Chapter 136: Are You Kissing Me, or Am I Kissing You?

Chen Shu first placed the flour-coated raw shredded potatoes into a frying pan; without turning on the heat, he used the round bottom of the pan to shape the shredded potatoes into a round cake, pressed it down, then removed it, added oil, heated it up, and put it back in to fry until one side was golden.

He flipped it over with a toss of the pan.

Because they were raw shredded potatoes that hadn't been washed or blanched, they could be fried until very crispy; as the potato cake flipped, it made a sizzling sound against the bottom of the pan.

It sounded very crispy just by listening.

It was soon fried until both sides were golden.

Every time Chen Shu tossed the pan, the potato cake scraped against the bottom, sizzling, and the sound it made when it landed was also very crisp.

The color and aroma gradually became enticing.

He sprinkled on some chopped green onions and chili powder, then took it out of the pan.

Chen Shu turned around holding the plate and said to the little girl who was peeking from the kitchen doorway: "Your crispy potato cake, I made it for you first. Aside from you, I reckon no one else likes this stuff, so just take it as a snack."

"!"

The little girl happily took the plate and left.

Chen Shu called out to her from behind: "Don't eat it all, there's other food, you won't have room to eat later."

"Oh!"

Chen Shu withdrew his gaze.

He glanced at Qingqing beside him.

There was nothing she could help with for the tasks at hand now, but she still stood in the kitchen without leaving, quietly watching him cook; to be honest, it was a bit of a hindrance... Chen Shu suspected she was secretly learning his cooking techniques—bah, shameless.

First, he made Old Granny Potato.

This doesn't get cold easily.

Then he made the spicy crayfish and Ginger Fried Duck that Chen Banxia had ordered; people in Yujing don't like eating crayfish, so it took Chen Shu a lot of effort to buy them.

Next, he made the exotic sour chicken, sour soup beef, fish-flavored eggplant, and tiger skin green peppers that Ning Qing had ordered.

Just between the two of them, they had ordered eight dishes.

Chen Shu added a dish of dry-braised whole fish with sweet and spicy sauce himself; for a birthday or something, if there isn't a fish dish at the end, it always feels like something is missing. Then he simply boiled a sour cabbage and vermicelli soup to cater to Qingqing's appetite.

Celebrating a birthday, and he was the one suffering the most.

Chen Shu held a spatula in one hand and his waist in the other, his mind wandering, when his gaze inadvertently flicked—

Qingqing was eyeing him, a luster flickering in her eyes.

It was as if she were trying to fathom his inner thoughts.

"!"

This woman is a bit scary.

Ah no, not scary, not scary.

Chen Shu calmed his mind and focused, and only when Qingqing calmly withdrew her gaze and turned to stare at the pot did he continue to let his mind wander.

Once you cook enough, it basically becomes mechanical memory; no matter how much you space out, you won't make a mistake.

11:30 AM.

Chen Banxia arrived at the entrance of the small courtyard.

The little girl was holding a plate of crispy potato cakes, biting into them with a crunching sound; hearing the knock on the door, she ran to open it for Chen Banxia.

"Sister Banxia."

"Such a good girl."

Chen Banxia carried a bag, and as she stepped over the threshold, she glanced at the plate in the little girl's hand:

"What is this?"

"Crispy potato cake."

"Potato... crispy cake?"

"It's so delicious."

The little girl picked up the last small piece on the plate and handed it to Chen Banxia with a pained expression, introducing it: "It's crispy and so delicious, it's just a bit cold now. Brother-in-law wouldn't let me finish it, otherwise I would have already eaten it all."

Chen Banxia was half-doubting, put it in her mouth, and *crunch*.

A cake made of shredded potatoes has a much richer texture than one made of mashed potatoes; it's crispier and has more layers, and the chili powder Chen Shu seasoned it with gave it its soul.

Compared to a dish, it was more like a street snack.

Chen Banxia was a little angry; such delicious food, and her younger brother had never made it for her before.

She then followed the little girl into the courtyard, looking left and right as she walked.

Ning Qing's courtyard was neither too big nor too small; it was more than enough for four or five people, but a bit too big for two or three. The courtyard was full of various blooming flowers; Chen Banxia only recognized the Deep Sleep Flower which could be used as medicine, and for the rest, she could only identify the general family, not the specific variety.

Qingqing is quite wealthy.

Chen Banxia only felt a slight sigh in her heart, not envy—

If she were made to live in such a big house, she definitely wouldn't do it.

Chen Banxia's ideal house was about the same as the one she was currently renting; the size was just right for her own use, with no stairs, no thresholds, and a robot vacuum/mop could sweep the whole house clean; if she wanted to drink water, wash up, or grab something, she could reach it all with one stretch of her arm.

Living in such a big house, just walking around, going up and down stairs every day, would tire her to death.

Hereditary Lazy Cancer...

Walking into the living room, several dishes were already set on the solid wood long table, including the spicy crayfish and Ginger Fried Duck she had ordered, which were still steaming. From the kitchen doorway, one could glimpse two figures standing side by side, one busy, the other watching.

