Now that I had resolved the issue of obtaining pearl powder to conceal my whitening regimen, the next step was to carefully plan out a diet that would help me lose weight.
Changing my diet would also provide a perfect explanation for my increasingly slender figure.
I sat upright in my room, my thoughts racing as I pondered how to launch this “great weight-loss undertaking.”
“Luzhu, go gather all the cooks in the residence and bring them to my courtyard. I have something to tell them.”
Upon hearing my order, Luzhu immediately curtsied respectfully. Then she turned and hurried toward the rear kitchen, her steps urgent yet steady.
Watching her graceful figure, I couldn’t help feeling another pang of envy!
This body of mine was truly frighteningly fat!
About twenty minutes later, my courtyard was packed with people.
Song Deli had trained the servants of the residence extremely well. Everyone wore a respectful expression, stood straight, and lined up in perfect order.
I stood on the steps and lightly cleared my throat. My crisp voice echoed through the courtyard.
“Starting today, this Miss has decided to lose weight! As my dietary consultants—er, in other words, the people responsible for my meals—you will be informed in detail of every adjustment to my diet. You must write everything down carefully and carry it out strictly. Understood?”
“Understood, Miss!”
Everyone answered in unison, their voices loud and clear. The response surged through the courtyard like a mighty flood, and I was thoroughly satisfied.
With my hands clasped behind my back, I began explaining my dietary plan in an orderly fashion.
“First, dishes that are too greasy, such as braised pig’s trotters and red-braised pork, are no longer to be prepared. As for meat, focus primarily on fresh chicken, duck, fish, shrimp, and beef. These ingredients are rich in nutrients without being overly greasy. Next, seasonal fruits and vegetables are to be provided freely, and in abundance. They are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, both of which are highly beneficial for weight loss. All pastries and desserts are to be discontinued. Those overly sweet foods are the greatest enemy of weight loss. Finally, I want a cup of fresh cow’s milk or goat’s milk every morning and evening to supplement my protein and calcium.”
I paused and thought for a moment. After confirming that I hadn’t left anything out, I continued, “Have you remembered everything I just said?”
Everyone was filled with confusion over what vitamins, dietary fiber, calcium, and protein were, but none of them dared raise the slightest objection. They bowed respectfully once more and answered in unison, “We remember, Miss!”
Their voices were so perfectly synchronized that it was as though they had rehearsed it carefully.
I smiled in satisfaction, then waved lightly at them, signaling for everyone to withdraw.
As I watched them leave in orderly fashion, I couldn’t help sighing inwardly: This feels so pretentious, but it’s actually amazing!
No wonder those bosses liked holding meetings every other day. The feeling of giving orders was practically the same as controlling the entire world. It was utterly intoxicating!
I wiped the smug expression from my face and turned to look at Luzhu beside me.
“You may leave as well. This Miss wishes to spend some time quietly in her room. Do not come in without my command.”
Luzhu respectfully acknowledged the order, curtsied, and slowly withdrew.
The sound of her graceful footsteps gradually faded into the distance until it disappeared completely.
I quickly returned to my room and gently slid the door bolt into place.
Then I closed my eyes and said through my thoughts, “Baibao, I want to go to the spirit spring!”
In an instant, I arrived beside the steaming spring.
The hazy mist spread through the air like a veil, making it feel as though I had entered a celestial paradise.
The moment Baibao saw me, it eagerly rubbed against the hem of my clothes like an affectionate little puppy. It gently nuzzled me with its fluffy head to show its fondness.
I crouched down and carefully gathered the adorable Baibao into my arms.
Its fur was soft and smooth as silk. Stroking it was just as relaxing as petting a cat.
And it didn’t shed, didn’t need me to feed it, and could even keep me company and chat with me when I was bored. It was practically the very definition of a precious little baby!
“Baibao, let’s soak in the hot spring together!”
“All right, Master!” Baibao replied cheerfully.
I quickly removed my clothes and stepped into the hot spring.
The warm spring water instantly enveloped my body. Baibao swam around beside me, its agile form carving graceful arcs through the water. It looked exactly like a happy duck splashing about.
“Baibao, how many days do I have to soak before my skin turns fair?”
“Master, about a month.”
I nodded slightly and thought to myself: That makes sense. Modern scientists have tested this before. They say that human skin cells renew on roughly a twenty-eight-day cycle, so this is consistent with scientific principles.
“What about the weight-loss effect?”
“Master, that depends on how severe the obesity is. Judging from your current condition, I estimate it will take about half a year!”
That made sense too, I thought as I silently calculated. If I became as thin as a sheet of paper after only one month, even with my diet changed, it would inevitably arouse other people’s suspicion.
I should take it slowly. Good food is worth waiting for. As long as I persevered, I would definitely be able to regain the figure I had always dreamed of!