Arranged from right to left, Cheng Su and their number 3 were almost at the far left, but the judges started evaluating from the far right.
Six judges, each detailed in their assessments, whispered among themselves after tasting, jotting down scores on their notepads.
Cheng Su watched and suddenly felt inexplicably nervous, along with an indescribable excitement. This was her first time participating in a competition, presenting something she had made with her own hands.
When the judges reached Friendly’s, Cheng Su stared intently at their expressions, seeing some judges’ eyes light up while others frowned, making her nervous as well.
Cheng Su’s gaze fell on the audience’s view of Friendly’s position. Wan Fuyu waved at her, and she smiled slightly before turning her attention back to the strongest rival, number five, Good Taste.
This was the biggest competitor!
Their sauce was smooth and glossy, exuding a luscious hue. Just looking at it was appetizing, and their technician was quite proud, sending a provocative smile her way.
Cheng Su withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyelids, thinking that although their sauce was good, the technician was too smug. Usually, such arrogance leads to mistakes.
Indeed, while many judges nodded subtly, the older, chubby judge, whose name she didn’t know, frowned and soon put down the bowl.
When it was their turn, Cheng Su’s heart lifted. Nearby, someone leaned closer; it was Ning Ge, who whispered, "Don’t be nervous, we’re just having fun."
Cheng Su let out a breath.
"Number three, please present your product." The Emcee came over and said with a smile.
Only then did Cheng Su carefully unveil the gauze, revealing the product they had made together.
On a gold-plated tray lay a white porcelain ice basin, containing a large bowl of fresh, dripping red jam. The glossy, rich texture of the jam, with two attached cherries with green leaves on top, contrasted sharply with the red. The barely visible chill from the ice created a frosty mist on the outside of the glass bowl holding the jam, making it quite pleasing to the eye.
Seeing the audience’s eyes light up, Ning Ge felt proud, throwing a disdainful glance at the previous displays, none could match their presentation.
"Number three’s jam is truly eye-catching; it’s tempting me to taste it. Please, judges," the Emcee played along with the atmosphere.
On the table were new glass bowls and spoons. Each judge took one to try, whispering and sharing their impressions.
To say she wasn’t nervous would be a lie. Cheng Su discreetly observed their expressions, and seeing no major negative reactions, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Watching them move to the last entry and then return to their seats, the Emcee announced the tallying of scores. In this intermission, each team could try each other’s sauces.
Cheng Su had been waiting for this. She first tried their own, feeling pleased. The chilled jam had indeed worked, and despite their insufficient timing, it was perfectly chilled now, sweet but not cloying, refreshing, giving a satisfying feel.
She then tried the neighboring Good Taste’s, which was also excellent, no wonder their technician was so proud.
Lastly, she tried Friendly’s. Cheng Su tasted carefully again and again, thinking that Friendly really gave it their all; their sauce was even better than what they had made before.
"The results should be out soon," Ning Ge said, coming to her side, noticing the Emcee holding a card on stage.