Check out my new translation!
=====
"Welcome everyone to the finals of this year's Liyue 'Masterful Chefs Tournament.' I am Yanfei, invited by the organizing committee to serve as both the notary and the host of this grand event!"
"This year's 'Masterful Chefs Tournament' consists of two stages: the preliminaries and the finals. The grueling preliminaries have already concluded, and the two strongest contestants from all regions of Liyue are the ones standing here today."
"Before the contestants take the stage, please allow me to introduce today's judges. They are divided into on-stage and off-stage judges. There are three on-stage judges—"
"'Tianquan Star' Lady Ningguang!"
"'Yuheng Star' Lady Keqing!"
"And the 'Veteran Gourmet' Uncle Tian!"
"In addition to these three on-stage judges, the organizing committee will also randomly select ten members from the audience to taste the contestants' dishes and cast their votes."
"In other words, there will be a total of thirteen judges—thirteen votes—and whoever receives more votes will be crowned today's champion!"
"Now, it's time for the long-awaited contestant entrance! Will the two contestants please come on stage!"
Amid the lively clamor of drums and gongs, the two contestants—each in vastly different states—entered the stage.
Yanfei extended her left hand to guide everyone's attention: "Standing on the left is the seeded contestant from the Dihua Marsh division—where blades bring forth fragrance, the swift-knife culinary hero, Yanxiao!"
Yanxiao was visibly nervous, speaking in a tiny voice: "Hello, everyone… hello…"
Paimon shouted, "Yanxiao! Show them what you've got! You're the pride of both the boss and the manager!"
"Ah?! Oh, oh…!"
Victor Wang did not approve of Paimon's type of encouragement. Someone who gets scolded by the boss lady every day wouldn't suddenly think he's anyone's pride. Saying that would only increase Yanxiao's pressure. So he shouted bluntly, "Yanxiao, you got this! I'm rooting for you!"
"Victor? You're here too!"
"Come on, relax. Just imagine everyone here is Jiangxue. Pretend you're cooking for Jiangxue—whether he eats it or not doesn't matter!"
"Ah… imagine Jiangxue, imagine Jiangxue? I'll try… Jiangxue, whether you eat it or not! Huh, that actually works. Thinking of that guy gets me all riled up!"
Yanxiao, this is all I can do for you. I'm not trying to sabotage you, truly… it was an accident. Even if you were in peak condition, you still wouldn't beat Xiangling once that dish of hers comes out, Victor Wang thought helplessly.
He had casually mentioned Yuxiang Shredded Pork, only for it to unexpectedly match today's competition theme.
Yanfei then extended her right hand to guide everyone: "Standing on the right is the reigning powerhouse from the Liyue Harbor division—blazing like falling rain, the ingenious culinary master, Xiangling! —and her mysterious helper partner, Guoba!"
Xiangling appeared completely at ease. Standing on the competition platform felt like being at home, and she cheerfully said, "Hello, everyone! I'll do my best!"
The entire Liyue Exploration Team, along with Lumine and Shenhe, cheered loudly.
"Hmm, I heard Xiangling came up with a new dish yesterday with Victor's help and plans to use it in the competition. If it were anyone else, I might doubt it, but Xiangling is different—her cooking skills are really something. I'm actually excited to see it!"
Hearing Paimon's words, the rest of the companions all turned their eyes toward Victor Wang. Victor Wang simply smiled, not planning to explain for now.
Seeing this reaction, Shenhe explained for him instead: "It's a dish that uses mountain delicacies to recreate the flavor of the sea. The name she considered was either 'Mountain Delicacies with Sea Flavor' or 'Sea-Flavored Mountain Delicacies.' Xiangling hasn't decided yet."
Xingqiu was stunned. "Mountain Delicacies with Sea Flavor?! That's such a formidable name!"
Paimon openly expressed her desire: "I really hope I get to try it soon! Best case, I'll be chosen as one of the off-stage judges!"
"Next, let's invite Judge Lady Ningguang to announce the theme for this year's finals!"
On the other side, Yanfei continued hosting the pre-match process, and at her invitation, Ningguang rose to her feet.
"On behalf of the event's organizers, the keyword for this year's final is—The Rite of Land and Water."
"As for how victory will be decided, Yanfei has already explained it. The rest is simply up to the contestants' performance."
Once Ningguang sat back down, Yanfei confirmed, "The cooking duration for this final is one hour. Both contestants must complete their dishes using only the ingredients provided by the organizers. Is this acceptable?"
Xiangling and Yanxiao both shook their heads.
"Good. Then I announce—the final round of the Liyue Masterful Chefs Tournament—begins!"
Xiangling immediately sprang into action. Yanxiao muttered internally, 'You're all Jiangxue, you're all Jiangxue…' yet the hand holding the kitchen knife still trembled.
"We can see Contestant Xiangling cooking with full confidence, while on Yanxiao's side… he still seems quite nervous?"
"Hm? Hmm? Wait—there appears to be an unexpected development! Xiangling's mysterious helper has run over to help her opponent! Judges, is this allowed?!"
Ningguang: "I do not object. Besides, that so-called helper has not actually intervened."
Uncle Tian: "Haha! The youth always bring excitement. I'll just enjoy the show."
"Ahem… Host, allow me to explain."
As the first two clearly refused to elaborate, Keqing stepped forward.
"Before the finals began, the organizing committee investigated both contestants and confirmed there were no violations."
"Xiangling's dishes are all personally prepared by her. That helper merely lights fires and dances mysterious dances to cheer her on. Yet now, it has also gone to cheer for Yanxiao. This proves the helper is completely impartial."
Xiangling, unable to pause her simmering pots and pans, said while busy, "Yeah! Guoba isn't my external aid. It just likes watching people cook. I think it's doing this to help Yanxiao relax!"
"It seems the organizing committee approves of this explanation, and as the event's notary, I approve as well. The match continues!"
Not long after, Xiangling gradually came to a stop—her dish was already complete.
Yanxiao, on the other hand…
Xiangling asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
Yanxiao swayed dizzily. "I'm fine, just… there are too many Jiangxues… it's giving me a headache…"
"Huh? The other day at Wangshu Inn when I ate your cooking, I thought you were an incredible chef. I want us to win or lose fair and square, so get yourself together."
"No, no, go on ahead. You shouldn't delay your match just because something's wrong with me."
"You won't delay anything. I've already finished."
"Ah?! Then I definitely can't lose!"
"Yes, yes, that's the spirit. Show your skills, Yanxiao! The dish you made last time was so good!"
"I… right! That's right! Jiangxue, whether you eat it or not!"