TMWTGD CH57

“That hit right where it hurts, bro!”

Yan Ke asked curiously, “My Lord, just how good was your cooking originally? Ten times better than Yan Ke, and he actually learned from you? And after learning, he even opened a bakery that took S City by storm?”

What could Xie Jianwei say? With such an exaggerated background setting, he was quite helpless too.

Yan Ke’s mind spun, and he sighed with feeling, “A dream is a miniature reflection of reality. Most likely, the meals you cook for the Marshal in reality are exceptionally delicious too.”

Xie Jianwei replied, “The taste isn’t necessarily that extraordinary, but he certainly considers it utterly delicious.”

Thus, extended into the dream, it turned into an otherworldly delicacy.

Thinking of this, he felt a sweet warmth seep into his heart. He was truly a lost cause.

As Xie Jianwei spaced out, Yan Ke asked him, “What are you daydreaming about?”

Xie Jianwei genuinely wanted to praise Yan Ke’s culinary skill, but suspected that if he did, Yan Ke would think he was mocking him. Thus, Xie Jianwei adopted a composed expression and said, “You did very well.” People always said that acting pretentious invited divine retribution, and acting pretentious for the first time made the Military Advisor feel somewhat nervous.

Yan Ke pursed his lips. “Good, my foot. The timing of adding the ingredients must have been off. The halibut was so tough you can barely chew it, the cucumber wasn’t pickled enough, and too much allspice was added…”

As he picked himself apart with utter disgust, Xie Jianwei could only remain silent. The fish was tender to this degree, yet you claim it’s too tough to chew? Are your teeth made of cotton?!

Xie Jianwei really wanted to clear all these dishes, because they were simply too delicious.

However, taking Yan Ke’s disdain into account, he had to exercise restraint, stopping after eating just a little.

After all, even Yan Ke considered it poorly made. As someone supposedly ten times better than him, it wouldn’t look right if he greedily devoured everything in one breath.

Being unable to finish such exquisite food truly pained his heart!

After the two finished their meal, Xie Jianwei packed up his belongings.

Yan Ke asked him with some concern, “Lu Li didn’t make things difficult for you, did he?”

Xie Jianwei said, “No.”

Yan Ke’s eyes flickered for a moment before he hesitated, “Look… don’t be so stubborn and narrow-minded.”

Xie Jianwei kept his composure, waiting for him to elaborate.

Sure enough, Yan Ke continued, “Lu Li is merely coveting your cooking skills. What kind of person is he lacking by his side? What’s more…”

Xie Jianwei felt rather intrigued. Classmate Big Li sounded somewhat like a scumbag here? Now that was novel.

Yan Ke patted his shoulder. “In short, keep an open mind and make sure you stay steady.”

Xie Jianwei could only say, “I know.”

Yan Ke said no more on the matter, simply telling him, “Just don’t wrong yourself too much. If things truly get unbearable, the world is vast and wide; there are always ways to stay out of someone’s reach.”

“It’s fine,” Xie Jianwei said. “Staying there is quite good.”

How could it be good…

Unwilling to dwell on such depressing topics, Yan Ke said, “Let’s drop this. If you have nothing planned tonight, let’s go grab a few drinks together.”

Xie Jianwei checked the time and agreed, “Sure.”

The two drank from seven to eight o’clock. Yan Ke’s tolerance for alcohol was astonishing. The more he drank, the more energetic he became, though having drunk a bit too much, he wanted to go hunting for romance.

Xie Jianwei waved his hand. “Go have your fun. I should head back as well.”

Yan Ke said, “Bye, let’s hang out again another day.” As he spoke, his eyes were already drifting toward cleavage.

Xie Jianwei did not know whether to laugh or cry.

System Yan Ke scrambled to clear his name: “My Lord, I am definitely not like that in reality.”

“Uh-huh,” Xie Jianwei replied with total perfunctoriness.

Yan Ke truly could not wash himself clean even if he jumped into the Yellow River!

