C19 Chapter 19

“Then I’ll leave it to you. Never would’ve guessed someone your age could be so capable—you’re clearly meant for big things.” Mr. Hee said with a beaming smile, looking thoroughly pleased.

“I’ve heard the Yan family’s meals are all made by Chef Melison. Any chance I might be lucky enough to try his cooking?” Mr. Hee patted Yan Jin on the shoulder like an elder.

If he could get in good with the Yan family, Hee’s business would be set for the next few years. The Yan family ran a multinational powerhouse with operations all over the world—meaning their supply chain had to be endless. If Yan Jin introduced him to even one or two connections, the Hee family wouldn’t end up in a situation like today again.

Yan Jin walked to the dining table and took his seat. His long fingers laced together, his sharp features resting lightly against his fingertips. Just those simple movements were enough to send the women at the table into a quiet frenzy.

“Little sis, you’ve got it made. How did you two meet?”

“What does Yan Jin like to do for fun?”

“What does he like to eat?”

Hee Qianshi and Hee Yimo fired questions at her nonstop, like a rapid-fire barrage.

What does an ice-cold guy like to eat? Ice, obviously—how else would he stay that cold? As for what he liked to do, who knew? Only God. Paperwork? Every time she saw him, he was either reading documents or reading more documents. And how they met—well, she really ought to thank the two of them. Without them, there wouldn’t be a “Hee Yu” today.

“Jin—he loves bungee jumping. Whenever he has time, he’ll call Jiaang Mingyi and go together, and he only goes to the bungee jump at Will Manor.”

“And I’ve never really seen him crave anything, but he seems especially interested in spicy food.”

Go ahead—make fools of yourselves. She refused to believe, knowing her two sisters, that they wouldn’t try something. And sure enough, Hee Yu knew them well.

I’m going bungee jumping with Yan Jin. No way a bungee jump is going to stop me—I’m a Hee family daughter. And spicy food? That’s easy. You can train for that. Starting today, I’m eating chili peppers every single day.

“Jin, this spicy chicken is super tender and packed with heat—try some.”

“And this coconut hot-and-sour soup is really good, too.”

“This one, this one, and this one, too.”

Hee Qianshi piled more than a dozen fiery dishes onto Yan Jin’s plate in one go.

Now he’ll like me more, right?

Thinking that, Hee Qianshi looked up.

What’s going on? Yan Jin should’ve been happy, but his expression didn’t look like someone who’d just been served his favorite food.

Yan Jin was sharp enough to catch the slight shake of Hee Yu’s shoulders and that barely hidden smile. So that’s it—Hee Yu had tipped Hee Qianshi off.

“This is your favorite. