Although he thought this Yangzhou fried rice was incredibly delicious, after all, it was food from Earth, completely different from the culinary style of this world. He didn’t know if Emily would like it or if she would be used to eating it.

Emily had just put a spoonful of fried rice into her mouth when her eyes lit up instantly. The little pointed ears half-hidden under her silver hair twitched. The soft rice wrapped in fragrant, tender egg, succulent shrimp, savory ham, sweet and tender tree mushrooms, and crisp winter bamboo shoots—all these flavors were mixed together in this one bite of fried rice, perfectly fused, with a texture so delicate and a rich, sweet aroma that melted in her mouth. It was so delicious she didn’t even know how to describe it.

The sweet, crispy biscuit that used to rank first in her heart now seemed like it was made of stone compared to this fried rice—not worth mentioning at all. She probably wouldn’t want to eat it again.

After one bite, she couldn’t help but immediately take a second, then a third, one mouthful after another, unable to stop, feeling like this was the happiest moment ever.

“Rainbow fried rice is so delicious, Father is amazing…” Emily mumbled during a brief pause, but her gaze never left the plate. After speaking, she lowered her head and continued shoveling fried rice, with no intention of stopping to rest.

“Eat slowly.” Alex said, getting up to pour a glass of water and placing it beside her. Watching the little one’s pointed ears twitch adorably and her face full of satisfied smiles, he felt content. Emily’s reaction said it all—she was very pleased with this fried rice. The endless, repetitive practice in the God of Cookery’s space had finally paid off at this moment. Just watching her eat made everything worthwhile.

“I guess I’ll soon fall in love with the feeling of cooking.” Alex thought to himself. Watching the little one eat was so rewarding, but she was eating so heartily that he started to feel a bit hungry himself.

Not until she finished all the fried rice on the plate did Emily hold the plate with both hands and lick it, not even leaving a single shrimp at the bottom. She put down the plate and said expectantly, “Father, I want more. Xiaomi wants to eat more rainbow fried rice. Rainbow fried rice is super delicious.”

“You want more?” Alex was a bit surprised. He glanced at the plate, which was completely empty. He had cooked an adult-sized portion, and the little one had finished it all and still wanted more.

“Mm-hmm, Xiaomi still wants to eat.” Emily nodded, blinking her big eyes and looking at Alex with anticipation. But then she glanced toward the kitchen, hesitated a bit, and said, “But Father hasn’t eaten yet. Is there enough rice at home? Xiaomi doesn’t have to eat more.”

“There’s definitely enough rice, and Father took a big bite of Xiaomi’s fried rice, so that’s probably why you’re not full. I’ll go make another portion, and we can eat together, okay?” Alex said with a smile, ruffling Xiaomi’s hair. The little one was always thinking of him—so considerate.

Looking through his memories, although Xiaomi was only four years old, she could eat two bowls of rice in one meal, about the same as an adult. It was her first time eating such delicious fried rice, so of course she wanted another bowl. But since it was still early in the morning, Alex didn’t want her to overeat, so he’d just give her a small bowl later.

“Okay! Father is amazing at cooking today.” Emily said, clapping her little hands and looking at Alex with eyes full of admiration.

Alex got up and cleared the plates from the table, preparing to head into the kitchen.

“Free ingredient usage benefit has ended. From now on, all ingredients provided by the system must be purchased before use. The following is the ingredient price list. Please check accordingly.” At that moment, the system’s voice suddenly sounded.

“Purchase?” Alex was stunned for a moment. He suddenly remembered that when he completed the task in the God of Cookery’s trial field, the system seemed to mention gaining the right to purchase ingredients. But at the time, all his attention was on the Yangzhou fried rice, so he just assumed the ingredients were provided for free by the system. He didn’t expect he’d actually have to buy them.

Focusing on the price list, Alex’s eyes widened. “What the—System, did you mark these prices wrong?”

“All prices are marked correctly.” the system replied calmly.

“Fifty copper coins for one prawn is one thing, but you’re selling green peas at one copper coin each… This is daylight robbery!” Alex raised an eyebrow. The list clearly stated: Ingredients required for one serving of Yangzhou fried rice

Prawns: 50 copper coins each—need 2;

Eggs: 30 copper coins each—need 2;

Ham: 40 copper coins per piece;

Tree mushrooms: 30 copper coins each;

Winter bamboo shoots: 30 copper coins per piece;

Rice: 30 copper coins per bowl;

Green peas: 1 copper coin each—need five;

Green onion: 1 copper coin each—need one;

Total: 296 copper coins.

“With the cost of ingredients for one serving of Yangzhou fried rice, I could buy 296 sweet, crispy biscuits!” Alex was speechless. How was anyone supposed to do business like this?

Chapter 9: Ingredients from Those Mysterious Places

“Father, what’s wrong?” Emily asked, a little confused, seeing Alex standing by the table holding the plate in a daze.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Emily, have a glass of water first and play in the restaurant for a while. Father will go make the fried rice.” Alex quickly shook his head with a smile, moved the glass of water in front of Emily, and hurried off toward the kitchen.