Only by Your Side Can I Feel Truly Happy!

"She... she... is Aunt Mana?"

Following closely behind, Hisako was stunned to realize that the dignified and noble woman in the distance was Erina's biological mother.

She vaguely remembered when she was young, she had asked her parents about Erina's mother but was warned not to inquire too much about it. Later, it was Erina herself who told her that her mother had left home.

Knowing the truth, Hisako gradually understood that everything Erina had endured over the years was beyond what an ordinary person could bear. Thus, she silently vowed to serve Erina with all her might, becoming her most loyal secretary.

...

"Erina, it's been so long."

"When I left you, you were so small. You liked to cling to my clothes, hiding behind me like a scaredy-cat!"

Mana tried to calm herself down, casually mentioning a memory. It was clear she was trying to suppress her usual noble demeanor, opting for a more casual, ordinary conversation with her daughter.

"We've just reunited, and instead of asking how I've been all these years, you bring up embarrassing childhood memories in front of everyone?"

At that moment, Erina finally accepted that the person before her was indeed her mother, Mana.

Knowing that Mana had come to Japan and had eaten Zane's cooking at the Tavern, Erina had imagined countless times how she would react when they finally reunited. Yet, now that it was happening, she realized she had no reason to forgive her.

"Erina, I..."

"Can we not go back to how things were, to a peaceful life?"

Mana's bright eyes filled with disappointment.

"Go back?"

"You think my childhood was pleasant?"

"When you abandoned me and left home, did you think about my feelings?"

"When I was undergoing the torturous training for the God's Tongue from Father, where were you?"

"I... I hate you. I never want to go back to those days. To me, you've never been a qualified mother."

Erina spoke with clenched fists, her face showing a mix of fear and hatred. She then took a few steps back, trying to distance herself from her mother.

...

Seeing her daughter's intense reaction, Mana wanted to say something but eventually chose to remain silent. She knew that anything she said would only further anger Erina.

However, watching her daughter distance herself and harbor such hatred pained her deeply.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the Tavern was incredibly tense.

Zane, standing nearby, glanced at Erina and then at Mana. Seeing the estranged mother and daughter reunite in such a hostile way, he sighed helplessly. He gently placed a hand on Mana's shoulder and gave her a reassuring wink, as if to say:

Don't worry. I'm here.

...

"Erina, let's set aside your issues with your mother for now."

"During the training camp, you must have missed my cooking a lot. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come straight to the Tavern tonight."

"Yes, Lady Erina even skipped the celebration."

Knowing that Zane was the only one who could persuade Erina, Hisako chimed in.

"Hisako."

"Stop talking nonsense."

Erina's mood calmed a bit as she glared at Hisako. Then, slightly haughty and prideful, she said to Zane, "I just happened to pass by on my way back to Totsuki."

"Alright, I've developed a new dish. Would you like to try it?"

"Yes!"

Erina replied without thinking. Seeing Zane's slight smile, as if he had seen through her, she blushed and softly asked, "What kind of dish is it?"

"Look, do you see that steamer of golden ratio shumai near your mother?"

Zane pointed to the shumai in front of Mana.

"Golden ratio shumai?"

Erina was puzzled for a moment, then seemed to understand. "Judging by the name, it must be similar to the previous Rising Dragon Dumplings. I'll have a steamer."

"Okay, just wait a moment."

Zane turned back to the kitchen. As he was about to prepare the ingredients, he realized there was no bok choy left. He couldn't help but cover his forehead in frustration.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing this, Erina's heart sank.

"Unfortunately, we're out of bok choy. This golden ratio shumai requires four ingredients. Missing one means I can't make it tonight."

"Out of bok choy?"

Erina's mood dropped again.

"Don't worry, I can make another dish: Egg Beauty Chicken."

Zane, seeing Erina's disappointment, smiled and suggested.

"Egg Beauty Chicken?"

"How does it taste?"

"Don't worry, it will definitely satisfy you!"

Zane patted his chest confidently.

"Okay, I'll have one. No, make it two Egg Beauty Chickens, one for me and one for Hisako!"

Although disappointed about the shumai, Erina didn't refuse Zane's suggestion and ordered the Egg Beauty Chicken. She even ordered an extra portion for Hisako.

...

Egg Beauty Chicken is a famous Huaiyang dish, primarily made with chicken and eggs.

With all the ingredients ready, Zane first cut the ham into small pieces, cleaned and steamed the chicken breast, and diced it. He peeled and diced the winter bamboo shoots.

