After all that fuss, Xiao Mu’s stomach growled again. Thanks to his "Basic Cooking" skill, he headed downstairs to buy ingredients. He wanted to test if the system’s skills lived up to his imagination.
The moment he gripped the kitchen knife, a strange sensation washed over Xiao Mu. Cooking techniques flooded his mind effortlessly—he just knew what to do. His hands moved instinctively, chopping vegetables with smooth, rapid strokes. No pauses, no hesitation. It was almost mesmerizing to watch.
Xiao Mu felt oddly at ease. He handled heat control, seasoning balance, and timing with perfect confidence. A trace of a smile curled on his lips. For the first time, he realized cooking could be pure joy. He was utterly absorbed.
In about ten minutes, he’d whipped up three dishes: stir-fried pork with shredded peppers, shredded potatoes, and a plate of greens. Ordinary as they looked, they radiated an incredible aroma. Xiao Mu’s mouth watered instantly.
He washed his hands hastily, then couldn’t wait to pop a strand of shredded potato into his mouth.
"Mmm~ Absolutely delicious!" Xiao Mu swore this was the best thing he’d ever tasted in his life. He almost wanted to swallow his tongue!
He quickly sampled the other two dishes. The flavors? Unbeatable!
"System-made, top-tier quality!"
Xiao Mu’s eyes sparkled. He had zero doubts about the system’s skills now. His cooking could rival any five-star chef’s.
Just as he prepared to devour the feast, a knock echoed at the door.
Xiao Mu sighed and went to open it. *Probably that chubby landlady collecting rent*, he muttered. *But it’s not due yet…*
The door swung open. Standing there was… Chuxingyue.
The instant Chuxingyue met Xiao Mu’s gaze, she froze. She couldn’t decipher what lay in those eyes—like contained stars, dazzling and mysterious, yet distant…
In that single second, Chuxingyue was lost in his pupils.
*Ding! Chuxingyue’s favor toward the host increased by 3 points. Keep it up, host!*
The system’s chime confirmed the "Mei Guo" effect. Just one glance earned 3 points? Truly amazing!
"Uh… what… what brings you here?" Xiao Mu scratched his head.
Chuxingyue snapped back, her cheeks flushing pink. *I was staring at his eyes for so long… Ugh, so embarrassing!*
"I… I skipped lunch. Wanted to buy food downstairs, but… your place smells amazing. Could I… eat here?" she stammered.
Xiao Mu pressed a hand to his chest. Before him stood Chuxingyue—cool elegance mixed with childlike shyness. His heart rate must’ve hit 100.
From now on, he truly wanted to win her over. With the system’s help, success was inevitable!
"Of course! We’re neighbors. I’d have invited you anyway. Sorry for the mess, though." Xiao Mu beamed warmly.
"Thank you so much!" Chuxingyue’s gratitude eased her awkwardness.
*Ding! Chuxingyue’s favor toward the host increased by 1 point. Keep it up, host!*
Xiao Mu ushered her in and served a bowl of rice. She seemed genuinely hungry—or utterly charmed by the aroma. Without hesitation, she dug in.
Xiao Mu watched at first. Then he realized: *If I don’t join now, she’ll eat everything!*
He joined the "battle." Soon, plates were scraped clean.
"So good! Better than the chefs my dad hires from overseas!" Chuxingyue murmured, still craving more.
She clapped a hand over her mouth, realizing she’d overshared.
Xiao Mu caught every word. Her refined aura and careless remark confirmed she wasn’t ordinary. *Why rent here if she’s wealthy?* He stayed silent—her secrets weren’t his to pry.
"These dishes are incredible. Did you really make them?" Chuxingyue blinked up at him, curious.
"Yeah. I learned to fend for myself young. Just picked up tricks over time." Xiao Mu lied smoothly.
"Amazing! I’ve tried cooking but failed. Yours tastes professional!" She blushed slightly.
*Of course it is—I have the system.*
"If you don’t mind, I could teach you sometime," Xiao Mu offered.
"Really? Thank you!" Chuxingyue nodded eagerly.
*Ding! Chuxingyue’s favor toward the host increased by 2 points. Keep it up, host!*
Xiao Mu rose to wash dishes. Chuxingyue insisted on helping. He agreed.
To break the silence, she asked, "How old are you, Xiao Mu?"
"Eighteen."
"Senior year, then?"
"Yeah. Graduating in two months."
"I’m twenty. Call me… Starry Moon Sister?"
"Sure, Starry Moon Sister."
Chuxingyue smiled faintly in reply.
Only one plate remained. Their hands brushed reaching for it.
They locked eyes instantly. Chuxingyue’s heart skipped at Xiao Mu’s starlit gaze. She looked away, yanking her hand back.
*Ding! Chuxingyue’s favor toward the host increased by 2 points. Keep it up, host!*
Xiao Mu hid a grin. Her flustered face was adorable—he almost pinched her cheek.
The air turned thick. After washing up, Chuxingyue bolted for the door. Every second here felt like an hour!
"Starry Moon Sister, wait." Xiao Mu called out.
"W-what is it?" She avoided his eyes, face crimson.
"Join me for dinner tonight?"
"Ah… yes. Thanks." She ducked her head and hurried out.
Xiao Mu watched until the door clicked shut. He slumped onto the sofa, drained.
He touched his face. *Was that really me—so calm? Before, I’d never dare talk to her.*
"I’ve truly changed," he murmured. Confidence surged within him. Winning Chuxingyue was only a matter of time.
Her favor had jumped 8 points today—totaling 74. Tonight, he’d push further.
A girl like Chuxingyue wouldn’t slip through his fingers.
Next, Xiao Mu tested the "Super Scholar" skill. After tasting "Basic Cooking," he craved more system wonders.
He grabbed a math textbook. Within minutes, he was stunned. Problems that once gave him headaches now solved themselves in his mind with a glance.
He suppressed his excitement, flipping through other books. Same result! Even English felt simple now.
Xiao Mu burst into laughter. With this skill, the college entrance exam? A joke. National top scorer? Possible!
Minutes passed before he calmed down.
He dove into book after book. Teachers always called learning fun—he finally got it.
Time vanished as he lost himself in pages.
At 6:30 PM, he reluctantly closed his books.
Chuxingyue was coming for dinner. He needed to prepare.
Xiao Mu bought heaps of ingredients. Tonight’s feast would make her obsessed with his cooking.
Win her stomach, win her time. Easy.
