TMWTGD CH58

Sometimes feelings are just like that. When you are together every day, you take it for granted, not even pausing to reflect deeply on how you truly view that person.

Only when on the verge of losing them do you suddenly start awake.

Unbeknownst to oneself, ordinary affection had long since fermented, reliance evolving into possessiveness, and the desire to possess that person spiraling into a deep obsession.

Lu Li wanted Xie Jianwei to stay; no matter what, he wanted him by his side.

Yet the more he pushed, the further away he drove him.

Besides, what could he even do?

Xie Jianwei had told him, “I am already twenty-nine. I want to step outside this manor. I want to discover more ingredients and create more wonderful dishes.”

He had made it unmistakably clear to Lu Li: I want to pursue my own dreams.

On what grounds could Lu Li keep him trapped at his side?

Lu Li could only say, “If you leave, what will happen to me?” He could not stomach anything cooked by anyone else.

In truth, uttering those words dealt a tremendous psychological blow to Lu Li. Humble and helpless, casting aside his dignity, like an unreasonable child throwing a tantrum.

Xie Jianwei comforted him, “That is why you need to cooperate with treatment. Your anorexia is a psychological issue, and relying blindly on me will only worsen your condition. For your own good, I ought to leave as well.”

Lu Li insisted stubbornly, “No, you cannot leave.”

Xie Jianwei said, “A-Li, you will marry, have children, and have a life of your own. The person who accompanies you for a lifetime won’t be me, but your wife and your family.”

Hearing him say this, Lu Li blurted out without a second thought, “I only want you.”

Xie Jianwei froze slightly, then forced a smile. “That isn’t the same. Once you meet the person you love, you will…”

“I like you,” Lu Li confessed without hesitation.

Still unwilling to believe the meaning behind his words, Xie Jianwei continued, “I like you too, but our affection and that between romantic partners…”

Before he could finish, Lu Li cut in, “I love you.”

Xie Jianwei froze entirely.

Lu Li stared fixedly at him, his dark eyes filled with him alone. “A-Wei, I love you. I want you. I hope you can be with me…”

“N-No, that’s not it…” Xie Jianwei’s smile was extraordinarily stiff. “You might be confusing things. You need me, but not in th-that way…”

Before he could finish, Lu Li sealed his lips with a kiss.

Now, Xie Jianwei could not say another word.

Whether this was love or not, Xie Jianwei could not tell. But when Lu Li kissed him, he seemed to hear the beating of a heart. Thump, thump, thump, urgent and scorching, like lava cascading from the edge of the sky, burning so intensely that there was nowhere to hide.

What unsettled Xie Jianwei even more was that the heartbeat came from two people. He heard Lu Li’s, and he heard his own.

Snapping back to his senses, Xie Jianwei shoved Lu Li away and fled in disarray.

Yet starting from that day, Lu Li launched a relentless pursuit. He courted him, yearned for him, constantly warming him with fiery, unyielding passion.

Xie Jianwei was utterly defenseless against it.

After spending day and night together for a full ten years, did he not like Lu Li? If he didn’t, he would have left long ago.

Did he like him? Certainly not with the intensity and fierce obsession Lu Li possessed.

The turning point occurred during one of Xie Jianwei’s bouts of drunkenness.

Distraught and restless, he drank too much on his own. When Lu Li came looking for him, he grabbed onto him and rambled through a jumble of words.

He said, “You are far too naive. How can two men ever be together?”

Lu Li said, “It isn’t that hard. As long as we want to, we can definitely be together.”

“Things in this world cannot be accomplished simply by wanting them.”

“But without wanting to, you will never accomplish them.”

“It won’t work, Lu Li. You are young and can afford to be reckless, but what about me? What right or qualification do I have?”

“I love you, so you have every right.”

