Chapter 11

by

"LeLe, I'm afraid I can't do what you asked."

Upon receiving the call from his friend, Han LeLe became anxious, "What happened?"

He'd promised Yu Antong he'd handle this for him.

His friend explained, "The big influencers in our company have been informed not to share or discuss the incident anymore. The orders come from Qi himself."

Han LeLe: "Qi? Do you mean Qi Jingyao?"

Friend: "Yeah, LeLe, don't you know our CEO? I'm curious about the person in that video who made the CEO intervene."

"I don't really know him," replied Han LeLe. "Okay, I understand. Thanks for letting me know. I'll treat you to dinner some day."

"No need to be formal."

After hanging up, Han LeLe scrolled through his contacts until he found Qi Jingyao's number.

He hesitated for a moment before calling.

The call was quickly answered, and Qi Jingyao's teasing voice came through.

"Hello, kiddo. Finally decided to call your elder brother Qi?"

Han LeLe bristled at his tone, "You're so annoying!"

Qi Jingyao laughed, "If I'm annoying, why call me?"

Han LeLe retorted, "I have a matter to discuss. Why did you pull Yu Antong from the trending list? What's your relationship with him?"

"How did you know?" Qi Jingyao inquired. "Jealous?"

...

Yu Antong was nearly infuriated to death by Xing Lixuan's unilateral decisions.

"If you pull the heat, how am I supposed to sway public opinion and get back the money from the Yus? Who did you ask to do it? Can it be reversed? Do it now."

"Calm down," Xing Lixuan disagreed with Yu Antong's approach. "You might get the money back, but at the cost of becoming a target of public criticism."

"It's like injuring the enemy a thousand times and ourselves eight hundred."

"What you're saying sounds like 'why not eat minced meat?'" grumbled Yu Antong. "I'm alone, without power or influence, what else can I do?"

The two had different perspectives due to their distinct positions.

As Yu Antong spoke, a trace of bitterness spread in his heart. Mysteriously transported into a book and left alone to face various challenges, no one knew where he came from, nor did he know where he belonged.

Trying not to think about it made things easier, but the more he dwelled, the sadder he became. Yu Antong hugged his knees, looking sullen.

Seeing the usually spirited and lively Yu Antong in such a rare low mood made Xing Lixuan feel inexplicably restless.

Xing Lixuan said, "Why didn't you tell me? My team of lawyers could help you."

Even if he felt nothing for Yu Antong, legally speaking, Yu Antong was his partner. He wouldn't stand by and watch him get bullied.

"Weren't we fighting? Why would I ask for your help?"

Yu Antong's spirits dipped only momentarily before bouncing back.

Granted another lease on life with a healthy body, regardless of how much time he had, he was determined to live it fully and joyfully, not wasting time wallowing in self-pity.

Seeing Yu Antong's swift mood shift, Xing Lixuan heaved a sigh of relief, hoping not to be on the receiving end of another of his tantrums.

For some reason, in that moment, Xing Lixuan thought of his uncle who was famously whipped by his wife.

Xing Lixuan couldn't resist ruffling Yu Antong's hair, saying, "Come to me if you need anything in the future."

Yu Antong shifted a bit, snuggling into Xing Lixuan's embrace.

This man... not too bad after all.

No longer sleepy, Yu Antong began scrolling through Weibo on his phone.

"Hey! The person you employed is unreliable, Xing Lixuan. It's still trending."

Moreover, just as he had hoped, the tide was turning.

Righteous Young Man v/Handsome Appreciator v: This wasn't staged. According to a source close to a rich second-generation, the middle-aged man in the video is the head of the Yu Corporation. Some might not recognize "Yu Corporation," but if I mention "Baifangzhai," you'd know. It's the Yu family. Based on the original video, we can infer that the young man is the boss's nephew.

"Whoa! A plot twist."

"I always felt that the young man in the video had the air of wealth. I didn't dare say anything for fear of backlash. But, there you go."

"Stop playing hindsight hero. Weren't they supposed to be mistreated? But now with the twist, they suddenly appear noble and distinguished."

"I googled the CEO of Yu Group and it's really the same person【Picture】"

"Bai Fang Zhai, face the music!"

"Bai Fang Zhai, I know you're there, stop playing dead. Time to pay up!"

"Shameless boss, Yu Qingnian, pay my boyfriend back!"

"Watch your words, commentator. He's my husband. He said he would get the money back, and he's given his bank card to me!"

"All of you are just after the young man's money! You're all despicable. But I'm different; I desire him."

"All of you step back; both the young man's money and person are mine!"

...

Qi Jingyao, putting personal gain over friendship, betrayed Xin Lixuan, pushing Yu Antong back into the limelight.

Yu Antong poked Xin Lixuan, proudly saying, "See? I don't need you. I can get the money back on my own merits. It's much more satisfying to slap their faces directly than to withdraw from trending topics. Whoever dares to bully me will get a slap!"

Seeing Yu Antong's defiant, proud expression, Xin Lixuan smiled. Perhaps Yu Antong's way is the best. Maybe he allowed his subconscious prejudice against Yu Antong to cloud his judgment initially and shouldn't have judged him hastily.

He pinched the chin of the proud peacock and laughed, saying, "You're the best. No one can bully you."

The tone held a gentleness he himself might not have noticed.

Yu Antong then called his lawyer, pressuring Yu Qingnian amidst the public opinion, before contentedly heading to bed.

Yu Antong slept soundly, but someone else was sleepless.

Yu Qingnian received a call from his secretary and rushed out of bed to call an emergency meeting.

"Suppress it! Suppress it immediately!" Yu Qingnian banged the table in frustration.

The head of the PR department looked troubled, saying, "The issue escalated too quickly. It's too late to suppress it now..."

The incident blew up during peak online traffic in the evening, right after their company had closed. By the time Bai Fang Zhai's official account noticed the numerous comments from netizens, it was too late.

"If we can't suppress it, find another solution!" Yu Qingnian pointed angrily at the staff, saying, "The company doesn't pay you to slack off!"

The head of the PR department, a respected senior in the company, felt humiliated being berated in such a manner.

At the end of the day, this was a personal issue of Yu Qingnian. The employees were not responsible for it, and now they had to clean up his mess. Resentment brewed among them.

Still, the situation had to be resolved quickly to protect the company's reputation and profits.

The PR head suggested, "Mr. Yu, it's crucial that you transfer the inheritance to young master Yu as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the company's reputation."

"You!" Yu Qingnian, veins bulging in rage, turned to the company's legal team and yelled, "What did you promise me? You said there was a solution! Speak up!"

Every member of the legal team kept their heads down, remaining silent as if they had turned mute.

Anyone who resorts to petty tricks during these turbulent times risks the end of their career if exposed.

Yu Qingnian looked around the silent boardroom, sinking heavily into his chair. It felt like they were all pressing him for money. "Out! All of you, out now!"

Handing over the inheritance? Easier said than done. Where would he get such an amount right now?

Recently, a friend introduced him to a highly profitable project. Tempted, he'd invested nearly all his liquid assets, waiting for a big return and a chance to venture into the real estate business.

His initial intention to marry Yu Antong into the Xing family was to exchange him for benefits. He never expected Yu Antong to play such a deep game.

Playing dumb all these years, and now with backing, he sheds the disguise and bites back hard.

Arriving home, Yu Qingnian encountered his meticulously dressed wife, Liu Qian, preparing to go out for a game of mahjong. Angrily, he asked, "Where do you think you're going?"

"What else? To play mahjong." Liu Qian, surprised by his early return, inquired, "Why are you back at this hour?"

"All you do is squander! Do you have any idea how hard I work to earn money?" He vented all his frustration on her. "We're about to be penniless, even lose our house!"

Liu Qian, in shock, responded, "How... how is that possible?"

"Stop standing there and start packing. We need to move."

"Was it that bastard Yu Antong?!" Liu Qian exclaimed, her face contorting with rage. "The ungrateful wretch! He's forgotten who raised him! How dare he claim our house! I'll confront him!"

Yu Qingnian grabbed her, "Stay here! His online antics are public knowledge. If we don't pay him, our family's reputation is ruined."

"But that's over 60 million!"

Liu Qian slumped onto the sofa.

Plus the value of several villas, the total was almost a billion. The mere thought of parting with such an amount felt more painful than tearing her own flesh.

After liquidating multiple properties he had acquired over the years, Yu Qingnian finally managed to gather the 60 million, and together with the villas left for Yu Antong by their father, he returned it all.

"Yu Antong, remember this!" Yu Qingnian glared menacingly.

Yu Antong, rubbing his temple with feigned distress, said, "Oh, it's tough. I have so much to learn every day at school. I don't have the capacity to remember every random person or issue."

"You'll pay for this!" Yu Qingnian seethed.

With a nonchalant tone, Yu Antong responded, "As you age, you shouldn't get angry so easily. It's bad for your health. It would be unfortunate if you had a stroke from your rage and couldn't even walk."

After that comment, Yu Antong left in high spirits, leaving Yu Qingnian so furious he almost needed hospitalization.

With the afternoon free and a significant inheritance in hand, Yu Antong merrily strolled through the streets, examining the decor of several stores, contemplating the design of his future shop.

Checking the time, Yu Antong called Xing Lixuan: "Hey? Honey, are you off work?"

Xing Lixuan closed the document in his hand, "Yes, what's up?"

Yu Antong: "Accompany me to pick up my younger sister. She's about to be off from school for the weekend. You're aware of the recent mess in my family; she doesn't have a suitable place to stay right now, so I'm thinking of letting her stay at our place for a couple of days."

Yu Annan is in her final year of high school this year. She stays on campus and, given the intense curriculum, the school only allows students a break once every two weeks.

Now that he's completely severed ties with Yu Qingnian, it's natural that he wouldn't let Yu Annan go back to that house. Although Yu Qingnian and his family have moved out and returned the house, it's still in disarray, and it's not safe for a young girl like Yu Annan.

Xing Lixuan isn't accustomed to letting strangers into his territory. He frowned, "Just this once."

"Just for two days." Yu Antong wouldn't be pleased with a longer stay either. How could he enjoy his freedom with a child around at home?

Outside the school gate, Yu Antong stood amidst a crowd of waiting parents, expecting Yu Annan's dismissal.

Since the school prohibits students from carrying mobile phones, Yu Antong had informed Yu Annan's class teacher in advance that he would be picking her up.

As soon as the dismissal bell rang, students burst out of the school buildings, reminiscent of birds being freed from a cage.

Amidst the many students dressed in identical uniforms, Yu Antong instantly recognized a short-haired girl resembling him. Intuition told him this was his sister.

As expected, that short-haired girl headed straight towards him upon spotting him.

This was Yu Antong's first encounter with his sister. Perhaps it was the bond of blood, but he felt an inexplicable closeness to this girl, who should have been a stranger to him.

Having lived two lifetimes, he finally had a true blood-relative.

Yu Annan's eyes lit up when she saw Yu Antong, and she quickened her pace. But as she neared him, she slowed down again.

Her great-uncle tried to marry her brother off to the Xing family for her sake. She didn't want her brother to compromise for her. She protested, but in the end, her brother agreed for her well-being.

On the wedding day, she locked herself in her room, missing her brother's ceremony, unsure if he held a grudge against her.

With a tight-lipped expression, Yu Annan approached Yu Antong, hesitantly uttering, "Brother."

Yu Antong took her school bag, "Who upset the little beauty? Should I teach them a lesson?"

Tears welled up in Yu Annan's eyes as she clung to her brother's hand, murmuring, "No one, nobody bullied me."

Xing Lixuan, standing by, opened the car door for them, "Get in."

As Yu Antong tried to lead her into the car, the girl hesitated. Looking back, he saw her glaring at Xing Lixuan with evident hostility.

Yu Antong glanced at Xing Lixuan, smirked mischievously, and whispered to Yu Annan, "That's your sister-in-law."

Xing Lixuan clearly heard and shot him a warning glance.

Once inside, the siblings sat in the backseat. In a low voice, Yu Annan asked her brother, "Bro, does he treat you well? I hope he hasn't been unkind to you."

The man seemed stern and intimidating. If he were to bully her soft-hearted brother, he surely wouldn't resist.

Yu Antong, keeping a straight face, replied, "He's deeply in love with me, can't stand a moment apart. How could he possibly mistreat me? See, even when I came to pick you up, he insisted on coming along."

Xing Lixuan's grip on the steering wheel tightened, a vein pulsating prominently on his forehead.

What is this guy babbling about?

Yu An'nan warily eyed Xing Lixuan's retreating figure, then turned to her brother, "Is that true? I don't believe it."

Ugh, this pesky kid, always hard to fool.

Yu Antong patted the back of the driver's seat, saying to Xing Lixuan, "She doesn't believe it. Tell her yourself, can you live without me?"

