The Federal Academy of Sciences' announcement went viral, and all citizens chimed in, envious, and just a tad bit bitter. "Ahhh, we want that kind of protection too!"
However, they knew it was impossible. Lu Wanqing was an ancient Earthling, brought back from archaeological digs on Earth by the Federal Academy of Sciences. She was an ancient Earthling revived from over three thousand years ago. Such a rare status was only fitting for Lu Wanqing to be bestowed this honor!
Despite their teasing, everyone was genuinely happy that Lu Wanqing and little Zhong Liyi were safely rescued. They all cheered for them. Some even called for not only the official federal government to protect Lu Wanqing but also for her fans to rise up and form a dedicated fan club for their goddess, Wanqing. From then on, they would be the goddess's guardians and would never forgive anyone who tried to harm her!
Lu Wanqing was surprised by the netizens' enthusiasm, and also delighted. This feeling of being loved by everyone was wonderful, making her inexplicably happy.
However, she was a little unhappy now because the one-year term was up, and she would soon be leaving the Zhong Li family to go to the Yu family.
In just one year, Lu Wanqing hadn't expected to go through so much with her child. Especially with little Yi, upon careful reflection, Lu Wanqing realized that this child had truly changed a lot in this past year. The most gratifying thing was that the child's eyes now had a light in them, a bright spark!
Lu Wanqing was a little worried. The Zhong Li family had a special background, and Zhong Li Feiyu and Marshal Zhong Li had such stern personalities. If she left, would little Yi revert to his old, sullen disposition?
Regarding this issue, Lu Wanqing couldn't hold back and had a very serious private talk with Zhong Li Feiyu. To her delight, over the course of a year, Zhong Li Feiyu seemed to have changed a lot. The areas that needed improvement, which she had brought up, were no longer met with resistance. Her attitude was positive, and she promised to pay attention to the child's emotional space and balance work with rest, rather than treating the child like a soldier in the army and ordering him around, as she had done before.
It wasn't just Zhong Li Feiyu; even Marshal Zhong Li had noticed the problem. He agreed with Lu Wanqing's suggestions and gave his permission.
Just before she left, Marshal Zhong Li looked at Lu Wanqing and somewhat awkwardly made a small request…
"Uh, Wanqing, I have an unsolicited request. I was wondering if you'd be willing to put in a good word for me with the Mu family?" Marshal Zhong Li said, his hands, which were by his side, were a bit sheepishly clasped behind his back, fiddling with his fingers.
Lu Wanqing: "???"
Zhong Li Feiyu heard this and tensed up. He frowned and reminded him, "Dad, Wanqing is just here to take care of the child and the family. She doesn't get involved in military matters!"
The current situation in the federation was already causing unrest among many people. They absolutely could not use Wanqing's connection to mess around, otherwise, the federation would truly descend into internal strife.
Marshal Zhong Li froze upon hearing this, then quickly put on a stern face and scolded angrily, "Who said I was talking about military matters? I'm this old. Don't I know what I can and cannot do? Do I need you to teach me?"
After scolding, Marshal Zhong Li turned to Lu Wanqing, his expression softening with embarrassment. He chuckled awkwardly, "Uh… Wanqing, don't overthink it. I'm not asking you to talk about military matters. It's about… the kitchen."
"The kitchen?" Lu Wanqing was surprised.
Zhong Li Feiyu was also startled. He nervously asked, "What's wrong with the kitchen?"
Little Zhong Liyi, who was nearby, heard this and thought of something. He immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Yes, Mommy, we want a kitchen too! Just like Mu Lan's family! Mu Lan and his dad cook every day. Mu Lan said that he and his dad have learned to cook, and they'll steal Mom away in the future. Mommy, we want a kitchen too! In the future, Grandpa, Dad, and I will all work hard to learn to cook! If you ever consider getting married, you must prioritize my dad, okay? Our family is not worse than Mu Lan's family at all!!!"
The whole family: "???"
Lu Wanqing was stunned. What was little Yi saying? She understood the individual words, but when put together, it was a bit confusing.
Zhong Li Feiyu immediately understood. The Mu family actually did that? That was too insidious!
Marshal Zhong Li also understood quickly. He was shocked, then nervous. He immediately turned to Zhong Li Feiyu and commanded, "Zhong Li Feiyu, heed my order! From today onwards, you will also seriously learn to cook. You must do better than the Mu family!"
Zhong Li Feiyu reflexively saluted and stood at attention, looking at his father, "Yes, Marshal!"
After agreeing, Zhong Li Feiyu realized what he had just said. He was stunned and looked at his father in disbelief—the Marshal of the Seventh Legion!
"Pfft!"
Lu Wanqing couldn't help it and burst out laughing. Hahaha, Zhong Li Feiyu's bewildered expression was too hilarious!
But after laughing, Lu Wanqing also felt a little awkward. She wasn't very clear about the situation with the Mu family, but as for the Zhong Li family…
"Actually, I think if you're really not good at cooking, you don't have to force yourselves," Lu Wanqing said hesitantly.
As Lu Wanqing spoke, she somehow recalled the food Marshal Zhong Li had made before. If all the men in the Zhong Li family cooked like that, would little Yi suffer food poisoning in the future?
Perhaps it would be better to have the household robot do the cooking?
Even if the taste might not be as good as homemade, it was still quite delicious. Most importantly, it would absolutely not cause food poisoning!
"No forcing, no forcing. Cooking is a good thing. Just like you said, a home should feel like a home. It can't be like in the barracks. It might not taste good at first, but with more practice, it'll get better," Marshal Zhong Li's eyes immediately lit up at her words, and he quickly replied.
Lu Wanqing: "..."
Lu Wanqing didn't know if Zhong Li Feiyu liked to cook, but Marshal Zhong Li genuinely seemed to like cooking, even if his cooking was truly terrible.
"By the way, you mentioned something about the kitchen. What exactly was it?" Lu Wanqing remembered Marshal Zhong Li's hesitant words earlier and asked.
Marshal Zhong Li's eyes lit up at her question, and he immediately said, "It's that set of tools you used. Could you please ask the Mu family to customize a set for us as well? Price is not an issue!"
So, that was it!
Lu Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief. She smiled and nodded, "Alright, I'll tell Si Jie."
In fact, even if Marshal Zhong Li hadn't mentioned it, Lu Wanqing was planning to find Mu Si Jie. She had previously thought of introducing ancient Earth culture into the daily lives of interstellar humans through cooking with ancient Earth kitchenware. However, the sudden appearance of the sawfish had disrupted her plan.
Moreover, her pots and some tools were lost on the insectoid planet. At that time, she was focused on escaping and had left many things behind, not picking them up.
She would definitely be cooking in the future, and she would need to make another set of kitchen tools to complete her collection.
"Si Jie?"
"You call Mu Si Jie Si Jie?"
Just then, Marshal Zhong Li suddenly asked.
Lu Wanqing blinked, then asked blankly, "What's wrong?"
Marshal Zhong Li frowned. He cast a cold glance at Zhong Li Feiyu, then looked back at Lu Wanqing. His usually stern face was now adorned with a kind smile. "Wanqing, you see, Feiyu and Mu Si Jie both have a child with you. You've been staying with the Mu family for a year, and you've been with us for a year now. You're already so close with that boy Mu Si Jie. Could you please call Mu Si Jie by his name? And maybe you could call Feiyu by his name too, instead of 'General,' it's too formal."