Chapter 86

### Preparations and Conversations

Summer decided not to waste time standing around, so she went into the kitchen to check on the ingredients Logan had brought. While kneading the dough, she told Linda, "Aunt Linda, please rest. We can handle this."

Linda, however, couldn't sit still. She took out the pork and said, "I can't just sit around. Tell me what you plan to do with this pork, and I'll help."

Seeing that Linda was determined to help, Summer relented, "Alright, Aunt Linda, just remove the skin and chop the meat into small pieces."

Linda nodded and began washing the pork. As she worked, she glanced out into the yard at Logan.

With a small smile, Linda remarked, "Logan is such a rare gem. In all my years, I've never met anyone quite like him. He's good at everything—whether it's outdoor work or kitchen chores. He's handsome, capable, hardworking, and so kind. Honestly, he's perfect."

Summer smiled, not quite as impressed. If someone seems too perfect, it's often a facade.

Linda looked at Summer, "Summer, you and Logan spend a lot of time together. Are you two…?"

Summer quickly clarified, "Aunt Linda, we're just classmates and colleagues. Nothing more."

Linda laughed, "A good young man like Logan, right in front of you every day, and you don't have any thoughts about him? You know what they say, 'Don't let good opportunities slip away.' If you two ever decide to stay here, you won't find anyone better than Logan."

Summer laughed, "Aunt Linda, he doesn't see me that way. At most, he appreciates my cooking skills."

Summer didn't feel inferior to Logan, but she knew that in Logan's mind, there was no place for a woman.

Linda responded, "That's the same thing! If he likes your cooking, you can win his heart with it."

Summer continued kneading the dough, smiling, "Aunt Linda, I need someone who likes me for who I am, not just because I can cook and clean."

Linda looked puzzled, "But when looking for a wife, who doesn't want someone who can be a good partner in life?"

Summer didn't want to argue, so she smiled and said, "You're right, Aunt Linda. I'll also make sure to find someone who can be a good husband."

Linda nodded in agreement, "Exactly!"

She leaned in and whispered, "Summer, trust me. Logan would make a great husband."

Summer couldn't help but laugh. If only Linda knew, Logan had no intention of being anyone's husband. His nature was too independent and detached for that.

Linda, thinking Summer's laugh was agreement, continued, "You should act quickly. Many in the village are eyeing Logan for their relatives."

Summer thought to herself that anyone seriously interested in Logan would likely give up quickly. She maintained her facade, "We just got here. Let's settle in first."

Linda agreed, "That's true."

With that, they continued their preparations. Summer let the dough rest and checked on Logan, who had finished processing the chicken.

Logan brought the chicken into the kitchen, asking Linda, "How did I do?"

Linda inspected his work and praised him, "Great job, Logan. You're very capable."

Logan set the bowl of chicken on the counter, "It's thanks to your good teaching."

Linda beamed with pride. With the dough resting and the chicken prepared, Summer and Logan moved to the yard to wash and prepare the vegetables.

While peeling potatoes, Logan asked, "What were you talking about inside?"

Summer, using a slightly quieter voice, replied, "Aunt Linda was praising you, saying you're perfect in every way and would make an excellent husband."

Logan glanced at her, "And what did you say?"

Summer continued peeling, "I told her the truth. I said you don't like women and wouldn't want to get married. I even told her you once said, 'Without a woman in my heart, I can be truly free!'"

Logan: "..."