Chapter 12

by

Before Xing Lixuan could speak, Yu Antong quickly added, "Do you like me so much that you won't eat anything unless I've made it?"

The last statement hit Xing Lixuan hard, and he begrudgingly admitted through gritted teeth, "Yes."

"See? He admits it," Yu Antong turned gleefully to the young lady, "Don't worry. No one's bullying me. I'm doing just fine."

Yu Annan nodded skeptically, "It must be true. That man is powerful and influential. He wouldn't need to deceive me unless he truly cared for my brother."

She felt her brother had changed. Was it because he had married that domineering man?

Being with such a formidable figure, had her brother changed as well?

Regardless, my brother has improved and won't be taken advantage of anymore.

Conveniently, after Xing Lixuan had an argument with Yu Antong, a guest room was prepared and is now ready for occupancy.

Yu Antong reassured the slightly uneasy girl in this unfamiliar setting, "Stay here with peace of mind. My brother has retrieved all the inheritance left to us by our father, and he has regained your custody rights. From now on, we won't be bullied by anyone."

After chatting with his sister and settling her to sleep, Yu Antong returned to his bedroom.

As soon as he opened the door, a strong arm encircled his waist, pulling him inside.

"Ah!" Yu Antong exclaimed, momentarily disoriented, before being pushed down onto the bed by Xing Lixuan.

Xing Lixuan held both his hands above his head. Looking up, Yu Antong saw Xing Lixuan's stern face and a hint of danger in his eyes.

Clearly, the man intended to settle scores from earlier in the day.

Xing Lixuan, exuding a dangerous aura, whispered, "I love you so deeply that I can't be away from you, understand?"

"I just wanted to comfort the child," pouted Yu Antong, "Let go, you're hurting me."

As Xing Lixuan released him, Yu Antong wrapped his arms around Xing's neck, giving a captivating smile, "It's just words; when have you not taken advantage of me?"

Hearing this, a shadow passed over Xing Lixuan's eyes. He chuckled and said in a low voice, "Then I won't 'bully' you anymore."

Emphasizing the word "bully", he teased Yu Antong enough to make him weak in the knees, who then pretended to get up.

"How can you tease and just leave?" Yu Antong said, eyes shimmering, speaking softly, "You're so bad, let me be the one to 'bully' you, okay?"

Xing Lixuan pulled the covers over them and murmured, "Be quieter later."

"Shut up!" Thinking of the child in the next room, Yu Antong blushed uncharacteristically.

One might say they've grown accustomed to their playful banter, as the next day Yu Antong was full of energy discussing plans with Yu Annan.

"Should we go hiking or to the amusement park?"

The young girl sipped her porridge, listening intently. Her eyes lit up with excitement, yet she declined, "Maybe not. My teacher said with senior year upon us, we must prioritize studies and can't slack off."

Yu Antong could see the longing in her eyes. It had been tough for them over the years, and she probably hadn't had much fun. It was quite pitiable.

"One or two days won't affect your studies. You can't be tense all the time," Yu Antong advised, "It's important to have a balance between work and relaxation."

The more he spoke, the more convinced he became, and under his determined gaze, Yu Annan finally agreed, saying, "Alright then."

"That's the spirit," Yu Antong said, ruffling her hair, "Hiking can be boring. Let's go to the amusement park, ride roller coasters and play on drop towers. It's exhilarating."

Yu Antong animatedly gestured as he spoke. He had never experienced these thrills himself due to health limitations. These were things he had longed for but could never partake in.

Turning to Xing Lixuan, Yu Antong said, "Husband, you should come with us."

Xing Lixuan looked at him, his excitement akin to a child's, and teased mercilessly, "Seems like you're the one who's really excited to go."

Yu Antong snapped back, "So what if I want to go?"

Though the excuse was to let the kids relax, once they arrived, Yu Antong was clearly the most excited.

After getting off the roller coaster, Yu Antong leaned on Xing Lixuan, his legs weak from the thrill, his cheeks flushed, but his spirit was high.

Xing Lixuan guided both big and small to a bench to rest, feeling as if he was out with two kids.

After a short pause, Xing Lixuan inquired, "Ready for the next ride?"

Yu Antong, looking at the roller coaster starting its next round, exclaimed, "That was amazing! Honey, I want to go again."

Xing Lixuan replied, "Then you can queue up."

Glancing at the serpentine line that stretched for a long distance, Yu Antong sighed, "Maybe not."

"Brother, I want to try that," Yu Annan pointed at the haunted house on the map.

Yu Antong responded, "You're quite brave."

He hadn't intended to visit the haunted house. He couldn't even stomach horror films, and after his unexpected journey into this novel, he was even more wary of the supernatural.

But if the kid wanted to go, then why not? It's all just actors, after all. Nothing to fear!

Psyching himself up, Yu Antong finally agreed, "Let's go."

As they approached the haunted house, several couples emerged, the women looking horrified and tearful, while the men tried to console them, looking equally terrified. One particular couple stood out, with the man crying even more than the woman.

Could it be that scary?

A chill ran down Yu Antong's spine, and he gripped Xing Lixuan's arm a bit tighter.

Sensing Yu Antong's apprehension, Xing Lixuan teased, "Is there something even you're afraid of?"

"Brother, are you scared?" The little girl looked up, "If you are, we don't have to go in."

"Who's scared?" Now at this point, Yu Antong had to put on a brave face, "Ghosts are just people in costumes. What's there to fear?"

"Really, you're not scared?" Yu Annan hesitated, thinking that if he wasn't afraid, then adults wouldn't be either, "Then, let's go in."

Yu Antong thought to himself, "..."

This cunning child! She should've said she didn't believe in ghosts, so he'd have an excuse to back out.

And now she believes?

With no other choice, Yu Antong had to muster up the courage.

The entrance of the haunted house was designed like the menacing mouth of a fierce demon lord. They entered through the massive mouth, finding the entrance quite narrow. Yu Antong held his sister's hand with his left and clung tightly to Xing Lixuan with his right, the three of them barely managing to walk side by side.

Upon entering, they were greeted by two skeletons in tattered clothing on either side, posed as if bowing and beckoning them forward.

Yu Antong's fear evaporated instantly, "Is this it? It seems like it's just meant to scare children."

As they turned a corner, the light dimmed, and the space expanded, revealing an ancient-style decoration throughout the haunted house.

Old, dilapidated houses lined both sides, their doors half-open and seemingly ready to collapse. Dark voids lurked within the doors as if monstrous apparitions would lunge out at any moment.

They could vaguely see strange yellow symbols pasted and hanging on the walls and wood, with curtains draping down from above, obscuring their vision.

Yu Antong swallowed hard, anxiety creeping back. He silently reassured himself: It's all fake... it's all fake... I'm not scared.

"Ahh!"

A shrill scream echoed.

Xing Lixuan wasn't startled by a ghost, but by Yu Antong. He turned to him, asking, "What happened?"

Clinging tightly to Xing Lixuan, Yu Antong whimpered, "Something... something wrapped around my foot! Check what it is!"

"It's okay, brother. It's just an employee," Yu Annan reassured, "Look, she's even smiling at us."

"Don't look!" Xing Lixuan tried to stop Yu Antong, but it was too late. Yu Antong had already peered down in terror.

Beneath him, a ghostly woman in white, with disheveled black hair and blood-red eyes, her face streaked with bloody tears and a smile that stretched eerily from cheek to cheek, grinned malevolently up at him.

"Aaaahhh!!"

Yu Antong felt as if he might faint.

"Sorry, brother," Yu Annan said, remorse and concern evident in her voice.

She had thought that by telling her brother it was just an employee playing a trick, it would alleviate his fear, not realizing just how faint-hearted he was.

Trembling, Yu Antong stammered, "Let's... let's go..."

They needed to get out. Now.

A few steps ahead, after pushing aside obscuring curtains, they were confronted by a cluster of bloodstained cages containing realistic severed limbs. In the center stood a larger cage, imprisoning a "criminal" in ragged prison attire, his body covered in bloody wounds.

"Heh," Yu Antong pinched himself, trying to stay calm.

To move forward, they would have to squeeze between the cages, and as visitors passed, the "criminal" would make sudden movements, attempting to grab them.

Previous visitors screamed and ran past with their eyes shut.

Shivering uncontrollably, Yu Antong was too terrified to proceed.

Xing Lixuan was speechless, really not understanding what there was to be afraid of. "Close your eyes. I'll guide you through."

Yu Antong nodded vigorously, uttering an eager "Mm-hmm" before hurriedly shutting his eyes, following Xing Lixuan's lead closely.

As they passed the ghostly prisoner, who attempted to tap Yu Antong, Xing Lixuan shielded him, casting a chilling glance that froze the "prisoner" in place.

Only once Xing Lixuan had passed did the actor playing the prisoner snap back to reality.

A visitor frightening the ghost? This was absurd!

This job was proving to be impossible. This was taking it too far!

With his eyes closed, Yu Antong couldn't see the terrifying scenes, which was a relief. However, before he could even exhale, he stumbled over something, almost tripping. Thankfully, Xing Lixuan caught him in time.

Instinctively, Yu Antong steadied himself and opened his eyes, only to be greeted by the horrifying sight of a mangled corpse, its grotesqueness accentuated by the dim red lighting.

"Ahh!" Yu Antong's pupils contracted, and he burst into tears from sheer fright.

Xing Lixuan commanded, "Let go of me."

Clinging tightly to Xing Lixuan's arm, Yu Antong sobbed, "I won't! How could you abandon me at a time like this?"

Sighing, Xing Lixuan said, "If you keep holding onto me like this, neither of us will be able to move properly. You almost pulled me down earlier."

Xing Lixuan gently proposed, "Release me, and I'll carry you out."

"Promise you're not lying to me?" Yu Antong whimpered, tears streaming down his face. He hesitantly let go, keeping his eyes tightly shut. "Don't leave me behind."

Feeling vulnerable without any support, Yu Antong's fear intensified, and his cries grew louder.

Thankfully, within moments, Xing Lixuan scooped him up. The familiar cool scent from the man comforted Yu Antong, who buried his face into Xing Lixuan's broad chest, murmuring, "I was so scared."

Turning to Yu Annan, Xing Lixuan instructed, "Stay close," then briskly carried Yu Antong out.

Once outside, Xing Lixuan gently jostled the man in his arms, reassuring him, "Stop crying. We're out now; it's over."

Through sobs, Yu Antong whispered, "I... I was so scared."

"Stay here and don't wander off. I'll comfort your brother," Xing Lixuan told Yu Annan, leading Yu Antong to a nearby bench.

Noticing Yu Antong still trembling from fear, Xing Lixuan softened his voice, "It's okay. Look, we're out. Open your eyes and see for yourself."

Seated on Xing Lixuan's lap, Yu Antong hesitantly turned towards the light, slowly opening his eyes as they adjusted.

Warm sunlight bathed them, and before him lay a vast blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. They were truly safe.

With red, teary eyes and sniffles, Yu Antong looked like a frightened bunny.

Seeing Yu Antong's vulnerable appearance, Xing Lixuan couldn't resist wiping away his tears, whispering, "It's okay now, sweetheart. No more tears."

With lingering fear, Yu Antong clung to Xing Lixuan's neck, staying silent and looking defeated.

Xing Lixuan patted his back gently, awkwardly consoling, "Don't be scared. I'm here. You're safe, my love."

It took a while for Yu Antong to recover. Realizing how he had acted, he said embarrassedly, "Was I really embarrassing just now?"

Bookmark Reading: A Novel Website.

Things that even kids aren't scared of terrified him to death.

Xing Lixuan spoke softly, "No, you weren't the only one. Look, others were scared too."

Indeed, most visitors entered with a laugh but left in tears.

Before entering, Yu Antong had thought many girls pretended to be scared for their boyfriends to comfort them, but it was genuinely terrifying.

Suddenly, recalling something, Yu Antong asked, "Honey, did you call me 'baby' when you were comforting me?"

Xing Lixuan froze momentarily, and his hand, which was on Yu Antong's back, stopped. He denied, "No, I didn't."

"Don't lie to me; I heard you." Yu Antong revived his spirits and insisted, "I was too scared to listen closely then. Say it again."

No matter how much he coaxed before, Xing Lixuan never used that term. Now he had.

He had called him 'baby' and 'darling'.

And Yu Antong had missed it. He needed to hear it again.

Xing Lixuan put him down and walked away, asserting, "You must have misheard."

Yu Antong chased after him, "Honey, please say it again~"

Left behind, Yu Annan quietly followed, now genuinely convinced of Xing Lixuan's affection for her brother.

She also finally recognized her real role in all of this.

A third wheel.

Chapter 13

by

Yu Antong chased Xing Lixuan onto the main road of the amusement park, only to be tapped on the shoulder from behind.

Turning around, he saw it was a chubby, adorably naive "Little Snowman," followed by a long parade of colorful cartoon characters.

