Chapter 82: Lu Sinian's Culinary Skills

A faint smile lingered on Lu Sinian’s lips as he glanced at her again through the rearview mirror, his voice gentle: “Nothing matters more than you.” Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered; she didn’t reply, unsure what to say—he had already voiced what needed saying, yet this man seemed to delight in teasing her.

She was long past those naïve, youthful days, and all her love had once been squandered on someone unworthy, draining her of every last feeling until all that remained was a heart in pieces.

Lu Sinian had always been perceptive; sensing Mu Yinyin’s discomfort with this topic, he refrained from pressing further. Even if she’d liked the subject, he wouldn’t have dwelt on it—some things lose their meaning when repeated too often.

Soon, he deftly changed the conversation, and the two of them chatted easily until they arrived at Mu Yinyin’s home, where he finally brought the car to a stop.

Lu Sinian got out and opened the back door for her. “Would you care for my attentive service?” His smile remained gentle, his manner relaxed; even though his so-called attentive service implied carrying her out, there was nothing inappropriate in his demeanor.

His innate elegance was enough to make countless women lose themselves in fascination.

Some men, no matter how handsome, exude a cloying air, but not him; with him, it was impossible not to be drawn in.

Mu Yinyin understood his implication perfectly well, merely raising an eyebrow before getting out of the car herself without a word.

Lu Sinian stayed close by her side, watching her every step, ready to catch her should she stumble.

Today, Gu Xiaoqi and the others had wanted to visit, but Mu Yinyin had politely refused. She had intended for her assistant to pick her up, yet it was Lu Sinian who ended up doing so.

Once she had settled onto the sofa, Lu Sinian sat across from her, his lips curved in a faint smile as he asked gently, “What do you plan to eat tonight?”

It was already past four in the afternoon.

Clearly, Lu Sinian had no intention of leaving—he meant to stay for dinner. Mu Yinyin, of course, couldn’t bring herself to turn him away. She looked at him softly. “What would you like to eat?”

Lu Sinian considered for a moment, raising an eyebrow at her. “Why don’t I cook?”

Mu Yinyin was genuinely surprised. “You can cook?”

Lu Sinian’s slender fingers tapped his knee twice, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Is that so strange?”

Mu Yinyin’s gaze shifted, but she said nothing. Over the years, she’d never once seen Fu Siyan cook. She had assumed that men of their standing would never set foot in a kitchen. That Lu Sinian would offer to cook—one could only imagine his skill.

“So, what do you say? Would you like to try? Do you trust me?” Lu Sinian studied her.

Mu Yinyin smiled wryly. “Then I’ll trouble you, President Lu.”

She left it at that. A gentle smile lingered on Lu Sinian’s lips as he rose and slipped off his suit jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt. He undid his cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves with an elegance that was almost mesmerizing.

Mu Yinyin silently observed him, saying nothing at all.

Lu Sinian returned her smile before heading to the kitchen.

There was an abundance of fresh ingredients in the refrigerator, and Lu Sinian picked from what was there without hesitation.

Mu Yinyin followed him in.

He turned to her, “Everything here should be what you usually like, right?”

She nodded. “More or less.”

She stood at the kitchen doorway, not intending to help—curious to see what kind of dishes this young master could produce.

Lu Sinian said nothing more, washing and preparing the ingredients with practiced hands, each movement fluid and assured.

Mu Yinyin’s eyes widened in astonishment.

She hadn’t expected that even his knife skills would be so refined.

Every sliver of potato he sliced was thin and even, and his speed was incredible—as if he spent his days cooking in the kitchen.

Yet, given who he was, who would believe that?

With that time, he could be signing contracts worth untold sums.

“You don’t have to keep me company here,” Lu Sinian said, never pausing in his work. “You can go rest, or watch some TV if you like.”

Mu Yinyin lifted an eyebrow. “No, I’m just curious about your skills.”

Lu Sinian’s lips curved. After a pause, he said quietly, “My mother was never around when I was young, and I wasn’t of much importance at home, so I learned to rely on myself.”

Mu Yinyin was startled, looking at him in surprise. “You cooked for yourself as a child?”

Lu Sinian smiled but said nothing, which was answer enough.

Mu Yinyin was momentarily taken aback, pressing her lips together, but said nothing more.

These were his private matters; since he didn’t speak of them, she would not pry.

Soon, Lu Sinian spoke again, “Go and rest. Give me half an hour—the dishes are simple, they’ll be ready soon.”

Mu Yinyin glanced at him, then agreed, “Alright.”

With that, she left the kitchen.

Half an hour later—

Lu Sinian brought out the dishes, still wearing an apron.

The sight almost made Mu Yinyin laugh—a dignified president of the Lu Group, standing there in an apron, carrying two steaming plates of home-cooked food.

One was stir-fried shredded potatoes with green peppers and pork, the other tomato and scrambled eggs.

He set down the plates and looked at her. “You can wash your hands and eat now.”

“Alright.” Mu Yinyin put down her magazine and went to wash up.

When she returned, she found all the dishes neatly arranged on the table. The rich aroma filled the air, and she realized she was hungry.

In addition to the two earlier dishes, there were cola-braised chicken wings, beef with radish, and a mushroom soup.

Four dishes and a soup, all prepared so quickly, each one vibrant and fragrant.

“You’re amazing,” Mu Yinyin said from the heart, truly surprised.

Lu Sinian smiled gently. “If you like it, I can cook for you in different ways in the future.”

Mu Yinyin couldn’t help but laugh. “Better not; you should save those hands for signing contracts. Cooking isn’t really your line of work.”

Lu Sinian, sitting across from her, gazed at her with warm eyes. “It depends whom I’m cooking for.”

Mu Yinyin hesitated, but then smiled. “Let’s try your cooking.”

Lu Sinian raised an eyebrow and handed her a pair of chopsticks.

Mu Yinyin accepted them and picked up a piece of egg, placing it in her mouth.

Her eyes brightened—the tang of tomato, the sweetness of egg, the rich flavors mingling on her tongue. She couldn’t help but take another bite.

Lu Sinian raised an eyebrow. “Not bad?”

“How could it be just ‘not bad’?” Mu Yinyin helped herself to some beef, laughing softly. “It’s truly excellent.”