Beast World: From Villainess to Cub-Raising Chef
Chapter 146 - 145: A Smell That Makes You Want to Vomit
As Yelias drove her home, he glanced over at Bai Su, who had been silent in the passenger seat. "Don’t worry about what happened at the lab. Those old men are just a bunch of stubborn traditionalists. That’s just how they are."
"As soon as they study your food and realize the ingredients will help their research, they’ll immediately change their tune."
Bai Su nodded. "It’s fine, really."
’She doesn’t even know those people. Why should she care what they think?’
Yelias smiled faintly. "That’s good."
’She was meant to be above it all, never needing to cater to anyone.’
Bai Su grew curious again. "Since this is the Lanton Family’s core research project, why aren’t you a part of it?"
Yelias’s fingers paused. He lowered his gaze, hiding the look in his eyes. "I... was taken off the project."
Bai Su froze. "But aren’t you the heir to the Lanton Family? The one who’s supposed to take charge? How could they remove you?"
A bitter smile touched Yelias’s lips. "Susu, in the Lanton Family, being the one in power doesn’t necessarily mean you have the final say."
"The Lanton Family operates on a system of decentralized power. Only those who are highly respected and have produced the most successful research projects have the most influence."
"Right now, the people with the most influence in the entire Lanton Family are my grandfather, Yarko; Grandpa Flar; and Grandpa McKoff."
"My grandfather proposed this project years ago, and it’s officially launching at the end of this year. My name was originally on the approved list of researchers."
"But I lost the trust of the family elders after a surgical procedure of mine failed, and my spot was given to Sai’er—the one you saw in the lab."
"He certainly has some skill, and he’s a smooth operator who’s very good at winning over the elders."
He didn’t tell Bai Su that he had been wandering on his own, building his own power base, and that he couldn’t care less about getting a piece of the Lanton Family’s pie.
Yelias was an expert at using such harmless, vague statements to his own advantage.
Bai Su was taken aback. She hadn’t realized the internal politics were so complicated.
’Being the glamorous heir of the Lanton Family wasn’t as easy as I thought for Yelias.’
Her heart ached for him. She looked at Yelias and said, "You’re more brilliant than Sai’er. You’re already incredible. You’re just as incredible even without this stupid project!"
Yelias smiled faintly. "Susu is right. Being your Beast Husband is more than enough for me. I couldn’t care less about the Lanton Family. As long as you will always love me and stay by my side..."
Bai Su said, "Of course I will! If they won’t cherish you, I will! We’re family. We’ll be together forever!"
The corners of Yelias’s lips curled up. "Mm-hm."
’Raising a little rabbit is so amusing.’
「Inside the research lab.」
Sai’er hurried over to placate the elders.
"Grandpa Flar, what good does it do you to anger Yelias? You should just let me handle the dirty work!"
Facing Sai’er, Flar’s expression instantly softened into a benevolent look.
He gave Sai’er a playful glare. "And what about you, you little rascal? A moment ago you were so eager you nearly went up and shook her hand!"
Sai’er scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh, come on. I saw how she’s just a delicate little female. I couldn’t bring myself to be harsh, could I?"
Seeing the grandpas all watching him with amusement, he snapped to attention and gave a solemn military salute. "In any case, I will do my best to help you all drive her away! I won’t let her come here to steal our credit and get a piece of the pie!"
After he finished laughing, McKoff shot him a glare. "It’s not about her getting a piece of the pie. Aristocrats like her who are just here to burnish their credentials shouldn’t be in our lab in the first place."
From her corner, Li Yue watched in silence, a flicker of derision in her eyes.
Sai’er had been running his mouth in the lab all morning.
One minute it was, "I looked her up online. This female seems to have a bad attitude. She used to run a restaurant and would even argue with customers."
"She just got to Level 8 and was made a Duke without any real contributions. She’s probably just trying to use our lab to burnish her credentials, don’t you think?"
"But don’t you worry, Grandpas. If she dares to steal your research findings or take credit for your work, I’ll make an anonymous call to the International Federation and report her!"
And yet, when Yelias showed up with her, wasn’t he the first one to rush up and greet them?
That evening, the old men in the lab started leaving for the day, one after another.
Li Yue and Sai’er were also wrapping things up.
Li Yue took out a vial and a pipette, then opened the food container, ready to take a sample.
Sai’er rushed over. "Li Yue!"
Li Yue paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "What is it?"
Sai’er scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Hey, thanks again for helping me with so much today. Why don’t you let me handle the sampling?"
Li Yue stared at him for a moment. She had a good idea of what he was up to, but she couldn’t be bothered to call him out on it. She just packed up her things and turned to leave. "You can finish up then. Remember to lock the door."
Sai’er let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Okay!"
Only Sai’er remained in the lab.
His gaze landed on the food, and a cunning glint flashed in his eyes.
*
「The next day」
Bai Su came over with the food by herself.
Without Yelias around, the people in the lab mostly ignored her.
Today, Bai Su had made beef curry with carrots and other vegetables.
Li Yue took the food container, and the moment she opened it, the wave of fragrance that washed over her made her freeze.
’What is that smell?’
’She’d never smelled anything like it. Her mouth was actually starting to water on its own.’
The lab door was closed and the air conditioning was on, so there wasn’t much ventilation. As soon as Li Yue lifted the lid of the food container, the scent quickly filled the entire room.
Sai’er deliberately pinched his nose. "What is that smell? It’s so pungent!"
With an expression like he couldn’t stand it, he said to Li Yue, "Just close the container and put it aside. We can take the sample tonight after everyone has gone home."
Li Yue shot him a sidelong glance.
Sai’er made a gagging motion. "Hurry up! I really can’t take this smell."
Without a word, Li Yue put the lid back on the container.
Only then did Sai’er let go of his nose. He waved his hand in front of his face as if to clear the air, his expression one of pure agony.
After a moment, he seemed to catch himself and quickly waved his hands at Bai Su in embarrassment. "Oh, don’t mind me! I’m not saying your food smells bad... It’s just..."
He seemed at a loss for how to explain, scratching his head awkwardly.
Bai Su didn’t take the bait, simply watching his performance.
After a moment, Sai’er managed to stammer out an excuse, "I just can’t stand smells that are too rich and greasy."
Seeing how awkward the situation had become, he leaned in, as if trying to make amends. "But still, this is the first time I’ve learned what your food actually smells like. I’ve never smelled anything like it from a can. Can I come try it at your restaurant sometime?"
A small smile played on Bai Su’s lips. "We’ll see. My restaurant doesn’t take reservations. If you want to eat, you’ll have to come early and wait in line."
Sai’er hadn’t expected her to be so blunt.
’He had already humbled himself to try and get on her good side, and she still dared to put on airs on his turf?’
The smile on Sai’er’s face faded. He waved a hand dismissively, his interest clearly gone. "Then never mind."
With that, he muttered under his breath, "Why does this smell make me want to gag? I guess the online reviews aren’t completely true after all."