Meanwhile, an aunt standing by the dining table reached out to remove the transparent glass covers from the dishes.
The aunt pointed to a plate of fish garnished with shredded scallions and green and red peppers in a thick sauce, and introduced:
"Mr. Jiang, this dish of black truffle osmanthus fish was personally cooked by Ms. Bai."
"Fresh osmanthus fish paired with crushed black truffles and fresh chili, steamed to perfection."
"A double hit of freshness from the black truffles and fish, itâs smooth, tender, and refreshingly unique in flavor."
"This dish of cured yellow ginger tofu morel shrimp ball uses fresh morels and shrimp balls from Yunnan."
"This is pork ribs roasted in red wine sauce, and the plums within can offset the greasiness and fullness of the ribs..."
"And this is..."
The nanny introduced each of the six exquisitely looking dishes on the table to Jiang Tao.
It was obvious that Bai Yulan had put a lot of effort into tonightâs meal.
"Amazing, amazing, I never expected Sister Bai to be a hidden culinary master."
"Just by looking and smelling these dishes, you know theyâre extraordinary. Iâm in for a treat today!"
Jiang Tao patiently listened to the nannyâs introduction and didnât hold back on his praise, grinning and giving Bai Yulan a thumbs up.
"Try and see how it tastes."
Bai Yulan raised her eyebrows, smiling as she made a gesture inviting Jiang Tao to dine.
"Then I wonât be polite. With this spread tonight, there likely wonât be anything left."
Jiang Tao chuckled, showing a relaxed demeanor in front of Bai Yulan without any reservations.
"Haha, if you can eat it all, thatâs great. Whatever you canât finish, you can take with you."
Bai Yulan laughed lightly with her hand over her mouth. She didnât know why, but whenever she was alone with Jiang Tao, she felt exceptionally relaxed.
The nanny serving them noticed Bai Yulanâs unrestrained and radiant smile and was also quite surprised.
Though Bai Yulan was always nice to them and paid their salaries on time, often giving them little benefits.
But in front of them, Bai Yulan always had a calm and elegant expression, never laughing heartily like today.
"I canât wait any longer, my stomachâs growling."
Jiang Tao said bluntly, reaching for a pair of ivory-like white communal chopsticks and placing a piece of beef rib onto his plate.
He then picked up his own black chopsticks to hold the beef rib, starting to tear, chew, and swallow piece by piece.
Recently, after attending many high-end banquets, Jiang Tao gradually got used to using separate chopsticks for serving and eating.
To be honest, at first, he found it a bit troublesome, but after getting used to it, it became second nature.
During meals, using serving chopsticks is not only about caring for oneâs health but also respecting others.
By using serving chopsticks, the chances of cross-infection are effectively reduced, creating a safer and more hygienic dining environment.
Watching Jiang Tao devour the meat haphazardly.
Bai Yulan wasnât disgusted; instead, her eyes shone even more brightly.
Jiang Taoâs candid and bold personality.
It was much more genuine and stronger than those so-called upper-class men who pretended to be graceful in front of her!
Although Bai Yulan had never been in a serious relationship, she wasnât a naive girl.
She had seen many people who act all gentlemanly in public while living indulgently in private.
Thus, it was Jiang Taoâs genuine personality that she liked the most.
"Eat slower, youâll finish the plates too."
"If itâs not enough, Nanny Liu can make more in the kitchen since there are still leftover ingredients."
Watching Jiang Tao relish in eating what she cooked, Bai Yulan felt a great sense of accomplishment.
An empty plate was her greatest affirmation!
At lunchtime, Jiang Tao had been drinking with some leaders, so he hadnât eaten much.
After a nap, he was indeed quite hungry now.
Besides, the six dishes Bai Yulan prepared tonight were exquisite, but their portions were small.
The majority ended up in Jiang Taoâs stomach.
Bai Yulan only had less than ten bites.
Of course, for someone like Bai Yulan who strictly controlled her diet and had strict standards for her figure.
Her calorie intake for tonight was enough.
"Burp~"
Dinner stretched from 8 pm to around 9 pm, and Jiang Tao was genuinely full and satisfied.
