"Ahem… forget it. I recall a nice restaurant nearby. Maybe we should just eat out."
Lycaon's voice was unusually quick, almost panicked.
"Going out to eat? That doesn't reflect our hospitality, Lord Lycaon."
Fu Hua glanced at Rina, then back at Lycaon.
"Is Miss Rina's cooking… a bit dangerous?"
The room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Lycaon and Corin froze, eyes wide.
"How could you say that, Miss Fu Hua? I practice cooking seriously every day!"
Fu Hua rubbed her chin, then waved a hand.
"How about this—tonight, I'll help with dinner. We'll cook together."
"Ah, that would be wonderful. Rina, it's time to let us try something new, don't you think?"
Lycaon jumped on the opportunity.
"Yes, yes! Even Corin mentioned you could use a break."
"Hey! Why are you all like this? Ellen eats everything I make!"
Rina pouted, arms crossed.
Fu Hua walked over, gently patted her shoulder, and rolled up her sleeves.
"Miss Rina, let's cook together. We can learn from each other."
Rina blinked, then nodded.
"Okay, Miss Fu Hua. Let's do it!"
Lycaon leaned against the kitchen door, watching cautiously—half expecting a culinary disaster, half ready to evacuate with Corin.
But his fears were unfounded.
Fu Hua moved with precision and grace.
Her knife danced across the cutting board, carving elegant flower patterns into the fish.
Rina watched in awe, her broom forgotten.
Pickling, starch coating, frying—each step was executed flawlessly.
Then came the sauce: tomato, lemon, and fruit juices blended into a sweet-and-sour glaze.
Fu Hua plated the dish with care.
"First course: Squirrel Mandarin Fish."
The golden fish shimmered under the kitchen lights, its aroma wafting through the estate.
Ellen, mid-game, froze. Her shark tail perked up.
"What smells so good?"
She dropped her phone and peeked into the kitchen.
"Whoa… squirrel-shaped fish? That's legit? Looks amazing."
Lycaon, ever the gentleman, held her back.
"Let's wait until dinner, Ellen."
Fu Hua continued, stewing a pot of braised pork and preparing several home-style dishes.
Hours passed in a blur of sizzling pans and fragrant steam.
Finally, she stepped out, drying her hands with a towel.
"Thank you for waiting. Dinner is ready."
"Finally! My teeth were about to fall out from hunger!"
Ellen rushed forward, fork in hand, and scooped a generous bite of fish.
Lycaon joined her, sitting down with composed excitement.
"I didn't expect Miss Fu Hua to be so skilled in the kitchen. I…"
Fu Hua smiled gently.
"No need for praise. Miss Rina's cooking just needs refinement. The fundamentals are there."
"Miss Fu Hua…"
"Cooking isn't about complexity or flash. It's about clarity, balance, and heart."