Chapter 1748 - 1749: Sudden Realization

Instead, they focused intently on the competing parties, occasionally whispering and discussing.

Yan Xiaoman, on the other hand, stared longingly at the ingredients, swallowing her saliva from time to time.

It couldn't be helped; the aroma was simply irresistible!

Glancing at the timer, Lin Xian chuckled and said: "Dear, just hold on a little longer; soon you'll be

able to taste it!"

Yan Xiaoman pouted and whined: "Aw, if only I had eaten something before coming out,

now I'm so hungry!"

They hadn't eaten much for lunch and skipped dinner, so smelling the delicious aroma made them hungrier.

Time ticked away little by little.

With over half an hour left until the first round ended, Zhao Hui's traditional sauce abalone dish was already prepared and now being plated.

At this moment, five young ladies in cheongsams each carried a bowl of soup to the judges' table.

Pre-dinner soup?

Seeing the soup in front of them, Lin Xian couldn't help but be slightly puzzled.

Yan Xiaoman picked up hers and took a sip, then frowned and said, "Why doesn't it have any flavor?"

Seeing this, Lin Jianjun explained: "Miss Yan, this is palate-cleansing soup. Its main purpose is to

remove any lingering flavors from the mouth, keeping the taste buds sensitive so you can better savor the delicacies."

After his explanation, Lin Xian and Yan Xiaoman finally realized.

Gained some knowledge.

They had never seen this type of soup before.

Beside them, Hou Cheng laughed, saying: "Palate-cleansing soup rarely appears except in a few special occasions; it's quite normal for you two not to know."

After finishing the palate-cleansing soup, they drank some purified water to rinse their mouths, then waited for the waiter to bring out the gourmet dishes.

Soon, a young lady waiter came, pushing a cart toward them.

On the platter was a large abalone, drizzled with a thick, aromatic sauce.

Just its aroma alone was appetite-inducing.

Lin Jianjun laughed and said: "Mr. Lin, please go ahead."

Hou Cheng and Shi Zhengliang both looked at him, waiting for him to taste first.

"Then I won't be polite!"

Lin Xian smiled slightly, stood up, and used a knife and fork to cut into the abalone.

As Lin Jianjun mentioned, the abalone, processed with special techniques, had its interior completely transformed into a soft center.

The cut cross-section showed dense, clear net-like patterns.

This was the origin of the name "net-pattern abalone."

Lin Xian cut off a piece, first placing it on Yan Xiaoman's plate, then cutting another piece for himself, and laughed, "Please, everyone!"

"Sure!"

The three of them were eager too, each taking a portion with knife and fork.

The double-headed abalone was large enough that even after each of the five people took a piece, more than half was still left.

Yan Xiaoman stared at the fish on her plate, somewhat dazed.

Seeing this, Lin Xian curiously asked: "Dear, aren't you going to eat?"

Yan Xiaoman sighed, "Thinking about how this little piece is worth tens of thousands, I can hardly bear to."

But remember what I said before? I'll take you around the world to taste all the culinary delights!

Hearing this, Lin Xian couldn't help but laugh, gently rubbing her head and affectionately said: "This is why—"

"Lin Xian, you're the best!"

Yan Xiaoman said emotionally.

"Be good, open your mouth!"

Lin Xian said, picking up the piece of abalone with the fork, and popping it into her mouth.

As the abalone entered her mouth, she was momentarily stunned, then her eyes lit up.

"Mmm"

Yan Xiaoman let out a light moan, her face full of enjoyment.

Seeing this, Lin Xian also put the abalone from his plate into his mouth.

As soon as it entered, the fresh sweetness of the abalone sauce burst in his mouth, followed by the unique fish flavor of the European Royal Sturgeon, and then the aroma of Dragon Gate's three-yellow chicken.

The taste was amazing, with extremely layered complexity.

The most crucial element was the abalone itself; the soft center was tender and pleasing—it was simply superb.

At this moment, Lin Xian finally understood why Lin Jianjun said that fresh abalone and salted abalone cannot be compared.

He now felt like all the abalone he had eaten before were inferior.

It truly deserved the title of supreme delicacy; this one million was money well spent!

