Chapter 146: Heart of the Ocean

“Cough, cough!” Han Jiayi could no longer hold back and loudly cleared her throat, interrupting the two of them.

Yang Hua turned his head toward her in surprise, staring for a moment before asking, “Why are you here?”

“I was here from the very beginning, alright?” Han Jiayi snapped back, then composed herself and asked seriously, “So, was your soup a failure this time?”

“Hmph.” Yang Hua crossed his arms and said coldly, “Let’s just say it was. But what kind of ‘soup’ did you make?”

“I... I...” Han Jiayi stammered, “Actually, my soup isn’t finished yet...”

“Tsk...” Yang Hua sneered dismissively. “See, women... when obsessed with love, they forget their mission as chefs.”

Of course, Bai Renzong wouldn’t stand by and watch his friend bully his girlfriend, so he chuckled and interjected, “That’s not entirely true. Sometimes love can inspire creativity. Right, Mumu?”

“You’re on live stream! Don’t call me Mumu!” Han Jiayi snapped, flustered.

“Hmph, whatever,” Yang Hua said, clearly uninterested. “Friend, forget about that woman. Let’s finish this ‘Ocean’s Heart’ first.”

“Agreed,” Bai Renzong nodded. “Why don’t we try it right away?”

“Understood.” Yang Hua elegantly draped a towel over his arm and smiled slightly. “Please wait a moment.”

After Yang Hua left, Han Jiayi let out a “hmph,” hooked her arm around Bai Renzong’s, pulling him close like a fiercely protective kitten. The chat quickly started teasing, “Jealous! So cute.”

“Did you learn anything?” Bai Renzong kissed the top of her head and smiled. “About the use of that ‘quintet’.”

“I don’t need that...” Han Jiayi said stubbornly. “Having you is enough.”

“But you still have to work hard to become a better chef, right?” Bai Renzong stroked her hair gently.

“Gugu...” Han Jiayi puffed up her cheeks and fell silent, clearly resistant to learning Yang Hua’s techniques. But Bai Renzong wasn’t worried; she was too strong-willed to give up easily.

“I’m thinking of checking out the kitchen. Want to come with me?” Bai Renzong lightly scratched her chin and asked.

Han Jiayi rolled her eyes but followed him nonetheless.

When they arrived in the kitchen, Bai Renzong noticed several unusual new devices.

“Oh? Molecular gastronomy, huh...” Bai Renzong asked, surprised.

“Yes,” Yang Hua proudly introduced the equipment: “a centrifuge, salamander broiler, liquid nitrogen fryer, 3D printing module... Although I’m still learning, molecular gastronomy isn’t as distant as you might think. Pea mousse, purple sweet potato mousse — those are basic applications. The more advanced stuff relies on this equipment.”

“It’s impressive. Such skill and yet you’re still learning,” Bai Renzong said admiringly.

He had no hidden agenda, but Han Jiayi nervously twisted her fingers behind him.

“Of course,” Yang Hua chuckled. “To earn your approval, my dear friend, one must constantly pursue the pinnacle.”

As Yang Hua busied himself with the various steps of the “Ocean’s Heart,” he had Bai Renzong taste samples and picked the most suitable three or four layers from the previous quintet to pair.

“Hmm, even without the caviar, the flavor is still a bit too strong,” Bai Renzong said after tasting. “I think it’s the seaweed extract — though mild in taste, its umami is quite intense.”

“Hmm...” Yang Hua hesitated a moment, then returned to the stove to work again.

This time, he presented two blue oval-shaped ‘gems’ on a plate. Their smooth, pebble-like surfaces bore black veins, and the refreshing blue shimmered like sapphires. It was hard to believe they were made from cod.

But Bai Renzong, having witnessed the process, knew the secret: first, the cod was lightly cured and dehydrated with sea salt; then, using a high-pressure device, the fish meat was compressed and further dehydrated until it resembled marble. Blue edible dye colored the surface, and shrimp shell baking powder was sprinkled on top to finish.

