Chapter 3: Private Cuisine

At 7:30 in the morning, Fan Xia tidied up and prepared to go to work. Suddenly, Wen Lan Sheng ran to the entrance and called out to her: “Wait.”

“What’s wrong?” Fan Xia asked.

Wen Lan Sheng reached out and smoothed down the slightly upturned collar of her light blue shirt. He picked up a lunchbox that he had prepared earlier and handed it to her with a soft smile: “I made you lunch.”

Fan Xia took the heavy lunchbox, surprised: “When did you prepare this?”

He had come back after 1 AM last night, and then tossed and turned until 2 AM. He definitely didn’t have time to cook.

Wen Lan Sheng smiled lightly, with a hint of craftiness: “Around 5 AM, I made it while you were still asleep. Luckily, I didn’t wake you up.”

“Then you didn’t rest well? You still have to take care of auntie later.” Fan Xia lowered her eyelids and said softly: “Don’t be so tired next time.”

“Before, I didn’t have time to make you lunch boxes because of work. Now that I’ve taken time off, I have time and can make them for you every day.” Wen Lan Sheng smiled, his gentle and delicate face gradually approaching Fan Xia’s chest. He hugged her tightly, his tone full of expectations for the future: “After we get married, I’ll quit my job and focus on being a full-time house husband, taking care of the family, okay?”

“Okay,” Fan Xia answered, her gentle eyes gleaming with a deep light.

When she arrived at the company, Zhuang Nian hadn’t arrived yet, and the office was exceptionally quiet.

As soon as she entered, Fan Xia saw that the large door with carved landscapes was slightly ajar, the inside dark and silent like another world.

She suddenly remembered the slim figure enveloped by cold lights she had glimpsed when leaving work yesterday, as well as that alluring wine-red mole. Her feet moved uncontrollably towards the door. Just as she reached the edge, a strong smell of alcohol hit her, and an empty bottle of foreign liquor was lying by the door.

Fan Xia gently knocked on the door and called out “President”.

A faint sound came from inside. Fan Xia tentatively walked in. The morning light, carrying moist mist, shone in, illuminating Rong Xiu lying on the black leather sofa with his eyes lightly closed in drunkenness. His slender hand hung down powerlessly, his automatically shut-off phone had fallen onto the carpet, and the air around still seemed to linger with the smell of alcohol.

Fan Xia had never seen Rong Xiu in such a drunken state before. In her memory, Rong Xiu was aloof and proud, never touching a drop of alcohol during social activities. His every move exuded the noble air cultivated by a top-class family background. He was the unapproachable flower admired by many at school.

It seems time really can change a person.

Fan Xia didn’t know why Rong Xiu was drinking alone in the office, not even going home, but she still stepped forward quietly, crouched in front of Rong Xiu and called softly: “President? President? Wake up.”

Rong Xiu’s heavy eyelids moved slightly, opening eyes still hazy with drunkenness. Seeing Fan Xia in front of him, a barely noticeable flash of joy passed through Rong Xiu’s eyes: “Fan Xia, why did you come back?”

Come back? It seems he was so drunk he had lost his sense of time.

Fan Xia picked up the phone from the ground, placed it on the sofa and said: “President, it’s already the next day now.”

“The next day?” Rong Xiu was slightly surprised and wanted to stand up, but the aftereffects of the hangover made him dizzy. He had to sit back down on the sofa. His hand touched the suit jacket he had carelessly taken off last night. The smooth texture was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head. He looked down at his wrinkled white shirt, thinking about how Fan Xia had seen him in such an undignified state after getting drunk. The joy in his eyes faded instantly like a shooting star.

At this moment, Rong Xiu would rather it had been Zhuang Nian who came in, or his family members, or even Wen Lan Sheng.

He turned away embarrassedly, facing sideways to Fan Xia, and said in a hoarse voice: “I understand… you can go out now.”

Fan Xia nodded, not surprised by Rong Xiu’s reaction. If he had suddenly become enthusiastic, she would have found it strange and completely different from the Rong Xiu in her impression.

