Chapter 56 - Girls in a Matriarchal World Are Just Too Scary

"Although my senior sister's kindness often leaves me feeling overwhelmed, her sudden aloofness makes it hard to adapt." Su Yan sighed as his stomach growled unexpectedly. He touched his abdomen, feeling its softness. With a gentle press downward, it was unmistakably hollow. A wave of hunger surged through him. Having skipped meals all day, Su Yan felt slightly hungry and decided to make something to eat. He looked up and asked, "Senior sister, would you like some? I can make enough for two." Ling Ling shook her head at the offer, replying, "I've already taken the path of fasting and don't need food." "Are you sure you won't have any? My cooking has greatly improved lately," Su Yan insisted. Ling Ling wanted to refuse again, but seeing the hopeful expression on his face, the words caught in her throat. "Alright then, but nothing too complicated. Just a small portion will do," she relented. Pleased with her agreement, Su Yan smiled and said, "I'll make some noodles for you." Ling Ling nodded softly and closed her eyes. Su Yan left the room and headed to the kitchen, where he prepared two bowls of noodles, placing them on a tray to carry back. "Did you make these?" Ling Ling asked, breaking her meditation, drawn by the enticing aroma that filled her senses. Her eyes opened to behold the inviting bowls of noodles before her. "Of course, I did. Try it and see if my skills have improved," Su Yan chuckled, setting the noodles on the table. Ling Ling climbed out of bed and settled at the table. The noodles looked exceptionally appetizing, their fragrance thick and irresistible. She had tried Su Yan's cooking before, but these noodles were on an entirely different level of presentation and appeal. Su Yan, feeling the pangs of hunger, eagerly reached for his bowl. However, as his fingers touched the rim, he pulled back instinctively, a faint red mark appearing on his fingertips. He frowned slightly, his lips parting in response to the pain as he gently inhaled, the movement akin to a silent invitation to taste. Ling Ling took a deep breath, her gaze sharpening. Surely, this was temptation—a deliberate ploy. She thought he was merely being kind by cooking for her, but now it seemed he had motives. How naive! Determined not to let her guard down, Ling Ling sternly said, "Eat properly; no unnecessary gestures. It looks too much like you're trying to seduce someone. Hurry and eat, then go rest." About to start eating, Su Yan paused, puzzled by her comment. He glanced at Ling Ling's slightly exasperated expression. Clearly, she had agreed to eat with him only out of obligation. Su Yan felt a pang of sadness. He had done nothing wrong yet seemed so disliked. Considering their lack of a special relationship, he dismissed the notion that siblings-in-training should necessarily get along. "I understand," he murmured, moving the bowl closer to himself. Ling Ling caught a glimpse of Su Yan's knit brows and slightly bitten lip, signaling his distress. She felt a twinge of guilt. "Wait!" Ling Ling suddenly realized. Wasn't Su Yan supposed to be resilient and carefree? He couldn't possibly be heartbroken over a cold shoulder. It had to be an act. Yes, that must be it! Displeased with her fleeting empathy, Ling Ling collected herself. Just minor sadness; she couldn't let it unsettle her resolve. Silently, she released a thread of spiritual energy, cooling his noodles slightly, easing their intense heat. Su Yan hesitated and caught Ling Ling's eyes, which betrayed neither disdain nor softness, suggesting her act was unintentional. "No, she still cares," he thought, relieved. Despite any misunderstandings, she wasn't as harsh as he'd feared. Reassured, Su Yan smiled and took a bite of noodles, savoring the taste with satisfaction. Ling Ling couldn't help but watch Su Yan's lips glisten under the oily sheen, his Adam's apple moving rhythmically, capturing her gaze. His face, alight with the joy of savoring good food, reflected genuine emotion, prompting her to question her preconceptions. Was someone capable of such a sincere smile truly as despicable as she remembered? Curious, Ling Ling took a tentative bite of the noodles. "This is..." Her eyes widened in disbelief at the flavor. It was like soaking in a hot spring on a winter’s day, a delightful and warming experience. "So, how is it? Tastes good, right?" Su Yan asked, his confidence bolstered by his system-enhanced culinary skills. "It's delicious, truly amazing," Ling Ling admitted, though her mind was awash with questions. If good cooking reflects one's heart, could someone adept at it be as base as she thought? It's often said that to capture a woman's heart, one must first capture her appetite. With a single bowl of Su Yan's noodles, Ling Ling found herself doubting the veracity of her memories. Su Yan smiled warmly, "I'm glad you like it. I can make it for you every day if you'd like." Realizing his words sounded a bit direct, he quickly waved his hands to clarify, "Don't get the wrong idea. I can't resist a good meal myself, so I cook daily out of habit. Inviting you is simply out of convenience. I'm not implying anything else." Ling Ling hadn't considered such implications until he spoke. Suddenly, her mind wandered. If Su Yan cooked for her daily, wouldn't that make them like family? Isn't that something partners do? Convinced she'd unraveled his intentions, Ling Ling felt a subtle anticipation rather than the aversion from before.