Chapter 167: When a Courtesan Stands on Principle!

Suddenly, the legendary Star Master joined “The Ultimate Food God,” instantly capturing the attention of countless fans and igniting a massive storm in the entertainment industry. When interviewed by reporters, the Star Master candidly admitted that he was currently endorsing the explosive Juicy Urine Beef Balls. He even claimed that his endorsement fee was simply the very same beef balls personally crafted by Chen Feng. He further revealed that his participation in the show was all because of Chen Feng.

This revelation sent shockwaves through the entire entertainment world. The Star Master—such an esteemed figure—was appearing on this show just for Chen Feng? Naturally, Chen Feng’s fame skyrocketed alongside, and sales of the Juicy Urine Beef Balls surged into a frenzy.

However, Chen Feng noticed a problem. Despite this newfound popularity, his achievement points weren’t increasing rapidly. In fact, over the past few days, he had gained fewer than five hundred points—a shockingly low figure compared to his current fame. When compared with the points he earned from being the top scorer in the national college entrance exam, these achievement points seemed embarrassingly paltry.

“Why is this happening?” Chen Feng wondered, puzzled. Soon, he realized that although he had become popular, this popularity was built upon the Star Master’s foundation. In other words, his fame wasn’t due to his own ability.

Previously, whether it was excelling at basketball or topping the college entrance exam, he had relied on his own strength combined with strategic publicity to rise to fame. But now, he was riding on the Star Master’s coattails—it was an entirely different matter. A few compliments from the Star Master about his cooking wouldn’t move many people. Most attention would be on the Star Master himself; Chen Feng was merely a bystander. After all, cooking skills were unlike test scores or basketball talent—hearing praise and truly tasting the food were two very different experiences.

The show exploded in popularity overnight. Star Master’s name alone was enough to pull in massive viewership.

Chen Feng felt a bit helpless. His achievement points would likely fall far short of expectations and might never reach the level he needed. Yet, in contrast to these disappointing points, sales of the Juicy Urine Beef Balls soared to an astonishing degree. The numbers in Chen Feng’s bank account rose by several digits.

By the third day after arriving in Donghai, the competition had officially begun.

But the production team didn’t immediately air the footage. Thanks to the Star Master’s involvement, they spent another two weeks heavily promoting the show and using the opportunity to secure several investors, making a hefty profit. They planned a grand promotional campaign, hoping that when it finally aired, the ratings would double.

Undeniably, the production was meticulous. Aside from having celebrities serve as mentors—something Chen Feng found a bit frustrating—there was a wealth of culinary knowledge shared. The filming was excellent, and there was even a dedicated nutritionist to provide expert evaluations. The emphasis wasn’t just on flavor, aroma, and appearance, but also on nutritional value.

Though there were many outstanding chefs, Chen Feng wasn’t worried. His skill was on an entirely different level. While culinary masters existed in the world, a master who had mastered eight culinary traditions in one breath was unique—only he fit that description. Moreover, Chen Feng possessed the “Celestial Kitchen Compendium.” With the twenty-four dishes he had mastered, he had essentially reached the pinnacle of human cuisine. Anyone who tasted his food would surely exclaim in delight.

Sixty-four contestants participated in total. Initially, all contestants showcased their skills and prepared dishes, which were then sampled by the live audience. Nutritionists judged the dishes, celebrities scored them, and finally, the contestants chose their celebrity team mentors.

The first episode was unusually long. The first round did not involve live cooking but instead featured pre-made dishes introduced via video. These were then tasted by celebrities, nutritionists, and the live audience, who scored and evaluated the entries.

“Are you Chen Feng?” A middle-aged chef approached Chen Feng backstage, scrutinizing him with a sideways glance.

“That’s right, I am Chen Feng,” Chen Feng replied with a faint smile, studying the man. “May I ask what advice you have for me, sir?”

