This person is clearly a male protagonist in a female-oriented novel, yet he is excessively lucid.

The warm yellow light made Yu Chenzhou's profile appear even more gentle, and his eyes held an unyielding smile as he quietly gazed at Xiao Yilin opposite him.

Xiao Yilin held a small white porcelain spoon, gently picked up a spoonful of Mapo Tofu coated in red oil sauce, and slowly put it into her mouth.

The scalding hot aroma exploded on her tongue, the numbing and spicy flavors intertwining with the smoothness of the tofu. The moment it entered her mouth, her eyes widened, her pupils contracted slightly, and her face was filled with undisguised disbelief.

"You...this...you..."

The delicious taste lingered in her mouth for a long time. Xiao Yilin opened her mouth, but couldn't organize her thoughts for a while, only managing to utter intermittent exclamations.

She chewed carefully, slowly swallowing the Mapo Tofu in her mouth. Her Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and then her eyes locked onto Yu Chenzhou, her gaze full of inquiry.

After stammering for a while, she wrinkled her nose and said with a doubtful look:

"You didn't add some kind of high-tech stuff to this, did you? Otherwise, how could it taste so good!"

What do you think?

Yu Chenzhou's voice had a languid, magnetic quality.

He didn't answer Xiao Yilin's question directly. Instead, he curled the corners of his lips, a sly smile hidden in his eyes, and stared at her intently, his tone full of rhetorical questions.

Xiao Yilin stared into his eyes for a few seconds, and seeing his frank expression, she dismissed her own guess:

"No???"

He then frowned, looking puzzled, and asked again.

"So how exactly did you do this?"

This is better than any Mapo Tofu I've ever had!

After all, Yu Chenzhou was someone she had held dear in her heart and loved for many years, so she still had that much trust in him.

Therefore, she believed that Yu Chenzhou would not try to fool her with strange things.

Yu Chenzhou's smile deepened. He put down his spoon, picked up his chopsticks, and said softly:

"Try it, what is this?"

As he spoke, he used his chopsticks to precisely pick up a piece of "diced meat" coated in sauce from the white porcelain plate of Mapo Tofu, and gently placed it in the small bowl in front of Xiao Yilin, looking at her intently, waiting for her to try it.

Xiao Yilin glanced down at the "diced meat" in the bowl. It was reddish-brown, uniform in size, and looked no different from ordinary diced meat. Without thinking, she instinctively answered:

"Isn't this just diced meat? What's so special about it?"

"Try it and you'll see. The secret to this dish lies entirely in this."

Yu Chenzhou raised his chin, indicating to Xiao Yilin to try it first, his words carrying a hint of mystery.

Seeing his serious tone, Xiao Yilin also became interested.

She picked up her chopsticks, took the "diced meat" and examined it closely with curious eyes for a long time, turning it over and over several times, but still couldn't figure out what was going on.

She shrugged and, following Yu Chenzhou's instructions, gently put it in her mouth.

The moment your teeth gently bite down.

The diced meat made a crisp "crunch" sound, and was fragrant and delicious, but it didn't have any meaty texture.

After a moment of surprise, Xiao Yilin picked up a few more pieces of "diced meat" from the plate and savored them carefully.

"This texture, it's not meat... what is it then?"

Could it be... soybeans?

The diced meat melts slowly in your mouth, and the aroma of beans blends with the savory flavor of the sauce.

Xiao Yilin carefully examined the sensation, her eyes filled with uncertainty, and tentatively asked Yu Chenzhou.

"That's right, it's soybeans, soybeans that have been specially processed and deep-fried."

Yu Chenzhou nodded affirmatively, then picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of tofu, and continued to explain.

"That's the 'magical' aspect of Magic Mapo Tofu."

The standard Mapo Tofu emphasizes the five flavors of numbing, spicy, colorful, fragrant, and hot, but my version adds an extra "crispy" element.

Deep-fried soybeans have a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy interior. This crispy and fragrant texture contrasts sharply with the smooth and tender tofu, creating a magical taste sensation of "six flavors in one."

As he spoke, Yu Chenzhou scooped up a spoonful of Mapo Tofu and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully. He then picked up a small celadon wine cup from the table and took a sip of plum wine. The sweetness of the wine neutralized the spiciness of the tofu.

