No matter how rough things got for Lixin and the others outside, the three girls at home hastily scarfed down a combined breakfast-lunch. Then, they couldn’t wait to start making chocolates.

"Hmm… let me check…"

Alena began gathering ingredients.

Dark chocolate… white chocolate…

Heavy cream…

Butter…

Cocoa powder…

Perfect. Supplies were plentiful and varied—enough for a big batch.

"I swiped a bunch of chocolates!"

Melly suddenly popped out, dumping a pile of same-brand bars onto the table.

"Let’s skip condemning your utterly shameless, immoral theft for now…"

Alena picked up one bar, glancing at it. "Besides, these use cocoa butter substitute. It’s seriously unhealthy, you know?"

"Ugh…"

Melly slumped like a scolded kid—guilty as charged.

"Just to be sure… do you even know how to make chocolates?"

She trusted her sister’s skills. Alena’s cooking was solid, especially Western sweets like handmade chocolates. But Melly? Who knew.

"I know! You just melt chocolate and let it harden again!"

Hmm… technically true, from start to finish.

"Fine. Watch from the side for now. We’ll call you when you’re useful."

Alena sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She handed the unpacked ingredients to Cleyna, her expression dark.

"Okay…"

Melly admitted defeat.

"Melly, pay attention! I’ll teach you how to make top-tier couple-breaking chocolates!"

Cleyna snapped on gloves and an apron, brimming with energy.

"Ooh!"

"Get serious, both of you!"

…………………………………………………………………………

Alright, time to focus.

Cleyna narrated as she worked.

"First, grab a knife…"

*Whoosh!* She brandished a fruit knife.

"…and chop the chocolate."

…Truthfully, Cleyna’s knife skills were terrifying. The cutting board groaned under her blows. *Easy there, sis!*

"Next… add butter."

She spared the battered board, dumping chocolate shards into a small metal bowl. Then she pinched off butter chunks.

"Step three… Alena?"

"Hold on, coming!"

Cleyna called out. Alena soon arrived with a steaming pot.

"Nice."

Rich cream aroma filled the air—Melly realized it was heated heavy cream.

"Now pour in the chocolate and stir."

*Clatter-clatter-clatter!*

Whoa! Melly heard the whisk and pot straining, yet the swirling black-and-white mixture stayed perfectly contained.

"Melly, help Alena place the molds on kitchen paper, okay?"

"Got it."

Melly hurried over. She noticed Alena’s molds were all stars and animals—but missed the two heart-shaped ones Alena quietly tucked at the edge.

"Done!"

The moment molds were set, Cleyna expertly poured the mixture into each one.

"Now freeze them solid. Simple."

"Can we eat them right after?"

"Stop obsessing over food," Alena chuckled, shaking her head at Melly. *This silly girl thinks about eating more than Lixin does.*

"!?"

Alena suddenly remembered—the computer in her shopping bag needed setup.

She crept toward the bag, hand slipping inside…

"What are you doing?"

"Eeek!"

A voice behind jolted Alena. Only her iron nerves kept her from fainting on the spot.

As she turned to scold the ghost-like girl, Melly was already swaying, eyes spinning like spirals. Perfect chance!

While Melly dazed and Cleyna cleaned up, Alena snatched the whole bag and bolted from the living room.

…………………………………………………………………………

Outside, at the crossroads.

"Here’s the plan: you two head that way for your couple stuff. I’ll wander over here. Meet back here when time’s up. Clear?"

"What’s ‘couple stuff’…?"

Qin Fan almost questioned Lixin’s wording—but the surrounding stares turned sharper. Under the glares of lonely singles, he felt his dignity hanging by a thread.

"Fine, fine. We’ll head off. Don’t forget to message later."

Qin Fan slung an arm over Elwin’s shoulders, steering left. "Heard there’s a killer internet café this way. Way better rigs than handhelds. Let’s squad up."

"Alright."

And just like that, they vanished. *Typical. I wanted to game too…*

"Ugh…"

Lixin sighed. No mood for games today anyway. It was Valentine’s Day—wandering alone might be nice. Rare chance to roam freely; she’d make the most of it.

"Hmm…"

Strolling down bustling streets, she spotted packed gift shops. Her fingers itched to buy something. *Should I grab a little gift? Sales must be on… but walking into those pink stores alone? People might laugh. Wait—I’m a girl now. Should be fine…*

After agonizing, Lixin steeled herself. She bit her lip hard and stepped into the nearest shop.