Chapter 126: Huang Caixing’s Culinary Talents

As Lin Xiao entered the hospital lobby, carrying Huang Xinyu in his arms, they instantly became the focus of everyone’s attention. The majority of those present found it hard to take their eyes off Huang Xinyu.

A woman like Huang Xinyu, combining allure, beauty, physique, and affluence, never fails to command attention, whether she’s in a grand hall or a simple hospital.

Several men were visibly spellbound, swallowing hard as their eyes roved over Huang Xinyu. They felt even more disgruntled when they saw Lin Xiao’s unremarkable appearance, silently cursing his good fortune. To them, it was as if a rose was wasting its beauty in a pile of cow dung.

Feeling the weight of so many stares, Huang Xinyu grew unexpectedly nervous, her grip around Lin Xiao’s neck unconsciously tightening.

In contrast, Lin Xiao remained unfazed and serene.

“We’d like to register, please,” he said calmly to the nurse behind the reception desk.

Entranced by Huang Xinyu’s beauty, the nurse seemed to snap back to reality only when Lin Xiao spoke.

“Of course, of course, just a moment, please,” she hastily replied.

The nurse was quite good-looking and would be considered above average by most standards. Normally proud of her looks, she was no stranger to admiration. But in the presence of Huang Xinyu, she found herself overshadowed, her allure paling in comparison.

To put it in terms of an analogy, if you were to place a pearl and a glass bead side by side, most would be drawn to the lustrous pearl, scarcely sparing a glance for the glass bead.

In this case, Huang Xinyu was that radiant pearl, while the nurse was the nondescript glass bead, her light entirely eclipsed by the pearl’s brilliance.

So arresting was Huang Xinyu’s noble and elegant aura that the nurse found herself unable even to entertain a thought of envy.

Huang Xinyu’s ensemble, from her clothing to the shoes she wore, and even the designer handbag she carried, was a showcase of high-end luxury brands, so expensive that even several months of a nurse’s salary wouldn’t suffice to purchase them.

The term ‘white, rich, and beautiful’ seemed as if it were custom-made to describe Huang Xinyu.

Internally, the nurse couldn’t help but wonder why a woman of such affluence didn’t opt for a more prestigious private hospital but instead decided to visit this modest, bland one.

Huang Xinyu, a high-profile entrepreneur in Jinghai City and a wealthy woman, had her own personal physician for regular medical care. Typically, she wouldn’t even need to visit a hospital, and if she ever had to, it would be a luxurious private institution.

On this occasion, had it not been for Lin Xiao’s company, Huang Xinyu would never have set foot here.

After completing the registration, what followed were a series of examinations, treatments, and prescription fills, taking up several hours. Though the swelling in Huang Xinyu’s injured foot didn’t diminish, the pain had been significantly alleviated, allowing her some mobility.

Seeing that she was mostly alright, Lin Xiao drove her back home.

Upon entering her apartment complex and making their way to her floor, Lin Xiao was immediately struck by the elegance and luxury that adorned her residence. It might not have been as opulent as Wan Caixuan’s villa he saw last time, but it was not far behind.

However, Lin Xiao didn’t dwell on this. He simply assisted Huang Xinyu onto the sofa.

“Where’s Caixing?” Lin Xiao scanned the seemingly empty living room, a note of puzzlement in his voice.

“She’s probably in her room, no need to worry about her,” Huang Xinyu shook her head as she settled into the sofa, visibly weary. “Lin Xiao, I can’t thank you enough for today. If it weren’t for you, I shudder to think what could have happened to Caixing and me.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Auntie Xinyu. Honestly, it’s no big deal, there’s no need to make a fuss over it.”

“How can you say that? You saved our lives. That’s far from a trivial matter. Is there anything I can do to repay you?” Huang Xinyu looked intently at Lin Xiao. “If you have any troubles, don’t hesitate to let me know. Whatever I can do to help, I will.”

Before Lin Xiao could respond, a voice chimed in from behind him, “Mom, why are you being so formal? Big Brother Lin isn’t an outsider. You don’t need to bring your business-world etiquette into this, okay?”

