Xia Zhi stood still, gazing at the [Intertwined Fate] in his inventory as he pondered silently for a while.
Though he suspected that the one he might bond with this time could be Furina, now was clearly not the right moment to use it.
Stepping out of the Mechanism Workshop, Xia Zhi thought for a moment before heading toward the kitchen.
Before he even arrived, the rich aroma of simmering broth already wafted through the air.
This was the authentic [Adeptus' Temptation].
Xia Zhi took a sniff. With his [Culinary Grandmaster] ability, he effortlessly identified all the ingredients Cloud Retainer had used in this soup.
Though they couldn't compare to those in his [Gods' Temptation], in the mortal world, they were still considered rare delicacies.
As for Cloud Retainer's culinary skills, while not quite at the master level, they were decent enough. Coupled with the mechanisms she had invented to assist her, the final product—this pot of [Adeptus' Temptation]—was, in Xia Zhi's opinion, barely passable.
Cloud Retainer stood by the pot, spoon in hand, tasting the broth.
She noticed Xia Zhi approaching the chopping board and asked, "Mr. Xia, what are you…?"
"I'd like to borrow your kitchen to make a couple of dishes."
"Oh, go ahead."
Then, Cloud Retainer watched as Xia Zhi took out a pile of spirit herbs and medicinal plants she didn't recognize.
"What are these?"
"Ingredients I'll be using for the dishes."
"All of them?"
"All of them."
"W-what kind of dish requires so many spirit herbs and medicinal plants?"
"[Hundred Herbs Broth]."
Cloud Retainer froze.
She had heard about this dish last night while soaking in the bath, from Madame Ping.
It was after eating this very dish that Ganyu had broken through to become an adeptus.
"Mr. Xia, are you making this specifically for Ganyu?"
"Yes. After all, she doesn't eat [Adeptus' Temptation]."
"Indeed, that child has always been vegetarian…"
"I'm sure the esteemed adeptus has already prepared other dishes for Ganyu?"
"I was planning to stir-fry some Qingxin for her. She loved it as a child."
"Oh? Thank you for letting me know. I'll remember that and try making it for her next time."
Sometimes, just a small detail like this could reveal the depth of two people's feelings.
Cloud Retainer looked at Xia Zhi, a glimmer of warmth flashing in her eyes.
"Would you like my help?"
"That would be appreciated. Could you wash these ingredients for me?"
"Certainly."
Cloud Retainer swiftly finished the task and then stood to the side, watching Xia Zhi cook.
Xia Zhi picked up a kitchen knife and began slicing the ingredients with practiced ease.
As she watched the continuous blur of his blade, Cloud Retainer's expression gradually shifted to one of amazement.
Once the ingredients were prepped, Xia Zhi started cooking.
The stove here didn't require firewood either.
Cloud Retainer had invented a flame-emitting mechanism that used Pyro Crystals to release Pyro energy, producing intense flames. The heat could even be adjusted externally, making it incredibly convenient to use.
Xia Zhi proceeded methodically with his cooking.
Cloud Retainer stood nearby, quietly observing.
The scene reminded her of their travels together in the past, when Xia Zhi would cook soup and grill fish by the campfire while she stood by, watching.
Though she had long known of his exceptional culinary skills, only by witnessing them firsthand could she truly adjust her perception of him.
Before long, the [Hundred Herbs Broth] was ready.
A faint, ethereal fragrance rose from the pot, overpowering the rich aroma of [Adeptus' Temptation] in the air.
Cloud Retainer couldn't help but swallow her saliva at the tantalizing scent.
So fragrant…
Who knew vegetarian dishes could smell this good?
I really want a taste…
Back when they traveled together, every time he picked new fruits or grilled fish, he would always let her try them first before eating himself.
Now that she had taken human form and their relationship had changed, that preferential treatment was gone—transferred to her two disciples instead.
Sigh…
Xia Zhi ladled the [Hundred Herbs Broth] out of the pot.
Through his God's Eye, he observed Cloud Retainer beside him and couldn't help but recall their past travels.
Back then, his abilities were limited, and he had few points to spend. Arriving in an unfamiliar world, even basic sustenance had been a struggle.
Thankfully, he had met the little crane. Every time he gathered new fruits, he would let her taste them first—checking if they were poisonous, edible, or delicious. Only after she tried them would he feel safe eating them himself. The same went for fish—grilled, he'd let her test for doneness, seasoning, and flavor…
Now that his circumstances had improved, there was no need for such caution.
Considering the number of people present, Xia Zhi prepared a few more dishes.
With each completed dish, Cloud Retainer's gaze would follow the pot to the plate, and she couldn't help but sneakily swallow her saliva.
Naturally, Xia Zhi noticed her reactions and, smiling, invited her to taste-test.
Cloud Retainer put on an expression that said, "I'm not really that interested, but since you asked, I suppose I'll," before picking up her chopsticks.
"How is it?"
"Delicious!"
Compared to last night's skewers, today's dishes were on another level entirely.
"This might be the best food I've ever eaten."
"You flatter me too much. These are just simple home-cooked dishes."
"These are home-cooked dishes?"
"Yes. These are what I make for everyone every day."
"They get to eat like this every day?!"
"It's not that extravagant."
Normally, the meals were only at Black Iron or Silver tier. Dishes like [Hundred Herbs Broth] and [Gods' Temptation], which were high tier, were reserved for special occasions.
Hearing this, Cloud Retainer bit her chopsticks and fell into silence.
Last night, Madame Ping had mentioned that Ganyu's figure had changed after drinking soup. But now, knowing Ganyu ate such exquisite meals daily, it was no wonder she had gained weight…
Just then, Xiangling's voice came from outside the kitchen: "Master! You're cooking? Let me help!"
"It's already done. Just carry the dishes out."
"Okay!"
"Is everyone else back?"
"Yes!"
"Where did you all go this morning?"
"Just to the other side of the mountain. We took some photos, looked at the scenery through the telescope, and listened to Ganyu and Shenhe talk about their lives here before…"
Xia Zhi smiled and nodded.
The summit of Mt. Aocang was lush and picturesque—a breathtaking fairyland for Zhu Zi and the others. But for Ganyu and Shenhe, these were sights they had seen countless times. As for Xia Ci and Xia Zhen, whether it was an adeptus mountain or not made little difference to them.
Travel was always like this—merely leaving a place you were familiar with, or even tired of, to visit a place someone else was familiar with, or even tired of.
What truly mattered was never the scenery, but the people by your side.
Cloud Retainer carried out the Adeptus' Temptation she had prepared.
But now, she no longer wore the proud expression she'd had yesterday when declaring she would cook something delicious for everyone.
Well… It just couldn't compare to those "simple home-cooked dishes." Everyone would just have to make do.
At least it was packed with precious ingredients—it should still be nourishing.
Sigh… I wonder when I'll get to taste Mr. Xia's Gods' Temptation. Just how delicious must it be for Madame Ping to keep raving about it?
---
Meanwhile.
Ganyu stared at the plate of [Hundred Herbs Broth] on the table, momentarily stunned. Then, she looked at Xia Zhi, her eyes softening.
Husband really does care about me…
But after eating the [Hundred Herbs Broth], Ganyu felt the inexplicable restlessness within her grow even stronger.
---
Yujing Terrace, Above.
In the vice-principal's office of the school, Zhongli set down the documents in his hand, picked up his teacup, and walked to the window.
Outside, children played in the field, their laughter ringing through the air.
Zhongli watched quietly for a while before raising the cup to his lips and taking a sip.
"I'd buy osmanthus wine to share with my past self…"
His voice trailed off, ending in what seemed like a sigh.