The scores are announced, and Han believes that he had won. However the judge disqualifies him for using dirty tricks. Whereas Mao and Feiyi had judged each other fairly, Han only gave them each a '1' to lower their scores so to win. Finally the judge tells Feiyi and Mao to give a score for their own dishes. This is of course the toughest call a chef has to make. Mao gives himself a 10 because he thinks its the best dish no matter who you are. Feiyi also gives himself a 10. After the judge discusses with other officials, she announces that both Mao and Feiyi pass the test and become Special Grade cooks! Mao returns to Yang's Spring restraunt where he is greeted by General Lee who had heard of the great news. Mao tells Lee he will not return home to be the master chef at his Szechuan restraunt nor will he stay and learn more at Yang's Spring Restraunt. Instead Mao chooses to go around China learning new Chinese cuisines. Lee agrees and wishes him luck. Meili is so distressed about this that she runs away crying. Mao farewells his sister and the chefs at Yang's Spring. One of the chef's give Mao a handkerchief sewn by Meili since Meili couldn't see him off. On the ship, Mao is saddened to read Meili's goodbye letter. Luckily for him Meili sneaked on board as well to acompany him on his journeys!