He put down his wine cup, looked at Xiao Yilin, and asked with anticipation in his eyes:

"Paired with the plum wine I specially prepared for you, it's refreshing and helps to cut through the spiciness. Tell me, didn't this candlelight dinner disappoint you?"

"I'm so satisfied! I'm absolutely thrilled! I love this surprise!"

Xiao Yilin's eyes sparkled as she imitated Yu Chenzhou, first taking a bite of Mapo Tofu, then a sip of plum wine.

The spicy and savory flavors intertwine with the sweetness of the wine in your mouth, creating an exquisite taste.

She couldn't help but give a thumbs up instantly, praising him with a satisfied expression.

The two then ate and chatted, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Before they knew it, the three generous plates of Mapo Tofu were completely devoured, and even the sauce at the bottom of the plates was used to mix with rice and eat it all up.

"Ah~~ So satisfying! I haven't eaten this heartily in ages, it's so great!"

Xiao Yilin leaned back in the soft dining chair, patted her slightly protruding belly, let out a long, satisfied sigh, and remarked:

"I'm so full, I feel so happy."

"Hehe, this is just the beginning, the surprises aren't over yet."

Seeing Xiao Yilin looking as content as a kitten, Yu Chenzhou chuckled softly, his eyes full of doting affection.

He wiped his mouth, got up, and walked towards the study first, turning back to speak to her.

"Come with me to the study first."

"Is there another surprise?"

Xiao Yilin's eyes lit up, and she instantly perked up, her earlier feeling of fullness dissipating considerably.

She immediately stood up from her chair and followed him with great enthusiasm, her steps as light as a hopping rabbit.

Upon entering the quiet study, Xiao Yilin immediately saw Yu Chenzhou standing in front of the large desk, intently fiddling with the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

The ink in the inkstone is ready, and a clean sheet of drawing paper is laid out on the table.

She tiptoed over, curiously approached, and whispered:

Are you getting ready to draw?

"That's right."

Yu Chenzhou continued preparing his paintbrush without looking up, his long fingers holding the brush with elegance and focus.

"I've prepared a special gift for you, which is also the first gift I've ever given you: a portrait in traditional Chinese ink painting."

Although Xiao Yilin didn't know why Yu Chenzhou specifically emphasized "the first gift," she didn't ask because she thought it was a new beginning after their reunion.

Seeing Yu Chenzhou so focused, Xiao Yilin couldn't bear to disturb him, so she obediently stood aside, her hands folded in front of her, silently watching his movements.

The moment Yu Chenzhou picked up the calligraphy brush, Xiao Yilin suddenly realized that the man in front of her seemed to have become a different person.

His demeanor became calm and refined, his eyes focused and profound, and every stroke of his pen carried a unique rhythm that captivated her so much that she couldn't look away.

As she watched, her heart began to race, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes became alluring.

Time flowed slowly in the tranquil atmosphere. About an hour later, Yu Chenzhou finally stopped what he was doing.

Xiao Yilin leaned closer to take a look and saw a woman on a white sheet of paper, as bright as a summer rose in full bloom, yet with a touch of aloofness and coldness. Her eyes and brows were full of life.

Yu Chenzhou put down his brush, took a half step back, carefully examined the painting for a moment, and nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied with his work.

Xiao Yilin stared at the painting for a while before frowning and asking with a curious expression:

"Didn't you say you'd paint my portrait? The person in this painting doesn't really look like me now."

"Ink painting is different from oil painting. Oil painting pursues realism and strives to be exactly the same as the original, while ink painting does not emphasize complete resemblance in appearance."

Yu Chenzhou walked to her side, gently put his arm around her shoulder from behind, and explained with a smile.

"The essence of ink painting lies in 'capturing the spirit through form,' 'achieving wonderful insights through imagination,' and 'the interplay of emptiness and fullness.' It emphasizes capturing the charm and temperament of the figures, rather than a rigid replication of their appearance."

Look at the liveliness in your eyes and brows, isn't that what makes you so unique?

"Now that you mention it, I think I do understand a little bit."

Xiao Yilin nodded in sudden realization, and as she looked at the painting again, she found it increasingly captivating.

