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 Zhaozhouâs 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 didnât expect that the kitchen under Si Huaixiâs 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 hadnât been for Pei Zhaozhou witnessing Si Huaixiâs 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 Peiâs 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 didnât 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 restaurantâŠ
Si Huaixi couldnât help but furrow his brows, his clear eyes filled with confusion. âCould it be that it doesnât suit your taste?â
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, âNo, itâs just⊠surprising that you can cook using ancient methods.â
Si Huaixi replied, âIâve read related books before, Brother Pei. Hurry up and eat. Your stomach isnât doing well, and you havenât eaten much for lunch. You must be hungry.â
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 Huaixiâs 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 Zhaozhouâs pregnancy or the tempting flavor of the savory chicken congee, he had devoured half of the pot without realizing that Si Huaixi hadnât eaten anything himself. Pei Zhaozhouâs eyes revealed a hint of regret, and he slowly put down his utensils, looking at Si Huaixi, and said, âWhy donât you eat with me?â
Si Huaixi glanced at the remaining half bowl of chicken congee and asked, âBrother Pei, are you done eating? Thereâs still some in the pot.â
A hint of impatience flickered across Pei Zhaozhouâs 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, âIâm full.â But, in reality, he wasnât.
Si Huaixiâs gaze swept over the small portion of remaining chicken congee, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He didnât like wasting food but still smiled and said to Pei Zhaozhou, âThereâs still a bit of chicken congee left in the pot. Why donât you take it back and eat later, Brother Pei?â
Pei Zhaozhou didnât really want to go back, but he couldnât come up with any excuse right away. He made a dull âhmmâ 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 Huaixiâs 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 Zhaozhouâs eyes brightened, and he approached Si Huaixi, saying, âItâs raining outside.â
Si Huaixi, somewhat oblivious, actually looked at the balcony. The dark clouds hung low, and raindrops pelted incessantly. He replied, âThen letâs wait until it calms down a bit before leaving.â
Pei Zhaozhouâs eyes dimmed instantly. âWhat if it rains for a long time?â
Accustomed to living alone in the post-apocalyptic world, Si Huaixi glanced at the weather without concern. âNo worries. When it rains heavily like this, it usually stops in a little while. At most, itâll be a couple of hours until it becomes a light rain.â
Pei Zhaozhou unwillingly furrowed his brow. âBut it will be too late to go back.â
Si Huaixi glanced at the clock on the wall, puzzled. âItâs not late. Itâs only a little past six. In two hours, it will be around eight. If itâs too late, Brother Pei, Iâll drive you home.â
Pei Zhaozhou: ââŠâ This opponent was extremely difficult to deal with.
Helpless, Pei Zhaozhouâs eyes darkened. He didnât 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 Huaixiâs expression panicked, and he quickly grabbed Pei Zhaozhouâs arm, saying, âBrother Pei! Is your stomach acting up again? Let me take you to the hospital.â
Pei Zhaozhou tightened his brow, his expression revealing a hint of concealed pain. He lowered his voice and said, âItâs alright. Your porridge helped a lot. Iâm just feeling slightly uncomfortable. Let me rest for a while, and Iâll be fine.â
Si Huaixi couldnât ease his worries but couldnât force Pei Zhaozhou to go to the hospital either. With a serious face, he sighed and said, âThen rest in my room for a while. If the pain persists, Iâll take you to the hospital.â
And just like that, Pei Zhaozhou successfully ended up in Si Huaixiâs bed.
The soft and clean bedding was filled with Si Huaixiâs 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.