Gourmet of Another World
Chapter 240: Owner Bu's Kitchen

In the main halls, everyone held their breath and peered toward Ji Chengxue, who sat on the throne . They all wanted to know how he would respond to Lian Fu's proposal . If he really allowed Lian Fu to go capture Ji Chengyu, this could constitute on some level as fratricide .

Ji Chengxue fell into deep contemplation . He wavered, unable to make a final decision . They were brothers, after all . Making such a choice was tortuous for him .

But if they left Ji Chengyu out there, he would become an evil foe sooner or later . Once he acquired enough strength and accumulated enough power, he would surely make a comeback . He definitely wouldn't allow Ji Chengxue to sit comfortably on the throne and continue his reign .

"I approve . "

After a long time, Ji Chengxue finally muttered these words . Then, he closed his eyes and said no more . Everyone else in the halls kept their silence .

The meeting at the main halls had officially ended . As the top ministers of the empire emptied out of the court, Ji Chengxue suddenly stopped Xiao Meng, leaving the general rather confused .

Ji Chengxue's body stirred . He stood up and paced around the halls . A dark trace of gloominess flickered in his eyes .

　　…

The spring rain washed the earth again, leaving the sky rather dull due to the lack of sunshine .

Outside the walls of the Imperial City, Ji Chengxue and Xiao Meng, both dressed in casual clothing, sending Lian Fu on his way . Watching as Lian Fu's figure faded away, they emitted a long sigh .

Within the imperial household, fratricidal killings were not unusual . Only this was a case where the atrocity would not cease even after Ji Chengxue had assumed the throne .

Ji Chengxue turned around with hands behind his back and walked on the long streets of the Imperial City . The streets were bustling with people, all busy as bees . Now that the Spring Festival was officially over, the residents of the Imperial City resumed their daily lives, working from sunrise to sunset .

Although Ji Chengxue was the emperor, not everybody could recognize him . In fact, he was much like an average pedestrian roaming through the streets, passing by civilians who were swamped with work .

The Carefree Mansion was located in a remote corner of the Imperial City .

Ji Chengxue arrived before the building but stood there motionlessly for a while . Behind him, Xiao Meng traced Ji Chengxue's glance and also peered at the Carefree Mansion . He sighed quietly in his heart .

"General Xiao, let's go take a look inside . " After proposing this, Ji Chengxue walked toward the mansion with his hands behind his back .

A piece of royal token was displayed, shooing away the guards who were ready to intercept their entrance . The two of them then stepped into the mansion smoothly .

The mansion was delicately decorated, further embellished by the jingling giggles of young women that drifted out of the courtyard . Amidst this circle of beautiful women was a burly figure enjoying his time .

"My king, there's someone here . " Suddenly, a slim beauty glanced at the faraway Ji Chengxue and Xiao Meng in confusion and informed a Ji Chengan still immersed in frolics .

Ji Chengan, taken back, twisted his head around to inspect, only to see Ji Chengxue standing as straight as a longsword . He narrowed his eyes and smiled knowingly .

"Just ignore them, let's continue . " Ji Chengan merely smiled lightly . He turned around and pulled a beauty with curvy figures into his arms as he burst out into a cheerful laughter . That cackle continued to reverberate within the entire Carefree Mansion .

You wanted my life to be all about leisure and fun, right? Then I'll do just that .

Xiao Meng sighed softly . Ji Chengxue's eyes darkened, but his face remained deadpan .

"Let's go . " Ji Chengxue shot a cold glance at Ji Chengan, who continued to dance among his swarm of ladies, and turned around to leave .

Actually, becoming a carefree king wasn't half bad for a former crown prince all high and mighty… At least, he didn't need to face the cruel bloodshed amongst brothers .

　　…

The next day, serpent-woman Yu Fu woke up extra early . Her father and Ah Ni had both left the Imperial City for the Serpent-Men Tribes already . She was now alone in the Imperial City, yet instead of fear, she was filled with excitement .

This was because she was about to learn cooking from Owner Bu .

