"Fine," Chen Lishu replied to Madam He's question somewhat absently. Her mind was occupied with the thought of a weasel wishing the chickens a Happy New Year – ill intentions all around. She wondered what schemes Zhang Wan'er was cooking up this time, perhaps she had drugged the medicine?
The main issue was that Zhang Wan'er wasn't a good person, and Chen Lishu dared not gamble with Madam He's health. It seemed she would have to find an opportunity to have this herbal medicine checked for any other problems.
Seeing Chen Lishu lost in thought even while eating, Madam He sighed with a hint of helplessness, but mostly concern. Without disturbing Chen Lishu's contemplation, she turned to Zhang Wan'er, a polite yet distant smile gracing her lips. "You really shouldn't be cooking anymore; it's best to leave such matters to the servants. If word gets out that the young lady of the Zhang family is cooking in our home, people might think we are terribly ill-treating you!"
Before Zhang Wan'er could respond, Qin Yue chimed in, echoing Madam He's sentiment. "Exactly. Miss Zhang lives a life of being showered with attention at home. Why come here to suffer?"
Zhang Wan'er shot Qin Yue a glare, wondering what that bitch was up to. Didn't she realize these words could very well displease Madam He? Could she still be holding a grudge and deliberately choosing this moment to frame her? The thought solidified, and Zhang Wan'er's smile froze. Just as she was about to explain, Qin Yue spoke again, "But doesn't this just prove how truly good Zhang Wan'er is to you, Madam? I daresay a pampered young lady like her wouldn't even cook for her own parents at home. Cooking for you shows how much she values you! I'd say she's worthy of being called a daughter."
Hearing Qin Yue's words, Zhang Wan'er's heart, which had been in her throat, finally relaxed. Fortunately, this fool hadn't failed her at a critical moment.
However, Madam He was not impressed by Qin Yue's words, nor did she find Zhang Wan'er particularly thoughtful. Instead, she retorted, "It doesn't matter if she's good to me; I'm an outsider, after all. Your parents are the ones who gave birth to you and raised you. How can you cook for a stranger but not for your own parents? Alright, let's not trouble Miss Zhang with these things anymore. If your parents were to find out, wouldn't they be heartbroken? And as for boiling medicine, we won't need Miss Zhang's assistance either. I've already found a professional. Our family is large and wealthy; hiring an apothecary to boil medicine is not a difficult task."
Qin Yue hadn't expected Madam He to be so blunt. She cast a pitying glance at Zhang Wan'er, wondering if she herself could remain so calm if her good intentions were met with such rebuff. She likely would have flipped the table in anger.
Compared to Qin Yue's indignation, Zhang Wan'er appeared much more composed. She hadn't expected a mere couple of small gestures to impress Old Madam He. As Old Madam He had said, their family was prosperous, and many people sought to curry favor with them. Why would they be grateful for such minor efforts? Therefore, when faced with Old Madam He's dismissal, she first smiled calmly and then said unhurriedly, "It's no trouble at all. I have nothing else to do, so consider it a way to pass the time. Besides, I didn't come here without any purpose. Lishu, may I see your design drafts? My uncle has been very interested in this matter recently. He wants to bring glory to the country but is hesitant to approach you directly, so he asked me to take a look."
"Bring glory to the country?" Madam He scoffed upon hearing this, her intentions practically written on her face.
Chen Lishu also chimed in at this moment. "The competition entries are confidential. Moreover, Uncle Lin initially informed me that the competition was a friendly match between myself and Miss Alice. How did it become a national affair, requiring Chief Yang himself to pay attention? I wonder if Chief Yang is genuinely concerned about the competition or if he's using his position to facilitate other matters. I believe the latter is more likely, as Chief Yang has already used his authority to handle many unsatisfactory affairs."
Zhang Wan'er's face displayed an awkward smile upon hearing Chen Lishu's words. She quickly changed the subject. "Now is not the time for such discussions. Let's hurry and eat breakfast; I fear the food will go cold and lose its flavor."
After speaking, Zhang Wan'er turned and entered the kitchen. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Her previous words were merely a tactic to divert the conversation. As long as she wasn't kicked out of the courtyard, she wouldn't hesitate to involve her uncle, even if it meant dragging him along. After all, she hadn't done anything excessive by exploiting her uncle's influence this time.
Entering the kitchen, Zhang Wan'er looked at the dishes before her, a calculating glint in her eyes. She then picked up a jar of salt and added half a spoonful to the pot.
---
Outside the living room.
Qin Yue's expression became animated as she saw Zhang Wan'er's predicament. Regardless of who won or lost this battle, it was a good outcome for her! However, she hoped Zhang Wan'er would win the competition. After all, Zhang Wan'er, like herself, had experienced unrequited love. Zhang Wan'er had merely ignored her when she was down, while Chen Lishu was the true culprit who had plunged her into misfortune. With that thought, Qin Yue suppressed her inappropriate feelings and decided to cooperate wholeheartedly with Zhang Wan'er to ensure Chen Lishu received her just deserts.
Just then, Zhang Wan'er emerged from the kitchen with breakfast. She first placed the porridge in front of Madam He and then said, "Aunt He, you are currently taking medicine, and your stomach is easily harmed. I specially cooked some porridge for you to help you recover. I've been researching medicinal cuisine lately, and I'll be able to prepare more delicious and nutritious meals for you in the future. For today, you'll have to make do, but don't worry, even the porridge tastes quite good. Why don't you try it!"
Madam He had given all the warnings she deemed necessary, yet Zhang Wan'er still had the audacity to remain. Madam He admired her resilience but was even more convinced that this young woman was not someone to be trifled with. She would have to warn the security personnel outside later about who should be allowed in and who should not, and they needed to exercise better judgment. After all, once someone got in, it was difficult to turn them away.
With that thought, Madam He took the porridge, took a small sip, and found that it indeed tasted quite good. She then praised her without reservation, "As a young lady of a prominent family, your cooking skills are quite impressive."
Zhang Wan'er smiled sweetly and replied, "As long as you like it. The rest of us three will finish these bowls of rice!"