However, she noticed Rong Xiu clutching his head just now, his brows furrowed like mountains. Knowing he had a headache from the hangover, out of her duty as a subordinate, she bought a cup of hot milk from across the street from the company building.

When she returned with the hot milk, it was the peak of the morning rush hour. Fan Xia had to wait for two elevators before she could get on.

But as soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she sensed something was wrong.

A junior employee ran towards her in a panic: “Deputy Fan, it’s not good, the President’s sister is here.”

Rong Xiu’s sister, Rong Yan, the former heir to the Shanhai Group, had been sentenced to three years for bribery. She had reportedly just been released from prison a few days ago.

“I understand, you all go back to work first,” Fan Xia said calmly, already guessing Rong Yan’s purpose for coming.

Before her imprisonment, she was still in her prime, about to inherit billions in assets as the heir. After her release, her power had been stripped away, and she had no foothold in the group anymore.

Of course she had to make a scene, take a gamble, and try to squeeze back into the center of power at Shanhai Group.

“I am mother’s daughter, the rightful heir to Shanhai Group. How dare you continue sitting in this position!”

“This group was built by my mother and grandmother over two generations. A man usurping it for three years should be enough for you. How dare you dilute my shares while I’m not in the company and kick me out of the board of directors behind father’s back. Father says he doesn’t recognize you as his son!”

“Look at your current state, always drinking at one banquet after another. Is this what a man should be doing? Where has your upbringing gone? Ruining our Rong family’s reputation, mother won’t be able to rest in peace!”

Fan Xia placed the hot milk on the table, listening to the constant arguments coming from inside the office, or more accurately, Rong Yan’s monologue. She hadn’t heard a single word from Rong Xiu.

Fan Xia could almost guess Rong Xiu’s expression at this moment – contemptuous and arrogant, head lowered carelessly adjusting his cuffs, facing Rong Yan’s rage without a hint of emotional fluctuation, not even bothering to give her a glance, making Rong Yan seem like she was raging impotently.

Just as Fan Xia thought this farce would end with Rong Xiu’s cold treatment, a piercing sound of glass breaking came from the office. The verbal confrontation was about to escalate into violence, and Rong Xiu, being a man, was no match for Rong Yan.

Fan Xia immediately rushed in. The expensive Persian carpet was covered with shards of broken glass. Rong Yan was holding half a wine glass, her expression agitated.

Rong Xiu remained motionless, his eyes calm, not frightened by her extreme behavior.

But the broken bottle in Rong Yan’s hand was still a threat.

Without thinking, Fan Xia stepped forward and, drawing on her years of experience living in an orphanage, swiftly restrained Rong Yan’s arm.

“It hurts, it hurts! Let go!” Rong Yan cried out in pain. Although she was a woman, Rong Yan had been a pampered young lady since childhood. Even her life in prison had been made comfortable by people taking care of things for her. She had no strength to resist.

Fan Xia didn’t listen to Rong Yan, but instead looked towards Rong Xiu.

Rong Xiu was also looking at her. Their gazes met again, but this time Rong Xiu didn’t avoid it. His thin, pale lips even curved into a rare smile, the small wine-red mole under his long, narrow eyes displaying a seductiveness completely contrary to his usual ascetic demeanor.

“Fan Xia, let her go,” Rong Xiu said calmly.

Fan Xia released her hold. Rong Yan rubbed her arm that was almost broken and glared fiercely at her.

Rong Xiu stood up unhurriedly, stepping in front of Fan Xia. His wrinkled white shirt and messy hair didn’t diminish his aura one bit. Instead, it added a touch of earthiness that he usually lacked.

He lowered his gaze and looked at Rong Yan silently for a moment, his voice distant: “You should leave. I won’t hold this against you.”

Rong Yan was filled with resentment: “Why? This group originally belonged to me.”

