Divorced and Determined: The CEO’s Ex-Wife Fights for Love

"Xiaomi Sis, buy it secretly, and Daddy won't find out!"

After buying all the ingredients with Xiaomi, Lu Qin drove back home.

"Boss, I'll start washing the vegetables. If you have any other instructions, just call me."

As soon as she got out of the car, Xiaomi opened the trunk, grabbed several large bags with both hands, and carried them inside.

Since Xiaomi was specifically hired to assist Lu Qin in cooking, she didn't need constant instructions—she knew what needed to be done and took the initiative.

Lu Qin stroked his chin and wondered,If I manage to draw two more assistants, would I only need to supervise while they handle everything?

Walking into the kitchen, he saw Xiaomi skillfully washing and preparing vegetables. He observed for a while and noticed that she cleaned the vegetables thoroughly with minimal waste and turned off the tap promptly to avoid water wastage.

Lu Qin nodded in satisfaction—Xiaomi was undoubtedly the most competent assistant.

"Xiaomi, after you finish washing the vegetables, rinse the 30 pounds of mung beans in the corner three times. The sink in the kitchen is too small, so wash them outside in the small courtyard."

"Also, take this pork outside and use the stove fire to sear the skin. The unpleasant smell in pork mainly comes from the sweat glands in the skin. Stir-frying alone isn't enough to remove it, but searing it will add a nice charred aroma. Afterward, scrape off the burnt layer with a knife."

"Understood, Boss."

Lu Qin started kneading dough in the kitchen. Once Xiaomi finished the assigned tasks, Lu Qin checked the time and estimated that she was only slightly slower than if he had done it himself.

Satisfied, he began teaching Xiaomi how to make mung bean paste.

"You can't just throw the mung beans straight into the pot to cook. First, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then freeze them before boiling. That way, they will break down into a smooth paste easily. Add five slices of ginger to reduce dampness and coldness, and some dried lily bulbs…"

"Got it, Boss."

Xiaomi nodded, her clear eyes filled with intelligence. Lu Qin left her in charge of the mung bean paste and went to let the dough rest while blanching the pork.

By the time the pork was blanched, Xiaomi had already started simmering the mung bean paste. With her 100% comprehension, Xiaomi realized that freezing the mung bean paste would take three to four hours, so she used ice cubes from the freezer and chilled it in ice water, cutting the process down to just a few minutes.

While the mung bean paste was cooking, Lu Qin taught Xiaomi how to chop ingredients, knead dough, and make fillings. Xiaomi picked up the skills quickly.

In a little over two hours, the two of them had made over 300 portions of ice crystal cake, more than 350 pounds of mung bean paste, and over 1,200 crystal shrimp dumplings…

The total amount of food produced was nearly 50% more than when Lu Qin worked alone.

"Xiaomi, how much do you eat?"

"Boss, I eat like an average girl."

Lu Qin nodded. He thought she might have a huge appetite since she worked so efficiently. He prepared breakfast, adding an extra portion for Xiaomi.

Xiaomi helped out voluntarily.

"Xiaomi, fry an extra egg and heat three cups of milk. I'm going to wake up my daughter."

"Understood."

Xiaomi took the spatula.

Lu Qin gently pushed open his daughter's bedroom door. The little one was sprawled out on the bed in all directions, her blanket kicked onto the floor.

Lu Qin called her name twice, but she didn't respond. He nudged her gently, and she just turned over and continued sleeping.

"Yao Yao, wake up. There's ice cream for breakfast."

"Ice cream?"

The little one squinted as she sat up, only to see Lu Qin looking at her with a half-smile.

She pouted her chubby face and mumbled, "Daddy, this time I really heard it. I'm not dreaming!"

"I want ice cream!"

"Alright, after kindergarten today, Daddy will buy you some."

Lu Qin picked her up from the bed.

Just as Lu Xiyao was about to cheer, she suddenly realized something was off.

"Daddy, today is an ice cream day anyway! It's Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday!"

Lu Qin blinked, "Yeah, I never said you couldn't have it."

"Uh…"

Her little brain buzzed in confusion as Lu Qin pushed her into the bathroom to wash up. As she brushed her teeth, she pondered,It's really hard to get an extra ice cream out of Daddy!

After washing up, Lu Xiyao ran into the dining room, only to find an unfamiliar young lady there. She looked Xiaomi up and down with a puzzled expression.

"Huh?"

"Sis, who are you?"

"Hello, Yao Yao. I'm Xiaomi, your dad's new assistant."

Xiaomi was very polite to the little one. Lu Qin walked out of the kitchen and patted his daughter's head.

"Yao Yao, this is Xiaomi. Daddy was too busy, so I hired her to help me."

"Oh, hello, Xiaomi Sis."

For some reason, Yao Yao felt an instant sense of familiarity with her.

"Daddy, does having Xiaomi Sis help you a lot?"

"Of course!"

Lu Qin laughed.

"Xiaomi Sis, work hard to help Daddy. Daddy works very hard. If you do a good job, I'll tell Daddy to give you a raise!"

She spoke like a little boss, sounding mature beyond her years. Lu Qin chuckled, rubbing her chubby cheeks.

"Understood, Miss Yao Yao. I'll do my best to assist the boss."

Ding!

"The milk is heated. Boss, Miss Yao Yao, please take your seats, I'll bring the milk over."

Watching Xiaomi's back, Yao Yao said in her soft voice, "Daddy, Xiaomi Sis is really capable. Not bad!"

"Do you like her?"

"Yes~!"

Lu Qin finished breakfast first and began loading food into the car. Now that he had Xiaomi, she could drive the three-wheeled food cart while he drove the car.

Both vehicles could carry plenty of food. Xiaomi helped Yao Yao break apart her toast. Yao Yao's big eyes darted around, and she suddenly smiled sweetly at Xiaomi.

"Xiaomi Sis, you're so nice."

"Miss Yao Yao, it's my duty."

"Then… could you buy me ice cream sometimes? Don't worry, I won't eat it for free. I'll tell Daddy to give you a raise."

Yao Yao felt so clever—now she could eat as much ice cream as she wanted!

Xiaomi looked easygoing and nice.

"No, Miss Yao Yao."

Xiaomi refused immediately.

Yao Yao: "…"

"Xiaomi Sis, buy it secretly. Daddy won't find out."

"No."

"Just one time, okay? Never again after that."

"Miss Yao Yao, if you keep asking me to buy ice cream, I'll tell the boss."

"……"

"Xiaomi Sis, I don't like you as much anymore."

…

After finishing breakfast, Xiaomi washed the dishes while Lu Qin packed lunch for Yao Yao. Lu Qin drove the car while Xiaomi rode the three-wheeled cart.

At the entrance of Xingguang Kindergarten.

"Daddy, be on time to pick me up in the evening!"

Thinking about her ice cream, Yao Yao's eyebrows were full of excitement.

"Okay, be good in kindergarten."

"Got it~!"

She kissed Lu Qin on the cheek, waved her little hand, and ran into the kindergarten. Lu Qin then drove towards Sunshine Primary School.