Chapter 172: Qian Renxue’s "True Fragrance" Law

Qian Renxue hesitated for a moment, but still kept up her prideful demeanor, tilting her head up as her hair slid gracefully over her shoulders:

"I'll only take one bite—just to give you face!"

Dai Chengfeng's eyes flickered with amusement. "Just one bite?"

"It's your own words!"

Qian Renxue nodded confidently, silently reassuring herself: Just one bite—if it's bad, I won't lose much; if it's good, how amazing could it really be?

With that thought, Qian Renxue carefully picked up a small piece of fish and placed it into her mouth.

Delicious!

In an instant, the tenderness of the fish melted on her tongue, its fragrance bursting forth. The unique seasonings brought out the full flavor of the fish without overshadowing its natural sweetness.

Qian Renxue's eyes widened, her pupils contracting slightly in shock. Her teeth gently bit her lower lip.

So Dai Chengfeng can actually cook?

This fish may not match the skills of the top chefs in the Tian Dou Empire's imperial palace, but this was Death Canyon. Compared to the dry rations, this steamed fish was like a taste of heaven.

Moreover, she had never tasted fish like this before. Her eyes sparkled with the novelty of discovering such a unique delicacy.

She instinctively wanted to pick up another piece, but then met Dai Chengfeng's teasing gaze.

"Good?"

Hearing Dai Chengfeng's question, Qian Renxue suddenly remembered her earlier bold declaration: 'I'm not eating it! Even if I starve to death outside, I won't touch your cooking again!

'I'll only take one bite—just to give you face!'

Instantly, Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed red, spreading from her ears down to her neck. In a panic, she put down the wooden spoon and feigned calmness:

"It's just okay, nothing special."

As she spoke, her eyes darted around, avoiding Dai Chengfeng's gaze.

Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow. "Really just okay?"

Qian Renxue nodded stubbornly, her fingers nervously twisting together.

Dai Chengfeng shrugged. "Then don't eat it."

Qian Renxue retorted defiantly: "I don't care!"

But her eyes were glued to Dai Chengfeng, who was now enjoying his meal with obvious relish. Her gaze was filled with longing, and she inwardly cursed:

'Dai Chengfeng, you jerk, why aren't you inviting me again?'

At the same time, she silently regretted…

'If only I hadn't been so boastful earlier!'

Finally, Dai Chengfeng stood up and stretched lazily, a satisfied expression on his face. "I'm full. I'll go for a walk to digest."

He glanced at the leftover steamed fish, his tone playful. "As for these leftovers…"

Qian Renxue stared longingly at Dai Chengfeng, but the next moment, her face fell in disappointment.

"Throw these leftovers away—you can handle that."

With that, Dai Chengfeng got up and left, his footsteps gradually fading into the night.

"Dai Chengfeng, you jerk! You'd rather throw it away than let me eat it?"

Qian Renxue watched Dai Chengfeng's retreating figure, then looked at the large portion of steamed fish still left. The colorful seasonings on the fish glistened under the firelight, and its aroma remained irresistible.

For a moment, she seemed caught in a dilemma.

After a while, Qian Renxue stared at the fish on the plate, as if making a decision.

She glanced up slightly, confirming that Dai Chengfeng wasn't around and that her grandfather had gone to eat and wasn't nearby either. She muttered softly:

"Dai Chengfeng, I have to criticize you for this—it's such a waste!"

"Throwing it away is such a pity. I might as well eat it."

With that, Qian Renxue, wearing a critical expression, eagerly picked up the fish and began devouring it alongside the dry rations.

"Mmm~"

In her excitement, she couldn't help but let out a soft murmur of appreciation, her face glowing with happiness.

"So fragrant!"

By the time only the fish bones were left, Qian Renxue leaned back against the stone, contentedly burping lightly. She elegantly wiped the corners of her mouth with her slender white fingers.

But at this moment, she suddenly felt a gaze fall upon her…

She looked up, nearly jumping in fright. There sat Dai Chengfeng, who had returned at some point, arms crossed, looking at her with a teasing smile in his eyes.

Qian Renxue panicked, stammering: "You… when did you come back?"

Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly. "I've been back for a while. Was it good?"

"You…"

Qian Renxue instantly felt both embarrassed and angry. She grabbed a small stone nearby and threw it at him.

Dai Chengfeng, you're despicable!

Dai Chengfeng easily dodged the stone, smiling at the flustered Qian Renxue. "The esteemed young master of the Spirit Hall, caught sneaking food, and now you're throwing a tantrum?"

He deliberately drew out his words, picking up the thoroughly cleaned fish bones and waving them in front of Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue abruptly stood up, her skirt swaying slightly. "Who… who was sneaking food?!"

"Clearly, I saw you wasting food, so I… I just…"

Her cheeks turned crimson, the moonlight casting a hazy pink glow on her face.

As she spoke, Dai Chengfeng noticed her earlobes were also flushed and glistening.

Dai Chengfeng smiled, gently grasping a strand of her hair that had fallen loose. "Just what?"

"I just want to ask—in the teachings of the Angel God, does it say anything about 'lying being punishable'?"

He casually wrapped the strand of hair around his finger, his grip seemingly gentle but unyielding.

Qian Renxue's breath caught, feeling Dai Chengfeng's warm breath near her ear.

Instinctively, she leaned back, but her waist hit the stone table, leaving her nowhere to retreat. They were so close that she could see the flutter of his eyelashes.

"Let go!"

She tried to push him away, but Dai Chengfeng suddenly leaned in, trapping her between the stone table and his chest.

Qian Renxue, in her panic, grabbed his clothes, her forehead almost colliding with his chin. "Y-you don't get to take advantage!"

"Taking advantage?"

Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, his other hand resting on the stone table, pinning her in place. "Little angel, you haven't answered my question yet."

His gaze shifted, landing on her delicate face, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

Cough, cough.

At that moment, a deliberate cough suddenly broke the silence of the night.

"Young people playing around should still know their limits."

An elderly voice came from the shadows. Qian Daoliu stepped forward, hands behind his back.

His gaze swept over their entangled posture, his eyes glinting coldly under the moonlight.

"Grandpa~"

Qian Renxue, startled as if struck by lightning, pushed Dai Chengfeng away forcefully.

She stumbled back half a step, rushing to Qian Daoliu's side. She glared at Dai Chengfeng while hurriedly straightening her disheveled skirt. Under Qian Daoliu's scrutinizing gaze, her ears burned red once more.

But fearing her grandfather's anger, she quickly explained: "Grandpa, don't misunderstand!"

"He… he was just fooling around with me~"

Qian Renxue's voice unintentionally rose, but her wavering tone betrayed her lack of confidence.

Qian Daoliu's gaze shifted between Dai Chengfeng and Qian Renxue. Finally, looking at Qian Renxue defending Dai Chengfeng, a trace of subtle helplessness flickered in his eyes.

"Xue'er, as the successor of the Spirit Hall, such impropriety is beneath you."

Then, he turned to Dai Chengfeng, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Dai Chengfeng, come see me alone tomorrow morning."

With that, he said no more, turning and disappearing into the night, leaving only the sound of his robes rustling in the air.

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