The parade has started!

"Wow! This is amazing!" Yu Antong, who had never seen such a spectacle, greeted the "Little Snowman" with wide-eyed wonder and a slight gasp.

Clowns from behind approached, giving him high-fives. Even the little fairies with big wings waved at him, seemingly enchanted by his good looks.

Yu Antong was having the time of his life.

"Big bro, let me take a picture for you," Yu Annan exclaimed, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Let's take one together." Yu Antong wrapped his arm around his sister and called to Xing Lixuan, a few steps away, "Honey, come take a picture for us."

Xing Lixuan pulled out his phone, quickly snapping a few photos, "Done."

"No, no, I wasn't ready with my pose," Yu Antong protested. "Take a few more."

"Such a hassle," Xing Lixuan murmured with a hint of annoyance, but still raised his phone to continue taking photos, snapping over a dozen in quick succession. "Satisfied now?"

Yu Antong jogged over, "Let me see how they turned out."

"Why did you only focus on me? The parade float behind is barely in the frame," Yu Antong flipped through the images with a discerning eye, then added with a smirk, "Well, since you captured my good looks so perfectly, I'll forgive you."

Handing his phone to his sister, Yu Antong instructed, "Xiao Nan, take another one of us together."

Xing Lixuan hesitated to step into the crowd. "I don't want a photo."

Yu Antong pulled him along, "Come on, just a few shots for memory's sake. One day when you miss me, you can look back at them."

Pushed forward by Yu Antong, Xing Lixuan chuckled, "You're rather presumptuous. That day will never come."

Shrugging it off, Yu Antong playfully retorted, "You never know."

Standing closer to the parade float, Yu Antong signaled to his sister, "Shoot now."

In the camera's frame, Xing Lixuan stood tall and graceful, an exasperated yet playful smile gracing his lips.

Yu Antong, standing close to Xing Lixuan, sneakily raised a hand behind him, making bunny ears over Xing Lixuan's head in a playful tease.

Their antics left Yu Annan giggling, causing her to shake and lose focus.

Just as Yu Antong exaggerated his expressions, hinting for Yu Annan to hurry up, Xing Lixuan swiftly grabbed his arms, rendering them immobile.

Caught in the act!

Xing Lixuan pulled Yu Antong tightly into his embrace, warning, "Behave yourself."

Grinning cheekily, Yu Antong responded, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Dare to do it again!

Holding him securely, Xing Lixuan signaled Yu Annan to wrap it up quickly.

One stern glance from Xing Lixuan, and the laughter on Yu Annan's face faded.

Wow, he's quite intimidating. She wondered how her brother dared to tease him.

Yu Annan obediently prepared to take the shot, and just as she pressed the shutter button...

Yu Antong suddenly turned and planted a kiss on Xing Lixuan.

"Mua!"

"Snap!"

That moment was captured forever.

Xing Lixuan turned, looking straight into Yu Antong's eyes, which sparkled with mischief from his successful sneak attack.

Yu Antong wore a fox ear headband that he bought at the park. When he laughed, he truly resembled a cunning, spirited fox.

"Hahaha." Noticing Xing Lixuan's gaze, Yu Antong's laughter became even more unrestrained and carefree.

On their way back, they passed by the headband stall, prompting Xing Lixuan to halt.

Black cat ears and pinkish-white bunny ears — he bought one of each.

Yu Antong glanced at Xing Lixuan's stern profile and then at the cute headbands he held, a look of disbelief on his face. "Do you actually like these?"

Such a tough man with a soft spot, huh?

Xing Lixuan shot him a cold smirk but remained silent.

"Ouch." Yu Antong rubbed his arm.

An unexpected chill crept up his back, accompanied by an ominous feeling.

That evening, with pink bunny ears atop his head, Yu Antong begged pitifully, "Please, no more. Mercy."

"Honey, honey, I was wrong."

Xing Lixuan took off the drooping bunny ears from Yu Antong's head, asking maliciously, "Do you like it?"

Tears welled up in Yu Antong's eyes. "Yes, but really... I can't take anymore..."

Xing Lixuan replaced it with fiery red fox ears, presenting them to Yu Antong, "But we haven't tried these yet."

Yu Antong was on the verge of tears. "Next time, please, honey. I'm begging you."

Xing Lixuan showed no mercy, and by the end, Yu Antong was so exhausted he couldn't lift a finger.

As expected, he slept through most of the following day, oblivious to when Yu Annan was sent back to school.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Yu Antong donned a perfectly tailored suit. With his good physique, the exquisite cut accentuated his sleek waistline and straight legs, giving him an exceptionally refined and spirited appearance.

Xing Lixuan, aware of his plans, still inquired, "Where are you headed?"

Yu Antong grunted dismissively, ignoring Xing Lixuan.

That brute, always bullying him!

Acknowledging his own behavior, Xing Lixuan volunteered, "I had someone contact Sangyu. They've finally settled on seventy million, but full payment is required within a week."

Yu Antong recalled the initial price being seventy-six million, meaning a six million discount.

His face lit up, "Really?!"

Then, remembering he was supposed to be mad at Xing Lixuan, he quickly suppressed his joy and suspiciously asked, "Why are you suddenly so generous, helping me out like this?"

The real reason is that you have control over the daily meals, but can't admit that out loud.

"Because I love you to death," Xing Lixuan echoed Yu Antong's words, though with complete detachment.

Yu Antong burst into laughter. Well, he had his fun times too, so he'd let this slide with this rascal. "How did you manage to get such a significant discount?"

Weren't many envious of Sangyu's shop, trying to drive down the price, but all to no avail?

Xing Lixuan bent his distinct knuckles and tapped Yu Antong's forehead, saying, "Thanks to this."

The day Yu Antong trended online mentioning his interest in buying Sangyu's shop, Xing Lixuan had it investigated.

Sangyu owed a considerable amount in breach fees. However, selling his factory along with his shop at once proved challenging. With the accumulating interest, the debt was stifling, compelling Sangyu to agree to a reduced sale price.

After all, selling the factory combined for seventy million was better than holding onto the factory and selling the shop alone for sixty million.

Yu Antong responded a bit slow, "Are you implying I'm brainless?"

Xing Lixuan replied, "I never said that."

Yu Antong huffily retorted, "You jerk."

With Xing Lixuan's help, the deal went smoothly, and Yu Antong successfully acquired the shop and food processing plant for seventy million.

After signing the sales contract, as Sangyu was leaving, Yu Antong stopped him, "I have another request."

Contrary to his glamorous on-screen image, Sangyu now looked plain, with pale lips devoid of color, appearing quite haggard. Still, his voice remained gentle, "What is it?"

"Could you introduce me to the head chef of your restaurant?" Yu Antong asked. "I dined at your place recently, and the food was excellent."

No matter how skilled Yu Antong was as a chef, he alone couldn't run an entire large restaurant, let alone take over three at once.

Every exceptional restaurant has its team of chefs. If he could retain the original team, he'd only need to focus on developing new dishes and training the head chef.

Without asking further, Sangyu said, "The head chef is at the main branch right now. I'll accompany you."

Initially planning to shut down by the end of the month, the chefs were still present as the sale's timing was uncertain.

Talented individuals never fear unemployment. So, without delay, Yu Antong followed Sangyu to the restaurant.

At this time, the restaurant was empty. Sangyu introduced Yu Antong to the head chef.

The head chef was a plump middle-aged woman with short hair that reached her ears. She had a naturally cheerful face and appeared approachable. "Hello, Mr. Yu, I'm Zhao Juan."

"Hello, Sister Zhao. You can call me Little Yu."

Hearing Yu Antong's intentions, Zhao Juan was relieved. With her skills, finding a job wasn't hard. But integrating into a new restaurant's team was. Here, she could work seamlessly with her trained disciples.

For her disciples, finding a better job outside this restaurant would be challenging.

If this young man could retain the existing staff, it would be more than ideal.

She nodded in agreement, but her enthusiasm faded when she heard Yu An-Tong mention that he'd personally develop future dishes.

Her cheery, plump face tightened, and she responded coldly, "Mr. Yu, do you not trust my capabilities? If that's the case, perhaps you should seek someone else."

Being a head chef, she believed she should have complete control over the kitchen and its dishes. Working under restrictions was not her style.

Yu An-Tong replied, "You've misunderstood. The kitchen is yours to manage, and I deeply respect your culinary skills. But don't you aspire to elevate them even further?"

Elevate? As if suggesting that she was inferior to this young man.

Zhao Juan thought to herself that the young man was quite audacious. She sternly said, "Words without action are nothing. If you believe your culinary skills surpass mine, let's have a competition."

This was precisely what Yu An-Tong had hoped for. "If my dish wins your approval, will you stay?"

Zhao Juan responded, "Agreed. You choose the dish. Feel free to showcase your specialty."

She thought to give the young man a fighting chance rather than watch him suffer a significant loss.

Recalling a dish he had enjoyed here named "Jade Belt Embroidered Ball," Yu An-Tong suggested, "Let's compete with that dish."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Juan's apprentices, who had been silent till now, stood up angrily and said, "Master, show him our strength!"

The Jade Belt Embroidered Ball was their signature dish and her masterpiece. Was he mocking them?

These apprentices shared a deep bond with Zhao Juan. They'd stand up for her, even at the risk of losing their jobs.

Feeling provoked, Zhao Juan decided she wouldn't go easy on the youngster.

Unbeknownst to her, Yu An-Tong had dined here just once and was genuinely unaware he had chosen their specialty.

Chapter 14

by

"Jade Belt and Embroidered Ball," the jade belt is made from sliced lettuce, but the key to this dish lies in the preparation of the "embroidered ball."

Zhao Juan expertly diced the ingredients for the ball stuffing into tiny cubes, showcasing her exceptional knife skills. She had nearly finished when she noticed Yu An Tong already mixing his ingredients with cooking wine, egg, and starch, stirring until everything was well-combined.

Impossible! She couldn't believe that Yu An Tong's knife skills were so much faster than her own.

Zhao Juan's chief apprentice couldn't resist stepping forward. After one glance, he laughed, "Young man, I don't think you should bother competing with my master. Those diced mushrooms and meat chunks you cut are almost as large as a fist. Perhaps you should go practice your knife skills for a few more years."

Obviously, the size comparison to a fist was an exaggeration. Yu An Tong's pieces were merely half the size of Zhao Juan's, which explained his swiftness.

Yu An Tong smiled calmly, "Let's wait until we taste it before passing judgment."

By now, Zhao Juan disregarded Yu An Tong entirely. She marinated the ingredients she just sliced, then mixed glutinous rice flour with yellow pea paste and water to make the dough.

Yu An Tong, having finished dicing earlier, continued to leisurely knead his dough. After a while, he asked a young apprentice beside him, "Could you fetch me two bags of milk? I'm a bit thirsty."

"So demanding," the apprentice muttered, begrudgingly heading to get the milk.

"Here you go."

"Thanks!" Yu An Tong received the milk with a bright smile and handed the mixing bowl to the apprentice, "Continue stirring clockwise for me."

The apprentice, dazed by Yu An Tong's radiant smile, obeyed without thinking. It was only when he realized his mistake and met the disdainful gazes of his peers.

Traitor! Aiding the outsider!

The apprentice: I didn't! I swear!

Yu An Tong drank one bag of milk to quench his thirst, then poured the remaining bag into the glutinous rice flour and pea paste mixture, replacing water.

Zhao Juan paid him no mind. She rolled out the dough thinly, added the marinated filling, and shaped it into a yellow ball before steaming.

Moments later, Yu An Tong, trailing behind, rounded his last "embroidered ball" and placed it in the steamer on high heat.

The apprentice who had fetched the milk warned, "You shouldn't use high heat."

Immediately after speaking, he was met with stern glares from his fellow apprentices and quickly covered his mouth.

Zhao Juan shook her head silently. Youngsters were so impulsive. The key to this dish was to control the heat and allow it to steam on low.

Zhao Juan's apprentices shared her sentiment.

The young man, initially unhurried when mixing the filling, seemed to have panicked quite quickly.

Minutes later, Yu An Tong reduced the flame to low.

An apprentice whispered, "Look, he's switched to low heat now. Trying to copy our techniques?"

Yu An Tong pulled out a chair and sat down, leisurely taking out his phone to tease Xing Li Xuan.

Yu An Tong: poke

Yu An Tong: Hubby, are you there~?

Yu An Tong: [KittyNuzzleFace.jpg]

Yu Antong: Missing your little treasure?

After signing the last document, Xing Lixuan finally picks up his incessantly vibrating phone.

Without even looking, he knows who it is. Others usually call him directly when they need something, only Yu Antong would spam him with a series of nonsensical messages.

He checks and, as expected, it's Yu Antong. He throws the phone aside, neither replying nor silencing it.