Xie Jianwei returned to the “Marshal’s Manor” under the cover of night. He had consumed quite a bit of alcohol as well; cocktails often carried a potent delayed punch that hit hard once stepping into the breeze. He had not felt much while inside the bar, but upon arriving home, his steps felt floaty, swaying slightly every two steps.

Xie Jianwei’s mind remained fairly lucid. He went to take a quick shower, and when he came out, he hadn’t put on any clothes out of habit.

Normally at the Marshal’s Manor, there was rarely any need for him to wear clothes after an evening shower.

Right now, however, he was completely alone. It felt a bit chilly without clothes.

Xie Jianwei climbed out of bed to find a nightrobe to drape over himself.

Just as he reached the wardrobe, a knock sounded at the door.

Xie Jianwei’s head cleared a bit. “Who is it?”

The person outside remained silent.

Xie Jianwei casually tossed on a coat and moved to open the door. Who else could it be at this hour besides Lu Li?

Yet just as he reached the door, it swung open on its own.

Xie Jianwei’s gaze fell straight into Lu Li’s dark eyes.

Lu Li was staring at him, his handsome eyes burning with heat, thin lips pressed together, undisguised desire practically bursting forth.

Xie Jianwei had already been drinking, and being looked at like this, his heart instantly rippled with arousal.

He stopped caring whether this was a dream or not, hooking his lips in an ambiguous smile at Lu Li.

In the next instant, Lu Li pulled him into a fierce kiss.

Xie Jianwei tasted the trace of alcohol in his mouth as well. Had Lu Li drunk too much as well?

Whatever; having a round after drinking was tingling, numbing, and wonderfully pleasurable.

Xie Jianwei let him kiss as he pleased. Lu Li’s hand had long since slipped inside his loose coat, touching the smooth, tender skin he had yearned for so long.

Dry tinder meeting a blazing fire, completely out of control.

This body of Xie Jianwei’s surprisingly wasn’t a virgin. Although it hurt a bit when he first entered, he quickly adjusted, and before long he was rendered dizzy and overwhelmed by Lu Li’s ministrations.

When it was over, Xie Jianwei’s mind actually blacked out, completely unaware of how he fell asleep.

When daylight arrived, Xie Jianwei tasted the price of indulgence.

His head buzzed noisily, and his body felt as if run over by carriage wheels, aching so badly he didn’t want to move an inch.

Xie Jianwei wanted to nestle into the embrace of the person beside him, but reaching out, he touched nothing.

Xie Jianwei opened his eyes. In the vast room, he was the sole person present.

Did that bastard Big Li run off right after finishing?

Xie Jianwei shrank petulantly beneath the blanket, exposing only an annoyed pair of eyes.

He had no idea what kind of sulk that guy was throwing this time.

Xie Jianwei waited for a while without the man returning, instead lulling himself back to sleep.

When he woke again, it was already noon. Xie Jianwei was awakened by hunger.

He hadn’t eaten much the previous evening, tossed and turned for most of the night, and skipped breakfast, so it would be a miracle if he wasn’t starving now.

Dressing neatly, Xie Jianwei prepared to head to the small kitchen to cook. He needed to eat, and Lu Li should be hungry too, right?

However, the moment he stepped out the door, a servant whispered, “Mr. Xie, lunch is already prepared.”

Prepared? Xie Jianwei blinked. He hadn’t made anything yet.

The servant added, “Mr. Lu gave instructions saying he won’t be returning at noon, and that you should eat on your own.”

Xie Jianwei furrowed his brows slightly and replied, “Alright.”

Lunch was exceptionally palatable. The main course was Boeuf Bourguignon, cooked to perfection in color, aroma, and taste.

Clearly, this red wine beef stew was vastly different from the one Xie Jianwei had made previously. First, the ingredients were chosen with immense care: the most tender Charolais beef flown in from France, drizzled with authentic Burgundy wine, then simmered over low heat alongside beef bone broth, pearl onions, bacon, and mushrooms. Food prepared with such meticulous dedication unfailingly repaid the diner with rich, hearty flavor.

This dish was definitely inferior to Yan Ke’s, but far better than Xie Jianwei’s attempts.