Hearing words like that, did Xie Jianwei’s heart not stir? It did, yet the sorrow remained. He gave a bitter smile: “If you only want to fool around, I can keep you company. When you want to settle down, I… I will…”

“I don’t want to fool around with you, Xie Jianwei,” Lu Li’s tone grew significantly heavier. “Do not disparage yourself, and do not disparage me.”

Xie Jianwei shook his head. “How could it be that simple? How could two people being together ever be that simple…”

Lu Li kissed him, his voice low, raspy, and deeply affectionate: “What is so difficult about it? We are together right now.”

Together?

Wine does not intoxicate a man; rather, the man intoxicates himself. Things Xie Jianwei would never dare do while sober were committed under these circumstances.

His mind went blank as his nerves trembled with pleasure, like clutching tightly onto a piece of driftwood, drifting aimlessly across the empty sea, seeking no harbor, wishing only to rise and fall upon the edge of life and death.

Everything that shouldn’t have happened had transpired. When he woke up completely, Xie Jianwei found it impossible to accept.

What had he done?

Seduced Lu Li, who was seven years his junior?

He was supposed to dissuade Lu Li from his absurd notions, yet he had actually rolled into bed with him?

Immense remorse and guilt drove Xie Jianwei to flee in panic.

From that day on, he began avoiding Lu Li. He still insisted on cooking three meals a day for him, but he would no longer show his face before him.

Hiding in the kitchen and losing himself in ingredients, his chaotic mind seemed able to settle down.

Yet this was far too cruel to Lu Li.

He thought he had finally achieved his heart’s desire, only to wake up and find everything gone once more.

The person he longed for was right before his eyes, yet worlds away.

A single night of passion could not satisfy Lu Li; instead, it only solidified his conviction. He wanted this man, wanting to stand by his side in life and death as his lover.

With so many people in the kitchen, Lu Li couldn’t go see Xie Jianwei there.

Yet Xie Jianwei could not sleep in the kitchen. At night, he still had to return to his bedroom. Though it was close to dawn each time, whenever he returned, he would find someone waiting by his door. A young man who had been standing there since dusk, waiting all the way until dawn.

Xie Jianwei’s heart felt as though sliced by knives, yet he maintained a cold face: “I drank too much that night. I hope you can forget it as well.”

“I can’t forget,” Lu Li said, staring at him. “I will never forget.”

Xie Jianwei turned his head away. “Suit yourself. Regardless, I…”

He couldn’t bring himself to utter heartless words. He had no way of speaking cruelties to someone he had spent ten years with, cared for over ten years, and mutually relied upon for a decade.

Perhaps he liked Lu Li more than he imagined, or perhaps he simply couldn’t let him go, merely harboring a soft heart.

However, Xie Jianwei could not outlast Lu Li.

After Lu Li stood guard outside for a week, Xie Jianwei gave in.

Full of unease and trepidation, he brought Lu Li into the room… and they did it again.

The emptiness in his soul formed a stark contrast with the physical stimulation, where the ecstasy of climax seemed capable of briefly numbing his aching heart. But what did that resemble? Ruins veiled in white snow might appear pristine, but once the sun rose, everything would be laid bare in its true form.

A month later, Lu Li’s grandmother sought out Xie Jianwei.

She was a noble, genial woman who had lost her husband in middle age and her son in her twilight years, yet she had resiliently shouldered the entire Lu family, raising her only grandson with an aging body and pinning all her high hopes onto him.

Thus, the affair between Xie Jianwei and Lu Li could never be kept from her.

When Grandmother Lu came looking for Xie Jianwei, he knew: the sun had risen.

Grandmother Lu said gently, “Thanks to Mr. Xie over these ten years, A-Li was able to grow up so well.”

Xie Jianwei was uneasy and tense, his face filled with shame.

Grandmother Lu said, “A person must always grow up. A child who relies excessively on a mother can hardly survive in cruel reality. A-Li has been lonely since childhood; meeting Mr. Xie has been his blessing.”

Xie Jianwei had no idea what he should say.

