Previously, Feng Feng had only briefly mentioned that she would eat her parents' cooking when she went home, without elaborating further. However, Shen Su's speculation was correct: Feng Zhang and Zhou Xuan were indeed excellent cooks, and they genuinely appreciated people who could cook. It was likely that their initial assumption was that Shen Su couldn't cook, so they were pleasantly surprised when he spoke about it.
On the way to the parking lot, Shen Su continued to chat with Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang about cooking. Feng Feng, not being adept at such topics, found herself unable to interject. Watching Shen Su navigate the conversation with such ease, she felt her previous worries might have been excessive. Perhaps there was no one in this world that Shen Su couldn't charm.
Feng Zhang and Zhou Xuan had flown in from Huaixi, a journey of just over an hour, so they weren't tired. They decided to stop by a supermarket on the way. Shen Su, with practiced ease, pushed a shopping cart. Seeing his familiar movements, Feng Zhang and Zhou Xuan exchanged a glance; it was clear he frequented such places.
After purchasing a considerable amount of groceries, they returned to the apartment. Shen Su carried the items to the kitchen and sorted them into the refrigerator. While he busied himself, Feng Feng arranged the rooms for Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang, pushing their suitcases into the guest bedroom.
When Feng Feng emerged, Zhou Xuan glanced towards the kitchen and then, lowering her voice, asked Feng Feng, "Shouldn't your dad and I go help?" From Shen Su's demeanor, it seemed he was preparing dinner.
Feng Feng shook her head, "No need, let him do it."
Feng Zhang added, "I didn't expect him to be able to cook. That's not easy."
Zhou Xuan inquired again, "Does he really cook all the time?"
Feng Feng replied, "Yes, I don't like cooking."
Zhou Xuan nodded, a hint of relief appearing on her face. "It seems he's quite attentive to you. I'll observe further."
After chatting with Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang for a while, Feng Feng went to the kitchen to find Shen Su. As she entered, Shen Su was preparing the vegetables. Feng Feng tidied her hair and walked over, casually asking, "Do you need any help?"
Shen Su turned to look at her, smiling. "Why aren't you with your parents? I can manage here alone."
Feng Feng picked up some unwashed vegetables nearby and went to the sink to assist him, adding with a smile, "They might want to have some private conversations."
Shen Su raised an eyebrow. "What did they say about me just now?"
Feng Feng countered, "Are you that lacking in confidence?" He had kept Feng Zhang and Zhou Xuan entertained and smiling the entire way; she thought he had already secured their approval.
Shen Su replied, "Not exactly. Uncle and Aunt are being polite, perhaps giving me face. I'd rather hear how they evaluated me to you."
Feng Feng didn't give Shen Su a direct answer, merely saying, "My parents like people who can cook."
Shen Su smiled brightly. In that case, he truly hadn't bet on the wrong horse.
Just as Feng Feng had predicted, Feng Zhang and Zhou Xuan were discussing Shen Su in the living room. While they might have been reserved in front of Feng Feng, finding it inconvenient to say certain things, now, facing each other, they didn't need to hold back as much.
Feng Zhang said, "We can't just judge him by his performance today. With his experience and background, he's surely putting on a show for us."
Zhou Xuan responded, "Isn't it normal for there to be some performance? How he acts in front of us doesn't matter, as long as he's good to your daughter."
Feng Zhang nodded. "That's true. Let's see over the next few days. It's not easy for someone like him to settle down."
Both Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang were aware of Feng Feng's past relationships. Although she was very mature, she had only had one formal relationship. Compared to Shen Su, who had a string of ex-girlfriends, it was rare for a playboy to settle down.
Zhou Xuan suddenly recalled something. "He seemed to have brought Feng Feng to meet his parents before. Your daughter mentioned it to me, saying he might genuinely want to get married!"
The dinner Shen Su prepared was lavish, featuring nine dishes and a soup, all personally made by him. Feng Feng had only helped wash some vegetables and prepared the tableware once all the dishes were laid out.
Although Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang already knew Shen Su could cook, they were still astonished by the diverse and abundant dinner spread. The colors and presentation were exquisite, so much so that one could believe it was prepared by a hotel chef.
As they marveled at the table, Shen Su smiled and said, "It's been a while since I cooked so many dishes at once. Please try them, and feel free to point out anything that could be improved to help me refine my skills."
With Shen Su having cooked so many dishes and his amiable attitude, Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang, being such gracious people, couldn't possibly find fault. They exchanged smiles, and then Feng Zhang stepped forward to express his appreciation, "Thank you for your hard work. These dishes already look delicious."
Shen Su beamed at the compliment and then, with practiced courtesy, pulled out chairs for them to sit. If anyone else had done this, it might have seemed obsequious, but Shen Su's actions were incredibly natural, even imbued with a deep sincerity. Feng Feng watched as he guided Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang to their seats, with the two of them sitting opposite the elder couple.
Zhou Xuan and Feng Zhang tasted Shen Su's culinary creations. Even if they had wanted to offer suggestions, they couldn't find a starting point. His cooking skills were truly outstanding. For people in their circle, given his status and background, not many would likely be able to cook. Feng Zhang and Zhou Xuan had a particular fondness for the kitchen. Especially in this convenient era, the more accessible takeout became, the more significant the act of cooking oneself. They were also well aware that Shen Su could have spent the time he dedicated to cooking on other endeavors, creating even greater value.
When Shen Su asked, "Are there any areas that need improvement?" Feng Zhang smiled and replied, "No need for improvement. Your skills are much better than mine."
Shen Su said, "You flatter me. Feng Feng mentioned she still prefers the dishes you and Auntie make."
Zhou Xuan remarked, "That's because she doesn't get to eat them often. People always find dishes they don't usually eat to be tastier."
Shen Su smiled, unsure if he was being overly sensitive, but he felt Zhou Xuan's comment might have a hidden meaning. Until he was certain of her intent, Shen Su was determined not to be the first to respond, lest he cause irreparable consequences.
Fortunately, the topic concluded quickly, as Zhou Xuan soon shifted to another question, "What are your plans for the future?"
Her directness caught Shen Su off guard, and Feng Feng paused her eating upon hearing the question.
Feng Feng looked at Zhou Xuan incredulously, surprised that she was now also pushing for marriage.
Zhou Xuan saw Feng Feng's gaze and smiled, "Your cousin's child is truly adorable. Your father and I are very fond of them."
Shen Su understood everything at once. Without waiting for Feng Feng to answer, he smiled and chimed in, "As long as she's willing, I'm ready to get married anytime. My parents are also urging me, just waiting for her to agree."