Chapter 4 Cooking Noodles

Unbeknownst to everyone, Maria had narcolepsy.

In fact, she also didn't bother saying this to her new family.

But because of this disease, she had the tendency to sleep more than the normal duration. Sometimes, it could even go up to twenty-four hours.

When Maria had a narcolepsy attack, she wouldn't be able to prevent herself from sleeping on the spot. This meant that she could be prone to accidents or even suffocation.

This was why the consequences of her condition could be fatal.

Unfortunately, Maria had a relapse soon after she moved in with the Jenkins family.

She was only supposed to take a nap, but when she woke up, it was already eight o'clock in the evening.

No one came and tried to wake her up. Hence, Maria wasn't able to have dinner.

"Lily, is there anything else to eat? I overslept, and now I'm hungry."

Maria found Lily in the living room, so she asked her for some food.

"Oh, you're finally up. I thought you're not going to wake up anymore!"

Lily said sarcastically.

"Anyway, Mr. Jenkins has taken Miss Jenkins to a concert, so they won't be home until later tonight. Besides cooking, I also have to deal with all the other house chores. You missed dinner, but it's not my fault. Don't expect me to cook for you now. There are noodles, vegetables, and some meat in the fridge. You're from the countryside, right? I believe even you should be able to cook a noodle dish for yourself."

For someone who also came from a poor family, Lily thought that a bumpkin like Maria should at least know how to cook.

After all, they had no one else to rely on but themselves.

On the other hand, Maria couldn't help but look at Lily, who said that she was busy with the house chores.

Despite what she said, she was actually sitting on the sofa and watching a drama show on TV with a huge bowl of popcorn.

Upon seeing the maid munching, Maria could only roll her eyes hard. Only a fool would believe Lily's words.

"It's okay. I'll make something for myself."

Left with no choice, Maria went straight to the kitchen.

Looking at her receding figure, Lily smiled complacently.

"Do this fake daughter of Mr. Jenkins really think that she can boss me around? I don't think so!" Lily scoffed coldly, mumbling to herself.

She thought that only the true members of the Jenkins family were qualified to treat her as a helper around the house. After all, she and Maria should have only come from the same background.

After a while, Lily started to hear some noises coming from the kitchen.

It was the sound of vegetables being cut quickly and skillfully. She couldn't help but furrow her brows. Although she couldn't see it in person, she somehow wondered if Maria was actually more skilled at cooking than her.

"Ha! Impossible!" Lily took pride in her cooking. After all, it was the main reason why she was still in this household.

But a few minutes later, a spectacular fragrance spread out from the kitchen.

The moment Lily took a whiff of it, she couldn't stop herself from swallowing hard.

What was Maria cooking?

How on earth could a simple noodle dish smell this good?

Lily's eyes narrowed, assuming that Maria might have had a unique recipe. That was why even a simple dish could smell so appetizing.

"If I can learn it, the Jenkins family will be more satisfied with my cooking. Then, maybe they will decide to give me a raise!"

Lily almost drooled in excitement. She couldn't wait to make it come true.

Therefore, she went to the dining room and waited patiently for Maria to come out. When she heard the footsteps coming from the kitchen, she put on her brightest smile.

"Are you done? What did you cook? Let me have a look-"

It was Lily's first time acting kindly towards Maria, but the smile on her face was replaced with disappointment and confusion when she saw Maria came out of the kitchen without bringing anything.

"Noodles," Maria answered without any hint of interest in her eyes.

"Yeah, I know. But where is it?" Lily asked, her tone getting a little impatient.

"I already ate everything. I told you I was hungry." Lily's face froze upon hearing this. On the other hand, Maria just walked past her and went to the front door. "I'm just going out for a walk and have some fresh air."

Lily didn't answer back, and she only regained her senses when Maria closed the door after going out.

She badly wanted to know Maria's secret recipe, but she was too proud to ask her directly. Instead, she thought of going to the kitchen to see if there were any clues left behind.

Unfortunately for her, Maria washed the dishes she used after she ate. The kitchen was as spotless as before. Everything was the same, except for the lingering satisfying smell of the noodle dish.

"Humph! I can still ask her next time. I don't believe she will dare hide it from me deliberately!" Lily was obviously dissatisfied.

At the same time, even though a long time already passed, the exquisite aroma still wafted around the villa.

After a while, the front door opened again, but it was Vivian who entered. She and her father had just returned from the concert.

"Wow! What is that? It smells so good!"

Vivian's eyes widened in delight as she looked at Lily.

"Lily, what did you cook? May I please have some?"

Lily didn't know what to say. She thought that admitting that the sensational aroma actually came from the noodle dish cooked by Maria would make her lose face.

"Oh, that? I got a little hungry, so I cooked some noodles earlier. However, I've already finished all of it. There's nothing left." Although, it wasn't very noticeable, Lily's face flushed red in embarrassment.

"Then go and cook some more for me! I can wait!" Vivian ordered at once.

Hearing this, Lily was stunned. She realized that she didn't think her answer thoroughly.

Now, she was in a huge dilemma, and she also made a fool of herself.

Of course, she could still cook Vivian a noodle dish. But it wouldn't be as appetizing as the one cooked by Maria. Then, she would be caught lying.

But before Lily could answer again, a dignified and aloof lady came in and patted Vivian on the shoulder.

"It's so late already. No midnight snacks."

Vivian could only let out a disappointed sigh. Then, she answered reluctantly, "Alright, mom..."