Grade B cuisine

Fifteen minutes later, Tong Hua lifted the lid again.

As the lid came off, an unprecedentedly rich aroma instantly filled the entire cabin.

The fragrance had distinct layers!

First came the delicate sweetness of fresh fish, then the richness of shiitake mushrooms, and finally the sweet aroma unique to steamed rice. The three scents blended perfectly, enough to make anyone's mouth water.

Grrrrrrr!

Anyone who ate rice as a staple food could not possibly resist that aroma.

Even someone who had just eaten an imperial banquet and thought they could not swallow another bite would instantly feel hungry again at the sight of this tub of rice!

That overpowering ability to make room for more rice was this dish's defining feature!

Jessica swallowed involuntarily. "That smell... how can it be so mouthwatering?"

Minccino's little nose twitched nonstop, while the Pokémon behind Minccino kept crowding forward. Everyone wanted to get closer and savor the aroma.

Tong Hua gently stirred with a wooden spoon. Every grain of rice was plump and translucent, and the fish slices had a semitransparent sheen. Strips of shiitake and wood ear mushrooms were evenly scattered through the rice, while the fragrance of sesame rose with the curling steam.

[Fresh Fish Rice: Quality B. Seasonal fresh fish cooked with high-quality rice. The fish's delicate sweetness permeates the grains, leaving the rice plump, glossy, and richly fragrant.]

[Effect: Sea's Blessing. Permanently increases the eater's fishing ability, making rare fish easier to catch.]

[Evaluation: I could fish by the pond all day long!]

[Recommended processing method: Alchemy.]

There it was! His first dish to reach quality B!

Its effect increased fishing ability-and it was permanent!

Tong Hua could feel that making this dish had raised his Cook level several times over.

Delighted, Tong Hua quickly called everyone over to help carry the wooden tub to the dining table.

"Let's eat." At the table, Tong Hua smiled as he served everyone a bowl.

Jessica's eyes lit up the instant the first spoonful entered her mouth. The sweetness of the rice mingled with the fresh flavor of fish on her tongue, followed by the rich taste of shiitake mushrooms. Before she knew it, she had scooped up another large spoonful.

"This is so delicious!" she exclaimed indistinctly, her cheeks bulging with food. "I've never had rice this fragrant!"

Minccino held a specially made little bowl, eating until rice grains covered both cheeks. Turtwig and Miltank went even further, burying their faces right in their bowls.

Bounsweet sat on Tong Hua's lap as he carefully picked out pieces of fish and fed her one bite at a time.

The Bibarel family sat around their own low table, all quietly wolfing down their food.

The only sounds left in the cabin were the clear clinks of spoons against dishes and a chorus of contented sighs.

Tong Hua tried a mouthful himself, and his eyes immediately widened!

The flavor was simply incredible!

The rice had soaked up all the essence of the fish. Every grain gleamed, soft and tender in his mouth yet still pleasantly chewy.

The fish slices were so tender they practically melted on his tongue. The aromas of shiitake and wood ear mushrooms unfolded in layers, finishing with the faint toasted fragrance of sesame that gave the whole dish greater depth.

"Not bad!"

Tong Hua could not help scooping up another spoonful, savoring it carefully.

Just then, Minccino suddenly chirped twice, then bounded up to Tong Hua with the little bowl held high and an imploring look.

"Want another bowl?" Tong Hua smiled and took it. "All right, all right. Coming right up!"

Jessica held out her bowl too. "Tong Hua, me too!"

"Game!" "Milu!"

Meanwhile, at the other table, the head of the Bibarel family had already begun personally serving the Bidoof their second bowls.

Incredibly, everyone finished both large tubs of rice in less than half an hour.

When Minccino pushed the last grain of rice into that little mouth with a paw, a peculiar stillness suddenly settled over the cabin.

Everyone remained in the pose of taking their final bite, as though still savoring the delicious flavor lingering in their mouths.

They all wanted more. This rice had surpassed every dish Tong Hua had made before.

The happiness and satisfaction it brought were second to none!

Jessica sat in her chair with her eyes closed, savoring the memory of the meal.

"That was incredible, Tong Hua. Have you never considered becoming a professional chef?"

Tong Hua, who was clearing the table, smiled faintly at her question. I already am a professional chef.

And my level's already in the teens!

