Qian Renxue nodded, "True, I've heard old people love to collect things. Maybe it's just one of Grandpa Chrysanthemum's treasured collections."
The corner of Lin Feng's mouth lifted slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. No way it's really what I'm thinking… Sharing spicy illustrations together? Truly best bros.
"By the way, where's Sister Lingyuan?"
Qian Renxue squinted slightly and pointed toward the kitchen, where smoke was gently rising.
"If I'm not mistaken, she's probably in there."
Lin Feng was surprised. "Sister Lingyuan knows how to cook now? Let's go take a look?"
"Alright."
Qian Renxue linked her arm with Lin Feng's and pulled him along.
"A pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, a splash of soy sauce…"
Lingyuan stared anxiously at the recipe in her hands.
"'A pinch,' 'a splash' — why is everything so vague? Who the hell knows how much that actually is?!This is so frustrating. What kind of 'signature recipe' dares charge me ten gold soul coins?!"
As the smell of burning wafted from the pot, Lingyuan tossed the recipe aside with a sigh.
Lin Feng and Qian Renxue exchanged glances as they entered the kitchen, both breaking into smiles.
"Sister Lingyuan? How's the cooking going?"
"Oh, you're back… Sorry, you walked in on a disaster."
Lin Feng scooped the unrecognizable fish from the pan into a porcelain bowl. The crisp clink made Lingyuan's cheeks flush with embarrassment.
What was supposed to be braised fish… somehow turned into a charred fish pancake.
"Sister Lingyuan, cooking really is something that requires hands-on teaching.You can't master it locked up with just a cookbook."
Lingyuan rubbed her forehead in defeat."Well, it's not like we can bring people here right now. What am I supposed to do, kidnap a head chef and force him to teach me? Or sneak into a hotel kitchen?"
Lin Feng pointed at himself with a grin."No need to steal any chefs — you've got one right here.If you want to learn, I'll teach you."
Qian Renxue and Lingyuan both brightened. Lingyuan said excitedly,"Really? But I've never seen you cook before."
Lin Feng chuckled, "After I turned seven, you guys took care of everything for me — food, clothing, shelter — there was no need for me to cook anymore.But back then, the dean definitely remembered how good I was."
"Teach me!"Lingyuan grabbed his other hand without hesitation, her eyes full of expectation.
"No problem. Let's start with the simplest — scrambled eggs with tomatoes.Perfect for beginners: easy steps, great taste.I'll do it once, then guide you as you try. It's easy."
About half an hour later, Lin Feng looked at two plates: one perfect, one pitch black. He fell silent.
Qian Renxue looked away, cheeks flushed, mumbling:"It's because it's my first time cooking… Sister Lingyuan messed up her first dish too…"
Lin Feng picked up a piece of her creation with his chopsticks, chewing thoughtfully."…Very unique flavor. Good effort. I'll cook next time."
Qian Renxue pouted, stomping her foot, her eyes playful."Fine, don't cook then! From now on, you're in charge of all our meals!"
Lin Feng shot her an apologetic look. Sorry, Xiaoxue. I really can't let you handle cooking duties…
Lingyuan covered her mouth and laughed quietly to herself. Heh, seems like I beat her in something at least — little Feng acknowledged me!
"I'll cook today's meal," Lin Feng offered. "Grandpa Chrysanthemum's done it most days — you girls should see what I can do."
"Great!"
Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach — but it works the other way too.Pair a good man with top-tier cooking skills, and he's absolutely irresistible.
"Can I help prep?" Lingyuan asked.
"Sure," Lin Feng said.
Not to be outdone, Qian Renxue added,"Then I… I'll wash the vegetables!"
Lin Feng smiled at the heartwarming scene in front of him. Soon, the kitchen was lively and full of laughter, with Qian Renxue and Lingyuan exclaiming in surprise or admiration from time to time.
Later, Qian Renxue popped the last fried shrimp into her mouth, licking her lips and rubbing her slightly full belly.
Resting her chin on her hands, she smiled contentedly at Lin Feng."Mhm, it's decided. Our taste bud happiness from now on will be in your hands, little Feng."
Lingyuan nodded in agreement."Little Feng, you're amazing. I've got so much more to learn."
Grandpa Chrysanthemum patted Grandpa Ghost's shoulder."Old Ghost, how was it? Pretty close to my cooking, huh?Too bad Thorn Dolphin and Snake Spear are still out. They're missing out, haha."
Ghost Douluo said flatly:"You can't compare to him."
"…Uh." Chrysanthemum Douluo looked awkwardly at the floor."Old Ghost, if you keep this up, I might leave you…But I agree with the young miss. From now on, let little Feng handle our meals!"
Qian Renxue huffed:"Making meals for everyone every day? That's too much work for little Feng.He'll just make lunch and dinner for the three of us. Grandpa Chrysanthemum can cook his own."
So biased! Chrysanthemum Douluo grumbled internally. Then what about all the meals I've made for this group? I'm tired too…
Then it hit him. Why is Lingyuan included in the "three"? Could it be…
He stole a glance at Lingyuan — only to meet two cold, warning stares. He immediately averted his eyes.
Yep, women are terrifying. Bros are still better.
With a sigh, Chrysanthemum Douluo dragged Ghost Douluo away.
Night fell. The sky glittered with stars outside the window.
Under the warm light, Lin Feng studied his notebook, deep in thought.
He was convinced that his earlier insights into soul ring laws were on the right track.
If that was the case, then during the absorption of his second soul ring, the existence of the first soul vein must've helped him gain a deeper understanding of the corresponding law.
That would explain how he could immediately use the second soul skill in a secondary form —his body had already begun adapting to the power of that law and integrating the truths of the world into himself.
If this was correct, he'd know for sure during the absorption of the third soul ring.
If he could push mastery of the third soul skill to a higher level, his theory would be proven.
After jotting down his insights, Lin Feng was about to turn off the light when—
Click — the door gently opened.
Framed in the doorway was Qian Renxue, dressed in soft sleepwear, holding the Innate Pearl in her arms, gently stroking its surface with a mischievous smile.
"Little Feng, it seems like it wants to sleep holding you tonight.After all, it is your spirit, and being too far apart isn't good for it."
The corner of Lin Feng's mouth twitched. Are you sure it's the Pearl that wants to hug me, or is it you?
Should I ask it and see if it answers?
With a shrug, he lifted the blanket and patted the mattress.
Qian Renxue raised her brows playfully, quickly closed the door, and locked it behind her.
With light steps, she lay down beside him, placing the Innate Pearl on his side.
"See? It really missed you."
Then she rested her head in the crook of his arm and sweetly drifted off to sleep.
Lin Feng followed shortly into slumber.
T/N: For up to thirteen chapters ahead on this fic and twenty on my other, become a P@tron at P@treon.com/LordHipposApostle