Apocalypse Foodie System: Watch Her Cook!-Chapter 172 - 167: Dilemma

Xiao Tang Yuan sat on the sofa, glaring resentfully at Pudding. It wasn’t until he heard the familiar footsteps outside that his expression suddenly changed, and he glared at Pudding fiercely: "Get away!"

Although he’s not very old, ever since Pudding snatched his food, Tang Yuan has considered Pudding an arch-enemy. Whenever food arrives, he resolutely refuses to let Pudding get close!

Pudding, knowing this little quirk of his, shot him an annoyed glance, then magnanimously decided not to argue with a little kid. Before Tang Yiyi came in, Pudding slipped into the wall and disappeared. Tang Yuan was too naive; he thought Pudding had left, but he didn’t know Pudding had returned to the System Space and was complaining in Tang Yiyi’s mind: "Host, you should manage Tang Yuan. He’s still young, eating too much could be burdensome for his body!"

Tang Yiyi’s face changed swiftly, and she immediately uncovered its intention: "You even want to snatch Tang Yuan’s food?"

Pudding fell silent, grinding its teeth gloomily in the System Space.

Tang Yiyi placed the steamed egg on the small table. Tang Yuan had already sat obediently, even tying a small napkin around his neck. Once Tang Yiyi set down the steamed egg, he didn’t wait to be fed and began eating with a small spoon.

The steamed egg was a bit hot, so he ate slowly, occasionally giving Tang Yiyi a sweet smile. Seeing this, Tang Yiyi’s heart grew increasingly tender. The child’s arrival was an unexpected surprise. She had been waiting in prison for trial, and it was the child’s sudden arrival that altered the trial’s outcome, sparing her from the fate of being exiled to Evil Island, and even improving her life in prison significantly.

Thinking back, ever since the child arrived, it seemed she had been lucky. And after the child was born, who was small and adorably soft, how could she not like him?

While she was thinking, her personal terminal suddenly rang. When she opened it, it was a call request from Pang Xiao. She felt a bit surprised and couldn’t help but recall their conversation from a few months ago, which ended on a sour note. Since then, Pang Xiao had reached out to her a few times, mostly about Pang Zhi’s recovery, carefully avoiding the main issue. Yet Tang Yiyi knew Pang Xiao must have a knot in his heart.

Seeing Pang Xiao’s name on the screen, her brow furrowed slightly. After hesitating, she picked up the call. Soon, a three-dimensional projection of Pang Xiao appeared at the top of the screen. He looked tired, probably troubled by something.

Tang Yiyi watched him rub his temples, feeling a bit puzzled, but she didn’t ask him what was wrong, just watched in silence. Pang Xiao had to speak first: "Yiyi, there’s something I want to ask of you. I hope you can agree."

After that conversation, he’d stopped calling her "Miss Tang," switching to "Yiyi," as if trying to narrow the gap between them to soften her heart. But Tang Yiyi wasn’t easily moved; her guard was strong. The more eager Pang Xiao appeared, the less willing she was to cooperate with him.

Fortunately, although Pang Xiao was somewhat cunning, he was a decent person, and when Tang Yiyi didn’t agree, he only changed the way he addressed her, using no aggressive means to coerce her.

After several interactions, Tang Yiyi understood him better, knowing he wasn’t someone who easily asked for favors, so she felt even more puzzled. She guessed Pang Xiao must be facing a difficult issue, but she wasn’t kind enough to agree outright.

Her tone was even somewhat cold: "Tell me what it is first, then I’ll decide whether to agree."

Pang Xiao seemed a bit tense, as if afraid she would refuse. After a moment, he sighed dejectedly, saying, "I’m sorry, I was out of line just now. The reason I’m reaching out is actually concerning Xiao Zhi. He will soon be on break, and in a few months, he’ll come of age. You should know this remaining time is crucial, so according to the family rules, these last few months, he has to stay in Wu City. I can’t be with him all the time, so I’m hoping you can help watch over him."

After he finished, Tang Yiyi didn’t speak for a while. She could tell this wasn’t an easy matter. Pang Zhi had already been in danger twice, nearly losing his life the second time. Obviously, someone wanted him dead!

As for the person’s identity, Tang Yiyi had long guessed it could only be Pang Zhi and Pang Xiao’s stepmother Sun Yue. She had been married to Pang De for over ten years, and Pang Zhi, being the Third Young Master of the Pang Family, instead of staying properly in Wu City, ran off to a remote place like Qinghe City—Sun Yue’s tactics were clearly formidable!

Pang Zhi and Pang Xiao were rarely at the Pang Family residence in Wu City, which must have long been Sun Yue’s stronghold. If Pang Zhi goes back this time, he’s likely in for trouble!

But if she accompanies Pang Zhi back, it would be akin to openly opposing Sun Yue, encountering just as much, if not more, danger than Pang Zhi! Moreover, Pang Zhi at least has the status of the Third Young Master of the Pang Family, and even if not favored at home, Sun Yue can’t act too openly by reason and emotion. But she’s different; what relation does she have to the Pang Family? Going to Wu City would be courting death! Sun Yue wouldn’t have any scruples dealing with her!

Tang Yiyi hesitated; she didn’t want Pang Zhi to have an accident, but she wasn’t alone. She had a son to raise and revenge to exact, putting herself in danger recklessly was not wise! What’s more, if she agreed, what about Tang Yuan? For several months, how could she feel at ease leaving Tang Yuan alone in Qinghe City? But taking him along would leave her even more uneasy!

Pang Xiao saw her dilemma and quickly said, "Yiyi, I know this request puts you in a difficult position, but Xiao Zhi is my only brother, I can’t just leave him alone in such a dangerous place like Wu City!"

Tang Yiyi could see he was genuinely worried, but she still steeled her heart and said, "No, I can’t agree to this request. You should find someone else!"

"Yiyi!" Pang Xiao called out urgently, and before Tang Yiyi could end the call, he continued, "Yiyi, I understand your concerns. You don’t have to stay by Xiao Zhi’s side constantly; just help him secretly when he’s in danger. The three months before he comes of age is the time for autonomous awakening. According to the Pang Family’s rules, Xiao Zhi must leave the city to experience the threat of death to stimulate his Superpower awakening. This is the best time for the others to act, so before this, they likely won’t act rashly. Do you understand what I’m saying?"

Tang Yiyi understood Pang Xiao’s point, but it was not enough to persuade her to take on this hot potato. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)