If Grandmother Lu had unleashed a torrent of scolding upon him, he would have felt far more relieved. But like this… this way…

Grandmother Lu added, “I believe Mr. Xie shares my feelings. We both hope A-Li can grow into a better person and possess a happy life, correct?”

“Yes,” Xie Jianwei answered hastily. “I want him to live well.”

Grandmother Lu smiled faintly. “I deeply appreciate Mr. Xie’s talents. With your culinary mastery, being confined to this small square of space is truly a waste. I have numerous gourmet restaurants under my name; if Mr. Xie is interested, you may take over all of them.”

This was genuinely a magnificent gift.

The restaurants under Grandmother Lu’s name were far more than ordinary dining establishments. They spanned the globe, gathering regional delicacies from everywhere, practically an Eden of the culinary world.

Yet how could Xie Jianwei be so ungrateful?

Over the past ten years, the Lu family had not shortchanged him in the slightest, providing compensation generous enough to squander for a lifetime. Not to mention the work was relaxed and pleasant; his culinary skills progressing so rapidly was inseparable from having ample time and top-tier conditions.

For ten whole years, he only needed to tend to three meals a day for Lu Li alone. How was that even like a job? Didn’t ordinary people have to cook for themselves every day anyway?

Xie Jianwei finally calmed down and replied softly, “I appreciate your kindness, but I only wish to travel outside and see the world, spending more time discovering and creating cuisine.”

Grandmother Lu smiled. “We were the selfish ones. Mr. Xie should belong to the wider world.”

The conversation began peacefully and concluded peacefully.

From start to finish, Grandmother Lu never brought up what was happening between him and Lu Li, never lost her temper, and never made things difficult for Xie Jianwei.

Yet this alone made Xie Jianwei feel guilty to the extreme.

Grandmother Lu had faced too much hardship; through a life full of trials, all her hopes rested upon Lu Li, yet he had almost ruined Lu Li.

In all fairness, had he stood in Grandmother Lu’s shoes, he could never have remained so calm and collected.

A man and a man; the Lu family’s sole heir and a chef.

He and Lu Li belonged to entirely different worlds.

This time, Xie Jianwei hardened his heart.

Cut the Gordian knot swiftly; he should never have softened his heart from the beginning.

He did not leave the Lu residence immediately, but instead tenaciously followed up with the doctor’s progress, devoting himself entirely to helping Lu Li recover.

Whenever Lu Li showed affection, he rejected it all.

Within just two days, Lu Li noticed his change and asked anxiously, “A-Wei, are you leaving?”

Xie Jianwei made it unequivocally clear to him: “I must leave.”

“But we…”

Xie Jianwei said coldly, “To tell the truth, I am deeply repulsed by doing that kind of thing with a man. Afterwards, I find it utterly disgusting.”

Disgusting? Those two words were no different from a sword thrust straight through the chest. What Lu Li considered bliss was actually repulsive to him?

Xie Jianwei expressed distaste: “I still prefer women. No… I have always preferred women. This twisted relationship of ours is wrong.”

Lu Li’s face turned pale. “You are lying to me.”

“There is no need for me to lie to you, A-Li. You must know as well. I had a girlfriend I dated for three years, and we only broke up two years ago. I like women, I…”

“Enough.” Lu Li couldn’t bear to hear any more. “Don’t say another word.”

Xie Jianwei hardened his tone cruelly: “You like women too. Trust me, once you meet the person you love, you will marry her, receive countless blessings, and have a son and daughter with her. That is your true life.”

Was life predetermined by fate?

If it truly was fated, why had he been made to meet Xie Jianwei?

Lu Li lost the strength to speak, because the one deciding his fate was Xie Jianwei.

Under Xie Jianwei’s insistence, Lu Li cooperated with the doctor’s treatment as never before.

He forced down food not made by Xie Jianwei in a self-tormenting fashion, vomiting violently afterward.

