These past few days of being "tempered" by Elder Jiang, she also became fairly familiar with the electrical appliances in the kitchen and wasn't as clumsy when using them anymore.
She made bird's nest and white duck, five twisted chicken shreds, chicken noodle soup, a plate of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and cut up some fruit. She also carefully simmered the goat's milk.
Although this was nothing compared to the extravagance of the palace, for this time period, it was already quite plentiful.
Fortunately, the ingredients were all readily available and already prepped, and with the help of these advanced metal lumps, the time she spent cooking was greatly reduced.
Seeing the neatly arranged breakfast spread with such colorful dishes, Jiang Ling couldn't help but light up. He immediately sat down and tried the flavors.
"Delicious!" With the first sip of chicken noodle soup, the rich aroma alone made one's appetite surge wildly.
"Although you're still hale and hearty, health is cultivated. Breakfast is especially important. Isn't there a saying, 'Morning gold, afternoon pig's stomach, evening begging'?"
After wiping her hands dry, Rong Dai sat down as well, smiling as she spoke.
"Although the nanny's breakfasts are nutritious, for your digestive system, these hot and nutritionally balanced meals are more suited to your stomach and intestines."
"Not bad, that brat Xiaoti is lucky to have married you. You'll be making me breakfast these next few days as tuition, since I don't come cheap as a teacher."
Jiang Ling said with a laugh, eating up all of the breakfast Rong Dai had prepared.
Rong Dai had thought she made more than enough, she didn't expect Elder Jiang to have such a hearty appetite that he finished it all.
"These are things a student should do," she said with a smile.
She also had selfish motives for doing this. Having spent many years in the imperial harem, she was extremely adept at the methods of pleasing elders.
Although she didn't plan on developing an entertainment career, she would still earnestly learn the things she should.
Do it well, or don't do it at all.
Satisfied with being full from the meal, Jiang Ling was very pleased with Rong Dai's attitude. Today was the fourth day, and he didn't plan on making things difficult for Rong Dai. He started imparting acting experiences and techniques to her.
"Take a look through these works, you can learn a lot. No matter how much you listen and watch, nothing compares to seeing it in person. I still have a few old fellows shooting films in Shenjing, let's go visit the crew tomorrow after you change your outfit."
After a day of teaching, Jiang Ling was very satisfied with Rong Dai's serious learning attitude. After assigning her homework, he exhorted her again.
Rong Dai carefully took note of everything, and Huo Shao Ting's car had already arrived on time outside.
"Does this brat really think I have nothing better to do?"
Seeing Huo Shao Ting arrive so punctually, Jiang Ling couldn't help but say this sentence. He had hoped to have Rong Dai demonstrate her skills again, that breakfast today left him craving more.
"Uncle Jiang, Shao Ting is only so concerned because of the incident some time ago. Please don't take it to heart," Rong Dai hurriedly explained with a smile when she sensed the slight resentment in his tone.
"Alright, hurry up and go, I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet now," Jiang Ling waved them off. Of course he could tell Rong Dai was speaking up for Huo Shao Ting; even though it had only been a few days, he was already quite pleased with this student.
"Then Rong Dai will take her leave first. I will come bother you again tomorrow, Uncle Jiang," she said with a slight bow. Huo Shao Ting had already walked over to her.
Jiang Ling waved them off, then walked into the house with his hands behind his back.
"The restaurant I booked is a bit far, you can rest in the car on the way there," Huo Shao Ting considerately took her bag from her while holding her hand and walking over, speaking gently.
Rong Dai shook her head. "It's fine, I'm not that tired. Uncle Jiang taught very well."
She truly wasn't tired. These things were fresh to her, so of course learning them wasn't tiring.
When the couple arrived at the restaurant, Rong Dai discovered it was another different restaurant.
"This is a French restaurant. You can try more different dishes to aid your culinary skills," Huo Shao Ting gave her a perfect excuse.
Rong Dai felt a warmth in her heart. After what she said last time, his thoughtfulness gave her inexplicable peace of mind, and she also understood his intentions.
After the dinner, the space between the two felt much closer. This was a very romantic restaurant, with independent rooms.
After eating, the two sat together on the sofa looking out at the prosperous Shenjing nightscape outside, with piano music playing in the room.
Such cozy enjoyment made Rong Dai very relaxed, lazily leaning against him without the previous shyness and awkwardness.
Huo Shao Ting's broad hand gently caressed her hair. The fullness in his heart was indescribable.
This must be what peaceful times are like.
Pleasant times always pass quickly, especially when with someone you love.
Rong Dai still had in mind what mother-in-law said to her earlier. The two left the restaurant, and when they passed by a flower shop, Huo Shao Ting had the driver stop. He went in to buy her a bouquet of flowers.
"They're out of red roses, these are lilacs. I will make it up to you next time."
Huo Shao Ting held out the strongly fragrant lilac bouquet to her. Rong Dai was slightly surprised as she accepted them. The ways men and women expressed affection were a bit different from her previous world.
Giving a woman flowers was one of the most common ways.
"Thank you, I really like them." She gently sniffed them. She liked all kinds of flowers and plants. Their pleasant fragrance could keep one in high spirits.
"I'm sorry, I haven't given you anything before this." Huo Shao Ting sat beside her, his eyes showing some self-reproach.
Rong Dai held the flowers, looking at him brightly. Her smile was still gentle as she said, "You don't need to blame yourself like this. The sentiment behind rituals is certainly important, but I care more about how we feel."
Huo Shao Ting gripped her hand tighter. He shouldn't have been so cold before, he should have noticed her troubles in time and given her warmth and safety.
"Do you know the meaning behind lilacs? It's eternal love, not just roses can represent love the best." She explained to him with a smile.
This was the first gift she had received from him since her rebirth. The gift was small, but the sentiment was heavy.
Huo Shao Ting kissed her forehead. The couple returned to the Huo residence and saw Lu Zheng with a worried expression.
"Mother, did something happen?" Rong Dai asked first. She was very concerned that the mother-daughter relationship they had just mended would shatter again.
"Meishu has been arguing with someone in her room since this afternoon. She even smashed her zither and didn't eat dinner," Lu Zheng said anxiously. Her three children all gave her much to worry about, even though they were outstanding.
Rong Dai handed the flowers to Huo Shao Ting for him to take upstairs first. She went over to help Lu Zheng sit down.
She recalled Little Sister had told her before that she was learning classical music and preparing to study abroad. She had likely encountered some difficult issue.
"Mother, don't worry for now. We'll go see what's happening in a bit, it's getting late and you should rest early."
