Chapter 184: Shuang Nai Xian's Fruit Cheese Snow Salt Cake

Flapping its wings, the Flame Bird carefully controlled the sparks so they wouldn't fall—

After all, if its sparks burned down the fruit tree, it would most likely suffer a double ultimate humiliation from that Luxray and Serperior.

The Flame Bird was utterly bewildered; it hadn't even made a move yet, merely letting out one cry, and you all had already fled without a trace?

What a motley crew?

The Flame Bird's little gaze immediately drifted to Luo Mu on the ground; would he see that it had resolved the situation too easily and use that as an excuse to renege on his earlier promise, refusing to let it eat an extra bucket of rice!?

Just imagining that scene made the Flame Bird feel its bird life was about to be shrouded in gloom; even if it wanted to protest, it would first have to get past those six ferocious-looking Pokémon.

Living under another's roof was truly miserable.

After perfunctorily responding to the gratitude of the two approaching Dragonair, the Flame Bird landed on the ground with a belly full of unease, casting a resentful glance at Luo Mu.

Luo Mu, who was playing with the tip of Serperior's tail: "?"

Before Luo Mu could notice that the Flame Bird had been cheerful just moments ago yet somehow became resentful upon landing, and before he could ask what was wrong,

Serperior, as if its territory had been violated, didn't even pursue the matter of Luo Mu secretly playing with the tip of its tail; instead, it directly wrapped Luo Mu up tight with its Vine Whip, shot an angry glare at the Flame Bird—this thieving bird—and then turned and left.

With Growlithe around, Luo Mu's heart always leaned toward the Flame Bird's side; if it couldn't provoke them, could it not at least hide?

To prevent this scheming firebird from pulling any little tricks, it was better to take Luo Mu away first.

Luo Mu, being dragged away, thought: "What about my opinion?"

Watching Luo Mu be kidnapped away by Serperior, the Flame Bird's resentment grew even heavier, feeling a bit aggrieved in its heart.

Indeed, Luo Mu just didn't want to keep his promise and let it eat an extra bucket of rice, so he had Serperior act out that clumsy drama.

The Flame Bird felt that since gaining consciousness, it had never suffered such a great grievance; wasn't it just wanting to eat an extra bucket of rice? What wrong had it committed?

Unable to bear this grievance, the Flame Bird chose—to return to its bird nest to sleep; today, it would go on a hunger strike in protest!

Not knowing what sudden fit Serperior had thrown, Luo Mu, who had been tied up and brought back into the house again, helplessly pressed his forehead; he had originally intended to go find the Flame Bird to ask what those little brains were thinking again, but before he could even step out the door, Cangyan Cangyan Rengui and Shuang Nai Xian blocked his path.

"Hisss-lo." "Mafu~"

Luo Mu froze for a moment, glanced at the clock hanging not far away, and saw the hour hand pointing exactly at ten o'clock—it was time to prepare lunch.

"Forget it, let's finish making lunch first; the Flame Bird is probably big-hearted enough, and if I present the extra meal reward to it then, there should be no problem."

Luo Mu comforted himself; aside from the arrogance it displayed upon their first meeting as a legendary Pokémon, the Flame Bird's true nature was nothing like a Fire-type Pokémon, but rather very much like a Grass-type.

Buddha-like, loving to be lazy, adoring various foods, and extremely patient with Growlithe—these different facets had been unearthed during life on the farm.

But the Flame Bird did not lack perseverance; just as in its sparring matches with Swampert and Politoed, it had excellently completed the weight-loss task.

Such a creature as this probably wouldn't get stuck in a mental rut.

Slightly reassured, Luo Mu took the apron that had long been draped over Cangyan Cangyan Rengui's right blade, where it had been waiting for quite some time, put it on, and stepped into his battlefield—the kitchen.

Luo Mu was already highly proficient in preparing lunch; after smoothly preparing a large table of dishes, it was only eleven-thirty, after all, with Cangyan Cangyan Rengui as an assistant, he really had much less trouble.

If previously it was a sense of guilt that drove Cangyan Cangyan Rengui to constantly make gestures of compensation toward Luo Mu, now Cangyan Cangyan Rengui had developed a genuine interest in the culinary arts; when cooperating with each other, Luo Mu could sense Cangyan Cangyan Rengui's heartfelt joy and happiness emanating from above its expressionless, cold armor.

Clearly, it was enjoying itself.

There was still a while until the twelve o'clock mealtime, and the second bucket of food specially prepared for the Flame Bird was also ready.

However, Luo Mu felt that using just this as a reward... was it perhaps lacking in sincerity?

Pokémon that had exerted effort and performed excellently deserved rewards commensurate with their contributions; only then could their enthusiasm be maintained.

So what else could be given as a reward to the Flame Bird?

Luo Mu pondered for a moment, his gaze falling upon the little chef Shuang Nai Xian, who was observing and learning nearby.

That's right; after evolving, besides being able to make whipped cream of its original flavor, Shuang Nai Xian could also produce whipped cream matching its own appearance style.

Luo Mu's Shuang Nai Xian was of the Milky Salt Snow flavor; after returning to the farm, Luo Mu had tasted Shuang Nai Xian's new flavor of whipped cream, and that taste seemed to fit the Flame Bird's preferences very well?

Luo Mu's eyes lit up; this was it!

No Pokémon on the farm had yet tasted Shuang Nai Xian's new flavor of whipped cream, so presenting this special item as a reward to the Flame Bird would surely be very appropriate!

Adding in the bountiful fruit tree guarded by the Flame Bird, a dessert name quickly surfaced in Luo Mu's mind—Fruit Cheese Snow Salt Cake!

Luo Mu instructed Cangyan Cangyan Rengui to go to the fruit tree and fetch some freshly picked berries, then invited Shuang Nai Xian: "Want to make a cake with me?"

"Mafu!"

Shuang Nai Xian nodded rapidly; ever since evolving, its soul of sweets had been burning incessantly, and now it was finally its turn to show its prowess!

Fortunately, a set of tools had already been purchased previously for making cakes, and the ingredients were on hand.

Eggs, corn oil, milk, flour, a whisk, an oven, and other tools...

First, make the cake base.

Pour corn oil and milk into a bowl and stir to emulsify, sift in low-gluten flour and cornstarch, stir evenly, then add the separated egg yolks and stir until smooth to create the yolk batter.

Pour the previously separated egg whites and lemon juice into a bowl, add an appropriate amount of sugar, whip until small peaks form, then pour into the yolk batter and mix evenly; pour into a mold and place in a preheated oven.

After completing all this with Shuang Nai Xian's assistance, Cangyan Cangyan Rengui also returned to the kitchen carrying a basket of berries.

"Thank you."

Luo Mu took the berries, washed them clean in the sink, and then prepared a bowl of cheese sauce.

The cake base was also baked ready at this time.

Setting the cake base in place, Luo Mu picked up a small knife and spread the cheese sauce evenly over the cake base, then looked toward Shuang Nai Xian.

"Mafu!"

Shuang Nai Xian eagerly stepped forward; from its hands, Milky Sea Salt flavored whipped cream surged forth evenly, covering the cake's surface, and at this moment, Luo Mu once again smoothed the whipped cream flat and even.

Then, divide the areas and place the cleanly washed berries on top.

This Fruit Cheese Snow Salt Cake belonging to the Flame Bird was now a complete success!

Luo Mu looked forward to the Flame Bird's reaction upon seeing the cake.

(End of Chapter)