“Because I’m now the largest shareholder of the group. If you have the ability, come and fight me for it,” Rong Xiu said, his narrow eyes filled with indescribable contempt.

“You— Father, he—” Rong Yan said through gritted teeth.

Rong Xiu glanced at her arrogantly: “Oh, by the way, don’t think about using father to pressure me. It’s better if he doesn’t recognize me. I’ll take the opportunity to kick him out of the board of directors too.”

“Fine, fine, for money you’ve become completely heartless,” Rong Yan, with no more tricks up her sleeve, could only vent a few more words before leaving the office. As she left, she didn’t forget to bump into Fan Xia hard, taking the opportunity for revenge.

“Are you alright?” Rong Xiu stared at Fan Xia’s shoulder that had just been bumped by Rong Yan, his voice sounding as if something was gripping it.

“I’m fine,” Fan Xia smiled slightly and handed the hot milk to Rong Xiu. “Drink some hot milk to ease your hangover.”

Wisps of steam rose from the paper cup, the mellow aroma of milk spreading throughout the office, dispelling the originally pungent smell of alcohol. The milky white liquid swayed slightly in her hand, her long fingertips becoming even more rosy from the heat conducted by the paper cup.

Rong Xiu’s eyes moved slightly, his tightly closed thin lips almost biting his tongue: “Did you buy this especially for me?”

Fan Xia nodded slightly, her eyes smiling silently.

Rong Xiu’s mind trembled, an unidentified sweetness almost making him dizzy.

He struggled to maintain his composure, reaching out to take the hot milk. He touched exactly where she had just held, the slight heat transferring to his palm. His earlobes turned slightly red as if burned: “Th-thank you.”

Looking at the thick, fragrant white milk in the cup, Rong Xiu was about to drink it when he suddenly remembered Wen Lan Sheng’s boastful smile from before.

Base jealousy and competitiveness clouded his reason, and he actually tried to compare himself with the original husband: “If Wen Lan Sheng gets drunk, would you buy him milk too?”

“No,” Fan Xia shook her head and smiled.

Rong Xiu was overjoyed, a fine and dense satisfaction welling up in his heart, like little insects in a dark corner, hiding a happiness that couldn’t see the light of day.

“Lan Sheng doesn’t drink,” Fan Xia added.

If he doesn’t drink, naturally he won’t get drunk. If he doesn’t get drunk, naturally she wouldn’t need to buy him hot milk.

The secret little happiness hidden in his heart instantly solidified, turning into bitterness and jealousy that swelled in his heart. That’s right, how could a good boy drink?

“Actually, I didn’t drink before either. It’s just that sitting in this position, there are some drinking parties and banquets that can’t be avoided, so I had to learn to drink,” Rong Xiu slightly raised his eyes, carefully explaining, observing Fan Xia’s reaction, wanting to see if there was any disgust in her eyes towards his drunkenness.

Fan Xia sat beside Rong Xiu, the morning sunlight from outside the glass window shining on her, as if she was covered in a layer of soft, hazy light.

She listened quietly, her expression showing no discomfort. On the contrary, she said gently: “Regardless of gender, as a group leader, various social occasions are unavoidable. It’s not easy for you to manage Shanhai Group, but you should also pay attention to your health. Drink moderately and less, to avoid developing stomach problems.”

As she spoke, Fan Xia laughed lightly: “A stomach ache is not pleasant to endure.”

“Mm… I’ll be careful, and try not to drink in the future,” She was concerned about him. Rong Xiu’s fingertips holding the hot milk cup pressed slightly harder, his heart pounding wildly, his whole body tingling and trembling from the concern in Fan Xia’s tone, his ears turning red.

“Good,” Fan Xia smiled slightly, as bright and gentle as spring water.

Rong Xiu lowered his head in a daze, almost not daring to look directly at Fan Xia like this. He could only pretend to be occupied with the milk, hiding his nervous and flustered state.

But in his haste to drink the hot milk, Rong Xiu overlooked the steam still rising from it. He took a big gulp, burning his throat, choking and coughing, spilling milk from the cup onto his clean white shirt.