The two were whispering about something.

The range hood was powered by Spirit Power and made no sound, but Chen Shu was manning two pots at once, one sizzling with oil, the other bubbling away.

Domestic trifles, chaotic sounds.

Seeing that bowls and chopsticks were already set on the table, Chen Banxia took a bowl and a pair of chopsticks first, shouted "I'll help you taste if it's salty enough first" toward the inside, and was the first to pick up a piece of Ginger Fried Duck and put it in her mouth, chewing rapidly, even though it was still piping hot.

Guard Officer Taozi Daren was squatting at the corner of the table guarding the food, and seeing this, she couldn't help but scold:

"Baa~~"

Chen Banxia looked at it and continued chewing.

There were pickled peppers added inside.

Truly delicious.

Chen Banxia turned her body to glance at the kitchen again; those two people didn't pay her any mind, and didn't even turn their heads back once.

It felt strange in her heart...

Chen Banxia didn't care anymore, ate another crayfish, and then ran to the kitchen to disturb them.

Dating right in front of his sister?

I must take a close look!

A moment later—

Nothing interesting, bland and tasteless.

With the sour chicken her younger brother had fed her still in her mouth, Chen Banxia walked out of the kitchen and took out the Peach Spirit Wine she had brought, so it would be ready to drink later.

This type of Spirit Wine contains absolutely no alcohol, but it contains a special type of Spirit Power, just like Hama Beer, which allows even a Cultivator to taste a sense of tipsiness. At the same time, because the market demand is high and technology has evolved, under intense competition, it is usually not sold for a high price.

The bottle Chen Banxia bought is suitable for an Intermediate Cultivator, so it is slightly more expensive.

Ten minutes later—

Chen Shu carried out a fish, Ning Qing carried out a pot of soup, and after placing them on the table, the dishes were complete; the table was full, making one's appetite soar.

Chen Banxia began to distribute bowls and chopsticks, while shouting: "Who wants to drink alcohol? Who wants to drink beverages?"

"What kind of alcohol?" Chen Shu asked.

"Spirit Wine, sweet, not bitter or spicy, with the flavor of peaches and fermented rice," Chen Banxia said, "This bottle cost me several thousand; if it weren't for your birthday, I would normally drink the cheap stuff myself."

"Then I'll have some."

"What about Qingqing?" Chen Banxia looked at Qingqing again, "Want to try some?"

"Okay."

"Hehe..."

Having successfully made the sale, Chen Banxia was very pleased, took their cups, and began to pour the wine.

"Clink~"

A fourth cup reached over, colliding with a light sound.

Chen Banxia looked up.

The little girl was looking at her with eager eyes.

Chen Banxia paused for a moment.

For some reason, from this simple look, she actually read the memory of that earlier piece of shredded potato pancake.

However, she still hardened her heart and refused: "Xiaoxiao, you aren't an adult yet, you can't drink alcohol. Besides, this wine is very potent; even a Low-level Practitioner would have to sleep for at least two or three days after drinking it, and it's even worse for ordinary people."

The little girl silently pulled her cup back.

Three cups of Peach Spirit Wine.

Two cups of whole milk.

The little girl pursed her lips and said nothing.

Taozi also examined its own small cup, then leaned in to look at the contents of their cups, sniffing around, feeling that it was being treated differently.

Chen Banxia turned her head to explain patiently, telling it that this was Spirit Wine and it couldn't be drunk casually.

Taozi couldn't understand it even more—

If a spirit cat doesn't drink Spirit Wine, what does it drink?

"Happy birthday to me."

"Happy birthday, younger brother."

"Happy birthday, brother-in-law."

"Happy birthday."

"Hahaha..."

Chen Shu laughed foolishly while raising his cup, clinked it with theirs, and didn't forget to lower his head to clink Taozi's cup:

"Cheers!"

Four people raised their cups, one cat lowered its head.

A very simple sense of ritual.

One hour later.

"Chen Banxia, do you still have to go back this afternoon?" Chen Shu asked.

"I do, I'm going back to take a nap, sleep until evening," Chen Banxia said while sipping her wine, "I'll come back over in the evening."

"Okay."

"Are you going back to the Dormitory tonight?"

"We'll see, if I don't feel like running around, I'll sleep here, on the sofa," Chen Shu said, scratching his head and looking at the empty wine glass. There was still more than half of the bottle of Peach Spirit Wine that Chen Banxia had brought left, and he clicked his tongue, "This wine is really potent."

"Dizzy?"

"A little."

"This wine can make even a Sixth Stage drunk," Chen Banxia said, glancing at Ning Qing, who was still calm and composed beside them, "You aren't even as good as Qingqing."

"She only drank a little bit, I drank a whole cup."

"Still want more?"

"No, if I drink more, I won't be able to sober up by tonight," Chen Shu thought for a moment, "I'll drink some more in the evening."

"Tastes good, right? Hahaha..."

"Like a soft drink."

"Hahaha..."

Chen Banxia poured herself another small cup, about one liang, and with her Fifth Stage level, plus her usual love for alcohol, she would need to drink at least half a bottle of this kind of liquor to get drunk; if she were Sixth Stage, she would probably have a capacity of two bottles.

