I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2340 - 1487: I Can, Too (2)

"Teacher Cao."

He still had a thought in mind.

"Thank you."

Jiang Chen presented a bottle to Yang Qinghua.

"Would you like a drink?"

When only Cao Jinse remained, he inquired.

"Certainly, let’s open them."

Princess Cao responded with directness.

Jiang Chen offered her a bottle as well.

"Thank you all for making the effort to attend my birthday gathering."

Yang Qinghua was the first to lift her glass, a playful curve gracing her lips, as she proposed, "To our... forever friendship."

"Forever friendship!"

Extending an invitation to him had undoubtedly been the correct decision; Jiang Chen’s spirited reply was the most resounding.

His vigorous reaction drew Yang Qinghua’s particular notice. Despite her gender, Yang Qinghua was an adept drinker, finishing her entire glass in one go. Setting down her now empty glass, she looked toward Jiang Chen with anticipation.

"If I recall correctly, this marks our inaugural occasion sharing drinks together, doesn't it?"

"My gratitude to Qinghua for affording me this opportunity."

"Very well, let us dispense with the formalities tonight; I am aware it is an honor to have you dine with us."

"Not at all."

Jiang Chen appeared somewhat flustered.

"As long as Qinghua is inclined to host, I shall always be present."

Yang Qinghua let out a laugh.

"I lack the capacity for such continuous hosting; my earnings are insufficient to support it constantly."

"...Does Qinghua possess no culinary skills?"

Precisely.

Who decreed that hosting must exclusively transpire in a restaurant setting?

Preparing meals at home serves equally well.

Although Jiang Chen’s observation seemed innocuous enough, it left Yang Qinghua momentarily without words.

Indeed.

No individual is without flaws.

It appears even the most accomplished have their deficiencies.

However, the distinction lies in that some individuals acknowledge their inadequacies, whereas those endowed with strong characters and significant achievements tend to instinctively sidestep them.

"Jinse, do you engage in cooking?"

Yang Qinghua abruptly steered the conversation toward Cao Jinse.

It was evident; having matured, they had drifted somewhat apart. She had not frequented the Cao residence recently and should have recalled that Princess Cao possessed a modicum of culinary talent, albeit limited.

Princess Cao comprehended her underlying motive perfectly; a nod would place her in an awkward predicament, while a shake of the head would be untruthful, thus she offered no verbal response.

"I had the opportunity to sample her stir-fried shredded potatoes. The flavor was adequate, though they were not fully cooked," Jiang Chen commented with objective fairness.

"Be thankful for having sustenance; refrain from being overly discerning."

Cao Jinse retorted.

Yang Qinghua expressed surprise, "Since when did you acquire the ability to cook?"

"Merely a pastime pursuit,"

Cao Jinse stated nonchalantly.

Yang Qinghua offered a smile, inclined to speak further, yet for reasons unknown, she refrained.

When a woman initiates a transformation, there invariably exists a catalyst.

Could it be.

Her own circumstances?

"Then, at your convenience, impart your knowledge to me."

Cao Jinse promptly displayed a wry countenance, "It would be prudent for Qinghua to forgo such an endeavor; my own proficiency is insufficient for teaching. Furthermore, Qinghua’s valuable time is ill-suited for dedicating to such minor pursuits."

"Indeed. Jinse speaks wisely. Striving for flawlessness is not always the objective."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Even Cao Xiugo could not resist lightly stroking his nose with his fingers.

"Should you have pursued a career in politics, your accomplishments might have surpassed Qinghua’s," Cao Jinse offered sincerely regarding an individual.

"Do you genuinely believe so?"

Yang Qinghua regarded the individual whose words dripped with flattery.

Jiang Chen nodded, projecting an aura of profound sincerity.

"Then, upon entering matrimony, would you object if your spouse lacked culinary competence?"

What defines a true master?

If, following a series of elaborate displays, a devastating technique is unleashed, it scarcely qualifies one as a master; the opposition would likely be prepared.

A formidable maneuver requires no preamble; its sudden, unexpected execution marks a true master.

The eloquent Jiang Chen, acutely aware of the question's significance, refrained from an immediate response, engaging instead in a moment of contemplation so brief that even Cao Xiugo, seated beside him, had no opportunity to discern his facial expression.

