An excellent butcher must not only understand the structure and texture of beef but also know the correct way to use the knife on each type of meat. Each kind of meat, each part of the animal, requires a specific knife to maximize the quality and efficiency of the butchering process.
Of course, to do what Zane did, using just a regular kitchen knife to slaughter an entire cow instantly, is something even the experienced Mito couldn't achieve!
...
With the advancement of modern technology, the slaughtering industry has gradually entered the era of intelligent automation. For instance, the Mito family's slaughterhouse has a complete set of equipment, including cow observation and isolation pens, workshop passage platforms, finished meat conveyor systems, and more.
These advanced production technologies have high automation levels, especially in processes like hanging, skinning, cutting, meat part conveyance, logistics, and by-product processing. The automation application is excellent.
Particularly in the meat part conveyance process, a software recognition system has been specifically developed.
Slaughter workers only need to label the various parts of the meat, such as tenderloin, sirloin, ribeye, chuck, etc., and place them on the same conveyor belt. The system will automatically process the products according to the labels during the conveyance process.
Compared to traditional slaughtering methods, the efficiency brought by industrial technology changes is significantly improved!
"Zane, how exactly did you kill this cow just now?" Mito asked, astonished.
"With this knife, just a few swipes," Zane said, smiling.
This explanation sounded too casual to be believable. Curiosity piqued, Mito began examining the dissected Tajima cow on the ground, while Mana, Hisako, and the other women also gathered around.
Everyone studied it for a while, but no one could figure out how it happened.
"Zane, I'm impressed. What knife technique is this, can I learn it?" Mito asked, intrigued.
Zane shook his head. The Fierce Bull Dragon Slash technique, after all, wasn't something from this world's dimension.
"You could spend your whole life trying, and you still wouldn't learn it or achieve these results."
This firm statement immediately made Mito give up the idea.
...
Actually, the Fierce Bull Dragon Slash technique requires the "Breaking Army" knife from the Seven Star Knives to fully display its cutting effect. Currently, Zane only used an ordinary kitchen knife, so the power was naturally reduced, but it was still enough to handle the Tajima cow!
"Mom, remember what you promised!" Alice whispered to her mother Leonora as they entered the tavern.
"Remember what?" Leonora was momentarily confused.
"Remember to praise me a lot in front of Zane, so he thinks highly of me. Then I can use the excuse of the tavern being short-handed to ask to stay here and learn cooking after the Autumn Selection ends!"
After listening, Leonora finally remembered and understood.
"Alright, Alice, I promise to praise you in front of Zane."
"Mom, don't forget. Whether I can stay at the tavern depends on our cooperation this time," Alice reminded repeatedly.
...
As they entered, they sensed something was off.
In the solemn atmosphere, everyone's eyes were fixed on the dismembered cow on the ground, trying to see through the seemingly solid barrier and uncover the truth behind it.
Each person's face was filled with shock, as if they had just witnessed something terrifying.
"What happened?" Alice asked, looking around and sensing the strange atmosphere.
Soon, she spotted Mana, feeling as if she had found a lifeline, and quickly approached her, speaking softly, "Aunt, are you here at the tavern tonight?"
"Yes, I just arrived not long ago," Mana replied softly.
With the sudden appearance of Alice and her mother, the tavern's atmosphere gradually returned to normal.
"What a pity, you missed the most exciting moment just now," Mana said casually after returning to her seat.
"Huh?" Leonora was puzzled.
She and Alice exchanged confused glances, unsure of what they had missed.
Meanwhile, Zane quickly instructed Sonoka and Hisako to clean all parts of the Tajima cow and store them in the cold storage.
Then he personally served two cups of Huangshan Maofeng tea.
...
Huangshan Maofeng tea, originally from the Chuantouyuan in Xiaoyuan, now produced in Xintian Village, Fuxi Township.
It's said that during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, Xie Zheng'an from Caoxi first made this tea using plump buds and leaves. Named "Huangshan Maofeng" because of its "white hairs covering the body, with the bud tips resembling peaks."
Upon a closer look, the tea in the cup was surrounded by mist.
The buds floated upright in the tea, swaying gently in the water before slowly sinking.
A faint tea fragrance filled the air.
This tea's aroma had a mix of floral, fruity, and honey scents, along with a delicate, abstract fragrance. Later, a hint of caramel aroma emerged.
Even if one didn't drink it, just smelling the aroma brought a sense of tranquility and peace to the mind.
Even Leonora, who wasn't fond of tea, was intrigued.
...
"The tea's aroma is long-lasting and has a pleasant aftertaste."
Leonora took a few sips, feeling hopeful.
The aroma was fresh and long-lasting!
The taste was rich and thick!
The aftertaste was sweet and refreshing!
