Chapter 92
Chapter 92
“Alright,” Zinnia replied, putting down her pen. She carefully packed her things into her bag, making sure everything was in order for when she needed leave. Then, she took out her small medicine pouch and placed it within easy reach.
After washing her hands in the kitchen, Zinnia returned to the dining table. The sight of the dishes stopped her in her tracks. The vibrant colors, the rich aroma–it all reminded her of her master’s cooking.
The table was set with four dishes and a soup. They were simple, home–cooked dishes, but the generous portions of meat made them stand out. The aroma wafting up was warm and inviting, making her stomach rumble.
Zinnia glanced at each dish, her years of watching her master cook telling her they would taste just as amazing as they looked. Simple, hearty meals like these were all she ever needed to feel at home.
She thought back to her life in the quiet mountain village with her master. If she had her way, she’d still be there–digging for herbs on the hills during their free time, far away from the bustling city of Jinston.
In spring, they planted vegetables; in summer, they caught tiny shrimp in the streams. Autumn meant gathering golden ginkgo leaves, and winter was for building snowmen with carrot noses. They didn’t have much, but with her master, life was perfect.
‘Betty always said I wasn’t cut out for a life of luxury, Zinnia thought, her lips curving into a faint, self–deprecating smile. Maybe she was right.
She hated the city–the stiff formality, the way every word felt like a negotiation, and the constant fear of offending someone important just by being in
the wrong place at the wrong time.
If she could choose, she’d trade everything for her master’s presence. From beginning to end, all Zinnia ever wanted was to have her master by her side.
She pushed aside the swirl of emotions in her heart and said softly, “It looks delicious.”
“Go ahead, Zinnia, give it a try. Let me know if it suits your taste. If not, I’ll tweak the recipe next time.”
Noticing her mood seemed off, Yannis handed her the chopsticks. His strikingly handsome face carried a faint, relaxed smile, and his voice was smooth
and pleasant.
Zinnia sat across from him but didn’t pick up her chopsticks. The dining table was rectangular, and Yannis followed suit, sitting down as well.
“Don’t hold back. Here, try this–it’s the one you kept glancing at,” Yannis said, noticing her hesitation. Using a clean fork, he placed a piece of stir–fried
beef onto her plate.
The girl was quiet and well–mannered, nothing like the arrogant, malicious troublemaker people made her out to be. Those rumors were complete
nonsense.
If only she were truly arrogant and domineering, wielding the Lynn family’s influence to her advantage. Then she wouldn’t have suffered so much
injustice.
“Thanks, Yannis,” Zinnia said softly before picking up her bowl and taking a bite. The beef was perfectly tender, and the chives added a burst of fresh, savory flavor. Paired with rice, it was surprisingly delicious and comforting.
“So, how’s it? Good?” Yannis asked.
“It’s really good,” Zinnia said with a small nod.
“Well, if Zinnia says it’s good, then this dish is honored! It’s been a while since I cooked–I was worried my skills might’ve gotten rusty,” Yannis said with a playful nod.
“Try the other dishes too. Let’s see if they’re good enough to impress you!” Yannis glanced at the other dishes on the table before looking back at her, his eyes filled with anticipation.
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Chapter 92
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“Okay,” Zinnia picked up some stir–fried pork with peppers. The peppers were the mild kind, fried until they had a lovely charred texture.
The pork belly was sliced thin and stir–fried until it curled up beautifully, glistening with just the right amount of oil.
“It’s tasty,” Zinnia said again, noticing Yannis waiting for her response. She looked up and nodded earnestly, her tone serious.
“Seems like my cooking’s not too shabby, getting such high marks from you!” Yannis chuckled.
