Chapter 101: Elder Jiang


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Soon, all the judges finished tasting the contestants’ dishes and provided fair scores. The results were promptly announced on therge screen positioned behind the stage. It was undisputed that Liao Ning secured the first ce.


    “The esteemed champion of this foodpetition is none other than Liao Ning. Let us all give her a heartfelt round of apuse and extend our congrattions.” Following the emcee’s announcement of the top three contestants, Liao Ning and Yu Ni were invited on stage.


    Liao Ning emerged as the winner, while Yu Ni imed the third spot. As for the second ce, it was awarded to Zhao Kuo, a renowned expert in ancient food culture research within the alliance.


    “Now, with enthusiastic apuse, we invite Dr. Jiang He, the leader in the realm of ancient food research, to join us on stage and present an award to our aplished contestant!”


    The moment the emcee finished speaking, the audience erupted in apuse and cheers. Even those watching the official live-stream of the foodpetition were brimming with excitement, theirments streaming in relentlessly.


    [Elder Jiang! It’s Elder Jiang! He’s my idol!]


    [The organizers of this foodpetition certainly spared no expense in inviting Elder Jiang!]


    “I apologize if I’m not familiar with Elder Jiang, but I’ve recently taken an interest in ancient delicacies. Could someone enlighten me about his significance and why his mention is so thrilling?


    [You mean you’ve never heard of Elder Jiang before!]


    [Just getting into ancient food culture, so please bear with us neers.]


    [Elder Jiang is the esteemed leader of the ancient food and culture world. He has sessfully restored hundreds of ancient recipes, and instead of keeping them to himself, he selflessly donated them to the Alliance. These precious recipes were made freely essible to all citizens of the Alliance through the Star Network Library. For a mere 100 star coins, one can be a registered member and ess these recipes indefinitely.]


    [The previousmenter is absolutely right. Elder Jiang’s contributions to ancient food culture are unparalleled. Unlike certain bloggers who guard their research like trade secrets, Elder Jiang generously shares his knowledge, unfazed by the potential impact on his own earnings.]


    That’s right. Elder Jiang’s generosity extended beyond donating recipes for free. He also provided sponsorships for numerous students pursuing doctorates in the field of ancient food culture.


    The viewers in the live-stream were engaged in animated discussions, while the atmosphere at the venue of the foodpetition’s finals was equally vibrant. Elder Jiang made his way towards the podium with a solemn gait. He couldn’t fathom that the champion standing on the stage was not Zhu Ying, but an unfamiliar young man named Liao Ning. It was inconceivable that Zhu Ying, whom he expected to see, was absent from thepetition.


    Elder Jiang’s steps grew hastier as he approached, and his eyes widened in astonishment. Could it be possible that Zhu Ying wasn’t the one standing on the podium?


    With her snow-white hair and deep blue eyes resembling Zhu Ying’s, it was undoubtedly the young Zhu Ying!


    Elder Jiang quickened his pace, paying no mind to the fact that it was the finals. He disregarded the multitude of eyes watching the event unfold both in person and through the live-stream. In his weathered voice, he called out to Liao Ning, “Zhu Ying!”


    Everything happened so swiftly that the emcee couldn’t intervene in time. The elderly man’s resounding call filled the ears of tens of thousands of attendees and billions of viewers in the live-stream through the speakers and online broadcast.


    Themotion gradually subsided as everyone fixed their gaze upon the elderly and young figures on the podium, fearing they might miss a crucial development if they so much as blinked.


    The emcee broke out in a cold sweat. The situation had surpassed what a mere emcee like him could manage. He could only hope that Elder Jiang wouldn’t say anything further to cause a stir.


    However, he had forgotten that often what one dreads tends to materialize.


    As anticipated, in the next moment, Elder Jiang uttered something truly astonishing. “Zhu Ying, where have you been all these years? Su Tang and I have spent over three decades searching for you. How could you be so heartless as to leave us in the dark about your whereabouts?!”


    Liao Ning gazed at the tearful elder, her heart filled with empathy. She couldn’t fathom whether he could bear the weight of the news that Zhu Ying had departed from this world.


    After careful consideration, Liao Ning made up her mind to reveal the truth. With a gentle tone, she softly uttered, “I am not Zhu Ying..”