Exposure
"No need. How could we make a guest do the work? Rest for a while. Our food is decent enough, and it'll be ready soon."
Shi Boxue continued speaking courteously without revealing the slightest flaw.
"No, no, no. Eko is an excellent cook. She won't cause any trouble. In our Dongying, cooking is a compulsory part of a woman's bridal training."
"Qing Tian Shuyong" cast a glance at Miyato Fujiko and urged her, "What are you waiting for? Go!"
The distinctive male chauvinism of Dongying was laid bare in his tone.
They were not even married yet, and the difference in their status was already so obvious. If they actually got married, the woman would probably have to work like an ox or a horse while serving her master.
Dongying's traditional beliefs were deeply rooted. A tree frozen three feet deep had not frozen in a single day; they certainly could not be changed overnight.
"Yes!"
Miyato Fujiko, who obeyed "Qing Tian Shuyong" in everything, glanced at the place where the fire was being lit and the food prepared. She immediately bowed to Li Bai and Shi Boxue, then briskly went over to help.
Although they could not communicate verbally, gestures and expressions could still serve as a means of communication. The people preparing lunch readily welcomed the nimble Dongying woman, greatly increasing their efficiency.
At first, Miyato Fujiko merely helped with odd jobs, adding firewood and tending the flames. Soon, she began slicing the ingredients swiftly and neatly, then started seasoning the soup.
Just as her boyfriend had said, she really was skilled at cooking.
No one noticed that a tiny tubular vial had suddenly appeared in the Dongying woman's palm. Her fingers deftly pried open the stopper.
The stopper fell into the fire, erupting into a small