Chapter 60: Mutual Understanding and Tacit Understanding
Chapter 60: Mutual Understanding and Tacit Understanding
"I can't eat anymore. I really can't eat anymore." Huang Hui lay on the ground, arms and legs spread out, clutching his stomach and mumbling.
There was no way around it—Jiang Tian's cooking had a unique magic that made him keep eating, bite after bite.
Especially with Xue Ruyan helping refine the details, Jiang Tian's talent in cooking became more apparent. His control over flavors, textures, and techniques improved with each dish.
By the time he mastered the braised pork trotters, Huang Hui almost swallowed his tongue.
But the last pot…
When the casserole lid lifted, a colorful light bloomed.
Huang Hui, who had sworn he couldn't eat anymore, found himself entranced, mindlessly stuffing his mouth again.
Even Xue Ruyan shook her head this time, signaling that there was nothing left to critique.
"Jiang has completely mastered braised pork trotters."
---
"I Have to Train Tonight."
Lying flat on the ground, clutching his full stomach, Huang Hui sighed.
"I just feel like my blood is about to explode."
Jiang Tian's food was more potent than elixirs. The blood and energy seeped into every part of the body, silently strengthening it.
"The injuries I got in the Blood Source Room yesterday are almost fully healed," Xue Ruyan added, surprised. "And my strength has increased significantly."
---
"Materials to Practice With."
Huang Hui had gone to hunt the Red Pig Tribe under Zhou Shang's orders.
As Jiang Tian's teacher, Zhou Shang wasn't just paying lip service when he said he supported Jiang's dream of being a chef.
A chef needs ingredients.
So, Zhou Shang ordered Huang Hui to hunt alien creatures for Jiang Tian to refine his cooking skills.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Tian personally requested the Red Pig Tribe.
His first taste of Red Pig meat had left an unforgettable impression.
Like a first love, the memory of that first bite never faded.
Finally, he had the chance to enjoy it properly.
---
A Unique Cooking Talent
With Huang Hui's help, Jiang Tian made an important discovery.
His food had effects similar to medicinal elixirs.
The better his cooking, the stronger the enhancement.
With Xue Ruyan's critiques, his dishes became even more refined, unlocking additional effects.
This time, the Red Pig Tribe's unique characteristics—tough skin and high endurance—were passed onto the diners.
After eating, both Huang Hui and Xue Ruyan noticed:
Their skin became smoother and more elastic.
Defensive capabilities improved.
Even Huang Hui, a battle-hardened warrior, looked younger.
Tall, sharp-eyed, dressed in a black combat suit with a cigar in his mouth—
"A thug in a suit," Jiang Tian thought.
---
Limitations of Jiang Tian's Cooking
However, Jiang Tian discovered a major limitation.
He couldn't cook Level 3 Red Pig meat.
The toxins remained.
He couldn't bring out the best flavors.
His cooking skills weren't advanced enough.
"Even if a high-level alien's body is in front of me, I can't process it properly."
A blacksmith must be strong himself.
If Jiang Tian's skills weren't at the same level as the creature he was cooking, then he simply wasn't qualified to prepare it.
He needed to get stronger.
He wanted to hunt, butcher, and cook his prey at its freshest.
Right there, on the battlefield.
---
Packing for the Blood Source Room
After reviewing his findings, Huang Hui left.
Xue Ruyan stayed longer because Jiang Tian was preparing extra braised pork trotters for his next Blood Source Room training.
She acted as both a food critic and a quality control inspector.
Since Jiang Tian's success rate was still low, she helped him refine each batch.
By the time they finished, it was late at night.
---
A Gift for the Old Man
Before she left, Jiang Tian handed her a takeout box.
"Take this home for the old man to try."
"Uncle Huang said your family helped me. This is my way of showing gratitude."
"As a junior, I should at least show some respect."
---
The Consequences of a Meal
Xue Ruyan froze.
She knew bringing this home would have serious consequences.
She wanted to refuse, but Jiang Tian's firm voice stopped her.
"You don't want me to face unnecessary trouble, and I don't want you to have unnecessary conflicts with your family."
"If your grandparents are truly as kind as you say, then what's the problem?"
Hearing his calm reasoning, a warm feeling spread through her heart.
She nodded and accepted the meal.
---
Back at the Xue Household
When she returned home, her grandparents were eating dinner.
A simple meal, but filled with expensive, nutrient-rich ingredients.
"Xiao Ruyan is back," Ye Linfang greeted her warmly. "Did you like your gift?"
Before she could answer, Xue Tanxin snorted.
"What's there not to like?" he grumbled. "A space ring. Girls can't be kept once they grow up. Even I never got such a gift."
His tone was sour, almost jealous.
Ye Linfang rolled her eyes.
"You're a grown man. Stop sulking like a child," she scolded. "You should be setting an example."
---
A Meal of Gratitude
Smiling secretly, Xue Ruyan placed the takeout box on the table.
"Classmate Jiang prepared this dish to thank you both for your help."
Her grandparents exchanged surprised glances.
"Interesting."
Ye Linfang chuckled. "He's really committed to being a chef, isn't he?"
"We happen to be short one dish."
"It's good that you're thinking of us, Xiao Ruyan," Xue Tanxin added.
---
"I Won't Eat It."
The box was placed on the table.
Ye Linfang was curious.
"Let's see how good this boy's cooking is."
But Xue Tanxin…
"I won't eat it," he said bluntly, peeling his snow-patterned shrimp.
"I don't like pig's trotters. These shrimps are better."
His wife gave him a sharp glare.
"I know you don't eat pig's trotters, but stop showing off and save some shrimp for Xiao Ruyan."
Sitting silently, Xue Ruyan simply smiled secretly—
And opened the lid.