The flavor of Maofeng tea could be described as "rich." When it entered the mouth, it felt smooth, like nectar.
Then, the rich taste gradually became apparent, like aged wine with deep complexity.
Within the rich flavor, there was a slight bitterness that blended perfectly with the freshness, creating a unique taste experience.
This bitterness, akin to the resilience accumulated through enduring hardships during the tea's growth, represented a form of vitality.
Over time, Leonora realized that even if the water temperature were higher, this tea would still taste incredibly fragrant!
Overall, the Maofeng tea could be described with eight characters: "fragrant, rich, clear, and moist."
...
"Amazing."
"They say tasting tea is like tasting life. This tea's flavor isn't constant but changes over time."
"These changes are like life experiences, starting with passion and energy, then gradually becoming calm and composed with the passage of time."
Leonora sighed, slowly opening her eyes.
"What is Maofeng tea?" Alice asked curiously.
"It's a unique tea from the Celestial Empire. The buds are covered in white hairs, with the tips resembling peaks, and most of the fresh leaves are picked from the peaks of Huangshan Mountain. Hence, it's called Huangshan Maofeng tea," Leonora explained patiently.
"Oh, so it's named after the shape of the tea leaves?" Alice said, still a bit confused but eager to try. She quickly took a sip.
...
Smacking her lips and savoring the taste, she found it different from the black and green teas on the market.
Although Alice had grown up in Northern Europe with Leonora, she didn't develop a habit of drinking afternoon tea like the locals.
However, the Maofeng tea from the tavern made her appreciate the charm of tea.
"They say tea is the most famous beverage from the Celestial Empire," Alice thought.
"I didn't believe it at first, but now that I've tasted it, I know it's not just empty praise."
At this moment, Alice thought of many words but found that Maofeng tea surpassed her understanding. She didn't know how to describe it.
...
Indeed, this tavern has many interesting things.
If I stayed here, who knows what kind of dishes and life I would experience daily?
Thinking of this, Alice's eyes darted around before she said, "Zane, I defeated Megumi and made it to the semifinals of the Autumn Selection!"
She wore a smug expression on her face.
"And then?" Zane asked, seeing through her intention.
"This means I'm one step closer to winning the Autumn Selection championship."
"With Erina not participating, I'm confident I can beat people like Hayama, Soma, Takumi, and Ryo."
It was clear she was eager for Zane's recognition.
"So what?" Zane shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.
His nonchalant attitude left Alice puzzled.
"Don't you think I can win the championship with my current strength?"
Zane: ???
...
"Mom, please help me out!"
"Tell Zane how I beat Megumi in the quarterfinals, so he can see how amazing I am!"
Leonora sighed, put down her teacup, and said, "Alice, sometimes confidence can motivate you to change your situation and make you more positive."
"But if you're too confident, it becomes arrogance."
"You've just made it to the semifinals and already think you'll win. Aren't you afraid of being humiliated?"
"Huh?" Alice was taken aback.
As a mother, Leonora hoped her daughter would live happily and worry-free, rather than just seeking numerous honors.
Every year's Autumn Selection is significant for the 60 contestants, providing an important stage.
But if it made Alice greedier for fame and forget her love for cooking, Leonora wouldn't want that.
...
"Mom."
"Hisako didn't make it to the finals."
"And your daughter has such achievements, yet you criticize me in front of others?"
"How will I hold my head high in the future?"
Alice felt a bit crushed.
"Criticize?"
"I'm trying to tell you."
"You must face reality, stop fantasizing, and don't be arrogant."
"Look at Zane. In every aspect—skills, cooking, understanding of cuisine, personal charm—he's better than you. Have you ever seen him
boast?"
Alice wanted to retort but realized her mother had a point. She felt embarrassed.
Zane, who watched the scene unfold, couldn't help but chuckle. Alice's face flushed with embarrassment, wishing she could hide.
She then pretended to be calm, glaring at him, signaling him to stop being excessive.
...
"Alright, Leonora."
"Alice is quite excellent for her age."
"As far as I know, besides Erina with her God Tongue, few can surpass her in Totsuki Academy."
"She might actually win the Autumn Selection."
Seeing Alice's embarrassed look, Zane shifted the topic to ease the tension.
"You're spoiling her."
Leonora replied, not pleased.
"I'm just being honest. But now that you've had tea, aren't you going to order?"
Zane's clear eyes indicated Leonora should order.
He was trying to change the subject to avoid embarrassing Alice.
"The usual, we don't order. You recommend."
Leonora replied without hesitation.
"Alright, I recommend Silkie Chicken Stuffed Rice."
Zane suggested.
"Silkie Chicken Stuffed Rice?"
Mana was excited, having never heard of it.
"Silkie Chicken?"
Leonora was puzzled.
----------
For 10 advance chapters: patreon.com/angelictranslating