Life Simulation: I Caused the Female Sword Immortal to Regret Forever Chapter 473: New Years Eve Dinner After Marriage

A month vanished as quickly as a blink. On New Year's Eve, similar to previous years, Xu Xi visited the members of the Survival Army, along with Li Wanshou and the Red Dragon residing in the distant capital. To each, he bestowed New Year's gifts filled with good wishes. He intended to visit the parents of the Princess and the Hero a few days later. Whoosh— Whoosh— The northern wind, sharp as any blade, whipped fallen leaves and dust into the air. It howled across the broad streets, blending with the biting chill. Xu Xi had just returned from the capital. Surveying the snow-blanketed Yanshan City, he drew a deep breath, relishing the cold filling his lungs and the faint tingling that spread through his body. His exhaled breath transformed into a wisp of white mist, rapidly vanishing before his face. The harshness of winter did not impact Xu Xi's health; he was simply enjoying the season's quietude. "The first New Year after marriage…" "What should I prepare for tonight's reunion dinner…" Lost in thought about the evening's menu, Xu Xi strolled towards the courtyard. A gust of wind swept by, carrying a small cotton cap towards him. He stooped to retrieve it, then scanned his surroundings. Soon, a small figure hurried over. "Is this yours?" "Mhm!" "Don't lose it again," Xu Xi chuckled, standing beneath the pale winter sun as he handed the cap back to the little girl. "Thank you, big brother!" Watching her dart away gleefully, Xu Xi instinctively touched his face. Although the passage of time in simulations did not affect his physical body, the tempering of his soul was real—a lasting imprint of the years. "Being called that makes me feel thousands of years younger," Xu Xi laughed. He pushed open the courtyard gate and followed the winding brick path towards the house. With each breath, a puff of warm air escaped his lips and nose, condensing into visible white mist that dispersed into the dry, frigid atmosphere. "Are Krisha and Ailei not home?" Xu Xi expressed surprise. Previously, the courtyard was always immaculately kept, neat and orderly. Today, however, it appeared somewhat disheveled, scattered with fallen leaves and branches bowed by the snow. This scene was uncharacteristic, indicating that both the Witch and the Mechanical Servant had left the courtyard for reasons unknown. "Where could they have gone?" Xu Xi mused, casually picking up a broom to clear the snow in the courtyard. Instead of employing supernatural abilities for an instant solution, he favored this "primitive" method of manual labor, finding it more aligned with his disposition. "There, that should suffice." After tidying the courtyard, Xu Xi gave a slight nod and turned to enter the house, preparing to commence the reunion dinner preparations. Pushing the door open, he was greeted by the sight of the spacious living room. Typically, one or two people would be present, but today, much like the courtyard, it was deserted. "Mo Li and the others aren't here either?" Xu Xi uttered, puzzled. Surveying the room, it was illuminated solely by the bright overhead lights, complemented by the recently installed coffee table, sofa, and other furnishings. Thud— Clatter— Just as Xu Xi was about to utilize his abilities to track the girls, he detected the clanging of pots and pans emanating from the kitchen ahead, accompanied by familiar voices. "Let me! Let me!" "The first dish is nearly ready!" Proceeding down the hallway, Xu Xi observed the brightly lit kitchen doorway, within which several figures were actively engaged. The mystery was unveiled. The five girls had not departed the compound—they had congregated in the kitchen, intending to prepare a meal together. "Brother, you've returned?" Upon spotting Xu Xi at the kitchen entrance, the girls ceased their activities. Xu Xi's gaze moved among them, noting that each was preparing a distinct culinary item. His sister, Xu Moli, was crafting sweet and sour ribs. The Witch was assembling a celebratory cake. The Princess, Wu Yingxue, was concocting spicy salted dragon meat. The Mechanical Servant, Ailei, had brewed a substantial pot of golden tonic soup. And the Hero, deviating from her usual roasted fruits, had chosen a traditional dish from her homeland. "Yes, I'm back. So, this is…?" "Ahem, since we are married now," Wu Yingxue was the first to address his unspoken question, "I felt our first New Year together ought to be extraordinary. We decided to prepare a magnificent reunion dinner for you to sample our cooking." "I thought the same, brother…" The others offered slight nods. Their original plan was to complete the feast before Xu Xi's arrival. However, with the exception of Krisha and Ailei, the progress of the others had been notably slow. By the time Xu Xi reached home, the dinner was far from finished. "It's quite alright. I'll handle the remainder," Xu Xi stated with a smile, stepping into the kitchen. He took the spatula from Xu Moli, gently urging the others to go and rest. "Ah, brother…"

"Sitting idle isn’t my style. Go on, take a break."

The girls, by virtue of being wives, had intended to prepare a meaningful and sumptuous feast for Xu Xi.

Coincidentally, Xu Xi shared a similar sentiment—

to cook a delicious meal, one that would remain a warm and cherished memory, as a husband should.

Activating the new-model range hood, its rumble filling the air, Xu Xi was about to commence cooking when he observed the girls still lingering in the kitchen.

They were quite persistent, refusing to let him work alone.

Ailei stepped forward, presenting a sound reason: "Master, I’ve already mastered the essence of luminous cuisine. Please permit me to assist."

"Great Wizard, perhaps I could utilize the Holy Sword for chopping vegetables?"

"Brother, I can certainly help with the preparation work!"

"Mentor, as your wife, I cannot possibly let you labor alone."

"Uh… how about I volunteer for tasting duty?"

Noticing everyone else finding their respective roles, Wu Yingxue hesitated before proposing her own position as the official sampler.

"……"

"……"

"I suppose I’ll just stick to grilling."

Under their collective gaze, Wu Yingxue decided to add grilled dragon ribs to her menu, alongside the spicy salted dragon meat.

When it came to barbecue, this was undeniably her forte.

Yingxue’s Specialty, Round Two!

Within the bustling kitchen, time simply dissolved as figures moved with coordinated harmony, flames and steam intertwining into a vivid tableau.

The familiar clamor of sizzling and clattering, accompanied by the distant pops of firecrackers from outside, gradually merged into a harmonious symphony.

Click—

As Xu Xi turned off the stove, the final luminous dish was placed on the table, its enticing aroma already permeating the courtyard.

"Is something amiss, Ailei?"

Xu Xi noticed the Mechanical Servant standing motionless.

In the dimming twilight, the indoor lights cast a gentle glow, illuminating her silver-blue eyes.

Gazing at the steaming feast before them, she responded:

"Master, it feels quite strange."

"This isn't the first time I've celebrated the New Year with you."

"But tonight’s meal… it causes my heart to feel something different."

Her hands pressed lightly against her chest, her expression not one of confusion, but of a serene contentment.

Xu Xi pulled out a chair for her, then did the same for his sister, the Witch, the Princess, and the Hero.

His voice remained as gentle as ever.

"I believe it's likely because this year, we have genuinely established a home."

Yet, not all【homes】are created equal.

The mutual dependence of the past, the way we huddled together for warmth during the harshest winters, has now faded with the passage of time, transforming into a new home shared between husband and wife.