Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots
Chapter 879 - 121 Righteous Younger Sister

Chapter 879: 121 Righteous Younger Sister

Lin Yuan had noticed the man as soon as he entered, and upon hearing his request, she approached with a smile, "Since this young master has mentioned it, then Lin Yuan shall introduce a health nourishing delicacy suitable for the young master."

"Then I must trouble you, Miss," the man said.

Mild-mannered and polite, sincere and earnest, Lin Yuan smiled slightly, her impression of him improving.

"The young master is too courteous," Lin Yuan said with a smile, sizing him up briefly. Though he smiled, there was a tiredness in his eyes, suggesting he had been traveling recently.

What surprised her more was that there seemed to be a faint sense of familiarity about the corners of the man’s eyes and brows. But Lin Yuan was certain she had never met him before. As she was about to take a closer look, the man suddenly became unsettled, his gaze flickering.

Lin Yuan paused, and upon noticing the man’s ears had turned a faint red, she couldn’t help but be amused. It was only a few moments of eye contact, and while she, a woman, wasn’t embarrassed, this grown man started to feel shy.

Suppressing the laughter in her heart, Lin Yuan asked Shopkeeper Wu to serve him a very simple "Jade Cabbage Soup."

When the dish was presented, the man was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Lin Yuan to serve him such a plain dish.

"This," the man’s eyebrows raised slightly, "Miss recommends this soup to me, is there a particular reason?"

Lin Yuan silently praised his reaction with a "brilliant." In fact, her recommendation of this dish was not just because it complemented the man’s temperament, but also carried a hint of a test. If Zhao Hongsheng had seen this dish, he probably would have taken offense by now, wouldn’t he? Wouldn’t it seem dismissive?

This man, however, despite being puzzled, was not upset and did not ask any pretentious questions. Clearly, he was truly easy-going.

"Don’t underestimate this cabbage soup for its plainness, Young Master. Despite its unassuming appearance, it’s highly nutritious, earning it the title ’Queen of Vegetables,’" Lin Yuan said, the corners of her lips curving up, "Furthermore, this Jade Cabbage Soup contains only clear water and cabbage with just the most basic seasonings, unmarred by any other flavors. It is the pure essence. In my opinion, such a low-profile, restrained soup is the perfect match for Young Master’s temperament."

Just as understated and restrained, unassuming, and perhaps a little craftier than he appears—that was the entirety of Lin Yuan’s impression of the man.

"Miss has keen insight," the man couldn’t help but clap his hands in appreciation. With her description, even he, who hadn’t felt much appetite before, couldn’t resist taking a spoonful of the soup. Indeed it was simple, the only discernible seasoning being salt. But upon a closer taste, it also seemed to carry a hint of sweetness, a touch of umami.

Zhao Hongde couldn’t help but smile, now understanding why Xia Zheng held this woman in high regard and why Princess Anle also praised her highly. Who wouldn’t like such a smart and empathetic woman?

Thinking this way, Zhao Hongde’s gaze at Lin Yuan unconsciously filled with admiration.

"I say, cousin, looking at your future sister-in-law with such an eye is somewhat improper, isn’t it?" Xia Zheng’s voice appeared out of nowhere, carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.

Cousin? Lin Yuan was startled, realizing why this young master looked somewhat familiar. On closer inspection, he did indeed share some resemblance to Xia Zheng and also bore a resemblance to Zhao Hongsheng.

So he was a prince too!

Zhao Hongde laughed wryly, "So, you finally admit to being younger than me?"

Xia Zheng flopped down onto a chair, and unceremoniously pulled Lin Yuan to sit as well, giving Zhao Hongde a sizable eye roll, "Being one day older still counts, doesn’t it? Isn’t that your catchphrase? Humph, but you, pretending to be the cousin, have shown none of those manners. You knew she’s your brother’s fiancée, yet not only did you not offer a meeting gift, you had her standing and introducing you to some soup! Eh? Since when did you start acting like the wolf with a bushy tail, picking on my woman?"

Zhao Hongde’s mouth twitched involuntarily at being compared to Zhao Hongsheng! How had he bullied his woman? He was just trying to get to know her better!

Before Zhao Hongde could explain, Xia Zheng’s relentless teasing continued, "Also, stop looking at my woman with eyes full of admiration and fondness. It wasn’t easy for me to win her over. If you like her, go chase someone yourself. Just keep your hands off my woman!"

This time not only did Zhao Hongde feel a bit embarrassed but Lin Yuan as well. Where had anyone looked at her with eyes of admiration and fondness? She felt as if she was described as a flower, wanted by everyone!