Listening to Lu Zihao's explanation of last night's dinner saga, Shen Xiao could easily picture his friend's mental state as he faced Su Qiao's cooking.
"Okay, don't explain, I get it," Shen Xiao cut him off.
"Because I value Su Qiao so much, this is more meaningful to me than spending my money every day," Lu Zihao muttered.
In terms of his goal, the plan to make Lu Zihao suffer as a form of atonement was working perfectly.
Shen Xiao felt a twinge of guilt.
He finally understood why Lu Zihao had suddenly become so diligent and chose to return to school overnight because of this ordeal.
However, it was indeed painful, food like that was practically impossible for a normal human to swallow.
Lu Zihao exclaimed, "So, Boss, you have to think about your brother! The food she cooks is inedible, don't force yourself to eat it!"
"Yes! Why didn't I think of it before?" Lu Zihao suddenly realized.
If it tasted bad, couldn't he just pretend to eat it? After all, he still wanted to cooperate with Su Qiao.
Shen Xiao wondered if this boy was malnourished to the point that his brain was slowing down. "Since the problem is solved, we'll stick as a group of four."
"Don't go looking for new trouble. Gather news about the spatial rifts, even if the front lines are closed, clearing the remnants can be considered a D-rank mission."
"You got it, Boss!"
...
At noon, Shen Xiao lay in bed waiting.
He remembered mentioning that he craved sweet and sour pork ribs this morning. Lu Qingyue should be bringing them soon.
Regardless of anything else, he was extremely satisfied with Qingyue's cooking skills.
Every dish was delicious, easily rivaling high-end hotels. Hearing a knock at the door, he knew exactly who had arrived.
"Come in."
As Lu Qingyue entered the room, she looked breathtaking today in a light blue down jacket.
Shen Xiao thought to himself that he needed to take this girl to the mall soon to buy new clothes so she wouldn't have to keep borrowing Su Qiao's.
"I told you, just come right in, no need to keep knocking," Shen Xiao said.
"Sorry, the traffic was a bit heavy today; I'm a little late."
Qingyue lowered the folding table and unpacked the contents of her thermos: sweet and sour pork ribs, shredded pork with green peppers, stir-fried mushrooms, cold sliced lotus root, and rice.
The aroma was mouth-watering. Shen Xiao immediately tasted the pork ribs.
"It's delicious, truly tasty," Shen Xiao praised sincerely while removing a bone from his mouth.
It wasn't empty flattery, Qingyue's cooking was of high quality because it was made with genuine heart.
Ding!
[Gained Lu Qingyue's favorability, Fate Ticket +100]
"I just put it together casually," Qingyue replied shyly, though her heart was relieved to see Shen Xiao eating heartily.
Shen Xiao suddenly grabbed Qingyue's arm, sat her down on the edge of the bed, and offered a piece of rib to the girl's mouth.
Qingyue didn't refuse and ate it bit by bit.
This was how Shen Xiao enjoyed life, sitting next to a beautiful woman, feeding each other, and watching the lottery tickets pour in.
Qingyue's status in his heart had become paramount.
He was determined to make her his girlfriend, yet he restrained himself so that Qingyue wouldn't feel pressured by a "debt of gratitude" regarding the campus evaluation.
"You must not have eaten yet. You can't let the chef go hungry. Eat this piece first," Shen Xiao said softly.
Ding!
[Gained Lu Qingyue's favorability, Fate Ticket +100]
Seeing the chopsticks that had just touched her mouth enter Shen Xiao's mouth again, Qingyue felt flustered.
Is this an indirect kiss?
Her heart rate spun out of control.
Her right hand was also held firmly by Shen Xiao's large hand.
Ding!
[Gained Lu Qingyue's favorability, Fate Ticket +100]
"Shen Xiao, don't worry about me, you eat too," Qingyue whispered while accepting a slice of lotus root.
"I'm happy just watching you eat; it makes me feel full too."
For Shen Xiao, every bite had a 10% chance of triggering consecutive draws.
It was a terrifyingly efficient farm.
However, after a while, Qingyue pulled away and sat back in the chair, feeling awkward if Shen Xiao didn't eat by himself.
"I... I'm full, hurry up and finish it."
Qingyue sat quietly, occasionally glancing at Shen Xiao with a hollow feeling.
Shen Xiao would be discharged this afternoon, meaning this sweet routine would come to an end? She felt like she was about to wake up from a beautiful dream.
"In the future, whoever gets to eat your cooking every day will be incredibly blessed," Shen Xiao baited.
"If you want to eat, just tell me, I'll make time immediately!" Qingyue replied happily.
"Then it's settled, I want to eat your cooking from now on, don't you dare refuse."
"No problem! I always have time for you."
Ding!
[Gained Lu Qingyue's favorability, Fate Ticket +100]
Suddenly, Qingyue's phone vibrated.
She saw the caller ID and her expression changed instantly.
She looked hesitant, even afraid to answer it.