"Qinghua’s inquiry directed at me is not broadly applicable, as it does not represent a generalizable scenario."

"Explain why?"

Yang Qinghua’s curiosity was piqued.

"Because I possess the ability to cook."

Jiang Chen stated concisely, adding, "Provided one member within the household is capable of cooking, that is sufficient."

A smile graced Yang Qinghua’s lips, "Thus, you imply that if the gentleman of the house can cook, you would not mind if his partner could not?"

Jiang Chen emitted a slight cough; he was not omniscient, unable to anticipate every eventuality. In this situation, with no viable escape route, he slowly inclined his head in affirmation.

"Would you not perceive it as a diminution of status or a loss of dignity for a man to undertake cooking duties?"

Uh oh.

It appeared he was being ensnared.

As anticipated.

Individuals who excel in the political arena are formidable adversaries; regardless of one’s caution, falling into their carefully laid traps is often inevitable.

At this juncture, Cao Jinse was evidently incapable of offering a discreet warning, or perhaps, she too had been unwittingly drawn into the opposing faction by Yang Qinghua.

"I do not believe such domestic responsibilities should be delineated by gender."

Even before entering, Jiang Chen grasped the understanding that certain matters were best left untouched. However, with the current situation, his sharp mind was inevitably drawn in.

"Regardless of gender, cooking for one's beloved should be a source of pride, not shame," he stated.

"Oh? Is that so? Are you merely trying to please us?"

This statement caused a stir.

Yang Qinghua's use of "us" was noted.

The implication of whom "us" referred to was readily apparent.

"Qinghua, you jest. My greatest flaw is my inability to bring joy to others."

"Pfft."

It wasn't the first time that evening Yang Qinghua had failed to contain her amusement.

Princess Cao couldn't help but roll her eyes.

A closer examination would reveal the truth.

Even Cao Xiugo, the sole other man present, found his lips twitching uncontrollably.

Who precisely were these individuals?

Each possessed remarkable self-restraint and dignified composure, yet they were all utterly disarmed by Jiang Chen's unique charm and wit.

Perhaps feeling a touch of remorse for laughing impolitely, Yang Qinghua covered her mouth with her hand, managing to regain her composure after a moment.

She lowered her hand, her lips pressed together, uncertain how to respond and still finding the situation amusing.

It was truly quite awkward.

"Aside from this 'greatest flaw,' do you possess any other shortcomings?"

Cao Jinse kindly intervened, taking over the conversation from Yang Qinghua.

Jiang Chen appeared to ponder this, but after a considerable pause, no words emerged.

Ah.

This implied he had no other flaws.

Princess Cao harbored a strong desire to expose his true character, but considering her brother's presence, she decided against it.

"Would you like me to suggest one?"

Yang Qinghua had by now regained her composure.

Meeting Jiang Chen's gaze, she offered, "Being overly occupied might also be a significant flaw. A woman doesn't necessarily crave sweet nothings from a man but yearns for shared time. An hour spent together holds more value than ten thousand affectionate words."

Was this a critique or helpful counsel?

Jiang Chen wisely avoided the pitfall of arguing, instead nodding his agreement. "Qinghua speaks the truth. In fact..."

He trailed off, hesitating.

"In fact, what?"

Yang Qinghua's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but inquire.

"Actually, my original ideal was for the woman to pursue a career, and the man to manage the household."

Yang Qinghua paused once more.

Woman works, man stays home?

Wasn't this merely a more refined version of being a kept man?

"You..."

Perhaps sensing the shocking nature of his confession, Jiang Chen elaborated, "Because I realized such a notion isn't socially sanctioned, I had no choice but to dedicate myself to hard work."

Yang Qinghua remained silent.

Jiang Chen helped himself to another beer.

For the majority, being financially supported might be viewed as shameful or improper, yet for a woman of considerable achievement, wouldn't a partner fulfilling this role be an ideal match?

It was commonly accepted for men to provide for women.

Why, then, was the inversion of roles, with men managing the home and women being the breadwinners, met with criticism?

Were we not championing gender equality?

"Who claims it cannot be accepted?"

Yang Qinghua spoke slowly, "I can accept it."

"I can too."

The hitherto quiet Cao Xiugo turned his head, glanced at his sister's affirmative response, and silently raised his beer in a toast.