Chapter 1095

Pan Yun's cooking wasn't as good as Xuanmiao's or the three good ones, but she could still make noodles.

She kneaded a ball of dough until it was firm and non-sticky under a fist's press, then poured water into the pot.

Though her cooking was mediocre, her noodles were excellent—especially the ones she hand-pulled, exceptionally chewy, worked with great effort.

When the water boiled, she dropped in the noodles, then the eggs, added a pinch of salt; when the eggs nearly set, she tossed in a large handful of greens, chopped the scallions, and as soon as the greens turned bright, she scattered the scallions over the top and lifted the pot off the heat.

Wang Feiyin: "... Your speed—afraid the scallions will get burned?"

Pan Yun, proud: "That's how it tastes—this steam releases the scallions' fragrance; if you boil it one breath longer, the noodles lose their aroma."

Pan Yun set the bowl before him, eyes sparkling: "I boiled five whole eggs!"

Wang Feiyin looked down at the large bowl of noodles: "... I've fasted five days, but not to this extent."

Pan Yun immediately pulled out an empty bowl: "I'll join you."

The senior and junior siblings ate, steam rising, thoroughly satisfied.

Wang Feiyin, pleased, tossed the bowl casually into the bucket; with a light finger tap, the water inside surged like a lung gasping, swirling the bowl in circles...

The bowl and two bowls flew out of the bucket, landing neatly on the kitchen counter—two sharp taps, one after the other.

Wang Feiyin said: "I sense an imminent breakthrough; I plan to enter long seclusion within half a year. Tell Zhang Liuzhen to find me within a month—otherwise, when I emerge, it'll be at least five years, or never."

Pan Yun: "Big brother, you plan long seclusion every year—and never do it. Your plans are great, but stop making them."

Wang Feiyin glared at her: "Isn't it because of you all—always disobedient, making me worry? Especially you—you can't even let me close in peace."

Pan Yun muttered: "It's clearly Fourth Sister who causes the most trouble..."

Wang Feiyin: "You're all equally bad—don't point fingers."

Having secured Wang Feiyin's word, Pan Yun returned to the capital.

The first thing she did upon returning wasn't to find the party involved, Zhang Liuzhen, but ran to Xuanmiao and said triumphantly: "Fourth Sister, don't you see? I understand Big Brother best—I told you he'd agree."

Xuanmiao sat cross-legged on the jade-and-wood bed, staring at her in silence.

Beside her, Tao Ji opened his mouth but held back.

"Third Brother, if you have something to say, just say it—when did you start hiding your thoughts?"

Tao Ji: "Little Sister, could it be that only you can bring this up—neither I nor Xuanmiao can?"

"Why?" Pan Yun paused, then glared at him: "Fine, I'll let Fourth Sister slide—she's a Zhang by birth, what's it to you?"

Tao Ji grew anxious: "How isn't it my business? Xuanmiao's matters are my matters."

"Hmph. Has Fourth Sister ever admitted that? Don't call her so familiar—call her Fourth—Sister! And I—I am your Fifth—Sister!" Pan Yun turned and walked out.

Before she left the room, she heard Tao Ji turn to Xuanmiao: "Is Little Sister angry because she's embarrassed? We didn't lie—this is just social etiquette. She's the State Advisor now—I thought everyone understood, just didn't say it out loud..."

Pan Yun spun back, appearing instantly beside Tao Ji, grabbed his arm, and yanked him toward the door: "If it's too awkward to say, why are you blabbing here?"

Tao Ji twisted his head, searching for Xuanmiao: "Your sister isn't a stranger, Sister! Sister! Say something for me~~"