Chapter 17: Silly – The Green Tea Target Turns Into Herself

Under the pergola, the sizzling sound of steaks being grilled filled the air, accompanied by the rich, fragrant aroma of sizzling beef. A pot simmered nearby, bubbling with braised ribs, and another pot, its contents mysterious, emitted a scent that permeated the entire area.

A slender young man, his sleeves rolled up to reveal fair arms, stood focused on flipping the steaks with a spatula.

Nearby, Sheng Mingzhu lounged comfortably on a recliner, a glass of juice with a long straw within arm’s reach, sipping without a care in the world.

When Gu Si entered the scene, this was the sight that greeted him.

Green Tea System: “Gu Si’s affection +1.”

A sense of unease brewed within Gu Si. He had at least helped out, yet Sheng Mingzhu did nothing but relax while his treasured apprentice prepared a feast. Why couldn’t male guests pair up with male guests too?

Sheng Mingzhu took another sip of her juice, noticing Gu Si’s arrival. She quickly sat up, her cheeks reddening as she blinked and said shyly:
“I’ve never been in a kitchen before, and I didn’t want to bother Qingyan, so I stayed out.”

Ning Qingyan, flipping a steak, responded calmly:
“It’s fine. I can handle it alone. By the way, sis, how do you like your steak cooked?”

Sheng Mingzhu glanced at Gu Si and replied softly, “Medium well is fine.”

Gu Si looked away, sat on a nearby bench, and lazily called out to Ning Qingyan:
“I’ll take mine medium rare.”

Ning Qingyan glanced at him and, without missing a beat, tossed an onion his way. Gu Si caught it one-handed, raising an eyebrow with a playful tone:
“Oh, trying to ambush your elder brother? Not going to work.”

Ning Qingyan ignored him, tossing more steaks into the pan and casually replying,
“You want to eat? Peel the onion.”

Gu Si glanced at the idle Sheng Mingzhu, clicked his tongue, stretched his long legs, and walked to the counter where the onions were kept.

Sheng Mingzhu felt awkward and stood up hurriedly. “I’ll help too,” she offered.

Ning Qingyan wiped his hands and responded lightly:
“He’s enough. The pergola’s small, and three people will make it cramped. Don’t worry, sis.”

Sheng Mingzhu hesitated, looking at Gu Si for confirmation. When he didn’t object, she reluctantly sat back down.
“All right, sorry to trouble you both.”

Gu Si began peeling the onion. Ning Qingyan reminded him:
“Rinse it under water first and keep it away from your eyes.”

Before he could follow the advice, Gu Si had already peeled the outer layer and his eyes turned red from the onion’s sting. His sharp, phoenix-like eyes glistened with involuntary tears, and he instinctively raised a hand to rub them.

Before he could, Ning Qingyan grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the sink. “I told you to keep your distance, silly. Lower your head.”

Seeing his genuine discomfort, Ning Qingyan’s tone softened with a coaxing note. Gu Si, feeling inexplicably aggrieved, obediently lowered his head.

Ning Qingyan used one hand to splash water over Gu Si’s eyes and offered another handful of water near his lips:
“Hold some water in your mouth. It helps with the irritation.”

As Gu Si felt the soft, delicate touch of Ning Qingyan’s hand against his sensitive eyes, he suddenly found that same hand near his lips. His ears turned red, and he gingerly took a sip from Ning Qingyan’s palm.

The warmth of his lips brushing against Ning Qingyan’s hand sent a tingling sensation through both. Gu Si’s blush deepened, spreading to his neck.

Green Tea System: “Gu Si’s affection +1.”

After Ning Qingyan finished rinsing Gu Si’s eyes, he noticed that the usually cocky and talkative Gu Si had gone completely quiet, avoiding her gaze as he silently started chopping vegetables.

Ning Qingyan hurried back to the stove, flipping the steak. She called out teasingly:
“Hey, good brother, your medium rare steak is now well done. Hope you don’t mind?”

Her clear voice carried a hint of guilt, which only further flustered Gu Si. He responded with a soft “Mm,” feeling his heart pound.

Seeing how easily Gu Si let it slide, Ning Qingyan felt relieved. One less steak to cook, after all.

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Meanwhile, Wen Shijin, having grown up self-reliant, moved with precision in the kitchen, measuring seasonings and cooking times to the second. His dishes weren’t extraordinary but were consistently good.

Lin Qingqing, helping him by washing and trimming vegetables, maintained a harmonious dynamic.

On the other hand, Huo Qi, accustomed to simple meals of sandwiches or coffee, only knew how to make basic pasta. Efficiency trumped taste in his book. Partnered with Qiao Li, who prided herself on independence and disliked asking for help, the two worked in awkward silence, their interactions barely beyond strangers.

Then there was Xu Ruanruan, who stared at the charred mess on her plate, wishing she could disappear. She regretted not teaming up with Gu Si earlier. At least then, she wouldn’t have embarrassed herself with such a disaster.

Finally, mustering her courage, Xu Ruanruan approached Ning Qingyan’s pergola.
“Qingyan… brother, um, can I share your meal?”

She knew Ning Qingyan was in charge of the cooking and directed her request to him. But Ning Qingyan, recalling memories of Xu Ruanruan’s past bossy behavior, found the current cautious version of her amusing.

“Sure, but you’ll have to clean the pig liver first,” she replied.

Washing pig liver was notoriously tedious and smelly—perfect for making the spoiled princess sweat a little.

As expected, Xu Ruanruan frowned, glancing at Sheng Mingzhu lounging nearby.
“Why doesn’t she have to do anything?”

Sheng Mingzhu, already uncomfortable about her idle role, flushed with embarrassment and snapped:
“I’m Qingyan’s CP! Who are you? If you’re so capable, get Gu Si to cook for you!”

Speechless, Xu Ruanruan resigned herself to cleaning the pig liver, muttering complaints as she worked. Meanwhile, her growing resentment toward Sheng Mingzhu was palpable, her teary eyes darting to Ning Qingyan.
“Brother Qingyan… even if she’s your CP, shouldn’t she help out a little? Does she really care about you? Even handing over something would be better than lying there. I only say this because I’m worried about you…”