In the original storyline, Senzaemon's underwear tore dramatically when he tasted Megumi's ramen on stage. However, after receiving intensive training in ramen-making from Tōsuke Megishima, Megumi's skills had improved exponentially, making her dish even more refined and balanced.
As the judges tasted the delicate and lingering flavors of her ramen, they couldn't help but break into smiles of pure delight.
"I can hardly contain my joy," one of the judges remarked.
"The tangy chicken sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Paired with this delicate broth, it's like a harmonious symphony—absolutely intoxicating."
Senzaemon's expression remained stoic, but he was deeply impressed.
"This girl, Megumi... She possesses immense potential," he thought to himself.
Then, Senzaemon approached the massive sheet of white paper with a brush that stood taller than him. He pondered for a moment, clearly hesitant to make his decision.
"Is the winner finally decided?"
The audience held their breath, their eyes fixed on the stage.
"I think Megumi might win. The theme is ramen, and she's been practicing with Megishim-senpai for days," Yoshino speculated.
Ryoko and the others nodded in agreement, casting curious glances at Sui. They wondered if he had known about the theme in advance. But since the topic was only announced yesterday, it didn't seem likely.
At that moment, Senzaemon opened his eyes and, with a sweeping motion of his giant brush, wrote the name "Megumi Tadokoro" in bold characters on the white paper.
"She actually won."
Erina was surprised. She hadn't expected the timid girl to make it to the semi-finals.
"No way! That girl who used to be at the bottom of the class is now in the semi-finals?!"
"Yeah, it's unbelievable!"
The other students were equally astonished. Megumi had entered high school at the bottom of her class, and yet now she was among the top four contenders? Many in the audience looked at Sui, attributing this unexpected success to his influence.
On stage, Megumi stood there in shock before a joyful smile spread across her face.
"I did it! I won!"
She exhaled deeply, feeling a rush of satisfaction and relief.
"Damn it."
Ryo Kurokiba, standing nearby, was visibly frustrated. He clenched his fists tightly.
"Hey, let me try your ramen," he demanded, glaring at Megumi.
Startled by his abrupt tone, Megumi quickly brought him a bowl, her hands trembling. "Please, have a taste."
Ryo tasted the ramen and after a moment, reluctantly admitted, "It's better than mine."
He gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Ugh, Ryo-kun is so useless!"
Alice pouted, clearly annoyed by her assistant's defeat.
Sui, observing her reaction, smiled.
"I get it now!"
Alice stamped her foot, then blushed as she let out a few soft barks, fulfilling the terms of their earlier bet.
"Alice, I have to say, that was pretty convincing," Erina teased, laughing.
"Erina, you're so annoying!" Alice shouted in exasperation.
But then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she glanced at Sui, her expression turning smug. She snorted triumphantly and turned to leave.
Puzzled, Erina asked, "What's gotten into her all of a sudden?"
"I'm not sure," Sui replied, hiding his amusement.
'Hmph, Erina, you have no idea, do you?' Alice thought to herself as she walked down the corridor, a sly smile spreading across her lips. 'I slept with your man, and now I've finally beaten you.'
Then, her expression shifted to one of concern. 'If Mom finds out I slept with my cousin's boyfriend, she'll kill me. I'd better not mention this to her. But if I just forget it happened, won't I be the one losing out?'
Her eyes suddenly lit up as an idea struck her, and she smiled mischievously.
Meanwhile, Megumi came down from the stage.
As soon as she saw Sui, she rushed into his arms, her face beaming with joy. "Sui, I did it! I won!"
Erina, watching them, felt a vein throb on her forehead. She cleared her throat pointedly.
Realizing Erina was there, Megumi quickly stepped back, her face turning crimson. "I-I'm sorry, Erina-san."
"Megumi, that was amazing!" Yoshino praised from the side.
"Yes, but it's really all thanks to Sui. Honestly, I was surprised the theme turned out to be ramen," Megumi admitted, casting a shy glance at Sui before looking down again.
Even now, she found it hard to believe the topic had aligned so perfectly with what she had been practicing.
"Now that the match is over, let's go," Erina suggested.
"Right." Sui nodded.
As they walked away, Yoshino stuck out her tongue playfully. "It seemed like Erina-chi was a bit jealous just now."
"It was my fault for being so impulsive," Megumi replied, embarrassed.
"Megumi, you need to be more assertive. If you like Sui, why not just snatch him from Erina-chi?" Yoshino suggested mischievously.
"W-what are you saying? I don't… I don't like Sui like that. And how could I ever steal him from Miss Erina?" Megumi stammered, her face bright red.
"Love is fair game, Megumi. You have a chance too," Ryoko added with a smile.
"Really? I have a chance?" Megumi repeated, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Back at the mansion, Sui received a message from the system.
"The host has completed the task of helping his friend reach the semi-finals. You have received a high-quality food gift pack and a kitchenware gift pack. Would you like to open them?"
"Open them," Sui said.
"Congratulations to the host for obtaining cheese rabbit and Freezer Bison."
Sui was taken aback. "Can the food gift pack contain more than one type of ingredient?"
"Yes, there is a small chance of receiving multiple ingredients," the system explained.
Sui then opened the kitchenware gift pack.
"The host has obtained the Nichirin Kitchen Knife ."
A massive kitchen knife appeared in his hand.