Chapter 109: How Could This Possibly Be Acceptable?

“I’m going to use this milk to make a dessert, and once it’s ready, I’ll let you try it—I know you’re a little foodie,” Zhang Xiaolan said with a smile, gently tapping Xiao Lian’s nose. Knowing how much she loved to eat, Xiao Lian was naturally thrilled at the mention of food.

After much preparation and waiting, Zhang Xiaolan finally finished. Though the ingredients were simple, the process required patience and careful attention. Fortunately, Xiao Lian’s eager assistance made the task much smoother than if she had done it alone.

Since there was plenty of milk, she made extra portions. Once done, she let Xiao Lian sample it first. Zhang Xiaolan’s heart beat nervously—she hadn’t made this in a long time and wasn’t sure about the proportions. She asked, “How is it? Is it alright?”

“It’s delicious! I’ve never tasted anything like this before,” Xiao Lian exclaimed, nodding enthusiastically. Her mouth was busy savoring the treat, but she managed to affirm her approval.

Encouraged by Xiao Lian’s praise, Zhang Xiaolan gave a double thumbs-up, knowing well that young girls adored such flavors. Today’s creation was undoubtedly a success.

What she didn’t know was how Li Rui would react. She wanted to make something tasty for him as well, but lacking culinary skills, this was the best she could do—her specialty, at least.

Carrying a bowl, Zhang Xiaolan went to Li Rui’s study and set it before him. He looked at the contents and asked, “What is this?”

“It’s made especially for you. Before, only my parents got this kind of treat,” Zhang Xiaolan said with a smile. She had learned to make it from her mother and had only made it once before for them. Now, with no chance to do so for her parents, she was making it for the one she loved.

“It looks a bit like tofu, but not quite. It also reminds me of soy,” Li Rui said, lifting the bowl to inspect and smell it. He guessed it might be some kind of soy dish, as it had a rich, sweet fragrance.

“It’s not tofu. It’s made from ordinary ingredients and is called ‘Double Skin Milk,’ a dessert or snack popular where I’m from. I even let Xiao Lian try some earlier—girls love this flavor,” Zhang Xiaolan explained. The smooth, sweet, creamy texture was her favorite.

Sharing something she loved with Li Rui was a joy in itself and a way to thank him for his care during this time. Zhang Xiaolan had little else to offer but her actions.

“Xiao Lian already ate some, so I’m not the first to try it,” Li Rui teased, a hint of jealousy in his tone—a rare playful moment between them.

“You’re the first—the very first person I fed with my own hands,” she replied with a smile.

Zhang Xiaolan caught the meaning behind his words and knew he wasn’t truly upset. Smiling sweetly, she scooped a spoonful and, as if coaxing a child, fed it to him.

“So, how is it? Not bad, right?”

“Mmm! It’s tender, sweet, melts in my mouth, and leaves a lasting aftertaste,” Li Rui said, clearly in high spirits. His smooth, teasing tone betrayed his delight.

“Big Brother Li, you’re using so many adjectives—it’s a bit exaggerated!” Zhang Xiaolan chided, refusing to let him off the hook. It was tasty, yes, but such praise made her blush.

“Not exaggerated. Everything you make is wonderful,” Li Rui said sincerely, reaching out to hold her hand with a tender tone.

This moment, perhaps, was the happiest he had felt in years—a long-lost feeling that had not visited him for a very long time.