CH 17

A tempting aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Si Huaixi skillfully cut the chicken into pieces. The tender and white meat had been previously marinated with salt, oil, and minced ginger to remove any unpleasant odor, enhancing its deliciousness.

As the bubbling white porridge heated up in the pot, the chicken pieces were added for a second round of simmering. The fragrant essence of the chicken infused the warm and smooth porridge. Finally, a sprinkling of vibrant green onions adorned the bowl of nourishing ginger chicken porridge.

The creamy white porridge, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh green onions and tender chicken, had been cooked to perfection with the right balance of rice. In the cozy glow of the light, it emitted a comforting, homely feel.

Pei Zhaozhou’s heart stirred slightly. It was the first time someone had taken the initiative to cook for him.

When Si Huaixi was busy in the kitchen earlier, he had asked Pei Zhaozhou to wait in the living room for dinner. Pei Zhaozhou had assumed that Si Huaixi would retrieve some synthetic food from the refrigerator and heat it up, as was the common practice among people of the Interstellar Empire. In the majority of kitchens, the main function was to process and cook various types of synthesized food.

However, he didn’t expect that the kitchen under Si Huaixi’s domain was exceptionally different. In no time, a distinct and enticing aroma filled the air, completely unlike the fragrance that synthetic food could produce.

When Si Huaixi brought the porridge to the table, Pei Zhaozhou looked at the bowl, filled with delightful colors and flavors, and his eyes seemed momentarily bewildered, unable to react.

If it hadn’t been for Pei Zhaozhou witnessing Si Huaixi’s meticulous process of transforming raw chicken into a bowl of chicken porridge, he would have thought Si Huaixi had brought it from some top-notch restaurant.

Si Huaixi thought of Brother Pei’s delicate stomach and decided to prepare a pot of chicken porridge to regulate his digestion.

Occasionally, in the post-apocalyptic world, Si Huaixi would catch wild chickens in the wilderness. Zombies didn’t eat chicken, and coupled with the sparse population in such areas and the absence of people without supernatural abilities, hardly anyone would venture in. Who knew if suddenly there would be zombies or zombie beasts lurking? He managed to capture quite a few and took away numerous wild chicken eggs.

As a native of China, Si Huaixi always carried some seasonings with him wherever he went. His skill in roasting chicken was top-notch, but making chicken porridge was a first for him.

Fortunately, in the post-apocalyptic era, he would read any book he stumbled upon. Unexpectedly, he had come across some recipes, and one of them happened to mention how to make chicken porridge.

Si Huaixi had an excellent memory. As a psychic with a highly developed brain, back when his supernatural abilities were at a lower level, he needed to read something twice to remember it. Later on, he could scan through it once and memorize the entire book.

But even though he had memorized it, this was still his first time making chicken porridge. The kitchen utensils from this interstellar era were not yet familiar to him, and on top of that, the locals had particular tastes. Thinking about those peculiar flavors from synthetic food and the recent experience at that dark cuisine restaurant…

Si Huaixi couldn’t help but furrow his brows, his clear eyes filled with confusion. “Could it be that it doesn’t suit your taste?”

Pei Zhaozhou looked into those bright and adorable sea-blue eyes. The owner of those eyes pitifully glanced at him (though not really), instantly melting his heart. He felt a warm sensation and hurriedly explained, “No, it’s just… surprising that you can cook using ancient methods.”

Si Huaixi replied, “I’ve read related books before, Brother Pei. Hurry up and eat. Your stomach isn’t doing well, and you haven’t eaten much for lunch. You must be hungry.”

Pei Zhaozhou indeed felt a bit hungry. It had been a while since noon, and he had practically been on an empty stomach. On top of that, his pregnant belly was causing trouble, with occasional bouts of nausea, making him lose his appetite.

However, seeing this particular bowl of chicken congee stirred up a hint of appetite in him. Pei Zhaozhou scooped a spoonful of the congee, and his eyes brightened instantly. As the uniquely savory and sweet flavor of the chicken congee spread across his taste buds, the thick and delicious texture melted effortlessly down his throat, warming his entire body from the inside out.

He had never tasted such a delicious congee before. It surpassed even the ancient dishes prepared by the top chefs in the palace! How could it be so incredibly tasty?

Suddenly, Pei Zhaozhou remembered the storybooks from his childhood, where a fairy would prepare an unforgettable feast for everyone in the world. He felt that Si Huaixi was like a cooking fairy!

Soon enough, Pei Zhaozhou started eating with great enthusiasm. His appetite opened up, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he munched and slurped. The bowl of congee quickly reached its bottom.

Si Huaixi’s half-closed eyes showed his satisfaction.

Seeing that Pei Zhaozhou had almost finished eating, Si Huaixi took the initiative to return to the kitchen and brought him another bowl.

Not sure if it was due to Pei Zhaozhou’s pregnancy or the tempting flavor of the savory chicken congee, he had devoured half of the pot without realizing that Si Huaixi hadn’t eaten anything himself. Pei Zhaozhou’s eyes revealed a hint of regret, and he slowly put down his utensils, looking at Si Huaixi, and said, “Why don’t you eat with me?”

Si Huaixi glanced at the remaining half bowl of chicken congee and asked, “Brother Pei, are you done eating? There’s still some in the pot.”

A hint of impatience flickered across Pei Zhaozhou’s face as he suddenly realized he had already consumed six or seven bowls. He probably had nearly finished all the chicken congee in the pot. He awkwardly averted his gaze and said, “I’m full.” But, in reality, he wasn’t.

Si Huaixi’s gaze swept over the small portion of remaining chicken congee, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He didn’t like wasting food but still smiled and said to Pei Zhaozhou, “There’s still a bit of chicken congee left in the pot. Why don’t you take it back and eat later, Brother Pei?”

Pei Zhaozhou didn’t really want to go back, but he couldn’t come up with any excuse right away. He made a dull “hmm” sound and reluctantly finished the remaining half-bowl of porridge.

As he ate, Pei Zhaozhou savored every bite, not wanting it to end. He unconsciously licked his lips.

Si Huaixi looked at the empty bowl, then at Pei Zhaozhou, whose complexion had become rosy, and contentedly took the bowl and chopsticks to the dishwasher.

Pei Zhaozhou knew he should leave after finishing his meal, but his heart lingered, fixated on Si Huaixi’s figure in the kitchen, with his amber-golden eyes staring intently. Unable to resist the temptation, Pei Zhaozhou nervously bit his nail.

Boom!

Suddenly, heavy rain poured outside, accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Pei Zhaozhou’s eyes brightened, and he approached Si Huaixi, saying, “It’s raining outside.”

Si Huaixi, somewhat oblivious, actually looked at the balcony. The dark clouds hung low, and raindrops pelted incessantly. He replied, “Then let’s wait until it calms down a bit before leaving.”

Pei Zhaozhou’s eyes dimmed instantly. “What if it rains for a long time?”

Accustomed to living alone in the post-apocalyptic world, Si Huaixi glanced at the weather without concern. “No worries. When it rains heavily like this, it usually stops in a little while. At most, it’ll be a couple of hours until it becomes a light rain.”

Pei Zhaozhou unwillingly furrowed his brow. “But it will be too late to go back.”

Si Huaixi glanced at the clock on the wall, puzzled. “It’s not late. It’s only a little past six. In two hours, it will be around eight. If it’s too late, Brother Pei, I’ll drive you home.”

Pei Zhaozhou: “…” This opponent was extremely difficult to deal with.

Helpless, Pei Zhaozhou’s eyes darkened. He didn’t want it to turn out like this.

When Si Huaixi came out, he found Pei Zhaozhou sitting on the sofa, hunching his back, occasionally caressing his abdomen with his left hand. His lips were flushed, and his brows furrowed, as if he was feeling unwell.

Si Huaixi’s expression panicked, and he quickly grabbed Pei Zhaozhou’s arm, saying, “Brother Pei! Is your stomach acting up again? Let me take you to the hospital.”

Pei Zhaozhou tightened his brow, his expression revealing a hint of concealed pain. He lowered his voice and said, “It’s alright. Your porridge helped a lot. I’m just feeling slightly uncomfortable. Let me rest for a while, and I’ll be fine.”

Si Huaixi couldn’t ease his worries but couldn’t force Pei Zhaozhou to go to the hospital either. With a serious face, he sighed and said, “Then rest in my room for a while. If the pain persists, I’ll take you to the hospital.”

And just like that, Pei Zhaozhou successfully ended up in Si Huaixi’s bed.

The soft and clean bedding was filled with Si Huaixi’s scent. Unconsciously, Pei Zhaozhou relaxed his mind, his eyelids trembling, feeling drowsy. The baby in his belly also seemed to sense the presence of another father, becoming calm and well-behaved, no longer causing him any trouble.