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墨書 Inktalez
"Of course!" I nodded confidently, "I am fully prepared and will give it my all!"
Taking a deep breath, I walked into the competition area and began preparing my entry.
I arranged the prepared ingredients on the stainless steel countertop, which reflected the glaring lights, and my palms were slightly sweaty. Looking around, I noticed that the other contestants were also focused, with various spices mingling in the air, creating a tense atmosphere that wrapped around me like vines.
"Attention contestants, the competition time is two hours; we will now start the timer!" With the host's command, the competition officially began.
I took a deep breath, shook off distracting thoughts, and methodically processed the ingredients according to my pre-planned steps. Chopping, dicing, flipping, and stir-frying, my movements flowed seamlessly. The sound of the spatula clashing with the wok rang out like a march signaling the start of this competition.
"Li Qiang, go for it!" Somchai cheered from the audience, waving his arms. Wang Li and Li Ming beside him also enthusiastically encouraged me; their smiles were my greatest motivation, allowing me to focus even more on my cooking.
As time ticked away, my improved fusion dish gradually took shape. This dish was based on Thai curry, infused with the spicy and fragrant elements of Sichuan cuisine. With an exquisite presentation, it promised a dual enjoyment of both visual and taste sensations. Even before completion, its aroma wafted through the air, drawing glances from surrounding contestants and judges alike.
"Time's up! Contestants, please stop cooking and present your dishes to the judging panel!" The host's voice rang out once more.
I carefully brought my finished dish to the judging table and nervously watched for the judges' reactions.
The judges tasted each dish one by one, occasionally whispering to each other, their expressions varying as they sampled the creations.
When it was my turn to present my dish, several judges casually picked up a small piece with their chopsticks and put it in their mouths.
"What is this? You call this Thai Cuisine?" one judge frowned, clearly displeased. "It's simply a mishmash, a waste of ingredients!"
The other judges shook their heads in agreement, their faces showing disdain.
Principal Manee even put down his chopsticks and said sternly, "Mr. Li, your creativity is commendable, but you must understand that innovation does not mean chaos. This is disrespectful to Thai cuisine!"
The sudden criticism felt like a bucket of cold water dousing all my enthusiasm. I opened my mouth to explain but didn't know where to start.
The surrounding contestants and audience began to point at my dish, some even laughing and demanding that I withdraw from the competition.
"This dish tastes so strange; it's simply dark cuisine!"
"Exactly! He doesn't understand Thai Cuisine at all and dares to participate in the competition. What a lack of self-awareness!"
"He should be kicked out; we don't need him embarrassing himself here!"
I felt my face burning, as if I had been slapped hard. My heart sank; could it be that I was really wrong?
"Please wait a moment!" At that moment, a loud voice came from the crowd. Somchai pushed through the crowd and quickly walked up to the judging panel.
"Esteemed judges, please allow me to say something!" Somchai bowed deeply to the judges. "Mr. Li's dish is not as simple as you imagine..."
He paused for a moment, pointing at my dish, and continued, "This dish may seem unconventional, but it actually blends the culinary essence of China and Thailand. It not only has a unique flavor but also carries a profound meaning, symbolizing the fusion and collision of two cultures."
The judges exchanged glances, seemingly moved by Somchai's words.
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