chapter 41

Everyone’s eyes fell on Tu Nan. Fu Zhixing seemed about to say something, but Tu Nan gave him a barely noticeable shake of her head.

Since the Player’s purpose in entering the Manor was to compete to become the Manor Owner’s daughter’s companion, it was obvious-a fraud had no right to be the Manor Owner’s daughter’s companion.

“Of course I am,” Tu Nan showed a sorrowful expression. “It’s just that my country has been conquered. With no other choice, I could only come to the Manor.”

“We are deeply saddened by this,” the lady said, her expression unreadable.

“The dish in front of you was made by me,” Simon looked at her. “Tell me, what is lacking in this cream of mushroom soup?”

Everyone turned their gaze to the cream of mushroom soup, their faces lighting up with delight.

There was a bowl of cream of mushroom soup in front of each person. Since this dish had already been personally approved by Simon, they no longer needed to risk trying any of the other dishes.

Tu Nan truly had little insight or pursuit when it came to gourmet food, but…

She took out the Skill Card she had obtained after finishing the first Instance-

[Gourmet’s Tongue: As a gourmet, the Prince possesses a tongue capable of discerning fine cuisine.]

At the time, she had thought this Skill Card was useless, but now it proved invaluable.

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, she took a sip of the cream of mushroom soup from her bowl as elegantly as possible.

The rich milky aroma filled her mouth. For the first time, Tu Nan felt her tongue was so sensitive, as if she could sense every flavor of the ingredients dancing on her taste buds.

The unique fragrance of mushrooms, the sweet richness of cream, and a faint hint of black pepper.

She took a sip and set down her spoon.

“Well? Miss Lita, does this dish suit your taste?” Simon’s sharp gaze fixed on her.

After all, Tu Nan had dined with Grace so many times in the first Instance. Following the dining habits she remembered from Grace, she gently dabbed her mouth before smiling and saying, “Your culinary skills are excellent. This cream of mushroom soup uses fresh ingredients, tastes delicious, and is rich in milky flavor…”

Simon let out a disdainful sneer. “Is that all?”

“There is only one slight imperfection…” Tu Nan spoke slowly. “Although this dish is not difficult to make, it is a true test of the cook’s control over the heat. When you were sautéing the flour, it seems you left it on a bit too long. Although you masked the taste with butter and light cream, I can still detect a very faint burnt flavor.”

Simon’s eyes widened.

The lady raised her brows and took a taste. “I don’t seem to taste any burnt flavor.”

Simon trembled with excitement, his eyes brimming with tears. He hurried over to Tu Nan and grasped her hand, startling her.

But judging by his demeanor, he had no intention of harming her.

“When I was sautéing the flour today, because I was still unwell, I couldn’t help but sneeze, which delayed me by a few seconds in turning off the heat. Yet you could even taste those few seconds.” He seemed to have found a kindred spirit, unable to hide his excitement. “You must be a true princess. Only a true princess could have such an outstanding palate.”

Tu Nan gave an awkward yet polite smile. If Eric were here, he would surely become kindred spirits with Simon.

The lady smiled as she watched them, her gaze passing over Tu Nan, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

[The lady’s satisfaction with you: 10 (out of 100, still a long way to go.)]

Tu Nan glanced at the lady in surprise.

“Miss Lita, to have such an excellent gourmet as yourself taste my cooking is my lifelong wish,” Simon said, pointing out all the dishes he had made. “Please, you must try some of the other dishes as well.”
The others hurriedly jotted down what he pointed out.

The Lady coughed lightly. “Alright, Simon, don’t disturb the guests while they’re dining.”

Simon paused, bowed to the Lady, and took his leave.

“Sorry to have delayed everyone’s meal. Please, enjoy your food,” the Lady said with a smile.

Tu Nan was slightly taken aback and instinctively glanced at Fu Zhixing beside her.

There was a set dining time in the Dining Room. If anyone stayed past that time, no one could predict what might happen.

Fu Zhixing discreetly took out a Pocket Watch-likely one of his props-and glanced at it, then made a gesture for ten to her.

It couldn’t be ten o’clock; it must mean only ten minutes left.

Tu Nan nodded and tried to elegantly but quickly eat the safe food.

Her Skill Card hadn’t expired yet. For the first time, she felt food was so wonderful-every dish was mouthwatering and left a lingering taste, so much so that when she put down her knife and fork, she still felt unsatisfied.

“I’m finished,” Tu Nan put down her knife and fork and nodded to the Lady. “May I be excused?”

“Of course,” the Lady replied with a beaming smile. “It’s not too late yet. You may wander around the Mansion, but… after Midnight, do not linger outside.”

Tu Nan thanked her with a smile, got up, and left the Dining Room, heading to the sofa in the hall to wait for the others.

After her, the rest also put down their utensils and left the table. Five minutes later, everyone had finally gathered.

“Everyone, this Instance requires us to cooperate,” Fu Zhixing spoke first. “I think we should introduce ourselves to each other.”

He started with his own identity, “My name is Raphael, a teacher.”

Tu Nan followed closely, “Lita. As you can see, I am a princess.”

She didn’t intend to reveal her real identity. Since the Lady had already stated her false identity, why not use it directly?

The others also revealed their names and roles in the Instance.

Of the trio, the two men were Bob and Alan, and the woman was Qin.

The pair seemed to be a couple. Although they weren’t overly affectionate, their glances and subconscious actions made their close relationship obvious.

The man spoke, “I’m Jack, and she’s Rose.”

The last-arriving girl immediately laughed, “You jump, I jump?”

Those names were too famous; it was hard not to recall that iconic scene.

Rose smiled shyly.

“I’m Jenny,” the girl said after laughing, then added seriously, “I’m a painter.”

Everyone had exchanged their identities. Unsurprisingly, each person’s apparent role was highly respected in today’s society.

The Manor Owner had put a lot of thought into finding companions for her daughter.

“Everyone’s task is the same,” Fu Zhixing said steadily. “I hope we can help each other in the Instance. If anyone finds any clues, please share them.”

The group exchanged glances, but no one spoke for a moment.

Even if everyone’s task was the same in the Instance, it was hard to trust others without reservation.

“I agree,” Jenny said boldly, raising her hand. “This Instance isn’t easy. If we don’t work together, a lot of people will die.”

The others hesitated at her words.

Fu Zhixing directly revealed his Forum ID, “I’m ‘Must Sleep Early Tonight.'”