Gu Yuena returned quickly, bringing steaming-hot food that gave off an enticing aroma.
The food aboard the ship was clearly not as good as the food at home. Most of it was ordinary fare, and if one wanted food beneficial to cultivation, they could only prepare it themselves. The items in Gu Yuena's hands, which clearly carried fluctuations of Soul Power, had obviously been prepared in advance. Coupled with the scented balm from last night that had eased his seasickness, Chen Yan felt like she was a Doraemon.
Greatness ()
Chen Yan thanked her with a solemn expression.
"Sorry to trouble you."
Gu Yuena smiled softly, placed the tray on the table, and sat down beside it.
Resting her chin on her hand, she had bright eyes and pearly teeth. Her silver hair shimmered enchantingly under the lamplight, like a captivating painting.
"Eat up."
"Aren't you eating?" Although they had eaten together every day for the past three years, that... wasn't an excuse for you to skip your meal and stare at me. I'm not that appetizing.
Being watched by a member of the opposite sex and not being watched were two entirely different states. Chen Yan felt that it really made his scalp tingle with embarrassment!
"No need. I'm not hungry."
Seeing Gu Yuena answer like that, Chen Yan slapped the table and stood up.
"How can you not eat? Wait here!"
To solve this problem, despite his still somewhat pale complexion, Chen Yan took out the Soul Tool Furnace, the Soul Tool Hot Meal Pot, and all kinds of high-end ingredients that had been sitting unused in his ring for ages.
It was time to show off his true skills.
Chen Yan's actions surprised Gu Yuena slightly. As she watched him swiftly and skillfully take out the Soul Tool Furnace, Soul Tool Hot Meal Pot, and various premium ingredients, warmth rose in her heart alongside her confusion.
Chen Yan was the kind of person who would sit if he could avoid standing, and lie down if he could avoid sitting. If possible, he could stay in his bedroom all day without moving. Yet now, he was actually cooking! He clearly had not learned this for himself. What did that mean? It meant he had learned it for someone else!
Chen Yan: I didn't, I haven't, don't make things up!
Little Yan, you really don't have to do this, Gu Yuena murmured softly in her heart, and her gaze grew even gentler.
Though he had only bought these things for emergencies—if he ever got trapped somewhere, he could still have a hot meal instead of immediately running out of supplies.
Chen Yan skillfully operated the Soul Tool Hot Meal Pot. He poured in the Night-Shining Rice and soaked it in High Mountain Snow Water. Then he pressed the switch, allowing the ingredients to cook rapidly inside the Soul Tool.
Next, Chen Yan picked up a bag of premium ingredients, which included Soul Beast Meat, some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures close to a hundred years old, and seasonings. He then cut the meat and vegetables—temporarily classifying them as vegetables—into suitable sizes for cooking and eating.
"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle—"
Chen Yan activated the Soul Tool Furnace, and flames burst forth. He held a spatula in one hand and gripped the wok handle with the other, carefully adjusting the wok's position to ensure the ingredients cooked quickly while retaining their tender texture, preserving both their best flavor and nutrients throughout the cooking process.
As he cooked, Chen Yan occasionally used his Soul Power to sense the changes in the ingredients, ensuring they reached the ideal doneness. He had a firm grasp of the cooking rhythm, turning the ingredients from time to time so they heated evenly. He even deliberately tossed the wok. There was only one word for it—professional!
Finally, Chen Yan added the seasonings and stirred everything evenly with Soul Power, making the ingredients even more delicious. He carefully tasted a bite, and after confirming that the flavor met his expectations, he plated the dishes and arranged them on exquisite dinner plates.
Gu Yuena took a deep breath. The aroma contained powerful spiritual energy, making this undoubtedly a feast for cultivators. But for Gu Yuena, what she cared about more was the sentiment behind the dishes.
At last, Chen Yan placed the final dish on the table.
"My cooking isn't very good, so just make do with it," Chen Yan said softly, though his face wore a confident smile.
Though he said that, he still had some confidence in himself—at least it had flavor, and it was edible!
Gu Yuena looked at him, her eyes full of surprise.
"You've gone far beyond making do. You've turned it into a work of art," Gu Yuena said gently, a hint of teasing in her voice.
Uh, I can accept you saying it tastes good, but calling it a work of art... Hmm, should I go learn plating too?
Chen Yan smiled and sat across from Gu Yuena. They sat facing each other in peaceful harmony.
"I never knew you could cook!"
Gu Yuena looked gently at Chen Yan, her purple eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny.
"Ahem."
Chen Yan coughed, picked up his chopsticks, and gently lifted a piece of meat. (Wouldn't it be terrible if you did know?)
"Let's eat."
Gu Yuena picked up her chopsticks and looked at the dishes she liked placed before her, then gently tasted a bite. Her eyes immediately lit up. She savored every trace of flavor in the dish before looking at Chen Yan with a satisfied smile.
"It tastes great! How about we fire the chef at home and have you cook from now on?"
Looking at the woman before him whose eyes gleamed with light, Chen Yan found her a little terrifying.
Chef: Oh no, I've become the replacement!
"No, no, no... My cooking skills aren't that good. It's better to leave it to professionals!"
Seeing Chen Yan's reaction, Gu Yuena felt he was a little too nervous. She laughed and said casually, "I was only joking. Don't take it seriously!"
Chen Yan breathed a sigh of relief and theatrically wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Hey, you should've said so earlier! You had me so nervous."
The two silently looked at each other, then smiled.
Their radiant smiles made the atmosphere light and pleasant. Chen Yan relaxed in his chair. He truly liked moments like this—having someone who could listen seriously, joke around with him, and be his closest friend.
Gu Yuena looked at him, her eyes likewise gleaming with delight. She knew Chen Yan did not believe her joke at all, but she liked seeing him clearly know that while still playing along and pretending to be troubled.
"You really are good at cooking," Gu Yuena praised. "Actually, you could cook more often too."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted away. She brushed the hair at her temple and said softly, "Also, I really like the food you make. It tastes very good."
All right, Chen Yan admitted it—he was a sucker for looks, and the bottom line in his heart was about to collapse!
"Fine... If you want to eat it, I'll cook for you."
Gu Yuena nodded happily, anticipation sparkling in her eyes. Her eyes were as bright as stars, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly into a gentle smile.
Chen Yan could barely look directly at the bright expression on usually aloof Gu Yuena's face.
That was cheating. Completely cheating! It went straight for this old man's maiden heart!
Although she was only nine years old, given how early people generally matured on the Douluo Continent, judging by her appearance alone, she could already be called a twelve-year-old young maiden.
Though she was still immature, her beauty had already begun to reveal its edge, showing the potential to topple kingdoms and cities. Her face was like finely sculpted porcelain, her skin whiter than snow and so delicate that one could seemingly see the faint flush beneath it. Her purple eyes shone like stars, wisdom glimmering within her pupils as if she could see through people's hearts. Her nose was high and straight, her lips rosy, and when she smiled, her neat teeth showed. It was like stepping from a frigid winter into a warm spring in an instant—heartwarming and enchanting.
There was no helping it, it had hit the limit up ()
This book could only be like this.
I'll work hard to keep updating, sobbing.
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