C25 Tasteless Dishes

Xia Yun had heard about Lanling Western Restaurant in the past, but she never dined there.

It was the most expensive restaurant in the city that specialized in Western cuisine, and its executive chef used to work for the British royal family. They served the most expensive dishes and a wide range of menus, but the costliest option would be their high-grade wagyu steak priced at 200 euros per pound. However, many people still frequented the place, and the seats had to be reserved for one week in advance.

As soon as Xia Yun sat down in her seat, she seemed self-conscious since she had never sampled such exquisite dishes before. She wasn't used to eating western food using only a knife and a fork, and she found it intimidating to try out new dishes, not knowing if she would like it.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhining had no plans of using the utensils laid out before him. He propped both elbows on the table and rested his chin on top of his hands, looking forlorn, as if he had no appetite to eat.

"What's the matter, Ning? Aren't you hungry?"

Xia Yun asked, the concern showing in her voice.

"I'm starving, but I've had enough of all these western dishes." Lu Zhining lost his appetite just by looking at the lavish spread of expensive dishes in front of him.

Lu Zhining peered around and noticed that Xia Yun wasn't eating, either. He asked curiously, "What's wrong, Mom? Don't you like the food?"

Xia Yun smiled at him suddenly, the wariness lifting from her face. "It tastes just fine.”

Having said that, Xia Yun sliced a tiny piece of quail meat and gave it to him.

It tasted superb.

The combination of meat and sauce worked perfectly.

Qian Feng curled his lips and said, "Master, please have a taste of this delectable caviar. This certainly differs from what you normally eat."

Qian Feng felt dismayed that after he arranged everything, from the food down to the smallest details, his efforts still weren't appreciated.

"Okay," Lu Zhining said with a shrug.

He nibbled a bit of caviar and put his fork down right away.

Xia Yun was watching him quietly and couldn't resist asking, "Ning, is there something you want to eat?"

"I'm craving for some noodles," Lu Zhining replied after thinking for a while.

"That sounds great. I think I'll have some, too."

Xia Yun suggested, "Why don't I cook it for you? Is that okay?"

"Really? Do you want to make it for me?" Lu Zhining's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Of course." Xia Yun smiled and turned to ask Qian Feng, "Butler Qian, do we have ingredients for making noodles in the pantry?"

Startled, Qian Feng blanked out for a few seconds before replying, "Yes, we have a full pantry."

"All right, I'll do it then. Please excuse me for a while." Xia Yun got up and sauntered into the kitchen.

For a minute, Qian Feng regarded her uneasily before blurting out, "Young master, are you sure you want noodles now?"

"Yes."

Lu Zhining nodded eagerly as he waited without complaint for Xia Yun to prepare his bowl of piping hot noodles.

"Take all these away," Lu Fengting said brusquely. His insistent voice cut slowly through the silent room.

"Mr. Lu, are you sure..."

"Get rid of these dishes now."

"Right away, sir."

Qian Feng couldn't comprehend why these people would prefer to eat noodles over the delectable feast presented before them.

Seeing the look of excitement and eagerness in Lu Zhining's eyes piqued Lu Fengting's interest, and he couldn't help but wonder if Xia Yun could really whip up a delicious meal.

After waiting for half an hour, he looked at the dishes being carried out one by one.

He saw scrambled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, bean curd, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, fried garlic with lots of chili oil, meat, and various sauces. She aptly prepared everything.

Finally, Xia Yun emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming pot. She gingerly placed the bowl on the table and said with a smile. "Now we can feast on noodles.”

"Yeah, I get to enjoy my noodles now."

Lu Zhining leaped from his seat, grabbed a bowl, and loaded it with noodles.

"Don't overcrowd your bowl with noodles. Otherwise, you can't properly mix the other ingredients well." Xia Yun helped unload some noodles from Lu Zhining's bowl.

Lu Zhining picked up his bowl and started choosing the garnishes. He selected a couple of side dishes like he was selecting a gift.

Xia Yun was thrilled to see how delighted he was. "I have no idea what kind of food you like, so I prepared several dishes.”

"As long as you cooked it all for me, I will enjoy eating them." Lu Zhining's words were the best compliment Xia Yun had ever received.

Still smiling, Xia Yun glanced at Lu Fengting and asked, "Do you want to try it?"

Lu Fengting raised his chin with a calm gaze in her direction and replied, "Give me some."