is a chef's roots. Only when the roots are deep enough will you have the strength to go far."
Looking at the girl's expression, Dylan patted her on the head.
This girl is just too ambitious, trying to run before she can even walk. To push the flavor of a single ingredient to its ultimate state requires at least a Three-Star Special Grade level; otherwise, it's just a joke.
Low-level chefs don't have a sufficient understanding of ingredients; it's a matter of experience. Only a chef who has accumulated enough experience can consider making such variations.
"The method that best brings out the original flavor of an ingredient is actually braising. Since we have the chance, let me show you how to fully express an ingredient's deliciousness."
"Okay! I'll listen carefully."
Feeling the warm, large hand on her head, Hisako Arato's face flushed slightly. After hearing Dylan's words, she nodded seriously, indicating that she would learn well.
Dylan's house, the kitchen.
"What I'm making is different from typical braised dishes. It mainly uses the white braising method from the Guangdong and Guangxi regions. This braising method is often used for White Cut Chicken and White Cut Squab, as it can make their flavor more fragrant and rich."
Looking at the prepared ingredients before him, Dylan nodded to himself internally. Before cooking, he gave Hisako Arato a simple introduction to the function of white braising.
This master stock can maximize the ingredient's original fragrance, color, and taste, making it the best choice for pushing a dish's flavor to the extreme.
"When using the white braising method, the first and most important step is selecting the product. You need to choose top-quality ingredients. Only with high quality can you achieve a high ceiling."
At this moment, only the two of them were in the kitchen.
Because they had been up so late yesterday, Alice Nakiri was still lazing in bed, unwilling to get up.
"Mm-hm."
Listening to Dylan's words, Hisako Arato nodded, quickly taking notes in her notebook.
"Here's a leftover pig's ear from yesterday. The other ingredients aren't very suitable for braising, so today's lesson will use this as an example."
Looking at the remaining ingredients in the refrigerator, Dylan took out a pig's ear. He then picked up a blowtorch and burned off all the fine hairs on the ear's surface.
It's necessary to control the heat here, to prevent its surface from turning yellow or black, which would affect the presentation and defeat the purpose of white braising.
"Taking the pig's ear as an example, its gamy taste mainly comes from the layer of grime on the surface of the pigskin, and secondly from the hair follicles and sweat glands.
As for how to handle it, I've taught you before. After scorching it, use a small knife to scrape the grime clean. Then, place it in a basin, add a little salt and white vinegar, and rub it evenly to marinate for ten to twenty minutes.
Do you know why we add salt and white vinegar?"
While processing the ingredient before him, he questioned Hisako Arato, who was diligently taking notes beside him, to test if she had truly absorbed the lesson.
"Is it to use the strong acidity of the salt and vinegar to corrode the surface of the pig's ear, thereby removing the gamy smell?"
The sudden question made Hisako Arato pause for a moment. She then lowered her head to think. Half a minute later, she looked up and asked tentatively.
"Don't use a questioning tone. The answer is correct, you can be more assertive."
Reaching out to tap Hisako Arato on the head, Dylan continued processing the ingredient and asked, "Besides removing the gamy taste, what other function does it have?"
"It can make its color whiter!"
Watching the pig's ear in Dylan's hands rapidly turn white under his rubbing, as if a flash of inspiration struck her mind, Hisako Arato exclaimed.
"Smart. The salt and white vinegar can whiten its color. This is because the surface of the pigskin is corroded, and this also constitutes the 'color' aspect of this dish."
Dylan nodded, then rinsed the pig's ear with clean water. By now, the ear had become pristine white, its surface free of any gaminess.
He took an iron basin and placed it on the cooking station, adding an appropriate amount of clear water, followed by salt and a deodorizing powder.
The so-called deodorizing powder was something Dylan had concocted long ago, using spices like star anise, galangal, Angelica dahurica, Sichuan pepper, cao guo, white cardamom, white pepper, and lesser galangal.
He shredded an onion, sliced some old ginger, and crushed scallions to extract their juice. Then he added high-proof white liquor and cooking wine, mixed it all evenly, and added the pig's ear. Finally, he covered it to marinate for an hour to infuse the flavor.
