"The side effect is that?!!"
Xiangling's face filled with question marks.
She had assumed the side effect might be something like diarrhea or stomach pain.
And now you're telling her it's that?
Are you sure the reward was a cooking recipe and not some kind of… suspicious medicine?
"Ahem… Daughter, the reward really is that."
Chef Mao didn't hide the truth.
"But… what kind of food would cause something like that?"
Xiangling still couldn't believe it.
What kind of genius came up with this?
"I didn't believe it before either. But now that glowing dishes exist, a side effect like this isn't impossible."
Chef Mao shrugged.
What he didn't say was:
Compared to the clothes-exploding effect in the manga, this side effect was actually pretty mild.
If Xiangling ever found out about that, she might start questioning reality altogether.
"Forget it. I'll read that manga tomorrow and find out for myself."
Xiangling shook her head and stopped dwelling on it.
She would understand once she saw it firsthand.
"Alright."
Seeing his daughter's determination, Chef Mao hesitated briefly but didn't stop her.
The shop wasn't his anyway.
Even if he tried to forbid it, it wouldn't work.
Besides, once the dish was cooked, she would inevitably witness its effects.
Letting her experience it herself might be better.
Asking About the Reward
"Oh right, daughter—what reward did you get?"
Chef Mao asked curiously.
That manga looked like a martial arts story.
Could the reward be some kind of technique?
"Uh… I… my reward…"
The moment her father asked, Xiangling became awkward.
She didn't know how to explain it.
After all, the technique was… unusual.
And when the person asking was your parent, it was even more embarrassing.
Seeing her hesitation, Chef Mao's curiosity grew.
If she wouldn't say it, he would just ask the boss.
So he turned to Han Feng.
"Boss Han, what reward did Xiangling receive?"
"The Jade Maiden Scripture. It is the supreme technique of the Ancient Tomb sect and the fastest movement technique in the world."
Han Feng explained calmly.
"That sounds like a great reward! Why be embarrassed about that?"
Chef Mao looked delighted.
He didn't know what the Ancient Tomb sect was.
But if it was a supreme technique and the fastest movement skill in the world, then it must be excellent.
Han Feng glanced at Xiangling.
Seeing that she didn't object, he continued:
"However, this technique requires a man and a woman to practice together in an open, secluded place—with their clothing loosened."
"...Huh?"
Chef Mao's eyes widened instantly.
This technique require male-female cooperation?
And in an open area?!
With clothing loosened?!!
Are you sure this is a legitimate martial art?
He suddenly felt this reward was even stranger than his cooking one.
"Daughter… is what Boss Han said true?"
Chef Mao hurriedly asked.
"Mm-hmm."
Xiangling nodded lightly.
She understood the technique was a bit unusual.
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
After all—she was only 14 years old.
Receiving a reward like this was way too intense.
Fatherly Concern
"Listen to your father—don't use this technique for now. We'll talk about it when you're older."
After confirming the details were true,
Chef Mao quickly gave instructions.
He was genuinely worried that Xiangling might get curious and secretly try to practice it.
A truly anxious parent.
"Don't worry, Dad. There are so many amazing manga here—I won't touch it."
Seeing her father's worried expression,
Xiangling found it a little funny.
But his concern was unnecessary.
After learning about the risks,
she had no intention of practicing it anyway.
"Let's head back to the restaurant. I want to try out your new recipe."
"Alright."
Hearing her promise,
Chef Mao finally relaxed.
These manga rewards were incredible—but sometimes they were also shocking.
Someone with a weak heart might not survive the surprises.
Soon after, the father and daughter said goodbye to Boss Han and left the shop.
A Sudden Idea
"Dad, what's wrong? Did you forget something in the shop?"
Xiangling asked when she noticed him lingering at the entrance.
"No. I was thinking about your reward. If you never use it, that would be such a waste. After all, it's the fastest movement technique in the world."
Chef Mao shook his head.
"I'm only fourteen. Even if I use it, it would have to wait until I grow up."
Seeing her father suddenly change his attitude,
Xiangling couldn't help but laugh.
So she joked:
"You're not going to suggest asking Boss Han for guidance, are you?"
"Just as expected of my daughter—our thoughts are exactly the same!"
Chef Mao slapped his thigh excitedly.
"Wait—what?"
Xiangling blinked, stunned.
I was joking.
Why are you taking it seriously?
Chef Mao ignored her reaction and continued enthusiastically:
"If it were anyone else, I would definitely refuse. But Boss Han is such a powerful and mysterious person—he definitely wouldn't be interested in you anyway."
"And since he gave the reward, he must understand it best."
"So if you ask him for guidance, that would be perfect!"
This was the solution he had just come up with.
And the more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.
It would prevent the reward from going to waste and keep his daughter safe at the same time.
Now the only question was:
How could he persuade Boss Han to agree?
His strongest skill was cooking.
Maybe he could prepare a grand feast as thanks?
Xiangling's Fury
While Chef Mao was lost in thought,
Xiangling's face turned dark.
What do you mean he wouldn't be interested in me?
Was she really that unimpressive?
She was a famous young chef in Liyue— and widely considered a pretty girl.
If strangers said that, fine.
But her own father?
That was unacceptable.
"Daughter… what's wrong?"
Seeing Xiangling's dark expression and the aura of blazing anger behind her,
Chef Mao began trembling.
He was genuinely afraid of his angry daughter—even though he had no idea what he did wrong.
"Let's go back and open the restaurant."
Xiangling said through gritted teeth.
If they weren't standing in front of the shop,
she would absolutely teach her father a lesson.
"Y-Yes! Let's go right now!"
Chef Mao dashed off immediately, afraid she would settle the score on the spot.
"Sigh… what a mess…"
Xiangling stood at the entrance and let out a long sigh.
But when she recalled Boss Han's handsome face, her emotions wavered slightly.
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