Like a Silly Goose

Young Master Cao disliked cooking.

The whole world knew it.

But...

Why did he dislike cooking?

Because before stir-frying, you had to buy groceries, trim vegetables, wash them, and prep the ingredients.

And after cooking, there was still cleaning up, washing dishes, and tidying the kitchen.

It was all just a series of tedious chores.

If it were just the act of stir-frying itself, that would actually be quite relaxing.

So,

Young Master Cao didn’t dislike cooking per se—to be precise, he disliked the messy, trivial hassles, especially washing dishes. Not only was it greasy,

but it also ruined his skin.

And Young Master Cao’s skin was so delicate right now.

"You buy the groceries, you wash them, you prep them, and after eating, you wash the dishes and clean up," Cao Cheng laid out his conditions.

Ren Yuege frowned. "Then what do you do?"

"I cook. I stir-fry," Cao Cheng said.

"..."

Ren Yuege knew this brat was lazy.

"You’re way too lazy!" she snapped.

Cao Cheng couldn’t even be bothered to argue. "Just say yes or no. If you handle all that, I’ll cook. Otherwise, we’re ordering takeout."

Ren Yuege was speechless. "But I don’t know how to do housework."

Cao Cheng was stunned. "Then how dare you call me lazy???"

Ren Yuege flushed. "We have a maid at home."

Cao Cheng smirked. "Well, now you’re the maid in my house."

Ren Yuege reached out to pinch his ear.

Cao Cheng swatted her hand away. "Stop with the grabbing. Bottom line—if you take care of everything, I’ll cook. Otherwise, no deal."

"Fine, fine! I’ll do it. But you have to teach me. Neither I nor your third sister know how."

"I do!" Ren Yushang spoke up timidly.

Ren Yuege whipped her head around. "How do you know?"

Her expression screamed: We’re twins! How do you have a skill I don’t?

Third Sister Ren Yushang explained, "While you were practicing piano, I often helped Mom wash and chop vegetables."

Ren Yuege blinked, then brightened. "Great! Then you handle washing the veggies and dishes."

Before Third Sister could respond,

Cao Cheng cut in, "Third Sister doesn’t need to lift a finger. She’s a guest in my home—how could I let her work? You’re doing it."

(╬ Ò﹏Ó)

Ren Yuege fumed. "I’m your fourth sister!"

"Save it. So, are you doing it or not?"

"Fine! Just hurry up and cook. I’m starving."

"Here, wash these chicken wings first, then poke holes in them with a toothpick... I’ll teach you how to marinate them."

Third Sister Ren Yushang stood up. "Then I’ll go tidy the room."

Cao Cheng nodded toward the master bedroom she’d stayed in before. "The bedding’s already inside—it’s been airing out all day."

"Got it."

The house buzzed with activity.

The bedroom was quiet as Third Sister Ren Yushang neatly made the bed.

Meanwhile, the kitchen echoed with Fourth Sister Ren Yuege’s noisy protests.

The home suddenly felt alive.

The rice was cooking, its comforting aroma soon filling the air.

This rice smells amazing.

Of course it does.

It was a genuine treasure from a bronze chest—not quite as divine as the immortal tea, but close.

Not only was it delicious, but the fragrance while cooking was irresistible.

While marinating the chicken wings, Cao Cheng had Ren Yuege wash some greens.

Tonight’s main dish was just the wings, with the rest being simple vegetables.

But don’t underestimate them.

These greens... were just from the market, but with Cao Cheng’s masterful cooking skills, they’d taste just as good as meat.

Two burners fired at once.

One for the chicken wings, one for the greens.

Both dishes finished at the same time.

And with a click, the rice was done.

A skilled chef didn’t just control heat—they timed everything to finish together, so every dish hit the table piping hot.

The only downside was the weak stove at home.

With a professional setup, Cao Cheng could’ve worked miracles.

Even so, he delivered.

The aroma was intoxicating.

Ren Yuege took a bite of chicken wing.

"Ahhh! Hot, hot, hot!"

So much for ladylike grace—she hopped around like a fool.

"So good! Sooo good..."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Cao Cheng, about to praise him—but then she smirked. "Who knew someone so average could cook this well?"

Cao Cheng side-eyed her. "There’s a saying: ‘Beat the monk after he chants, insult the chef after you eat.’ I never fully understood it until now. You haven’t even finished eating, and you’re already insulting me? Want me to flip this table?"

"Pfft." Third Sister Ren Yushang giggled.

Ren Yuege flushed. "I wasn’t insulting you! I praised your cooking. As for you... well, that’s debatable. Unless you call me ‘sis.’"

"Sure, sure. I’m ‘average.’ You can go back to Zhonghai tomorrow—Third Sister and I will manage just fine."

"Dream on! I’m staying to protect her. I’m not leaving." Ren Yuege huffed.

The bickering continued,

but the food disappeared fast.

Four dishes—generous portions—

and yet...

they ran out of rice.

Three full servings, gone without a trace.

"This rice is incredible. Where’d you buy it?" Ren Yuege licked her lips.

Cao Cheng said, "Same place as the purple tea."

Ren Yuege perked up. "I want some purple tea!"

Cao Cheng ignored her, turning to Ren Yushang instead. "Third Sister, would you like some?"

[Ding~ Negative emotions +25!]

Ren Yushang met his gaze softly. "I’d love to try."

"Alright. After dinner, we’ll have some to cut the grease. Don’t worry—I’ll step out while you drink." He didn’t spell it out,

but he trusted she understood.

Ren Yushang smiled gently. "Thank you, little brother."

There was still some distance between them,

a slight formality in her tone.

But even that was enough to make Ren Yuege scrunch her nose, feeling like a third wheel.

Negative emotions skyrocketing!

A month ago, when he’d offered her the tea, it hadn’t been like this.

Looking back, Ren Yuege realized—

he’d pretended not to give it to her, luring her step by step into his trap until she made a complete fool of herself.

But now...

with Ren Yushang, he was all gentle?

All considerate?

Why?

We’re twins!

What’s she got that I don’t?

If this brat weren’t looking even hotter lately, I’d beat him up.

And honestly—

Cao Cheng had gotten more handsome recently.

His aura had improved, especially noticeable to Ren Yuege after a month apart.

Third Sister Ren Yushang, having never been this close to him before, didn’t see the contrast as sharply.

But Ren Yuege could tell—

Ren Yushang was acting all prim and proper.

She’s never this demure at home.

Put a cute guy in front of her, and suddenly she’s Miss Manners?

Ugh.

Fake.

Secretly such a flirt.

As dinner wound down,

Cao Cheng asked casually, "How’s Old Cao doing?"

The sisters paused before realizing he meant Uncle Cao.

"He moved out."

"What? Kicked out already?" Cao Cheng grinned.

Ren Yuege rolled her eyes. "Moving out. As in, moving out to live their own little love nest."

Cao Cheng's face fell with disappointment. "How long has it been? Your mom still isn’t over him? Seriously… Choosing some old geezer over her own daughter?"

"…"

"…"

This guy… Is he even her real dad?

What kind of grudge do these two have?