Chapter 146: Chapter 115: Three Kinds of Challenges

"Second is ingredients. Of the foods we typically find in the market, whether vegetables or meat, only certain parts are supplied for sale. In reality, the other parts can also become delicacies if prepared properly. By simply setting aside your prejudices, you can add a new delicacy to your life. So why not give it a try?"

"Third is a true adventure in the realest sense. Our gourmet group will provide unique ingredients from the forest—incredible species that you have either never seen before or have only read about in books. Uncovering their culinary value is a very meaningful endeavor for both chefs and food connoisseurs."

Ning He had shown the script to Cindy beforehand. There were no issues, and it successfully piqued the guests’ interest.

"I see. So, what challenge will our guests be facing today?"

Ning He glanced at the wheel beside her and gave a mischievous smile. "That all depends on their luck."

A few minutes later, all the guests had gathered by the counter behind Ning He.

Three rows of silver platters were arranged on the counter, each with a cover concealing what was hidden beneath.

"We’ll select three representatives to take turns spinning the wheel. They’ll uncover the platter with the corresponding number to reveal the challenge."

The eight guests discussed amongst themselves and quickly chose their three representatives. In addition to Mr. Rochester, there was an older man and a young woman.

Mr. Rochester stepped forward first. With no hints to go on, he spun the wheel without hesitation. The result came out quickly.

"7"

All eyes shot to platter number seven.

The camera zoomed in for a close-up.

With all eyes on her, Ning He lifted the cover.

Beneath it were two strands of unidentifiable berries, each a different color.

The berries were strung together, each smaller than a soybean, their skins covered in tiny bumps. One strand was dark brown, the other a grayish green. No one could name them.

Ning He raised an eyebrow.

’They’re pretty lucky.’

"What is this?"

"It’s a spice with a very unique flavor."

"A spice? Then this round shouldn’t be too hard, right?" Cindy said.

In the entire Alliance, savory seasonings were worth their weight in gold. How bad could one possibly taste?

Ning He smiled, picked up the strand of dark brown berries, plucked off a small handful, and held them out. "Everyone, feel free to try some."

Cindy seemed to sense something in her smile. She cautiously took one berry and sniffed it first.

’Hmm, it’s fine. Just a very faint, fresh aroma. Nothing scary about it.’

Then she took a tiny, careful bite.

In an instant, Cindy’s features twisted together.

Karen immediately pushed in for a tight close-up.

"What... is... this... flavor?"

Once the sensation on her tongue—like countless tiny insects were frantically jumping around—subsided a little, Cindy fought through the discomfort to ask.

"A strong, tingling numbness, right?" Ning He asked.

Cindy nodded repeatedly.

"That’s Sichuan peppercorn, a very peculiar spice. People who aren’t used to it tend to avoid it, but those who are can’t get enough of the numbness."

While Ning He was speaking, the other guests also tried a bite out of curiosity.

Even though masks hid the top half of their faces, the reactions on the lower half were clear. Some looked pained, some were trying to endure it, and a few even spat it out immediately and scrambled for water.

The scene descended into chaos for a moment, making for great TV.

Ning He had long anticipated this kind of reaction.

Sichuan peppercorns weren’t cheap to redeem from the store, either. Previously, she had only added a tiny amount to a few dishes for extra fragrance. Even in her malatang, it was just a background note. If customers noticed the odd sensation on their tongues, they would have just chalked it up to the chili peppers.

For everyone here, this flavor profile was completely unprecedented.

Only Leitel and the others, who had eaten her special roasted pepper sauce many times, might feel a slight sense of familiarity.

Of everyone present, only Doctor Lister remained relatively composed. But judging by the way he was silently sipping water, even he had been taken aback by the tiny peppercorn.

"Today’s main dishes will all feature this spice. I hope you’ll all be able to appreciate its unique qualities. Now, let’s reveal the next ingredient."

The older gentleman stepped forward, spun the wheel, and ended up with the number "3".

Once the cover was lifted, the crowd stared in silence at a platter of dark red meat, unsure of what it was.

Only Doctor Lister gave a wry smile.

"Chef Ning, you’re really testing us with this one."

"You know what this is?" Cindy immediately started interviewing Doctor Lister.

"If I’m not mistaken, these are pork kidneys, lamb kidneys, and the reproductive glands of some kind of poultry," Doctor Lister said, pointing to the different-sized ingredients on the platter as he sighed and explained. "Even when they’re made into powdered additives, these parts are the cheapest of the cheap. Are they really edible?"

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