“Be careful, it’s hot,” Fan Xia’s warning came a step too late. She quickly pulled out two tissues.

“It’s fine,” Rong Xiu covered his mouth and coughed lightly, taking the tissues she handed over.

Because it was too hot, even the corners of his long, cold eyes welled up with two drops of moisture, trembling as they hung on his thick, curled eyelashes. The small wine-red mole under the corner of his eye looked particularly pitiful.

“Oh my, President, why are you coughing so badly? Did you catch a cold?” Zhuang Nian, carrying an exquisite men’s briefcase, had just stepped into the office when he saw Rong Xiu coughing incessantly, and said with concern.

“I just choked on the water, I’ll go to the inner room to change clothes.” Rong Xiu’s face flushed red as he clutched his milk-soaked collar and ran into the inner rest room specially designed for his midday rest.

Quickly closing the door, Rong Xiu leaned against it, breathing rapidly. He slowly slid down, sitting on the carpet as if drained of strength. Even though he had escaped Fan Xia’s gaze, he still felt that gaze that made his whole body tremble lingering on him, his heart pounding deafeningly.

“Deputy Fan, did the President drink all night?” Zhuang Nian asked in a low voice.

“Mm.” Fan Xia returned to her desk and opened her computer.

“Sometimes when the President encounters particularly difficult issues, he likes to have a little drink to relieve stress. But he rarely drinks all night like this. Look at all these empty bottles on the floor. It must have been something that made him feel especially thorny or angry to be like this,” Zhuang Nian said. “Oh right, when I came to work today, I saw Rong Yan. I guess the President drank because of this. No wonder he didn’t let us get involved, after all, it’s their family matter.”

Fan Xia rested her chin on one hand, recalling how calmly and coldly Rong Xiu had responded to Rong Yan’s fury earlier. She felt that this matter shouldn’t be so important in Rong Xiu’s heart.

About half an hour later, Rong Xiu finally came out from the inner room, having changed into a new black double-breasted pinstripe suit. His messy hair had been meticulously groomed, and he had returned to his usual ice-cold beauty appearance, immediately entering work mode.

The half-spilled cup of hot milk she had given him, which she thought would have been thrown away, was surprisingly placed next to his computer. He would occasionally take a small sip, and after finishing, his gaze would linger on it for a second or two. Then he would quickly glance at her, and when discovered, he would immediately lower his head, his fingertips flying as if deeply focused on work.

“Deputy Fan, I’m not having my diet meal today. I heard there’s a nice new restaurant across the street, want to go together?” During lunch break, Zhuang Nian left his seat, stretched, and asked.

“No need,” Fan Xia smiled and took out the lunch Wen Lan Sheng had made from the refrigerator. “I brought lunch from home.”

“A love lunch box!” Zhuang Nian exclaimed, covering his mouth. “Made by your fiancé?”

Fan Xia nodded slightly.

Zhuang Nian’s voice reached Rong Xiu’s ears. He stopped his work and looked at the lunch box in Fan Xia’s hand, his eyes gradually turning cold.

“Let me see, let me see.” Zhuang Nian excitedly opened the lunch box. “Braised shrimp, stir-fried broccoli, tomato shrimp balls, and lotus root corn rib soup. He even prepared the dipping sauce for you. My goodness, your fiancé is so virtuous! I’m not worthy! Not worthy at all!”

With each of Zhuang Nian’s praises, Rong Xiu found it more and more grating and unpleasant to hear, his expression becoming even colder.

It’s just ordinary home-cooked dishes, what’s there to boast about? The private boys’ high school he attended in junior and senior high had cooking classes, taught by famous chefs. His dishes always ranked first in evaluations. In Rong Xiu’s eyes, what Wen Lan Sheng made was merely showing off in front of an expert.

It’s just that he can openly cook for her under the identity of Fan Xia’s fiancé. If only he… Rong Xiu felt a pain in his heart, both envious and resentful of Wen Lan Sheng.