Savoring it closely, Xie Jianwei actually gained considerable insight.

Perhaps when it came to improving culinary skills, sheer practice was insufficient; one also needed extensive tasting.

Only by tasting delicious food and understanding its flavors could one create delicious dishes.

Xie Jianwei ate with great satisfaction, and even the after-dinner dessert suited his palate.

Flaky without feeling greasy, sweet without being cloying; when every detail was executed to perfection, the food seemed endowed with vitality.

After lunch, Xie Jianwei did not idle away his time. He began experimenting in the afternoon, striving to turn his tasting experience into practical technique, eventually forging it into his own mastery.

Before he knew it, night fell. Xie Jianwei had already decided on the menu and prepared to cook dinner for Lu Li, only for the servant to report once more, “Mr. Xie, Mr. Lu will not be returning tonight either. Whatever you wish to eat, the main kitchen will arrange it for you.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Absent at noon, absent at night. Was he swamped with social engagements, or was he avoiding him because of what happened last night?

Was he afraid he would be angry?

Unable to see the man, Xie Jianwei had no way of obtaining an answer, so he could only reply, “Then I’ll trouble you to arrange it.”

The servant asked, “May I ask what you would like to have?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Thessaloniki stuffed cabbage rolls with lamb and rice.”

The servant said, “Understood, please wait a moment.”

This was a dish Xie Jianwei had made when he first arrived in this dream world. Back then, his attempt had been so abysmal that it failed to pass even the tasting phase.

Actually, Xie Jianwei had tasted it himself. It wasn’t particularly good, but surely it hadn’t been that atrocious.

Today, he finally tasted an authentic Thessaloniki stuffed cabbage roll. The humble-looking cabbage parcel was bursting with countless surprises, the explosion of rich flavors upon taking a bite leaving one stunned.

Combining ingredients was an art form in itself. Xie Jianwei finally understood why Lu Li had prioritized ordering this exact dish.

Because this was a dish uniquely suited to showcasing an individual’s personal touch.

Even if they appeared identical on the outside, the flavor tucked beneath the cabbage leaves was worlds apart.

The harmony of diverse ingredients could create a signature flavor belonging solely to one chef.

And such a distinct taste, once experienced, could undoubtedly be recognized immediately.

Xie Jianwei’s eyes flickered as he suddenly recalled something.

His memory was extraordinary. He remembered every single dish Lu Li had ordered back then with pristine clarity, from the Thessaloniki stuffed rolls to crêpes, all the way to Japanese kaiseki.

Dozens of gourmet specialties traced out a beautiful heart shape across the world map.

Xie Jianwei could not help chuckling softly. “Idiot.”

Yan Ke’s teeth ached from the sheer sweetness: “This confession… I have to take my hat off to him.”

Xie Jianwei said, “The problem is, who could even decipher it?”

Yan Ke said, “Didn’t you figure it out just now?”

The smile at the corners of Xie Jianwei’s lips was impossible to suppress. He only wanted to pull Big Li into his arms and plant a fierce kiss on him.

Because of this little discovery, Xie Jianwei remained in high spirits throughout the day, even though Lu Li stayed out all night.

The next day, he continued honing his culinary techniques. He assumed Lu Li would show his face today no matter what, but that fellow still hadn’t returned.

By the third day, Xie Jianwei grew restless. He intended to head outside, but was stopped by someone.

“Mr. Xie, please halt. Mr. Lu has instructed that you do not leave.”

Xie Jianwei: “…” What kind of drama was this now?

He said, “I will be back before dark.”

The man in the black suit remained expressionless: “My apologies.”

He was under house arrest?

Xie Jianwei thought about it, unable to make sense of the situation.

Could it still be because of what happened that night?

Did Lu Li fear that he would leave in anger upon waking up, and so simply locked him inside this estate?

But where was Lu Li himself? Was it really necessary to hide away for so many days?!

After Xie Jianwei waited inside the “Marshal’s Manor” for a full week, Lu Li finally returned.

Xie Jianwei looked at him.

Lu Li averted his gaze, saying, “I’m very sorry.”

