Wait, had Zhai Yunsheng really given in just like that? Yu Xi found today's version of Zhai Yunsheng unusually agreeable. It was as if his usual stubbornness had vanished, replaced by a surprising level of cooperation.
Jian Yujie, though not entirely pleased, didn't say anything. He knew about Zhai Yunsheng's health issues and understood that his sister had her reasons for preparing special food for him. Even so, it felt odd to see Zhai Yunsheng comply so easily, especially given his typically domineering personality.
The others watched from the sidelines, feeling a bit out of place as they couldn't quite find a way to join the conversation. A subtle awkwardness hung in the air.
Wen Nuan, Jian Yiling's mother, grew increasingly uneasy as she observed Zhai Yunsheng occasionally engaging her daughter in brief conversations. Her motherly instincts were on high alert, and she cast a worried glance toward the old lady, hoping for some form of intervention.
However, Jian Yiling's grandmother remained calm and composed, showing no signs of concern. She had heard about Zhai Yunsheng from her husband and knew his reputation as a playboy was misleading. He might be wild and unruly in other aspects, but when it came to relationships, he had never had any dubious entanglements with women. According to her husband's assessment, Zhai Yunsheng was a man of contradictions. While he had his flaws, deep down, he wasn't a bad person—much like her little darling, Jian Yiling.
The old lady trusted her husband's judgment and didn't see the need to interfere. After all, this was a public setting, with everyone around. The kids were just chatting and joking. Wouldn't it be overbearing for parents to interfere in something so trivial? She certainly wasn't the kind of unreasonable person to do that.
Meanwhile, He Yan had the cooks at the old residence start grilling food on a separate barbecue station. There was no way that the food Jian Yiling was preparing would be enough for all eleven people. The children could have fun grilling, but when it came to feeding everyone, the professional chefs had to step in, especially since Zhai Yunsheng was a distinguished guest. The Jian family couldn't risk appearing ungracious.
Soon, the scallops and lamb skewers were ready, and Jian Yujie and Yu Xi were the first to taste Jian Yiling's culinary skills. The scallops were lightly seasoned, without any spice, while the lamb skewers were spicier, as Jian Yiling had added extra chili to cater to Yu Xi's taste.
Yu Xi was surprised, wondering how Jian Yiling had even noticed his preference for spicy food.
"These are amazing, Yiling! You've got real talent!" Jian Yujie praised her without holding back, his face lighting up with joy as he took a bite. He was clearly delighted by his sister's cooking.
Yu Xi, watching this, couldn't help but grumble internally. *Even if she gave you something bitter as a lemon, you'd probably say it's sweet,* he thought, rolling his eyes at Jian Yujie's obvious bias.
Then Yu Xi took a bite of his own lamb skewer, and his eyes widened in genuine shock. "Whoa! How is this better than the lamb skewers from the barbecue joints outside?"
"Of course it's better! My sister grilled these herself. How could it not be?" Jian Yujie replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"No, I mean it! This is seriously better than anything I've had at a barbecue restaurant!" Yu Xi was genuinely amazed. He hadn't expected Jian Yiling's lamb skewers to taste this good.
It wasn't just because Jian Yiling was a good cook; the quality of the ingredients played a big role. The meat they were using was top-notch, far better than what most barbecue places, let alone street vendors, would use. On top of that, Jian Yiling had meticulously sliced the meat along its natural grain and paid special attention to seasoning. When it came to grilling, she managed the heat and timing with precision, ensuring the meat was cooked to perfection.
By now, the grilled shrimp and corn were ready as well. Jian Yujie plated them and delivered them to their respective recipients—his grandfather and grandmother. Shortly after, Jian Yiling brought out a large earthenware pot she had prepared earlier in the kitchen. She added water to it and placed it over the charcoal fire to simmer, indicating she was planning to make soup.
While the pot was heating up, Jian Yiling started grilling two types of mushrooms—milk caps and boletes. These particular mushrooms didn't require any oil; a simple sprinkling of salt just before they were fully cooked was enough to bring out their natural flavors. The pure, unadulterated taste of the mushrooms was rich and flavorful, enough to rival the best dishes on the table.