In "Rich House Pampered Husband", there's a brief mention of the Yu family's history: An ancestor of the Yu family once served as an imperial chef, and counting a few generations back from Yu Antong, they were a well-regarded family in the capital.

However, subsequent generations of the Yu family lacked culinary talent. They barely managed to uphold the reputation of the chef dynasty by clinging to old recipes and secret techniques. But when it comes to cooking, taste is unmistakable, and the Yu family's business dwindled, a far cry from its former glory.

Xing Lixuan was aware of this history, and perhaps Yu Antong's knife skills might not be particularly exceptional in the eyes of the chef dynasty.

Just the knife skills, with dedicated practice, can certainly reach this level.

Yu Antong added water to a pot to boil and prepared to cook noodles once it boiled.

While waiting, he peeled and diced some blanched tomatoes, heated a little oil in a skillet, sautéed ginger, garlic, and green onions until fragrant, added the tomatoes and cooked until soft and juicy, added slices of ham, and after a few moments, added a sauce he had prepared and a cup of water to boil.

As the water began to boil for the noodles, Yu Antong asked Xing Lixuan, "How much can you eat?"

The enticing aroma emanated from the skillet, and Xing Lixuan, who initially claimed not to be hungry, was now tempted. Yet, wanting to save face, he insisted, "I'm not eating. Just make enough for yourself."

Yu Antong disregarded him, gauging the amount and prepared a serving about the size of three bowls.

He then cracked two eggs into the simmering skillet, reduced the heat, thickened the sauce with some cornstarch slurry after a while, and finally added a pinch of salt, vinegar, and a few drops of sesame oil, stirring until well combined and turned off the heat.

Once the hand-rolled noodles were cooked, Yu Antong served them, pouring the thick tomato, ham, and egg sauce over them. It looked and smelled delicious; the only thing left was to taste.

Yu Antong announced, "Dinner's ready!"

The aroma had already awakened Xing Lixuan's hunger pangs. With his recent work stresses and marriage pressures, he had lost his appetite, seeing food merely as sustenance.

But now, the longing for food was genuinely ignited, and he eagerly wanted to taste the noodles made by Yu Antong.

It's been a long time since felt such anticipation for a meal. It's just a simple bowl of tomato and egg noodles, rather odd.

The moment Yu Antong announced dinner, Xing Lixuan conveniently ignored his prior refusal and shamelessly took a seat.

Yu Antong deliberately waited until he took a bite before teasing, "Didn't you say you weren't eating?"

Chewing his noodles, Xing Lixuan responded, "You made my portion already. I'm just giving you face."

Yu Antong chuckled and didn't press further. Picking up a noodle with his chopsticks, he blew on it lightly before tasting.

The initial tanginess of the tomato sauce awakened the palate, prompting an involuntary salivation.

A hint of sugar was added while making the sauce, which, combined with the savory sweetness of the eggs, balanced the tanginess perfectly, also masking any potential off-flavor of the eggs.

The handmade noodles, smooth and al dente with a slightly chewy texture, were slightly compromised due to refrigeration.

Overall, it boasted a rich medley of flavors and textures, leaving one craving for more.

Yu Antong nodded in satisfaction. His culinary skills hadn’t declined.

Turning to ask Xing Lixuan for his thoughts, he noticed that despite Lixuan's seemingly refined eating habits, half his bowl was already emptied.

No need to ask, then.

Accustomed to savoring each bite, Yu Antong had only finished half of his serving, while Xing Lixuan had polished off his.

It's been a while since Xing Lixuan had a fulfilling meal. Setting aside his prejudices, he genuinely complimented, "This is the best tomato and egg noodle I've ever had."

Yet, his eyes remained fixated on the remaining bowl. A prestigious young master looking as if he hadn't eaten for days – who would believe it?

Yu Antong chuckled, pushing the bowl towards him, "Young Master, this was prepared for you. Do honor it with your appetite."

For once, a hint of embarrassment surfaced on the young master.

After the meal, Xing Lixuan, taking a seat on the sofa, wanted to discuss something with Yu Antong. "I never knew you had such culinary talents. Even the master chefs at Juyinglou might not match your skill in such a homey dish. I wonder if your uncle Yu Qingnian even knows of this?"

Yu Antong didn’t use any special ingredients during cooking. How could the taste be so exceptional?

He was familiar with Juyinglou – a business owned by the rival Shen family of the Yu clan.

Jiangcheng is a cosmopolitan coastal city, bustling with activity and renowned for its culinary scene.

Both the Shen and Yu families dominate the local restaurant scene. The Yu's run Baifangzhai while the Shen's operate Juyinglou. Every local knows these established enterprises.

Choosing either for a feast used to be a matter of great prestige.

Sadly, the culinary legacy of the Yus has waned with each generation, and the Shens are no different.

With the influx of new-age entrepreneurs, even from overseas, the once formidable presence of Shen and Yu in Jiangcheng's gastronomy diminished. The younger generation prefers chic, Instagrammable eateries.

Still, as the local titans, Shen and Yu held their ground. No third contender ever managed to alter the culinary landscape of Jiangcheng.

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It wasn't until the generation of Yu An-Tong that the Shen family lineage, specifically the eldest branch, produced a gifted culinary genius: Shen Yun-Qing.