Xie Jianwei looked at the dark circles under his eyes, then at the exhaustion written between his brows, and thought of his dreadful “anorexia.” Excellent, his heart softened completely once more: “Have you gone without food this entire time?”

Lu Li stayed quiet.

Xie Jianwei let out a sigh. “Wait here, it won’t take long.”

He prepared a light, simple dinner. Thanks to his days of practice and realization, his cooking was vastly superior to before.

Lu Li did not pick up his utensils, hesitating a moment before asking, “Aren’t you angry?”

Xie Jianwei sat opposite him. “Angry about what?”

Lu Li lowered his lashes, doing his utmost to conceal the anxiety in his eyes: “That night…”

Xie Jianwei cut in first: “We both drank too much.”

Lu Li jerked his head up to stare at him.

Xie Jianwei smiled faintly. “I don’t blame you. I had too much to drink myself, and my head was completely muddled.”

Lu Li’s Adam’s apple bobbed visibly, his voice hoarse: “Still, I…”

“Wasn’t it quite pleasurable?” Xie Jianwei’s eyes curved gently as he whispered, “A wonderful experience.”

Lu Li froze completely, shock filling his dark eyes.

Xie Jianwei’s expression held a tender smile: “I truly am not angry.”

Lu Li looked at him with longing eyes. Thoroughly charmed, Xie Jianwei stood up, walked around the table, and planted a soft kiss on his lips: “If possible, we…”

Lu Li sealed his lips.

Xie Jianwei grew dizzy with passion from the kiss. Loving him to the marrow of his bones, he could bear seeing him suffer even less.

In Big Li’s current state, pursuing a conventional romance would likely prove difficult; it was better to be direct and forceful, making love first and letting romance follow.

Xie Jianwei was pressed down onto the dining table. Seeing that things were about to escalate out of hand, he murmured softly, “Eat first. Weren’t you hungry?”

Yet Lu Li only wanted to confirm whether he was dreaming: “A-Wei, are you truly not angry?”

“A little angry,” Xie Jianwei feigned annoyance. “Running off right after doing it, what kind of behavior is that?”

Lu Li paused, then hugged him tightly against his chest, burying his face in Xie Jianwei’s neck and inhaling deeply: “I was afraid you would leave.”

Xie Jianwei sighed softly. “Since I came back, I won’t leave again.”

Holding him, Lu Li’s heart, which had been suspended in midair for an entire week, finally settled back into place.

The feelings he experienced upon waking that morning were impossible to describe.

Panic, dread, and at the same time, an eerie sense of profound fulfillment.

Intoxicated indiscretion? No, he had been crystal clear. He remembered every inch of his skin, every breath and moan, and remembered even more vividly the tears sliding from the corners of his eyes when he could no longer take it.

Yet he couldn’t stop. Fully aware that continuing would lead to an abyss of hell the following day, he had been spellbound, powerless to stop.

The next morning, gazing at the sleeping Xie Jianwei, Lu Li had left.

He had fled in panicked disarray.

He did not want to see the disgust in Xie Jianwei’s eyes upon waking, did not want to face his furious, resolute departure, and even less did he want everything to repeat itself.

Xie Jianwei had already walked away once. If he were to leave again, he…

The thought surging in his chest at that moment filled Lu Li with dread, yet also a faint, twisted anticipation.

If Xie Jianwei left once more, he would lock him away at any cost.

No longer begging for his love, and never granting him freedom again.

Although Xie Jianwei did not know the backstory, he could vaguely deduce a good deal.

In any case, his Lu Li was forever the pitiful soul who was abandoned, while he was the “villain” who walked away. In any case, his Lu Li was forever pining in vain, while he was the object of desire that remained out of reach.

Heaven knew he only wanted to dwell in his heart for a lifetime.

What could he do? Coax him, of course; who told his husband to harbor a fragile little princess inside his heart?

Lu Li first devoured Xie Jianwei, then devoured the food Xie Jianwei cooked; in every sense of the word, he had reaped immense benefits.

Xie Jianwei knew the dream rules inside out, so he never uttered the word “love,” simply striving to give Lu Li peace of mind through daily companionship.

