Chapter 81: Su Pian?

"By the way, Tōsuke-senpai, aren't you an expert in ramen? Why are you suddenly studying chinese cuisine as well?" Kuga asked curiously.

"Because ramen originally came from china," Tōsuke explained calmly. "So I hope to draw inspiration from noodle dishes worldwide to refine my ramen recipes. Kneading the dough is crucial in ramen, and wonton noodles are quite unique, so I want to study them and see if there's anything I can learn."

Sui nodded and added, "Wonton noodles, also known as bamboo noodles. The name comes from the process of using bamboo to press the noodles."

"Exactly," Tōsuke agreed with a nod.

"Please taste it," Tōsuke said seriously, handing the bowl to Sui. Initially, he had no expectations from Sui, but after hearing Sui's critiques of Kuga's dishes, he thought perhaps Sui could really help.

Sui began tasting the wonton noodles. The noodles were as thin as silver threads and had a springy texture, like pinching a rubber band. He nodded to himself. Despite not being skilled in making wonton noodles, Tōsuke had crafted a very authentic bowl of wonton noodles that captured the essence of the dish.

The noodles had a delightful chew, and with each bite, the aroma of egg filled Sui's mouth. They had a bounce like a rubber band, giving them an exceptional texture. The wontons were delicate; their skins were soft and crisp, and the shrimp filling was tender, almost melting in his mouth.

"How is it?" Tōsuke asked nervously once Sui had finished.

"As expected of Tōsuke-senpai, it's quite authentic," Sui nodded approvingly. "You've researched how bamboo noodles are made. The key is that no water is used—only duck eggs. The dough is pressed with bamboo poles, using the weight of the body, which gives the noodles their distinctive toughness."

"Yes," Tōsuke agreed, "with my years of experience in kneading dough, the dough isn't an issue."

"But there are some flaws in the soup," Sui noted. "Typically, wonton noodle soup is made with bighead carp, scallops, dried shrimp, and chicken, boiled for over three hours. This soup has a bit of a mixed taste. Also, there are some techniques when cooking noodles. First, when the water is boiling, quickly add the noodles and separate them. Then take them out and rinse with cold water, followed by a brief blanching in boiling water. This enhances their texture."

Sui continued, "Lastly, pay attention to the order when assembling the dish. The soup goes in first, then the toppings, and finally the noodles. This is different from ramen. If you put the noodles in first, they'll soak too long and ruin the texture."

"I see!" Tōsuke nodded, impressed. "It's quite different from Japanese ramen."

He then turned to Sui and said seriously, "I owe you one. If you ever need anything, just ask."

"Haha, it's no big deal," Sui smiled nonchalantly.

"Wow, Sui, you're amazing!" Rindō exclaimed in surprise.

"Who would've thought? Sui is unexpectedly talented!" Kuga added, clearly impressed. "What do you say, Sui? Want to join the Chinese Cuisine Research Society with me? Together, we'll definitely make a splash at Tōtsuki!"

"You two are really in sync," Momo Akanegakubo commented expressionlessly.

"Sui is the guy I like, so don't pay too much attention to him," Rindō said playfully, wrapping an arm around Sui's shoulders.

"Rindō-senpai, could you please stop hugging other people?" Erina interjected, her voice edged with irritation.

"Huh? Are you jealous, Erina-chan? What's wrong with me borrowing your 'boyfriend' for a while?" Rindō teased.

"W-who's my boyfriend?!" Erina's face flushed red as she stammered, clearly flustered. "You're hugging in public! Don't you have any shame?!"

"Nope," Rindō replied without hesitation, tightening her arm around Sui.

"This idiot! He had the nerve to ask me out for dinner," Erina fumed, gritting her teeth in frustration.

"By the way, Momo, aren't you researching American desserts lately? Maybe you could ask Sui or Erina for some tips," Rindō suggested, trying to change the subject.

"Not interested," Akanegakubo replied coldly, her vague hostility toward Erina becoming more apparent.

"Well, let's get cooking!" Kuga said enthusiastically. "Like before, let's each make a dish."

"Akanegakubo-san will handle dessert, Megishima-san will make the main dish, and the rest of us will make something too," Kuga directed.

"Kuga, I don't need you telling me what to do," Momo replied icily, clutching her teddy bear as she headed to the kitchen. The others followed suit.

"What should I make?" Sui pondered. "Maybe shredded pork with eggs?" He happened to have brought a rare Chansey egg that he planned to share with Erina.

As he walked into the kitchen and pulled out the egg, he immediately caught the attention of the others.

"Huh? What kind of egg is that?" Megishima asked, his eyes sharp with interest.

"It's a rare one that I managed to acquire," Sui replied.

"Wow! I haven't had one of those in ages!" Rindō exclaimed, licking her lips and revealing sharp fangs.

"Rindō, have you eaten this kind of egg before?" Megishima asked.

"Yup," she nodded. "It's absolutely delicious."

"Hey, Sui, how about selling me that egg?" Kuga asked, intrigued.

"Not for sale," Sui declined without hesitation.

Then, he got to work on his dish.

"Um... can you share a little of that egg with me, Su Pian?" A hesitant voice suddenly called out.