Hao Ren took a deep breath when he heard the system issuing a reward again.
*Ding: To encourage the host to take the initiative, in engaging with his wife, the host is rewarded with Master Class Chef skills. You are now a master of Oriental Cuisine modern and traditional variants. Good Luck!*
Hao Ren was stunned and then the knowledge related to cooking, recipes, and ingredients. It took him five minutes to digest all of it. At this moment, his phone rang and it was Han Lingshi. He answered the call, and the lady on the other side said, "Hao Ren, I will be leaving now."
Hao Ren replied calmly, "Miss Han, you have visited me for the first time, and it is already evening. If you do not mind, please stay for the dinner. I promise, I will not let you down."
Han Lingshi was surprised, she recalled what he had told her in the balcony and she sensed something tickle her. This was an unknown feeling for her, but she did not feel uncomfortable. Thinking, how Hao Ren had always been respectful with her, and even helped her with the trouble at work, she decided to have a meal with him.
As the man said earlier, even if they were in the relationship for the sake of it, they should still get to know each other a bit. She replied, "Alright."
Hao Ren replied happily, "Thank you, Miss Han. I will be back soon. Please tell me if there is anything that you do not like or are allergic to."
Han Lingshi replied, "I have trouble with too much spice and I do not eat beef."
Hao Ren nodded and asked, "Alright. See you."
The call disconnected, and while Hao Ren began to pick the ingredients. Han Lingshi checked the apartment. The penthouse had three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, and one study and a gym. The living room was the biggest space seconded by the kitchen.
The house was loaded with smart features. Balcony had a small pool that doubled up as a hot tub as well. Han Lingshi liked this cozy home. Her assistant suddenly asked, "President, when will we leave?"
Han Lingshi said, "Oh, Mei, you can call a taxi and leave now, I will be staying for dinner."
The assistant was surprised and said, "President, why?"
Han Lingshi raised her brow and asked, "What do you mean?"
The assistant replied quickly, "Ma'am, how is this man even worthy to stand in the same space as you? He does not have the looks, nor money, and this house is something that he won because he was lucky. Why are you accommodating him so much?"
Han Lingshi asked, "What does this have to do with you?"
Mei sighed and replied, "It has nothing to do with me, President, but do you think this guy would be able to withstand the wrath of the young masters of the powerful and rich families who are aiming for you? If Young Master Shun found out, he will be dead."
Han Lingshi did not say anything but calmly listened to her assistant speaking. She had her suspicion in the past but now it was confirmed. Many times the people who surrounded her would tell her to settle for a rich young master and enjoy a life of leisure. The reason they did this was because these people would be given benefits by the self proclaimed suitors.
She said, "Mei, I know what I am doing. You should leave. I will see you in the morning."
Han Lingshi did not wish to startle the snake, but Mei was not ready, and she said, "President, I speak for your good. Why don't you understand me?"
The lady crossed her hands before her chest and replied, "Have you forgotten who you are talking to?"
The cold aura she displayed quickly woke up Mei from her daze. She realized that Han Lingshi was angry. Mei knew when to advance and when to retreat. She did not know what Han Lingshi was thinking when she agreed to stay for a dinner. In her eyes, Han Lingshi was a goddess who refused to meet even the most influent people in the city because they did not suit her taste. Why would she be interested in Hao Ren?
Han Lingshi waited for a few minutes, when the door of the house was opened once again. Hao Ren came in with a few bags. She did not know what to do, and watching him carry such big bags, she stepped forward and said, "Let me help you."
Hao Ren nodded and passed her the smallest bag and said, "Miss Han please take this to the kitchen. I have arranged for the house keeping services, they will come and help me arrange everything."
Han Lingshi nodded and took the bag into the kitchen. Hao Ren came inside the kitchen, while he was still wearing the suit, and he was holding a pink apron in his hand. Han Lingshi was dazed at the young man replied with a slight blush, "This was the only color they had at the moment."
Han Lingshi smiled and nodded. Hao Ren did not talk to her, and quickly moved to prepare the ingredients. Han Lingshi watched his movements and was shocked. She did not expect him to be so quick and so practiced.
Soon, Hao Ren used the knife to chop the vegetables and Han Lingshi was mesmerized. This was the first time she saw a knife movement so efficient and graceful. Just when she wanted to stop the time and keep looking at him the scene was disturbed by the doorbell.
Hao Ren put down his knife, but Han Lingshi had been watching him work so hard for her sake, so she said, "Hao Ren, I got this."
The man asked, "Are you sure?"
Han Lingshi assured him with a nod and left the kitchen. Hao Ren went a berserk work mode. He prepared Minestrone soup, Mapo Tofu, and Marsala Chicken. He plated the dishes with a proper presentation that could match the level of a five star restaurant.
He began to carry the dishes to the dining room. Han Lingshi had just sent off the House keeping personnel, and noticed the faint yet powerful aroma of the food in the house. She opened her eyes wide, no wonder the maid was wiping the corner of her mouth every now and then. Her mouth was watering.
She walked to the kitchen and found that Hao Ren was moving two dishes out. She wanted to help but Hao Ren said, "These are the only ones left, do not worry."
They moved to the dining area and Han Lingshi looked at the table in a daze. Hao Ren walked up to the side of the dining area and played soft classical music piece from the panel on the wall. This house could be operated by voice, but Hao Ren had yet to learn the proper method for that.
He pulled a chair and invited Han Lingshi with a smile on his face. Although he was a male god, but the charm of slightly above average still had some sway over the lady as she was entranced by the aroma of the recipes.
She walked over and Hao Ren poured a glass of clear water. He said, "I apologize, the convenient store had yet to stock any wine."
Han Lingshi waved her hand and replied, "It is fine, this meal is good enough for me. I do not have the habit of drinking wine."
Hao Ren shook his head and said, "If we look at it from a different angle, this is our first meal together after getting married."
Han Lingshi was stunned again, but then she saw that Hao Ren was acting normally, he had began eating the food. She pushed down the tickling sensation and gracefully sampled the soup. The liquid was rich in taste but smooth in texture. It was not oily and even refreshed her completely.
Han Lingshi was hooked to the food, and gave up on her lady-like manners. Hao Ren was surprised by this and he watched her eating like a starving ghost with a smile on his face. He did not expect this ice cold woman to have such a side, and the sudden discovery made him realize that Han Lingshi was just a human like him or anyone else.
At this moment, he did not know if he was trying to trap her or vice versa.