Yummy Yummy Yummy Episode 26 Recap
> Yummy Yummy Yummy Recap
Shen Shaojie, unable to make a living elsewhere, returned to Yong'an in disgrace. Hearing a broker mention job openings at the Shen family restaurant in Juxian Alley, he was too ashamed to face his family. The broker then informed him that Yunlai Tavern was also hiring. Shen Shaojie, desperate, agreed to apply there. He disguised himself with a fake beard, introducing himself as "A Dou" during the interview.
Lu Yun’s subordinate was looking for a quick-witted person to serve his master. Despite making a clumsy first impression, Shen Shaojie’s lively demeanor and desperate offer to work for meager pay convinced Lu Yun to hire him to lead his horse. Mr. Lu's subordinate later mentioned that Shen Shaojie, though foolish, was a bargain, and could serve as a "new face" for the upcoming Culinary Master Competition at the Shangsi Festival.
Meanwhile, Shen Jianshe diligently prepared for the Culinary Master Competition. He invited Yu San to taste his new stir-fried dishes, treating him as family, a gesture that deeply moved Yu San, who had never experienced such kindness as a former slave. Shen Jianshe even expressed his willingness to help Yu San gain his freedom, citing A Yuan’s similar experience.
Yu San, touched by his sincerity, honestly assessed Shen Jianshe's stir-fries as "nothing special," noting that while novel, their flavor was ordinary. Recognizing his shortcomings, Shen Jianshe then persistently asked Yu San to teach him, dedicating himself to rigorous practice of knife skills, arm strength, and wok handling. Li Fengxia, witnessing his earnest efforts, began to show signs of satisfaction. On the day of the Culinary Master Competition, prominent chefs, including Shen Jianshe and Jingwen, gathered to compete.
Councilor Kang of the Ministry of Rites, Yong'an's foremost food connoisseur, presided as the chief judge. Chancellor Meng also attended with Lin Yan, setting a poetic theme for the competition: "In youth, we meet with joy. At 20, we feel shy. At 50, we see the world. In old age, we envy the mayfly." Jingwen quickly grasped the poem's meaning, which alluded to the stages of life, and began selecting her ingredients.
Shen Jianshe, however, was bewildered and resorted to picking a little of every ingredient, imitating other chefs. Lin Yan discussed the profound theme with Chancellor Meng, interpreting it as an invitation for chefs to infuse the flavors of life into their dishes. Chancellor Meng was highly pleased with Lin Yan's understanding. From the sidelines, Li Fengxia and Shen Yangyang, who had been dragged there by Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan, watched Shen Jianshe's confusion with concern.
A spectator’s comment about Lin Yan being engaged to another Shen family daughter caused Shen Shaoguang a moment of sadness, a feeling she tried to hide. As the chefs worked, Lu Yun, observing the competition, plotted to sabotage the dishes of his rivals, particularly those of the Shen family. He sent a subordinate to summon Shen Shaojie, who was disguised as A Dou and washing dishes at Yunlai Tavern.
Shen Shaojie, initially thrilled at the prospect of an important task, hesitated when instructed to simply knock over the competitors' dishes. He deemed it "low-class," but was warned of severe consequences if he failed to ensure Yunlai Tavern's victory and, especially, if he didn't publicly humiliate the Shen family. Shen Shaojie entered the competition area, where Shen Yangyang soon recognized her father. Overjoyed, she rushed to hug him, crying out "Dad!"
A Yuan, mistaking Shen Shaojie for a villain, immediately intervened, kicking and hitting him. Shen Shaoguang and Li Fengxia also ran to protect Shen Yangyang, causing a commotion. Hearing his brother's name amidst the chaos, Shen Jianshe turned to look, accidentally dropping his iron pot and twisting his wrist. Shen Shaojie, realizing the stir he had caused, fled the scene, promising to explain later.
Li Fengxia urged Shen Jianshe to go to the clinic immediately for his swollen wrist, but he seemed lost in thought, refusing to leave. Lin Yan, observing Shen Shaojie's escape, was about to send someone to follow, but Shen Shaoguang discreetly signaled him not to act, and he returned to the viewing platform. Suddenly, Shen Jianshe had an epiphany and declared that he knew what dish he would make.
He expressed his long-held desire to prove himself to his family, acknowledging his past failures. He explained that winning no longer mattered to him; his only desire was to cook his family's favorite dishes. Moved by his sincerity, Li Fengxia and Shen Yangyang encouraged him to continue, promising their support. Shen Jianshe then began to cook with renewed determination. As the incense stick burned down, signifying the end of the cooking time, the dishes were presented.
Jingwen, as Hermit Suxin, presented "Four-Flavor Soup," where each bowl represented a stage of life, from "Rebirth Soup" for infancy to a bitter soup for the end of life. Guixiang Tavern presented four dishes symbolizing the four seasons, each inspired by a classical poem. Yunlai Tavern showcased exquisitely carved, luxurious dishes, praised as the most expensive and beautiful of the competition. Finally, Shen Jianshe presented six seemingly simple home-cooked dishes, which he called "Six Bowls."
Councilor Kang noted that only Shen's pork dish was unique, while the others appeared ordinary. Shen Jianshe explained that while winning was his initial goal, during the cooking process, all he could think of were the dishes his family loved. He listed each family member’s favorite: his son loved meat, Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan loved his stir-fries, Li Fengxia enjoyed small seafood, Shen Yangyang adored desserts, and a special family member loved rice tofu.
He concluded that in that moment, winning was inconsequential. For him, the true essence of life, and the dish that represented it, was for his family to always be together, sharing and enjoying every meal. Councilor Kang, deeply touched, declared that Shen Jianshe had truly "succeeded."