Without a response from Xing Lixuan and considering the time, Yu Antong determines it's time to finish up the Jade-Strap Embroidered Balls. He quickly sends another message before washing his hands.

Yu Antong: If you don't reply within 10 minutes, you're on your own for dinner tonight.

The completed Jade-Strap Embroidered Balls are arranged on a white porcelain plate. After being steamed at high temperatures, the yellow pea-paste glutinous rice surface displays an unevenly cracked texture, resembling a delicate yellow hydrangea flower in bloom.

Due to the sticky nature of the glutinous rice, the very center remains intact, encasing the filling without any leaks.

Both dishes of the Jade-Strap Embroidered Balls look indistinguishable from the outside. Yu Antong signals Zhao Juan to have a taste.

Zhao Juan picks up one of Yu Antong's creations with chopsticks and takes a bite.

Her plump face, with its normally squinted eyes, suddenly widens in surprise.

Seeing his master's reaction, the senior disciple inquires, "Master, how is it?"

Zhao Juan doesn't reply, but despite the heat, she eagerly takes another bite.

Unable to wait for her response, the impatient senior disciple immediately grabs one to taste for himself.

The glutinous rice mixed with pea paste is slightly sweet and chewy with a unique milky aroma. The encased filling, steamed to perfection, dissolves effortlessly upon a gentle press of the tongue. And then...

The exterior is soft and tender, while the innermost filling is exquisitely delicate.

The senior disciple's eyes light up, and he slaps his thigh, "This is absolutely incredible!"

Finally speaking, Zhao Juan comments, "The large chunks of filling amplify the meat's flavor, enriching the taste. Starting with high heat softens the exterior, then switching to low heat ensures the inside is cooked perfectly. The layered textures reveal ingenious craftsmanship."

"I admit defeat."

Hearing their master's concession, the disciples exclaim in shock, "Master!"

Zhao Juan, ever magnanimous, believes there's no shame in conceding to a superior talent. Her face regains its smile, "You all should try it too."

The skeptical disciples gather around the steaming pot, while Zhao Juan addresses Yu Antong, "In the future, please continue to enlighten us with your culinary expertise."

A young prodigy indeed. Yu Antong may be young, but he certainly has the talent. With him leading the way in culinary innovation, Zhao Juan is thoroughly impressed.

Yu Antong responds with a smile, "You're too kind, Sister Zhao. Let's work together and make our restaurant flourish."

Those disciples fortunate enough to taste Yu Antong's creation couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Those who didn't get a spot due to the crowd looked on with evident envy.

Without uttering another word, everyone had genuinely acknowledged the new boss.

Yu Antong held a brief meeting, "Starting tomorrow, the shop will close for renovations. Everyone should take a break and head home. You will receive your salaries during the closure..."

After the meeting, Yu Antong pulled out his phone. As expected, threats did prove effective.

Xing Lixuan: How did it go? Need me to pick you up after work?

Before Yu Antong could reply, he received a call from Han Lele.

"A friend of mine just opened a new bar," Han Lele exclaimed cheerfully, "Wanna check it out?"

Yu Antong had been curious about what bars looked like for a while. As an adult, it's almost embarrassing to admit he's never been to one.

He promptly replied, "Sure, I'm at Phoenix Street. Come get me."

Not having a car is indeed inconvenient. He needs to find time to get his driver's license.

After hanging up, Yu Antong remembered he had forgotten about Xing Lixuan.

Going to a bar without informing his husband did stir a faint sense of guilt.

It's just a visit to a bar, not cheating. Besides, their marriage with Xing Lixuan was just on paper. Why

Yu Antong persuaded himself and then called Xing Lixuan.

Xing Lixuan: "Where are you? I'll come get you."

Hearing Xing Lixuan's voice made Yu Antong feel guilty again.

Xing Lixuan is the type to mind even if he unbuttons just one more button. He definitely wouldn't approve of the bar.

Yu Antong spoke hastily, "Honey, I just remembered it's my roommate's birthday today. We all promised to celebrate with him. Have dinner without me, I'll be home later."

Yu Antong quickly hung up after speaking.

He was clearly not accustomed to lying.

After being hung up on, Xing Lixuan dialed Qi Jingyao, "Send me the location of your bar."

"Thought you weren't coming," Qi Jingyao commented, "Changed your mind?"

Xing Lixuan: "Yeah, just to do you a favor."

"Much appreciated," Qi Jingyao chuckled, thinking of something. "If I were to spread the news that you're at my bar, my sales for the day would double."

Previously, when Xing Lixuan grew tired of his family pressuring him to marry, he came out to them. Somehow, the news leaked, and while the number of female admirers diminished, a new wave of male admirers surged.

The gay scene in Jiangcheng is peculiarly overflowing with 'bottoms', scarcely any 'tops'. The demand outweighs the supply. The appearance of Xing Lixuan, an epitome of wealth and beauty, certainly does not go unnoticed.

Every time friends invite him to a bar, there's always a flock of men trying to strike up a conversation, much to Xing Lixuan's annoyance.

The bar owned by Qi Jingyao is specifically a gay bar. If the word spreads, a swarm of admirers will undoubtedly gather for Xing Lixuan.

Had it not been for the grand opening of Qi Jingyao's bar, a perfect opportunity for close friends to reunite, Xing Lixuan wouldn't have considered attending.

Chapter 15

by

Han Lele greeted Yu Antong, looking him up and down, "What you're wearing..."

The snug, high-end suit gave him a dapper look, but it wasn't suitable for a night out at a bar.

Catching Han's gaze, Yu Antong realized the issue, "Should I change?"

"Dressing so formally might restrict you from having fun," Han Lele started. But then, with a cheeky grin, he added, "But the more formal and reserved you look, the more people would want to approach you. If you go to the bar like this, you'll definitely attract attention."

Yu Antong insisted, "Never mind, I'll change."

He was going to the bar for a good time, not to draw unwanted attention.

"Alright then," Han Lele replied with a hint of disappointment, "Get in the car. Let's go shopping first."

Having picked an outfit, Yu Antong emerged from the changing room after trying it on.

He was adorned with a loose, black V-necked, satin-finished shirt. The garment was an unembellished black, save for a single red plum blossom embroidered at the waist that extended backwards, tracing the graceful contour of Yu's slender waist. It was an alluring and captivating design, igniting one's imagination.

With Yu's naturally fair complexion, the black fabric accentuated his smooth and milky skin. The V-neck design revealed his impeccably sculpted collarbone.

Han Lele was utterly entranced, feeling that this outfit was a perfect fit for Yu.

The outfit was completed with black tapered pants with the cuffs rolled up, paired with British-style ankle boots, revealing a hint of his slender ankles.

Han Lele realized that it wasn't just about the clothes; with Yu's strikingly handsome face, any outfit would garner attention.

Yu Antong glanced in the mirror and asked, "How does this look?"

A pressing concern suddenly crossed Han Lele's mind. While he was single and could party freely, Yu Antong was a married man.

Han Lele inquired, "Does your husband, Mr. Xing, know that I invited you to the bar?"

If Yu were to attract too much attention, would Mr. Xing spare him?

"Why ask now?" Yu Antong replied, preening in front of the mirror, relishing how dashing he looked in black, "I didn't tell him about the bar; I said I was going to celebrate a roommate's birthday."

Han Lele breathed a sigh of relief, "That's perfect then. Let's get this outfit."

Arriving early, the bar was sparsely populated.

Guided by Han Lele to the bar counter, Yu's gaze was drawn to a cocktail being expertly crafted by the bartender.

The transparent glass revealed layers of brilliant pomegranate red at the bottom, transitioning to a brighter, lighter orange hue at the top, reminiscent of a sunrise bathed in morning glow.

Vibrant and mesmerizing, Yu Antong was smitten.

Catching the eye of the stylish bartender, he inquired, "What's this called? Can I have one?"

The playful arch of his eyebrows, coupled with the bar's colorful lights reflected in his eyes, exuded an unintentional allure, a beauty he was unaware of.

Having spent years in the bar scene, the bartender recognized Yu as a first-timer, especially since he wasn't familiar with this classic cocktail.

Such a pure and enticing beauty was rare.

Eager to seize the opportunity, the bartender flirted, "Like it? This one's on me. Add me on WeChat, and I'll tell you its name."

Yu Antong hadn't anticipated such a cheesy advance from someone who appeared so suave.

Comparing him to his own brother and husband, this bartender paled in comparison—shorter than Xing Lixuan, not as attractive, and certainly not as well-built. Yet, he had the audacity to ask for his WeChat.

Unconsciously comparing the man to Xing Lixuan, Yu Antong's disdain grew.

Glancing downwards, he picked up a drink menu from the counter, quickly spotting the cocktail, and responded, "Got it. It's called Tequila Sunrise. A fitting name. No need for a treat; I can afford it."

The bartender looked a tad disappointed, but not wanting to stir up any trouble, he handed the Tequila Sunrise he had prepared to Yu Antong. "Enjoy your night, beautiful."

Han Lele, seeing that Yu Antong had instantly attracted attention, felt a pang of unease. He silently prayed that Mr. Xing from the Xing family wouldn't find out that he had brought his wife to a nightclub.

Yu Antong took a leisurely sip of his drink. It tasted sweet and sour with a robust fruit flavor. The alcohol was faint, not quite satisfying his palate.

As more patrons began to fill the bar and a few started to dance, Yu Antong, with an eager glint in his eyes, asked Han Lele, "Should we join them?"

A nervous Han Lele responded, "Maybe we should stay here and enjoy our drinks for now."

Yu Antong nodded. He was currently more intrigued by the colorful array of cocktails. Scanning the menu, he picked out one that looked appealing. "I'll have a Manhattan, please."

The Manhattan, with its deep aromatic fragrance and sweet notes, was richer. After a sip, Yu Antong noticed two people settling down beside him. Initially indifferent, he overheard a snippet of their conversation.

The person further away spoke gently but with a hint of complaint, "Bai Ying, you know I don't like places like this."

The one next to Yu Antong, presumably Bai Ying, responded, "I just thought you've been down lately. Thought this might cheer you up."

Bai Ying continued, "If you can't get over Xing Lixuan, just confess your feelings. Tell him you like him. Why suffer in silence and pine from afar?"

The one named Yun Qing replied, "Stop making things up. I told you I don't like Xing Lixuan. Besides, he's already married."

Han Lele caught wind of their conversation and glanced at Yu Antong.

Yu Antong felt the name 'Yun Qing' was somewhat familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere.

He signaled Han Lele to remain silent as he wanted to eavesdrop a bit more.

"Oh please, don't play coy with me," Bai Ying said, "I was at Xing Lixuan's wedding, and he looked so displeased throughout. Anyone could tell he was being forced into it!"

"Trust me," Bai Ying continued, "They won't last six months. I even heard him describe his ideal type: someone gentle, magnanimous, and understanding. Isn't that just like you?"

Yun Qing seemed shaken, "Are you sure about that?"

"Why would I lie? I overheard it," Bai Ying assured.

Bai Ying then recounted a time shortly after Xing Lixuan's wedding when she was at a bar. Some of Xing Lixuan's close friends, including Qi Jingyao, Bao Ji, and Wei Zhejun, were discussing the marriage.

Bai Ying recalled overhearing Bao Ji comment, "Time flies. Before you know it, Lixuan's already married."

"That marriage won't last," Qi Jingyao remarked, "Remember back in college when we got him drunk and pressed him about his type?"

At this memory, Bao Ji burst into laughter, "How could I forget? Thinking about it still cracks me up."

"Exactly!" Qi Jingyao guffawed, "Lixuan said he likes someone gentle, sophisticated, independent, and not clingy. It'd be okay if he were talking about a woman, but he meant a man! Lixuan is definitely the steel-hearted straight guy of the gay community.

Bai Ying recounted all of this to Shen Yunqing, while Han Lele and Yu Antong listened intently.

Pity reflected in Han Lele's eyes as he glanced at Yu Antong, silently lamenting the injustice of it all.

"Our dear Tongtong is such a good person. That Xing doesn't know how to value him!"

Han Lele placed a hand on Yu Antong's shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Yu Antong drained the remaining drink in his glass and stood up, "Let's dance."

Han Lele followed, "You're just going to let it go? They clearly know you're married to Xing Lixuan and they're still after him. So shameless!"

Yu Antong replied, "Xing Lixuan is handsome and wealthy. There are plenty who covet him. They're just all talk. Am I supposed to confront every single one of them? It's not worth it."

He didn't mention one thing: the marriage between him and Xing Lixuan won't last long. So why worry? Just live in the moment.

Yu Antong imitated the dance moves of others on the dance floor, swaying and grooving with the slight buzz from the alcohol.

Before he knew it, he was pushed to the front near the stage where professional dancers, hired by the bar, danced. Someone reached out, inviting him on stage.