Yet whenever dishes were placed before him, he would still swallow them without batting an eye.

No refusal, no resistance, as submissive as a soulless puppet.

Xie Jianwei’s heart ached terribly. He only had to step into the kitchen to spare Lu Li such torment, yet he could not.

He consoled himself that this was like helping a child overcome a bad habit; it was bound to be painful at first, but once changed, growth would surely follow.

People had to become independent eventually; one had to keep growing better.

What truly caused Xie Jianwei to resolve on leaving was the appearance of Jiang Rong.

The Jiang family and the Lu family had always been close, sharing deep ties since Grandmother Lu’s generation. After Lu Li’s parents passed away in an accident, the Jiang family helped Grandmother Lu immensely, proving themselves exceptionally kind.

Therefore, by now, the two families were even more intimate.

The Jiang family had a pair of daughters. The elder named Jiang Hua, and the younger named Jiang Rong.

The two sisters often visited the Lu residence. Whenever they came, they would clamor to eat, specifically requesting Xie Jianwei’s cooking.

Both were little fangirls of Xie Jianwei; having a bite of food would make them chatter excitedly like little birds.

Xie Jianwei did not dislike them. Who could dislike such lovely, pretty young girls?

Jiang Hua was better behaved, while Jiang Rong was more mischievous, but both were very fond of Xie Jianwei, liking him like an elder brother.

Xie Jianwei took good care of them too, preparing many delicious treats whenever they visited.

Naturally, this only made them like him even more.

Two years ago, just after Xie Jianwei broke up with his girlfriend, Jiang Hua gathered her courage to confess her feelings to him.

Xie Jianwei had been very surprised at the time, but promptly turned her down.

Jiang Hua was the same age as Lu Li, seven years younger than him. He had always doted on her as a little sister, so how could such romantic feelings ever develop?

Besides, Jiang Hua was set to inherit the Jiang family in the future; how could a mere chef like him ever be worthy of such a noble young mistress?

Xie Jianwei rejected her without the slightest hesitation, yet it broke Jiang Hua’s heart.

Normally gentle and docile, she had a stubborn streak, and after Xie Jianwei rejected her, she ran away from home in a fit of rage.

The entire Jiang family was thrown into turmoil. Xie Jianwei was also profoundly uneasy, but having little influence or power, he had no idea where to even look for her.

The Jiang and Lu families searched for half a year before finally locating Jiang Hua across the Atlantic Ocean.

She was hiding in a small town, having actually become a nun.

Father and Mother Jiang urged her to return, but she refused under any circumstances, threatening suicide if pushed too hard.

Having reached this point, her parents had no choice but to take things slowly.

Yet to this day, Jiang Hua had still not returned.

In truth, Xie Jianwei was not to blame, yet he felt guilty toward the Jiang family to the utmost degree. Unable to see Jiang Hua again, he channeled his compensation onto Jiang Rong.

He pampered Jiang Rong endlessly; had he possessed a biological younger sister, it would hardly differ from this.

Jiang Rong was eccentric and playful, clingy and fond of acting cute. Each call of “Jianwei-ge” made Xie Jianwei treat her with utmost consideration.

Whenever Jiang Rong came to the Lu residence, she didn’t look for Lu Li, but pestered Xie Jianwei instead.

Xie Jianwei was not worried that Jiang Rong would turn out like Jiang Hua.

That was because this girl’s mind changed rapidly; coming to see him, aside from eating, was mainly to share her romantic exploits.

Liking this person today, that person tomorrow, entirely fickle.

Xie Jianwei was always worried she might never get married.

Then one day, Jiang Rong slipped into his kitchen, mumbling while sneaking bites: “Jianwei-ge… I might be getting engaged to Lu Li.”

She was one year younger than Lu Li, but never called him ge, always addressing him by his full name.

Hearing this, the hand Xie Jianwei held the spatula with froze abruptly.

