A Feast of Delicacies

[An original novel behind the Huanyu Films television adaptation of the same name, starring He Ruixian and Wang Xingyue, with original screenwriters Qiyue Li and Pan Xin.] Ling Xiaoxiao is a country cook determined to become the greatest chef in the land. After passing round after round of selection, she joins the Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui's Imperial Delicacies Kitchen. Rumor has it that the Crown Prince is fussy, hard to please, and quick-tempered. On her first day in the palace, Ling Xiaoxiao cooks for the Crown Prince, only to be driven out after he criticizes her food. But after tasting a humble country dish called bao'er rice, the proud prince invites her back to the kitchen. With her cooking skills and delicious dishes, Ling Xiaoxiao helps the Crown Prince overcome one crisis after another. And through each trial, the two gradually fall for each other. “I'm so glad I met you.” Hearing Ling Xiaoxiao murmur those words, the Crown Prince smiled blissfully. “Likewise. Picking fault with everyone every day was exhausting.” “Don't be so sentimental!” Suddenly, Ling Xiaoxiao planted a kiss on the corner of the Crown Prince's mouth, then drew back with a smile and looked away. “Ling Xiaoxiao... How dare you!” Stunned, the Crown Prince covered the spot where the woman had just kissed him. His face was full of surprise and happiness! He even stumbled over his words. “Your Highness has always known how bold I am. Are you going to punish me for it now?” “That's right. I am going to punish you now.” The Crown Prince put on a show of authority, then wrapped an arm around Ling Xiaoxiao's shoulders and kissed her on the lips! Beneath a sky full of stars, the kiss bore witness to his love for her, and to his possessive desire to make her his alone. Their embracing silhouettes stretched longer and longer beneath the moonlight…