Fueled by the passionate rock music in the bar, Yu Antong accepted the offer.

Though his dance skills weren't as refined as the professionals on stage, his regular yoga made him flexible and coordinated. Combined with his good looks, he garnered screams from the crowd below.

In a slightly concealed private box on the second floor...

As soon as they met, Bao Ji began to console Xing Lixuan, "We totally get you. We know you're upset. Anyone would be if they were in an arranged marriage."

A well-rested and well-fed Xing Lixuan post-wedding, "Well..."

Wei Zhejun immediately chimed in, "We know you didn't want to marry. It's an unfortunate situation for the sake of the elders. Bro, you're suffering."

Xing Lixuan tried again, "Actually..."

Bao Ji cut him off, "No need to explain. We understand you! Marriage might be the tomb of freedom, but at least right now, with your brothers, you're still free. Let's drink!"

Qi Jingyao, who had picked up on some nuances, didn't stop the two clueless buddies, instead watching the drama unfold with amusement.

Xing Lixuan, with his glass in hand, "Are you done?"

Bao Ji, "..."

Wei Zhejun, "..."

Xing Lixuan, "Can I speak now?"

The two exchanged glances.

What's going on?

Something seems off.

The two nodded slowly, "Go ahead."

Xing Lixuan: "What I wanted to say is, I actually think marriage is quite nice."

"Excuse me?"

Bao Ji was utterly puzzled, "Wasn't this a forced marriage? So, you're enjoying it now?"

Xing Lixuan felt somewhat embarrassed. He turned and glanced below, but his gaze suddenly froze.

Qi Jingyao followed his gaze, "Isn't that your wife? Quite the wild one, isn't she?"

Xing Lixuan coldly huffed, watching the ultra-sexy Yu Antong in black on the stage.

Whose birthday is this again?

Xing Lixuan: "I'll be right back."

As soon as he left, the trio in the private box crowded together to peek at the first floor.

Qi Jingyao remarked, "This is getting interesting."

Three heirs from influential families, gossiping no less than any market aunties.

Yu Antong, lost in his dance, stiffened upon seeing the approaching tall man. He quickly jumped off the stage and found Han Lele, "Lele, doesn't that man look like my husband?"

Han Lele turned her head, "My God! That's not just a resemblance. That's definitely Xing Lixuan!"

Just as Xing Lixuan was about to reach them, a young man in white blocked his path, "Lixuan, what a coincidence to meet you here."

Yu Antong, who had thought of escaping, halted in his tracks.

That voice... It was Shen Yunqing who was speaking to him earlier. Suddenly, Yu Antong remembered, he's the male side character from the book who had an unrequited love for Xing Lixuan!

People having designs on Xing Lixuan was one thing, but now he was being blatantly flirted with right in front of Yu Antong. How could he bear that?!

From the second floor, Qi Jingyao leaned over the railing, "Wow, what a scene, what a scene!"

Chapter 16

by

"Yunqing, look!" Bai Ying, spotting Xing Lixuan descending from the second floor, urgently pointed him out to Shen Yunqing, "It's Xing Lixuan."

As Xing Lixuan strode forward, despite the bar's chaotic lighting and diverse crowd, his aristocratic and sharp aura remained undeniable.

Shen Yunqing gazed intently at the distinguished man whom one could instantly recognize in any crowd, his eyes brimming with affection.

Bai Ying shoved a drink into Shen Yunqing's hand, urging, "What are you waiting for? Go talk to him!"

Hearing Bai Ying's words and seeing Xing Lixuan made Shen Yunqing's heart waver. Clenching his fists, he made a decision.

Shen Yunqing stood up, adjusted his attire, approached Xing Lixuan with a friendly smile, "Lixuan, what a coincidence running into you here."

Xing Lixuan, intent on confronting Yu Antong, was unexpectedly halted by a stranger.

A slight frown appeared, "And you are?"

Shen Yunqing's face blanched, struggling to maintain his smile.

Xing Lixuan didn't even remember him!

A pang of hurt surged in Shen Yunqing, his hand clenching so tight that his nails dug into his palm.

Still, forcing a smile, he introduced, "Shen Yunqing of the Shen family. We met at a wine party a month ago, remember?"

Before Xing Lixuan could respond, Yu Antong stormed in, fuming.

"Desperate much? Hitting on someone else's husband, have you no shame?" Yu Antong shoved Shen Yunqing aside, berating him, "And you proudly announce your family name? Is the Shen family's upbringing all about wrecking marriages? What sins did your ancestors commit to deserve an offspring like you?"

Caught off guard by Yu Antong's presence and his outburst, Shen Yunqing tried to play the bigger person, "You're mistaken..."

Yu Antong scoffed, "Mistaken? I heard every word you spoke at the bar counter. Do you want me to repeat it back?"

Originally from a prestigious family, Yu Antong was taught etiquette and poise. But ever since he transmigrated into this world, he decided to live freely and unapologetically.

Speaking his mind felt liberating. It might not look elegant, but as long as he felt good, nothing else mattered.

With an air of superiority, Yu Antong declared, "You think just because my husband doesn't like me, he'd fancy you? Dream on! I'm prettier, have a better figure, and even my soul is more interesting than yours. Where does your confidence come from?"

Shen Yunqing, shocked that Yu Antong overheard his conversation with Bai Ying, denied, "Don't make baseless accusations. Lixuan and I are merely acquaintances. I just wanted to discuss some business with him."

Yu Antong clearly heard Xing Lixuan's inquiry, "Who are you?"

He chuckled, "You want to be friends with him, but my husband doesn't even know who you are. Do you even have what it takes to play the fox spirit? Yet, you try to act all pure and innocent like a white lotus, being two-faced. Who do you think you're fooling?"

Shen Yunqing didn't refute Yu Antong, just shook her head pitifully. With a pale face, she looked at Xing Lixuan as if she had been wronged by Yu Antong, "Lixuan, I didn't."

Many people in the bar had turned their attention towards them. Xing Lixuan frowned, "Yu..."

Yu Antong immediately glared at him, her eyes glaringly warning: Don't say a word. If you dare side with that green-tea girl, see what happens!

Xing Lixuan silently took off his coat and wrapped it around Yu Antong, pulling the collar to cover her exposed collarbone and chest.

Showing so much, getting ogled by a bunch of men, how is that appropriate?

"You..." Yu Antong hadn't expected Xing Lixuan to be giving her his coat. She felt a sweet warmth in her heart and was quite touched.

The very person who had just aggressively confronted Shen Yunqing now cooed at Xing Lixuan, "What are you doing~"

Not wanting to continue being the center of attention, Xing Lixuan held Yu Antong close, "I have no relationship with him. Let's go home."

"Wait a moment." With Xing Lixuan's gesture, some of Yu Antong's anger towards Shen Yunqing had subsided. She finally warned him, "Listen, no matter what you think of Xing Lixuan, keep it to yourself. As long as Xing Lixuan and I are still married, if you come close to him, you're the mistress, you're shameless!"

After having her say, Yu Antong left, led away by Xing Lixuan.

Shen Yunqing stood there, as the people in the bar whispered about her, her face alternating between shades of green and white.

He watched the departing couple, his eyes filled with growing resentment.

Yu-Antong!

Qi Jingyao smacked his lips, "Too spicy, Xing's wife is really something!"

Their gossip trio, disappointed that they couldn't hear the confrontation from upstairs, had hurriedly come down.

Bao Ji touched his nose nervously, "It seems Lixuan is really smitten. By his past standards, Yu Antong would have been a definite no-go, but as we all just saw..."

"That possessiveness, tsk tsk, not even allowing a V-neck, and the moment someone looks at his wife, he instantly covers her with his coat."

In Xing Lixuan's car, Yu Antong said, "Stay away from that white lotus. Don't speak to him."

Yu Antong leaned over, encircling Xing Lixuan's neck, and said menacingly, "Remember, if you want something with someone else, divorce me first. After the divorce, do whatever you want; I won't care. But if you cheat on me during our marriage, I'll castrate you!"

Xing Lixuan was speechless, "I don't even know him. Why are you so angry?"

Yu Antong replied, "He danced right in front of me. If I tolerate this, I'll be a coward. Being patient now might lead to prostate issues, retreating might lead to breast problems. I won't stand for this!"

Xing Lixuan silently assessed Yu Antong, his gaze finally resting on her flat chest.

Yu Antong defensively covered herself, eyes playful, "Stop staring! Men can get breast issues too, right? Stop gawking there!"

Xing Lixuan looked surprised, wondering when Yu Antong became shy.

Yet, the very next second...

Yu Antong remarked, "Just looking without touching? What kind of man does that? You've made me all tingly with your gaze."

Xing Lixuan: "..."

Indeed, Yu Antong remains ever the same.

Suddenly, Yu Antong asked him, "Husband, why are you here?"

Surely, he wasn't here courting some other temptress behind his back?

Xing Lixuan replied, "This bar is owned by a friend of mine. Today's the grand opening, and he invited us over."

Having asked, Yu Antong immediately regretted it. He shouldn't have brought it up because, predictably, the next moment...

The corner of Xing Lixuan's mouth curved up dangerously, "What about you? Didn't you mention you'd be celebrating a classmate's birthday tonight?"

Yu Antong instantly felt sheepish. How could he forget that?

He quickly let go of Xing Lixuan and took his seat beside the driver.

However, Xing Lixuan leaned in closer, probing, "Celebrate a classmate's birthday? Which classmate?"

"Well..." Yu Antong twiddled his fingers, sounding rather unconvincing, "Just a friend who has never been to a bar. Wanted to experience it for their birthday."

Xing Lixuan gently pinched Yu Antong's slightly reddened earlobe, "Really?"

"Alright, alright." Unable to fabricate further, Yu Antong admitted, "I just wanted to see what a bar feels like. I haven't done anything wrong.

As if dancing on the stage wasn't enough, Xing Lixuan scoffed, "Anything else you fancied doing?"

"Nothing at all! Don't frame me," Yu Antong cooed and tried to act cute, hoping to diffuse the situation. "We both ended up at the bar today, so let's call it even. Don't bring it up again."

Xing Lixuan fastened his seatbelt, started the car, seemingly letting the matter slide.

Neither had dinner. Once home, Yu Antong thought of preparing something quick.

"Husband, I've been thinking of renovating the kitchen."

An open kitchen might look aesthetic, but it's not very functional. Every time he cooked, the fumes would spread. Even with an exhaust fan, it's better to remodel it into a traditional enclosed Chinese kitchen.

Each time he cooked, Yu Antong meant to mention it. But after dinner, he would forget. This time, he finally remembered.

After shouting and receiving no response, Yu Antong assumed Xing Lixuan was deliberately ignoring him. So, he began to be deliberately annoying.

"Husband~ Husband~ Are you there? If you hear me, please respond."

Xing Lixuan was on the balcony taking a call. Hearing Yu Antong's wailing from the kitchen, he massaged his temples and headed there. He covered Yu's mouth and continued speaking on the phone, "Alright, I'll bring him home. Let's leave it at that for now."

Releasing Yu Antong, he inquired, "Why were you yelling for me?"

Yu Antong replied, "I want to remodel the kitchen into an enclosed space."

"Sounds good," said Xing Lixuan. "My mother just called, saying grandmother wishes we would stay a few days at the old house with her."

Yu Antong's mood dampened instantly, "Can we not go?"

He really didn't want to live with that stern old woman. Besides, it would be inconvenient to be intimate with Xing Lixuan with an elder around.

So annoying, he really didn't want to go.

Xing Lixuan assured, "It's only for a few days."

Yu Antong countered, "It seems like your grandmother doesn't like me. What if she picks on me?"

Xing Lixuan chuckled, "Who could possibly bully you?"

"Regardless, you must promise me," Yu Antong pressed, "If I ever argue with your grandmother, you must take my side. Or else I won't go."

Now, Xing Lixuan was second-guessing the idea of bringing Yu Antong to the old house. He didn't want any conflicts to arise with his grandmother.

Xing Lixuan asked, "Tell me the truth. Why did my grandmother specifically choose you to be my spouse?"

Indeed, he had noticed that his grandmother didn't seem fond of Yu Antong.

Yu Antong: "..."

How am I supposed to know? Blame the darn author who left a cliffhanger without any explanations.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Yu Antong's mind. Drawing from clichéd storylines he had come across...

There can only be one truth!

Chapter 17

by

According to typical novel plots, this is most likely –

A! Pregnancy! Story!

Old Lady Xing clearly disliked him but insisted on Xing Lixuan marrying him. If he could bear a child, then it all makes sense.

No way! Seriously?

Yu Antong was taken aback by his own speculation. He and Xing Lixuan indulged in adult pleasures almost daily without any precautions.

In novels, overbearing CEOs always hit the mark. There might already be a little one growing inside him.

"Impossible, impossible. He recalls that this book didn't have a 'male pregnancy' tag."