Seeing the empty plates before him, Bai Yulanâs face was lit with a bright smile, and beside her, the nanny was indeed amazed.
This young man is really something!
When he said heâd finish eating, he really did eat everything, leaving nothing!
Bai Yulan chuckled and asked Jiang Tao, "Have you had enough?"
"Iâve had enough, thanks for the hospitality, Sister Bai. I didnât know Sister Bai was actually the hidden boss of Baiyulan Hotel!"
Jiang Tao smiled and gave Bai Yulan a thumbs up, praising her:
"In comparison, the chef at Baiyulan Hotel is in a lower league than Sister Baiâs culinary skills."
"Haha, am I as exaggerated as you say?"
Hearing Jiang Taoâs compliment, Bai Yulan felt very flattered.
Though she didnât know how much truth was in his words, she was genuinely happy, feeling her efforts paid off.
"Whereâs the exaggeration? Not exaggerated at all, Iâm just stating the facts."
"If Sister Bai becomes the head chef at Baiyulan Hotel, Iâd be there every day for a meal."
Jiang Tao showed no signs of embarrassment, pursuing the praise to add emotional value for Bai Yulan.
"Arenât you afraid of eating yourself into poverty?"
Bai Yulan laughed charmingly, then suddenly changed the subject, saying:
"Oh, by the way, Jiang Tao, I brought back that book you were looking for."
"Nanny Li, please go to my study and bring over that massage book on the desk."
After speaking to Jiang Tao, Bai Yulan turned and instructed a maid nearby.
"Yes, maâam."
Nanny Li nodded respectfully and went to Bai Yulanâs study to retrieve the book on Tuina Massage.
In the eyes of others, it was just an ordinary book, but in Jiang Taoâs vision, it glowed with a dark golden hue.
"Iâm giving this to you. Youâre quite the learner."
After receiving the book from the maid, Bai Yulan smiled as she handed it to Jiang Tao sitting across from her.
"Thank you, Sister Bai!"
Jiang Tao maintained a calm demeanor while thanking Bai Yulan, but he couldnât help feeling a bit excited inside.
Another special item acquired!
"When can we start?"
After handing the book to Jiang Tao, Bai Yulan smiled and looked at him.
Although she didnât specify what to start, both of them knew what it meant.
Jiang Tao grinned, "Sister Bai, you can go freshen up first, and after youâre done, head to your room. Iâll make sure you sleep soundly till morning."
Hearing this, a rare blush appeared on Bai Yulanâs exquisite face.
This guyâs words easily led to other interpretations!
"Alright, wait a moment, Iâll shower first and call you when Iâm done."
Bai Yulan cast a flirtatious glance at Jiang Tao before standing up to go upstairs.
Jiang Tao suddenly stood up and called out to Bai Yulan, asking:
"Sister Bai, can I go to the study and read a bit first?"
Bai Yulan responded naturally, "Of course you can, feel free to do whatever, no need to be restrained here."
"Alright."
Jiang Tao replied before turning toward the study on the first floor.
Earlier, he saw Nanny Li retrieving the book, so he knew where the study was.
Watching him enter the study, Bai Yulan turned to head upstairs for a shower.
After the two left, the maids exchanged glances.
"Ms. Bai and Mr. Jiang..."
"Hush! Speak less, work more, words can cause trouble, and you donât want to lose such a good job, do you?"
"..."
Although the maids were curious about Jiang Tao and Bai Yulanâs relationship, they restrained their curiosity and refrained from guessing.
The salary and benefits Bai Yulan offered them were top-notch for Ping County, and no one wanted to lose their job.
Creak.
After entering the study, Jiang Tao gently closed the door.
He then cast his gaze upon the Tuina Massage book in his hands.
[There are no other observers around, would you like to learn the contents of the Tuina Massage book?]
[The learning process is estimated to take 38 minutes.]
"38 minutes, probably not enough time for Sister Bai to finish her shower, right?"
"Yes!"
After estimating Bai Yulanâs shower time, Jiang Tao didnât hesitate and chose to start learning immediately.
He then opened the book and directed his gaze to the first line.