Washing his hands with clean water, Dylan turned his gaze to Hisako Arato, who was writing furiously in her notebook. He couldn't help but frown slightly and then asked:
"Don't just take notes. Tell me, what roles do the ingredients I added play? These are all key to unlocking the deliciousness of the pig's ear."
"Let me think… Onions are rich in sulfides, which have a strong smell and can effectively neutralize the gamy flavors in ingredients.
In addition, the sweetness and aroma of onions can enhance the overall flavor of the food.
Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and zingerone, which have a strong spicy taste and aroma that can remove gamy and other unpleasant smells from ingredients. Ginger also has the effect of warming the stomach, dispelling cold, detoxifying, and sterilizing, which can improve the texture and safety of the food…"
Hearing Dylan's question and looking at the ingredients in the iron basin, Hisako Arato thought for a moment and then began to speak fluently.
She was already an expert in this area and had read plenty of medicinal cuisine books in her spare time.
These ingredients were both spices and medicinal herbs, so describing them was well within her comfort zone. Dylan listened, nodding continuously, his eyes full of appreciation.
"That's right. These ingredients release their flavors into the water, merge, and during the resting process, they all concentrate into the pig's ear.
This procedure enhances its taste and highlights its original flavor. That's the purpose of marinating.
While we wait, let's make breakfast."
"I'll help."
As Dylan spoke, he set up another stove and started making breakfast. Seeing this, Hisako Arato immediately helped out, picking up a clay pot and beginning to cook lean pork congee.
It was now 7:30 in the morning. If all went as expected, everyone should arrive around 8:00, which meant there was half an hour of cooking time.
As he was thinking this, there was a sound from the entrance. Dylan peeked out and saw that it was Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki, who were taking off their shoes in the entryway.
Dylan's gaze fell upon them just as they were steadying themselves against the wall, slipping off their small leather shoes to reveal feet clad in black silk stockings, exuding a unique allure.
"Master Dylan, we're here."
Seeing Dylan's face peeking out, Yūki Yoshino and Ryōko Sakaki finished changing into slippers and immediately came over, standing before him with beaming smiles.
"Eh, Hisako is here so early? I thought we were already early enough."
"Good morning, Hisako!"
"I woke up early today, so I came over first. Good morning, Yūki."
Seeing the busy Hisako Arato in the kitchen, Ryōko Sakaki was a bit surprised, while Yūki Yoshino greeted her energetically.
Afterward, the two went to their respective stoves in the kitchen and began making breakfast with the available ingredients. One dish per person—this was their daily routine.
Usually, whoever arrived first would prepare breakfast, and the breakfast they prepared would receive Dylan's critique, which was, in a way, a perk for the diligent.
As time passed, more people arrived at the house. Some chose to help cook in the kitchen, hoping for Dylan's evaluation, while others sat in the living room with their feet up, watching TV and enjoying a moment of leisure.
For a moment, beautiful legs were strewn about, a stunningly lovely scene. Dylan secretly swallowed, pretending to be nonchalant as he sat down in the middle of the group.
And by some coincidence, this time he sat next to Ikumi Mito and Miyoko Hojo.
At this moment, one was wearing a cheongsam, the other a Western cowgirl-style hot-girl outfit. Both were barefoot with their legs propped up, but they immediately put their feet down upon seeing Dylan arrive.
"Thump, thump."
From the corner of their eyes, they could see the side of Dylan's face and even hear his breathing, which made their hearts accelerate violently.
"What's wrong with you two? Are you nervous?"
Sensing the tension from the two beside him, Dylan was a little puzzled.
As he spoke, he reached out and poked their legs. The young girls' legs were full of elasticity, and their wheat-colored skin signified health.
"No… why would I be nervous."
"I'm fine. The weather is really nice today, isn't it?"
A cool sensation touched their thighs. Ikumi Mito and Miyoko Hojo sat bolt upright, and Dylan's expression became playful.
"Indeed. Not a cloud in the sky today, and the sun is warm. It is nice weather."
Dylan nodded, then leaned back on the sofa and opened his arms, placing them right where the two could lean back and rest their heads if they did so.
Noticing this, Miyoko Hojo and Ikumi Mito sat even more rigidly. Their personalities were quite similar; both tended to be on the more serious side.
Faced with his sudden action, their brains overloaded for a moment. Getting up felt wrong, but not getting up also felt wrong. They could only sit there primly.