"Without the 'male pregnancy' tag, it's not a male pregnancy story."

"Even though the author of this book has inconsistent logic, inconsistent character settings, and even abandoned the plot at the end, he believes..."

"Damn it! Believes what?!"

Yu Antong's anxiety grew; he couldn't trust such a shoddy author!

Xing Lixuan noticed the panic on Yu Antong's face and said, "Forget it, if you don't want to talk..."

"No," Yu Antong grasped his warm, dry hand, "Do you think I could get pregnant?"

Xing Lixuan didn't expect Yu Antong to dodge the question with such nonsense. He chuckled, "Well then, have a baby for me and let's see."

"No, it's just..." Yu Antong knew Xing Lixuan wouldn't believe him. He even found his own concerns ludicrous. "Forget it. If you don't believe it, that's fine."

Before sleeping, Yu Antong remembered he hadn't decided on a name for his store. He nudged Xing Lixuan, "Honey, what would be a good name for my store?"

Xing Lixuan, leaning against the headboard reading, spared a moment to reply, "What kind of name are you thinking?"

Yu Antong considered, "Something Chinese-styled, high-end, and grand."

Xing Lixuan casually suggested, "Yi Pin Ju."

Yu Antong made a face, "That's so clichéd. Go out and see, eight out of ten restaurants have this name. No, it needs to be unique."

Xing Lixuan closed his book, settling down for sleep, "Then think of it yourself."

Yu Antong grumbled and kept Xing Lixuan awake with his fuss.

Xing Lixuan turned and pinned him, "If you don't want to sleep, let's do something else."

"You're so annoying," Yu Antong half-heartedly complained, yet a moment later, he was admiring Xing Lixuan's firm abs, touching them as he drooled, "Honey, I need to start working out tomorrow."

Xing Lixuan kissed him, "You're perfect as you are now."

A slender waist, layered with a thin sheen of muscles, supple yet strong.

Yu Antong, "Not abs. I want to tone my butt, make it perkier."

Xing Lixuan's breathing grew heavier, "I'll be the death of you."

Just when Xing Lixuan was about to make a move, Yu Antong suddenly pushed him away, "Not tonight."

Xing Lixuan, fully aroused and halted by Yu Antong's sudden refusal, veins popping on his forehead, "What's the matter?"

Yu Antong shifted a bit, "You're not wearing protection."

Through gritted teeth, Xing Lixuan, puzzled by this sudden change, retorted, "When have we ever used that?"

Yu Antong frowned with concern, "What if I get pregnant? What would we do?"

Who knows if this world has that melodramatic twist of men being able to conceive?

"Yu Antong!" Xing Lixuan was exasperated, "How much longer are you going to joke about this?"

If Yu Antong could actually conceive, he would've already with their previous encounters.

"I haven't!" Yu Antong pouted in frustration, he just wanted to be intimate.

Knowing it was bad to flee from intimacy, Yu Antong offered, "What if I use my hand to help you?"

Xing Lixuan, having lost the mood due to his antics, said, "Shut up and sleep."

Yu Antong didn't dare provoke him further and obediently closed his eyes. Despite his efforts, he found sleep elusive and only drifted off in the wee hours.

Yu Antong was walking on the street and saw a bustling restaurant with no vacant seats. Curious, he approached to take a closer look.

As he entered, a waiter exclaimed, "Boss, you're here! We've been swamped today; there are too many customers."

Wasn't this his restaurant? But wasn't it still under renovation?

Yu Antong headed to the kitchen to help out when he suddenly felt a tug at his leg.

Looking down, he saw a toddler clinging to him. When the child noticed him watching, he broke into a giggle, calling out, "Papa, Papa."

Which customer brought their kid to the kitchen? It wasn't a place for children.

Yu Antong bent down and asked, "Whose child are you? Where are your parents?"

The kitchen staff looked at him and said, "Boss, what nonsense are you spouting? This is your son!"

Yu Antong panicked, "No, no, that's not possible..."

Despite his frantic explanations, no one believed him, and the little boy started to cry.

"Yu Antong, wake up."

Yu Antong jolted awake, realizing it had been a dream.

Xing Lixuan, noticing he was awake, asked, "Did you have a nightmare?"

Yu Antong shook his head, staying silent.

It was already dawn. With classes in the morning, the two had breakfast, and Xing Lixuan drove Yu Antong to the campus.

After Xing Lixuan's car left, Yu Antong didn't head into the school. Instead, he walked to a pharmacy nearby.

"Can I have a pregnancy test, please?"

In the restroom stall of the school's academic building, Yu Antong followed the instructions to use a pregnancy test stick.

Holding his breath, he anxiously awaited the result.

"Please, Buddha, Jesus, Almighty Author, Goddess of Mercy... Oh wait, forget the Goddess of Mercy."

Yu Antong held his breath, silently praying to every deity he could think of.

After five minutes, the test stick displayed a single line.

Yu Antong exhaled deeply, relieved.

It seemed he had frightened himself unnecessarily. Since he and Xing Lixuan were intimate almost daily and there was no pregnancy, this was enough proof that it's impossible for him to conceive.

He could continue to live carefree!

That evening, Xing Lixuan took Yu Antong back to the old mansion.

The mansion was a traditional Chinese courtyard home with a large yard, and to the east, a rose garden. Unfortunately, the blossoms had faded, leaving behind a few scattered buds.

As Yu Antong looked around, he commented to Xing Lixuan, "Husband, you've never given me flowers."

"Be patient," Xing Lixuan advised him, "My grandmother isn't well. If she says anything that upsets you, just pretend you didn't hear it. Don't provoke her."

Yu Antong bristled at this, stopping in his tracks and yanking his hand away from Xing Lixuan's grip. "Why should I turn a deaf ear? If she's unwell, must I always yield to her? Why should I suffer this?"

Xing Lixuan reasoned, "I don't want you to suffer. Consider it a favor for me. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."

"You promised to stand by me and not change your mind." Yu Antong, still upset, tried to leave. "Let go of me. I want to go back."

"Lixuan and Antong are back," Xing's mother, having noticed them from a window, came outside.

"Mother," Xing Lixuan called out, hugging Yu Antong, and whispered, "I promise to support you. Let's go inside, she's watching."

"That's better," Yu Antong shot him a glare, but immediately put on a cooperative smile and greeted, "Mother."

Perhaps it was his imagination, but when Yu Antong entered the house, he felt the gaze of Xing's father first land on his stomach.

He felt a twinge of unease but quickly dismissed it. Surely, he was just being overly sensitive because of his recent concerns.

He had just taken a pregnancy test that morning, proving he couldn't possibly be pregnant!

Xing's father, wearing glasses, seemed gentle-mannered. It was puzzling how he had a son with such a dominant presence like Xing Lixuan.

Xing's father lacked the knack for business. He held a nominal vice-president position in the company. The family business had skipped a generation, landing in Xing Lixuan's hands.

Noticing the absence of his grandmother, Xing Lixuan asked, "Dad, where's grandma?"

Xing's father replied, "The old lady said she was tired in the afternoon. She's still sleeping upstairs."

Xing's mother beckoned Yu Antong to sit. She wanted to engage in conversation but struggled to find a suitable topic. After all, this "daughter-in-law" was a young man, and typical conversations suited for young brides didn't apply.

Yu Antong felt a touch awkward just as the nanny approached to ask if he could handle spicy food.

"Yes, I can." The aroma of food wafted from the nanny, Yu Antong took a delicate sniff and remarked, "I smell cola chicken wings. I love those!"

Mrs. Xing chuckled, "You have quite the nose! Knowing you two were coming over, I specifically asked Li Xuan about your favorite dishes."

2K Novel.

"Thank you, Mom." Yu Antong thought, relieved to find a topic. He smiled warmly, "Mom, what do you like to eat? I can cook for you someday."

"We have a maid at home, there's no need for you to cook," Mrs. Xing responded, "Sadly, I can't indulge much. My stomach doesn't tolerate spicy food, even though I've been craving something flavorful these past days."

Mr. Xing couldn't help but tease, "Isn't that because of the diet you insisted on? You've ruined a perfectly good stomach."

Mrs. Xing playfully chided him, "In front of the children, could you at least save me some face?"

It was evident that the couple shared a deep bond. Yu Antong felt a pang of envy and suggested, "Let me make a dish for you, flavorful yet gentle on the stomach."

"Oh dear, I was just saying. It's really not necessary..."

Mrs. Xing tried to stop him but was interrupted by Xing Lixuan, "Mom, let him go."

Xing Lixuan also headed into the kitchen.

Mr. and Mrs. Xing exchanged glances.

It was indeed a rarity. When had they ever seen their son cook?

Chapter 18

by

At the dining table.

Contrary to Xing Lixuan's expectations, the old lady didn't show any displeasure towards Yu Antong. In fact, she was quite kind.

"Do you like chicken wings, Xiao Yu? I'll ask the kitchen to prepare more for you next time," Grandmother Xing offered, "The pearl crispy chicken today tastes wonderful. Give it a try."

With the elderly lady showing him kindness, Yu Antong reciprocated the gesture warmly, "Thank you, Grandma."

Mrs. Xing chuckled, "Mom, the dish you mentioned was prepared by Tongtong himself. Have another taste and see if any other dishes taste different from before."

On a whim, Yu Antong had prepared several dishes, making the household's cook nervous. How could they let the young master cook? Yet, astonishingly, Yu even had Young Master Xing assisting him.

Grandmother Xing exclaimed in surprise, "Really? Then I must savor every bite."

In her younger days, Mrs. Xing, along with the patriarch of the Xing family, shouldered the responsibility of the Xing family business. Those who have held power often have a strong desire for control, and Mrs. Xing was no exception.

After Yu Antong married Xing Lixuan, she constantly had eyes on him, and thus came to know about Yu Antong's endeavor to reclaim his inheritance from his elder uncle.

She has always favored competent individuals. Her initial disdain for Yu Antong was due to her perception of him as weak and vulnerable, unqualified to stand beside her grandson and support the vast Xing empire.

Had it not been for Yu Qingnian informing her of Yu Antong's unique physical condition, allowing him to bear children as a male, she would never have approved of such a grandson-in-law.

However, Yu Antong's recent actions have reshaped her impression of him, leading her to regard him more warmly.

Of course, she was aware of Yu Antong's plans to open a restaurant. She presumed he was influenced by his own family and wanted to venture into the catering business. But only today did she discover his exceptional culinary skills.

Mrs. Xing has a discerning palate. She could immediately identify which dishes weren't prepared by the household cook. She pointed out a few and said, "These dishes must be the handiwork of young Yu. They're all to my liking, especially this Clear River Fish with Tofu stew—it reminds me of flavors from my childhood. I haven't tasted this in years."

In the old days when resources were scarce, ingredients were used sparingly, even salt was used conservatively. Yu Antong prepared the Clear River Fish with Tofu stew with minimal seasonings to retain the original flavors of the fish and tofu. This unexpectedly met Mrs. Xing's tastes.

Age often softens one's heart. A simple dish evoked a flood of memories and sentimentality in Mrs. Xing.

This increased her fondness for Yu Antong, making her even more pleased with the young man.

Catching the approving glance from Mrs. Xing, Yu Antong felt elated, thinking that the old lady wasn't too bad after all.

Yu Antong teased her, saying, "This is nothing compared to your vast experiences, madam. You've tasted every delicacy, and so you easily recognized my modest skills."

"Ha ha ha," Mrs. Xing chuckled, then added, "I heard you're opening a restaurant. Do you have enough funds? If not, I can help."

Yu Antong quickly replied, "It's sufficient, thank you."

Mrs. Xing advised, "Starting a business is always challenging. If there's anything you're unsure about, consult Lixuan."

Turning to her grandson, she added, "Did you hear that? As a married man, you must learn to be compassionate. Ensure Yu doesn't face any injustices by your side."

Armed with Mrs. Xing's words, Yu Antong teasingly said to Xing Lixuan, "Did you hear? Grandma has spoken!"

What could Xing Lixuan say? He simply nodded in agreement.

Before coming, he worried that Yu Antong might clash with Mrs. Xing, causing upheaval at home. But to his surprise, both the elderly and young were joyfully in sync, creating a harmonious scene.

In the evening, Yu Antong followed Xing Lixuan to his room.

After a bath, Yu Antong lay on the bed, legs propped up, examining the restaurant design drafts sent by his designer.

The designer inquired about the name of the restaurant so they could proceed with the design.

Yu Antong swayed his legs thoughtfully, slowly typing out a response.

【Let me think a bit more.】

The sound of the bathroom door opening was heard. Yu Antong glanced over, and his eyes immediately lit up, entranced.

Xing Lixuan didn't take his pajamas into the bathroom, so after showering, he stepped out with only a towel wrapped around his waist.

Droplets of water trickled down from his damp hair, landing on his taut muscles.

