?Chapter 1269:


    “You’re cooking?” Nina asked, blinking in disbelief.


    “If I don’t, what will you eat?” Jerome replied matter-of-factly. “Judging by the situation, they’ll be talking for at least an hour. You can’t sit around with empty stomachs.”


    More importantly, his mom still had work to finishter.


    If he handled the meal, she might get a moment to rest her tired wings.


    Jesse looked at him, clearly taken aback. “You know how to cook?”


    “A little,” Jerome answered modestly. “Nowhere near the level of your family’s chef, of course.”


    With that, he busied himself among pots and pans.


    As they watched his small form move with surprising purpose, Nina and Jesse stood there in a quiet daze.


    Back home, cooking had never been a chore expected of them. Their responsibilities rarely extended beyond making their beds or folding theirundry.


    “Let me help,” Nina chirped, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She darted into the kitchen like it was a game.


    Jesse followed close behind.


    And so began a tiny culinary adventure with three smallpanions.


    Donna returned about an hourter. The tension in her face had dissolved—her mood visibly lighter.


    The moment her eyesnded on the dishesid out neatly on the table, she knew Jerome had been behind it.


    “Jerome…” she murmured softly, making her way to the kitchen.


    Inside, she found Jerome showing Jesse how to cook.


    Jesse was pouring beaten eggs into a hot pan. A sharp sizzle rang out as the oil leapt like sparks from a fire.


    Unfortunately, a droplet of oil kissed his hand, and he winced at the sting.


    His reflexes kicked in, and he let go of the bowl—right into the pan.


    Your journey begins on g?lnσνe??s


    The sound echoed through the room.


    Donna rushed over, turned off the stove, and asked quickly, “Are you alright? Did the oil burn you?”


    “I’m fine,” Jesse said. The pain had already passed—it had just been a sharp bite for a moment.


    Still, Donna took a careful look at his hand. Satisfied it wasn’t serious, she asked Jerome to help the other two wash up while she stayed behind to finish the eggs.


    During dinner, Jesse seemed distant—his thoughts elsewhere.


    The kitchen scene yed on loop in his head like a scene from a movie.


    Jerome was only a year older, yet could whip up dishes that not only smelled and tasted good, but even looked the part. Meanwhile, Jesse couldn’t even manage an egg without a mishap.


    Even after they got home that evening, Jesse was still brooding.


    “Jesse?” Nina waved a hand in front of his face.


    He didn’t respond, his thoughts still tangled.


    .<fn9546> The rightful source is find?novel</fn9546>


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