Punishment, Suffering and Enjoyment

"Get up, it's not your fault for not understanding. However, your inexplicable tantrum was wrong, right? I'm not angry, but you have to eat at least three big mouthfuls of exactly the same dishes as me."

"Really? I'll eat, three mouthfuls won't be enough, I'll eat as many as you want." Cheng Mo immediately grinned like a proud rooster, returning to his seat and raising his chopsticks, waiting for Xiangbei to serve the dishes first.

Xiangbei gave a mischievous smile, reached for the spicy and sour boiled fish, and generously picked up a portion for him. She then picked up a slice for herself, placed it in her bowl, and, facing the gaze of the two, savored the delightful taste. It was spicy, numbing, and delicious – pure happiness.

Cheng Mo followed suit, picking up two large pieces of fish from his bowl and putting them in his mouth.

From the tip of the tongue to the throat, a sensation of piercing, sourness, bitterness, and pain, all the indescribable taste experiences that had never been encountered filled the mouth instantly. The entire face turned red, as if about to bleed. The discomfort spread to the neck and forehead, with tiny beads of sweat forming. Cheng Mo opened his mouth wide, making a muted sound, fanning with both hands to alleviate the sudden stimulation.

Xiangbei poured water into a jug, discreetly added some honey from the space, and handed bowls of warm honey water one after another. Cheng Mo almost snatched them, gulping down three or four bowls. The stinging sensation gradually faded, replaced by a warm and comfortable feeling rising from the stomach, accompanied by a subtle sweetness. Glancing at Xiangbei, Cheng Mo picked up his chopsticks, scooped a small piece from the bowl, put it in his mouth, paused for a moment, drank half a bowl of honey water, picked up another piece, took a sip of water, and finally savored it on his own.

Qiao Er watched dumbfoundedly. When he picked up a small piece of red pepper and gestured with his eyes to get Xiangbei's attention, he whispered, "Is it really safe? Isn't this the one I gave you—"

"Yes, that's right. Don't worry, Brother Ziqiu, this absolutely has no poison. The kind of tingling sensation that makes lips and tongue swell can also be called spicy. Haven't you felt it's like tasting a spoonful of yellow jie extract? Just as many people, after getting used to the initial pain from strong liquor, come to love the invigorating aftertaste."

"Speaking of it this way, it does make sense. Just make sure it's not poisonous; I was only worried that you might have acted recklessly. I just don't want anything to happen to you. But just now in the kitchen, Master Yang served a large bowl, and he ate it with sweat pouring down, even saying he couldn't stop."

"Brother Ziqiu, you need to find more carpenters; you'll be busy soon. I'll go find a few masters and discuss these new dishes together."

"I'll go; you eat a few bites. You've worked hard, and you haven't even had a chance to eat yet."

"Okay, thanks, Brother Ziqiu." Xiangbei watched Qiao Er leave, then turned to pick a few pieces of sweet and sour pickled fish and put them in Cheng Mo's plate. "Even if you like it, eat a little less. Eating too much at once can be uncomfortable at night. Try some other dishes; when the masters come later, we'll have to evaluate them together."

"Xiaobei, have you forgiven me?! Look, I'm punishing myself by eating so much. Can I be forgiven now?" Cheng Mo, both surprised and aggrieved, sadly put down his chopsticks, grabbed Xiangbei's sleeve, shook it playfully, and stared at her with eyes containing genuine mischief.

"Humph, taking advantage of the situation. Finish your meal. You've developed a taste for this kind of spiciness, haven't you? Eat less today; it can be uncomfortable if you eat too much at once. Try some other dishes. We'll have to discuss them together when the masters arrive later."

"I knew Xiangbei would also feel sorry for me," Cheng Mo immediately turned around and picked up a plate of fish meat. The sweet and sour taste once again conquered his easily tempted stomach. "How can you be so good to me? Thank you for making such delicious fish for me."

Xiangbei rolled her eyes and began to taste several new dishes that the chefs had tried. Truly speechless, when you ignore him, this person can completely indulge in self-appreciation.

"Xiao Bei, I feel like you will surprise me every day in the future. Can you make new dishes every day?"

"If I say I can come up with new ones without repeating for two years, would you believe me? But it's just that I'm willing to teach. Can you ensure that the chefs are willing to learn and are willing to stay here? Many people stick to one recipe and can support several generations of a family when done to perfection."

"The chefs at Fuhai Lou are all surnamed Cheng and are family slaves who have signed a life contract. You don't have to worry. No one dares to steal your recipes."

"I didn't mean that. There are more than a thousand delicious dishes in the world. Truly talented chefs can make a living with just a few recipes. I want more people to taste different cuisines in more places. What I'm talking about is not being too greedy, promoting some suitable series, and doing it well is the right way."

"Listen to you, these extremely delicious dishes are a blessing for them to taste a few, and they still want them every day. How happy they are. Just make them for me to eat alone."

"You should stop. When the chefs finish their official business, you should go back to your room and sleep. You can have as many sweet dreams as you want." Is this the same iceberg handsome man who hardly spoke a few words when they first met? It seems someone has changed his core.