Kael and Xiangling had barely finished preparing the banquet when Mona's urgent voice came rushing toward them.
"Kael, Xiangling, Chef Mao woke up!!!"
They immediately sprinted toward the inner courtyard.
The moment they entered the room, they saw Mona helping Chef Mao sit up from the bed.
After a full night's rest, Chef Mao felt better than he had in a long time. He hadn't felt this energized in ages.
His eyes brightened as he looked at the two who had rushed in, and a warm, fatherly smile appeared on his face.
"Xiangling, Kael."
Kael froze mid-step.
Had he misheard? Chef Mao… knew his name?
That shouldn't be possible. In reality, Chef Mao had no reason to know who he was.
Which meant… the Chef Mao from the Life Simulation hadn't entirely disappeared?
Xiangling didn't notice anything strange. She let out a cheer and threw herself into her father's arms.
"Dad! You're finally awake! You fainted yesterday and scared me and my brother half to death!"
Chef Mao patted her braid gently. "Did I? Then you and your brother… wait."
He suddenly went stiff.
"How long was I out?! I promised to prepare Lady Ningguang's banquet! No… this is terrible… such an important matter…"
Xiangling smiled. "Dad, relax! My brother and I already finished the banquet and sent it over. Everything's fine."
Hearing that, Chef Mao finally let out a long breath of relief.
"That's good… that's good…"
He glanced at Xiangling. "Your cooking is creative, but a bit too wild. Sometimes your dishes are… difficult to serve to important guests."
Mona nodded repeatedly.
Yes, yes, yes. Last time Xiangling had her taste-test something, she'd nearly died from it.
Chef Mao continued, "Your brother is much more steady. With him helping, I can rest easy about the banquet."
…?
Why was he calling him "your brother" so naturally too?
As if he had already accepted him completely…
Kael felt more confused than ever.
Which Chef Mao was this?
Chef Mao looked at him kindly.
He still remembered the scene from his dream clearly.
He had gone to another world.
In that world, Kael had been his son who died young.
No wonder the moment he saw Kael in this world, he felt that instinctive closeness and overflowing affection.
It turned out they already shared such a fate in another life.
Except…
Thinking of the spirit altar in that world, Chef Mao sighed softly.
That version of himself had suffered greatly. His son had died far too young.
But here, Kael was alive. Standing right in front of him.
A firm look flashed in Chef Mao's eyes.
He would protect the Kael of this world no matter what.
"Um… Chef Mao…"
Kael hesitated, ready to ask how Chef Mao knew his name.
He needed Chef Mao's reaction to confirm which version he was dealing with.
But Chef Mao cut him off. "Since Xiangling calls you her brother, why don't you call me Dad as well?"
Kael blinked. "I… what?"
Xiangling didn't think there was anything strange about it. She kept nudging him excitedly. "Yeah, just call him Dad!"
Kael looked into Chef Mao's eyes, saw the emotion inside them… and thought about all the memories he'd shared with the Chef Mao from the Life Simulation.
His chest tightened.
"Dad…"
"Yes, yes!" Chef Mao burst into laughter, though tears slid silently down his face.
He had been waiting to hear that word for years.
[Chef Mao Pain Value -10. Current Pain Value: 0.]
Chef Mao wiped his tears away.
Now, only joy remained in his heart.
"You and Xiangling are home in Wanmin Restaurant again. Tonight, we're celebrating. Dad will cook something special for you both."
"Dad!" Xiangling quickly stopped him as he tried to get out of bed. "You just woke up! Should you really be going back into the kitchen?"
"Of course I can!"
Chef Mao straightened his back and gave her a stern look. "I've never felt better! Move aside. I'm making Boiled Fish for your brother!"
"Alright, alright."
Xiangling surrendered under his glare. "I'll be your assistant then…"
Watching the two of them bicker, Kael's lips tugged into a small smile.
"Then I'll help too…"
But before he could finish, several Millelith rushed in and interrupted him.
"Which outsider prepared Lady Ningguang's banquet today?"
The captain of the squad looked around the room.
Kael raised a brow, stepped forward, and said calmly, "That would be me. What's the issue?"
The captain gestured sharply. "Take him."
"Wait!"
Xiangling jumped in front of Kael. "What's going on? Why are you arresting my brother?"
A magic book appeared in Mona's hand as she silently prepared for combat.
"This is Lady Ningguang's order. If there's a problem, she'll question him herself."
Water shimmered faintly around Mona's hand, but Kael shot her a look, stopping her immediately.
If it was Ningguang, things should be fine.
She was one of his major love interests in the Life Simulation.
If she had sent the Millelith, it was probably just a misunderstanding.
Kael reassured them. "Xiangling, Dad, don't worry. I'll go with them. I'll be back soon."
Chef Mao looked anxious. "But…"
"It's alright. The innocent stay innocent. I trust Lady Ningguang will give me justice."
He turned to Mona. "Stay here and watch over Wanmin Restaurant. Don't act rashly."
Mona bit her lip, frustrated. "I'll wait for you for three days."
Kael understood what she really meant.
She would give him three days. If he didn't return… she'd storm Ningguang's office.
Her concern warmed him, but she was too naïve.
Just Ganyu alone—secretary of the Liyue Qixing, a qilin who'd lived for thousands of years—was not someone Mona could handle.
Liyue was full of hidden power. Charging in blindly was impossible.
Kael gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. I'll be back within three days."