"When you live alone, you have to learn a little cooking. I'm learning things like carpentry and sewing too."

"You certainly have plenty of energy. Still, you can never have too many skills. Learning more is bound to be useful."

Jessica reached for her flask and took another swig of Wheat Juice.

"Want some?" Still reluctant to call it a day, she wanted Tong Hua to join her for a drink.

Tong Hua took the flask, and the scent of fermented malt wafted out.

In his previous life, he had only liked soft drinks and had never tried this sort of grown-up beverage.

Tong Hua frowned slightly and did not drink the Wheat Juice.

After all, if everyone got drunk, there would be no one left to clean up.

"By the way, Jessica, did you brew this yourself?"

Strictly speaking, brewing was another processing method. Although Tong Hua did not currently have surplus grain to brew with, he would have to unlock that skill sooner or later as the ranch continued to develop.

After all, brewing was a major money-making strategy in plenty of farming games!

Seeing that Tong Hua was interested, Jessica immediately replied, "Of course!"

"Brewing is my favorite thing to experiment with. Ever since I became an adult, I've attended the village's Wine Festival every year.

"Beer, fruit wine, mead... even Grandpa loves what I brew."

After that, Jessica launched into an animated account of everything from selecting and breeding hops to her first attempt at brewing.

Jessica kept talking, and Tong Hua kept listening quietly.

"You can actually get help from Pokémon when you brew. Shuckle, for instance, is a real expert at helping things ferment."

The more Jessica talked, the more enthusiastic she became, and she took the opportunity to share her brewing insights in detail.

Outside the window, the rain gradually eased, finally stopping beneath the glow of sunset.

After clearing away the dishes, Tong Hua walked to the window and looked out at the rain-

washed ranch, feeling particularly refreshed. He glanced back into the cabin. Jessica was cupping her tipsy cheeks as she and Minccino played with Bounsweet.

Turtwig and Miltank lay lazily on the floor, dozing. The Bibarel family sat together, grooming one another's fur.

"Jessica, the rain's stopped," Tong Hua reminded her softly.

Only then did Jessica snap out of her reverie and look outside. "Oh, it's this late already! I'd better get going." She stood and stretched, a contented flush still coloring her face.

Tong Hua picked up her backpack for her. "Thanks for bringing everything today, and for teaching me so much about brewing."

Jessica waved a hand and smiled. "Don't mention it! Come visit our ranch when you get the chance. I'll give you some hands-on lessons. I guarantee you'll brew something delicious!"

Tong Hua nodded. "I definitely will."

As he saw Jessica to the door, the evening sun cast its lingering glow over them both. Jessica suddenly turned and said earnestly, "Tong Hua, you really have a gift for cooking. If you ever decide you don't want to run the ranch anymore, come cook for me!"

Tong Hua froze for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, Jessica. But I won't give up. Whether it's the ranch or cooking, I'm going to keep at it."

Jessica nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Just remember, whichever path you choose, I'm behind you!" She gave Tong Hua a hearty clap on the shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance.

"I'm off, then! I'll bring these clothes back in a few days!"

Watching Jessica disappear into the distance, Tong Hua took a deep breath of the fresh post-rain air, then turned and went back inside the cabin.

The Bibarel family was ready to leave too. After today's meal, their affection for Fairy Tale Ranch had risen considerably once again.

"Bi-bi!" The head of the family patted that broad chest. From now on, in return, they would take care of everything in the Pond.

Tong Hua crouched down, clearly understanding what Bibarel meant. He stroked Bibarel's fluffy head and said with a smile,

"If you ever want anything else to eat, you're always welcome here.

"Oh, right, today's meal had a special effect too. Try catching fish when you get back. You should notice some unusual changes."

"Bi-bi!"

At Bibarel's command, all the Bidoof bowed to Tong Hua, then lined up neatly and departed.

With all his guests gone, Tong Hua let out a long breath.

But when he turned around, he saw two Celebi outside the window.

Their eyes were full of longing for food, along with a trace of displeasure at the sight of the empty dishes.

"Oh no! I forgot to save food for those two!"

Tong Hua awkwardly poked his fingers together, not daring to meet the two Celebi's eyes...

In the end, Tong Hua had no choice but to work overtime and steam another tub of rice just for the two Celebi. Only then did the little pair's "anger" subside.