Synthesis Table-Level Culinary Skill

Baggins?

Bilbo Baggins?

Li Wei was stunned.

Could it really be this coincidental?

Case closed—no wonder that wooden chest looked familiar.

That was his mother's dowry chest.

Hiss—

Li Wei glanced at Bilbo.

This poor Hobbit had no idea what was about to befall his home.

Nor did he know that his mother's dowry chest would one day be used by some Dwarf to wipe his feet.

Right then, a mischievous impulse struck Li Wei.

He stepped back to the doorway, bowed, and said, "Li Wei, at your service."

This phrase signaled that he was making a formal visit.

As if caught off guard by Li Wei's sudden formality, Bilbo paused for a moment before instinctively straightening his clothes and replying, "Bilbo Baggins, at your service."

After completing this gesture, Li Wei bent down again and stepped into the cozy, cave-like home.

It had to be said—perhaps all Hobbits had a bit of a hoarding streak. Li Wei immediately spotted a massive stockpile of food and drink stored deep inside the house.

That was enough to host a feast for thirteen Dwarves—no small amount.

"Li Wei, feel free to find a seat. Tea is at four, and though it's not quite time yet, I don't mind starting early. By the way, what do you like? How about some fried sausages with bread?"

The Hobbit's famed hospitality was no empty talk.

Even though Li Wei's arrival as a guest had an unexpected element to it, now that he was inside, Bilbo showed him the same warmth as an old friend.

"Sure, anything works. A guest follows the host—I'll go with whatever you say." Li Wei nodded.

"A guest follows the host? All right."

Bilbo scratched his head, then fetched a string of sausages and a plate piled high with bread from the pantry.

Then, under Li Wei's watchful eye, he sliced the sausages and set them beside a frying pan.

As he lit the fire and heated the pan, Bilbo stepped away briefly to grab a few other things.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Li Wei stood up and moved closer to examine the little stove.

It was an ordinary small frying pan on a hearth, but the counter was a bit low—built at a height suited for Hobbits.

"Interested in cooking?"

Bilbo's voice came from behind him. Li Wei tactfully stepped aside, letting Bilbo take his place in front of the hot pan to start working.

"This pan's got some years on it. My family's always used it—it's a good one."

Sizzle—

The sausages hit the pan, sending up tiny specks of oil.

After a few seconds of silence, perhaps feeling the atmosphere was a bit awkward since Li Wei hadn't spoken, Bilbo watched the sausages frying in the pan, hands on his hips, and added:

"Come to think of it, I'm pretty confident in my cooking—whether it's frying, roasting, or boiling... I learned it all from my mother."

With that, Bilbo flipped the sausages over.

The other side was already golden brown, giving off an enticing meaty aroma.

Gurgle...

Li Wei's stomach betrayed him with an unseemly growl.

Gulp.

He swallowed hard.

After a little while, Bilbo finally placed the fried sausages on a plate and sprinkled on some pepper.

Just as Li Wei was about to stand up and ask if he could try one first, a prompt suddenly appeared before his eyes.

[Function Unlocked: Synthesis Table]

[Learned [Recipe] Branch Formula: Fried Sausage]

[You can now check what you can craft at any time. The Synthesis Table will dynamically update based on items you encounter.]

Huh?

Synthesis Table!?

Clatter.

The plate of sausages was set down in front of Li Wei, cutting off his train of thought.

"I'd say you've been hungry for a while."

Bilbo was still as considerate as ever.

"Thank you."

Li Wei said, tears of gratitude streaming uncontrollably from the corner of his mouth.

Then, in just a few bites, he cleaned the plate.

The time was so short that Bilbo hadn't even made it back to the stove.

Hunger recovered by two bars (out of ten total).

"Bilbo." Li Wei suddenly called out. "Can I give it a try? I mean, cooking."

Bilbo froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Li Wei to make such a request.

"Oh, sure, um... of course, go ahead."

Bilbo stepped back to make room.

Li Wei immediately bent down and stood by the pot. Just as he gripped the handle and felt a bit lost, a tutorial prompt appeared.

[Cooking Steps: Select Recipe - Prepare Ingredients - Lock Tools - Start Cooking]

Normal cooking was definitely a technical skill, with many steps, and it required the chef to precisely control variables like heat and seasoning. But for Li Wei, who had the system, it was just a complicated version of a furnace—everything just needed to be done step by step.

Sizzle—

The sausage went into the pot.

Li Wei stood quietly before the pan, rooted to the spot, his body not even trembling with the slightest breath.

He looked as if he was spacing out.

Just as the sausage was about to turn golden brown, Bilbo, who had been watching the whole time, was about to open his mouth to warn him, when Li Wei's arm jerked, the pot flipped, and the sausage inside flipped over precisely.

A pro!

Bilbo couldn't help but admire inwardly.

Was this guy a professional chef?

Not sure, let's watch a bit more.

Splash—

A moment later, another flip, and a golden, glistening, steaming sausage rolled onto the plate. But it wasn't over yet. At the end, Li Wei ground a little fine salt and sprinkled it evenly on top.

The fine salt melted into the sausage with the heat.

The two flavors merged into one.

For some reason, just looking at this sausage, Bilbo couldn't help but swallow.

[Cooking Complete]

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Li Wei brought the plate in front of Bilbo.

Bilbo tried cutting the sausage, and a puff of white steam rose, revealing a perfectly cooked center.

He took a light bite.

Shwoop—

The aroma of meat, seasoning, and a hint of melted salt exploded in his mouth. Even though the freshly cooked sausage was so hot it brought tears to Bilbo's eyes, this stubborn Hobbit simply couldn't bear to open his mouth and let the fragrance escape along with the heat.

The doneness and flavor were so perfect they seemed beyond human capability. That extra pinch of salt perfectly balanced the sausage's slightly bland taste—a small tweak that vastly enriched the texture.

Perfect!

In an instant, the Hobbit's eyes went wide. He stood up on the spot, pushing his chair back several steps.

Bilbo snapped to attention.

"Mr. Li Wei, I swear, this is the best fried sausage I've ever eaten in my life!"

"You flatter me." Li Wei nodded, a bit puzzled by Bilbo's strong reaction.

In his habitual way of thinking, wasn't food produced by the system basically the same as pre-made meals?

But in reality, technology was never a bad word...

"No, Mr. Li Wei, this isn't excessive praise. I mean it. I've been eating this sausage for years, but today it feels like I'm tasting it for the first time. I never knew it could be this delicious!"

"Oh?"

Li Wei raised an eyebrow, sensing something unusual.

Really? Let me try.

Sizzle—

A few more sausages came out of the pot, arranged on a plate.

Li Wei took a bite.

Li Wei took another bite.

Li Wei calmly put down his knife and fork, smiled at Bilbo, and nodded.

But the corner of his mouth couldn't stop twitching.

Holy crap, delicious!!

I made this?!