Three or four days later, Lu Li placed a freshly washed Xie Jianwei onto the bed and moved to leave, but Xie Jianwei tugged at his sleeve.

Lu Li lowered his gaze to look at him.

Xie Jianwei said, “Stay.”

Lu Li’s head buzzed: “Sleep together?”

“Yes.” Xie Jianwei shifted over slightly and lifted the blanket: “Come in.”

Lu Li had no idea how he ended up lying on the bed, how he drew Xie Jianwei into his embrace, or even how he drifted off to sleep.

When he awoke the next morning, he instinctively tightened his arms, causing the person in his embrace to let out an involuntary muffled hum.

Looking down at the sleeping Xie Jianwei, Lu Li’s heart finally landed securely back in his chest.

What in the world had happened…

Why had things turned out like this?

Lu Li did not know what Xie Jianwei had encountered, but current life was simply too wonderful. Even if hidden reasons lay behind it, he was overjoyed beyond reason.

He had longed for him for ten years, and now finally shared a pillow with him. What could possibly be happier than this?

Lu Li pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.

Xie Jianwei nuzzled against his chest.

Lu Li could not resist curling his thin lips, gazing at him without blinking for a very long time.

When you loved someone, you truly never tired of looking at them; the more you looked, the more stunning they appeared, and the deeper you fell.

To Lu Li, everything about Xie Jianwei was perfection, everything was breathtaking; even a single strand of hair was unique in all the world.

Lu Li kissed the top of his head once more.

Xie Jianwei mumbled groggily, “Stop teasing.”

Lu Li gently nibbled his fair earlobe.

Keeping his eyes shut, Xie Jianwei teased with a laugh, “Just do it already, all you do is nibble… mmph…”

Lu Li captured his lips. Xie Jianwei pressed his palm against his scorching chest; heated by his fiery kiss, his own body grew intensely warm.

As passion flared, Lu Li asked him, “A-Wei, who am I?”

“Hm?” Dazed and hazy, Xie Jianwei didn’t quite catch it.

Lu Li said, “Call my name.”

“A-Li.” Xie Jianwei’s voice was so soft and boneless it melted the ears.

Lu Li’s ears tingled from hearing it: “Louder.”

“A-Li.”

“Even louder.”

“A-Li… A-Li…”

Calling his name, his voice grew hurried, shattered into breathy fragments beneath forceful thrusts.

Yet such cries carried magical power, flooding Lu Li’s heart to the brim, until his eyes, his heart, and seemingly the whole world held only this single person.

After a passionate morning, Xie Jianwei asked lazily, “What do you want to eat for breakfast?”

“Don’t bother, let someone else make it.”

Xie Jianwei shot him a glance: “Can you even stomach it if it isn’t made by me?”

Lu Li replied, “Skipping one meal is nothing.”

“That won’t do!” Xie Jianwei got up. “Breakfast is the most important meal. Going hungry ruins your energy for the entire day.”

Lu Li said, “It really doesn’t matter for me…”

Xie Jianwei kissed him softly: “Wait for me, it’ll be quick.”

Saying so, he slipped out of bed, pulled on a T-shirt and shorts, freshened up quickly, and headed to the kitchen.

Lu Li followed him out of bed. He did not step into the kitchen, watching quietly from a distance instead.

This sight was his favorite scene in all his life, and the deepest longing of his childhood.

Back then, Xie Jianwei had still been a youth, his slender frame far leaner than now, yet the way he held the spatula remained unchanged through ten long years.

Lu Li had met Xie Jianwei at age thirteen; in the blink of an eye, ten years had passed.

Those who inflicted harm upon him had all perished, yet the person who granted him warmth had also contemplated leaving.

Lu Li did not know when he had fallen in love with Xie Jianwei: perhaps the very first time they met, perhaps during his youth, or perhaps during that fateful accident of a night three years ago.

In short, only when Xie Jianwei decided to leave did he acutely realize. If this person departed, more than half of his life would be torn away.