A moment later, as if she had suddenly thought of something, her cheeks flushed slightly. She turned her head, gently patted Yu Chenzhou's arm, and laughed and scolded him without any politeness.

"But... this bright yet slightly naive feeling... you rascal, is that me from that time you drew?!"

Congratulations, you got it right.

Yu Chenzhou didn't refute her. Instead, he took her hand, his eyes full of gentle smiles, and said with a proud expression.

"Who could blame me for the fact that you, back then, possessed a touch of charm and vivacity, making you the most beautiful image in my heart?"

"Tch, all you do is say nice things."

Xiao Yilin's heart raced at his words. She spat lightly, but couldn't help but smile. She rolled her eyes at Yu Chenzhou and muttered a speechless complaint.

"They say that artists can be very artistic when they act like hooligans, and seeing it today, I can confirm that's true."

"Yes, then I'll show you how an artist can act like a hooligan."

Yu Chenzhou chuckled softly, his tone tinged with amusement. Before he finished speaking, he opened his arms and lunged at Xiao Yilin, wanting to pull her into his embrace.

"Hehe, you think you can catch me? Not so easy!"

Xiao Yilin reacted quickly, nimbly dodging to the side and avoiding his embrace.

She stuck out her tongue and made a face at him defiantly, dodging quickly while letting out a clear, bell-like laugh.

In an instant, the quiet study was filled with the sounds of the two playfully chasing each other, frolicking all the way from the study to the living room.

After arguing for a while, both of them were a little tired.

So they snuggled together, pressed close to each other on the soft sofa, covered with the same thin blanket, and watched TV quietly.

At that moment, the TV screen was showing the movie they watched on their first date when they had just started dating.

Although it's an old film from many years ago, and the visuals are somewhat dated.

But after so long, watching the youthful storyline on the screen again stirred up ripples in both of their hearts, leaving them with a unique sense of emotion.

Yu Chenzhou gently tightened his arms, holding Xiao Yilin even closer, resting his chin on the top of her head, and asked softly:

"How did I perform today? How many points can I get?"

Xiao Yilin snuggled closer to him, finding a more comfortable position, tightening her grip on Yu Chenzhou's arms as he held her chest. A satisfied smile played on her lips as she answered earnestly:

"I'm very satisfied with tonight's dinner and this painting. You did a good job, so I'll add two points. Your total score is now 63."

"Great! I want a reward!"

Upon learning that he had scored two more points, Yu Chenzhou's eyes sparkled like a child who had received candy, and he said happily.

This was a little romantic gesture they made when they were dating: whenever Yu Chenzhou scored well in the "performance assessment," Xiao Yilin would give her a small reward.

Xiao Yilin was amused by his adorable appearance. She pouted her pink lips and deliberately dragged out her words, replying playfully:

"As for the reward... how about you sleep with a beautiful, fragrant woman tonight?"

"I like this reward, but..."

Yu Chenzhou changed the subject, tightened his grip on Xiao Yilin's waist, slowly turned his head, pressed his forehead against hers, and rubbed his nose against hers, speaking in a slightly coquettish tone.

"I'd much rather see you do the splits!"

Xiao Yilin felt his warm breath, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Instead of directly refusing Yu Chenzhou's request, she rolled her eyes and slyly suggested:

"You can watch it, but there are conditions."

From now on, you are not allowed to paint portraits of others without my permission, and you must paint one for me every day, and it must be a different one each time.

If I can't do it, I won't perform for you.

"Okay, whatever you say, I'll do it."

Yu Chenzhou agreed without hesitation, looking at her with burning eyes and a hint of expectation in his voice.

"Then we..."

"Look how impatient you are."

Xiao Yilin saw through his thoughts, rolled her eyes at Yu Chenzhou, and said speechlessly.

"Let's go back to the room, how can we perform here! Carry me to the bedroom, I want a princess carry, I want to be your little princess, you have to spoil me rotten."

"Alright, my little princess!"

Yu Chenzhou affectionately ruffled her hair.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Chenzhou bent down without hesitation and scooped Xiao Yilin up in his arms.

Xiao Yilin obediently stretched out her arms, hugged his neck tightly, and gently nestled her head in his warm embrace.

The faint scent of ink and the sweet aroma of plum wine lingered around him, and a happy smile appeared on his lips.