"I'm Xu Yan, Xu with the character for 'double,' and Yan like the bird."

The girl introduced herself to me.

Upon learning the girl's name, I wasn't sure what to talk to her about, considering we were still strangers.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

Xu Yan walked into the kitchen and asked me.

"Sure, you can help me by cleaning the fish first, then washing the razor clams on both sides. I'll start simmering the spare ribs."

I pointed to the fish and razor clams, instructing Xu Yan while placing the cleaned spare ribs in the pressure cooker.

Even though Chen Yuanshan only knew how to make fried sauce noodles, his kitchen was well-equipped with various appliances—a pressure cooker, rice cooker, microwave, electric griddle, and more.

While Xu Yan was washing the fish, she occasionally brought her hands to her nose to smell them. Each time she caught a whiff of the unpleasant fishy smell, she wrinkled her brow, revealing a disgusted expression, and even emitted a dry heave due to the odor.

"You might as well go outside."

Seeing Xu Yan heave, I laughed and told her.

"I think I can handle it."

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Xu Yan replied to me and continued helping me clean the razor clams.

Seeing that Xu Yan insisted on helping, I didn't say anything more and focused on my tasks.

I arranged the peanuts, pickled pig ears, and other ingredients onto a plate on the dining table.

Taking a proficient grip on the knife, I sliced the cucumber into thin shreds. Xu Yan looked at me with an admiring expression.

After preparing the cold cucumber salad, I took the simmered spare ribs out of the pot and started making braised spare ribs.

For braised spare ribs, you need to boil the ribs first.

"These days, it's rare to see a guy who can cook. You're really amazing."

Xu Yan complimented me genuinely, her eyes filled with admiration.

"I learned these things from my grandfather when I was little."

"Can you teach me how to cook?"

When Xu Yan said this, she looked at me with an expectant expression.

"Of course, after I finish these spare ribs, I'll teach you how to stir-fry razor clams. It's relatively simple."

I nodded and agreed with Xu Yan.

"Great!"

Xu Yan was so happy that she almost jumped up.

After finishing the spare ribs, I taught Xu Yan how to stir-fry razor clams, and she learned quite earnestly.

After stir-frying the razor clams, Xu Yan picked up one and tasted it herself.

"How does it taste?"

I asked Xu Yan.

"It's not bad, very delicious. You should try it too."

Xu Yan picked up a razor clam with her hand and brought it to my mouth.

"It's just right, not too salty or bland. Excellent job."

I gave Xu Yan a thumbs-up.

Next, Xu Yan didn't let me go back to the stove. Instead, she asked me to stand aside and guide her while she cooked. She took charge of preparing the fish, meat, seafood, and more. Although the fish was a bit overcooked, it was still edible.

After Xu Yan put the final dish on the table, she happily skipped downstairs to call Chen Yuanshan and Feng Shichao to come up for dinner.

"Master, Senior Brother, except for these spare ribs, peanuts, pickled pig ears, and cucumber salad, I didn't make them. I made the rest of the dishes."

Xu Yan pointed to the dishes on the table and excitedly informed Chen Yuanshan and Feng Shichao.