Shou An’s decades-long rivalry with the protagonist traces back to their shared childhood, forged in frequent clashes that demanded mediation by the protagonist’s mother, Pai. Her death, which he believes his actions hastened, anchors his festering resentment. Their battles unfold through competitive cooking duels, beginning with a tofu-centered clash that stripped Shou An of his senior chef title and ignited his vengeful drive. Years later in Shanghai, he resurfaces to challenge the protagonist anew, seeking to reclaim both honor and status. Their final confrontation returns to tofu, echoing their first clash and closing the circle of their rivalry.

Though Shou An occasionally employs underhanded tactics to secure victory, his motivations remain personal—fueled by guilt and pride rather than allegiance to external groups like the Underground Cooking Society. His arc hinges on redeeming himself through culinary mastery, framing his vendetta as a quest for validation within the culinary world. Each confrontation sharpens the protagonist’s skills and philosophy, intertwining their growth with themes of legacy, rivalry, and the weight of unresolved history.