The entire trio consisted only of sea salt, shrimp shell baking powder, and cod.

Upon tasting, the cod was crisp like a biscuit but not overly salty. Dehydration concentrated its essence, revealing a subtle sweetness unique to cod, complemented by the shrimp shell powder and sea salt.

The three layers built gradually, far gentler than the overwhelming impact of the previous “soup” form. If the earlier “Ocean’s Heart” was a raging tempest, this “side dish” version was more like the gentle waves lapping at one’s ankles on the shore.

“Ah... just right.” Bai Renzong closed his eyes in bliss. “At this level, it sets up the next main course perfectly. But that doesn’t mean you can relax.”

Turning to Yang Hua, he said, “First, you need to find a soup that sits between ‘Forest’s Heart’ and ‘Ocean’s Heart.’ Second, after all, the appetizer, soup, and side dish are merely supporting roles, meant to highlight the final star. If the main course lacks charisma, it will be overshadowed by the other dishes.”

“Hmph, I’m confident,” Yang Hua said proudly. “Because now I finally understand: I’m not creating this entire menu for you alone, but we’re creating it together! Ah, we truly are the perfect partners! Come work with me! I’ll pay you top dollar!”

“You’d better be ready to meet her demands.” Suddenly, Lu Yao appeared at the kitchen doorway, smiling coquettishly. “Do you know she’s a content creator with two million followers, and she signed an eight-figure contract with the Cat House platform? She’s on a whole different level now. To hire her, you’d have to offer eight figures too.”

Yang Hua turned to Lu Yao, staring at her for a moment. “Then you pay him eight figures.”

“Don’t joke...” Lu Yao lowered her eyelids. “You think my family prints money?”

“With me and Xiao Bai teaming up, you won’t lose out,” Yang Hua said excitedly. “Fine, I’ll work for free! The dishes we create together will amaze the world! People will fly thousands of miles just to come to your restaurant to taste this perfect menu. Just thinking about it is thrilling, isn’t it?!”

“It is...” Lu Yao pursed her lips. “But even so, I don’t have that kind of budget.”

“Alright, stop arguing!” Han Jiayi cut in before Bai Renzong could speak. “Old Bai belongs to me! Don’t even think about taking him away!”

“Tsk, you?” Yang Hua sneered at Han Jiayi. “You’re just wasting his talent! What kind of remarkable dishes can you two create together?”

“Hmph.” Han Jiayi had been waiting for that. She rolled up her sleeves, revealing slender arms. “Then let me show you the dishes Old Bai and I create.”

“?” Yang Hua looked skeptical but didn’t stop her.

Han Jiayi then busied herself confidently in the Lanwa kitchen, as adept as if it were her own.

“Look at this little butterfly...” Bai Renzong crossed his arms and thought, “So adorable.”

Han Jiayi flitted happily around the kitchen; anyone watching could feel her vitality.

“This girl really looks happy cooking,” Lu Yao said with a smile as she approached Bai Renzong.

“Yes, that’s her charm,” Bai Renzong smiled. “You can tell she truly loves cooking. In this, she’s no less than Yang Hua…”

He then turned to Lu Yao. “How do you plan to win over that cooking-obsessed blockhead?”

“I’m waiting for you to tell me,” Lu Yao looked at Bai Renzong, puzzled.

“Didn’t I say to watch my live stream every noon? Remember what I say and copy it,” Bai Renzong said, scolding her.

“Isn’t there an easier shortcut?” Lu Yao said reluctantly.

“Always looking for shortcuts in love... spoiled rich girl,” Bai Renzong frowned and shook his head.

At that moment, Han Jiayi beamed excitedly, “Done!”

She placed one dish in front of Yang Hua, then brought another to Bai Renzong.

“Hmph, fitting for my girlfriend,” Bai Renzong thought proudly, reaching out.

“This one’s for you,” Han Jiayi handed the other to Lu Yao.

