The Little Chef of Shu

*This book has been published in Traditional Chinese.

[Spicy beef offal hot pot and skewered hotpot, chilled rice cakes, ice jelly, and dan dan noodles.]

[Husband-and-wife lung slices and chicken in a bowl, with red-broth malatang to satisfy every craving.]

Xiaozhu was orphaned and lonely in childhood. Fortunately, she was taken in by Madam Wang, a cook at the Shen residence, and learned to cook exceptionally well.

Misfortune never comes alone. When Xiaozhu was fifteen, the Shen family was raided, and her adoptive mother died of illness. To give her mother a proper burial, Xiaozhu had no choice but to sell herself.

Her new master turned out to be Pei Yizhou, the county magistrate. Stern and cold, he earned the nickname Cold-Faced Asura within six months of taking up his post.

On the day the Shen residence was raided, Xiaozhu had witnessed his ruthless methods firsthand and was scared out of her wits.

Little did she know that over the years, she would watch the Asura slowly take off his mask. He would not only protect her frail body, but also warm her broken heart.

Pei Yizhou was born into a marquis's household, but because of an old case, he insisted on severing ties with his family and traveling far to the southwest to serve as a minor official.

He is indifferent to wealth and splendor, and unmoved by soft, fragrant beauties. Aside from apprehending criminals, he cares about nothing.

Even he finds it strange: why has he developed a taste for the dishes made by this little cook?

At first, with an icy expression, he grips her by the neck and asks, "Which family sent you to spy on me? How did you know my tastes?"

Later, he tosses her some silver and pretends to be calm, though his face is a little flushed: "Work for another year, and I'll double your monthly pay."

Later still, he clings to the young girl's arm and refuses to let go: "Tomorrow, Xiaozhu will make me dry-pot spicy chicken!"

P.S. The cover was kindly gifted by bs.

Theme: Stand tall and make the best of bad times.