C16 He Tried His Best

Despite piecing together clues from Nalan Zhan and others, Lin Yu was still taken aback when Qin Caiyun laid bare the whole truth, "Anorexia exists in this world too? And it's afflicting the young mistress of the Marquis's estate!"

The Heavenly Sun Continent was full of wonders. Lin Yu had learned from his father's ancient tomes that a peak Spirit Medicine Master could resurrect someone with just a drop of blood, a feat that seemed to border on myth. Yet, the Marquis's estate had been plagued by anorexia for years?

After some thought, Lin Yu grasped the situation. Even as a Marquis, Nalan Zhan's access to capable Spirit Medicine Masters was likely limited. Moreover, anorexia wasn't just a physical ailment but a psychological one as well, which was why neither ordinary Spirit Medicine Masters nor chefs could handle it.

"I've sought you out, Master Lin, because you have the skill to get Ziyan to eat. Surely, you can help her recover," Qin Caiyun implored with a fervent gaze. "I hope you will accept my request."

Lin Yu paused, a thought caught in his throat. He understood anorexia well enough to know that while Nalan Ziyan might have enjoyed his chicken stewed with mushrooms by day, she might not be inclined to eat his cooking now.

Noticing Lin Yu's hesitation, Qin Caiyun quickly added, "Master Lin, if you can heal Ziyan's peculiar illness, our Marquis's estate will be most grateful! Here are five hundred Spirit Stones for the dish you prepared earlier. And for today's fried chicken drumstick..."

As Qin Caiyun was about to make further promises, Lin Yu furrowed his brow. He knew he could demand a high price and she would likely comply, but he wasn't confident in his ability to cure Nalan Ziyan, which troubled him.

Nalan Zhan, having enjoyed the chicken, chimed in, "Master Lin, is there something you're not satisfied with? Given your identity, since you've chosen to be a humble pharmacist, I presume fame and fortune don't hold much appeal for you..."

His implication was clear: he saw Lin Yu's role as a pharmacist at Ganoderma Hall, with supposedly mediocre medical skills, as a cover. While Nalan Zhan couldn't fathom Lin Yu's reasons for such a disguise, he was certain that Lin Yu's culinary talents were far from mediocre.

"Just say the word, and if it's within our power, the Hou Mansion will surely fulfill your request," Nalan Zhan said, his gaze intense as two spotlights fixed on Lin Yu. Lin Yu felt an overwhelming pressure, as if a tiger was eyeing him from the shadows.

Yet, Lin Yu hesitated to commit. A refusal might bring trouble, but agreeing carried its own risks—if he failed, Lin Linger could bear the brunt of their frustration. Regret gnawed at him; if only he had let Nalan Zhan and his wife depart earlier, none of this would have happened.

Gurgle!

Lin Yu's ears perked up at the sound. He turned to see Lin Linger eyeing a plate of fried chicken, her mouth watering. Nalan Zhan and Qin Caiyun offered an embarrassed smile, realizing they had perhaps put too much pressure on Lin Yu.

Nalan Zhan's presence softened as he apologized, "I'm sorry, Master Lin. I got carried away. We're not forcing you to heal Ziyan. It's just that you represent the greatest hope we've encountered in many years, and we can't bear to watch it slip away..."

Qin Caiyun's expression was one of deep sorrow. They had experienced a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment over the years concerning Nalan Ziyan, and now, Lin Yu stood as their most promising prospect.

Lin Linger spoke up, "Lord Hou, Lady Hou! I'm not sure why my brother's cooking has improved so dramatically—he never had such skill before. But I think expecting him to cure Miss Nalan's illness might be a bit far-fetched."

Exchanging glances, Nalan Zhan and Qin Caiyun replied with a wry smile, "How could we not be aware? Yet, your brother is indeed our biggest hope at the moment."

Nalan Zhan's gaze drifted to Situ Deng, recalling how he had left the prestigious Heavenly Cloud Academy to pursue culinary arts for Nalan Ziyan. That decision had filled Nalan Zhan and his wife with excitement, believing they had found their hope. But despite Situ Deng's years of effort and becoming a renowned chef, their hopes had been dashed time and again.

Although they recognized Situ Deng's good intentions, repeated disappointments had left them with a sense of hopelessness regarding his abilities. They conceded that while Situ Deng might make a fine husband, he was certainly incapable of healing Nalan Ziyan's ailment.

Lin Linger found herself at a loss for words. She had only spoken out earlier because she noticed her brother, Lin Yu, wrestling with a difficult decision. Her lovely brows furrowed slightly as a realization dawned on her: "My brother is actually an incredible chef!"

"I had no idea, and he never mentioned it. With such culinary talent, he's even impressed the Marquis and his wife. Why continue as a Spirit Medicine Master when he could be a celebrated chef? Now I see, he doesn't want to let our father down. He's set on taking over Ganoderma Hall!"

"I noticed we're out of rice and food at home... Now it makes sense. Brother revealed his skills for my sake! Our current savings must be insufficient for my upkeep, forcing him to reluctantly re-enter the martial world!"

As these thoughts filled Lin Linger's mind, her eyes brimmed with tears. She felt a surge of gratitude and inspiration, resolved to become an exceptionally strong Magic Arts Master. This way, Lin Yu could pursue his own dreams. With these complex emotions, she fixed her gaze upon her brother.

Feeling Lin Linger's eyes on him, Lin Yu was moved by the gratitude and admiration they held. He thought to himself, "Yes, Linger is reminding me of the years of effort our parents have put in, clinging to just a sliver of hope..."

"To refuse now would plunge them into despair. Linger and I have been nurtured by our father's love since childhood. We understand the depth of our elders' passion and how crushing it is when hope is extinguished..."

Lin Yu had entirely misinterpreted Lin Linger's thoughts. After a brief reflection, he agreed, "I can commit to trying now, but I lack the confidence to assure Miss Nalan's recovery, or even that she'll be able to eat the next dish I prepare!"

"However, I can promise to give it my all! As for payment, I'll only accept what's fair and won't overcharge. But if my best efforts still fall short, I hope both you, Master Hou, and Madam Hou, will not hold it against me."