Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
Elizabeth looked seriously wrong, but it was adorable.
Alexander remained silent, just gazing at her with a faint smile.
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, made another cut, and said softly, âLook, itâs crooked again.â n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âLittle girl, donât lie.â
Alexanderâs eyes shifted to Elizabethâs fingers. The fingertips were round, and the lines were attractive. If he hadnât seen it for himself, he wouldnât believe those were the hands of someone who could cook.
Alexander wanted to see a flustered look on Elizabethâs face, but her expression remained calm and sincere. âYou spoke ill of me.â
So, thereâs a penalty.
Alexander paused, thinking back. When did he ever speak ill of Elizabeth?
In fact, he was pretty sure he never did.
âI didnât,â he said.
âYes, you did.â
Being taller than her, Alexander had to look down to meet Elizabethâs penetrating eyes, which stared back at him with utmost seriousness.
She accused him of calling her a wrinkled old grandma.
Her grandpa had told her never to lie. But he also said if someone bullied her, she should retaliate.
Furthermore, she wasnât really a cook.
She was a multifunctional Al. As long as data was uploaded to her, she knew how to do anything. Even though she was in human form now, she hadnât
forgotten her knowledge.
As Alexander met Elizabethâs deep, dark eyes, he frowned, doubting his memories. Did he really say that?
Seeing Alexander not pressing further, Elizabeth picked up a lotus root segment and began cutting it neatly.
âLetâs assume I did,â Alexander said with a hint of amusement in his voice, âBut you lied. So, you should be punished.â
Elizabeth paused in her chopping, âYes?â
Alexander proposed, âHow about a penalty for grilling some food for me?â
Elizabeth considered for a moment and then agreed, âAlright.â
After all, she was going to grill it herself.
Elizabeth began to skewer cucumber slices and placed them on the grill, starting to cook.
A small smirk appeared on Alexanderâs lips as he took a seat on a nearby chair.
Emily Williams came out with seafood and saw her brother lounging like a lord, waiting to be served. She remarked with disdain, âBro, looking for a free meal, huh?â
Alexander replied with a teasing smile, âAre you sure you want me to cook?â
Emily pondered for a moment. Her brother acting like a boss was far better than him producing some charred disaster on the grill.
Emily approached Elizabeth, watching her expertly flip the ingredients. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, âElizabeth, can I wait for my turn?â
She seemed to have forgotten that she had just accused Alexander of freeloading.
âOf course,â Elizabeth promptly agreed.
âIâd like grilled corn, squid, and lamb skewers,â Emily stated, bringing out the ingredients.
Elizabeth nodded in acknowledgment, accepting the task.
She enjoyed todayâs experience. The people at the research facility never dared to joke around or impose upon her like this.
Even Peter, the one she was closest to at the facility, never treated her with such casual friendliness.
Is this what friends are like? Speaking freely and without hesitation?
Seeing Emilyâs eager expression, Elizabeth grilled the squid first.
The tantalizing aroma caught even Alexanderâs attention.
Her culinary skills were impeccable. The food retained its freshness and flavor, no wonder Peter always raved about it.
Taking a bite, Emily exclaimed dramatically, clutching her chest, âWhat kind of heavenly flavor is this? Elizabeth, your cooking skills are exceptional!â
Elizabeth pursed her lips, seemingly pleased, even though her face remained expressionless.
Initially, Emily assumed that even if Elizabeth could grill, the taste would be average at best. But it was unexpectedly delicious.
Admiringly, she commented, âYou must have worked so hard. When you were in the countryside, you had to do everything yourself, right? Thatâs probably why you developed such good culinary skills.â
A pang of sympathy hit Emily. She thought about her friendâs past, which must have been so challenging..