Zuo Yan understood and nodded in agreement. "The prince has gone to Feiyu Villa to find Young Master Xue. He didn't say whether he'd be back for lunch before he left. How about I send someone there to inquire? Miss, you can go ahead and get busy."
Cheng Xiran sprang to her feet with a determined look and rushed towards the kitchen. Watching her graceful figure as she left, Zuo Yan quickly ordered his men, "Send someone to assist her. Make sure Miss doesn't set the kitchen on fire."
Then he sent someone to Feiyu Villa to deliver a message.
Actually, Cheng Xiran could cook, but in her own opinion, her cooking could only keep her from starving. Besides, she didn't know how to cook those elaborate dishes. So she simply stir - fried three side dishes and made a plate of sweet and sour spare ribs. Hearing from the servants that Helian Duo liked fish soup, she made a crucian carp and tofu soup with their help.
The problem was that in ancient times, people cooked with stoves, and she had no experience. She was extremely nervous while cooking the whole meal. It was really true what Zuo Yan had said. One small mistake and the kitchen would be on fire.
Anyway, when she came out of the kitchen, Mu Li saw a little kitten - like girl.
Mu Li quickly took out a silk handkerchief and held it in front of her, smiling as she said, "Miss, you'd better wipe your face."
Cheng Xiran was too tired to move. While wiping her face, she replied, "Cooking is really tiring."
Mu Li supported her and walked towards the front hall. "Just now I heard Zuo Yan say that the prince and Young Master Xue are on their way back."
When Cheng Xiran reached the front hall, she sat down directly on the guest seat. A maid came forward to serve tea. She drank several cups before she felt her throat was moistened. She couldn't help sighing, "I've gone to all this trouble. He should agree no matter what."
"Agree to what?"
Xue Lianyu's voice came into her ears with the wind.
Cheng Xiran lazily raised her eyes and saw Helian Duo and Xue Lianyu walking towards her against the light.
To be honest, her eyes were completely drawn to Helian Duo. But what she saw first was Xue Lianyu's charming face.
"Xiran, it's been a while since we last met. Do you miss me?"
Xue Lianyu was full of expectation, but Cheng Xiran shook her head seriously. "Why would I miss you?"
Xue Lianyu sat down dejectedly on one side. Helian Duo walked through them and sat on the main seat. He just glanced at Cheng Xiran faintly without showing much emotion on his face.
"I'm really a failure. You don't know. These days, I've been busy with your affairs, and also with A Duo's. I even have to find time to deal with my father and accompany that girl, Chu Liyin."
Xue Lianyu complained, but Cheng Xiran thought he was actually enjoying it.
"The lunch is ready. Let's talk while eating."
Since Helian Duo already knew about it, his face wasn't as shocked as when he first heard the news. He just casually asked one more question, "Can you cook?"
Cheng Xiran first nodded firmly and then shook her head, which made Helian Duo very confused.
But he clearly remembered that the former Cheng Xiran was just a lovesick girl. And during an accidental conversation with her, he seemed to have heard her say that she couldn't cook.
The dishes were served one by one. They looked and smelled good.
Xue Lianyu took the first bite and then silently put down his chopsticks. He said neutrally, "Actually, it's already very good for the first time cooking. But this stir - fried green vegetables taste sweet. Is this your favorite flavor?"
Cheng Xiran scratched her head awkwardly. "I didn't notice at first and mistook sugar for salt."
Helian Duo was about to pick up his chopsticks but slowly put them down. Cheng Xiran saw this and couldn't help muttering, "The other dishes should be okay. You can just eat the sweet and sour spare ribs and the fish soup. I made these two dishes with the maids. They must be okay."
"What did you do all this for?"