Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Although it wasn’t her first time meeting her future father-in-law, Ye Youyou’s stomach was still in knots.

  Seeing that they didn’t manage to have a meal together the previous night, Ye Youyou woke up early to begin her food preparations. She wanted to demonstrate her culinary skills to Li Xiao.

  When she saw Li Jinnan heading to open the door, Ye Youyou could feel her heartbeat speed up. She quickly shook her muscles loose before turning to look at the entrance.

  Li Xiao had not come alone. By his side was a young, handsome boy.

  Li Jianqian walked in. When he saw Li Jinnan, he called out happily, “Uncle!”


  Li Jinnan waved at him and said, “You’ve grown taller! Are you enjoying life in the Capital?”


  Li Jianqian nodded his head in response and replied, “Yeah! Grandpa and Grandma both treat me really well. There’s an older boy who lives next door who’s always teaching me something new.”


  “I’m glad to hear you’re getting used to it. Come, do you know this person?” Li Jinnan turned and pointed to Ye Youyou.

  Li Jianqian immediately greeted, “Hello, Aunt.”


  If this had been any other occasion, Ye Youyou would have acknowledged the greeting right away.

  However, Li Xiao was present, so Ye Youyou didn’t dare respond.

  If she answered to that form of address, would Li Xiao think she was jumping the gun?

  She instinctively looked toward Li Jinnan. He raised his eyebrows and said, “The child just greeted you.”


  Ye Youyou smiled wanly but acknowledged the greeting. She waved Li Jianqian over. “Hurry and wash your hands before dinner. Uncle, the food is ready.”


  Li Xiao nodded his head and looked at the scrumptious spread laid out on the table.

  His sharp and bright eyes did not reveal his mood, but he said, “You’ve worked hard, Xiao Ye.”


  His form of address toward her had changed artfully from Miss Ye to Xiao Ye.

  Even though the change was trivial, it was enough to make Ye Youyou happy.

  After apportioning rice for each individual, Ye Youyou conscientiously took her place beside Li Jinnan in silence.

  She had prepared seven dishes and a soup. It was a delectable spread.

  Moreover, each dish required much effort.

  The food looked, smelled, and tasted good. The meal was worthy of a thumbs-up.

  Li Xiao didn’t bother with formalities. He picked up his chopsticks and helped himself to a pork rib.

  He had assumed that since Ye Youyou was a Northerner, even though the dishes she had prepared were Southern dishes, they would still retain a little of the Northern tastes.

  Unexpectedly, Li Xiao’s first bite resulted in a huge surprise.

  He put his chopsticks down and complimented Ye Youyou. “Not only is Ye Youyou good looking, but she’s also a really good cook too. Not bad at all!”


  Ye Youyou was a little embarrassed by the compliment and replied, “Uncle, you’re flattering me. These are but just common home-cooked dishes.”


  Li Xiao didn’t speak any further. He took his time eating, occasionally glancing at Li Jianqian.

  Li Jianqian was seated among his family members, so he didn’t bother to maintain his distance.

  He picked up his chopsticks and reached out his stumpy arms to pick out food for himself.

  After he took a bite, Li Jinnan asked, “Is Aunt’s cooking tasty?”


  Li Jianqian nodded his head and replied, “It’s delicious!”


  Ye Youyou smiled. She piled more food onto his plate and said, “Eat more if you find it delicious. Come, try this.”


  “Let him help himself. This guy isn’t skilled enough when it comes to using chopsticks. He needs the practice,” Li Jinnan said.

  Li Jianqian refused to accept the criticism and rebutted, “Says who? I’m really skilled at it! Grandpa and Grandma compliment me about it all the time! Look!”


  He moved his chopsticks to show off and said, “Ersu doesn’t even know how to use chopsticks yet!”


  “Ersu is smart! She’s able to order Mosen to be her stepping block whenever she wants to climb over the fence to sneak into the backyard and steal raspberries.” Li Xiao chuckled and continued. “That young lady is really crafty. Dasu, you’re a lot better behaved. You’d better not learn from your sister.”