In the kitchen, Lin Feng took out a mandarin fish. He began by descaling it, then slicing open its belly to remove the innards. Next, he skinned the head, chopped it off, and used his knife to remove the bones along the fish's back. After these steps, Lin Feng laid the fish skin-side down and skillfully scored it in a crosshatch pattern. His movements were as smooth as flowing water.

Both Han Wen and Tang Xiufang were stunned as they watched. In less than five minutes, Lin Feng had finished prepping the Squirrel-style Mandarin Fish. Such skilled technique was something even seasoned restaurant chefs might struggle to match.

"Brother-in-law, your knife skills are out of this world!" Han Wen couldn't help but tease. "Did you graduate from New Oriental or something?"

Lin Feng just smiled and didn't reply. In truth, I'm a dropout from Yangcheng University, he wanted to say.

"Step back a bit, I'm going to fry the fish now!" Lin Feng called out to the two women.

He poured oil into the wok. When it reached a medium-high heat, Lin Feng lightly coated the scored fish with starch and lowered it into the oil to deep-fry for five minutes until the skin was golden brown and the flesh was cooked through. Finally, he poured out the hot oil, leaving just a small amount in the bottom of the wok. He then added clear broth, white vinegar, salt, sugar, ketchup, and sour plum sauce to create a sweet and sour glaze. He drizzled it over the fish, and the delicious Squirrel-style Mandarin Fish was complete!

"Honey, dinner's ready!" Lin Feng shouted toward the living room after placing the last dish, a plate of salt and pepper spare ribs, on the table.

Zhang Yuxi had just finished feeding the baby and hurried over to sit beside Lin Feng. Han Wen, meanwhile, was already eager to dig in. She picked up a piece of the fish and placed it in her mouth. It was bursting with flavor and melted on her tongue!

"Brother-in-law, this fish is incredible!" she exclaimed. "Before today, I thought my mom made the best Squirrel-style Mandarin Fish in the world! But compared to yours, hers doesn't even come close..."

Tang Xiufang also had a taste and agreed it was excellent. As a native of the Jiangzhe region, she had tried many versions of the dish, but Lin Feng's was the most delicious she had ever eaten.

Lin Feng smiled. "If you like it, have some more." He picked up a piece of fish and placed it in Zhang Yuxi's bowl.

Zhang Yuxi smiled back, took a delicate bite, and her eyes lit up. So delicious!

Around the dining table, Han Wen and Zhang Yuxi showered every dish with praise. Tang Xiufang also nodded frequently in approval. Before long, the table full of food was mostly empty.

Finally, Han Wen made an outrageous suggestion. "Brother-in-law, can I pack up all the leftovers and take them home?"

Hearing this, Tang Xiufang shot her a stern glare, as if to say, Have some decency, we're guests in someone's home.

But Han Wen just pouted, as if thinking, Compared to delicious food, what good is saving face?

Lin Feng laughed and reluctantly nodded. He took out two bento boxes and began packing all the remaining dishes for Han Wen.

Resting her chin in her hands, Han Wen looked at Zhang Yuxi. "Mrs. Zhang, I'm so envious of you! You found such a handsome husband, and you get to eat food this delicious every day. You're a true winner in life!"

Zhang Yuxi blushed. "If you girls like it, you can come over more often."

"Yay! Mrs. Zhang, you're the best!" Han Wen jumped up excitedly. She rushed over to Lin Feng's side and asked, "Brother-in-law, can I come over to eat often? Your cooking is amazing! I can pay you for the groceries!"

As Lin Feng was packing the last of the food, the system's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

[DING!]

[System Prompt: 1 minute remaining before the Face-Changing skill expires!]

Lin Feng's expression tensed. He had completely forgotten that he'd used the skill in the afternoon and that it had a four-hour time limit. Now, less than a minute remained!

I have to pack faster!

With this thought, Lin Feng ignored Han Wen and quickened his pace.

[35 seconds remaining before expiration!]

Lin Feng shoved the bento boxes into Han Wen's hands. "Ms. Han, the food is all packed! We have something we need to do, so you two should probably head back now!"

Seeing Lin Feng trying to usher them out, Han Wen thought she must have angered him with her request. Zhang Yuxi also looked on, confused by his sudden change in demeanor.

"Alright then!" Han Wen nodded, disappointed.

[15 seconds remaining before expiration!]

"I'll just go see the baby one more time," she said, starting to walk toward the nursery.

But Lin Feng stopped her. "Ms. Han, you and Ms. Tang should head back! The baby just had his milk and is sleeping now!"

Since he'd put it so bluntly, Tang Xiufang also sensed the strange atmosphere. She quickly stepped forward, took Han Wen's hand, and said their goodbyes.

[10, 9, 8…]

"Mr. Lin, Mrs. Zhang, we'll be leaving now," Tang Xiufang said as she led the way out the door.

[5, 4, 3…]

Just as the door was about to close, Han Wen suddenly turned her head for one last look at Lin Feng. At that exact moment, the effect of his Face-Changing skill wore off.

A jolt went through Han Wen's mind. An image of another person suddenly flashed before her eyes...

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