Free Web NovelChapter 670: Chapter 603: A Small Suggestion
"It’s been four consecutive matches. Can Boss Wang still keep up his physical strength and energy?"
Director Xiang’s face was already full of solemnity at this moment.
"If we lose the match because of physical strength and energy, it would really be too unfortunate."
"Director Xiang, according to the usual schedule, there’s still one more match before today’s competition ends."
Deputy Director Chen had a bitter smile on his face: "I didn’t expect that the rule that used to have our back is now possibly becoming a rope that could choke us."
"Director Chen, can’t we find a way to end the match early? I think with Boss Wang’s current state, it’s going to be very difficult for him to face the next match."
Someone below voiced their concerns.
After all, everyone knew that among this year’s contestants, Wang Fan was the only one with a chance to beat the French pastry chef.
If he gets exhausted and is eliminated, basically what awaits them is a crushing defeat.
"Like a power outage at the mall, or an air conditioning failure, just stop the match so Boss Wang can rest."
"No!"
Director Xiang said firmly: "In the past two competitions, the French team members persisted without any complaints until they lost due to lack of physical strength, and as soon as it’s our turn, we resort to tricks. What would others think of us? Are we such sore losers?"
"But..."
"No buts. There’s no room for adjustment in the rules. All we can do now is pray for the contestants’ self-regulation and willpower."
Director Xiang knew all too well that the French team had more people and didn’t fear a series of matches, while on his side there was only one key player. If he fell, the rest might be wiped out by the opponent’s three members. But that’s no excuse for a great nation like ours to use underhanded methods.
Winning should be honorable, and losing should be gracious. Using crooked ways isn’t any different from some self-deprecating small countries.
"Go and ask if Wang Fan needs anything. Meet all his requirements at any cost. Also..."
After a moment of silence, Director Xiang said softly, "Don’t put pressure on him. He has already done exceedingly well, beyond everyone’s expectations."
...
This time, Wang Fan was truly exhausted, completely drained of physical strength.
This Awakened Lion Fortune Rabbit pastry required every detail from top to bottom to be meticulously crafted, not to mention the most tiring Dragon Beard Sugar.
When the syrup for Dragon Beard Sugar is soft, it’s still very hard. It generally takes a skilled craftsman three hours just to pull the threads. From preparing the syrup to pulling the threads, to the moment it was fried to perfection and the Dragon Beard Sugar was attached to the rabbit, it took him less than two hours. Every step pushed his body to operate beyond its limits.
"Breathe... inhale... exhale..."
Adjusting his breathing rhythm could somewhat alleviate the fatigue.
"Hey, hello, I’m Sofia."
Wang Fan looked up in surprise and saw that his recent opponent had already come over, and she was speaking in Chinese.
Wang Fan quickly stood up and said politely: "Hello, Sofia, I’m Wang Fan. Your Chinese is very good."
Sofia, somewhat modestly, said, "I’m proficient in four languages. It’s one of my hobbies. There are many beautiful places in Huaxia that I admire a lot. I visit Huaxia at least once every year."
After speaking, she suddenly looked intently at Wang Fan and asked, "I want to ask, when you earlier chose to let the judges taste yours first and then mine, was it deliberately arranged, or just something you said offhand?"
Sofia’s appearance was very exquisite and her pair of sky-blue eyes were quite captivating. An average person, when stared at by her like that, would become very nervous, perhaps even stutter while speaking.
The French pastry industry is quite competitive. The appearance and physique of a pastry chef have standards. To become a Michelin chef, this aspect is even more so.
"Her eyes are pretty, just lacking the spirit and vitality compared to my Qianqian."
Without thoughts of a woman, drawing the sword is naturally divine, but when there’s an unwavering belief in your heart, the sword drawn will only be sharper.
"I did it on purpose. I saw you put the French mille-feuille in the fridge, and if it was tasted later, this step wouldn’t just be useless but could even become a point of deduction."
Wang Fan calmly and openly explained his thoughts at the time.
"Your directness surprises me." Sofia widened her eyes: "Among many Huaxia men I’ve met, they often say polite things to maintain their gentlemanly demeanor, hiding their true thoughts and purposes. I didn’t expect you to say it so candidly."
"You’re my opponent, and a very formidable one at that. I must try every possible means to win the competition, even if there’s only a one percent chance of stale taste, I’ll gamble on it. Obviously, I was right."
Wang Fan didn’t mention one more thing: he didn’t need to bet because, regardless of whether his pastry was eaten first or last, there was no difference.
Sofia gave Wang Fan a long look: "Very well, you’re a very strong opponent. If we meet again in future competitions, I will surely win back."
Wang Fan shrugged and smiled: "That might be difficult because I won’t participate in such competitions again. I’m not primarily a pastry chef. I actually prefer making our Chinese dishes."
Sofia looked at him with disbelief: "Are you telling me you’re not a pastry chef, but a cook?"
Wang Fan nodded: "That’s right. Well, I’ll stop talking to you now. This match drained me significantly. I need to rest well to prepare for the next one, sorry."