He then cleaned the chicken, removed the organs, and rinsed it thoroughly. He placed the cleaned chicken organs in a sand pot with bamboo mats at the bottom, added some water to cover the chicken, and added scallions, ginger slices, and Shaoxing wine. He boiled it on medium heat, skimmed off the foam, covered the pot, and simmered on low heat until tender. Then, he cut the gizzard and liver into small pieces.

Next, he made egg crepes, coated the shrimp with cornstarch, and wrapped them in the egg crepes. He sprinkled diced ham and cilantro on top, steamed them until cooked, and arranged the egg shumai around the chicken. He placed some bok choy on the plate and poured the chicken broth over the dish.

Thus, the Egg Beauty Chicken was ready!

...

Upon closer inspection, the chicken in the dish had become tender and fell off the bone, yet it retained its shape. In the light, the chicken looked plump and shiny.

The egg shumai around the chicken resembled blooming plum blossoms, making the dish even more beautiful.

The colors of the dish complemented each other perfectly.

"It's surrounded by egg shumai, steamed until tender?"

Erina was surprised but picked up her chopsticks to taste.

The egg was rich and smooth, melting in her mouth without much chewing. It left a memorable impression.

Paired with the flavorful chicken, the texture was perfectly satisfying!

"I see."

"The chicken is tender, perfect for big bites!"

"The egg is smooth and slightly sweet, not overpowering."

"The shrimp's elasticity balances the flavors calmly."

"Though the ingredients are simple, the overall taste is harmonious. There's no discomfort in the seasoning or texture, making it perfectly balanced!"

"I believe this dish cannot be made by any other tavern or chef."

Erina was thrilled, savoring every bite.

...

"This dish."

"It's similar to the Oyakodon, with chicken and eggs as the main ingredients."

"Erina, you might not understand the pain of anorexia now, but you should at least know that your mother didn't abandon you willingly."

"The God's Tongue is a family curse."

"Two consecutive generations having it is extremely rare."

"When your mother gave birth to you, she must have felt desperate."

"To find a cure for the God's Tongue, she left you, sacrificing her family."

"I can't say she's selfless or selfish."

"But the fact is, as long as the God's Tongue curse isn't broken, the tragedy will repeat."

"Your mother, grandfather, father, and even you have to watch it happen."

"But as long as I'm here."

"I will use my cooking to heal you and your mother."

Zane said slowly.

Mana, sitting on a chair, was in a daze.

Facing her daughter's accusations, she felt guilty and sad.

When Zane said he couldn't make the golden ratio shumai but could make Egg Beauty Chicken, she sensed his intention.

But she didn't expect Zane to say something so touching.

At this moment, Mana was genuinely moved. She hadn't expected Zane to care so much about her and Erina, willing to help them heal.

She recalled how she had hoped to entrust Erina to Zane at the Tavern. She thought he only agreed out of politeness, but now she realized he truly valued Erina and even tried to persuade her to not hate her mother.

...

"Fake kindness."

"I don't need your healing."

Erina's beautiful eyes became misty.

She looked at Zane, finally breaking down: "Zane, during the training camp, I missed you all the time!"

"I know you're amazing. Even with the simplest ingredients, you make dishes that satisfy my God's Tongue."

"I know you're the only one who can break the God's Tongue curse!"

"But I'm scared. Scared that my beliefs will waver because of you, and my confidence will turn into self-doubt!"

"Yet, spending time with you, I realized your cooking brings happiness and smiles to people."

"Only with you, I feel true joy and happiness."

"So... so... I..."

"Fool!"

"You don't need to say these things."

Zane couldn't help but gently touch Erina's forehead.

"Zane, I... I hope you'll be there for me in the future."

For the first time, Erina didn't mind his touch. Instead, it made her feel fluttery, as if electrified, causing her heart to race!

...

"Mom, I... I..."

"I still resent you, but I will try to understand

 you."

Finally, after Zane's words opened her heart, Erina approached Mana, saying this.

Mana's body stiffened. She looked deeply at her daughter.

At last, she couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She reached out to caress Erina's delicate face.

"It's been ten years."

"I can't remember what you look like anymore."

"Erina, I've been a selfish mother. To escape the God's Tongue pain, I left you!"

"Because of my departure, you suffered under Azami's harsh training."

"In that painful life, I wasn't there for you, didn't care for you, didn't fulfill my duties as a mother!"

"It's all my fault, so you should hate me."

Mana retracted her hand, sighing deeply.

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