𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆??

In the quiet hills of Mount Taicang, the breeze carried the aroma of a... peculiar stew. Xie Lian, ever determined to improve his culinary skills was attempting to surprise everyone with a new dish. However, Xie Lian's cooking reputation had long been the talk of his friends and not in the most flattering way.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing reluctantly sat by the table, watching as the stew bubbled in the pot. Hua Cheng, perched by Xie Lian's side, his lips curled into an affectionate smile. Little did they know, this seemingly innocent meal would turn into an unforgettable memory.

Xie Lian stood proudly over his creation, a bowl of deep purple stew with an ominous fish head floating at the top. "It's ready!" he chirped, placing the dish on the table with a flourish.

Mu Qing pinched the bridge of his nose. "What... is that?" he asked, his voice dripping with dread.

"It's my special stew!" Xie Lian replied cheerfully. "It has a unique blend of... um... rare ingredients."

"Rare ingredients? Did you accidentally poison it?" Feng Xin muttered under his breath.

Xie Lian shot him a sharp look. "I heard that, Feng Xin."

Hua Cheng chuckled softly, his crimson eye sparkling with amusement. "Gege worked so hard on this. I'm sure it's delicious."

Feng Xin glared at Hua Cheng. "You only say that because you're obsessed with him. This looks like something that could kill an immortal."

"Then don't eat it" Hua Cheng retorted smoothly, resting his chin on his hand. "More for me."

Ignoring the banter, Xie Lian ladled the stew into bowls. "Come on, you two. At least give it a try. I promise I followed the recipe this time!"

Mu Qing hesitated, staring at the unsettling stew. "Which recipe? The one from the mortal realm or the one from the underworld?"

"Mu Qing!" Xie Lian huffed, puffing out his cheeks.

"Stop complaining and eat it already" Hua Cheng said, effortlessly scooping a spoonful into his mouth.

Everyone watched him, holding their breath. Hua Cheng chewed, swallowed and.... smiled. "Delicious, Gege" he said with absolute sincerity.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing exchanged incredulous looks. "Is he immune to bad cooking?" Feng Xin whispered.

Mu Qing sighed. "Fine. Let's get this over with." He grabbed a spoonful, his hand trembling slightly.

"Don't be dramatic!" Xie Lian said, rolling his eyes.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing simultaneously took a bite. The moment the stew hit their tongues, their eyes widened in horror. A second later, both men toppled backward, fainting with a loud thud.

Xie Lian gasped. "Feng Xin! Mu Qing!"

"They'll be fine" Hua Cheng said nonchalantly, taking another bite of the stew.

"San Lang... is it really okay?" Xie Lian asked, leaning closer to him.

"It's perfect" Hua Cheng replied, his voice gentle. "Gege's cooking is always perfect to me."

Xie Lian blushed, covering his face with his hands. "You're just saying that!"

"No" Hua Cheng said, his tone turning playful. He leaned closer, his warm breath tickling Xie Lian's ear. "In fact, I think you should make this every day. I'd happily eat it forever."

"San Lang!" Xie Lian protested, his cheeks turning redder than the setting sun.

Meanwhile, Feng Xin groaned from the floor. "I think I'm dying..."

"Me too." Mu Qing muttered weakly.

"You're not dying" Hua Cheng said with a smirk. "You're just weak." Feng Xin glared at him. "You're not human. That's the only reason you're fine!"

"I'm fine because I love everything Gege makes" Hua Cheng replied smugly. Mu Qing groaned again. "If love can make that taste good, I don't want it."

Xie Lian frowned. "Maybe I did put too much spice..."

"It's perfect, Gege" Hua Cheng assured him, pulling Xie Lian into a one-armed hug.

"San Lang, you're too good to me.." Xie Lian murmured, leaning into his embrace. "I'd do anything for you" Hua Cheng said softly, pressing a kiss to Xie Lian's temple.

Feng Xin rolled onto his side. "Can someone just put me out of my misery?" Mu Qing groaned in agreement.

Xie Lian chuckled nervously. "Maybe I should stick to simpler dishes next time..." Hua Cheng's smile widened. "Or you can keep experimenting. I'll always be your taste tester."

And so, the evening ended with two fainted friends, a love-struck ghost king and a very flustered Xie Lian.