Chapter 3: Losing a Tooth

Yao Zuizui turned around curiously, sizing up Zhu Erer.

Zhu Erer had transformed into human form, her fair and delicate face tinged with an inexplicable blush, giving off an odd vibe.

“Why?” Yao Zuizui asked, puzzled. “Don’t tell me… you’ve taken a liking to the Wolf King?”

“No, no, no! How could I dare…” Zhu Erer waved her hands frantically, shaking her head so hard it nearly fell off. “I wouldn’t dare fantasize about the Wolf King. I just… want to be a servant here for the rest of my life and not get eaten.”

“Look at how pathetic you are…” Yao Zuizui scoffed at her but ultimately decided to help.

After all, Zhu Erer was quite pitiable—neglected by their mother at home, constantly bossed around by Zhu Sansan, and not the brightest bulb. She was the type to help count the money after being sold out by her own sister.

If even she, as an older sister, didn’t help Zhu Erer, the poor girl would inevitably end up as dinner sooner or later…

So, while cooking, Yao Zuizui patiently explained each step and principle to Zhu Erer, ensuring she wouldn’t slip up later.

“Remember, the tofu in this ‘Crossing the Bridge Tofu’ dish must be arranged neatly, like a bridge.”

“For these pumpkin flower rolls, the dough must be rolled to four or five millimeters thick… with the pointed side facing up.”

“For the potato balls, the mashed potatoes shouldn’t be squeezed too dry—just moist enough to hold their shape.”

“And for the milk pudding, keep stirring while cooking, then refrigerate after it cools.”

Yao Zuizui spoke earnestly, but when she turned around, she found Zhu Erer already dozing off.

Angry, she smacked Zhu Erer’s head with the back of the spatula. Zhu Erer jolted awake, screaming, “Don’t eat me! Don’t eat me!”

“…” Yao Zuizui glared at her in exasperation. “No one’s eating you! Just memorize what I just told you! Hurry up, it’s almost mealtime. You’d better remember it all.”

“Got it…” Zhu Erer drooped her head and began repeating Yao Zuizui’s instructions word for word, still muttering under her breath even as they entered the dining room.

The Black Wolf glanced at the four dishes on the table. They looked decent—apparently, these two pigs weren’t completely useless.

But… they were all vegetarian. No meat. He wasn’t pleased.

“What are you mumbling about? Like a buzzing fly—so annoying!” The Black Wolf picked up his chopsticks and slammed them back down, glaring at Zhu Erer.

Yao Zuizui elbowed Zhu Erer sharply, signaling her to shut up.

Instead, Zhu Erer flinched and blurted out, “The tofu in this ‘Crossing the Bridge Tofu’ is arranged neatly, like a bridge. The dough for these pumpkin flower rolls is four to five millimeters thick… with the pointed side up. The mashed potatoes in these potato balls aren’t too dry—just moist enough to hold their shape. And this milk pudding was stirred while cooking, then refrigerated after cooling.”

Yao Zuizui: “…”

Black Wolf: “…No one asked. Stop babbling.”

Completely oblivious, Zhu Erer kept trying to prove her loyalty. “Your Majesty, I made all of these myself! If you don’t mind, I’d love to cook for you for the rest of my life.”

“I mind.”

Despite his words, the Black Wolf picked up all four plates and took them to his room to eat.

The food tasted good, but the annoying fly had ruined his appetite.

“Sister, let me go clean up His Majesty’s dishes later!” Zhu Erer begged, looking at Yao Zuizui with pleading eyes.

“Whatever.” Yao Zuizui started cooking her own meal.

By the time Yao Zuizui finished preparing her food, Zhu Erer returned with four dirty plates.

She dumped them right in front of Yao Zuizui. “Sister, you wash these. I’m hungry—I’m eating first.”

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed a pair of chopsticks and began devouring the food.

Yao Zuizui ignored the dirty plates and instead snatched the dishes in front of Zhu Erer away, sitting down to eat by herself.

“Sister, what’s the meaning of this?” Zhu Erer walked over, reaching for the food again.

“Aren’t you going to be His Majesty’s servant for life? What will you do when I’m eaten and can’t cook for him anymore? So, you’d better start learning now. This is my food—I only made enough for myself.” Yao Zuizui blocked Zhu Erer’s hand without hesitation and continued eating alone.

She wasn’t running a charity, nor was she here to be Zhu Erer’s servant.

Did Zhu Erer really think she could take advantage of the slightest kindness and push her luck?

Sorry, but this fairy wasn’t playing along anymore!

From then on, Yao Zuizui stopped being polite, forcing Zhu Erer to learn everything on her own.

But Zhu Erer was hopeless at cooking—though she excelled at flattery and backstabbing.

Yao Zuizui overheard Zhu Erer in the living room, buttering up the Wolf King while throwing her under the bus.

“Your Majesty, my skin is thick and tough—I wouldn’t taste good at all. But my sister? She’s tender and delicate—definitely delicious!” Zhu Erer grinned obsequiously.

“Oh?” The Black Wolf perked up at the topic.

