C18 Refined Craftsmanship

As the car cruised down the highway, Zhang Xiaodong finally managed to shake off that uncomfortable feeling.

Trying to reason with a woman was foolish, a lesson Zhang Xiaodong knew well, which is why he persisted in his efforts.

What he hadn't anticipated was that the woman would not only take him in but also stand out impressively, without a moment's hesitation.

"She has an eye for quality, recognizing my worth," he mused.

Zhang Xiaodong picked up his spoon and began to cook with great concentration.

Having sampled Nalan Feifei's culinary attempts the day before, Zhang Xiaodong had lost all faith in her abilities.

So today, he resolved to fend for himself. Nalan Feifei's cooking might not be disastrous, but it was certainly subpar.

"It's such a shame, having an ingrate for a housemate. Not only lacking gratitude but also lacking in looks. Smaller chest, shorter legs, less shapely behind, and not as slender a waist."

Zhang Xiaodong rambled on, his chatter bordering on excessive.

At this, Nalan Feifei felt her mood plummet. She scrutinized her figure, feeling suddenly inadequate.

"Is this how you treat your tenant?" she snapped.

Nalan Feifei was seething with anger at his words.

Though not vain, Nalan Feifei was undeniably beautiful. The thought of being badmouthed left her feeling deeply unsettled.

"Even though you're my tenant, when I share some hard truths, you'd do well to take them to heart. I don't often offer such genuine advice," he said, suddenly embarrassed.

Talking behind someone's back was not his finest moment, especially when caught in the act. Now, Zhang Xiaodong could only awkwardly try to mask his discomfort.

"And what gives you the right to criticize me, to compare me to others?" Nalan Feifei demanded, her face etched with fury. She had tolerated Zhang Xiaodong's behavior to her breaking point, feeling stifled and without a leg to stand on over the past few days, which only added to her frustration.

The pent-up frustration finally boiled over today. Nalan Feifei glared at Zhang Xiaodong, hands on her hips, trying to appear intimidating, but unbeknownst to her, she just seemed more adorable...

"You look a bit oversized in that outfit. I suggest you wear more form-fitting clothes in the future."

Zhang Xiaodong couldn't help but be taken aback by the sight of Nalan Feifei before him.

He had encountered many beautiful women over the years, but the likes of Nalan Feifei's beauty were rare for him to come across.

Particularly when she placed her hands on her waist, her chest appeared even more imposing. The shape and posture she struck had an unmatched, striking effect.

"You still haven't apologized to me. I need an apology. What kind of attitude is this?"

Nalan Feifei was seething with frustration, unsure of how to handle this dangerous individual.

She had previously witnessed Zhang Xiaodong's unpredictable antics, which often left her completely taken aback. To Nalan Feifei, Zhang Xiaodong posed a significant threat.

It was like a dog trying to bite a porcupine—a rather tricky situation. Nalan Feifei was at a loss on how to deal with the dangerous predicaments he presented.

"I merely offered you a very reasonable suggestion. As a gesture of my regret, I've decided to cook for you as a way to apologize."

Zhang Xiaodong gave a resigned smile and kept flipping the spatula in his hand. In just a brief moment, the contents of the pot were fully cooked.

Being a wanderer for years, he had learned the importance of culinary skills to avoid discomfort. From a young age, Zhang Xiaodong had been self-sufficient, particularly when it came to food, never allowing himself to suffer.

"Apologize by cooking? Is your cooking good enough to make up for it?"

A faint smile crossed Nalan Feifei's face, though it was tinged with sarcasm and discomfort.

After several days of financial bleeding, Nalan Feifei's purse was utterly empty. In her current state, she longed for a lavish meal.

But with no money in her purse, Nalan Feifei had to hold back. It was disheartening for someone of her stature to live this way, so she felt compelled to swallow her pride and make do.

"What exactly are you implying?"

Zhang Xiaodong let out a smile tinged with mischief. He always approached his tenant with a playful attitude.

"Weren't we supposed to go out to eat?"

A hint of scorn crossed Nalan Feifei's face as she shrugged dismissively.

Nalan Feifei harbored deep skepticism about a man's culinary abilities. Intent on taking Zhang Xiaodong for a ride, she ultimately proposed dining out.

However, she soon felt a twinge of regret after making the suggestion. It was getting late, and the thought of going out made her feel uneasy.

"Aren't you curious to try my cooking?"

Zhang Xiaodong gazed at the spread before him, at a loss for words.

Usually, his cooking was met with enthusiasm, and rejections were rare.

"Heh, it might be slightly better than mine, but how does it compare to a restaurant's fare?"

Nalan Feifei's face broke into a light smile, laced with disdain.

This young lady had never known hardship. Acting out against her family had led her to this moment of hunger. It had never crossed her mind that she would find herself in such a predicament.

"Restaurant dishes are all the same. You should really give it a try before you pass judgment."

Zhang Xiaodong's smile was brimming with playful confidence.

He was always sure of his cooking skills, and this situation only bolstered his confidence.

"Is it truly that good?"

Nalan Feifei cautiously sampled a bite and was utterly taken aback.

As a woman accustomed to the finer things in life and the most exquisite cuisines, she wasn't easily impressed.

So, after her first taste, while she intended to collect her thoughts, she noticed that Zhang Xiaodong was enjoying the meal as well.

"I think, as the recipient of the apology, I should let you finish cooking the rest of the meal, right?"

Nalan Feifei gestured towards the kitchen, her smile faint yet resolute.

Clearly, she was now thoroughly captivated by the culinary delights and had no desire to share them with Zhang Xiaodong.

"I'm a craftsman, and this is skilled work. Show me some respect in the future, and I'll whip up something tasty for you."

Zhang Xiaodong flashed a smile and went back to his cooking.