Seeing Du Xixi’s expression change constantly between distress and indecision, the elderly uncles were concerned, especially the eldest uncle, who almost stumbled as he hurriedly approached her, barely able to hold onto his cane: "What’s wrong? Is it Xixi..."

Du Xixi suddenly realized how her current demeanor could easily affect the mood of these elders. She felt a bit guilty and smiled, saying, "Actually, it’s not a big deal. It’s just that she might have a fiancé now..."

"What!" Sixth Uncle, a small old man, struck his cane hard against the ground, creating a dull sound. Seeing his face full of worry, Du Xixi thought he was too angry, so she quickly explained, "But the fiancé’s family is great, with a high status, serving in the Military Department. He’s an upstanding man, and there’s... someone who cares a lot about Miss Xi Xi. If Miss Xi Xi is unwilling, no one will force her." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Sixth Uncle grunted, and Du Xixi thought he was about to say something in anger, but instead, he suddenly smiled, his grin as twisted as a chrysanthemum: "That’s wonderful! We were worried that Xixi’s love for cooking would prevent her from finding a partner, but since there’s a good fiancé now, we can be at ease."

"Yes, with Chen Yin in that world to protect Xixi, we can be even more reassured." Just as Sixth Uncle finished speaking, Fifth Uncle’s hoarse voice chimed in.

"Your Majesty will naturally protect Miss Du Xixi well..." The words slipped out, and Du Xixi realized she had let it slip. She was surprised that Fifth Uncle knew Chen Yin was in that world too and looked over, only to see that the uncles were not too shocked.

Knowing Du Xixi was confused, the uncles all smiled, and it was Fifth Uncle who offered the explanation: "Xixi has never had many friends since she was a child, always cooped up in the kitchen honing her culinary skills. Even during her school years, we never saw her make friends. But Chen, that clingy kid, often went to the kitchen to bother Xixi, year after year, like a little brother, and he became Xixi’s best friend."

Knowing that Du Xixi wasn’t alone in that world, the eldest uncle felt much more at ease. With a kind smile, he leaned on his cane and said, "Chen being the emperor in that world? Good lad, capable man! With him there, indeed, we can be reassured."

Du Xixi furrowed her brows, a mixture of complex emotions on her pretty face. She had clearly promised Your Majesty not to reveal matters of that world, but here she was, having confessed not only that but also that Chen Yin was the emperor, all coaxed out by these elder uncles.

But...

Du Xixi stealthily looked at her own wrist, which was bare, without the Light Computer that every interstellar person had. This also meant that she had already left the interstellar world and had completely severed ties with it.

Since that was the case, even if she exposed it, Your Majesty couldn’t come to hold her accountable? Well, Du Xixi too felt relieved.

***

Although the "Soul Exchange" event left the Du family elders baffled for several days, even occasionally suspecting someone around them might have swapped souls too, Du Xixi was slowly finding her footing in this world.

The elders of the Du family took great care of her. Even though she was no longer their biological granddaughter, she was enjoying everything the former Du Xixi should have had. Using the excuse of "recovering at home after a serious illness," she gradually "picked up" her culinary skills again.

Whether for the sake of such a large family or for her personal love of the culinary arts, Du Xixi was extremely serious when she was nesting in the kitchen. With the original body’s memory and the complete muscle memory of this body, practicing culinary skills was, for her, a piece of cake.

However, she knew that the Du Xixi in her memories had spent over ten years honing such good culinary skills. Relying on the results that the original body left behind to become a culinary master felt uncomfortable to her, making her even more respectful to the elders and more attentive when learning new recipes.

What’s more, Du Xixi remembered the "business achievement" left behind by Chen Yin, which was a large company. After being taken over by the trained personnel, they adhered to the original plan by sending annual dividends to the original account holder.

Having received the love from many family members and with a career she loved, Du Xixi was already indifferent to wealth. After considering it for a few days, she decided to use the money in the original account to establish a foundation, doing lots of charitable work within just half a year.

She conducted this charity work under the name of the Du Family, intending to bring blessings to these elder family members and to the Du Xixi who was in the Star Era by using the Blue Star’s saying of "accumulating virtue."

On this morning, as usual, Du Xixi was in the kitchen honing her Knife Skills. She held the knife every day, not wanting the muscle memory of this body to fade due to her negligence. Though she had Du Xixi’s memories, over time, she had developed some of her own habits, and practicing more could help her become more attuned to this body.

When the eldest uncle walked in, what he saw was Du Xixi lowering her head, seriously slicing a piece of tofu. He smiled contentedly.

Initially, when they discovered that the soul inside this body was no longer Du Xixi’s, they were somewhat resistant and hesitant. It would be difficult for anyone to accept it immediately when their loved one suddenly had a different soul.

Yet, they also understood that it was not a matter of willingness. The Du Xixi of this world had nearly died due to an accident; if her soul hadn’t been swapped, she might have already passed away. It was better to have swapped souls, giving both versions of Du Xixi a greater chance of survival.

Moreover, this Du Xixi was diligent and hardworking, gracious and composed in her affairs, showing filial respect to the elders just as the original Du Xixi did. Over time, human hearts being what they are, they came to treat her as their real granddaughter.