Chapter 100
Madame Ping's progress bar jumped a full 10% in one go.
While it wasn't as dramatic as Guoba's instant max-out yesterday, Xia Zhi still found it satisfying.
After a moment, Madame Ping snapped out of her daze.
"Master, are you alright?"
"Mm."
"Master, big brother's cooking is really delicious, isn't it?"
"Mm."
"And Master, you saw it just now, didn't you? The dish really glowed! Yaoyao wasn't lying to you, right?"
"Mm."
Madame Ping put down her chopsticks and turned to Xia Zhi.
"I've eaten food for many years, but this is the first time I've seen a dish that glows. Mr. Xia, what's the reason behind it?"
"Oh, the reason? It's actually quite simple, but…"
"But what?"
"But it's just a minor technique I figured out on my own. Not worth mentioning."
"…"
Madame Ping fell silent.
Wait a second, how are you using my own strategy—deflection—against me?
Zhu Zi, watching her boss's serious expression, couldn't help but feel a bit amused.
---
"Alright, I've already made the Treasure Basin Dragon Hotpot for you. Eat it while it's hot," Xia Zhi said.
"But Boss," Zhu Zi countered, "I want to wait until it's cold to see if it still tastes as good!"
"How long would that take? Eat now—there are plenty of customers waiting for tables. Don't hold things up for others."
"But I really want to know…"
"I'll make it for you at home next time."
"Yay! Boss, you're the best! But… we don't have clay pots in our kitchen."
"We can always buy one. We'll need to buy ingredients anyway."
"True! For shrimp, we can go to Mr. Liu's shop. He'll definitely give us the freshest catch!"
"Mm."
---
Before anyone realized it, the Treasure Basin Dragon Hotpot was completely devoured.
Madame Ping glanced at the now-empty clay pot, a trace of regret in her eyes.
Then, she looked at the other pot of food on the table—Xiangling's dish, which still had plenty left.
Scooping a spoonful into her bowl, she tried it again.
Earlier, she had thought this hotpot was rich and delicious. Now, however, it tasted oddly bland.
Ah, to have jewels before one's eyes makes all else seem dull.
For the first time, Madame Ping truly understood why the others' reactions earlier had been so indifferent.
Such an overwhelming experience for the taste buds—it was no wonder they had been so dismissive.
She sighed softly.
In the past, she had thought Xiangling's culinary skills had surpassed Chef Mao's, a sign that Xiangling could confidently continue down her own path while balancing her adeptal training.
But now, after seeing Xia Zhi's skills, she knew her disciple's fiery passion for cooking was bound to ignite even more fiercely.
Still, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. After all, every pursuit in life was a form of cultivation.
---
After dinner, the group stepped out of Wanmin Restaurant.
"We're heading to the docks for a walk," Xia Zhi said.
"Mr. Xia, how leisurely," Madame Ping remarked.
"After a full day's work, it's good to relax a little," Xia Zhi replied.
"That's true."
"Besides, the Moonchase Festival is the day after tomorrow. The streets are livelier than usual, and there are fireworks every night at the docks."
Hearing this, Yaoyao's eyes sparkled. "Fireworks!"
Xia Zhi nodded. "Yes, I can't see them myself, but Zhu Zi says the fireworks over the sea are beautiful."
Zhu Zi immediately chimed in, "They're gorgeous!"
Yaoyao's eyes grew even brighter.
Madame Ping noticed and chuckled. "If Yaoyao wants to see the fireworks, go with Mr. Xia."
"What about you, Master?"
"I'll stay behind. An old lady like me would only dampen your fun."
"Master, don't you want to see the beautiful fireworks?"
"I see them every year. They've lost their novelty."
Madame Ping's tone carried a hint of nostalgia.
"Go, Yaoyao. Enjoy yourself. It doesn't matter if you're out late—let Shenhe escort you home afterward."
Yaoyao nodded obediently. "Alright."
Shenhe, ever serious, promised, "Understood, Grandmaster."
---
Thus, the evening stroll gained another lively, cheerful participant.
The routine was the same as usual—trying foods they hadn't eaten before, playing with interesting trinkets, and generally having a great time.
Yaoyao's arms were soon filled with various items, her face beaming with joy.
---
Strict upbringing often made children more reserved when accompanying elders during outings.
They'd be told not to eat this or buy that, and while they might visit many places, the experience often felt dull.
But when children were with older siblings or other peers, it was a different story.
They could have anything they liked, practical or not, with no limits to the spoiling.
---
By the time they reached the docks, night had deepened.
Leaning against the railing, the group chatted and laughed as they waited for the fireworks to begin.
When the first burst of color lit up the night sky, Yaoyao tilted her head back to watch. Her face lit up with amazement, and her small mouth formed a soft "Wow!"
Xia Zhi, though unable to see, caught glimpses of the fireworks through their reflections on the sea.
He bowed his head slightly, a gentle smile on his lips.
Yaoyao turned to see him and assumed he was forcing a smile.
Everyone else was enjoying the fireworks, while big brother couldn't see anything…
Yaoyao's heart ached. She couldn't stand seeing people she cared about suffer, even in small ways.
Her smile faded. Reaching out, she grasped Xia Zhi's hand with her small, soft one.
Startled, Xia Zhi heard her speak in a soft yet mature tone:
"Big brother, don't worry. When your eyes are better, we'll come back next year or the year after to watch the fireworks together."
Xia Zhi chuckled and gently squeezed her little hand.
"Alright."
---
Yaoyao truly was a sweet and lovable child.
---
After the fireworks, the group began heading back.
Before they had gone far, Yaoyao noticed a solitary figure in the distance and called out uncertainly, "Ganyu?"
The figure stopped and turned.
"Yaoyao?"
The voice was melodic, almost ethereal, but carried a hint of melancholy.
Too far away to make out her appearance, Xia Zhi noticed Shenhe's expression subtly shift as she stared toward the figure.
Does Shenhe know this 'Ganyu'?
Yaoyao ran toward the figure, and Xia Zhi followed.
Soon, the girl entered his detection range.
She had long, flowing blue hair tied in a ponytail with a single stray curl at the top. Black and red horns curved elegantly from the sides of her head. She wore a white short qipao with gold accents over a backless bodysuit and black stockings with gold trim. Her waist was adorned with a red rope holding a Cryo Vision.
Her appearance immediately reminded Xia Zhi of Yanfei. Though their horns were different, she clearly shared adeptal blood like Yanfei.
---
But that wasn't the most striking thing about her.
Hanging above her was a golden progress bar.
[Progress: 0%].
---
Yaoyao truly was a little angel of luck!
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Next target 600 Powerstones :)