Xie Jianwei emerged carrying breakfast: “Caviar blini, come have a taste.”

The blini were crispy on the outside and tender within, fried in golden butter. With milk and eggs added, the dough was fluffy and airy, the slight thickness making them all the more appetizing. The caviar was meticulously selected orange salmon roe, paired with dollops of sour cream and fresh dill: delicious, delicate, and instantly mouthwatering.

Lu Li smiled faintly: “Whatever you make is delicious.”

Hearing these words, Xie Jianwei’s thoughts stirred.

Lu Li sat down, and Xie Jianwei sat opposite him. The two servings of caviar blini were identical, yet before digging in, Xie Jianwei suddenly said, “Can you give me a piece?”

Lu Li had just taken a bite. He looked up at him: “Mine?”

Xie Jianwei smiled slyly: “I want the exact piece you’re eating right now.”

Lu Li paused, his voice dropping much lower: “This one?”

Xie Jianwei simply stood up, leaned across the table, and took a bite of the blini in his hand, deliberately biting the very spot Lu Li had tasted.

Lu Li’s eyes darkened instantly.

Yet Xie Jianwei was completely stunned.

Good heavens! It was ridiculously delicious!

The blini burst with rich milky aroma, tender yet crisp, colliding with the chilled, fresh red caviar where cold met heat, sending pure bliss drifting among the clouds.

Although Xie Jianwei had suspected it earlier, experiencing it firsthand left him dumbfounded.

The dream owner was truly remarkable. An ordinary dish, once washed through God’s will, became such an otherworldly delicacy!

Xie Jianwei stood there dazed, while Lu Li thought he was merely seducing him.

Cupping the back of Xie Jianwei’s neck, Lu Li kissed his pale lips.

Before Xie Jianwei could recover from the explosion of flavors, he was kissed into a tingling daze once more.

Pressing against his lips, Lu Li murmured, “Why eat mine?”

Xie Jianwei answered honestly, “The one you tasted has an exceptionally wonderful flavor.”

This sweet line made Lu Li’s heart hammer wildly, almost driving him to pin Xie Jianwei across the dining table right then and there.

Xie Jianwei hadn’t eaten his fill yet, pushing him away lightly: “Eat, let’s eat.” He had never displayed such enthusiasm for food.

Lu Li said nothing, watching Xie Jianwei bring his plate over to sit beside him.

Shoulder to shoulder, arm against arm, at a distance where a single tilt of the head would bring their lips together.

Xie Jianwei looked at him eagerly: “Hurry up and eat one.”

Lu Li’s heart pounded thump, thump, thump, his entire chest brimming with warmth: “A-Wei…”

Xie Jianwei urged him, “Take a bite, I’m waiting.”

Throughout the breakfast, Lu Li felt as though floating on clouds, utterly intoxicated by Xie Jianwei’s sweetness.

Xie Jianwei was floating as well. It was delicious, truly sublime, so magnificent that words failed to describe it.

In truth, Xie Jianwei understood. Dishes he prepared were transformed into supreme delicacies through the power of Lu Li’s love.

Having finished both servings of blini, Xie Jianwei still craved more.

Lu Li said, “In a few days I need to travel to Saint Petersburg. Do you… want to come with me?”

Xie Jianwei asked, “Hm? Is it convenient?”

Lu Li said, “You mentioned in the past that you wanted to visit Grand Hotel Europe to taste their caviar blini.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Sure, let’s go together.”

Lu Li said, “It definitely won’t taste as good as yours.”

Xie Jianwei chuckled softly with curving eyes: “Once we reach Saint Petersburg, I’ll cook for you again. They have the freshest beluga caviar there, reportedly as large as peas with the finest texture.”

“Yeah,” Lu Li smiled gently. “I only like what you make.”

Xie Jianwei couldn’t help giving him a kiss. So sweet, his Lu Li truly had a way with words.

Lu Li had official business in Country E, but still carved out two full days to accompany Xie Jianwei.

Strolling along ancient Earth’s Moyka River and taking in the majestic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Xie Jianwei was in splendid spirits.

Perhaps once they returned to reality, he could travel with Lu Li to other planets as well.

