Liu Ming wasn't wrong; the park really wasn't far from his home. After just a 10-minute walk, the two arrived at the restaurant's entrance.
At this time, Tohru was bored, slumped in a chair on the first floor. Her eyes occasionally scanned the passersby on the walkway outside.
When she saw Liu Ming, her whole demeanor brightened, and she quickly stood up. She excitedly rushed over and hugged Liu Ming.
"Xiao Ming, why did you take so long to come back? I was almost going to look for you," Tohru said, pouting.
"Alright, alright, I'm back now, aren't I? Next time, I'll call ahead," Liu Ming said, patting her head.
"Hehe~" Tohru let out another blissful giggle. But when her gaze fell upon Tadokoro Megumi, her expression instantly changed.
"You're cheating on me!" Tohru looked as if she wanted to fight Tadokoro Megumi.
Tadokoro Megumi, completely unaware of the situation, was startled and retreated several steps.
Liu Ming chopped Tohru on the head. "Don't cause trouble, she's just a guest."
"But~"
"Do you still want to eat dinner?" Liu Ming's words hit Tohru where it hurt.
Ever since she tasted the dishes Xiao Ming made, she found that she could no longer eat anything else.
Just like at noon today, she ate the same old food, but had no appetite at all.
"Alright, alright, I'll go make dinner now. You help me entertain the guest first," Liu Ming said.
"Leave it to me!" Tohru's temper came and went quickly. She poured a glass of water for Tadokoro Megumi.
"Thank you," Tadokoro Megumi shrank her head, her eyes curiously surveying the restaurant.
The decor was very ordinary, even excessively simple. The hall was clearly large, yet there were only a few tables. It was clearly dinner time, but there wasn't a single customer.
If she hadn't seen the sign outside—Liu's Restaurant—she wouldn't have even thought this was a place to eat.
Could it be that the chef's cooking wasn't good, which is why there were no customers?
Tadokoro Megumi's thoughts were a mess now. She didn't know why she had followed a stranger so easily. They had just met, yet she was already going back to his home.
I'm really too careless. Mom, I might never get married.
40 minutes later.
"Tohru, come in and get the dishes!" Liu Ming called out loudly.
"Coming, coming!" Tohru's eyes sparkled as she rushed into the kitchen like a gust of wind.
Tadokoro Megumi, after all, was a gentle person and couldn't just sit there doing nothing.
She also stood up and followed him into the kitchen.
On the kitchen counter were four plates, all covered with opaque lids.
Liu Ming reached out and swatted Tohru, who was trying to sneak a bite, scolding her with a laugh, "What's the rush? I'm not not giving you any. Take them out first."
Tohru didn't feel embarrassed at all. She grinned, picked up two plates, and headed towards the dining area.
"I'll help too," Tadokoro Megumi said softly.
"Thank you," Liu Ming smiled.
"Mm," Tadokoro Megumi responded in a low voice, then reached out and picked up a plate.
Even though he knew Tadokoro Megumi had such a personality, facing it in person still felt a bit strange.
She's too lacking in confidence. She won't be able to become a top-tier chef like this.
"Xiao Ming, hurry up! I'm starving!" Tohru really wanted to open the lids and peek, but she managed to resist.
What else could Liu Ming say? He picked up the last plate with one hand and the rice cooker with the other.
Perhaps it was out of habit, but Tadokoro Megumi naturally took bowls and served a bowl of rice to each person.
"You two are in for a treat today. These dishes took a lot of effort from me.
First dish, Braised Three Yellow Chicken with Chestnuts.
Second dish, Braised Pork Belly.
Third dish, Stir-fried Pork Intestines.
Fourth dish, Straw Raincoat Cucumber.
Missing a soup, it's a bit imperfect, but please make do with it."
Liu Ming introduced each dish as he uncovered it.
However, no one was listening to him anymore. After he uncovered the first dish, both of their attention was no longer on him.
The golden-yellow chicken pieces, tender and glistening, topped with sprinkles of green onions, were as beautiful as a painting. The oily yet non-greasy aroma alone made one's throat stir.
Every dish seemed to implicitly suggest the words "delicious."
"Don't be shy, you can start eating," Liu Ming said, seeing them both staring blankly without any intention of starting, so he had to prompt them.
Dishes are made to be eaten. If they didn't start, wouldn't all his effort be wasted?
"I won't be polite!" Tohru quickly picked up a piece of pork belly.
"Oh, this taste is exquisite! Fatty but not greasy, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet. With one bite, the juices burst out, a pure enjoyment. Soft, tender, sweet, yet also salty.
It's simply amazing! As expected of Xiao Ming, your cooking is so delicious! I can't live without you for the rest of my life!.