Jiang Rong tossed a slice of cucumber into her mouth, saying slowly, “My mother told me to be more mature, not to fool around all the time, and to learn more things…”

Xie Jianwei took a deep breath and said, “It is time you learned a few things; after all, you are… about to get married.”

Jiang Rong stared at him for a moment before suddenly saying, “Jianwei-ge, teach me how to cook!”

Xie Jianwei looked at her. “Aren’t you most annoyed by that?”

Jiang Rong replied somewhat sheepishly, “Well… I’ll learn. I can cook for Lu Li in the future too.”

Xie Jianwei tried hard to remain calm. “The little girl truly has grown up.”

“I… I…” She chuckled. “Jianwei-ge, don’t tease me! Doesn’t everyone say that to catch a man’s heart, you must first catch his stomach?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Alright, alright, I will teach you. Whether you can learn or not depends on you.”

After enthusiastically learning from him for a few days, Jiang Rong grew somewhat weary of it: “It’s so hard… Jianwei-ge, how on earth do you make it taste so delicious?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Because of passion, perhaps.”

Jiang Rong thought about it, then perked up again: “I must persevere!”

Watching her like this, Xie Jianwei’s feelings were exceedingly complex.

Having watched this girl grow up before his eyes, he understood her temperament all too well. She hated hardship and greasy smoke, constantly complaining that the greasy smells would ruin her delicate clothes.

Yet now, she was changing herself for Lu Li, adapting to tasks she disliked for the sake of the upcoming marriage.

She had never stated she liked Lu Li, but she clearly did, and very deeply so.

Thinking of stubborn Jiang Hua, Xie Jianwei felt he could not ruin Jiang Rong as well.

The three children he watched grow up could not all be ruined by his hands.

Xie Jianwei finally made up his mind.

He went to Lu Li and said, “I have submitted my resignation. I will leave next month.”

In such a short time, Lu Li had lost considerable weight. Hearing these words, he was no longer surprised, his face expressionless and his dark eyes completely vacant: “I… might be getting engaged to Jiang Rong.”

“I know,” Xie Jianwei said sincerely. “Treat her well. She likes you very much.”

Lu Li stared at him without blinking.

Xie Jianwei couldn’t meet his eyes, averting his gaze while pretending to sound casual: “She has been learning to cook from me lately… yes, learning it for you. You’d be surprised, once she sets her mind to it, she’s actually quite capable; she makes things look quite proper.”

Lu Li spoke, “I can only eat what you make.”

Xie Jianwei smiled faintly. “A-Li, you should try stepping outward. Don’t lock yourself up. I am not your savior.”

“You have no idea…” Lu Li’s voice was exceedingly low, so faint that it was barely audible.

In fact, Xie Jianwei truly did not hear what followed. But even if he had, what difference would it make? He lacked the courage to bear the burden.

Xie Jianwei took a deep breath. “I have always regarded Jiang Rong as my own sister. Do not bully her.”

Lu Li asked in a hoarse voice, “Will you ever return?”

“Yes,” Xie Jianwei said softly. “I will definitely attend your wedding with Jiang Rong.”

This string of memories had naturally not been entirely recounted by Yan Ke.

In reality, Yan Ke did not know much. Although Xie Jianwei was close to him and had confided in him about worries on many occasions, he never mentioned deeply private matters.

Initially, Xie Jianwei had relied on Yan Ke’s scattered words to piece together the “plot.” Later on, however, the memories in his mind seemed to awaken, with all the past turning incomparably vivid.

Xie Jianwei “remembered” everything.

The storyline classmate Lu Li arranged for him this time was quite agonizing indeed.

No matter how one looked at it, it revolved around the word “scumbag.”

Xie Jianwei no longer felt anxious. Without knowing the backstory, he feared making mistakes that might collapse the dream realm. Now that he knew the background, he felt confident.

First was Jiang Rong’s side.

This girl was crucial to Xie Jianwei; if she wasn’t settled properly, the persona of Xie Jianwei would fall apart.