During his diplomatic visits, Xie Jianwei could experience diverse cultures, explore local culinary arts, and walk side by side with Lu Li along exotic lanes at night. Whether discussing political affairs or chatting about regional customs, it was far better than one enduring tedious state visits while the other waited aimlessly in the Marshal’s Manor.

Xie Jianwei subtly took Lu Li’s hand; Lu Li’s lips curved as he clasped his fingers in return.

Beside the shimmering Moyka River, their fingers intertwined, as if bridging time and space.

After returning from Saint Petersburg, Xie Jianwei and Lu Li grew increasingly inseparable.

Sharing meals and living quarters, they savored every minute in each other’s arms like any sweet, loving couple.

At first, Lu Li would rush back from afar just to eat lunch and dinner. Later, Xie Jianwei suggested, “Don’t run back and forth next time. If you need to visit another city, take me with you.”

Lu Li hesitated slightly: “Sometimes the drive can be very long.”

Xie Jianwei smiled with curved eyes: “What does that matter? As long as we’re together.”

Lu Li’s lips curved gently: “Alright.”

Xie Jianwei added, “Rest assured, I won’t disturb you either. If you have official duties to attend to, handle them; I’ll bring along plenty of books.”

Lu Li felt that if Xie Jianwei was by his side, he wouldn’t have the slightest desire to handle any official business.

Yet Xie Jianwei wanted to be at his side, wanting to stay together without parting for even a moment.

How could he ever bear to refuse?

Lu Li’s standing in this world was illustrious. Not a common merchant, but a powerful dignitary holding the nation’s lifeblood in his hands.

Xie Jianwei did not interfere in his work, devoting himself entirely to daily living and cuisine, accompanying him with sweet devotion, which felt cozy and amusing.

Roughly two months later, Yan Ke called him: “What have you been busy with lately? I called you multiple times and couldn’t get through.”

Xie Jianwei had no one in particular he needed to contact; after going abroad, he hadn’t activated international roaming on his phone, and once the battery died he couldn’t even be bothered to charge it, so Yan Ke was naturally unable to reach him.

Xie Jianwei said, “I went traveling for a bit. Is something the matter?”

“Can’t I call you without something being the matter?” Yan Ke asked. “Want to come out for a drink?”

Xie Jianwei thought for a second and replied, “Sure, let me prepare dinner first.”

Yan Ke understood: “Talk to you then.”

Xie Jianwei dialed Lu Li: “I have plans to meet a friend tonight. Can you eat at home by yourself? I’ve already cooked dinner.”

Lu Li paused on the other end of the line: “Who are you meeting?”

“Yan Ke. I haven’t seen him in a while, and he called to invite me.”

Lu Li said, “I’ll arrange someone to drive you.”

“No need,” Xie Jianwei said. “It’s right here in S City, I can manage on my own.”

Lu Li said, “Then call me when you’re done, and I’ll pick you up.”

“Alright,” Xie Jianwei answered cheerfully.

After hanging up, Xie Jianwei bought a few things and headed to the cake shop.

Yan Ke was just closing the shop. Seeing him arrive, he pulled him into the car: “Let’s go, let’s go! Time to show you a good time.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Let’s find somewhere quiet to sit. Nothing too noisy.”

Yan Ke teased him, “Haven’t you gone almost half a year without some action? Do you really have no urge?”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

“Relax,” Yan Ke said with the demeanor of a devoted bro. “Tonight, I guarantee I’ll find someone who fits your taste and lets you enjoy yourself.”

Xie Jianwei simply confessed, “I have a lover.”

“Huh?” Yan Ke looked utterly flabbergasted. “Who? Which gorgeous lady…” As he spoke, he nudged Xie Jianwei: “You’re too sneaky! Having a girlfriend and not telling me? Bring her out so we can meet!”

Xie Jianwei cleared his throat. “It’s… a boyfriend.”

The moment those words fell, Yan Ke slammed on the brakes. The screech of tires scraping against asphalt made one dizzy.

Xie Jianwei looked at him.

