Giving The Gift

After collecting the tasks, the mysterious adventurer left through a secret door. He then appeared in an alley, which was devoid of people. His black cloak was replaced with a blue robe. From the cold and harsh adventurer, he was transformed into an extremely dashing individual.

Afterwards, he went directly to the market to buy some fresh ingredients for tonight's event.

While roaming around the market, anyone could tell that he could easily drew several people's attention. His face was overly outstanding, enough for people to look at him, not once, not also twice, but many times. Many were giving him a good stare. A lot of them couldn't hide their admiration, bewildered by such a creation. Even so, there were plentiful of gazes who also emitted a hint of pity for the young man.

"If only he is talented in cultivation, then he will be the most perfect existence in this world." A girl who was passing by uttered.

Another girl who was wearing a luxurious dress mumbled, "Even if he is not talented in cultivation, and at least if he isn't coward, then I will surely settle with him, despite of the criticisms thrown at me."

A young man rolled his eyes and loudly said, loud enough to be heard by everyone around. "Oh come on, quit staring. He is just a trash, and nothing but a trash. Having a pretty face won't save him if a war commenced. He will just be like a damsel in distress, a hassle, a complete burden."

In spite of the words thrown at him, Cherom was unruffled. He had long gone used to it on earth in the past. Besides, he was busy on choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, and was even a bit excited for later.

"Young master, didn't you just bought a bunch of fruits yesterday? It was all gone now?"

Cherom smiled wryly. "Ah, yes. My sister actually like your fresh fruits so much Mrs. Mayer, in a way that left me speechless."

"It only sounds good to me young master. Here, add this to your basket." The woman smiled.

The middle-aged woman added a handful of strawberries, sweet tomatoes and blueberries on his basket.

"No, I'll pay for these."

The woman shook her head, adamant about it. "No, as a regular customer, I should treat you well. Therefore, you cannot refuse."

Cherom could only sigh and was glad about the lady's generosity. "I promise, I will leave a portion for you Mrs. Mayer. I am about to make fruit tarts out of these."

"Just like what you sent me before?" The woman's eyes sparkled out of a sudden as if she was reminiscing something wonderful.

Her expression then made him chuckled then, the young master lightly nodded and replied, "Yes."

"I'll add another handful then."

Cherom shook his head. "No, Mrs. Mayer this is enough. I swear."

The middle-aged woman then stopped insisting. "Alright then. What do your call that again young master?"

"It's fruit tarts."

"I could clearly recall its appetizing look and its sweet and addictive taste with a crunchy outer layer. Is there perhaps an even tonight? Your basket seemed quite big this time."

"Well, what can I say? You really are smart and observant madam. Indeed, I have to prepare for our dinner tonight."

"Go ahead. I will not stall you then."

"Mn." Cherom nodded and headed straight to the meat section of the market. He wanted to make some steaks for tonight. Beef steaks might be delicious but beast of higher level's meat was way more tasty and beneficial to cultivators. Although beast of higher level's meat always took more time than beef, but the a little more waiting and effort would all be worth it after having a taste. If only one have patience, then a delicious, juicy and tender steak was on the reach.

After buying a Level 5 beast meat, Cherom was very satisfied. His timing was just right as the supply for this was as rare as the blue moon. Since there were only a few high-level cultivators in the city, then it was not surprising at all. It was not like the city lord and the most prominent cultivators would hunt for the city's supply.

But with that, the dinner would surely be splendid.

Cherom was going to cook simple dishes, those he usually cooked on earth. One of that was beef stew, but since the main ingredient had been altered, then it should be called as 'beast stew' then. Another would be the beef steaks and was better changed into 'beast steaks'.

A burger was also on the list as the young lady liked it so much. He was not stingy. He would make big patties and big yet not chewy buns. A healthy and hearty burger was on his mind with greens to balance it out and of course, his home made cheese would make the trick to harmony. He was serving it alongside with fries. A beautiful pair.

For his two years of staying in this world, Cherom already had a good grasp of understanding in this world. He became aware that this was like a parallel world yet was full of magic and abilities. Aside from that, him being a foodie made him quite unsatisfied with this world's food. His taste buds were longing for its favorites, making him took the initiative and create some inventions.

For instance, the flour. In this world, flour wasn't yet made known. Wheat was available which was a great thing but a mill takes time to make. Good thing, being strong meant being capable of more things. He made himself a living mill, grinding all those wheats he found into fine flours.

Another proud creation of him was cheese.