“Fan Xia.” Rong Xiu’s cold voice interrupted Zhuang Nian’s endless praise for Wen Lan Sheng.

“Does the President need something?” Fan Xia asked.

“Do you have time at noon? Come with me to inspect the new district hospital,” Rong Xiu said.

Although somewhat surprised, as the President’s assistant receiving a high salary, she naturally had to be prepared for work at any time. Without hesitation, Fan Xia put away her lunch box and said, “I have time. I’ll drive.”

Rong Xiu nodded slightly, quickly glancing at the lunch box as she closed it.

The shrimp veins were processed too hastily, not completely removed, with some broken and left in the shrimp meat; the broccoli wasn’t blanched with salt, so the color wasn’t green enough; not enough starch was added to the shrimp balls, causing their shape to be less full.

Virtuous? Nothing special. Rong Xiu’s eyes revealed a pathological jealousy.

Fan Xia quickly tidied up and went to the new district hospital with Rong Xiu. Because it was a sudden decision, the director and staff of the new district hospital didn’t know about his visit. Fan Xia followed Rong Xiu around the hospital for a round and then left.

That’s right, they left.

Usually, a hospital inspection wouldn’t be so cursory. They arrived at the new district hospital at 12:30 and left at just 1:10.

Noticing the confusion in Fan Xia’s eyes, Rong Xiu, hiding his guilty conscience, said, “This visit was just a simple surprise check on the hospital’s service quality. A specialized inspection team will follow up later.”

Fan Xia nodded.

Seeing that Fan Xia believed him, Rong Xiu let out a sigh of relief. His distant eyes were tinged with a rare smile: “I’m sorry for taking up your lunch break. As compensation, let me treat you to a meal.”

Xi Zhou Private Residence, a high-end Chinese restaurant with elegant and simple decor.

Of course, what’s more high-end is its price, exorbitantly expensive.

But in Rong Xiu’s eyes, it was no different from buying a two-yuan grilled sausage by the roadside.

After ordering, the waiter quickly brought the dishes. Tea mushroom fish fillet, pan-fried fresh matsutake mushrooms, perilla seaweed seared wagyu beef, baked stuffed crab shell, and dried scallop matsutake abalone soup. The portions weren’t large, just right for two people, and the taste was exceptional. Each dish preserved the original freshness of the ingredients as much as possible.

Throughout the meal, Rong Xiu’s behavior was graceful, chewing slowly. As they were about to finish, Rong Xiu suddenly asked, “Is it still to your taste?”

Fan Xia wiped the corner of her mouth: “It’s delicious.”

Rong Xiu’s eyes moved slightly. Perhaps due to the warm lighting of the restaurant, those narrow, cold eyes seemed to have a faint hint of a smile when looking at her, appearing ambiguous: “When you’re tired of the monotonous home-cooked meals, it’s not bad to try something fresh outside occasionally, right?”

Fan Xia uncomfortably murmured an agreement. His smile seemed like a tongue of fire licking her eyes. She had never seen Rong Xiu like this before. Beneath his cold and ascetic exterior lay a seductiveness that was difficult to describe in words.

At 11 PM, after Wen Ming Yue and Xie Cen had fallen asleep, Wen Lan Sheng secretly took a taxi back home.

Looking at the already sleeping Fan Xia, Wen Lan Sheng quietly walked over, gently brushed aside the hair covering her face, and with great affection and admiration, lightly kissed her cheek. Then he went to the kitchen to prepare ingredients, so that he could save time when making the lunch box early the next morning.

In the kitchen, the lunch box had already been washed clean and put away. Wen Lan Sheng smiled slightly and was about to open the refrigerator to cut vegetables when he keenly noticed that the garbage in the trash can was the lunch he had carefully prepared for Fan Xia.

Wen Lan Sheng was stunned for a moment. He crouched in front of the trash can. Because it hadn’t been eaten all day, the food had already spoiled and turned sour!