Chapter 239: Chapter 239: Bibi Dong: Delicious! A Tsundere Mother and Daughter
Although Dai Chengfeng was incredibly curious about what exactly Bibi Dong was planning, he couldn't figure it out at the moment.
In the end, he could only shake his head. For now, all he could do was adapt as things unfolded—meeting challenges head-on, like using earth to dam a flood.
Dai Chengfeng stopped overthinking and skillfully retrieved a live fish, along with some ingredients and seasonings, from his storage soul ring.
With the experience he had gained in Death Canyon, Dai Chengfeng knew that if he wanted to avoid eating bland rations every day while traveling without his uncle, he would have to cook for himself.
As for Bibi Dong?
Just like he wouldn't expect anything from Qian Renxue, Dai Chengfeng didn't dare hope that Bibi Dong would know how to cook.
Even if she did, it was unlikely she'd ever make food for him.
"Today, I'll make something simple—a dish I'm fairly good at: sweet-and-sour mandarin fish." (A.k.a Squirrel Fish or Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish)
While Dai Chengfeng hummed a cheerful tune and busied himself with cooking, Bibi Dong heard the commotion and glanced up curiously.
"What are you up to now?"
The flickering firelight illuminated Dai Chengfeng's figure, casting a silhouette of intense focus.
He carefully slit open the fish's belly with precise movements. In no time, he had deboned and sliced the fish into an intricate shape.
Without looking up, he replied:
"I'm cooking, Teacher."
"Cooking again?"
Over the past few days, Bibi Dong had watched Dai Chengfeng prepare many dishes, but she hadn't tasted a single one.
Though the finished dishes looked impressive and smelled decent, Bibi Dong still couldn't believe that Dai Chengfeng's cooking was edible.
After all, who was Dai Chengfeng?
The Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire, a genius born with full soul power, someone who had been handed everything on a silver platter since birth.
Could someone so pampered—someone who had servants catering to his every need—really know how to cook?
Was that realistic?
Moreover, the dishes Dai Chengfeng made were unlike anything Bibi Dong had ever seen before.
And most importantly…
Before this, Bibi Dong hadn't yet made her final decision, so there had been a barrier between her and Dai Chengfeng. She hadn't wanted to engage with him.
"But now, I've made my decision!"
"To gain something, I must give something in return. Tomorrow…"
"If that's the case, perhaps I shouldn't be so resistant to Dai Chengfeng? After all, it's only for the sake of ascending to godhood!"
Still, after pondering this, Bibi Dong shook her head and continued eating her dry rations. Even if she wasn't resisting him, as a soul master, how could she care so much about satisfying her appetite?
It seemed she'd need to find time to give him some advice once they returned.
Meow, meow~
As Bibi Dong was lost in thought, a faint, adorable meowing sound echoed through the campsite.
The sleeping Qiu'er, whom Dai Chengfeng had placed in the tent, had woken up at some point.
Her tiny paws pushed open the tent flap, revealing a fluffy little head. Sniffing the air, her little nose twitched adorably.
Soon, her eyes lit up as she spotted the fragrant pot in front of Dai Chengfeng.
Tap, tap~
She scurried over to Dai Chengfeng on her tiny paws and rubbed her head against his pant leg, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity.
It was as if she was asking: "Dai Chengfeng, what delicious food are you making?"
Dai Chengfeng chuckled and crouched down, gently rubbing Qiu'er's little head. "You're awake? Are you hungry?"
Meow, meow, meow!
Qiu'er nodded vigorously, her little paws gesturing excitedly.
"It'll be ready soon," Dai Chengfeng said affectionately, placing Qiu'er on a nearby wooden stump. "Sit tight and don't rush."
Meow~
Qiu'er obediently sat on the stump, gazing longingly at Dai Chengfeng. Her little mouth hung slightly open, and she looked like she was about to drool.
Soon, as Dai Chengfeng finished drizzling the final sauce over the dish, the entire campsite was filled with an irresistible aroma.
Meow, meow~
Qiu'er's little nose twitched as she meowed impatiently at Dai Chengfeng.
"You little glutton~"
Dai Chengfeng laughed and shook his head, serving Qiu'er a small bowl of food.
"Be careful—it's hot."
Meow~
Qiu'er nodded, taking the bowl in her tiny paws like a child holding a precious treasure.
She opened her mouth slightly and began nibbling, savoring each bite. Occasionally, she let out contented meows.
This was the first time Bibi Dong had seen anyone other than Dai Chengfeng eat his cooking.
Now, watching Qiu'er devour the food with such delight, she grew curious:
Could Dai Chengfeng's cooking actually be edible?
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng had already plated the fish and offered it to her.
"Teacher, why don't you try it?"
Bibi Dong haughtily replied, "No, mere indulgence in food is beneath me…"
But before she could finish, her gaze was drawn to the plate. The mandarin fish was fried to a golden crisp, shaped like a squirrel, and drizzled with amber-colored sauce. Garnished with green vegetable shreds, it emitted an irresistible aroma.
Upon closer inspection, it really did look quite good.
Just one bite?
After all, she had grown tired of eating dry rations for so many days.
With that thought, Bibi Dong's curiosity got the better of her, and she changed her tone.
"However, since you've asked so sincerely, I suppose I can't refuse."
"I'll take a small bite, just to try it."
With that, Bibi Dong picked up a spoon, scooped up a small piece of fish, and blew on it gently before tasting.
"!!!"
As the first bite of fish melted in her mouth, Bibi Dong's pupils contracted.
The crispy exterior gave way to tender, succulent flesh, blending perfectly with the rich, flavorful sauce. Layer upon layer of taste exploded on her palate.
She had completely misjudged Dai Chengfeng!
Bibi Dong never expected that his cooking could be this delicious—comparable to the professional chefs of the Spirit Hall.
Though his technique and timing might not be as refined, the unique flavor left her craving more.
Seeing Bibi Dong's reaction, Dai Chengfeng smiled.
"Teacher, how does it taste?"
"Hmph, it's just passable, barely edible."
Though she said this, Bibi Dong unconsciously took another spoonful, her movements much quicker than when she ate dry rations.
What a…
Dai Chengfeng chuckled and shook his head, watching Bibi Dong's tsundere behavior.
He couldn't help but think of Qian Renxue's expression and reaction the first time she had tasted his cooking—it was strikingly similar to Bibi Dong's.
He could only say: no wonder they're mother and daughter…
But thinking of Qian Renxue, Dai Chengfeng suddenly felt a pang of longing for the little angel.
Perhaps he should discuss it with Bibi Dong—before returning to the Spirit City, maybe they could stop by Tian Dou City?
Besides, his first kiss had inexplicably gone to Bibi Dong.
But the "interest" owed by the little angel—he would collect it when the time came…
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