“Advice is too formal,” the man said with a cold sneer. “I just want you to understand one thing: young man, don’t seek attention by making noise. Don’t think you’re remarkable just because you have connections. I hope you don’t sully the reputation of the chef’s profession!”

His tone was lecturing, stirring whispers among the nearby crowd.

“That’s Chen Feng? Hard to believe he’s so young!”

“At such a young age, and already in the competition? He probably hasn’t even fully grown a beard!”

“This kid skipped the preliminaries and went straight in. Are you sure there’s no foul play here?”

“Obviously, he’s riding the Star Master’s coattails. I bet he’s just here for show. Didn’t you see the Star Master endorsing those Juicy Urine Beef Balls? This has to be rigged!”

Chen Feng narrowed his eyes. Was this what they called a rival?

He didn’t take the criticism to heart. His mindset was beyond petty squabbles. He was competing only for achievement points, not to make a career in the culinary world. This competition might generate substantial profits, but with his current status and wealth, he could live a lavish life without lifting a finger for the rest of his days.

Money didn’t matter; achievement points did. Still, knowing his points would be limited, Chen Feng felt somewhat disheartened.

Seeing Chen Feng remain silent, the middle-aged man snorted dismissively. “Chen Feng, I hope you conduct yourself properly. We need this competition to be fair and just.”

“Such a lot of nonsense!” Chen Feng’s gaze locked onto the man, lips curling into a cold smile. “Fair and just? How do you know it’s unfair? Just because you think you’ll win? Do you believe your cooking is the best in the world?”

The man was momentarily stunned. He dared not claim to be the best chef under heaven—the title was too heavy a burden for most to bear.

Chen Feng continued, “Don’t come at me with that tired talk about sullying the chef profession. You’re just chasing fame and fortune. Don’t try to pin that label on me. If you’ve got real skills, then show me!”

“You—” The man’s anger flared, but before he could respond, a staff member hurried over, calling out, “Fang Yi, it’s your turn! Hurry up!”

The man shot Chen Feng a fierce glare but then quickly followed the staff away.

Chen Feng scoffed quietly. A few others in the room glanced at him but didn’t approach. Then, a man around thirty hurried over.

“Hey, Chen Feng, hello. I’m Wu Lin. Let’s get acquainted.”

“Hello,” Chen Feng replied, shaking Wu Lin’s hand without pretension.

Wu Lin spoke politely, “Chen Feng, you should be careful. That Fang Yi is no good.”

“Oh?” Chen Feng asked, curious. “Why is he no good? Is he really that skilled?”

Wu Lin explained, “He’s actually an older figure—head chef of Yunmeng Sky City. He rarely cooks himself, but those who have tasted his dishes are usually important people. His dining table often hosts leaders and elites. He’s quite connected.”

Chen Feng frowned slightly but understood. Fang Yi had climbed high in certain circles. Though their relationship might not be close, dining with leaders meant he wielded some influence.

Wu Lin lowered his voice. “Chen Feng, be careful. Fang Yi has disliked you from the start and said he’s determined to claim the championship this time.”

“Oh?” Chen Feng made a low sound, then laughed coldly. “He wants the championship? What a dream!”

Wu Lin smiled politely. “Indeed. Given your relationship with the Star Master, winning shouldn’t be a problem for you, right?”

Chen Feng glanced at Wu Lin and immediately realized the man was trying to cozy up to him, likely hoping to leverage Chen Feng’s connection with the Star Master to double his own earnings.

Wu Lin was a smooth operator. Chen Feng neither admired nor despised him—everyone had their own way of living.

Like Fang Yi—if he wanted to be a notorious figure, fine. But putting on a moral high horse to criticize others was what Chen Feng truly despised.

(Second update! Please continue to support with your monthly votes. There’s a third update tonight. You all have been amazing today! Just twenty-five more votes, and I’ll keep delivering three updates tomorrow. Please, throw your monthly votes at me mercilessly!)

(To be continued…)