After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1376 - 1375: Gourmet Conference (Side Story)
Previously on After Marrying the Officer...
The encounter with the Korea delegation seemed like a minor event; Xia Chuyi and her companions gave it little thought.
As evening descended, representatives from over thirty nations worldwide began arriving for the exchange conference.
Xia Chuyi and her group dutifully attended the conference as scheduled.
Having learned a lesson from prior events, Councilman William displayed exceptional cordiality towards Huo Shiqian and Xia Chuyi.
"Mr. Huo, Mrs. Huo, your designated seats are this way!" Councilman William personally escorted Xia Chuyi and the others to their pre-arranged spots.
By chance, the Korea delegation, along with those from Japan, YD Country, and FLB Country, were seated adjacent to the Z Country delegation.
It was evident that the organizers had grouped the attendees by geographical region.
Upon noticing Xia Chuyi and her party, the individuals from the Korea delegation appeared momentarily taken aback, seemingly surprised by the proximity of their seating arrangements.
Given the diplomatic context, the Korean representatives offered a perfunctory nod to Xia Chuyi’s group before engaging in conversation with the Japan delegation.
There was a clear air of condescension from the Korea delegation towards the Z Country group.
The Korea delegation made no move to approach Xia Chuyi’s group, and conversely, Xia Chuyi’s group did not initiate contact with them.
Some time later, a member of the Japan delegation approached their table. "Greetings, I am Yamamoto Koichiro, a culinary artist," he introduced himself.
Following the protocols of diplomatic courtesy, Xia Chuyi, being the designated chef for Z Country, rose to respond.
"Hello, my surname is Xia, and I am also a chef," Xia Chuyi replied with politeness.
Yamamoto Koichiro seemed momentarily surprised. "You are a chef?" he questioned, likely noting Xia Chuyi's gender. He quickly added, "My apologies if I sounded abrupt, I simply did not anticipate the chef representing Z Country to be a woman."
He then continued with a serious tone, "However, since Z Country has sent you, Miss Xia, your culinary prowess must be quite significant."
"I would be honored to have the opportunity to exchange culinary techniques with you, Miss Xia, in the coming days and to savor the distinct flavors of Z Country cuisine," he elaborated.
The members of the Z Country delegation exchanged glances, their brows furrowing slightly upon hearing his words.
Could this gentleman from Japan be issuing a culinary duel?
Indeed, Yamamoto Koichiro's intention was precisely to issue a challenge.
From the perspective of Westerners, the various cuisines of East Asia are often perceived as a singular culinary tradition.
Consequently, for East Asian countries to distinguish themselves at an international gastronomy event, their initial rivals are typically their neighbors within the region.
This was underscored by the organizers' decision to arrange seating based on regional proximity.
With a challenge officially presented, Xia Chuyi responded calmly, "I am humbled by your compliment, Mr. Yamamoto. Should the opportunity arise, I will certainly be present."
"Thank you kindly," Yamamoto Koichiro replied upon hearing Xia Chuyi’s acceptance. "I shall not impose further."
With a respectful bow to the assembled group, Yamamoto Koichiro returned to his delegation.
The delegations from Korea and Japan... these two neighboring countries presented quite a contrast.
One maintained a dismissive attitude towards Z Country, choosing not to engage with Xia Chuyi’s party.
The other recognized Xia Chuyi’s group as formidable competitors, issuing a challenge almost immediately upon arrival.
The gastronomic conference had yet to officially commence, yet latent tensions were already palpable.
"Chuyi, are you comfortable with this?" Huo Shiqian inquired softly after Yamamoto Koichiro departed.
"I am quite alright," Xia Chuyi reassured him. "I was prepared for various scenarios when I agreed to come here."
"Moreover, I am genuinely eager to engage in culinary exchanges with chefs from different nations," Xia Chuyi added with a gentle smile and a calm demeanor.