Yu Antong smacked his lips, utterly defenseless no matter how many times he'd seen this man's physique.

Yu playfully inquired, "Is the soundproofing good in this house?"

Still harboring some frustration from the previous night's unfinished business, Xing Lixuan responded while dressing from the closet, "Good or not, it doesn't matter."

Impatient and curious, Yu pressed on, "Why?"

Xing Lixuan walked over and teasingly pinched Yu's belly, murmuring, "I don't want you to get pregnant."

Realization dawned on Yu that Xing Lixuan was taking revenge, purposely emerging post-shower in such a tantalizing state, only to deny him.

But was Yu really that easy to tease?

Seizing the moment, Yu pulled Xing Lixuan down onto the bed. With just a slight dip of the head, their lips could meet.

Knowing there was no logical explanation for the pregnancy misunderstanding, Yu leaned into the joke, cooing seductively into Xing's ear, "Why don't you make me pregnant, big brother? I'll bear your child."

"Damn!" Provoked by Yu's teasing, Xing couldn't resist any longer.

Xing's breathing grew heavier, "Stop calling me that way."

Assured that he couldn't possibly get pregnant, Yu embraced the whole concept playfully.

The more Xing resisted his provocations, the more Yu felt confident in the power of his words. He continued, "Kiss me, hubby~ Baby wants to bear your... Mmm!"

Unable to resist any longer, Xing silenced Yu, taking matters into his own hands.

——

"Did you strain your muscles again, Antong?" roommate Zhao Peng noticed Yu's peculiar gait and asked with concern.

Sun Ming added, "This is like the third time this month. We told you to exercise in moderation!"

After that first time with Xing Lixuan, Yu, embarrassed to share the real reason for his discomfort, had lied to his single, unsuspecting roommates, saying he overexerted himself while working out. They believed him even now.

Yu could only respond with an awkward laugh.

This class was taught by a professor that none of the roommates liked. [Note: The original text here seems to have random characters which do not make a coherent sentence.]

Yet again, the designer was pressing Yu for the name of the restaurant. He quietly asked his roommates, engrossed in their phones, for suggestions.

"How about this? Write down your ideas, and we'll draw lots," Yu suggested, "Whichever gets picked, we'll use."

Han Lele remarked, "Are we being too casual about this?"

Yu replied, "It's the dishes that matter. The name is just icing on the cake."

Closing his eyes, Yu randomly picked a folded piece of paper and unfolded it.

Immortal's Banquet.

"Surprisingly, it's the one I penned myself," Yu An Tong read aloud once more. "Immortal's Banquet. The name alone sounds intriguing. This is it."

Who would have thought that a future nationwide and universally recognized Chinese restaurant brand would have been named through the founder's chance drawing?

biquge.name

Though the establishment is still undergoing decoration, Yu An Tong has been immensely preoccupied of late, both crafting new dishes and seeking the right managerial staff.

He's still attending school, so it's impractical for him to spend much energy on the restaurant. Finding a trustworthy professional manager is indispensable.

Thankfully, with Xing Li Xuan around, many of Yu An Tong's issues have been resolved.

——

Inside the Shen Family's Ju Ying Tower Restaurant, Shen Yun Qing was tirelessly perfecting a new dish. Despite several attempts, it remained unsatisfactory. It was during this moment of vexation that Bai Ying approached.

"Yun Qing, have you heard?"

With a detached demeanor, Shen Yun Qing replied, "Heard what?"

That day at the bar, he had sought out Xing Li Xuan, prompted by Bai Ying, and consequently faced considerable embarrassment. Naturally, his ire was redirected at Bai Ying, displaying no warmth towards him.

Bai Ying was no fool; he was well aware of Shen Yun Qing's coldness.

"If it weren't for my father's interest in being your ongoing vegetable supplier at Ju Ying Tower Restaurant, would you think I'd be this eager to ingratiate myself with you?"

Internally cursing, Bai Ying's exterior remained cheerful, "About Yu An Tong..."

At the mention of Yu An Tong's name, Shen Yun Qing was instantly reminded of his humiliation at the bar, responding bitterly, "What about him?"

Chapter 19

by

Upon noticing that Shen Yunqing was unaware, Bai Ying immediately exclaimed, "Yu Antong plans to open a restaurant. I suspect he's trying to imitate you. Yet he doesn't realize his own limitations. How could he compare to you, the culinary heir of the Shen family?"

Shen Yunqing scoffed, "Indeed, Yu Antong. Of all things, you chose to open a restaurant, encroaching on my territory?"

He turned on the faucet, washing off the grease from his hands, and inquired, "How did you come to know of this?"

"Oh, it's quite a coincidence. The place Yu Antong bought was originally a restaurant. My family supplied its vegetables. Right now, we're discussing if he'd like to continue our partnership."

After sharing, fearing that Shen Yunqing might be upset, Bai Ying hastily added, "Don't worry. If you were to open another Ju Ying Tower right opposite his restaurant, it would undoubtedly overshadow his. I bet he'd have to shut down in no time."

"In no time?" Shen Yunqing meticulously dried each finger with a towel, gritting his teeth, "I'll make sure he can't even operate for a single day."

Bai Ying whispered, "What are you planning to do?"

Shen Yunqing ushered Bai Ying into his private lounge. Sitting down, with eyes lowered, he slowly said, "Try to secure a supplier contract with him. Then, on his grand opening, add something special to the ingredients..."

"That's out of the question!" Bai Ying jumped in shock, thinking Shen Yunqing had gone mad. "If something goes wrong and it's traced back to us, not only will Yu Antong's restaurant be finished, but our family business will be jeopardized. Absolutely not!"

Shen Yunqing smirked, "Why the fear? If they investigate, let them. As long as the other vegetables from your family pass quality checks, there'd be no evidence linking the issue to your supplies."

Regretting his decision to seek Shen Yunqing's help, Bai Ying vehemently shook his head, "The business is managed by my father. I can't make such decisions."

Shen Yunqing's tone turned icy, "Then relay my message to your father. If he can make this happen, all branches of Ju Ying Tower will source their vegetables from your family henceforth."

With over a dozen branches of Ju Ying Tower, Bai Ying's family already supplied to five. The profits from all the branches would be substantial...

Tempted, Bai Ying responded, "I'll go home and discuss it with my father, then get back to you."

"Don't keep me waiting too long." Shen Yunqing chuckled softly, seemingly already savoring the thought of Yu Antong's impending distress.

"Dad, should we really proceed?"

After finishing his cigarette, Mr. Bai's eyes revealed a businessman's ruthlessness. "Do you know the effort I put in to secure supply contracts for five branches of Ju Ying Tower? This is a golden opportunity we can't miss."

He forcefully extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray, asserting, "Fortune favors the bold. As long as we're careful and avoid any fatalities, all will be fine."

Bai Ying clenched his fists, "Alright, I'll relay our decision to him."

"Wait." Mr. Bai stopped him, whispering a few instructions before saying, "Proceed."

——

"Boss, our previous supplier has contacted us again."

As Yu Antong was busy finalizing the menu for the grand opening, he responded without looking up, "Didn't I already say we're not using their supplies?"

Yu Antong has strict standards for ingredient sourcing. The produce from Maoyuan Vegetable Factory didn't impress him. He was on the hunt for better quality ingredients.

The purchaser explained, "Maoyuan claims they can supply high-quality vegetables that meet our standards. To celebrate our opening, they're offering a 20% discount on the first batch. If we agree to a long-term partnership, they're willing to cut their original quote by another 5%."

"Have a look at these samples they provided." The purchaser presented a box of sample vegetables, "Their quality seems just as good as those from Rong Ding Company, whom I was in touch with."

Yu AnTong examined the sample, finding its quality truly remarkable. Intrigued, he remarked, "Such generous discounts, how is this possible?"

The procurement manager, familiar with the supplier, shared, "MaoYuan typically provides middle-tier vegetables. They mentioned that they are now aiming to break into the high-end market, hence the keenness to secure every new customer."

Ingredient sourcing is crucial. Not one to be swayed by trivial gains, Yu AnTong grew cautious at the attractive offer, stating, "Send me their details. I need to think it over."

The next day, Yu AnTong summoned the procurement head, instructing him to make a trial purchase from MaoYuan Vegetable Factory.

——

Time flew, and the grand opening of the 'Fairy Banquet' was upon them.

"See the lengths I go to make a statement?" Han LeLe had two large floral arrangements unloaded from a truck and positioned at the restaurant entrance.

He even rallied a group of young affluent friends to patronize Yu AnTong's establishment.

Yu AnTong laughed, "Thank you for this. Please, come in and take a seat."

"The young owner is so handsome! Could I take a photo with you?" A beautifully dressed girl from Han LeLe's entourage asked.

Han LeLe intervened, "Qiao MengMeng, what are you up to? He's married! No matter how handsome he is, he's not available. Focus on the food tonight."

[Website reference]

Qiao MengMeng pouted slightly, "All the good-looking ones get married so young, don't they?"

Han LeLe guided the group inside, "You might not snag the guy, but you can definitely savor his dishes."

The crowd he brought occupied three tables instantly. A chubby young man inquired, "LeLe, is this place as good as you hyped it to be?"

Han LeLe's confidence was palpable, "Once the dishes arrive, I guarantee you'll be so immersed you won't utter a word. One taste, and you'll be hooked."

"Ha! The way you describe it, are we dining or getting addicted?"

These young elites had primarily attended for the camaraderie and Han LeLe's insistence, not particularly concerned about the food's quality.

Qiao MengMeng advised, "Be mindful of your words. I'm about to go live. Don't get my account banned."

Qiao MengMeng, a popular internet influencer, was pondering content for her livestream. With Han LeLe inviting her for a meal, she decided to stream the dining experience.

Amidst the jovial conversation, the dishes arrived.

"It smells divine! I'm starting to believe LeLe's claims."

Even as the chubby friend commented, Han LeLe was already sampling the dishes. Knowing his friends had yet to taste Yu AnTong's culinary wonders, he acted fast, ensuring he had the first bites.

"LeLe, it's not like we haven't eaten in days. You're overdoing it!"

As the plump friend teased, he picked up a piece of the steamed pork rib. One bite into its soft and rich flavor left him awestruck, unable to halt his culinary journey.

Qiao MengMeng, conversing intermittently with her followers, noticed the sudden silence. Drawing her attention from her phone, she saw her normally picky friends engrossed in the meal, as if they were feasting after a famine.

"Really?" The tantalizing aroma made its way to Qiao Mengmeng's nose, and she couldn't help but swallow, reaching out with her chopsticks to snatch the last piece of sweet and sour fish.

A second later, she tossed her phone onto the table, "Hang on, my lovelies! Give me a few minutes!"

Messages kept pouring in on her phone screen.

"What just happened?"

"All I saw was Qiao Mengmeng eating a piece of fish and then throwing her phone."

"Was the fish poisoned?"

"Are you okay, Qiao Mengmeng?"

Five minutes later, fans heard a loud voice, "Waiter, more dishes, more dishes!"

Qiao Mengmeng then picked up her phone again, her previously pristine lipstick smeared from the food scuffle. Without even touching up her makeup, she eagerly began promoting to her fans.

Excitedly, she said, "It's absolutely delicious! My friend recommended this newly opened place. To be honest, I came here as a favor to him. But, everyone here is living proof of Teacher Wang Jingze's legendary phrase."

As she spoke, she panned her camera over the table, showing off the aftermath: "See this? In just ten minutes since I started streaming, ten dishes were devoured, leaving just ten empty plates. It's like a locust invasion!"

"Teacher Jingze: Truly delicious!"

"Hahaha, now we've got the full picture."

"Impressive! They really cleaned up those plates."

"Oh, I'm so hungry now. I want some too!"

"Hahaha, so Qiao Mengmeng went off to join the food fight!"

Qiao Mengmeng added, "Yes, can you believe my friends? Not one of these guys showed any gentlemanly behavior. They didn't even let me have the last piece of steamed pork ribs!"

"Which restaurant is this? Do they deliver? I'm still in bed but want to order lunch."

"Drop the address! I want to casually bump into Qiao Mengmeng."

"It's a new place. To be honest, I didn't even notice the name since I was dragged here by friends," Qiao Mengmeng replied, scrolling through comments, "They probably don't deliver, but I'll ask the owner for you."

"Haha, this is clearly an advertisement. Who'd believe they finished everything so cleanly in just a few minutes?"

"Idiot! They must've dumped it all in the trash."

"She's so ugly! She should use her ad money for some plastic surgery."

"I just spoke with the owner, and they said they currently don't offer delivery, but they might in the future," Qiao Mengmeng, spotting the derogatory comments, exploded in anger.

"You keyboard warrior piece of trash! If you don't know the situation, shut your mouth! If I've taken any money, may I be struck by a car the moment I step outside. I swear it! But if I haven't, may you end up in the crematorium tomorrow! Always hiding behind your screen, just spewing nonsense!"

