Shen Pingyu felt a bit conflicted, but the aroma was too tempting to resist. After tasting Yan Qiushu’s cooking the previous day, the fragrance made his heart flutter with desire.

Yet, how could he compare himself to a five-year-old?

If his grandfather found out, he would definitely be furious.

Trying to suppress his craving, Shen Pingyu almost turned back when suddenly, a taller figure approached him, raising an eyebrow with a smile. “Mind if we come in?”

Shen Pingyu coughed lightly. “No.”

“Is that so? The Shen family is quite hypocritical in this regard!” He chuckled, pulling Shen Pingyu along. “Let’s go check out the food. It smells amazing. I wonder what they’re making?”

Shen Pingyu didn’t have a chance to protest before he was led inside, just in time to see a girl exiting the kitchen with dishes.

Once the meal was ready, Yan Qiushu served one portion, Xie Qingyun another, and the rest were carried out by others.

As she stepped out, she noticed a tall figure at the entrance of the yard. The young man walked toward her, one hand behind his back and the other holding a younger boy, his clear voice laced with a smile. “Miss Shu, I heard you need someone to taste the food here. Can we come and sample it?”

When Yan Qiushu turned around, she was momentarily stunned by the handsome young man. 

She hadn’t seen Xiao Huaiting since the last birthday party, but he hadn’t changed. Without his armor, he looked vibrant and charming. His handsome features were striking, and the slight curve of his lips made her heart flutter.

The younger boy behind him quickly realized there were more people in the yard, calming down to greet them. “Brother, sister-in-law, you’re here too.”

The younger boy added politely, “Uncle, aunt, Aunt Yan.”

Yan Qiushu smiled back. “General Xiao, nice to see you.”

She looked around, surprised to see no one else with them.

Following Xiao Huaiting was not Dongdong, but Shen Pingyu?

Xiao Huaiting casually remarked, “Dongdong sent a servant to say he’ll return to Jiang Mansion today.”

Shen Pingyu’s expression tightened at this, showing a hint of displeasure.

Yan Qiushu was at a loss. Was he avoiding Shen Pingyu?

Xie Qingyun and Xiao Huaiqi seemed to understand this better and laughed, greeting the newcomers. “You don’t need to taste the dishes; Ah Shu has prepared plenty. Just help yourselves.”

“Come and sit down,” called Xiao Huaiqi.

The two made their way over.

Once seated, the five of them began serving themselves and eating.

The first dish Xie Qingyun tried was the spicy diced chicken, which she had been craving since watching Yan Qiushu cook.

The spicy diced chicken was made from chicken thighs, skin left on and fried just enough to retain a crispy texture, while the chicken inside remained tender and flavorful.

As she took her first bite, a burst of spice and juicy chicken flooded her mouth, making her gasp a little from the heat.

Xiao Huaiqi quickly offered her a cup of warm sour plum soup. “Drink this.”

“No, this is delicious!” Xie Qingyun insisted. Despite the spice, it felt invigorating, and she found herself wanting more.

Xiao Huaiqi joined in, taking a few bites himself and savoring the flavors.

Xiao Huaiting, surveying the table, noticed there were six dishes: two vegetarian and four meat. He pointed out, “Is this pig offal? It’s the first time I’ve seen it.”

He eagerly reached over with his chopsticks to pick up a piece of pork belly and tasted it.

The pork belly was stir-fried and already had a spicy kick. But as he chewed, he first noticed its tenderness and elasticity, followed by the satisfying crunch as he bit down, mingled with the aromatic flavors from the stew and the spice coating the outside.

It was so delicious that Xiao Huaiting quickly took a mouthful of rice to balance the flavors, swallowing it with delight. “This is great! Not bad at all!” he praised, looking at Xiao Huaiqi and Xie Qingyun in confusion. “You both should try this; it’s really tasty!”

They exchanged glances, silently agreeing. While the food looked appetizing and smelled divine, they still had reservations about trying it. They opted for the other dishes and listened to Xiao Huaiting’s suggestion, responding vaguely, “Well, those who know how to appreciate it will enjoy it.”

Not deterred, Xiao Huaiting turned to Shen Pingyu with mischievous intent. “Pingyu, give it a try.”

