The Culinary Arts of the Transcendent (Part 1)

This change of topic indeed brought Liu Xizhen's past to mind, and so she slowly began to recount some of her memories.

Liu Xizhen's mother passed away from illness when she was still in elementary school. Her father raised her. Liu Xizhen's father was once the general manager of a well-known enterprise in Hangzhou, and he was also a master of external martial arts. "Thunderclap Hand" Liu Zhiyi was once a prominent figure in both the legitimate and underworld circles. Unfortunately, not long after Liu Xizhen returned to the country, he also passed away from illness. As an orphan and a widow, Liu Xizhen could only watch helplessly as those uncles and elder relatives divided up the family fortune, leaving her only the villa by West Lake. It was through her own hard work that Liu Xizhen managed to establish her current modest situation. Because Liu Zhiyi was once a very righteous man of the martial world, people in the underworld still showed him considerable respect. Even though he had passed away, no one ever caused trouble at the bar his daughter ran or demanded protection fees. Otherwise, how could Liu Xizhen have managed the bar on her own? As for what happened abroad and Liu Feifei's biological father, Liu Xizhen did not mention it. Although Zhang Hupan was very curious, he didn't feel it was appropriate to ask.

Perhaps it was because she was reminded of her deceased father, but Liu Xizhen became particularly fragile, and tears inadvertently slid down her fair, delicate face. Seeing Liu Xizhen, who usually appeared as a strong businesswoman, now looking so vulnerable, Zhang Hupan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He affectionately pulled her into his arms.

Leaning against Zhang Hupan's broad, strong shoulder and smelling the potent masculine scent emanating from him, Liu Xizhen felt exceptionally comfortable and secure, as if she had returned to her father's embrace in childhood—warm and safe. Liu Xizhen's sorrowful and turbulent heart gradually calmed down. She stopped thinking about troublesome matters and quietly gazed at the rippling waters of West Lake and the ant-like flow of people coming and going.

The two leaned against each other quietly, neither wanting to break the beautiful harmony. However, good things are never perfect. A few unamorous young people, making a lot of noise, also ascended to this spot, interrupting their unspoken intimacy.

"Do you know why I asked you to accompany me today?" Liu Xizhen asked softly.

"I don't know."

"Guess!" Liu Xizhen actually said coquettishly.

Although he hadn't been in the mortal world for very long, Zhang Hupan had already learned about some of its festivals. Since it wasn't a holiday today, he understood that today must be a special day for Liu Xizhen.

"Oh my gosh, today is the birthday of our incredibly beautiful Miss Liu Xizhen!" Zhang Hupan exclaimed dramatically.

Zhang Hupan's exaggerated voice drew the attention of the young people who had just arrived. Although Liu Xizhen was no longer a young girl, being called a beauty loudly in front of so many people still made her blush. Angrily, she stomped her foot and pinched Zhang Hupan hard with her jade hand. Although Zhang Hupan possessed protective qi, he dared not pretend to be unaffected by a beauty's favor. He resolutely bore the torment of her jade hand with his mortal flesh and blood, naturally yelping and crying out in pain.

Watching Zhang Hupan rub his arm where she had pinched him and hop around, Liu Xizhen laughed merrily. She whispered fiercely to Zhang Hupan, "See if you dare to speak so carelessly again in the future."

Zhang Hupan put on an innocent, wronged expression and said, "Is it wrong to say you're beautiful?"

Seeing Zhang Hupan's crestfallen face, Liu Xizhen couldn't help but chuckle and cover her mouth with her hand as she smiled. This smile was infinitely charming and full of allure, causing Zhang Hupan to forget his pain and simply stare at Liu Xizhen foolishly before saying foolishly, "You're so beautiful!"

This time, Liu Xizhen didn't pinch Zhang Hupan. Instead, a blush spread across her delicate face, and she turned away, no longer paying attention to him. However, a wave of sweetness and happiness washed over her heart.

"Oh no! I didn't prepare a gift!" Zhang Hupan exclaimed in alarm.

