Lin Yuxuan’s loving cooking

In the end, Tang Yawen accepted Lin Yuxuan’s pink bento box.

It was a cute, pastel-pink container—clearly chosen with a girl’s heart in mind.
Even through the lid, it felt warm to the touch, and a faint, delicious aroma drifted out.

When she opened it, the scent exploded into the air.

Tang Yawen’s mouth watered instantly.

Why… why can’t I control myself?

“Is this… Kung Pao Chicken?”

“Mhm~”

Wenwen picked up a piece with her chopsticks and took a bite.

In that moment, waves of flavor surged across her tongue—layered, rich, perfectly balanced.
Each bite sent a fresh wave of pleasure through her taste buds.
She couldn’t stop eating.

She had planned to just take a polite bite—save the rest for later, after Xuanxuan left.
But now, that thought was long gone.
She was completely immersed in the deliciousness.

As she ate, she could see Xuanxuan—standing in the kitchen, cooking with care, pouring her heart into every step.

This wasn’t just food.
This was made for her.
Only for her.

A warmth bloomed in her chest—something she hadn’t felt in years.
Something she thought she’d forgotten forever…

The taste of home.

Her heart trembled.

The emotions she thought were long dead stirred back to life.

Even a lowly, insignificant creature like her…
could be loved.

And in this dish, she finally felt it.

Tang Yawen started crying.

“Wenwen Teacher~ What’s wrong?”

Yuxuan quickly handed her a tissue.

Wenwen wiped her eyes, then her nose.

“It’s nothing… must be the spice…”

“You want me to use less chili next time?”

“No, no! This is perfect. I’ll get used to it. It’s delicious… really, really good…”

“I’m so happy you like it~”

Yuxuan never expected her cooking to make someone cry.

Is this what Level 2 Cooking feels like?
What would Level 3 even do?

…Wait.

I’m using a skill I “obtained” from Mu Yue…
to cook for Tang Yawen?

Is that… kinda messed up?

****

After the emotional moment passed, Wenwen prepared for the next part of the lesson.

“I’ll test your current level first, then make a personalized study plan.”

The moment “learning” came up, Tang Yawen transformed—serious, focused.
She looked every bit the “Teacher Wenwen.”

“Okay.”

Yuxuan followed her instructions, demonstrating several basic techniques.

From points and lines to shapes, light and shadow, still life, animals—finally, humans.
She went through them one by one.

“Hmm… Xuanxuan, your foundation is actually pretty solid. Except for the human figure—your proportions are off, a bit awkward. You clearly don’t have much experience drawing people. Have you studied art before? How long?”

“I’ve learned a bit—mostly self-taught from online tutorials. I’ve been practicing for… about two months.”

Yuxuan had no idea how long it normally took to reach her level—so she just guessed.

“T-Two months?!”

Wenwen was stunned.

Are you serious?!
You’ve learned in two months what takes most people two *years*?!

Am I in the presence of a genius?!

Tang Yawen was also self-taught.
She had thought her five years of effort made her pretty skilled.

Now?
She felt like a joke.

*Waaah…*

Her soul wept.

My five years of youth… wasted…

“Wenwen Teacher?”

Yuxuan watched as Wenwen seemed to melt into a puddle of self-doubt.

“Xuanxuan, please keep studying. The ACG world needs you.”

Wenwen said solemnly.

If she could nurture Xuanxuan, maybe one day she’d become a legendary artist.

“Your basics are strong, so we can skip the beginner lessons. But your human figures need work—structure’s off, looks unnatural. You clearly don’t know how to draw people yet. From now on, whenever you have time, draw one piece on a graphics tablet and send it to me. I’ll point out the issues. Just keep practicing. Day by day, you’ll improve.”

“Got it~ Teacher Wenwen~”

“Now, let me teach you the most important skill. Do you know what’s most crucial when drawing the human body?”

“What is it?”

“You need to have a 3D model in your mind. One you can rotate, pose, and manipulate freely. That’s how you draw correct anatomy. There’s no shortcut—only practice. Once you’re familiar with it, even complex poses become second nature. You won’t need to think. You’re still a beginner, so don’t rush. Take your time.”

“I’ll teach you a few advanced techniques. Memorize them, then practice on your own.”

“Okay.”

Yuxuan carefully typed all of Wenwen’s tips into her phone’s notes app.

****

Over an hour later.

Yuxuan felt her brain was completely full—like if she tilted her head, knowledge would spill out of her ears.

“That’s enough for today. Go home and digest everything.”

“You’re amazing, Wenwen Teacher~ You explain things so well! You’re actually a great teacher.”

“I’ve never taught anyone before… I’d just freeze up in front of others…”

*It’s only because it’s you… that I can speak so clearly.*

The thought blushed its way across her face.

Yuxuan smiled, saying nothing.

She slipped her bare, smooth feet—previously freed from the hot, sweaty loafers—back into the cool, dry shoes.

The leather shoes were stuffy, and Wenwen’s apartment wasn’t well-ventilated.
Yuxuan had taken her socks off to air them out earlier.
Now, the nylon fabric was dry and comfortable.

Sliding her dry, silky feet back into the shoes felt smooth and satisfying.

“I’m heading out now~ See you tomorrow~”

“Mm… see you tomorrow…”
At the word “goodbye,” Wenwen looked like a child about to lose her favorite toy—reluctant, heart sinking.

At first, she had been terrified of Xuanxuan coming over.
But now, after spending time together, she didn’t want her to leave.

As Yuxuan turned to go, she felt a light tug on her sleeve.

“Hmm? Wenwen Teacher, is something wrong?”

Yuxuan turned with a curious smile.

“S-Sorry… it’s nothing…”

Wenwen was mortified.
Why did my hand move on its own?! Why did I grab her?!

“Hehe~”
Yuxuan understood.
She knew Wenwen didn’t want her to go.
But she didn’t tease her.
She just smiled gently.

Yuxuan stepped into the golden glow of the setting sun.
The soft light seemed to wave her farewell.

“Goodbye…”

As the door closed behind her, the sunlight vanished, swallowed by the evening wind.
The room fell back into its usual silence—cold, empty, lifeless.

But inside, Tang Yawen’s heart wouldn’t calm.

“Xuanxuan…”

Tonight, someone wouldn’t be able to sleep…