The next day, Tanaka Masao woke up early.
As his physique reached ten points, he arrived at what the system called the limit for ordinary humans.
Now, even if Tanaka Masao engaged in high-intensity training every day, it would not affect his condition the next day.
He did not need much sleep, only a few hours, and he could still maintain a good mental state throughout the day.
Tanaka Masao waking up early also had a purpose. Last night, he had just upgraded his Cooking skill to LV4 from the system, and he naturally wanted to try it out.
"Hehehe, let me capture women's hearts with my superb craftsmanship."
He went to the kitchen and looked at the various seasonings and ingredients. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and countless recipes appeared in his mind.
His hands skillfully processed the ingredients, as if he had done it countless times. Rhythmic sounds came from the kitchen, and soon a fragrant aroma wafted out.
...
Tanaka Kazumi came out of her bedroom as usual, planning to prepare breakfast and lunch bento.
Before she even reached the kitchen door, she heard movement inside. Curious, she pushed open the door and saw Tanaka Masao busy inside.
She subtly twitched her nose, smelling the faint aroma filling the kitchen.
"Masao, why are you up so early Cooking?"
As she spoke, she walked over and looked at the Cooking in the pot, unable to resist scooping out a bit to taste.
With that taste, Tanaka Kazumi's eyes widened instantly.
"So delicious!
Masao, when did you learn such great Cooking skills? I didn't even know. Your skill has surpassed mine.
You've been secretly working hard by yourself and achieved such amazing Cooking skills. Are you planning to capture some girl's heart, perhaps Yukino's?
If Yukino knew you could make such delicious food, she might just marry you!"
Facing Tanaka Kazumi's teasing, Tanaka Masao did not turn around, but instead focused on Cooking the ingredients in front of him, and replied.
"No, this is specially prepared for you, Mom."
"Eh, for me?"
Tanaka Kazumi was a bit taken aback by his words.
"That's right, Mom, you usually cook for us, which is very hard work, isn't it? I just thought I'd cook a meal for you too, to properly thank you."
"Masao..."
Hearing this, Tanaka Kazumi was so moved that she didn't know what to say. Her eyes were a little moist.
"You've really grown up, my child. You even know how to care for others now."
"Mom, this is what I should do."
The mother and son looked at each other, embraced emotionally, and for a moment, the scene was incredibly heartwarming with a loving mother and filial son.
Tanaka Kazumi spoke.
"Masao, I've decided to give you an important task."
"What task?"
"Since your Cooking is so delicious, the job of Cooking for the Tanaka from now on will be yours."
Tanaka Masao: ...
"My dear Mom, may I refuse?"
"Didn't you say you wanted to thank me for my hard work? If so, what's wrong with helping me out a bit?
Besides, I didn't know you had this hidden talent before. If I had, I would have handed over the Cooking to you long ago."
Tanaka Kazumi released Tanaka Masao and said with a smile.
"It's decided then, happily! Go, Masao, Mom loves you the most.
I'm going to wash up now. I'm looking forward to your breakfast and bento!"
Watching Tanaka Kazumi's retreating back, Tanaka Masao shook his head helplessly and sighed.
"Didn't I just have a sudden idea to cook a meal to show my gratitude? How did I end up getting myself into this? Indeed, sometimes people shouldn't show off too much."
If you can do it, then it's up to you to do it.
Tanaka Masao now deeply understood this saying. However, with his superb Cooking skills, Cooking was a rather enjoyable activity for him.
Moreover, he had only recently acquired his Cooking skills and was in the initial exploratory stage, with countless creative ideas in his mind and full of interest in Cooking.
Therefore, he had no dissatisfaction with Tanaka Kazumi giving him the task of Cooking; on the contrary, he was eager to try it.
[The ingredients are insufficient now, so breakfast and lunch can only be some ordinary things. For dinner, perhaps I can try some more creative and eye-opening dishes.]
At the dining table, the four members of the Tanaka sat together eating breakfast.
Tanaka Kenji said with some surprise.
"Kazumi, are you saying all of this was made by Masao?"
"Yes, aren't you surprised? If I hadn't seen Masao Cooking with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it either."
"Masao, when did you get such great Cooking skills? You didn't even tell us. Were you planning to secretly work hard and then amaze everyone?
You've succeeded!"
Tanaka Masao, a little smug, waved his hand and said.
"Not at all. I just tried to learn a little bit, and I didn't expect it to actually succeed. Maybe I'm just a Cooking genius."
"I've never seen anyone as humble as you."
Tanaka Kazumi, next to him, spoke as if taking credit.
"After learning that Masao's Cooking was so good, I immediately assigned him the task of preparing all three meals a day, so we can enjoy such delicious Cooking every meal."
Hearing Tanaka Kazumi's words, Tanaka Kenji's expression became serious, and he reproached.
"Kazumi, how could you do that!
Why only give Masao the job of three meals? You could also give him the job of making snacks.
Masao's Cooking is so good, he must be great at making snacks too.
Even if he can't make snacks, he can learn, and he'll surely learn quickly. Wouldn't that mean we could eat delicious and healthy snacks?"
"Oh, my dear, you're a genius! Why didn't I think of that? Masao, I'll entrust the Tanaka's snacks to you too.
You don't have to make them every day, just occasionally make some common cakes, waffles, puddings, etc. As long as they're a little more delicious than what you get from specialty stores, that's fine.
How about it? Very easy, right?"
Tanaka Masao: ...
Indeed, where there is a Sleeping Dragon, there must be a Fledgling Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Kashi was quieter today, focused on eating her meal with her head down, only occasionally looking up at Tanaka Masao with a complex gaze.
[Masao's craftsmanship is too good. As expected of the subordinate I value.
No, I need to find a way to make him submit to me quickly, so I can eat these delicious things every day!]
Tanaka Masao's strategic importance in Kashi's heart rose another level.
The Tanaka's morning became incredibly lively because of Tanaka Masao's Cooking, which also made Tanaka Masao feel immensely gratified.
[It was indeed the right choice to upgrade the Cooking skill. The family's happiness index is soaring!