After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1375 - 1374: Xia Chuyi’s Culinary Journey to Conquer the World

The members of the South Korean delegation were in the midst of checking into their accommodations.

"What sort of situation is this? No suites available?" one of the South Korean negotiators voiced their displeasure. "What are we going to do? Our leader and his wife are here with their child..."

The official hosting them offered a few words to the South Korean negotiator, who then replied with evident reluctance, "Very well, we will proceed according to the arrangements made by the United States."

Once the check-in process was finalized, the South Korean delegation members were escorted by staff to their respective rooms.

As the delegation made their way, they brushed past Xia Chuyi and Huo Shiqian's group.

Given that everyone present was of Asian descent, a mutual assessment occurred between both parties as the South Korean delegation passed by.

Some members of the South Korean delegation were attired in their traditional clothing, which immediately signaled to Xia Chuyi and her companions that they were indeed the South Korean delegation.

However, since no one in Xia Chuyi’s group was wearing traditional garments, the South Korean delegation regarded them with expressions of curiosity.

It appeared they were attempting to discern the country of origin for Xia Chuyi and her entourage.

At an earlier point, a suggestion had been made for Xia Chuyi and the other women to wear cheongsams.

Nevertheless, Xia Chuyi declined the proposal.

This was because, in Xia Chuyi's personal view, Hanfu represented the authentic traditional attire of the Han people.

Yet, Hanfu had not yet achieved widespread promotion within contemporary China.

Its popularity would only surge with the advent of internet culture in the future, when a dedicated community of enthusiasts would champion the resurgence of Hanfu.

"Greetings, are you perhaps part of the Japanese delegation?" the South Korean negotiator inquired politely in English towards Xia Chuyi's group.

"No, we represent the Chinese delegation." Upon hearing the South Korean negotiator, the translator accompanying Xia Chuyi’s group responded courteously.

"China?" The mention of this name caused a flicker in the South Korean negotiator's eyes, and he remarked, "Indeed? We are from the H delegation."

"We are all Asian delegations; during the upcoming food competition, let us remember to support one another." The South Korean negotiator offered a smile as he spoke.

As diplomatic personnel, the South Korean negotiator's outward expression remained largely composed.

However, his tone subtly escalated, projecting an air of perceived superiority over China and subtly seeking China's acquiescence.

In essence, his underlying desire was for the Chinese delegation to align themselves with the South Korean delegation's direction.

The individuals accompanying Xia Chuyi were fully aware of this underlying intention.

Nevertheless, the translator responded with a smile, feigning ignorance of the South Korean negotiator's veiled meaning, and stated, "It's all about exchange, mutual exchange."

This was a polite refusal to endorse the "mutual assistance" proposed by the South Korean negotiator.

Hearing this, the South Korean negotiator seemed to interpret their response as uncooperative; his expression shifted slightly, and he declared, "Is that so? We shall see each other at the evening exchange meeting then."

Perceiving a lack of cooperation from the Chinese delegation, the South Korean negotiator opted against further engagement, turning back to converse with the members of his own delegation.

The South Korean delegation collectively cast a glance in their direction, offered superficial nods, and then departed.

It must be noted that while a semblance of basic courtesy was maintained, their underlying arrogance was discernibly evident.

The translator, who had observed the entire exchange, leaned closer to Xia Chuyi and Huo Shiqian.

Being aware that both Xia Chuyi and Huo Shiqian were proficient in English, and having missed their earlier conversation, the translator directly posed a question: "Commander Huo, Mrs. Huo, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

"Do not concern yourself with them," Huo Shiqian replied coolly. "This event centers on cuisine, not extraneous affairs."

"Hmm, yes," Xia Chuyi concurred. "Let us disregard them for now and focus on our discussions during the food competition."

It was undeniable that, in its nascent stages of development, China indeed faced certain limitations in economic and cultural spheres when compared to South Korea.

However, when it came to the art of culinary mastery, China had never faltered.