Yan Ke’s lively expression fell, his refined eyes turning dark and cold: “Is it Lu Li?”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Yan Ke seemed ready to blow his top. He slammed his fist onto the steering wheel, his face flushed with fury: “You… you!”

He sputtered “you” twice in a row, yet the words that followed choked in his throat.

Xie Jianwei said deliberately, “It’s fine.”

“It’s fine?!” Yan Ke’s voice pitched high, glaring at Xie Jianwei with burning exasperation at his perceived lack of spine. “You feel happy right now, but have you ever thought about the future? After Lu Li gets married, can you still stay there? Do you still intend to wait on the two of them as a chef?!”

Married?

Xie Jianwei blinked.

Yan Ke fumed, “I never should have introduced you to the Lu family back then! I never should have let you meet that punk, never should have let him taste the food you make! Dammit, a piece of trash like that deserves to starve to death!”

Xie Jianwei could hardly say anything, only able to piece together the backstory from Yan Ke’s scattered words.

Yan Ke said, “I truly don’t know what to say to you anymore. There should be a limit to how stubborn you are! The marriage alliance between the Lu and Jiang families is already set in stone. Lu Li and Jiang Rong will be engaged by the end of the year at the latest. Tell me, where does that leave you? Don’t you know Jiang Rong’s temper? Once she finds out you and Lu Li have an improper relationship, she’ll raise absolute hell!”

Xie Jianwei had been indulging in “beauty” and gourmet delicacies lately, so he truly hadn’t paid much attention to this dream world’s storyline.

Still, what Yan Ke described was pure nonsense.

Lu Li marrying a woman?

That Big Li whose sexuality was twisted as tight as a mosquito coil?

What kind of galactic joke was that?

Not to mention this was taking place within Lu Li’s own dream. Xie Jianwei felt it might be possible for himself to marry someone else in a dream, but Lu Li…

It wasn’t excessive vanity on his part; he simply found it impossible to picture such a scene.

Yan Ke lamented bitterly, “I told you to return to the Lu family because I didn’t want you offending them. As they say, commoners can’t fight authorities; if he played hardball, we could never withstand it. But I never told you to let him have his way with you!”

“He might like you, he might love you to death, but don’t forget his status! Can he truly be with you? Would the head of state ever be openly with a man?”

“A-Wei,” Yan Ke advised earnestly. “Calm down and don’t be swayed by sweet talk. Men as a species, just look at me and you’ll understand. In bed everything is wonderful, but when it’s time to take responsibility, they run faster than anyone. Granted, I’ve never deceived innocent women and all my flings end amicably, but through me you should see clearly. A man’s basic nature boils down to lust.”

“He has known you since childhood. He starved for years, half-dead until your cooking kept him alive. Naturally, he depends heavily on you. But is that dependency true love? He only clings to you because he can’t survive without you, which is why he tries every trick to tie you down.”

Xie Jianwei understood. So “he” and Lu Li had known each other for a very long time.

Yan Ke added, “You told me before that you had a clear head, understood the boundaries, and would do everything you could to help cure Lu Li’s anorexia. Once he no longer needed you, you would start your own fresh life.”

“Yet what are you doing now? Sacrificing your dreams wasn’t enough, so you have to throw yourself into the fire too?!”

Xie Jianwei could only remain silent.

Yan Ke lost all interest in drinking. Finding a secluded café, he brought him inside, sat down, and began earnestly trying to talk sense into him.

Through his words, Xie Jianwei essentially sorted out the background.

The sole son of the Lu family, afflicted with anorexia, met a youth possessing astonishing culinary talent, and they lived tied together for ten whole years.

Lu Li could not live without Xie Jianwei because he could not stomach food cooked by anyone else; forcing it down would only make him throw it up shortly after.

Xie Jianwei wanted to leave Lu Li, yet ten years of shared bond were no joke either; he couldn’t simply watch him starve to death.

A year ago, Xie Jianwei began diligently cooperating with doctors to help treat Lu Li’s anorexia.

Unfortunately, the illness did not improve; instead, Lu Li discovered his desire to leave.