Universe Infinite Canteen

Last week, Ma Lu had received a notification from the World Cooking Federation: the God of Cooking competition in the Asian region would begin this Thursday.

And contestants needed to arrive at the designated hotel by Wednesday evening to participate in the three-day event.

Therefore, Ma Lu had posted a closure notice early in over forty fan groups, which naturally resulted in a chorus of complaints.

However, when they found out Ma Lu was planning to participate in the God of Cooking competition, many still sent their blessings to Old Wang.

"Make sure you win, Chef Wang!"

"Need we even say it? Chef Wang's food is the best I've ever had! No one can compare."

"But I heard that a lot of tough competitors are coming to this God of Cooking competition, like the head chef from the Isolated Island Restaurant, Chuan Ye Zhengming."

"Who's that? Are they any good?"

"Yes, Chuan Ye Zhengming is known as the 'chef away from the dust of the world.' He built his restaurant on an isolated island, with a small vegetable plot, then relies on fishing early in the morning every day for meat.

"The patrons' meals depend on luck that day; almost every day he's improvising. His creativity should be a match for Chef Wang."

"I heard Master Long Po Sen will be there too. He's said to make the best vegetarian dishes in Thailand; even the Thai King can't stop singing his praises."

"There's also the Seoul Magician, Chef Cui Junxian from South Korea. He gained Michelin 3-stars before the age of thirty. His business was booming, but he closed the restaurant at its peak despite his family and friends' objections.

"Afterward, he went to Spain alone to study under the national treasure of Spain, Ferran Adrià. The latter is a top chef in the world who single-handedly caused a revolution in European cuisine.

"Adrià's Bull Dog Restaurant was ranked as the world's top 50 restaurants by 'Restaurant' magazine for five consecutive years and pioneered molecular gastronomy. Sadly, Bull Dog closed after 11 years, and it's said that Cui Junxian has inherited his mantle."

"Speaking of studying abroad, I remember Mr. Sun's granddaughter is overseas, right?"

"Mhm, her name is Sun Mei, I remember too. She's always been a prodigy, supposedly groomed by Mr. Sun as his successor from the start. You can tell from the name, Sun Mei, it implies 'to bring glory to the family.' Mr. Sun probably hopes that Sun Mei could replace him in upholding the restaurant's reputation when he gets old.

"Sun Mei is impressive too. She won second place in the World Youth Chef competition at just 10 years old, despite being half the age of the other contestants. But then, she abruptly decided to study abroad.

"Mr. Sun was so upset over this that they were at an impasse, and he didn't give her any tuition. But, it seems like she managed to get into a school with a full scholarship on her own and went anyway."

"Mr. Sun must have been furious."

"Indeed, infuriated. To have his successor of more than a decade run off like that; they didn't speak for a long time."

"Is Sun Mei coming back for this too? I thought she wasn't planning on being a chef anymore..."

"I've only heard rumors, but none of them can stand against Chef Wang for sure. I have complete faith in Chef Wang."

A group of foodies were chatting enthusiastically in the group because these names coming together for them was like the culinary equivalent of the World Cup or the Spring Festival, which excited them immensely.

At that moment, Ma Lu interjected, "Do you guys have it wrong or something? It's me who's participating in the God of Cooking competition."

"We know Universe Infinite Canteen is participating, and we're cheering for Chef Wang."

"No, it's me, not Old Wang," Ma Lu said, dissatisfied. "Can't you guys show a participant some basic respect?"

The previously lively WeChat group suddenly fell silent; for a long time, no one spoke.

After a while, someone with the ID 'What Shall We Eat Today' typed, "I just checked the World Cooking Federation and Boss Ma's name is indeed on there."

"Holy shit, isn't the competition specified only for head chefs to participate?" someone exclaimed in surprise.

"I checked the rules again, and it says both the head chef and the owner can participate."

"But what's the point of Boss Ma going there? Has life been too smooth lately, and he wants to experience some setbacks?"

"No chance, not a chance in hell. If Boss Ma goes, he's doomed to lose for sure."

"I remember each region has a limited number of contestants they can nominate; that's a precious spot wasted."

"Damn, I don't want to see chefs from Japan or South Korea win the competition."

"Exactly, if Old Wang isn't going, they should find someone reliable."

Ma Lu frowned, "You guys, do you not consider that I'm also in this group?"

"Boss Ma, it's not that we want to put you down. You might be successful in the business aspect, but cooking is a whole different ball game. Let's switch to Chef Wang instead."

Ma Lu was displeased, "You all look down on me. I watch Old Wang cook every day; it's not that difficult."

The group fell silent again.

Moments later, someone blurted out, "Holy shit, this is bad. He's never even lifted a finger; how did he even qualify to compete! This is an accident waiting to happen; it'll bring shame on the country if it's broadcasted."

"Yeah, everyone will think this is the level of chefs our country has."

"Heh," Ma Lu couldn't be bothered with these naysayers. "Just you wait and see. Once the competition starts, I'll wipe out everyone."

"You mean, literally wipe out?" someone asked. "That would be illegal, you know."

"I've just realized you guys are quite the comedians."

"No, Boss Ma, really, we're thinking of you and concerned for our restaurant's reputation. If you really can't switch out, just forfeit."

"I won't. I said I was going, and the prize money's not small either."

"Man, Boss Ma, you're still focused on the money. Honestly, if you can win, I'm willing to chip in 2000 yuan."

"Me too."

"I'll add 1000."

"I guess I'll pitch in 500."

...

Watching people eagerly place their bets, Ma Lu said to the Gold Medal Producer, "Take a screenshot for me. Archive what these people are saying and tally up the total. We'll collect from each of them when the time comes."

After giving instructions, he stopped checking his phone. He was full of confidence regarding the competition on Thursday. With Mini Old Wang as a stand-in, even if he could only perform at 70 to 80 percent of the real Old Wang, that would be enough to sweep the competition.

At that time, he was more interested in the trip to The Moon.

Lao Hei was still communicating with the Dimensional Pirates. It wasn't so much about a difficult decision but rather that the Dimensional Pirates had no language system, making communication inherently difficult.

However, after a day and a night of extensive discussions, both parties had understood each other's intentions.

The Dimensional Pirates agreed to Ma Lu's request, afterward asking for a boarding fee of 100 buttered rolls per person, guaranteeing to safely deliver the three to The Moon. However, they wouldn't come back for them for another half-month to a month.

Why couldn't they come back the same day? Because fuel expenses weren't cheap.

The Dimensional Pirates were willing to drop the three on The Moon en route, but not inclined to make a specific trip just to bring them back.