Seeing Zhang Hupan's distressed and nervous expression, Liu Xizhen felt another surge of warmth. She could truly feel that this big boy beside her genuinely wanted to give her a gift, unlike many men who only tried to please her because of her beauty and body.

"Then you must be punished!"

Women are inherently unreasonable creatures, Zhang Hupan thought. You didn't tell me it was your birthday, how could I have known? How unreasonable! Of course, Zhang Hupan wouldn't voice his thoughts. Instead, with utmost sincerity, he nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, yes, it's only right. Sister Xizhen, I'll accept any punishment you give me. Who told me I forgot Sister Xizhen's birthday! If you want me to perform like a monkey for you today, I'll do it, as long as you're happy!"

"I can see you've learned to speak honeyed words like Hu Zhiming and the others. Fine, I know it's not entirely your fault; I didn't tell you it was my birthday!" Liu Xizhen gave Zhang Hupan a charmingly chiding look.

Although Zhang Hupan inwardly agreed with Liu Xizhen's statement, he dared not be careless with his words and repeatedly said, "It's still my fault for not paying attention to Sister Xizhen's birthday!"

Seeing Zhang Hupan's overly cautious and fearful demeanor, Liu Xizhen couldn't help but laugh again. She feigned anger and said, "Alright, stop imitating Hu Zhiming and the others. That act doesn't work on me. I won't punish you today; I'll reward you by letting you accompany me shopping and have a meal!"

Although Zhang Hupan didn't agree with the notion that accompanying a beautiful woman shopping and dining was a reward, he still put on a show of immense gratitude and flattered surprise.

Time quickly passed, and it was ten o'clock. Although the weather was a bit chilly, climbing the mountain had caused Liu Xizhen, who hadn't exercised in a long time, to break out in a sweat. Few women are not particular about cleanliness, and Liu Xizhen was no exception. Seeing that they had exercised enough, she took Zhang Hupan's hand, preparing to go home, take a bath, and then go out for dinner and shopping.

In fact, Zhang Sanfeng also had a nickname: the "Drunken Daoist," which indicated his immense love for alcohol. Although he later achieved enlightenment in his cultivation, he never gave up this hobby. Those who love wine also love good food, and Zhang Sanfeng was no exception. As Zhang Sanfeng's disciple, Zhang Hupan naturally took on the role of chef without any reservation. While it couldn't be said that his culinary skills were transcendent, they certainly wouldn't lose to a royal chef. This was a personal evaluation from Zhang Sanfeng himself, who had tasted many imperial dishes, showcasing Zhang Hupan's superb cooking abilities.

Today was Liu Xizhen's birthday, and Zhang Hupan suddenly had the urge to cook a meal for her. If he had known that this spontaneous impulse would lead him to become Liu Xizhen's personal household chef in the future, he probably wouldn't have uttered the following words. After all, after cooking for a hundred years, trying to cook one or two meals occasionally was fine, but having to start a new career again would be rather daunting.

"If Sister Xizhen doesn't mind my poor skills, how about I prepare a feast for you this noon!" Zhang Hupan said humbly, despite his confidence in his culinary abilities.

"What, you can cook?" Liu Xizhen looked him up and down exaggeratedly, as if he were an alien.

"Is it strange that I can cook? Don't eat if you don't want to!" As Zhang Hupan, who was praised by his master as the best cook among all disciples, saw Liu Xizhen's disbelief, his self-esteem seemed to be hurt, and he said somewhat indignantly.

"Hehe, I believe you! Let's go buy groceries right away. My home hasn't had the stove lit in a long time. Great, I can eat at home today! Let's go, hurry up, let's go to the supermarket for a big shopping spree!" Liu Xizhen's face turned red with excitement. She had just said she couldn't walk, and now she was moving with the speed of a rocket.

Watching Liu Xizhen, who was happily skipping ahead like a little girl, constantly waving at Zhang Hupan to hurry up and follow, Zhang Hupan shook his head. He sighed inwardly, women were truly difficult to understand creatures. It's just a meal, why the fuss?

Before Zhang Hupan could fully process this, Liu Xizhen, who had become extremely impatient, quickly turned back, grabbed Zhang Hupan's hand, and they flew down the mountain. (To be continued)