Lu Mingming's scrambled eggs with tomatoes were a masterpiece. Each layer of egg skillfully wrapped the tomato, accentuating the trembling, plump, and luscious tender egg, while the sweet and sour tomatoes dominated the porcelain plate, capturing all attention.
In comparison, Orlanar’s culinary skills seemed far less refined. His plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes featured eggs and tomatoes in varying degrees of charring. The water content was clearly excessive, with the overflowing liquid occupying a good half of the plate.
It looked almost unappetizing.
Lu Mingming, however, was touched by Orlanar’s small gift. She couldn’t help but ask earnestly, "Did you really make this?"
"What kind of question is that?"
Before Orlanar could reply, Aunt Shi interjected.
"I watched him make it myself. Don't worry, I only offered guidance; he did everything himself. I wouldn't say much about his skill level, but he's definitely a child who grew up in the Alliance."
Orlanar, for once, had no comeback. He cautiously pushed the plate in front of Lu Mingming, inching it closer to her.
"...Would you try it?"
Lu Mingming, of course, wouldn't refuse the kind gesture. She decisively picked up her chopsticks and took a piece of the closest tomato and egg.
Orlanar intently watched her expression, waiting in trepidation for her verdict.
Even a soldier who faced the attacks of battle armor in large-scale wars without fear was now seeking to please a woman with his cooking. The thought of it would have astonished all of Orlanar's loyal followers.
As soon as it hit her tongue, the egg was a bit overcooked, requiring careful chewing. The sweetness and sourness of the tomato seemed to be significantly diluted.
Lu Mingming savored it for a moment, then finally lifted her face and said, "I think it's delicious."
It was a far cry from her own skill, but for a beginner, it was an excellent start.
Aunt Shi’s expression remained unchanged, as if she had anticipated this. She stepped back with a hint of disdain, "Filters really are powerful."
Orlanar’s expression relaxed slightly, but the other two were not willing to let it go.
"Speaking of cooking, I've lived in Star Luo Chessboard my whole life. I can make a few decent dishes."
Lu Yan suddenly interjected.
"Cooking requires talent and learning ability. As the head of the research institute, I'm sure Mingming will teach me very well."
Morian seized the opportunity, preemptively securing the first spot for learning.
Orlanar’s curses were lodged in his throat, but he ultimately swallowed them. He forced a stiff smile.
"If Mingming likes it, I can slowly learn and improve."
Lu Mingming gave a dry chuckle, seemingly realizing how much encouragement her unintentional action had given the man opposite her. It meant she might be eating tomato and egg for a long time.
The meal concluded quickly.
Lu Mingming ate all three dishes almost entirely by herself, her stomach so full that there was no room left for anything else, as if she might even throw up at any moment.
Rubbing her distended belly, Lu Mingming struggled to sit up.
"Let's go for a walk to digest," Aunt Shi suggested, seeing Lu Mingming's state.
"Next is the parade, something you haven't seen before. This parade is very interesting."
Aunt Shi linked arms with Lu Mingming, explaining.
Lu Mingming tilted her head slightly. "What kind of parade is it?"
"Well, during each trip, we select a lucky spectator to go up to a tall building, dress up as a bride, and toss a bouquet. This event has actually brought two couples together, so it's quite a matchmaker."
"Those who throw and catch the bouquet get the day's free meal. It's only one lucky activity per day."
"You're throwing bouquet balls now?!"
"Of course. Various experts have helped us a lot. This plan was one of their suggestions. Look over there—"
Aunt Shi pointed to a tall tower in the distance, which Lu Mingming had mistaken for the National Teacher's Tower. It turned out another tall tower had been built next to it.
It was more like a tall building than a tower.
Decorated with hanging red and green lanterns, it was bustling with activity. The attendants and the bride’s father were all played by professional actors.
The bride had already been chosen, dressed in red, her back turned to all the tourists.
From her slender figure alone, it was evident she was a refined beauty.
Lu Mingming's interest was piqued. "I want to go play!"
As the crowd dispersed, Orlanar was the first to rush over to ensure Lu Mingming's safety.
"Congratulations on receiving today's Blue Star free meal benefit. Catching this bouquet also signifies your fate with the bride~"
A Blue Star staff member, playing the role of the bride's father, descended from the tall building and immediately spotted Lu Mingming.
"Are there any other interpretations?" the bald man interjected.
"This is a remnant of ancient marriage proposals. Usually, whoever catches it gets a chance to marry. Most of the time, there are arranged pieces specifically to intercept it, ensuring the most worthy person catches the bouquet." Morian explained.
"Does that mean… after Mingming catches the bouquet, she has to marry the person up there?" the bald man asked, not quite understanding.
Orlanar's face darkened. "How is that possible!"
"Why wouldn't it be? This prince wants to see who caught my bouquet."
A gentle yet powerful voice, carrying a hint of an unapproachable aura, spoke.
The bride, assisted down the stairs, wore a long dress that was not her usual attire. She walked with a wobbly gait, appearing awkward. She possessed a distinct cat-like face, with round, upturned eyes that were both cute and alluring. Her loud voice, however, was rather unappealing.
The person stood to the side with an imposing presence. "Since you caught my bouquet, you should know this is a matchmaking game. How about we…"
"Excuse me, are you the notorious Grand Prince of the Empire?" Morian, seizing the opportunity before the other could finish, interjected.
"Do you have a problem?" the "bride" asked, her tone extremely arrogant as she readily admitted it.
"Indeed, I am Prince Viss of the Empire. I didn't expect anyone in the Alliance to recognize me."
"So it's you."
Orlanar remembered him.
"Why aren't you staying in your Empire and being the Crown Prince? What are you doing in the Interstellar Alliance?"
"Who's speaking so arrogantly?" Viss frowned, his gaze meeting Orlanar's. The dark clouds on his face then began to dissipate.
"It's you, old friend Orlanar. Is there anything we can't discuss?"
Orlanar’s eyes narrowed.
"Is this person an acquaintance of yours?" Lu Mingming asked Aunt Shi, tilting her head.
"He's a major client here. He is indeed the eldest son of the Empire and visits during official business trips. However, I haven't heard any news of negotiations between the Alliance and the Empire lately." Aunt Shi was equally puzzled.
"Alright, enough talk. Let's do as I said. Whoever catches this bouquet is mine. Spend the day playing with me, alright?" Viss smiled with satisfaction. "If you agree, I can take you back and bestow a title upon you."
This was a considerable benefit, and he believed no one could refuse such a golden opportunity for advancement.