“Master, Master! Hurry and enter the Space to take a look! There’s a huge surprise waiting for you!”
Tangbao, who had been quiet for quite some time, suddenly began shouting excitedly inside the Space.
Hearing Tangbao’s frantic voice, Mu Yuqing responded lazily, exhaustion evident in every word.
“What kind of surprise could possibly matter right now? I’ve been exhausted all day. The only thing I want at this moment is a bowl of steaming hot rice. Other than that, I can’t think of anything that would truly surprise me.”
Clearly, she had little interest in whatever Tangbao was trying so desperately to show her.
Seeing her master remain so indifferent, Tangbao immediately became anxious.
“Oh, dear Master, think carefully! Hasn’t our Space reached the point where it can upgrade? Once the upgrade succeeds, what’s a simple bowl of rice worth? Even that chili stir-fried pork you’ve been craving will be available anytime you want!”
The moment Tangbao mentioned the upgrade, Mu Yuqing suddenly froze.
Then realization struck her like lightning.
“That’s right!”
Her exhaustion vanished instantly.
“How could I forget something this important? Tangbao, begin the upgrade immediately!”
“Understood, Master.”
A moment later, Tangbao’s cheerful voice rang out once more.
“Master, the Space upgrade has been completed successfully! From now on, all you need to do is touch the phoenix pattern on your wrist, and you’ll be able to access the newly unlocked Space Supermarket.”
Mu Yuqing’s eyes widened in excitement, but the next second, she paused.
Phoenix pattern?
Since when did she have a phoenix pattern on her wrist?
Filled with doubt, she lifted her sleeve and revealed her slender fair wrist.
Sure enough, etched delicately against her skin was a vivid phoenix mark so lifelike it seemed ready to spread its wings and soar into the sky at any moment.
The instant her fingertip brushed against the pattern, a dazzling flash of light appeared before her eyes.
In the next moment, a translucent screen floated in the air before her.
Following the prompts displayed on the interface, she quickly entered the supermarket.
Although the Space had successfully upgraded and unlocked the supermarket feature, only the Fresh Food section was currently available.
Inside were rice, flour, vegetables, meats, and a variety of seasonings.
As for other daily necessities, they remained locked for the time being.
Mu Yuqing narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
“Tangbao, does this supermarket unlock section by section? Why are there only food ingredients? Where are the other household items?”
Her beautiful eyes were filled with confusion as she stared at the adorable Tangbao, waiting for an explanation.
Tangbao nodded obediently before smiling sweetly.
“That’s exactly how it works, Master. Every time you successfully help deliver a baby, the supermarket unlocks more functions. So you must continue working hard! If you keep it up, even more amazing features will become available very soon.”
After speaking, Tangbao even gave her an encouraging wink.
Then it tilted its head thoughtfully for a moment before continuing.
“Oh, right, Master. If you want to purchase items from the supermarket, you first need to convert your silver into Money Vouchers. The exchange rate is extremely generous too. One tael of silver can be exchanged for one hundred Money Vouchers.”
Mu Yuqing did not hesitate at all.
She immediately understood the system’s rules.
Reaching into her robes, she pulled out a heavy cloth pouch and removed a banknote worth one hundred taels.
Without the slightest hesitation, she pressed the exchange button.
In an instant, the banknote disappeared.
At the same time, her balance increased by ten thousand Money Vouchers.
She quickly purchased sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and the green peppers needed for tonight’s meal.
Within moments, all the daily necessities she required had been bought successfully.
Without wasting time, Mu Yuqing exited the supermarket interface.
At this point, she was simply too hungry.
All she wanted was to cook and eat as quickly as possible.
To prepare delicious Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs, the ribs first needed to be marinated properly.
Soon, Mu Yuqing became fully absorbed in cooking.
Her movements flowed rapidly and gracefully, almost like a skilled performer putting on a dazzling culinary show.
First, she picked up a sharp kitchen knife with practiced ease and chopped the fresh ribs into evenly sized pieces.
Afterward, she moved toward the stove and began seasoning them according to her own recipe.
Salt, sugar, light soy sauce, and cooking wine were added in perfect proportions.
She mixed everything thoroughly, making sure each piece of rib absorbed the flavors completely.
Next, she picked up the fresh pork collar meat resting nearby.
The texture of the meat was beautifully marbled, tender and juicy at first glance.
Just looking at it was enough to make her mouth water.
Since she planned to make chili stir-fried pork, she carefully laid the meat flat against the cutting board.
Holding the razor-sharp knife steadily, she focused completely on the task.
The blade rose and fell rhythmically with crisp, clean sounds.
Before long, the pork had been sliced into long, thin strips.
Every single strip was perfectly even in thickness and length, so precise they almost resembled carefully crafted artwork.
Once the slicing was complete, Mu Yuqing continued seasoning the meat.
She sprinkled in a small spoonful of salt along with an appropriate amount of cornstarch, coating the pork evenly.
Then she reached out with her fair delicate fingers and gently mixed the meat by hand until every strip was fully seasoned.
Finally, she poured in a little soybean oil.
As the pale golden oil slowly flowed into the bowl, the once dry strips of meat instantly became glossy and moist.
She continued mixing until every piece was evenly coated.
With all the preparation finally complete, the real cooking could begin.
Mu Yuqing raised her voice toward the courtyard outside.
“Nanny, start the fire!”
Before long, a mouthwatering aroma gradually drifted out from the kitchen.
The two children, who had been diligently practicing calligraphy moments earlier, immediately lost all focus the second the fragrance reached them.
Without hesitation, they hurriedly put away their brushes, ink, and paper before washing their tiny hands.
Then they grabbed bowls and chopsticks and served rice with practiced efficiency.
Their swift coordination made it impossible to believe they were only four-year-old children.
Yang Xingyue inhaled deeply as the delicious scent continuously filled the air.
The aroma teased her senses so badly that she felt completely unable to sit still.
Finally, unable to endure it any longer, she called out loudly toward the kitchen.
“Mother, what are you making tonight? It smells amazing! It’s sweet and sour, and just smelling it makes my mouth water!”
Hearing her daughter’s excited voice, Mu Yuqing smiled warmly.
Her eyes overflowed with tenderness and affection as she spoke gently to the two children.
“My little sweethearts, does it smell good? Mother is making Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs for you tonight. This dish has a beautiful bright color, and the flavor is perfectly balanced between sweet and sour. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, I guarantee you won’t be able to stop eating once you start. Later, Yue’er and Chen’er must both eat plenty, alright?”