Shen Pingyu glanced at him, then at the three enticing dishes. He seemed tempted but ultimately refrained from eating.

Seeing his hesitation, Xiao Huaiting took it upon himself to serve him a portion with the serving chopsticks. “Hurry and eat this. Once you finish, I’ll go catch Dongdong for you!”

Shen Pingyu hesitated, staring at the food in his bowl without touching it.

Yan Qiushu glanced between Xiao Huaiting and Shen Pingyu, sensing that the boy was annoyed by his uncle’s antics. To her surprise, Shen Pingyu finally picked up a piece of pig’s stomach.

Her eyes widened slightly as she swallowed back the words of caution she wanted to say.

Shen Pingyu placed it in his mouth, hesitating briefly before swallowing it whole. However, his brows furrowed as if he had tasted something unpleasant.

As he ate, the boy’s frown softened, his calm eyes blinked twice, and he smiled slightly at Yan Qiushu, saying in a childlike voice, “Aunt Yan, this is really delicious.”

Yan Qiushu felt relieved. “If you like it, eat more. If not, don’t force yourself.”

“No one can make him eat!” Xiao Huaiting said anxiously. He continued to serve himself three dishes, asking curiously, “Is this really made from pig offal? Is it hard to make?”

“It’s very simple,” Yan Qiushu replied casually. “I can give you the recipe if you want.”

Such a good recipe, given away so easily? Even Xiao Huaiting, who grew up in luxury, was surprised. “Isn’t that a bad idea? Shouldn’t I buy it?”

Xie Qingyun added, “We can’t let him get away with this. Sixth brother has fought in many wars, so he must have some good things. Don’t be shy.”

Yan Qiushu smiled and said, “It’s just one recipe. You don’t need to worry; I have plenty more.”

Xiao Huaiting grinned and said seriously, “I won’t be shy then. I have many soldiers, and it costs a lot to feed them. If we can use pig offal, it will help cut costs. Miss Shu has helped me a lot!”

“You’re welcome, General Xiao.” Yan Qiushu quickly shook her head. Xiao Huaiting had previously led his troops to rescue her, and she felt she hadn’t found a way to repay him.

It would be great if the soldiers could eat better. But now, Xiao Huaiting was starting to live frugally?

This thought crossed her mind, and Yan Qiushu suddenly remembered the fate of the Xiao family, feeling a bit heavy. She glanced at Xiao Huaiqi and Xie Qingyun.

Xiao Huaiting died in battle, and other members of the Xiao family also died from battles or illnesses. Among them, Mrs. Xiao and Xiao Huaiqi passed away from sickness.

With the death of these two, the Xiao family lost their leadership and was doomed.

The fate of the Xiao family two years later was very cruel.

She was briefly lost in thought but didn’t realize her quick glance had been noticed by the others.

Xiao Huaiting frowned at his brother.

Xiao Huaiqi noticed but hesitated. Then, feeling his brother’s intense gaze, he helplessly smiled and started to serve himself. Seeing this, Xie Qingyun quickly followed.

Ah Shu was a kind-hearted child. If she persuaded them more, they would eat. But she didn’t want to pressure them, fearing they would force themselves to eat and be secretly disappointed.

So both of them took some dishes and quickly ate, planning to compliment Yan Qiushu on her cooking.

As they chewed, their expressions changed gradually.

It was… really delicious?!

Once they set aside their initial doubts, they didn’t care about the food’s appearance anymore. The unique flavor, especially the fragrant braised taste, made it special.

After finishing, Xie Qingyun instinctively reached for her chopsticks again.

Just as she picked up some food, someone handed her a bowl.

She paused and shot a reproachful look at the man who just sat back to enjoy his cooking, but she indulged him and accepted the food while grabbing more for herself.

Xiao Huaiting watched the two and quickly added more to his bowl.

There were too few dishes, and they’d be gone soon!

Seeing this, Shen Ping hesitated and reached for his chopsticks. The first time was hesitant, but his movements grew more confident.

Just as Yan Qiushu was finishing her bowl and about to get more food, she realized that only the bottoms of the three dishes—pig intestines, pig stomach, and pig heart—were left!