When Lin Xiao brought breakfast out from the kitchen, the dining table was already full.
"Mom, Dad, good morning," Lin Xiao greeted Luo Buyu and his wife, placing the breakfast on the table.
"Mr. Lin, allow me to help," Gu Qingyun quickly came over, assisting Lin Xiao in serving all the dishes.
"No need, you're a guest. Just sit there comfortably," Lin Xiao said, swiftly placing the remaining dishes on the table. He noticed the curious gazes from Luo Buyu and his wife and didn't offer much explanation. Instead, he addressed Gu Qingyun, "It's simple fare, please don't find it lacking."
"Not at all! Mr. Lin's breakfast, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, is nutritionally sound and clearly prepared with great care," Gu Qingyun said, his heart leaping. This was clearly Lin Xiao hinting that he should be mentally prepared.
Lin Xiao's lips twitched upon hearing this, a faint urge to laugh suppressed.
Luo Buyu exchanged a more bewildered glance with his wife. Gu Qingyun's demeanor was… exceedingly deliberate in his flattery of Lin Xiao. Someone who could elicit such fawning from the head of the Gu family must have an extraordinary identity.
Luo Qinghan was not particularly fond of this father and son duo. While eating breakfast, she occasionally showed concern for Xun'er, wiping away remnants of food from her mouth.
Once Gu Qingyun and his son were mentally prepared to eat, they both froze simultaneously. The taste… it was familiar? Although it was a very ordinary bowl of ramen, it was clearly freshly made. Both the broth and the toppings were exquisite, the texture and seasoning of the meat perfectly balanced, and it even carried a hint of Shanghai flavor. They were clearly eating something different from the Luo family; the Luo family's bowls had a layer of chili oil, its rich, stimulating aroma detectable even from a distance. It was obvious Lin Xiao had prepared a special dish for them, considering their preferences.
"This is delicious!" Gu Hanyun exclaimed in surprise. "This is better than anything I've tasted from any noodle chef in Shanghai! The texture and flavor of the noodles are almost perfect! My heavens!"
The final "My heavens" was slightly exaggerated, and even Gu Qingyun found it a bit much. He wondered if his son, who claimed to be a good actor, was truly so. He understood now why Sister Shuang, despite her disposition, was someone his son fancied.
"Ahem." Lin Xiao almost choked while eating his noodles. Gu Hanyun's outburst had clearly dropped the temperature of the entire dining table by a degree, creating an awkwardness that sent shivers down one's spine. Only the two children, Luo Bing and Xun'er, wholeheartedly agreed with Gu Hanyun, "My dad's cooking is delicious, right!" Xun'er said proudly.
"Mr. Lin, with your culinary skills, if you were to participate in the Chef God Competition, I doubt Mr. Zhou would stand a chance," Gu Qingyun added, sighing with admiration.
Only then did Luo Bing timidly say, "Uncle-in-law said, 'Do not speak when eating, and do not talk when sleeping'…"
Gu Qingyun furtively glanced at Lin Xiao, noticing the look of utter exasperation that practically conveyed a desire to kill him. He then lowered his head awkwardly, chewing his food slowly. This breakfast was undoubtedly a first for Gu Qingyun. Both in terms of taste and the oppressive pressure. He felt as if he had returned to his childhood, to the days of growing up under the strict tutelage of his grandfather.