Xia Zhi walked to the other side and used the [Eternal Spirit Knife] to cut open the [Cotton Candy Sunsettias].
The inside was filled with a creamy, sticky liquid that oozed out from the cut, like melted syrup, emitting an exceptionally sweet aroma.
Tonight, he would use this to replace the traditional Sunsettia in the soup.
Xia Zhi dipped his finger into the Sunsettias juice and tasted it.
With his Grandmaster-level sense of taste, he instantly understood the nature of this ingredient. After a moment of thought, a new vegetarian recipe using it as the main ingredient formed in his mind. Then, he began a series of smooth, practiced cooking steps.
Xiangling had long stopped kneading the dough and stood to the side, watching her master cook with admiration in her eyes.
As for Guoba, it had somehow made its way to the cutting board and was now carefully licking the creamy juice that had dripped onto it when Xia Zhi cut the Sunsettia.
"Guoba!"
"WOo?"
"How many times have I told you not to eat random things!"
"Woo! Woo!"
"What do you mean waste? That's still not allowed. Come back here."
"Wooh…"
Guoba glanced back at the still-uncleaned cutting board, reluctantly returning to Xiangling's side.
Xiangling pinched its face in annoyance.
But then she suddenly froze, because she noticed that Guoba's face felt much softer and smoother to the touch.
"Woo?"
"Stay still!"
Xiangling also felt Guoba's belly.
The fur on its belly also felt much more pleasant to touch.
"What's going on?"
"Woo Woo Woo Woo."
"Huh? You're saying it's because of what you just ate? No way!"
"Woo!"
"That's amazing!"
By now, Xia Zhi had already started simmering the soup.
The creamy syrup was poured into the pot, and as the water boiled, an incredibly sweet aroma filled the kitchen.
It was as if the kitchen had suddenly transformed into a land flowing with milk and honey.
Xia Zhi covered the pot, and now all that was left was to wait quietly.
He turned around to find his disciple standing in front of him, her face full of curiosity.
"Master, it smells so good!"
"Right?"
"Is it really Sunsettia?"
"It's sort of like Sunsettia."
"Master, look! Guoba drank some of the juice, and now its body feels so soft!"
Xiangling lifted Guoba up.
Xia Zhi poked it gently with his finger.
It did feel very soft.
As expected of a Gold-tier supernatural ingredient. The [Abundance] trait was quite interesting.
"There's some leftover Sunsettia on the cutting board. Guoba can have it if it wants."
"Woo!!!"
"But save a little. I'll take it to my cousin to see if she can grow it."
"Woo!"
Guoba happily ran off to feast.
Xiangling, being a chef, had a strong interest in new ingredients and also went to try some.
"Wow! This sunsettia is so soft and sweet! It's really delicious! Master, you should try some too!"
"I don't need to eat this."
"Okay."
"Do you feel anything special?"
"Not really… just a little sleepy…"
"Let me check your body… There's nothing wrong. You're probably just tired from cooking all day. Go rest well tonight."
"Okay."
After a while, the soup was ready.
Xia Zhi first served a portion for Hu Tao, then had Xiangling bring the rest out.
Since it was completely vegetarian, Miss Ganyu could also have some.
Though she didn't really need it, sitting in the office for long hours could make her body stiff and uncomfortable, so drinking a little would help keep her body soft.
"It's so delicious!"
Everyone unanimously praised it.
After finishing her soup, Shenhe habitually ate a piece of fruit candy.
---
"Chi Yu, why does today's Sunsettia soup feel different from yesterday's?"
"Boss said he added some new ingredients. The effect should be better."
"Really?!"
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with hope as she took a sip.
It felt like she was walking on a soft cloud of cotton candy.
"It's so good!"
"Diona had two bowls."
"!"
Hu Tao's initially satisfied expression turned a bit envious.
It wasn't about whether it tasted good or not. The more she drank, the stronger the effect would be.
"Oh, by the way."
"What?"
"Boss also asked me to bring you some fruit candy. Here you go."
"Candy?"
"He said it's a medicinal catalyst."
"?"
---
In the dream world, it was another familiar five-player gaming session.
Since the easy bots was too weak and the nightmare bot was too strong, Xia Ci became even more determined to set up a server.
Xia Zhen, having experience with creating meditation spaces, was also dragged into the discussion by her best friend.
Xia Zhi silently mourned for Azhdaha, the Dragon beneath Mt. Hulao.
It had been targeted by these two women.
---
The next morning, Chi Yu was shaken awake by Hu Tao.
"Chi Yu! Chi Yu!"
She felt her body being pushed back and forth, her mind still a bit fuzzy, as Hu Tao's excited voice filled her ears.
"What is it, Hu Tao?"
"Look, look!"
"Look at what?…"
Chi Yu opened her eyes and suddenly froze.
After a few seconds of silence, she reached out to confirm.
Naturally, Hu Tao slapped her hand away, her face red.
"Is it real?"
"Yes!"
"Boss is really…"
"Chi Yu! I need to buy new clothes!"
"Boss is hosting a lunch today. I don't have time to go with you."
"Then we'll go in the afternoon!"
"Fine, fine."
"Yay!"
Chi Yu watched Hu Tao's excited expression
Her junior's once modest figure had finally blossomed.
The boss truly had a miraculous touch.