Arc 2: Part 11
Xiao Qingwan found it strange, but she didn't voice her thoughts. Xiao Bai Zhu had always been the one cooking, while she merely reaped the benefits of her reputation. She wasn't familiar with the intricacies of preparing meals.
Having prepared the steamed yam and hawthorn fried meat, Xiao Bai Zhu quickly got to work on several other dishes. Se skillfully made clear barley porridge, steamed clam meat with egg, and a fresh vegetable and fruit platter. Lastly, she packaged the dishes along with some soya milk in an insulated food box and handed it to Xiao Qingwan.
"I've done all the work, elder sister." she told her, reminding, "Remember, you need to keep your word."
Xiao Qingwan quickly grabbed the box, assuring him, "Of course, I'll give it to you as soon as I return. You can go now, I'll wait a bit longer."
As soon as Tong Su left, Xiao Qingwan adjusted her clothes and walked out of the kitchen, food box in hand, with a beaming smile. She handed the food box to Little Thirteen from a distance.
"Sir, these meals were just prepared by me," she said, adding, "please remind my elder brother to eat and take care of his health."
Little Thirteen nodded, dismissed her, and began his walk towards Xiao Lingchen's courtyard with the food box. The scent escaping from the food box's tiny seams was so appetizing, sweet, and savory that his stomach immediately started rumbling, a loud announcement of his hunger.
"The food prepared by the eldest lady smells especially delicious this time. Even I feel hungry; her skills are becoming more and more refined!" Little Thirteen couldn't resist expressing his admiration.
It was dawn, and Xiao Lingchen, the Senior Official, had already started practicing his sword routines in the courtyard. The handsome man's face was hidden in the morning mist, his expression indifferent. His cold demeanor might keep people at a distance, but it only enhanced his breathtaking beauty.
Sweat rolled down his strong and slender body, following its perfect muscle contours, disappearing into his loose clothing. This sight was a testament to his restrained yet formidable strength.
When Little Thirteen entered, Xiao Lingchen put his sword away and went to freshen up. He sat down at the table, unfazed by the slightly wet hair strands that left faint water trails on his face.
Xiao Lingchen did not like having attendants too close to him. Little Thirteen quickly brought the food box and left right after, sprinting to the big kitchen in the mansion to have his own breakfast.
A three-layered food box made of sandalwood was sitting on the table. Xiao Lingchen wasn't actually feeling hungry, but for some reason, after glancing at the box, he felt an impulse to open its lid.
The moment he did, he was instantly surprised.
The moment he opened it, he was met with a gust of fog-like steam that escaped the box, followed by a tangy and fragrant smell that filled his nostrils. This urged him to eagerly serve the dishes.
The first disk that appeared before him was the steaming plate of hawthorn stir-fried meat, instantly whetting his appetite.
The deep red meat slices were coated in a crystal-clear hawthorn sauce. The amber-like transparency and sweet and sour scent were so enticing that it urged one to reach out and pick up a piece just to taste its exquisite flavor.
When the meat slice entered his mouth it had minimal oil. Although it was stir-fried, it didn't have a greasy feel. Instead, a light sour aroma spread across his tongue. His taste buds, which hadn't experienced such a delightful taste in a while, seemed to awaken in the midst of the fragrance, instantaneously transmitting the delicious sensation to his brain.
Delicious!
The always composed Xiao Lingchen couldn't help but show his surprise. He couldn't remember the last time he had actually found food to be delicious.
The food prepared by Xiao Qingwan in the past was just about palatable. But this dish was extraordinarily tasty!
He couldn't help but reach for several more servings.
But considering his stomach hadn't encountered rich food for a long time, there weren't many hawthorn meat slices prepared. Xiao Lingchen hadn't eaten much before they were gone.
He regretfully shifted his gaze away, looking elsewhere.
The sweet and sour dish had prepared his stomach. Now, everything looked tempting.
The steamed yam had a unique appearance, with a sweet scent that was irresistible. The Job's tears (Coixseed) porridge was fragrantly enticing with plump grains; the steamed clam with eggs was jiggling, shiny and fragrant. There was also a fruit plate and soy milk, both fresh and sweet.
As Xiao Lingchen enjoyed the delicious food, a question slowly began to form in his mind.
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