He had to determine whether she truly loved Lu Li.

The Xie Jianwei in the “memories” couldn’t tell, but the present Xie Jianwei sensed something off.

Jiang Rong didn’t look like she liked Lu Li; rather, she seemed to like him instead.

Nothing could be done about it; after all, this dream belonged to Lu Li. In Big Li’s dreams, there were two traits that could never be shaken off. One was being a scumbag, and the other was being universally adored.

Yan Ke giggled, “Those sisters of the Jiang family are truly gorgeous.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Yan Ke added, “Especially the younger sister. A baby face and huge breasts.”

“…”

“The elder sister is amazing too; even an ascetic nun’s habit can’t hide her bountiful curves.”

Yan Ke concluded, “The Marshal truly didn’t mistreat you!”

Xie Jianwei said, “Just because I had a fiancée, he became convinced that I am straight?”

Yan Ke admitted honestly, “To be frank, when I learned that you and the Marshal were together, I was completely stunned as well… How should I put it… It was hard to imagine you being… ahem… by a man…” Of course, now it’s very easy to imagine. Formidable as the Military Advisor is, in bed he is practically… wait, what am I saying? I know nothing!

Xie Jianwei was thoroughly speechless.

Yan Ke was still lamenting sorrowfully, so Xie Jianwei comforted him, “Rest assured. I see things very clearly and know my limits.”

Yan Ke could only say helplessly, “Don’t be deceived. Just stay true to your own heart.”

Xie Jianwei nodded in agreement. “Right.”

After parting with Yan Ke, Xie Jianwei was in no hurry to return to the Lu residence.

Ever since Xie Jianwei left the Lu family, Jiang Rong had not met him again.

Xie Jianwei didn’t have her contact details either, and the two had never seen each other since.

For Xie Jianwei, finding an opportunity to see her was truly not easy.

However, there was no rush. The fact that he had returned to the Lu residence could not stay hidden forever; perhaps Jiang Rong would arrive uninvited when the time came.

After returning to the Lu family, Xie Jianwei stopped following Lu Li around every day.

While Lu Li went out, he stayed behind. Barely a week later, Jiang Rong managed to sneak in.

Seeing Xie Jianwei, her face lit up with surprise: “Jianwei-ge! You’re back!”

Saying so, she was about to throw herself at Xie Jianwei. Xie Jianwei discreetly dodged her, smiling as he asked, “How is your practice with the dishes I taught you going?”

Jiang Rong said excitedly, “Very practiced! Can I cook it for you to taste?”

Xie Jianwei asked, “For me?”

“Yes!” Jiang Rong cleared her throat. “You are my teacher! Shouldn’t a student’s work be checked by the teacher first?”

Xie Jianwei said, “The honor is all mine.”

Jiang Rong was so happy her cheeks flushed pink. Dressed in a bespoke couture dress, she hopped around joyfully like a bird in the ill-fitting kitchen setting.

Having practiced culinary arts for so long, Xie Jianwei definitely possessed a discerning eye.

This girl had indeed put in serious effort; although the execution was rough, she had poured genuine care into it.

A plate of clams with diced pork evoked the coastal charm of Lisbon.

Xie Jianwei smiled. “Very good.”

Jiang Rong said, “Far behind yours, though.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Not that exaggerated.”

“Really!” Jiang Rong wrinkled her nose. “I made a special trip to Alentejo, and even the clams and diced pork made by top chefs there weren’t as delicious as yours.”

Xie Jianwei said, “It truly tastes wonderful. You made it with great care.”

Praised like this, Jiang Rong was instantly elated, unable to hide the joy across her face.

Seeing her like this, Xie Jianwei essentially confirmed what he suspected.

The person Jiang Rong loved was not Lu Li, but Xie Jianwei.

The setting of being universally adored truly existed.

