"Okay~?"
"Sifting one last time helps remove any possible eggshell fragments and ensures a smoother texture."
"As expected of Mei! So professional!"
"Elysia, you don't have to repeat everything I say..."
"Now, tap the cake mold on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles."
"You're so mean! I'm just trying to match your vibe, Mei~"
-----------------------
".....Forget it, as long as you're happy. Set the oven to 230°C for both upper and lower heat, then wait for 24 minutes... In the meantime, let's do something else. Elysia, do you have any decoration ideas?"
"How about a pink crystal flower?"
After speaking, Elysia took out a crystal flower and looked at Mei expectantly.
Mei looked at the crystal flower and imagined a Basque cheesecake adorned with it. It seemed like a good idea.
"That works."
"Mei, you're the best! I'll make a few more right now."
"No need, Elysia. I think I can use sugar, melt it with a bit of water into syrup, and then add some pink food coloring."
"As expected of Mei, that's a great idea!"
..... 24 minutes later.
"The cake is done baking... but it still needs to be refrigerated for 4 hours to achieve a finer texture. Isn't that a bit long?"
"It is a bit long, Mei. How about I freeze it instead?"
"Looks like that's our only option."
"Mhm~"
....
Elysia held a plate with sliced cake and placed it in front of Fu Lin, looking at him expectantly.
"Lalalala! The Basque cheesecake, filled with happiness and joy, made by Elysia and Mei, is finally complete!"
"Fu Lin, have you been looking forward to this? I even saved the biggest piece just for you."
[Mission Failed]
"What an honor... Hmm, it smells great, but why is there a missing corner?"
Fu Lin took the cake, ignoring the system notification. Just as Elysia described, its surface was golden and aromatic, while the inside was as soft and moist as pudding.
A pink-purple crystal flower was placed on the plate, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise simple cake. The only flaw was the missing corner—someone had clearly taken a bite.
Raising his head, Fu Lin immediately spotted the crumbs at the corner of Elysia's mouth and couldn't help but feel exasperated.
Noticing Fu Lin's gaze, Elysia quickly licked away the crumbs before gracefully taking out a napkin to wipe her mouth.
"Mmm~ It tastes amazing! If dipped in sea salt caramel sauce, it would have an entirely different flavor. Fu Lin, you should try it too."
Mei held two plates, handing one to Elysia before looking at Fu Lin with anticipation. "Elysia, this is yours. How does it taste, Fu Lin?"
Fu Lin picked up a knife and fork, sliced off a small piece, and took a slow, refined bite. After savoring it, he wiped his mouth and commented,
"Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The cheese flavor is rich, and the texture is smooth and delicate, melting in the mouth. The refrigeration must have helped—it has an ice cream-like feel to it. Overall, it's quite good."
"Then, I won't hold back."
After making a show of his evaluation, Fu Lin put down the knife and fork, put on disposable gloves, and began devouring the cake in big bites.
"..."
Mei pursed her lips. The elegant Fu Lin from a moment ago gave her goosebumps. The carefree and unrestrained version of Fu Lin was definitely more attractive.
Elysia, on the other hand, shook her head in disdain, covering her mouth as she giggled. "You couldn't even keep up the act for a minute? Fu Lin, are you even capable?"
"...You wanna test that out?"
Fu Lin raised an eyebrow, feeling that his dignity as a man had just been gravely insulted. Even Kiana would be left holding her waist—how could he not be capable?
"Sure~?" Elysia crossed her arms and looked at Fu Lin with a sly smile.
"..." Fu Lin was momentarily speechless but didn't want to lose face. He coughed and waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it, I'm a bit tired today. Next time."
Elysia, seeing Fu Lin's embarrassed expression, clutched her stomach and burst into laughter.
"Haha... Fu Lin, I can't take it! Hahahaha! The moment I act serious, you chicken out. Hahaha! My stomach hurts from laughing!"
Fu Lin paused, put down the cake, and pointed at Elysia.
"Auntie Elysia... Do you want a candle on your cake? Oh wait, I don't think I can fit 50,000 candles. What a shame~"
"A-Auntie? Did you just call me Auntie? Fu Lin, you traitor with your thick eyebrows and big eyes! Calling a beautiful girl like me that? We are now sworn enemies!"
Elysia's eye twitched as she glared at Fu Lin with clenched fists.
Furious, she lunged at him. Fu Lin dodged to the side, sticking out his tongue as he weaved through the small space to escape.
"Bleh~ You can't catch me!"
"This bouquet of flowers—accept it with gratitude~"
"Ahhh, you're cheating! That's unfair!"
"Mhm~ Now you can't escape, Fu Lin?"
Fu Lin looked down at his frozen foot, swallowed hard, and then slowly raised his head to meet Elysia's bright, smiling face. He forced an awkward grin.
"Elysia, you are stunningly beautiful, a peerless goddess, breathtaking, naturally elegant, kind-hearted, and gracious..."
Elysia placed one hand on her hip, smirking as she listened to Fu Lin's flattery. "Go on, I quite enjoy hearing this."
"I'm out of words... It was my mistake for not recognizing greatness. You are magnanimous... Elysia, can you at least not hit my face?"
"Mhm~ Take a guess?"