Erina Nakiri looked at Satou with a face full of shyness, apprehension, and anticipation.
Although she had long decided in her heart that she could only marry Satou in the future, being urged to marry by Senzaemon Nakiri still made her feel flustered, thinking it was a bit too soon.
However, as the family heir, if her grandfather made such a request, she probably wouldn't be able to refuse.
Although Senzaemon Nakiri still had another son, Zongwei Nakiri had always been responsible for Far Moon International affairs. When Senzaemon Nakiri retired, the domestic affairs of the Far Moon Group would definitely be handed over to Erina Nakiri.
So she could understand her grandfather's intention to have her settle down early.
But she wasn't sure if Satou would be willing. After all, most student-era romances ended without a conclusion, and Satou might not want to get married so early.
Satou nodded and said very seriously, "Yes, of course I'm willing."
"Really?"
A look of surprise appeared on Erina Nakiri's face.
"Of course."
Satou said. Although he also felt that it was too early for them to get married now, if Senzaemon Nakiri really made such a request to Erina Nakiri next year, he would, of course, only choose to take on the responsibility; it was a man's duty.
Erina Nakiri felt both touched and sweet.
Although she had long decided in her heart that she could only marry Satou in the future, this was still the first time she had received his promise.
Erina Nakiri couldn't help but swim over and gently embrace him, pressing her blushing cheek against his chest.
Erina Nakiri's skin was very fair, tender, and smooth, like a peeled egg, feeling slick and elastic.
Feeling his scorching body, Erina Nakiri couldn't help but blush, a hint of shyness flashing in her eyes, especially when she felt his hands beginning to roam over her body, making her cheeks burn even more.
"Here… isn't it a bit much?"
She whispered.
"It's fine, no one will come here."
Satou smiled and said.
The next day, everyone gathered in the hotel lobby, preparing for the final exam.
Gin Dojima walked up to everyone, smiled slightly, and said, "Congratulations, everyone, you've passed the first two exams, and the first-year group passed both exams with the top score."
Hearing this, Hayama Akira and Ryo all showed a hint of a smile.
Eizan Etsuya, Nene Kinokuni, and Kuga Terunori, on the other hand, were quite displeased, clearly annoyed at being suppressed by the first-years.
Eishi Tsukasa and the other third-years didn't seem to care.
"Next, it's the final exam."
Gin Dojima smiled, then led them into the forest near the hotel.
"The theme of this exam is to create a dish that meets the standard, using any ingredient from the forest."
He said.
"This seems to be the theme for the forest section, right?"
Eizan Etsuya couldn't help but ask.
"That's right, but you are Elite Ten, so the exam questions are not limited to the snow section."
Gin Dojima nodded and said.
"Then, are there any special standards?"
Alice Nakiri asked.
She didn't believe their standards would be the same as ordinary students.
Gin Dojima immediately laughed and said, "That's right, you do have special standards."
Hearing him say that, everyone's expressions became serious.
The previous round of exams had tormented them to no end. Isshiki Satoshi and the others even sacrificed their appearances to successfully complete the exam.
Of course, it seemed Isshiki Satoshi and the others enjoyed it, and even had a slight regret.
"The general students' dish theme is any ingredient from the forest, but your ingredient is the most difficult to cook in this forest."
Gin Dojima smiled faintly and said.
"What ingredient?"
Tadokoro Megumi asked nervously.
"Bear meat."
Gin Dojima smiled and said, "Bear meat has a very strong gamey odor, and it's famously difficult to cook. So your exam requirement is to cook two different dishes using bear meat within three days, per group."
"Now, you can go and research how to cook bear meat. Fresh bear meat will be delivered by staff later."
"That's great."
Eishi Tsukasa and the others immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
If they were ordinary students, hearing that they had to cook such a difficult ingredient, and two dishes at that, they would definitely faint.
But for Eishi Tsukasa and the others, as long as the exam question was from a chef's perspective, there was no problem.
"Hmph, brats, this time we won't lose to you."
Eizan Etsuya snorted coldly and turned to leave.
Satou and the others also returned to the hotel. During this time, the hotel kitchen was available for free use.
"If it's two dishes per group, why don't we split into groups?"
Erina Nakiri suggested, "Each group will be responsible for one dish."
"No problem."
Everyone agreed.
"The biggest challenge with bear meat is removing the gamey odor, which definitely requires spices, so I can be solely responsible for one dish."
Hayama Akira said, this exam question was his strong suit.
"In that case, I'll be responsible for the other one."
Satou nodded.
"No problem! I'm with Satou!"
Alice Nakiri happily raised her hand.
"I… I also want to be in a group with Satou."
Tadokoro Megumi blushed and timidly raised her hand.
Erina Nakiri glanced at the two, clearly a bit jealous, "Then I'll be with Satou too."
"Then Yukihira-kun and Ryo-kun, you two go with Hayama-kun."
Satou said, "That way the numbers are just right."
"No problem. This time, I will definitely produce a dish that surpasses yours and Erina Nakiri's."
Hayama Akira said with great confidence, then went to another kitchen.
At this time, the bear meat had already been delivered.
Satou picked up a piece and sniffed it, indeed smelling a strong gamey odor.
Bears are very smelly animals, and their meat carries that odor.
However, for others, this ingredient was unfamiliar, but for Satou, it was not strange, because bear paw is a valuable ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and there are many cooking methods for it.
"Erina, what dish do you want to make?"
Satou began to solicit opinions from the others.
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