The crayfish had already been eaten.

The other dishes had also decreased, but the portions were large, so they hadn't decreased much.

One-thirty in the afternoon.

Full of food and drink.

Chen Banxia capped the remaining half-bottle of liquor and left the small courtyard.

The little girl helped her sister clean up the mess, then sensibly went upstairs to her room, taking Taozi with her on the way.

Downstairs, only Chen Shu and Ning Qing remained.

Chen Shu rubbed his slightly burning face and looked up at the approaching Ning Qing, and only after she sat down beside him did he ask curiously, "How come you don't seem affected at all after drinking that liquor?"

"What kind of effect?"

"Excitement, dizziness, things like that."

"A Secret Sect Practitioner is best at ensuring their mind is absolutely clear and their thinking is absolutely calm," Ning Qing said very calmly. "For the vast majority of things that disturb our thoughts, we have extremely strong resistance."

"The vast majority?"

"The vast majority," Ning Qing repeated, looking at him calmly. "After all, there are some things that will make our hearts restless."

"I'm a little dizzy..."

"No."

"?? I haven't even said anything yet."

"No."

"I'm just borrowing your lap as a pillow."

"There is a bolster."

"That's not the same."

"No."

"I'm going to."

After Chen Shu finished speaking, he fell over regardless, forcibly resting his head on her thighs—even through the fabric of her waffle-knit casual pants, he could feel the softness and warmth of Qingqing's thighs; this land of gentleness was more intoxicating than the liquor.

Chen Shu kept his eyes open, looking at her from bottom to top, a smile gradually appearing on his face.

Ning Qing looked down to meet his gaze, expressionless.

"The makeup you're wearing today is really pretty."

"..."

"Your legs are so soft."

"..."

"Don't be so stingy! At worst, we'll put it on my tab! I'll pay you back later, or you can use me as a pillow back!"

"..."

"Why are you ignoring me?"

"I don't want to ignore you."

"No! If you ignore me, I'll molest you!"

"I will throw you into the courtyard."

"Emmm..."

"..."

"Qingqing."

"?"

"Qingqing."

"Speak."

"Let's make a deal..."

"No."

"Kiss me once, how about as a birthday gift for me?"

"No."

"Why?"

"..." Ning Qing thought for a moment. "Someone once said that he hates asking for gifts during holidays the most, whether it's receiving gifts or giving them... Are you going to pretend you don't remember what you once said again?"

"I'm mainly afraid of the effort; effort makes people feel tired," Chen Shu said to her earnestly. "Gifts that don't require effort are fine."

"Then it's my birthday next month, what will you give me in return?"

"I'll kiss you once too."

"..."

"Can we?"

"No."

"Oh my..."

Chen Shu still stared at Qingqing, his eyes shimmering with moisture after drinking, appearing exceptionally bright; his voice softened, as if acting spoiled: "Occasionally, let's have some romance; on special occasions, it's not like we're kissing every day, it won't have much of an effect..."

A luster flickered in Ning Qing's eyes.

Seeing this, Chen Shu hurriedly struck while the iron was hot: "How about we change it? I can kiss you instead, you choose."

That's even harder to accept, okay?

Ning Qing pondered for a long time, but in the end, her heart softened.

"Fine."

Her voice was cold, clear, and pleasant.

Chen Shu was so excited he sat up at once, scooting closer to Qingqing until he was right next to her: "Then you pick one!"

"Which one do you want to pick?" Ning Qing asked in return.

"You're letting me pick..." Chen Shu hesitated, staring at her with distrust, "You aren't going to tell me to pick, and then do the opposite, are you?"

"Forget it if you won't pick."

"I'll kiss you."

"..."

"Is that okay?"

"..." Ning Qing was silent for a few seconds, "You are not allowed to kiss my mouth."

"Okay!"

Chen Shu agreed readily.

Immediately, he took a slap on the shoulder:

"Smack!"

"??" Chen Shu had been secretly feeling Joy, but his face immediately turned aggrieved, "Why did you hit me?"

"You lied."

"Emmm..." Chen Shu looked at her for a moment, then said, "It's fine now, I've already convinced myself to firmly only kiss your face."

"No longer than two seconds."

"Okay."

"Smack!"

"Well, you know, after drinking, my self-control isn't great..." Chen Shu felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head, "Wait, let me convince myself again. This time I guarantee I won't harbor any wishful thinking. What I say is what I mean, I'll keep my word!"

"..."

"How about now?"

"..."

Ning Qing didn't speak; she simply closed her eyes.

The bonus chapter for 7,000 monthly votes will be added after the New Year. Moli has already returned to her hometown for the holiday and truly has no banked chapters left. If it reaches 8,000 votes or other milestones, those bonus chapters will also be returned to everyone after the New Year. After returning to Chengdu after the New Year, Moli plans to meet up with two female authors to churn out 10,000 words a day.

Finally, everyone take one last look at the monthly votes in your hands; they will expire in four hours, so make good use of them.