Chapter 1001

Frederick had already set the table by the time he called her over to eat. Hazel shuffled over in her slippers, lured by the warm, savory aroma wafting through the apartment. But when she saw the meal itself, her eyes widened slightly with surprise. Just two simple dishes and a soup—scrambled eggs with tomatoes, stir-fried shrimp with greens, and a clear seaweed soup with dried shrimp. Nothing fancy, but the vibrant colors, balanced portions, and elegant presentation gave the humble fare a restaurant-worthy feel. Just like the man who cooked them—deceptively effortless, yet unforgettable. Then she took her first bite. And froze. So this was his idea of “ordinary”? Even a five-star chef would be put to shame. By the time she was full, a lazy satisfaction had sunk into her bones. She propped her chin on her hands, eyes sparkling as she stared at him. “What else can you do?” Honestly, it was starting to feel surreal—Frederick looked like he didn’t know a frying pan from a cutting board, a