Why?

Jiang Xia was stumped by the simplest of questions.

He was once again experiencing that awkward feeling of being tongue-tied in front of An Ning.

This time, because of his own thoughts, he was even a little scared and felt a pang of guilt.

"Because I’m a good cook, what other reason could there be?"

It was an excuse that wasn’t really an excuse, and as Jiang Xia said it, even he didn’t quite believe it.

But An Ning, across from him, said with certainty, "That’s true, but your reasoning doesn’t quite hold up."

"You can’t follow me around all the time. I’m starting to think your brain isn’t working too well today."

An Ning didn’t consider any other possibility at all. She waved at Jiang Xia.

"I’m leaving."

"Wait, no."

An Ning suddenly stopped, causing the disappointed look on Jiang Xia’s face to instantly morph into a cheerful smile as he looked at her.

"What is it?"

"What’s with that expression?"

An Ning’s attention first fell on Jiang Xia. He casually replied, "I lost a round to that Master Tang and got upset."

’So that’s why.’

An Ning completely accepted this reason. Jiang Xia had always been very competitive.

"I wanted to ask you, what does that Master Tang do?"

"On the train, he made me two bowls of congee. They were unbelievably delicious, and most importantly, they stopped me from throwing up."

Jiang Xia glanced back at the house. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt like several pairs of eyes were staring at him from inside.

"He’s an Herbalist, a very skilled one."

"Herbal cuisine?"

An Ning didn’t quite understand, so Jiang Xia explained it to her.

"Ohh— so you’re saying he can treat illnesses, nourish the body, and prolong life, and on top of all that, his cooking is that delicious?"

Jiang Xia looked at An Ning dotingly and nodded. "That’s right."

"I sought him out because I have to take the college entrance exams. My grandpa doesn’t want to go to Beijing, so I need someone who can take care of him."

This time, An Ning understood.

According to Jiang Xia’s plan, Master Tang was indeed the perfect choice.

"Jiang Xia, you have to make Master Tang stay."

Jiang Xia met An Ning’s serious gaze and said guessingly, "I think you’re just craving his food, aren’t you?"

"Yes."

An Ning admitted it so quickly, as if she were afraid Master Tang would run off if she hesitated.

"Don’t worry, I will. You should hurry home."

An Ning finally returned next door from Jiang Xia’s house. When Lin Cuihua saw her, she was also a little surprised.

But after An Ning explained, Lin Cuihua started fussing over her again.

She had An Ning lie down on the kang, prepared a hot water bottle for her, and got ready to cook for her.

"Mom, I can’t stomach anything greasy right now. Just a bowl of millet congee will be fine."

Lin Cuihua shouted that she understood from the kitchen.

An Ning was indeed exhausted. Lying on the kang, she drifted off in just a few moments.

Meanwhile, next door, a three-way standoff was taking place in a small, low-ceilinged room.

Grandpa Jiang and Master Tang were sitting on the edge of the kang, while Jiang Xia stood on the floor, watching the two of them without a word.

The slyly wise Grandpa Jiang made an excuse about needing the bathroom and slipped away.

Jiang Xia shot a helpless glance after him before turning his gaze back to Master Tang, who was sitting cross-legged.

"It seems the rumors really can’t be trusted."

Jiang Xia sat on the edge of the kang, looking at the casually postured Master Tang. "What about your rules?"

"This is called ’when in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Besides, I left my rules with Housekeeper Huang on the way here."

Their gazes clashed, sparks flying.

One was in his forties, the other nineteen—not an age gap that should lead to such a confrontation, yet the two of them were like natural-born adversaries.

If someone were to toss a lit match into the mix, a raging fire would erupt in the next second.

The room was dead silent. In the sunlight streaming in from outside, even motes of dust were clearly visible.

The atmosphere was like a silk thread stretched to its breaking point, ready to snap at any moment and result in mutual destruction.

"Jiang Xia—you’re back!"

Li Chengze returned from next door and lifted a foot to step over the threshold, but he couldn’t bring it down.

He clung to the doorframe with one hand, one foot suspended in mid-air, his mouth hanging open. He just didn’t dare to enter.

Li Chengze had a premonition that if he went in, he’d be blasted to smithereens.

"This must be the younger cousin, I presume? I wonder where your ’famous master’ is?"

The mocking tone in Master Tang’s voice couldn’t have been more obvious.

Li Chengze didn’t dare say a word, simply turning his gaze to Jiang Xia, pleading for help.

"He’s more than a cousin; we’re as close as brothers. As for the famous master, she’s right next door."

"At least what I say has some basis in reality, unlike some people who package themselves as some ancient master and put on airs."

"Mr. Jiang, the feeling’s mutual."

The two were at it again.

At the doorway, Li Chengze stealthily retracted his foot, preparing to bolt.

"Wait a moment."

"Stop!"

The two spoke at the same time. Li Chengze, who had already turned to leave, turned back with a look on his face like he was about to cry.

"What do you want?"

"Please remember, you two, I’m an innocent bystander."

"And if you really can’t remember that, please know one thing: my future master is right next door."

After speaking, Li Chengze stood in the doorway, unafraid and undaunted, with the expression of a brave martyr.

’I have a teacher, what’s there to be afraid of!’

Inside, Master Tang didn’t know who Li Chengze’s teacher was, but Jiang Xia actually gave it some thought.

"It’s better if the two of us settle things between us. How about we let him leave?"

After Jiang Xia spoke, he felt both of their gazes land on him.

"I, for one, am curious who this master is."

"This young sir may leave."

Li Chengze had no idea what was happening, but he was a fast runner.

Fifteen minutes later, Jiang Xia and Master Tang came out of the room together. One went to the front yard, the other to the backyard.

In the front yard, Master Tang was in high spirits, his face glowing.

In the backyard, Jiang Xia had a scrape on the corner of his mouth and a red cheek, looking for all the world like he’d just been in a fight.

But his eyes shone with the light of accomplishment.

’A few scrapes in exchange for an Herbalist? Worth it!’

Pleased with himself, Jiang Xia took Da Huang and left through the backyard, heading up the mountain.

Up front, Master Tang, who had been smugly enjoying the scenery, finally realized what had happened.

"Not bad, that kid."

He had wanted to stay and repay a debt of gratitude all along, and Jiang Xia had probably figured that out. The boy was willing to take a beating just to give him an honorable way to back down. He was a good kid.

Though competitive, he knew where to draw the line. More importantly, he knew when to give in, and for whom.

That evening, Jiang Xia came down from the mountain with a good number of finds, which made Master Tang, as an Herbalist, very happy.

He loved fine ingredients and quality herbs more than anything.

Tonight, however, Jiang Xia was the one in charge of cooking. His culinary skills made Master Tang’s favorable impression of him grow even stronger.

"So, Master Tang, how’s the food?"

"Not bad."

Hearing this, Jiang Xia said lightly, "You see, I’ve served you all this food. Shouldn’t you return the favor?"

Master Tang froze with a spoonful of soup halfway to his mouth, not knowing whether to drink it or not.

’That little brat, so this is what he was waiting for!’