"Lean back. Sitting like that, I feel tired just looking at you."
Intending to make their relationship a bit more intimate, Dylan raised his hand and patted the top of the sofa, inviting them to lean against his arms and create some physical contact.
"Mm."
"Okay."
Although they were a bit stunned by his sudden words, neither Ikumi Mito nor Miyoko Hojo refused.
Feeling the faint warmth behind them—Dylan's arm—the two mustered their courage and leaned their heads back against it. It was soft, warm, and felt nice.
As for Dylan, he only felt silky hair brush against the crook of his arm, bringing waves of warmth. His arm, which was originally resting on the back of the sofa, naturally fell, coming just a step away from the girls' proud assets.
He didn't deliberately touch them, simply turning his attention to the TV in front of him, watching the anime playing on it with a completely unconcerned expression.
And Ikumi Mito and Miyoko Hojo? They were a bit nervous at first, but as time passed, they realized Dylan's attention wasn't on them, and their bodies began to relax.
The others noticed this scene, their expressions varying.
Especially Erina Nakiri. Although she was grinding her teeth at Dylan in her mind, thinking he was a bit too much of a flirt, her face remained as placid as still water.
But eventually, she really couldn't watch anymore and didn't want to stay in the living room, so she got up and went to the kitchen to help Hisako Arato with the cooking.
About ten minutes later, the girls brought breakfast to the living room. Dylan got up from the sofa and went to the bedroom, leaving behind the two girls who were gazing reluctantly at his back.
"Time to get up, little sleepyhead."
Looking at Alice Nakiri sleeping sprawled out on the bed, devoid of any ladylike image, Dylan sat down on the edge of the bed and called her to wake up in a gentle voice.
"Mmm… let me sleep a little longer. Five minutes, just five more minutes!"
Deep exhaustion shrouded the girl's eyelids. Although she heard Dylan's call and her eyelids twitched, they ultimately didn't open.
"Everyone is waiting for you to eat. Be good."
It was the same gentle call, but this time Alice Nakiri sat up directly. After all, if she resisted getting up too many times, she might face a severe punishment.
If it were just her and Dylan at home, such a punishment would be one thing, but with Erina and the others outside, she really couldn't afford to lose face like that.
"Then you help me get dressed. I'll laze around a little longer. I'll get up after I'm changed…"
"Arms up."
Looking at Alice, whose eyes were still closed as she held out her arms waiting for help, Dylan very skillfully helped her put on her clothes and fastened her bra clasp.
"You don't have to carry me out. I can go myself."
Shortly after, once her clothes were on, Alice Nakiri's eyes snapped open, stopping Dylan who was about to give her a princess carry. Her cheeks were slightly red.
"Shy now, are we? Too late."
Feeling the push against his chest, Dylan chuckled. Alice Nakiri struggled with a slightly flushed face, trying to get out of his arms, but Dylan gave her no chance, carrying her into the living room where everyone's eyes turned to them.
"So old and still needs to be carried out of bed. Shameless."
Seeing this, Erina Nakiri, who was just bringing out the steamed eggs with crab roe from the kitchen, couldn't help but mutter under her breath, a hint of envy in her eyes that even she didn't notice.
It wasn't that she wanted Dylan to carry her, but she was very envious that Alice had someone who would unconditionally indulge her.
"Lady Erina, please sit down. I'll take care of the rest."
"Alright, then you hurry over after you're done. I've saved a spot for you."
It seems she has a loyal attendant of her own.
Watching Hisako Arato proactively pull out a chair for her and only leave to serve the food after she was seated, Erina Nakiri's heart was filled with a faint warmth.
Breakfast began and ended in this atmosphere. After about a half-hour rest, everyone gathered in the kitchen once again.
"Today's theme is braised dishes. The deadline is tonight. I will be scoring you, and the one ranked last will receive a severe punishment!"
Looking at the girls coming and going in the kitchen, Dylan suddenly felt they had become a bit too comfortable. So he clapped his hands, drawing their attention, and announced today's task.
"Yes!"
"Okay, I understand."
"Is it a competition? I'm feeling fired up!"
Hearing that there was going to be a competition, everyone in the room became excited. They had long been looking forward to this day, a chance to compete and see who was best right here in their own kitchen!
______
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