Qiao Mengmeng's die-hard fans knew her temperament well. They loved how she usually came off as delicate and gentle, but when confronted with haters, she could transform into the fierce Sun Erniang.

"Hahaha, our fierce Dream Sister is on a roll!"

"Dream Sister makes a comeback!"

"I just love watching Dream Sister lash out, it's so satisfying!"

If it weren't for the fear of making a scene in the restaurant, Qiao Mengmeng would've unleashed all her wrath on that troll. She said, "It's okay to question, indeed many streamers get paid for ads, but can't you phrase it more decently? If you're going to be vulgar, I'll show you what eloquence is."

"Just learned a new way to roast people from Dream Sister."

"Dream Sister's cultured, she rhymes!"

...

As the newly ordered dishes arrived, Qiao Mengmeng said, "I have to eat now or they'll snatch it all again. Ending the stream."

Qiao Mengmeng's swift sign-off convinced her fans she wasn't promoting anything.

What kind of ad doesn't even mention the shop's name or address?

This only heightened the viewers' curiosity, and they flooded Qiao Mengmeng with private messages.

But Qiao Mengmeng was too busy eating to check her phone.

As lunchtime approached, customers started streaming into the restaurant, drawn by the half-price opening special.

In a corner of the restaurant, two odd patrons had ordered dishes but weren't eating.

One, tempted by the delicious aroma, whispered, "This smells so good; it's hard to resist!"

The other replied, "Tell me about it. I'm drooling! But we can't eat."

"Mr. Shen asked us to wait here and take photos, but there's been no action yet."

Someone must be having a stomachache by now.

"Let's wait a bit longer."

Chapter 20

by

Yet, the two men waited until 3 pm. As the last satisfied customer left, their stomach full, there was no hint of any food-related discomfort.

Seeing the waitstaff approach, both hastily contemplated an inconspicuous exit.

"Hold on." Yu An Tong emerged from the kitchen, intercepting them, "Remind Shen Yun Qing to catch up on today's social news."

"What do you mean?" The duo, hearing Shen Yun Qing's name, panicked internally, "Have we been recognized?!"

Exchanging nervous glances, they retorted defiantly, "What are you rambling about? We don't understand!"

Yu An Tong offered a knowing smile, stepped aside, and cleared their path. The pair, dripping with cold sweat, swiftly exited with heads bowed.

Come 6 or 7 in the evening, Immortal's Banquet saw its dinner rush peak.

"It's half-off for their grand opening today, better seize the chance to try."

"I'll pass. I have a penchant for Ju Ying Tower's dishes."

"Hey! I guarantee, once you try it, Ju Ying Tower won't hold the same appeal."

"Is it really that amazing?"

"Let's go, my treat."

Those who dined here at noon went back and recommended the newly opened restaurant to friends and colleagues. As a result, the evening rush was several times busier than lunch. Many couldn't find a seat and had to take a number to wait.

A young man who joined the crowd began to grow impatient, mumbling, "It's too crowded. Should we go elsewhere?"

The middle-aged man in front of him, who had eaten there at noon, turned and said, "Good things come to those who wait. This place is worth it. If you don't mind, we can share a table when my number's called."

The young man, a food enthusiast, was easily persuaded, "Is it that good? Okay, I'll wait then."

Bored, he browsed his phone, catching every news notification.

"Concerned citizens have reported issues with vegetables sold by Maoyuan Vegetable Factory. Upon receiving the hotline tip, our TV station promptly contacted the Food Safety Bureau. They immediately arrived at Maoyuan for on-the-spot sampling."

"Test results indicate that some vegetables sold by Maoyuan contain pesticide residues significantly exceeding the standard."

"Currently, all the contaminated vegetables have been destroyed. Maoyuan has ceased operations and is under investigation."

"What's concerning is the vast quantity of vegetables Maoyuan sells daily. Notably, the renowned restaurant chain, Juying Tower, sources from them for five of its branches. It remains uncertain if any toxic vegetables reached the market. Further investigation is underway..."

The young man played the news aloud. The older man listening alongside remarked, "It's hard to know what's safe to eat these days."

People behind the young man, initially annoyed by the loud volume, whispered to each other, "Thank goodness we came here, or we might've been poisoned at Juying Tower."

"Number 78," called the waiter.

"That's me."

As the waiter led the older man to his table, the talkative diner couldn't resist asking, "I just heard about Maoyuan's vegetable issue on the news. You don't source from them, do you?"

The waiter paused, then assured with a smile, "Sir, rest assured. Our restaurant exclusively uses quality vegetables from Rongding Company. Every batch undergoes strict quality tests, ensuring our customers dine with confidence."

The purchasing manager of Xianren Banquet, after seeing the news, greatly admired Yu Antong, but also felt a close shave. "Boss, if you hadn't spotted the issue, our restaurant would've been ruined today."

Deep down, Yu Antong was not as calm as he appeared. Those lunatics actually tampered with the vegetables. He shuddered at the thought of the consequences if they had unknowingly used contaminated produce.

At that time, he felt Maoyuan's excessive concessions were suspicious, so he investigated the company. The findings showed that their production and sales channels had remained unchanged. Clearly, they weren't expanding into high-end vegetable markets as claimed.

It was a clear trap.

Why would a vegetable distributor want to deceive and harm his newly opened small restaurant? It made no sense.

Revisiting the documents, Yu Antong noticed the surname of Maoyuan's boss was Bai, who was also a supplier for Juying Tower.

The surname Bai and a connection with Juying Tower...

Bai Ying!

Yu Antong suddenly remembered the man he chatted with at the bar alongside Shen Yunqing. Shen referred to him as Bai Ying. If Bai Ying is associated with Maoyuan, everything would make sense.

It must be Shen Yunqing seeking revenge, conspiring against him with Bai Ying!

Having pieced the puzzle together, Yu Antong devised a counterstrategy. He instructed the purchasing manager to simultaneously negotiate a long-term contract with Rong Ding, and feign interest in testing a batch of vegetables from Maoyuan for potential profit.

He then asked Xing Lixuan to connect him with journalists he knew and officials from the Food Safety Department. Timing it perfectly, he planned a surprise inspection just before Maoyuan's vegetable delivery.

To be honest, Yu Antong wasn't certain if there was anything wrong with these vegetables. He's no omniscient being; he can't predict everything. If Maoyuan was innocent, there would be no harm done; if not, they only have themselves to blame.

The truth is, harm unto others eventually harms oneself.

The two sneaky individuals in his restaurant were sent by Shen Yunqing. Shen had instructed them to cause a scene at Yu Antong's place: if any diner showed signs of food poisoning, they were to immediately take pictures and videos, loudly claiming the food was tainted and lethal, doing everything they could to tarnish the restaurant's reputation.

However, their plans were doomed to fail. Not only did their schemes fall flat, but they were also left salivating over a table of enticing dishes they couldn't eat. Hungry and frustrated, they slinked back to report to Shen Yunqing.

"How is it possible that no one fell ill?!"

In a fit of rage, Shen Yunqing hurled a set of porcelain cups to the ground. They shattered with a crisp sound, leaving sharp fragments scattered everywhere.

The two trembled in fear, "He must've realized something was amiss. He told us to remind you to check today's social news."

Shen Yunqing puzzled, "Social news? What does that mean?"

An inkling struck him, and he quickly searched for news related to Maoyuan.

[Maoyuan sells toxic vegetables: Who ensures food safety?]

[Shock! Juying Restaurant suspected of using toxic vegetables from Maoyuan!]

Shen Yunqing collapsed weakly into a chair, "How did this happen?"

Even if Maoyuan had issues, how did it get linked to Juying Restaurant?

The two cautiously inquired, "Mr. Shen, can we get our wages for today?"

Despite their lack of results, they did put in a day's effort, didn't they?

"Get out! All of you, out!" Shen Yunqing furiously threw a wad of cash at them.

They quickly picked up the money and hurried away.

Once composed, Shen Yunqing immediately rushed to the company to manage this crisis.

"Immediately release a PR statement clarifying our ingredients are flawless, and send legal notices to the misleading media!"

"Mr. Shen, should we terminate our collaboration with Maoyuan?"

Shen Yunqing responded, "Yes, yes, end it at once."

While the incident has had its impact on Ju Ying Tower, the storm will eventually pass. However, the blow dealt to Mao Yuan was catastrophic.

With the news of toxic vegetables going public, which restaurant would dare collaborate with Mao Yuan?

Bai Ying and his father were running around like headless chickens, seeking connections and favors everywhere. It was then that they received the notification from Ju Ying Tower terminating their contract.

Bai Ying, seething with anger, dialed Shen Yunqing: "Shen, what's the meaning of this? Trying to burn the bridge after crossing the river, are you?"

Shen Yunqing replied coldly, "Had it not been for your ineptitude and your botched job, none of this would have happened. And Ju Ying Tower wouldn't have been dragged into it."

"Very well, I was blind not to see through you, the treacherous hound," Bai Ying sneered, "Perhaps, Mr. Shen, you'd like to hear this."

Bai Ying played a recording on his device, and the voices of both him and Shen Yunqing were clearly audible—

"My father has agreed. Are you genuinely going to honor our conditions?"

"Absolutely, as long as you help me transport those compromised vegetables to Yu Antong's place, Mao Yuan will supply all the vegetables to every branch of Ju Ying Tower in the future."

Shen Yunqing gripped his phone tightly, the veins in his hand bulging, "You dared to record our conversation!"

Bai Ying shut off the recording, a smirk on his face. He'd kept this ace up his sleeve at the advice of his father, not expecting to use it so soon. It was almost laughable.

Bai Ying stated, "Mao Yuan's downfall is entirely your doing. If you neglect our plight, don't blame me for turning against you. Do you think you can still hold your position as the CEO of Shen Corp once this recording goes public?"

On the weekend, Xing Lixuan had some work, so he spent the day at the company. When he returned in the afternoon, he noticed smoke wafting from the corner of their villa's yard.

On closer inspection, there were two large black iron pots with wood fires beneath them.

Yu Antong and Grandma Xing were each tending to a pot, feeding the fire with more wood.

Xing Lixuan was perplexed, "Yu Antong, what on earth are you doing?"

"Lixuan, you're back! Come here," Grandma Xing called, spotting him, "Look at these pots Yu got. We're making clay pot chicken."

They say the older one gets, the more childlike they become. It seemed Grandma Xing was proving this true, forgoing her usual decorum to join Yu Antong, both seated on little stools, cooking over the pots.

[omitted as irrelevant]

Xing Lixuan exclaimed, "Grandma, you too are indulging in his antics?"

"Hush, I won't have you speak ill of Yu," Grandma Xing defended Yu Antong, "You wouldn't understand. The meat cooked in these large pots is exceptionally aromatic."

"Let's not give him any when it's ready, Grandma. Let him salivate and envy!" Yu Antong said, buoyed by the support, perfectly embodying the phrase 'bold because of one's backup'.

Xing Lixuan felt left out, "One pot isn't enough?"

Though smaller than the traditional village cauldrons, these pots were still much larger than regular rice cookers. Cooking in two such pots at once, could they even finish it all?

Yu Antong clarified, "Mine contains clay pot chicken, and Grandma's has pork stew with glass noodles."

The Wang couple, who lived next door to the Xing family, were walking their dog home. As they reached the Xing residence, their Husky stubbornly refused to take another step.

"Woof! Whimper!"

The dog's barking drew the attention of Yu Antong and the others. They saw a Siberian Husky pressed against their ornate iron gate, drool pooling beneath it.

Catching the scent, Mr. Wang also grew curious and called out, "Li Xuan, what delicious dish is cooking at your place? It smells irresistible!"

Their Husky, who usually hates to return home after a walk, was surprisingly eager to head back today. But it wasn't the home it was interested in, but rather the tantalizing aroma from next door.

As the pot's lid was lifted, a rich aroma wafted through the air. The mere scent was enough to whet one's appetite, making a simple meal seem worthy of three bowls of rice.

"Bark, bark! Howl! Awooo~"

The Husky's barks grew even more fervent, its demeanor suggesting it wouldn't leave unless it got a taste. It certainly lived up to its goofy reputation.

Grandma Xin approached the door, "Mr. Wang, dinner is ready. Why don't you both join us?"

Mr. and Mrs. Wang swallowed hard, politely replying, "Oh, we wouldn't want to impose."

"We're all neighbors, always in each other's sight. There's nothing imposing about sharing a meal. My daughter-in-law made a delectable pot chicken, and I assure you, it's delicious. We've made plenty. Please, come and join us."

As the door opened, the Husky, pulling its owners along, dashed inside the Xin's house. Mr. and Mrs. Wang hurriedly tried to restrain their eager pet, "So sorry for the intrusion."