When he arrived into this world, through reincarnation, milk was already available but cheese was still unknown. To think that one of his favorite stuff was still undiscovered, it made him sad.

After earning a sum of money for his first big mission as an adventurer, he bought himself a bunch of cows as a source of fresh milk, to make cheese and other good stuffs like whipped cream. Two years had passed and Cherom now had a hundred cows and counting, on his own piece of land.

When his restaurant opens, Cherom firmly decided to officially introduce cheese and flour to this world. He would then introduce pizzas, pastas, noodles and sweets which he badly enjoyed before. The taste of those were to die for. He didn't want to be selfish and have them all for himself. Cherom wanted all the people, not only the wealthy and the nobles, but also the commoners to enjoy the food.

"Steaks and stew done."

"Burger done. Fries, done too."

He took a portion of the fries and delight was seen on his face. "Nice, tasty and not chewy."

"Now the cake... I need to make it look lovely."

Leina loved blueberry cheese cake a lot so he made it for tonight. A piece offering that he believed, she could not bear to refuse.

Cherom was smiling when he was putting the whipped cream around it, and the blueberries on top as finishing touch, making it so appealing, very appetizing.

...

At the dinner table...

Leina was wearing an aggravated look. She still seemed upset about what happened in the morning. Them ignoring her, she obviously took it to heart.

She didn't want to talk but the atmosphere seemed a bit depressing and gloomy which was very unusual for her.

Then she noticed Cherom's seat, its empty. At that moment, her brows furrowed especially after observing her parents wearing crestfallen expressions.

"Dad, what happened? Where's Cherom?"

Her father had a long sigh and she didn't have a good feeling about it.

"Sweety, your brother already left." Leonelle, her father answered with a gloomy face.

"What?"

"Before I forgot, he made these food for you. He said, you should always be cheerful as he will continue to cheer for you even if he's far away."

She subconsciously stood from her seat. "Just where the heck did he went to?!"

Her father's head was lowered, the same goes for her mother.

"He didn't tell us but one thing for sure, he left for good."

Hearing that words made her somewhat lose his strength. She was down on the floor and warm liquid was forming on those purplish eyes.

'Is that the reason why he pissed me off earlier so he could leave smoothly? How cruel of him.'

"Dad, why did you let him go?!"

"Leina." Her mother wanted her to calm down.

She was confused by what she was feeling at the moment. Her heart was throbbing hard as if she was hurt or something, she felt suffocated and wronged.

Just as she was about to stand and leave the place, a soft, gentle and tantalizing voice echoed on her ears.

"Did you miss me?"

She was stunned for a couple of seconds, before she was able to react. Her eyes beamed with joy. She couldn't hide nor help it. She hugged him tight, expressing how she felt, leaving Cherom in daze while his heart was racing.

"You meanie."

Before everything goes awkward, he slowly released himself from the hug and gave her a charming smile, while offering a plate of his peace offering.

"Here's your slice, young miss."

After wiping her tears using the back of her hands, she twitched her lips as if she wouldn't be swayed and completely forgive him with only a slice of cake.

"Don't give me that face please. You can it everything if you want but you have to finish this first."

"Dear, how about me? Can't I get a taste of it?"

He chuckled. "Don't worry mother, I've prepared your vanilla cake for you too."

"Thanks dear."

The head of the family looked at him, as if saying, what about mine?

"I've bought a wine for you father. I won't forget about you."

"You really didn't disappoint me."

In the next second, Cherom transferred his attention to Leina.

"How does it taste?"

"It taste delicious!"

When she took a spoonful of that cake, she noticed something off on her plate. Then she picked it up.

"Ah... wait... What is this? A necklace?"

Then her eyes lit up and a little disbelief was shown there after she saw its pendant.

"Purple Magic Stone? Really? This is so precious!"

Her delighted face, that was all Cherom wanted to see. Without further ado, he rushed to wash off the necklace, and went back to the dining table.

Seeing her face full of gratitude as he was striding nearer to her, his lips were pressed together forming a thin curved line from side to side.

"Leina, even if I am not around frequently with this necklace, I hope you'll remember me."

She was looking closely at his eyes when she said. "Thanks, Cherom."

Then a charming smile was revealed on those pinkish lips, leaving Cherom in bewilderment.

After a few seconds, he recovered and coughed, before responding, "You're always welcome, my dear sister."

Cherom smiled at her before going to his seat. She could appreciate his effort but after hearing his last words, she felt a bit sad.

"Why is this?"