What should he do? Xie Jianwei pondered. He could not hurt Jiang Rong directly. Because of Jiang Hua’s situation, Xie Jianwei naturally harbored deep guilt toward these sisters. Forget the fact that “he” wasn’t supposed to know Jiang Rong liked him; even if he knew, he absolutely could not harm her.

He had to keep playing dumb about this matter.

However, Xie Jianwei could still bend the rules a little.

For instance, alerting Lu Li and relying on “God’s will” to twist Jiang Rong’s feelings.

Coincidentally, Lu Li was very busy during these days, running around outside constantly and generally returning well past midnight.

Lu Li would slip under his covers to kiss and touch him, leaving no time for casual chatting.

Meanwhile, Jiang Rong showed up right on schedule every single day.

The moment Lu Li left, she arrived. Thanks to her status as the “future Mrs. Lu,” no one stopped her.

Her excuse was impeccably righteous: “I want to learn cooking from Jianwei-ge!” Followed by, “Lu Li can only eat dishes made by Jianwei-ge, so I have to learn.”

Under the pretext of Lu Li, she pestered Xie Jianwei all day long.

In truth, her little thoughts were easy to guess. She could sense that Xie Jianwei only saw her as a sister, but she refused to give up. First, she tested Xie Jianwei using her impending engagement with Lu Li, only for Xie Jianwei to offer sincere blessings.

Feeling miserable yet reluctant to let go, she figured that since she had to marry eventually, she might as well spend as much time beside Xie Jianwei before that happened.

For now, she had a ready-made excuse at least.

This entanglement lasted three or four days. On the fifth day, Lu Li returned unexpectedly.

Seeing her “fiancé,” Jiang Rong wasn’t pleased in the slightest. Her pretty eyes clearly conveyed: Why are you back already?!

Seeing his “fiancée,” Lu Li was even more displeased, the jealousy in his dark eyes threatening to spill over.

Yan Ke laughed aloud without hesitation: “Hahaha, this is too hilarious!”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

As the party involved, he truly couldn’t laugh. He still had to put on a show of some forbidden, immoral romance. One was the younger sister he cherished, and the other was his sister’s future husband who had already ended up in bed with him. Tsk tsk, what a total scumbag!

After showing disdain toward Lu Li for a moment, Jiang Rong spoke insincerely, “You’re back!”

Lu Li replied lukewarmly, “Yeah.”

Jiang Rong added, “I came to learn culinary skills from Jianwei-ge. Want to taste what I cook for lunch?”

Lu Li bluntly replied, “I’ll vomit.”

Although he was stating a fact, saying it like that… truly spared no face at all.

Jiang Rong wasn’t angry either; after all, she wasn’t truly learning for his sake. Naturally, she still had to feign anger so she could act coquettishly toward Xie Jianwei.

“Jianwei-ge, listen to what he just said!”

Xie Jianwei smoothed things over: “Rongrong is quite talented, and she puts a lot of care into her dishes.”

Lu Li’s eyes were nailed to Jiang Rong’s arm looped through Xie Jianwei’s, his mind consumed by Xie Jianwei’s gentle, tender call of “Rongrong.”

Jiang Rong beamed proudly, looking at Xie Jianwei: “Do I really have talent?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Yes.”

Jiang Rong asked delightedly, “Does Jianwei-ge like eating what I make?”

Before Xie Jianwei could speak, Lu Li interrupted, “I’m hungry.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I’ll go cook.”

Jiang Rong said, “I’ll assist you!”

Lu Li: “…” His face looked thoroughly displeased.

Xie Jianwei could only say, “I can manage alone. You two wait outside.”

Jiang Rong wanted to say more, but Xie Jianwei noted, “Your dress is so beautiful today; don’t let it catch the smell of grease and smoke.”

She wore a pale yellow dress that accentuated her fair, tender complexion, looking exceedingly pretty. Praised by Xie Jianwei, Jiang Rong loved the outfit even more and truly couldn’t bear to ruin it.

