Chen Xiaojun nodded and was about to ask something else when Zhu Wuneng suddenly thought of something. His eyes lit up as he looked at him. "Young Master! The manor is holding a thank-you banquet today for guests from all sides. As the Chen Clan Young Master, shouldn't you cook personally and show everyone your special skills, to express our clan's most heartfelt gratitude?"
He rubbed his hands together, anticipation practically spilling from his face.
At this, Chen Xiaojun gave Zhu Wuneng a sidelong glance, half smiling. There was a trace of resignation in his voice. "Wuneng, oh, Wuneng. You can't go three sentences without bringing up my cooking. What, does my dignity as the Chen Clan Young Master have to hang from a spatula?"
Zhu Wuneng immediately put on an exaggeratedly sincere expression and thumped his chest. "Ah, Young Master! You've misunderstood me! It's just that I can never stop thinking about you! That flavor tugs at my soul and haunts my dreams!"
"About me?" Chen Xiaojun raised an eyebrow, his gaze turning dangerous, though that half smile still lingered on his lips. "I think your skin's itching for another beating. Getting more and more oily, aren't you?"
Sensing that faint trace of "killing intent," Zhu Wuneng shrank back and hurried to salvage the situation. "Hehe, a-
"Slip of the tongue, a slip of the tongue! I meant your dishes! Your divine cooking skills! There's nothing else like them in heaven or on earth! To thank such honored guests, surely you have to take action yourself to give the occasion its proper weight!"
His tongue had run away with him, and now he hurriedly steered it around the bend.
Looking at Zhu Wuneng's drooling, desperately ingratiating expression, Chen Xiaojun snorted in annoyance, but relented. "Fine, fine. For your-well, for