Chapter 1530: Not A Simple Banquet (1)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Qi Lei’s movements were quite swift. After so long, his culinary skills were still quite good.
There were sufficient ingredients in Dongfang Liuyun’s fridge were quite sufficient, but in consideration of her health, he just made a few simple and light dishes, and cooked up some plain shredded chicken porridge, but it all looked quite good. With such a tempting aroma, Dongfang Liuyun had just sat down to take a look at the dishes before a look of approval flashed in her eyes.
“How rare for a Master like you to be able to cook.”
As someone who also came from a rich family, Dongfang Liuyun could understand how these families usually conducted themselves. For example, most of the younger generation of the Dongfang family were aloof masters and ladies. Usually, they would not be happy to even serve themselves a bowl of rice, much less cook themselves.
“I didn’t know how to cook before this, but I didn’t want to starve myself all the time, so I just had to learn by myself. Aren’t you the same?” Qi Lei’s tone was calm as he spoke while serving Dongfang Liuyun half a big bowl of porridge.
“I’m not like you. I lived in the villa when I was younger and then returned to City Z after that. My grandma is a native villager who was a teacher when she was younger, and afterward, she became the principal of the primary school over there. She’s a very pure and good-natured person. She taught me many things, including being independent and cooking for myself.”
If one had to use a term to describe Dongfang Liuyun’s life before, then she felt that ‘adrift’ might be the most suitable.
When she was younger and lived in the village, she would frequently go to the city and benefit from her grandmother’s supervision and influence, she had been very clever from a young age. At school, she had very good grades and would always get first place in her exams. In fact, she would be far ahead of the one in second place. You could call her a super top student. She even skipped grades quite a few times and was accepted into a famous school abroad that made an exception for her. However, Dongfang Liuyun herself did not slack off one bit. She remained steady and continued to enrich herself.
In Lan Xiu’s words, Dongfang Liuyun’s life could only be described with two words: busy and valiant.
However, studies were just studies. In terms of life, she was not that great at it, or at least, Dongfang Liuyun thought so. She was a victorious warrior in academics but was defeated by life and reality.
“Not that different. I used to think that the process was very important, but now I slowly feel that perhaps the results are more important to me. We’ve all been on the path to chase for results,” said Qi Lei with a lowered voice as he nudged the bowl of porridge towards her and handed her a spoon.
Dongfang Liuyun accepted it and lowered her head to have a taste. She was not stingy with her comments, “Not bad. It tastes pretty good.”
“Give me face and have another bowl then,” Qi Lei replied calmly.
When Dongfang Liuyun saw his delighted expression, she thought about it and made a rare joke, “If someone cooked it and it isn’t good, I wouldn’t just tell them directly. Otherwise, you won’t cook again the next time.”
“I have confidence in my culinary skills.” He looked at her very calmly and answered, “I used to be quite against it, but after I tried it out, I suddenly realized that it was a good way of passing my time leisurely.”
“Are you enlightened by the true meaning of life now?” Dongfang Liuyun raised her brows and chuckled.
“The truth has always been there. Do I need to be enlightened? Have more.”
“You have some too. I’m quite hungry since I haven’t eaten anything for an entire day.”
From last night till now, it had been a day and she had not had anything, thus right now she was starving.
“You should pay more attention to your meals since you have gastritis. Perhaps it’d be better if you hired a servant.”
“I rarely come home usually. Besides, I like living alone since it’s quieter.” Dongfang Liuyun liked her quiet time and was not used to having other people in her personal space. It had been so many years, so she was used to this now.
“The doctor says you need to rest up for quite some time, especially in terms of your diet. Yang Sheng has asked the doctor who said that your gastritis looks like it might be inflamed soon. He suggests that you be more careful. If you don’t want to be hospitalized, it’s best that you be more diligent with your hospital visits. At least, you have to be sure your wound won’t get inflamed. Otherwise, you’re the one who’s going to suffer.”
Qi Lei’s tone had a hint of concern, but he did not ask how the wound came about. He never liked asking people about their past unless there was a need to. Clearly, he did not quite see the need right now.
“Mmm, thank you, I’ll know how to take good care of myself.” Dongfang Liuyun’s expression quieted down, and then she responded with gratitude, “Sadly, I can’t drink right now. Otherwise…”
“Don’t you think about alcohol now. You’ll have to abstain for quite a long while. Your health is your capital to be revolutionary. Without that, you’ve got nothing left. It’s not easy to ask for a life of good health and free of worries. I truly hope that we won’t be people who are too harsh on ourselves from now on.”
Qi Lei sighed as he could not help but think of those unhappy things that had happened a while back, so he felt strongly about this.
Upon hearing that, Dongfang Liuyun agreed. She held up her bowl and lifted it towards him. “As you said, let’s not be too harsh on ourselves. Eat well, drink well, sleep well, and as for the rest, let’s leave them for later.”
Qi Lei smiled and nodded gently too.
…
The dinner ended in such a harmonious atmosphere, and both of them were quite impressed. Qi Lei did not forget to leave Dongfang Liuyun some food as supper because eating less but more frequent meals was the way her dietary habit should be.
After dinner, Qi Lei kept the bowls and chopsticks away whereas Dongfang Liuyun felt much more at ease now. When she noticed that the moon looked lovely, she went outside to chill by the balcony.
By the time Qi Lei was done tidying up and walked out, he saw her leaning against the railings.
When she heard the sound of footsteps from behind her, Dongfang Liuyun did not turn around as she said, “The moon looks quite nice tonight. I haven’t had a good look at this city’s moon for quite a while now. Sadly, it’s not a full moon, but it’s still quite beautiful.”
Qi Lei walked over in two steps and stopped beside her. With both hands propped on the railings, he looked up at the new crescent moon hanging in the sky as well. The light breeze blew and as they stood there, he could smell the faint fragrance coming from her. He vaguely felt something brushing past his ear and turned to realize that it was her long hair…
Her expression was calm and distant just like the first time he met her. He could not forget that scene…