Zhao Lun felt that the competition, which began with great enthusiasm but ended disappointingly, still managed to live up to the expectations of the crowd. The excitement of the event could only be truly appreciated in a cinematic setting.
As for the unexpected turn of events with Ma Jikun, and Mulan claiming the title of Chef God, there was little to be surprised about. Mulan had always been a culinary master, and her victory was well-deserved. Moreover, this defeat might even lead to a more spectacular competition next time, something that filled the onlookers with eager anticipation.
As the competition came to a close, the awards ceremony sparked even greater commotion.
Click click click!
The reporters, already waiting for the results, threw caution to the wind and rushed forward, brandishing their weapons—cameras—to capture the moment.
Some reporters, filled with the kind of excitement that could only be likened to a stimulant rush, frantically pressed the shutter, eager to immortalize every beautiful detail.
Flashes went off continuously, and no one knew how many rolls of film were sacrificed in the process. Almost simultaneously, a barrage of questions came forth.
"Mulan, the Chef God, is there anything you would like to say about this competition?"
"Do you think winning this match was just a stroke of luck?"
"Mr. Ma Jikun faced an accident—does this affect you in any way?"
"Angela, Monica, and Nicole, are they your apprentices?"
"It's rumored that you are betrothed to Mr. Ma…"
"Miss Nicole, could you tell us more about your…"
The reporters' questions were relentless, their voices a cacophony, like a swarm of sparrows chirping incessantly. Their microphones seemed almost invasive, as though they were trying to press them into the faces of the participants.
"Humph! These people are truly shameless!"
"Brother!"
Maria was visibly furious at the reporters' behavior.
"Don't worry. With Mulan here, they won't be able to do anything."
Zhao Lun remained calm, waiting for Mulan to take action.
Mulan did not make them wait long. With a sharp glance, she unleashed her cold, imposing aura. The surrounding reporters instantly shuddered, as if plunged into the depths of winter. They dared not utter a word, and instinctively made way for her.
Nicole and the others followed Mulan, easily escaping the encirclement. Within a few steps, they had distanced themselves. The reporters, as if they had seen a ghost, only realized too late and could not catch up in time.
The security personnel at the scene quickly reacted as well, forming a human barricade to prevent the reporters from getting too close.
Once Mulan and the others had left, the reporters shifted their focus to another key figure, one who had something they desperately needed.
Still reeling from his earlier failure, Ma Jikun, without Mulan's intimidating glare, was left to deal with the reporters in a state of disarray. His chef's coat, with its golden trim, had been partially torn, and his hat was no better for wear. Not only had it been marked with claw-like imprints, but it had also been ripped apart. It had been snatched away several times, and his once-pristine, oiled hairstyle was now in shambles.
The once-dominant Chef God had lost his formidable aura, now seeming as vulnerable as a young girl surrounded by a pack of wolves. He looked utterly helpless, a sight never before seen.
Click click click—
The reporters, with eyes bloodshot from excitement, disregarded all attempts to block them. They pushed forward with wild abandon, capturing shot after shot. The scene had turned into a blinding flash of lights.
"Let's go!"
Taking advantage of the chaos, Zhao Lun motioned for Maria to leave and join Mulan and the others, quickly retreating from the competition venue.
"Mulan sister!"
"You've become the Chef God!"
On their way, Maria held Mulan's Chef God trophy, admiring it from every angle, as happy as if she had won the award herself.
Mulan gave a rare smile and nodded in acknowledgment, but said nothing, allowing Maria to admire the trophy.
As they left the venue, a blast of hot air greeted them.
"So hot!"
"Ah! We're out! We're out!"
Even hotter than the weather was the crowd, a mass of frenzied people. As soon as they appeared, the crowd rushed toward them in a wild stampede.
"Quick! Let's get home!"
Nicole and the others, with somber faces, urged everyone to leave as quickly as possible.
Vroom! Swoosh! A car arrived just in time, the door popping open. They immediately got in, and without turning off the engine, the car sped away like a ghost, whisking them away from the scene.
Through the rearview mirror, they saw the once familiar location now swarming with people. Their faces were twisted in anger, resembling the grotesque figures of zombies from a movie, desperately chasing after their prey. It was a chilling sight.
"Phew! We're lucky we ran fast!"
"These people are insane! To be blocking the road in this heat! It's terrifying!"
"These people are too dangerous. Let's just go home!"
The chaotic crowd and their insane behavior had frightened both Maria and Monica, as well as Angela and the others.
In the car, they were still in a state of shock, hands pressed to their chests, eyes darting around, fearful that another maniac might suddenly jump in front of them.
The competition had lasted longer than expected, and after all the procedures were finished, it was already quite late by the time they arrived home—around six in the afternoon.
As they entered the house, everyone collapsed onto the sofa with a deep sigh of relief, too exhausted to move.
"Boss, Hong Kong is no longer a place we can stay."
"I want to go back! Brother!"
Monica and Maria, unfamiliar with the place, were clearly uncomfortable.
The place was too wild. Even going outside required caution. There was no space for freedom, and the atmosphere felt suffocating. They needed to return to a familiar environment to ease the unsettling feelings.
"Alright, let's book tickets to go back."
Zhao Lun found it strange that they had made it through the entire competition process, feeling that something was amiss. Hearing that they wanted to leave, he agreed without hesitation.
He had many things to attend to—appointments with girls, matters in the small town, preparations for the new semester, and so on.
"Are you really leaving?"
"There are still many places we haven't seen…"
Angela tried to persuade them to stay longer.
"At most one more day, but we'll leave the day after tomorrow."
"Yes, we can't stay here any longer."
Nicole agreed to leave as well, though she was willing to extend their stay by just a day.
"Staying another day sounds good. We can visit Mulan's home."
Angela said with a bright smile.
"Mulan's home? If it's not too much trouble, then sure!"
"Let's see if her house really is hidden."
"Okay, okay! Maria, you must make sure to teach that villain a lesson!"
Angela was happy that they had agreed to stay another day. Zhao Lun's parents, already aware of Mulan's victory, had prepared a celebration for them. They were going to invite everyone over for dinner that evening. Everyone happily agreed, quickly preparing, and bringing gifts for the occasion.
"Aunt, this is Mulan's beauty tonic brewed by the Chef God, it nourishes and rejuvenates…"
"Uncle, this is tiger bone…"
Anything from the Chef God's kitchen was sure to be impressive, and it made the atmosphere between both parties even more amicable.
At the dinner table, everyone raised their drinks or glasses to celebrate Mulan.
"To Mulan, for defeating Ma Jikun! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Clink! The glasses gently touched, ringing softly.
The next day, as the first light of dawn broke, everyone looked as though they were preparing for battle, fully armed and ready.