“Really! I’m close with my sister—I’ve touched her arms, legs, and belly. Her skin is so smooth, and her flesh is so tender!” Zhu Erer spared no effort in praising Zhu Yiyi—though it was the kind of praise no one wanted.

“Is that so?” The Black Wolf’s dark eyes gleamed with interest.

“Of course! There are only three of us sisters at home. My younger sister and I do all the work, while my older sister stays indoors, never sunburnt or lifting a finger. That’s why her arms and legs are so soft!” Zhu Erer even lifted her own limbs to demonstrate how rough they were.

The Black Wolf narrowed his eyes, recalling how the little pig had refused to walk, acting spoiled. It seemed plausible.

He was fully convinced.

Having heard everything, Yao Zuizui quietly returned to the kitchen to prepare her dinner.

Zhu Erer walked in as if nothing had happened. If Yao Zuizui hadn’t known better, she’d never guess Zhu Erer had just badmouthed her.

“Sister, what are you making for His Majesty tonight?” Zhu Erer peeked over her shoulder.

“Aren’t you his servant now? His dinner is your responsibility.” Yao Zuizui coldly stirred the ingredients in the pan.

“You… Then what are you doing?” Zhu Erer bit her lip.

“I’m just a pig being fattened up for slaughter. All I need to do is feed myself and sleep.” Yao Zuizui smirked, as if proud of it.

“You!” Zhu Erer fumed but could do nothing. She stormed off to rummage through the fridge.

“Oh! I just remembered—I need to grab something!” Yao Zuizui slapped her thigh loudly. “Erer, watch the stove for me. This dish is almost done—just needs to be plated. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay!” Zhu Erer’s eyes gleamed. “Don’t worry, Sister. I’ll take care of it!”

…

When Yao Zuizui returned from her room and passed the dining area, she saw the Black Wolf eating.

Just as she’d guessed, Zhu Erer had stolen her dish to curry favor.

“Your Majesty, is the food good? I worked really hard to learn this recipe.” Zhu Erer simpered.

“Mmm…” The Black Wolf stuffed his mouth, ignoring her.

The food was tasty, but this pig was insufferable.

Better eat her soon—no point fattening her up.

One tender little pig was enough.

Suddenly, the Black Wolf bit down on something hard.

A loud *crack* echoed as he spat out…

A rock—hard as stone—along with two of his teeth, blood dripping from them.

Zhu Erer immediately dropped to her knees. “Your Majesty, that rock… wasn’t me!”

The Black Wolf’s murderous gaze locked onto her, as if sentencing her to death.

“Your Majesty, this dish was made by my sister. Maybe she accidentally put the rock in. Please don’t blame her.” Zhu Erer pressed her forehead to the floor, trembling.

“Ha. Didn’t you just say *you* made this dish?” Yao Zuizui sneered. Having a sister like this was downright embarrassing.

Missing two teeth and in agony, the Black Wolf sat silently, watching the sisters argue.

“Sister… Don’t be scared. Even if you weren’t careful and let a rock slip in, causing His Majesty to lose his teeth, if you apologize properly, he’ll forgive you.” Zhu Erer tried steering the blame toward the rock, hoping the Wolf King would overlook her theft.

“Sorry, but I put that rock in on purpose.” Yao Zuizui lifted her chin defiantly.

“You!” Zhu Erer gaped. Even the Black Wolf forgot his pain momentarily, staring at Yao Zuizui in shock.

“If I were eating this myself, I’d have picked the rock out. But I put it in to stop thieves. You know the kitchen’s back door leads to the forest—who knows what critters might sneak in?” Yao Zuizui glanced at the dish meaningfully.

“But I never expected the real thief would be my own sister! You stole my dish to impress His Majesty and got his teeth broken in the process.” Yao Zuizui feigned heartbreak and disappointment.

“You! If you hadn’t put the rock in, His Majesty’s teeth wouldn’t be broken! It’s all your fault!” Zhu Erer refused to back down.

“If you hadn’t stolen my dish or at least told me, His Majesty’s teeth would be fine.” Yao Zuizui stood her ground.

“It’s your fault! Look how much pain His Majesty is in! Even if it wasn’t him, that rock could’ve hurt another animal. You’re heartless!” Zhu Erer dropped all pretense, pointing and shouting.

“Ha. Thieves deserve what they get. Losing teeth isn’t the end of the world—they’ll grow back. At least I didn’t use poison!” Yao Zuizui rolled her eyes.

The Black Wolf’s face darkened further.

Hearing the two pigs repeatedly emphasize “broken teeth” felt like slap after slap to his pride.

The mighty King of the Forest had never been so humiliated!

He slammed the table. “Enough! Both of you—get cleaned up!”

Yao Zuizui and Zhu Erer shrank back, terrified.

“Tomorrow, I’m eating you both!” With that, the Black Wolf stormed off—likely to see the raccoon doctor about his teeth.

Zhu Erer collapsed, speechless with fear.

After all her efforts—flattering, belittling her sister, even telling the Wolf King her sister was tastier—she’d still failed to escape her fate.

“Sister, do something!” Zhu Erer clutched at Yao Zuizui desperately.

Yao Zuizui smiled and shook her off. “You deserve it.”