This advantage swiftly elevated the Shen family above the Yu family, pressing Yu Qing-Nian to urgently consider diversifying into other industries.

The reason Yu An-Tong remembered Shen Yun-Qing wasn't due to his unparalleled culinary skills. Instead, it was because in the book, Shen Yun-Qing was the hidden admirer of the main character and was favored by readers to take over as the primary love interest.

Although the author didn't continue in that direction, Yu An-Tong believed that if there was to be a switch in the main love interest, it would certainly be Shen Yun-Qing.

After a hearty meal, with his mind seeking rest, Yu An-Tong didn't want to contemplate these intricate business matters. Regardless of how the story unfolded, he had set his sights on Xing Li-Xuan and wasn't planning to back down.

Naturally, Yu Qing-Nian wasn't aware of his culinary prowess, especially since he was no longer the same old Yu An-Tong.

Xing Li-Xuan's last statement was more of an assertion than a question. Had Yu Qing-Nian known of Yu An-Tong's extraordinary culinary skills, he would have used them to rejuvenate the Yu family's century-old establishment. Why would he risk the family nearing bankruptcy or have Yu An-Tong marry off elsewhere?

Fixing his gaze intently on Yu An-Tong, Xing Li-Xuan inquired, "If you've managed to conceal this from your family, why reveal it in front of me?"

Yu An-Tong chuckled, his eyes lifting in amusement, his demeanor akin to that of an exquisite, aristocratic cat, teasingly playful: "Because you're my husband~"

Xing Li-Xuan's heart skipped a beat, swiftly breaking their mutual gaze.

Xing Li-Xuan turned his head slightly and restated, "Let me make myself clear once more. Although we're married, there's no love between us. So, refrain from overtly intimate gestures. They make you seem frivolous and undignified. Have you no sense of propriety…"

Upon hearing this, Yu An-Tong lowered his gaze, silently fiddling with his fingers.

This only made Xing Li-Xuan feel remorseful, recalling that Yu An-Tong was essentially an orphan. He shouldn't have said those things about someone who lost their parents early on.

Just as he started regretting his harsh words, Yu An-Tong cautiously looked up, asking, "Was that overboard?"

His innocent gaze carried a hint of naïvety, momentarily disorienting Xing Li-Xuan.

But in the very next second, Yu An-Tong approached with a sly grin, whispering close, "But what if I want to cross even more boundaries with you, dear husband~"

Xing Li-Xuan recoiled, distancing himself, furrowing his brow in refusal: "You…"

As Xing Li-Xuan retreated, Yu An-Tong advanced, playfully placing a finger on Xing Li-Xuan's lips as he prepared to speak.

With one slender finger on Xing Li-Xuan's lips, one leg on the ground and the other on the couch, Yu An-Tong leaned in, challenging, "Who knows whether tomorrow or an accident will come first? Why not break free from societal constraints and follow one's heart?"

Yu An-Tong's smile, against the backdrop of luminous lights, his slightly upturned eyes, gave him the aura of an unattainable, proud prince.

But his voice was soft and delicate, reminiscent of a cat seeking affection, "Tonight's our wedding night. Isn't it normal for me to want intimacy with my husband? It would be a pity to miss out on such an occasion."

As the thunderstorm outside faded, a hush fell upon the room after Yu An-Tong's words, the silence palpable.

The ambience, the silent allure, their awkward position, and the distinct warmth of their closeness disoriented Xing Li-Xuan, who had lived a solitary life for 25 years and had never been this close to a peer.

Xing Li-Xuan hadn't realized that even men could be so coquettish.

But this wasn't right. According to his research, Yu An-Tong was portrayed as a solitary, meek college student with a low profile. The only notable aspects about him were his good looks and the fact he got into A University, which was the best in Jiang City, but not nationally recognized.

He couldn't believe that someone, who'd been shy and introverted for twenty years, could change their personality in a day, unless...

That's it! He must be doing it on purpose!

Exactly. Xing Lixuan was convinced he had figured out the truth.

Yu Antong probably married him under the pressure from his uncle. After all, both of them were forced into this marriage.

And Yu Antong's sudden change in demeanor must be a deliberate act to repulse him, ensuring he wouldn't lay a hand on him at night.

The more he outwardly appears eager for intimacy, the more he probably fears the actual act.

Such acting skills; he almost believed him. What a waste not to be an actor.

Thinking he'd seen through Yu Antong, Xing Lixuan smirked, reclaiming control and stopped avoiding Yu's advances.

In fact, he took the lead, pinning Yu Antong to the back of the sofa and gripping his chin to draw close.

The dominating aura from the man made Yu Antong's heart race.

Here it comes! He's about to experience adult pleasures!

However, the next moment he heard Xing Lixuan's cold voice: "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Tell me what Yu Qingnian and my grandmother discussed, and I won't touch you. If not..."

Yu Antong: ???

What just happened?

What's wrong with the male lead?

If you're going to be like this, even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you.

A mischievous thought crossed Yu Antong's mind.

Turning his head and stiffening his neck to avoid Xing Lixuan's approach, he exclaimed, "No, stay away!"

Internally, he was thinking: Come on! Punish me without holding back!

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