Aren't You Cold

The eco-park boasts the finest chefs.

Do you know who Young Master Cao’s father-in-law is?

That’s someone who dines at state banquets.

And uses exclusive internal supplies too.

So naturally, Young Master Cao benefits as well.

He established an internal supply office within the eco-park, staffed either by retired experts from his father-in-law’s circle or their disciples.

They operate through the same channels.

But the prices aren’t quite the same.

Because while his father-in-law’s side has rules, Young Master Cao’s side has none—anything money can solve, the exclusive supply channels can provide.

In a way, his father-in-law can’t even compare to Young Master Cao, huh?

The same goes for the chefs.

The true inheritors of the major culinary schools might be slightly less skilled or experienced than the master chefs.

But the gap isn’t huge.

In some cases, the students even surpass their masters—talent matters more than seniority.

Who says older chefs are always better?

This isn’t traditional Chinese medicine.

Besides,

Young Master Cao himself has a decent grasp of culinary arts, occasionally offering pointers that help others improve.

At this level, even a tiny bit of progress counts as a big leap.

And these chefs’ role?

They’re responsible for preparing meals for the top researchers.

Here, they not only earn high salaries but also have time to train apprentices, pass down their craft, develop new dishes, and exchange ideas with peers.

The environment is freer too.

With zero pressure.

……

Tonight,

a grand banquet is being held.

Nearly all eight major Chinese cuisines are represented, with two to three dishes from each.

The nine girls hail from all corners of the country, covering those eight cuisines plus an additional one—Northeastern dishes.

That’s a major culinary tradition too.

A table of over twenty dishes, each a chef’s signature masterpiece.

Outside, such a feast would cost a fortune.

The ingredients alone aren’t cheap.

Young Master Cao is pulling out all the stops.

He’s never stingy with those who’ve earned his gratitude.

Over the past year, these nine have generated an overwhelming amount of emotional value for him—across all of Asia.

They’ve also boosted Cao Cheng’s fame, alongside a fair share of negativity.

Before, people only knew him as Asia’s richest.

Now, they know Young Master Cao’s… life is enviably good. With these nine under his wing, he can practically… well, you get the idea.

The resentment spans the entire continent.

And it’s a constant stream.

Plus, these nine girls themselves can be further… utilized.

So,

a slightly extravagant meal is nothing in comparison.

……

……

The nine arrive in a private car,

slowly entering the eco-park.

It’s been a year since they last returned.

After stepping out, they wander around, pausing here and there—every corner is filled with memories.

Except for Yang Laoliu, the others chatter away, their voices brimming with nostalgia.

Like how they used to play in this courtyard, or practice singing and dancing under those trees!

Or catching butterflies over there.

Or netting fish by the pond.

Yang Laoliu, listening to her sisters, can’t help but facepalm. Just how idle were you all back then?

Are you the Seven Fairies or something?

Spending your days playing, catching butterflies, and fishing?

Why not bathe in the river while you’re at it?

Is this how modern people behave?

Shouldn’t you be on your phones instead?

But…

the scenery here is undeniably stunning, like a paradise. Dressed in traditional attire, it’d feel like stepping back a thousand years.

……

To be fair,

the other eight aren’t deliberately excluding Yang Laoliu.

They’re just overwhelmed by the nostalgia of returning after so long—it feels like coming home.

Deep down, they know future visits will be rare.

Either they’ll be too busy,

or they’ll have to wait for Young Master Cao to summon them.

Finally,

after winding through the gardens and crossing a small bridge over a stream, they spot the young master ahead.

Same as ever, reclining in a chair with his eyes closed, feigning sleep.

From a distance, he looks unchanged since they left.

At least… the young master hasn’t changed.

Still the same lazy demeanor.

A few sisters giggle softly. “Young Master’s still the same.”

“Yeah, exactly the same.”

There’s a hint of emotion in their words—though only they know what it truly means.

Yang Laoliu watches Cao Cheng curiously from afar. She’s met him once before, but they barely spoke, and she’d been too nervous then.

……

The group moves closer,

their footsteps drawing near.

Cao Cheng snaps out of his meditation.

With a glance,

he nearly chokes.

Seriously… you’re not cold?

Young Master Cao can’t fathom these creatures. The temperature’s dropped, especially as the sun sets, yet most of them are still in skirts…

He doesn’t feel the cold thanks to his cultivated inner energy—he could go shirtless in midwinter without issue.

But what do they have?

Just a love for fashion?

“Young Master!” The girls chorus with playful smiles, dipping into a slight curtsy.

Yang Laoliu instinctively mimics the old-fashioned gesture.

Cao Cheng scans them and grins. “Aren’t you cold?”

“Not at all,” the leader answers first.

The others shake their heads.

Truthfully, they’re a little chilly—but they can tough it out.

Besides, Young Master Cao noticed their outfits right away. That’s enough. A little cold is nothing.

Cao Cheng laughs. “You’re all ‘style over comfort,’ I see. Must be freezing. Come on, let’s head inside and warm up. Dinner’s almost ready—it’s all your hometown dishes. Oh, right—Chao Yue!”

Yang Laoliu didn’t expect to be singled out.

The others turn to look.

She’d been lingering at the back, but now all eyes are on her.

“Y-Young Master Cao!” She forces a smile.

Cao Cheng waves a hand. “Stay right there. Let me bow first—my luck’s been terrible lately. Need to pay respects to the lucky koi for a turnaround.”

“……” Yang Laoliu looks torn between amusement and exasperation.

The others burst into laughter.

But the moment eases her tension and pulls her back into the group.

Earlier, after entering the eco-park, the eight sisters had been so caught up in reminiscing that Yang Laoliu was left trailing behind, unable to contribute.

She’d felt utterly out of place.

Now, though, the “lucky koi” joke bridges the gap.

……

Soon,

the group heads to the reception hall, chatting and laughing.

The main dishes haven’t arrived yet, but there’s no shortage of desserts and drinks.

And it’s nice and warm.

Then Cao Cheng brings up their new contracts, asking if they’re satisfied. The girls instantly transform into flattery machines, showering Young Master Cao with praise like it’s free.

Yang Laoliu is stunned.

What’s with these people? Where’s your dignity?

Out in the world, you’re all so aloof.

But around Young Master Cao, you turn into… this?

Of course,

To say it's excessive would be a bit much.

It’s more like the girls have returned to their own home, acting spoiled and sweet with their elders—completely different from how they behave outside.

Yang Laoliu could see it too.

The bond between these eight sisters and Young Master Cao is genuinely close.

She couldn’t help feeling a little envious.

But...

Asking her to flatter and curry favor the way they did, even if just in jest, was something she couldn’t quite bring herself to do.