Wu Lilan was lost in thought. Chen Buqi immediately hugged Ming Zhitian, disregarding any lady-like demeanor, her body pressed against him. "Tian'er, it's so good you're alright."
Then she glared at Wu Lilan. "Who said my son was injured? Dare to trick me, come out, and see if I don't beat you to death."
Wu Lilan couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Ming Ya stepped forward and confirmed Ming Zhitian was unharmed. "Alright, we'll talk about it at home."
Fan Wuqi's worried heart settled along with Bai Liuli's. Fan Wuqi stepped forward. "It's truly wonderful that Young Master is unharmed. Madam was so worried about you, she didn't even eat and came to find you immediately."
Ming Zhitian's heart warmed, and he looked at Chen Buqi. "Mother, you haven't eaten?"
Chen Buqi felt a rush of emotion. "What… did you just call me?"
Ming Zhitian understood. Since he was here, he might as well accept it. "Mother."
Chen Buqi was so happy her eyes welled up with tears. "Ah, my good son."
She waved her hand and patted his shoulder. "Don't listen to his nonsense. What do cultivators eat? It doesn't matter."
Fan Wuqi wanted to say something but seeing Bai Liuli's look, he swallowed his words. Clearly, Bai Liuli hadn't eaten either.
Ming Zhitian said, "Mother, I'm hungry."
Chen Buqi wiped her tears. "Okay, let's go home. Mother will cook something delicious for you."
Wu Lilan ordered for Bai Ze Chuanchuan to be returned to Ming Zhitian. He looked calm, which sent a chill down Wu Lilan's spine. However, Ming Zhitian was only at the first level of the Awakening Realm, so he was not a threat.
…………………
Returning to Suo Hai Wu Ge, Chen Buqi ignored Ming Ya and went straight to the kitchen. Bai Liuli helped her.
Soon, fragrant dishes filled the dining table – ten dishes and one soup. Although many cultivators no longer ate, balance was still important, and eating and drinking were part of life. Otherwise, endless cultivation would only turn one into a tool.
As Ming Ya took his seat, Chen Buqi smiled and placed a dish on Bai Liuli's bowl. "Let's eat. Daughter-in-law, you should eat more too."
Bai Liuli looked a bit embarrassed. "Mother… no, I'm just his friend. Please don't misunderstand."
Chen Buqi smiled gently. "Okay, okay. Eat more and grow plump and fair."
"……………"
Before Ming Ya could speak, Grand Madam Tian Haiyan, attracted by the aroma of the food, entered with her two sons, Ming Tian and Ming Yi:
"Calm down everyone. Why has the account been moved by a full ten billion today? Give me an explanation!"
Ming Tian and Ming Yi watched with amusement.
Everyone looked up. Chen Buqi frowned. "Eldest Sister, I'm having a rare meal with Tian'er today. Please don't disturb us. Go out."
"Heh? Are you defying me?" Tian Haiyan said, her lips parting in anger.
Ming Ya said, "Yan'er, let us finish our meal first. Qi'er is cooking personally today, and you also…"
Chen Buqi interrupted. "Excuse me, Eldest Sister, I haven't saved a seat for you today. Please go out first until we finish our meal."
In the past, she wouldn't have cared about any oppression she faced, but today, she was reunited with her son and felt emboldened for the first time.
Tian Haiyan was about to erupt when Ming Ya waved his hand. "Yan'er, this is indeed not the right time. You and Yi'er wait in the main hall first. Let us enjoy our meal in peace."
Tian Haiyan had no choice but to obey. "Yes, Your Majesty."
After the meal, Chen Buqi's cooking was exceptionally delicious, a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ming Zhitian couldn't stop praising it. "Mother's cooking is top-notch."
Even Ming Ya, who hadn't tasted Chen Buqi's cooking in a long time, was full of praise. "Truly delicious, Qi'er. What reward do you desire? I shall grant it to you."
Chen Buqi looked at Ming Zhitian, her eyes filled with love. "Heaven has given me back my child. This is the greatest reward."
The few of them left the dining hall and went to the main hall. Tian Haiyan had been waiting for so long her feet were almost worn out.