In just one second, Yun Pianpian tossed those chaotic thoughts to the Ninth Heaven.
It was too delicious!
A foodie has a foodie soul! Yun Pianpian was completely immersed in the ocean of delicacies at this moment, even her Apricot Eyes were sparkling brightly. In her Previous Life, when had she ever eaten such rare delicacies? The lunch boxes she brought to work were just microwaved instant food; how could they compare to the exquisite dishes before her that excelled in color, aroma, and taste?
What foreign cuisine, what Michelin three-star, couldn't compare to this table of home-cooked deliciousness! Moreover, now she had a Banished Immortal-like Shen Yue accompanying her for the meal, which doubled her appetite.
"Thank you, Shen Yue, chew chew chew, it's so good, chew chew chew, how did you know I wanted to eat this." Her mouth was stuffed until it was bulging, like a greedy little squirrel, praising him indistinctly. She didn't even notice a bit of sauce accidentally smeared on the corner of her mouth, focusing only on devouring the food.
Logically, the serving of dishes should be done by the maid beside her, but Shen Yue at this moment was like a roundworm in Yun Pianpian's stomach, always able to accurately read her mind.
What was even more magical was that every dish Shen Yue picked up happened to be the one she wanted to eat most at that moment.
"I prepared these a while ago, how is the taste?" Shen Yue asked with a light smile, elegantly holding his Chopsticks with his slender fingers, forming a stark contrast to Yun Pianpian's ravenous eating style.
At this moment, Yun Pianpian had only one thought, which flashed through her mind, almost escaping her lips: "A man who can cook is better than a bachelor; a man who can cook is better than a house of gold."
Yun Pianpian ate like a hungry ghost reincarnated, her cheeks puffed out, her Chopsticks dancing rapidly, truly resembling a refugee who hadn't eaten in three days. But even so, her reason remained—after all, there was still a mess to clean up, and what was the "reward" the Original Owner mentioned before dying? A Duke's Residence shouldn't be poor, right? Getting back early to figure out the family assets was the proper thing to do. If she could strike it rich, wouldn't that be delightful?
"Thank you, Shen Yue, chew chew chew... I've troubled you these past few days; I plan to go home this afternoon. I will certainly repay your kindness." She forced down the food in her mouth, trying to appear slightly more presentable, rather than like a refugee who had just escaped famine.
In stark contrast to her whirlwind eating, Shen Yue's manner of eating was noble and elegant; every bite seemed meticulously calculated, even the angle at which he placed his Chopsticks was just right. His slender fingers against the celadon bowl made his joints appear even more distinct and pleasing to the eye.
Yun Pianpian stole a few glances, sighing inwardly: Indeed, handsome men eating are different from ordinary people like us; they come with an Immortal Aura filter, making even chewing a vegetable look like a food commercial shoot.
Shen Yue didn't immediately respond to her words, merely continuing to slowly and deliberately serve her dishes. Only when she finally put down her Chopsticks, patting her stomach contentedly, did he speak faintly, "No need. It happens to be on the way; I will send you back."
"This... this might not be appropriate, right?" Yun Pianpian was unusually a little embarrassed. First, a life-saving favor, and now being treated to good food and drink; even with her thick skin, she felt bad continuing to take advantage. But then she thought—those monsters and demons in the Duke's Residence still needed to be dealt with; having a backer was better than going alone. Besides, not taking advantage when it's offered is being a fool!
Yun Pianpian's mouth was bulging, like a squirrel stealing food. After finally swallowing the last bite of Pastry, she spoke indistinctly, "One favor is one favor, but... I have one more unreasonable request; I want to borrow something from you."
Shen Yue's slender fingers lightly tapped the tabletop, his eyebrows slightly raised, signaling her to continue.
She fidgeted awkwardly, rubbing her hands, her gaze drifting, and her voice lowered slightly: "It's just... Spiritual Power. Can I borrow some?" After a pause, she quickly added, "I discovered I have no Spiritual Power at all. You should also know that not a single person in my family is easy to deal with..."
Before she finished speaking, Shen Yue understood—she wanted to borrow some Spiritual Power to settle scores back home.
The corners of his lips lifted slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, yet his tone remained calm: "No problem, however, there is a better way."
"What way?" Yun Pianpian's eyes lit up, and her body unconsciously leaned forward, like a cat catching the scent of fish.
Shen Yue, however, unhurriedly picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then said, "No rush, we can talk on the way."
Yun Pianpian finished the meal completely satisfied; not only was her stomach warm, but her body inexplicably felt a wave of warmth, as if she were soaking in a Hot Spring, with every limb and bone relaxed. She couldn't help but touch her arm, muttering inwardly: Could it be the legendary Spiritual Power Stone bonus?
After the meal, everyone in the residence began packing their belongings, preparing to return to the capital. Yun Pianpian stood under the corridor, watching the maids and servants shuttle back and forth, moving large bags and small boxes onto the Horse Carriages. She couldn't help but touch her nose—she was all alone, without even a bundle besides the clothes on her back, which was certainly convenient.
Shen Yue personally escorted her back to her room to rest. As they parted, he only said faintly, "Someone will come to call you when we depart."
Yun Pianpian nodded in agreement. As soon as she entered the room, she threw herself onto the bed without any regard for appearance, collapsing into a spread-out shape, letting out a long sigh. Liu Yun saw this and couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle lightly, "Is the young lady tired?"
"Not tired, exactly, it's just..." She rolled over, staring at the Gauze Curtain above the bed.
A long silence fell in the room, broken only by the occasional sound of birdsong from outside the window. Yun Pianpian lay on her back, staring blankly at the intricate carvings on the ceiling. The thought of facing that pack of wolves and tigers in the Duke's Residence upon her return, along with the mess left by the Original Owner, made her temples throb.
What was even more upsetting was—
She raised her hand, turning it over and over while looking at the sunlight reflected on the window lattice. This body was already thirteen years old; normally, in the Cultivation World, a child this age should have already had their Spirit Meridian tested and started cultivating. But the Original Owner was something else; not only was she completely devoid of Spiritual Power, but her Spirit Meridian seemed sealed, showing no reaction whatsoever.
Yun Pianpian happily acquired a 'Waste Experience Card' for the Cultivation World.
Didn't they say that transmigration always comes with a cheat system? All she had in her stomach was the meal she just finished.
Suddenly remembering something, she sat up with a vigorous flip, pulled out an oiled paper package from her sleeve, and presented it to Liu Yun as a treasure, "Oh right, Liu Yun, have you eaten? I brought you a Chicken Leg; it's still warm, try it quickly!"
Before Liu Yun could decline, Yun Pianpian had already stuffed the Chicken Leg into her hand. As soon as the oiled paper package was opened, a rich aroma filled the air. The golden-yellow skin was still glistening with oil, clearly indicating it was the fattest one specially selected from the kitchen.
Liu Yun froze, the hand holding the Chicken Leg trembling slightly. In the Cultivation World, the lives of servants are cheaper than grass, and being scolded or beaten by masters is the norm. Even a kind master like Shen Yue would, at most, not be harsh; where would he ever be like Yun Pianpian, not only remembering she hadn't eaten but also specifically bringing her food?
"Th-Thank you, Young Miss..." Liu Yun's voice was as faint as a mosquito's whine, but her eyes were quietly reddening.
"Oh, come on, we are good friends, why be so formal?" Yun Pianpian flopped back onto the bed, swinging her legs casually, "Besides, you've taken such good care of me during this time. Although I'm dirt poor right now, if you follow me in the future, I guarantee you won't suffer!"