16 16. The Cook-off.

Although, Zach was equally as prepared as her.

He tied a white band around his head before bringing out his preferred meat for the cook-off, which was none other than, pork.

He quickly minced the meat before sorting the condiments he would need into a small container, then he began to chop some gingers and onions at breakneck speed.

Seeing how fast Zach was chopping the ingredients in front of them and with utmost and absolute concentration, the judges were very impressed.

Luna was no longer sitting in her chair as she could already guess that Zach was going to make yet another spectacular meal for them this morning.

Her tail began to wag even faster with every passing second and she was pretty much salivating.

She couldn't wait for Zach to serve his dish.

"Luna, you need to take your seat. We are currently playing the role of judges and we need to act dignified and impartial while watching them," Aurora cautioned as she beckoned for Luna to return to her seat beside her.

"I know, big sis, but I can't help my excitement at big brother's delicious cooking," Luna replied ecstatically, returning to her seat as she waited for the cooks to finish preparing their meals, the excitement in her eyes shining through as they locked onto Zach's cooking.

The same could be said about the dignified Aurora as her eyes had been unable to move away from Zach ever since he began cooking. Of course, her tail was just as excited as Luna's as well.

Meanwhile, Zach had now placed the chopped onions and ginger into a basin before adding a variant of other ingredients like soy sauce, salt and several other spices.

Separately, he made a paste out of some chopped ginger and onions before adding it in parts to the minced meat.

Zach smoothly began to mix the ingredients into the pork, his fluid movement attracting and even entertaining the judges.

Next, he heated some pepper oil and drizzled it over the filling. By doing this, the fragrance of the meat was locked in, allowing the dumpling to turn out juicy and firm.

"Big sister, it's dumpling!! Big brother is making dumplings!!" Luna exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

A smile broke out on Zach's face when he heard his little sister's excited words.

After all, she wasn't wrong, since he was actually preparing wonton, and it was still a type of dumpling.

Right after the filling was done, Zach looked down at the bag of flour which was beside the table he was using to cook.

Zach took the needed amount and began kneading the flour into a smooth dough before pouring water into a separate pot to boil.

Afterwards, he started wrapping the wonton. The moment he was done, he put them into the pot and stirred it a bit to prevent it from sticking to the pot. As the contents of the pot began to boil, the rich aroma of wonton filled the entire kitchen, causing everyone to drool slightly, including Jade.

"The meal is ready," Zach announced, loosening the white headband from his head.

Aurora and Luna sighed as they inhaled the amazing aroma permeating the air.

Luna couldn't hold in her excitement anymore. She was feeling even more hungry after inhaling the sweet smell.

Jade had been done for some time now and had served her food so the girls could taste it. The both of them took three bites of the delicious chicken before setting it aside for a later time, then they waited anxiously for Zach to be done.

After all, they had to save some space for the best food.

Luna anxiously inquired from Zach. "Can we eat now?"

Aurora didn't try to scold her this time around because she couldn't wait any longer either.

They noticed that Zach had boiled some rice in a separate bowl, so she knew it was only a matter of time before Zach's delicious meal found its way into their bellies.

Zach nodded in response to Luna's question and watched as both ladies eagerly walked over to him with a plate in each of their hands.

Zach smiled as he collected both of their plates and filled them with the wonton soup and rice.

Even though the wonton soup was still steaming hot, Aurora and Luna hastily scooped a spoonful and gulped it down.

Seeing this, Zach quickly grabbed a white piece of cloth before cautioning them. "Ladies, ladies, please eat slowly and don't burn yourselves," He said with a smile while using the cloth to clean the side of Luna's lips.

"The food isn't going anywhere," He added, before turning and cleaning the side of Aurora's lips as well.

Her cheeks reddened as she watched Zach do this. She felt like burying herself in the ground— with the food already in her stomach of course. She had never expected herself to act in such an unladylike manner in front of him, but she couldn't deny how good his food tasted.

Both ladies nodded their heads and continued to dig into their meals, thoroughly enjoying it.

Watching both girls ravenously devour his dish brought a satisfied smile to Zach's face.

In no time, they had completely finished their food while Jade's chicken vegetable soup collected dust on their table.

Feeling stuffed, both girls collapsed into their chairs while Luna rubbed her round and bloated stomach with glee.

"Big brother's cooking is really the best," She admitted.

This was the second time she had eaten to her satisfaction and the one who made it possible was none other than her favourite and only brother.

With this, there was no doubt who the winner of the cook-off was. Looking at the plates in front of the two girls, Jade could see how they barely touched her chicken and vegetable soup while they completely scraped the plates that contained Zach's meal just a few minutes ago.

It was a clear and utter loss.

____

A/N:-- Currently participating in the Feb/March WPC contest theme #Genius. Please your support and power stones will be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

You are also more than welcome to read my other novel which is titled, My Evil Stepson System.