Having finally ushered the two big figures out, Xie Jianwei focused on cooking lunch.

Three people didn’t need too much food. Four dishes and one soup were plenty.

Xie Jianwei prepared two dishes Lu Li loved, one dish Jiang Rong liked, and the rest were dishes neither of them disliked.

Seeing the spread, Lu Li’s expression improved noticeably.

Jiang Rong pouted, “Jianwei-ge is biased!”

Xie Jianwei smiled gently.

Soon, however, Jiang Rong shot a provocative glance at Lu Li: “Well, nothing can be done! After all, he is your chef, so accommodating the employer’s taste is only natural.”

Lu Li’s improving mood turned cloudy once again.

During lunch, Xie Jianwei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Lu Li and Jiang Rong didn’t resemble an engaged couple about to be wed, but rather two overturned jars of vinegar.

Had Lu Li not cared about saving face, the two would have glared at each other like fighting cocks.

Xie Jianwei had never disliked Jiang Rong, and now found it even more amusing.

With such a lively atmosphere, eating actually felt much more comfortable.

After the meal, Jiang Rong said, “Jianwei-ge, I want to eat custard egg tarts.” Even though this dessert made one gain weight, what Xie Jianwei made was genuinely delicious beyond words.

Having recovered his “memories,” Xie Jianwei’s culinary craft progressed by leaps and bounds, essentially returning to his previous standard.

Jiang Rong wanted to eat it, and he was happy to make it for her, so he replied, “There happens to be puff pastry ready. Wait a moment.”

Lu Li tossed out a chilling remark: “One egg tart equals three pounds of fat.”

Jiang Rong: “…”

Xie Jianwei couldn’t help laughing out loud.

Jiang Rong whined coquettishly again, “Jianwei-ge!”

Xie Jianwei coaxed her, “Don’t listen to him. It’s not that exaggerated.”

Still, Jiang Rong cared quite a bit; what girl wasn’t afraid of gaining weight? Xie Jianwei baked six egg tarts, but she only dared to eat one, while the remaining five were all devoured by Lu Li.

Jiang Rong felt thoroughly aggrieved, believing she had suffered a terrible loss.

Thoroughly amused by the two of them, Xie Jianwei actually found this little life quite cozy.

Yet he still kept the main mission in mind, looking for opportunities to “guide” Lu Li’s mindset as much as possible.

Unfortunately, before he could find an opening, he witnessed this very scene.

With Xie Jianwei absent, Lu Li and Jiang Rong no longer pretended to get along. Neither could stand the sight of the other, erupting into an outright quarrel.

Jiang Rong snapped, “Have some self-awareness! Stop monopolizing Jianwei-ge all day long! His culinary skill is so incredible, why should he only serve you alone?”

Lu Li said, “None of your business.”

Jiang Rong choked with anger. “Selfish prick!”

Lu Li glanced at her and cut straight to the chase: “Pack away your little thoughts. Xie Jianwei could never like you.”

Jiang Rong’s face paled slightly as she put on a brave front: “I don’t…”

Lu Li stared at her, suddenly stating, “A-Wei is together with me.”

“What?” Jiang Rong was visibly stunned.

Lu Li continued, “Rest assured, our marriage will definitely never happen. I want no one except Xie Jianwei.”

After freezing for a beat, Jiang Rong shrieked, “Lu Li, you despicable, shameless bastard! You must have forced Jianwei-ge! You utter scoundrel!”

Lu Li sneered, “Forced? A-Wei likes me.”

“Impossible!” Jiang Rong’s mind raced, and she suddenly exclaimed, “Jianwei-ge has the softest heart! He must have fallen for your pity play!”

Lu Li said, “So what if he did?”

“Are you the only one who knows how to play the victim?” Jiang Rong threatened. “Just you wait, Jianwei-ge will definitely feel more heartache for me!”

Xie Jianwei, eavesdropping around the corner: “…”