Since Lin Jianjun and the others were judges, they tasted more meticulously; at this moment, they all had their eyes closed and were chewing slowly.

Yan Xiaoman finished her portion but still wanted more, licking her lips and staring at the remaining abalone on the plate.

Seeing this, Lin Xian laughed and said, "If you like it, eat more; remember, you're the master—eat whatever you feel like!"

Upon hearing this, Yan Xiaoman beamed a happy smile, picked up the knife and fork, and cut another piece.

Lin Xian put down his knife and fork and savored the lingering taste.

Up next were five more supreme delicacies waiting for him!

Lin Jianjun slowly opened his eyes and remarked, "No wonder it's 60-year-old net-pattern abalone; it's truly exquisite among the exquisite."

"Zhao Hui's cooking method is also unique, allowing the entire abalone to completely absorb the European Royal Sturgeon and three-yellow chicken's aromatic flavor; the layers are outstanding. Truly there are promising newcomers!" Hou Cheng nodded in agreement.

As for Shi Zhengliang, he simply nodded and said, "Not bad!"

Listening to the evaluations from the three judges, Zhao Hui showed a proud smile.

Zhang Zhicheng took the microphone and said, "Now let the three judges give their scores!"

On a scale of one hundred, full marks are one hundred.

Taking into account aroma, color, taste, appearance, and nutrition, six indices in total, the average from all indices yields the score for the first round.

Soon, Zhao Hui's score was announced.

Hou Cheng's average score was 94 points, Lin Jianjun gave 93, Shi Zhengliang gave

96 points.

For a total score of 283 points.

This score was already exceptionally high,

With the scoring concluded, Liao Jie's dish of crystal-infused soup yellow croaker was also completed.

Compared to Gao Xiang's radiant fish, this yellow croaker, infused with soup crystal, was far more aesthetically pleasing.

The bottom of the plate was decorated with slices of green vegetable, like emerald green waves.

The entire fish seemed to leap, symbolizing fish leaping over the Dragon Gate.

Yan Xiaoman was surprised and exclaimed, "Lin Xian, it seems different from the one we had last time!"

Lin Xian laughed, "This is the true soup-infused yellow croaker, and it's an improved version!"

Evidently, this dish incorporated elements from Master Chef Gao Jianxiang.

As the dish was served, Lin Jianjun and the others once again looked at him, expecting him to take the first bite.

Seeing this, Lin Xian called out, "Don't be shy, everyone, let's dig in!"

"18-jin wild yellow croaker, I must savor it well!"

Lin Jianjun eagerly picked up his chopsticks and gently pierced the fish's belly.

Immediately, hot steam carrying a rich aroma scattered everywhere.

The essence of this dish lies in the soup inside the fish's belly and the small piece of golden fish belly.

Even though the whole fish weighed 18-jin, the golden belly was only the size of an adult's palm.

Five people, two bites each, and it was perfectly divided.

As for the rest of the fish meat, it wasn't necessary to sample it. While it was fresher and tastier compared to other fish, its essence had merged entirely with the soup.

Yan Xiaoman, the little food lover, had completely let go of her concerns over the value and focused entirely on enjoying the dish.

Her eyes turned into crescents with delight, appearing truly adorable.

Lin Xian picked up the fish belly, savoring it in his mouth.

The fish belly melted instantly in the mouth; it was rich but not greasy, and the fresh sweetness seemed to make his taste buds explode.

Previously, Lin Xian understood why Uncle Zhong said farmed yellow croaker was no good.

Only at this moment did he realize that indeed, top-quality ingredients could elevate a dish.

No wonder wild yellow croaker is so exorbitantly priced. Besides rarity increasing its value, it's many times more flavorful than farmed ones.

The fish belly was devoured, and with a spoonful of soup—it was perfect.

Yan Xiaoman was presently basking in joy, speechless.

With over two million spent on ingredients, the final product yielded merely a few bites. To ordinary folks, this was unimaginable.

Even seasoned chefs in the audience found it incredible.

Hou Cheng exhaled with relief and marveled: "In terms of sheer flavor alone, this dish has been brought to its peak; infused soup yellow croaker doesn't disappoint!"