“?” Bai Renzong glared at Han Jiayi and pointed to himself, silently asking, “What about mine?”

“Haven’t you already tasted it?” Han Jiayi asked, confused. “Let the others try it too.”

“Then why can’t you make three portions?” Bai Renzong pinched Han Jiayi’s nose.

“But the ingredients only make two portions...” Han Jiayi frowned and struggled, brushing off his hand. She then smiled at Lu Yao. “Try it, you’ll love it.”

Yang Hua snorted coldly, then he and Lu Yao each took a bite of the “kiss.”

After a brief taste, their reactions were completely opposite.

“What is this? Weird texture, disgusting,” Yang Hua frowned.

Lu Yao, on the other hand, cupped her face in delight. “Ah—so delicious! The texture is just wonderful!”

The next moment, the two stared at each other, puzzled. “What’s wonderful about this texture?” “What’s disgusting about it!?”

“Sticky, slimy, smooth, and greasy — isn’t that disgusting?” Yang Hua wrinkled his nose.

“You really are...” Lu Yao stared incredulously. “This unique texture is wonderful. It reminds me of a first kiss. Don’t you think so!?”

“Huh?” Yang Hua looked at Lu Yao, completely baffled.

“Have you never been in love?” Han Jiayi sighed helplessly.

“Cooking is my mistress,” Yang Hua said coldly, arms crossed. “All I need is cooking. Women only hold me back.”

Lu Yao looked deeply hurt.

After a moment of silence, Yang Hua stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. Then, as if a sudden realization struck, he turned to Han Jiayi and scolded, “You shameless woman, what have you done with Xiao Bai’s tongue?!”

Han Jiayi rolled her eyes so hard they nearly flipped back. “We kissed, that’s all! How is that shameless?”

“Xiao Bai, do you think this ridiculous dish is better than mine?!” Yang Hua turned to Bai Renzong.

“I think it’s wonderful, just like a real ‘kiss’,” Bai Renzong smiled and nodded. “Some things must be experienced to appreciate their beauty, just like cooking. No matter how much I explain, you have to taste it yourself to know its flavor.”

“This absurd dish actually...” Yang Hua said incredulously, “I don’t believe it!”

“Then wait and see,” Bai Renzong teased. “Once Jiayi adds this dish to the menu, let’s watch the public’s reaction and see if it’s truly popular.”

At that moment, Wang Bei grew impatient outside and poked her head in. “Old Bai, if you don’t come back soon, your livestream viewers will all leave! And you won’t let me stream in the kitchen!”

“Wouldn’t streaming the kitchen spoil their secret recipe?” Bai Renzong explained. “I’ll be right there.”

He returned to the dining area and wrapped up the live stream: “Sorry, everyone. Since this dish is a secret recipe, we can’t reveal it here. That’s all for now. I’ll stream some gaming later tonight from home.”

He signaled Wang Bei to end the broadcast.

“All done,” Bai Renzong said with a smile toward Yang Hua. “Your soup failed today, but you ended up creating a side dish instead. Let’s call this contest between you and Jiayi a draw.”

“Hmph.” Yang Hua glared fiercely at Han Jiayi. “Let’s see how popular your boring dessert really is!”

With that, he flicked his hand and returned to the kitchen. “Friend, wait a moment. I’ll cook for you now.”

“Oh, no need.” Bai Renzong replied, “I ate beforehand, so I won’t freeload this time.”

It was awkward to always eat at Yang Hua’s place, given the average cost was over 800 per person. Three visits meant owing over 2,000 in favors, and yet he still left hungry and too embarrassed to ask for more...

So the best plan was to eat before coming—just a small meal that wouldn’t spoil his appetite.

“What? Xiao Bai, don’t you like my cooking?!” Yang Hua asked unwillingly.

“No, I just feel bad freeloading so often,” Bai Renzong replied. “I’ll come to your place another day.”

“Huh? Old Bai eats? That username suits you better...” Wang Bei chuckled from behind.