Chapter 125: Officer, You've Got the Wrong Person!

Donghai Television.

Today marked the final round of the competition. Chen Feng had chosen "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall," the most challenging dish. He recalled that in the movie *The God of Cookery*, both the protagonist Stephen Chow and the antagonist Tang Niu chose this very dish for the climax.

"Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" is the most iconic traditional masterpiece of Fujian cuisine, often hailed as the pinnacle of the regional culinary arts. The dish requires no fewer than eighteen premium ingredients—creatures of the sky, land, and water, along with rare mountain harvests—any one of which could serve as a centerpiece in a lesser dish. The preparation process is grueling: each of the eighteen ingredients must first be individually pan-fried, sautéed, braised, or deep-fried to bring out its distinct character. Once prepared, they are carefully layered into a large Shaoxing wine jar. A precise amount of superior stock and Shaoxing wine is added to allow the flavors to meld, after which the jar is sealed with lotus leaves and a tight lid. The heating process is equally demanding; it requires smokeless white charcoal, first brought to a boil over a high flame and then simmered over a low, steady heat for five to six hours. Only then is the dish complete.

To combine so many precious ingredients without compromising the texture or flavor of any single one is a rigorous test of a chef’s skill. Most people would absolutely fail to master "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall."

Although Chen Feng possessed the recipe, he had never actually prepared it, primarily due to the immense time required. Aside from Chen Feng, the other three chefs had also begun their preparations. Unlike a singing competition, cooking requires patience.

From the start of preparations at four in the afternoon until now, it was already nine in the evening. The outside world’s distractions did not affect Chen Feng in the slightest; he remained focused entirely on his craft.

He remembered what the "God of Cookery" had said in the movie: "With the right heart, anyone can be a God of Cookery."

Chen Feng was in exactly that state. He was completely immersed in his cooking. The other chefs had already submitted their dishes, yet Chen Feng remained in his own world. No one spoke, and no one grew impatient; everyone stared at him, eyes unblinking.

Suddenly, the entire venue was enveloped in a fragrance. It was not overpowering, yet it was deeply refreshing and intoxicating. Strangely, the scent seemed to possess over a dozen different layers.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Chen Feng finally stood up.

"Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" was ready.

As the jar opened, a rich, complex aroma burst forth, as if it were tugging at the hunger of everyone present. Even though they had already tasted the dishes from the other three chefs, everyone felt a surge of anticipation, wondering just how magnificent this bowl would taste.

Attendants served the dish to each judge. No one spoke; they simply tasted Chen Feng’s creation in silence, lingering on the flavors for a long time.

Finally, after a long pause, Stephen Chow stood up, his voice resonant and firm: "Regarding this 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,' I have no words. To be honest, I have tasted flavors today that I never imagined possible. I believe the title of 'God of Cookery' belongs to Chen Feng!"

Many in the audience nodded in agreement.

Even Liu Kaifeng found himself nodding slightly. He knew all too well that Chen Feng’s culinary skills had reached an absolute pinnacle; it would be nearly impossible for anyone in the world to surpass him in this field.

"First of all, I admit that Chen Feng’s technique is peerless," Lin Suxin said, standing up to address the audience. "However, I do not believe he is qualified to hold the title of 'Supreme God of Cookery.' Surely everyone is aware of recent events—the 'Exploding Beef Balls' incident, which used inferior meat and caused widespread food poisoning across the country. I refuse to believe Chen Feng was unaware of this. I believe his character is fundamentally flawed. How can someone with such questionable integrity claim this title?"

Lin Suxin was cunning; she didn't attack Chen Feng's cooking, but instead went straight for his character.

As her words fell, whispers rippled through the crowd. Many who had been lost in the delight of the dish were reminded of the recent scandal and began to hesitate—should they really cast their vote for Chen Feng?

Fang Yi sneered at Chen Feng, feeling a surge of satisfaction. *Chen Feng, what good is your cooking if your reputation is ruined? You won't be getting this title.*

"May I say a few words?" Chen Feng took the microphone, his voice calm as it echoed through the hall. "First, Ms. Lin, what right do you have to question my character? It is true that the 'Exploding Beef Balls' caused food poisoning, but the police have yet to release their official findings. By what authority do you, Lin Suxin, bypass the authorities and declare that I knowingly used inferior meat? Can you provide evidence? If you have proof, present it—do not resort to baseless speculation."

"Chen Feng, you are just being stubborn!" Lin Suxin glared at him. "The poisoning has already occurred, and yet you are still here making excuses!"

"Heh, that’s rich coming from you," Chen Feng retorted with a cold laugh. "The whole world knows you’re a social climber who uses your body to get roles, sleeping with countless directors to land parts in B-movies. Furthermore, you’re a drug user—why don’t you have the guts to take a drug test right now?"

"You..." Lin Suxin’s face went deathly pale. "You’re slandering me!"

"Oh? You can question my character without evidence, so why can’t I do the same to you?" Chen Feng shrugged dismissively. "We’re even."

"Chen Feng, are you still trying to talk your way out of this?" Fang Yi interjected, feigning a look of deep disappointment. "As a veteran in the culinary world, I was initially happy to see new talent emerge. But I didn't expect this! Your character is compromised, and yet you still refuse to admit any fault?"

Chen Feng turned his gaze to Fang Yi, his voice filled with disdain. "My conscience is clear. What didn't happen, didn't happen. I don't care to explain myself. As for you, Fang Yi, you call yourself a veteran of the industry? You claim to be indifferent to fame and fortune, so why are you competing here? 'Veteran'? Are you on your deathbed already?"

"You!" Fang Yi was no match for Chen Feng’s sharp tongue. Chen Feng’s words were so biting that Fang Yi was left speechless with rage.

Suddenly, a team of police officers stormed into the venue. Seeing this, Liu Kaifeng could not help but smile. He felt certain that Chen Feng was finished; no matter how he argued, once the police took him away, his career would be over.

"What is the meaning of this?" the host stammered, shocked.

All eyes turned to Chen Feng. Even he was surprised—were they really here for him?

However, the lead officer walked straight past Chen Feng and stopped in front of Liu Kaifeng. Before Liu could react, the officer said coldly, "Liu Kaifeng, you are suspected of inciting others to commit poisoning. We have gathered sufficient evidence of your crimes. Please come with us to assist with the investigation."

"What?" Liu Kaifeng was stunned. He had never expected the police to be here for him. Before he could recover, two officers grabbed him by the arms.

"What are you doing?" Liu Kaifeng shouted, his face twisted in anger. "You’ve got the wrong person! You should be arresting Chen Feng! He’s the one who used bad meat! It was him!"

"We have the right man," the officer replied coldly, flashing a warrant. "Take a good look."

Liu Kaifeng’s pupils constricted as he stared at the warrant in disbelief. "This is impossible! It should be Chen Feng! Officers, have you made a mistake?"

"There is no mistake. We are here for you," a cool voice echoed in Liu Kaifeng’s ear.

Liu Kaifeng shuddered as he saw Xiao Yu walking in through the entrance.

Xiao Yu had returned.