Yu Fu carefully dolled herself up before the mirror, hoping to display her most beautiful self . She was already an outstanding beauty back in the Serpent-Men Tribes . Putting in a bit more effort made her so attractive she could take someone's breath away .

She didn't put on too much make-up since she knew Owner Bu would disapprove it, arguing that it would ruin one's sensitivity to the natural scent of food .

She came out of the inn, unfurled her oil-paper umbrella, and wriggled her green scaled tail all the way to the small alleyway .

The Imperial City was much more prosperous and lively than the Serpent-Men Tribes . However, the human residents here rushed through the streets in a hurry, none offering friendly greetings like warmhearted neighbors as was the case back in the Serpent-Men Tribes . This, in particular, made her feel a little alienated .

Holding on to her oil-paper umbrella, she strolled through the crowded streets of the Imperial City all alone .

Spring showers sent droplets of rain down to the earth and occasionally down one's neck . It brought a refreshing coolness that made one invigorated .

Making her way down the alleyway, Yu Fu finally reached the entrance to the store . The big black dog before the door was stuffing his face with the Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs in a porcelain bowl . Yu Fu smiled to herself and entered the store with her swaying tail .

Ouyang Xiaoyi, who was taking down the orders of a customer, caught sight of her and immediately twisted her head away with a snort .

Bu Fang walked out of the kitchen . He dried his hands and nodded at Yu Fu .

"You'll have to wait for a bit . Once the store is closed for business today, I can teach you cooking . In the meantime, please help Xiaoyi with the customers' orders . " Bu Fang informed her .

Yu Fu nodded obediently, wagged her tail, and appeared by Ouyang Xiaoyi's side .

Ouyang Xiaoyi turned her head away in discontent . This was obvious jealousy . She was still fuming about the smelly boss choosing Yu Fu over her .

Yu Fu didn't mind this at all . She had been to the store many times and was familiar with Ouyang Xiaoyi's temper . Knowing this girl's nature, a smile would reappear on her face in no time .

Bu Fang glanced at them, curling the corners of his mouth, and retreated to the kitchen .

"Owner Bu, Red Braised Meat, Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs and Fish Head Tofu Soup, an order of each . " Yu Fu's soft, comforting voice hit Bu Fang's ears .

Bu Fang was suddenly at loss and couldn't easy adjust to this change . He was used to Ouyang Xiaoyi's reckless shouting all day long . Now this was a change of water .

It was no big matter . After a momentarily relapse, Bu Fang began focusing on his cooking again .

Rich aroma wafted out . It added to the atmosphere of the store .

As the sun set, the busy store was finally closed for business . Bu Fang pulled over a chair, sat by the entrance, and enjoyed a short break . He watched the sunset and sighed comfortably .

Inside the store, Yu Fu and Xiaoyi sat side by side with their heads pressed together, giggling occasionally . Ouyang Xiaoyi's big eyes had narrowed into slits as she laughed merrily .

After resting for a while, Ouyang Xiaoyi waved goodbye to Bu Fang and Yu Fu . She left the store and skipped back to the Ouyang's Quarter .

Only Bu Fang and Yu Fu, who had became anxious and reserved again, were left in the store .

"Don't be nervous, take it easy . Your mood can have tremendous effects on your cooking . " Bu Fang glanced at the agitated Yu Fu and uttered calmly .

Yu Fu's body instantly stiffened . She bowed to Bu Fang and answered him solemnly .

Bu Fang curled his lips, this girl…

"I will teach you what you practiced yesterday, Egg-Fried Rice . Only my Egg-Fried Rice is very different from what you've taught yourself yesterday . Hopefully you'll get the hang of this quickly . " Bu Fang stood up, stretched his body, and announced .

Yu Fu's body froze again . She bowed to Bu Fang once more and answered him with a "yes" in a serious voice .

"Chill out, I won't bite you . " Bu Fang was a little speechless as he responded calmly . Then, he closed the shutters of the store .

Bu Fang walked to the entrance of the kitchen, stopped, and crooked his finger at Yu Fu, who stood from afar . He instructed: "Follow me to the kitchen .

"This is the first time I've ever let anyone into my kitchen . "