Chapter 124: Dinner

Evelyn’s expression brightened, although she quickly tried to hide it. “What are we making?”

“I was thinking of fried rice with chicken and a simple vegetable omelette. How does that sound?” He asked, tilting his head.

“That sounds good.” She glanced at the ingredients. “But I don’t think I’ve ever prepared fried rice properly.”

“Then today is your lucky day. You’ll be learning from a master.”

Evelyn looked at him with amusement. “A master? You really like praising yourself, don’t you?”

“Of course. If I don’t appreciate my own talents, who will?” He chuckled.

She laughed softly and reached for an apron hanging beside the counter. Ethan watched her tie it around her waist before handing her another one.

“Here. Put this on properly, or you’ll end up staining your clothes.”

Evelyn accepted it with a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

Once they were ready, Ethan began explaining the steps. He showed her how to prepare the vegetables, how to separate the ingredients, and why it was important to have everything ready before heating the pan.

Evelyn listened attentively, occasionally asking questions when she wasn’t sure about something. She wasn’t particularly experienced in the kitchen, but she was willing to learn, and Ethan found that refreshing.

“Should I cut these carrots smaller?” she asked, holding up a piece for him to inspect.

Ethan leaned closer. “A little smaller would be better. That way, they’ll cook evenly with the other vegetables.”

She nodded and continued cutting.

A few minutes later, Ethan turned toward her and noticed that she was concentrating so intensely that her eyebrows had drawn together. He couldn’t help smiling.

“Relax. You’re preparing dinner, not performing surgery.”

Evelyn paused and glanced at him. “I want it to turn out well.”

“And it will.” He reassured her. “There’s no need to look as though the carrots have personally offended you.”

She stared at him for a second before laughing. “You’re making fun of me again.”

“Would I dare?”

“Yes.”

Ethan chuckled. “Fair enough.”

They continued working together, and the kitchen gradually filled with the sounds of chopping vegetables, sizzling oil, and their occasional conversation. Ethan handled the more demanding parts of the cooking while Evelyn assisted him, learning how to season the rice and adjust the heat.

When it was time to prepare the omelette, he let her take the lead.

“Beat the eggs first,” He instructed, handing her a bowl. “Then add a little salt and pepper. Don’t overdo it.”

Evelyn nodded and began mixing the eggs. She looked so serious that Ethan had to suppress another laugh, but he decided not to tease her this time.

After she poured the mixture into the heated pan, she watched it carefully, waiting for the edges to set.

“Now, turn it over gently,” Ethan said.

Evelyn carefully slid the spatula underneath the omelette. For a moment, it looked as though everything was going well. Then the middle folded awkwardly, leaving one side thicker than the other.

She froze, stumped. Ethan stared at the omelette, then at her.

Evelyn slowly turned toward him. “Don’t laugh.”

“I haven’t said anything,” He replied, lips twitching.

She pouted. “Your face is saying enough.”

He finally burst into laughter, earning an embarrassed glare from her.

“It’s not that bad,” He said, still smiling. “It just looks a little different from what we expected.”

“A little different?” Evelyn repeated. “It looks like someone sat on it!”

That only made him laugh harder.

She turned away, pretending to be offended, but the corners of her mouth soon lifted. “Fine. Since you’re so good at cooking, you can finish it yourself.”

Ethan moved closer and gently nudged her shoulder. “Don’t be like that. It will still taste good.”

“You’d better hope so.”

He helped her adjust the omelette, showing her how to fold it without breaking it apart completely. Although the result wasn’t perfect, it looked considerably better by the time they transferred it to a plate.

Evelyn examined their work and nodded with satisfaction. “There. That’s much better.”

“See? You’re learning already.” He hummed, nodding approvingly.

She smiled, looking rather pleased with herself. “Maybe I’ll become a good cook someday.”

“Someday? At this rate, you’ll be challenging me for the title before the end of the month.”

Evelyn laughed and shook her head. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Before Ethan could respond, they heard a small voice from the kitchen entrance.

“Are you two finished yet?”

They turned and found Nora standing there, looking at the food with undisguised interest.

Ethan glanced at her. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Not long,” Nora replied.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “Then why are you staring at the food like that?”

Nora blinked innocently. “I’m just checking whether you need help.”

Ethan snorted. “Really? And what kind of help can you offer?”

The white-haired girl considered the question before answering confidently, “I can taste the food and tell you whether it’s good.”

Evelyn covered her mouth, laughing.

Ethan looked at his daughter for a moment before shaking his head. “What a convenient skill. Unfortunately, the food isn’t ready yet.”

Nora sighed dramatically. “Then I’ll wait.”

She pulled out a chair and sat down at the dining table, resting her chin on her hands as she watched her parents finish cooking in the kitchen.

Ethan exchanged an amused glance with Evelyn.

‘This girl really knows how to make herself comfortable.’

Still, he didn’t mind. If anything, having Nora nearby made their cooking feel livelier.

By the time dinner was ready, the table had been set, and the three of them gathered around it. The fried rice was fragrant, the chicken had a golden-brown finish, and their slightly imperfect omelette sat in the middle of the table.

Nora wasted no time reaching for her plate, but Ethan cleared his throat before she could serve herself.

“Hold on. We haven’t started eating yet.”

She withdrew her hand and looked at him. “I know, Dad.”

Ethan smiled and waited until everyone was settled. After a short prayer, they began eating.

Nora took her first bite of the fried rice, and her eyes immediately brightened. She chewed thoughtfully before reaching for another spoonful.

Evelyn noticed her expression and smiled. “Is it good?”