Huang Xinyu shot Huang Caixing a glance but didn’t seem truly angry. “Don’t assume everyone’s as carefree and clueless about social norms as you are. Lin Xiao saved our lives. Shouldn’t I at least offer some kind of thanks?”

“If you want to thank him, just go ahead. Why ask Big Brother Lin what he wants?” Huang Caixing grumbled under her breath.

“Caixing makes a good point, Auntie Xinyu. You don’t have to be so formal with me. If you really want to express your gratitude, a simple meal would do,” Lin Xiao interjected, noticing that the mother and daughter seemed on the brink of another argument. “By the way, Caixing, where were you earlier?”

“Oh, you’re in for a real treat today, Big Brother Lin. I’ve taken the liberty of cooking for you myself,” Huang Caixing said, a pleased smile gracing her lips.

“You? Cooked?” Lin Xiao asked, a note of skepticism in his voice.

In his view, Huang Caixing was good-natured and had a pleasing personality, but she seemed like a pampered young lady, unacquainted with household chores.

The last time he was at Yuan Yu’s house, she was comfortably lounging on the sofa watching TV while Yuan Yu handled the cooking.

Could it be that Huang Caixing had attempted some kind of culinary disaster this time?

Noticing Lin Xiao’s skepticism, Huang Xinyu, wearing a smile remarkably similar to her daughter’s, chimed in, “Don’t underestimate her, Lin Xiao. Caixing actually has quite a knack for cooking. It’s just that she’s usually too lazy to showcase her skills. I hardly ever get the chance to taste her dishes. But today, for some reason, she felt inspired to cook.”

“Really?” Lin Xiao’s doubt lingered.

However, as Huang Caixing began to present a series of dishes that looked genuinely appetizing, he started to believe he was indeed in for a treat.

Huang Caixing, donning a cartoon-themed apron and holding a spoon, appeared especially adorable and endearing. She looked up at Lin Xiao with eager eyes.

“Big Brother Lin, give it a taste. I promise it’s delicious.”

“Alright, let’s see.”

By now, Lin Xiao had grown convinced of Huang Caixing’s culinary prowess. He picked up a green bean with his chopsticks, placed it in his mouth, and began to chew thoughtfully. The flavor was spot-on, neither too salty nor too bland. It was a simple home-cooked dish, yet it made Lin Xiao feel as if he were enjoying a meal prepared by a five-star chef.

Under Huang Caixing’s hopeful gaze, Lin Xiao gave an approving nod with a trace of a smile. “Hmm, it’s really good. I didn’t expect you to be such a skilled cook.”

“Yay! Big Brother Lin, if it’s to your liking, help yourself to more,” Huang Caixing exclaimed, her face lit up with excitement. She then deftly used her chopsticks to add more food to Lin Xiao’s bowl.

In no time, Lin Xiao’s bowl was brimming with dishes.

Off to the side, Huang Xinyu felt somewhat neglected. “You little imp, fussing over your Big Brother Lin and ignoring your own mother. Sometimes I wonder why I even bothered raising you.”

“Mom, if you want something, can’t you just serve yourself?” Huang Caixing retorted with a glance at her mother, then immediately resumed piling food onto Lin Xiao’s plate.

Amidst the playful back-and-forth between Huang Caixing and her mother Huang Xinyu, and entranced by the subtle, pleasant aroma filling the room, Lin Xiao felt his earlier restlessness, stemming from a morning altercation with robbers, gradually subside.

After the meal, Lin Xiao bid farewell to Huang Caixing and her mother.

“Big Brother Lin, why don’t you stay over tonight? You promised me you would last time,” Huang Caixing said, her lips forming a pout.

“Maybe next time. Little Yu is home alone tonight,” Lin Xiao responded, smiling as he gently declined the invitation.

Huang Caixing wanted to press further, but was hushed by Huang Xinyu. Reluctantly, she watched as Lin Xiao took his leave.