Universe Infinite Canteen

Ma Lu, good-naturedly going with the flow, immediately picked up the Chef's Knife and gave the garlic in his hand a thwack.

Indeed, the smacked garlic's skin peeled right off.

Ma Lu, as if he'd discovered a new continent, exclaimed, "Holy shit, this is awesome! Who invented this? Have they won a Nobel Prize?"

Lele replied irately, "Okay, okay, I admit I underestimated you before and... said quite a few things questioning your ability, but do you really need to be so petty and keep acting like a beginner to taunt me?"

"Ah, is that so?" Ma Lu blinked, "Looks like you've realized your mistake."

Lele took a deep breath, "Grandpa always said, 'Don't judge by appearances.' As a chef, one must maintain a humble heart. Today, I finally understand the meaning of those words. But your hands are really deceiving."

"That's because I rarely cook," Ma Lu admitted.

"Ah?"

"As for why my cooking skills are so good, it must be a natural talent. Yup, I really am suited for this line of work."

Ma Lu raised his right hand, admiring it, "Cooking, as easy as flipping my hand."

Sun He, his thoughts drifting to something faraway, sighed.

"Indeed, the culinary world is never short of talented newcomers. Skills that others painstakingly hone through seasons of hard work, they can master at a glance, a genius that makes one envious.

"However," Sun He's tone shifted, addressing Ma Lu, "Talent is just a ticket to enter because there will always be new people with even greater talent.

"But perseverance is key. The first time you enter the kitchen, the first time you successfully complete an assignment set by a teacher, being praised by a teacher, finally being able to handle the wok, receiving compliments from customers on the meals you make...

"These are the moments that get the blood pumping, making one feel great about being a chef. The issue is, how does one maintain that enthusiasm for decades.

"To keep climbing upward with courage and determination, especially when you've won enough—never forget that you have an ultimate rival.

"That's yourself; only a chef who can continuously surpass himself is truly commendable. Unfortunately, many lose their way in this process."

Sun He's speech left the women in the restaurant full of reverence.

Without a doubt, this State Banquet Master carried many stories within him.

But the next moment, the sound of rushing water interrupted the scene.

It was Ma Lu rinsing potato strips by the sink.

Seeing the women glance over, Ma Lu felt a bit awkward, as he didn't completely agree with Sun He's words, but he still had the tact to recognize the moment.

Old folks tend to reflect on the past, sharing life experiences—understandable, particularly for a Master like Sun He who had reached the pinnacle in his field.

Many people would even pay to hear their insights.

But the issue was his hand, or more precisely his right arm, which had a mind of its own and had started moving.

Ma Lu couldn't help it.

Fortunately, Sun He was quite open-minded. Glancing at the time, he actually praised, "Not bad, it's rare for someone to remain mindful of cooking while chatting; those potato strips are indeed soaked just right."

Lele muttered softly, "Being a minute or two late wouldn't have been a big deal."

Without Ma Lu saying anything, Sun He countered, "For a chef, there's no such thing as 'close enough,' because even a slight deviation can result in a different taste. If you want to become a great chef, you must strive for perfection."

"Mr. Sun speaks the truth; you've expressed our sentiments exactly," Ma Lu subtly offered flattery, as if to make up for his earlier impoliteness.

Afterward, he poured oil into the pan, set it on low heat, and started sautéing chili and minced garlic.

He then added the shredded potatoes and turned up the heat, stir-frying them vigorously, halfway through adding strips of green pepper, salt, white sugar, rice vinegar, and MSG for seasoning.

Before long, a plate of hot and sour shredded potatoes was successfully served.

Ma Lu dished up the shredded potatoes, then handed everyone present a pair of chopsticks each.

Sun He tasted it first. Just after the first bite, he nodded repeatedly, "Not bad, the potato shreds are evenly cut, well rinsed, and the cooking is just right, giving a crisp and refreshing taste. This is a standard, textbook example of hot and sour shredded potatoes.

"It seems like having you make this dish was somewhat underutilizing your abilities—it doesn't show off your true skills."

"If Mr. Sun isn't satisfied, we could always change to another dish to test me," Ma Lu said.

Sun He shook his head, "No need, you've already proven that you're qualified to compete in the God of Cooking contest. As for more impressive dishes, save them for the competition.

"I'll be a judge then, so let's not ruin the surprise."

Lele also put down her chopsticks and said to Ma Lu, "Let's exchange phone numbers. I'll send you the registration form when I get back, and after you fill it out, send it to me.

"The Asian Region competition will be held in Sanya, and the organizing committee will book your flight and hotel in advance, and they will also cover your food and accommodation expenses during the competition.

"The preliminary round of the Asian Region will last three days. To ensure fairness, the competition venue will be closed off, with no arbitrary entry or exit, so you should arrange your time beforehand."

"What, I have to close my restaurant for three days? That long, won't I lose a lot of money," Ma Lu frowned.

"There will be prize money for the winners—three million for the first place, two million for the second, and one million for the third."

"Now that's more like it," Ma Lu immediately turned worry into joy. Three million was more than he would earn in daily business, and most importantly, he could take a vacation.

What, second, third place... Ma Lu never even considered them; he was in it to win.

Lele continued, "If you genuinely have the skill, and you make it to the final World competition, winning the title of God of Cooking comes with a grand prize of ten million."

"You should have said so earlier," Ma Lu now was utterly delighted, "If you had mentioned that, we definitely would have decided to participate."

"Don't be too proud just yet. This time, just in the Asian Region alone, there are a lot of tough competitors, but only two will make it to the final World stage."

"Then there's definitely a spot for me," Ma Lu snapped his fingers confidently.

"Remember what you said," Lele handed over the invitation to Ma Lu, "I'll tease you if you get eliminated."
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"Hahaha, young people need to have such energy," Mr. Sun laughed.

"Alright, we've eaten, and the invitation has been given. We have another place to visit next, so we won't disturb Boss Ma any longer."

"Sure. I'll see you out."

After Ma Lu left, He Xiaoqian still felt a surreal sensation, remarking,

"The boss must be one of those hidden gems the internet talks about. I've known him for so long, yet I never knew his culinary skills were this good. He really kept it under wraps."

Admiration filled her eyes.

"Hmm, is that really the case..."

From Ma Youyou's understanding of Ma Lu from another plane, relying on Old Wang, he should have been too lazy to learn culinary skills.

She also noticed something unusual just now; Ma Lu had used only his right hand throughout the cooking process, and his right hand seemed a bit stiff.

It was less like he was using his right hand and more like the right hand was moving on its own.

That guy must be up to some sort of trick again, Ma Youyou muttered to herself.