The Fluff (2)

Mrs. Lin had had a wrong impression of her daughter-in-law and she realized that now. At least it was still not too late to start changing her views, starting by getting to know her daughter-in-law for who she was.

Cooking seemed to be one of Xiu Ling's passions and Mrs. Lin could respect that. It was already much better than many other hobbies other socialites were prone to have. At least it was cheap and could benefit a group of people.

Therefore, Mrs. Lin tried to show active interest in her daughter-in-law's life. She directed another question at Xiu Ling, "In that case, why didn't you use a more expensive bottle? Wouldn't that be better?"

Xiu Ling was surprised by the follow-up question. She noticed Mrs. Lin was actively trying to make nice with her. She noticed her mother-in-law did not add a snide comment saying she only used a cheap wine because that was what she was used to, indirectly calling her uncultured and poor.

Even though Xiu Ling did not know what her mother-in-law was up to, she did not mind this. Like it was mentioned during the education problem regarding Lin Xi, Xiu Ling did not mind having a peaceful relationship with her mother-in-law, if anything, she preferred that.

Therefore, she explained patiently, sharing her cooking tips with her mother-in-law, "Because aged wine or quality wine doesn't have that high level of acidity anymore. It has mellowed out with time. Using them will only be a waste of quality wine."

"Interesting," Mrs. Lin commented. "Looks like there's indeed a use for everything, a place where everything belongs."

Xiu Ling nodded in agreement.

"By the way, Xiu Ling, I never did realize you are so talented at cooking. How did you get so good at this? Did you attend cooking classes when you were young or you read plenty of cooking books?" Mrs. Lin asked with genuine curiosity. As someone who could burn down the kitchen just because she wanted to boil water, she was truly impressed by Xiu Ling's cooking skill.

In reality, neither of the options provided by Mrs. Lin could have been the truth considering Xiu Ling's family background. They were already short on money to buy basic necessity so how could it be possible for Mrs. Xiu to spend money to send Xiu Ling to culinary classes. While Mrs. Xiu did not skimp on books, she only bought for Xiu Ling educational books and not self-help books or books to pick up skills like cooking.

Xiu Ling learned the cooking skill directly from her mother. Mrs. Xiu was an amazing cook but it was a skill she mastered out of necessity. There wasn't many things a single mother like herself could do during her times to earn money so other than doing odd jobs in the day, she would set up stalls at the wet market at night or during the days when she was free to sell home-made delicacies.

To prevent the customers from getting bored, Mrs. Xiu had to change up her menu weekly or introduce special menu according to the date and relevant celebrations. For example, as it had been mentioned earlier, Mrs. Xiu was proficient at making moon cakes.

She did not take any classes to learn making those but came up with the technique herself. In other words, cooking was her skill for survival.

While Xiu Ling did not inherit all of her mother's cooking prowess, her inability to make the moon cake being the perfect example, Xiu Ling could already be considered a good cook, especially compared to people like Mrs. Lin who did not know there was a difference between onion and spring onion.

In other words, Mrs. Xiu was the reason why Xiu Ling was so proficient at cooking and she told her mother-in-law that much, "It was thanks to my mother that I know how to cook."

Mrs. Lin nodded along to what Xiu Ling had said and then suddenly a bright idea cropped up in her mind. With the grin of a matchmaker, Mrs. Lin began, "Xiu Ling, I see that you are a very good cook but do you know how to make pastries? Things like bread and cakes."

Xiu Ling was confused by this sudden question by her mother-in-law but she answered honestly, "I do know a thing or two about baking. Would mother like to have me make something?"

"No, no, it's not that." Mrs. Lin shook her head before adding, "But it is true that I have a favour to ask."

"What is it, mother? I'll be glad to help if I am able." Xiu Ling said while she inspected the stew.

"I wish for you to host a baking lesson. Teach people how to make simple bread or cake," suggested Mrs. Lin.

"Huh?!" Xiu Ling was surprised by the favour requested by her mother-in-law and her first reaction was to reject it. "But mother, I'm not good enough to teach someone..."

Mrs. Lin cut her off, "No worries, it is just between family. I'm not asking you to open a class or anything."

"Huh?!" Xiu Ling was surprised for the second time. She repeated, "family?"

"Yes, I would like you to teach Lin Xi how to make simple pastries," Mrs. Lin clarified before adding in a light tone like she did not want Xiu Ling to pay too much attention to the rest of her sentence, "And perhaps Lin Kang too if the man is free."

"But why all of a sudden..." Xiu Ling started to question when Mrs. Lin once again forced her way into the conversation, "Xiu Ling, don't you think this is a good idea? One of the flyers we looked at before this also provided cooking and baking classes for little children. According to it, working in the kitchen when they are still young will be able to help improve their concept of mathematics and logic through common activities in the kitchen like weighing and separating the ingredients."