Ye Qianning looked at it, half-wondering if Fifth Aunt had invented the bib.

It was pink with embroidery and quite pretty.

"You don’t have to lift a finger today. Your aunts will feed you," Aunt Shaoyao said, worried Ye Qianning might accidentally touch her face while eating.

A face swollen bigger than a steamed bun must be terribly painful.

Ye Qianning found it hard to refuse their kindness and nodded.

"I feel like the food in our residence has gotten much tastier ever since Pangtuan arrived."

"I feel that way too. The dishes I used to make were never this delicious."

"The pastries, too. Lately, I think the pastries I’ve been making are absolutely unparalleled."

"This past month, I feel like my body has become so much lighter."

The aunts started chatting amongst themselves again.

Ye Qianning also noticed that her aunts’ complexions were getting better and better. The water from her space was very nourishing.

Aunt Shaoyao’s pastry-making skills were already exceptional. When combined with the ingredients from the space, the results were simply divine.

Back when she first arrived at Lou Mountain, the pastries brought from Lou Mountain Academy were made by the main kitchen. As time went on, she found them increasingly delicious and assumed the head chef’s skills had improved.

Only later did she find out it was Aunt Shaoyao and Aunt Baixiang making them. They would prepare the pastries at a set time almost every day for Luo Wen to pick up.

「 」

Dean Chen had just stepped out of the front hall when he saw the butler leading a group of people over.

"Dean Chen." Prince Yu clasped his hands in a salute.

When Helian Chen saw Dean Chen, his little face lit up and his eyes shone. He subconsciously shuffled closer to Xiliu Yuan. "Dean Chen."

Xiliu Yuan nodded in greeting.

Mo Geluo remained motionless. He couldn’t stand bookish types. Though the dean was famous across the four nations, in Mo Geluo’s eyes, he was just some scholarly old man. He figured he could knock out eight or ten men like him with a single punch.

Dean Chen bowed in return. "Esteemed guests, welcome. Please forgive me for not coming out to greet you. It was impolite of me."

"You are too kind, Dean. We arrived unannounced. We hope you do not find our visit too abrupt." When it came to pleasantries, Prince Yu was a master.

"Dean Chen, do you still remember me?" Helian Chen’s eyes were full of anticipation.

Dean Chen looked down at him. "Of course, I remember. The young Prince is exceptionally intelligent. You must come for the academy’s entrance examinations next year."

"Yes!" Helian Chen nodded emphatically.

"You have all come a long way. Please, follow me into the courtyard where we can talk." Dean Chen made a welcoming gesture and led the way.

Standing in the front courtyard, Xiliu Yuan could faintly hear a clamor from the main hall and vaguely make out a group of women.

Mo Geluo might not have the sharpest mind, but he had a sharp nose. From a distance, he caught the overwhelming aroma of food. The scent was incredibly tempting, and he subtly worked his mouth.

"Dean, what is that wonderful smell?" Helian Chen’s little nose twitched as he sniffed the air.

Dean Chen glanced toward the hall. "The little girl is having her lunch. She was injured at the palace recently and has difficulty moving, so she did not come out to greet you. I hope our esteemed guests will not take offense."

"The food at the General’s Residence smells amazing," Mo Geluo remarked.

Dean Chen just smiled. "This way, everyone."

GRUMBLE.

An inopportune rumbling sound echoed.

Prince Yu glared down in that direction.

Helian Chen clutched his stomach, his face a picture of embarrassment. He had woken up late this morning and skipped breakfast, and the fragrant smell was making him hungry.

"As it happens, I am also a bit hungry. Dean Chen, you wouldn’t mind if we joined you for a meal, would you?" Xiliu Yuan said suddenly.

"Of course not. I will have someone prepare lunch immediately," Dean Chen said with a smile.

"There’s no need for such trouble. Since lunch is already prepared in the residence, we can just have a little of that," Xiliu Yuan added.

Dean Chen couldn’t quite figure out Xiliu Yuan’s intentions. But since he had put it that way, insisting on a separate meal would seem unwelcoming. "If you don’t mind the noise, then please, join us in the hall for the meal."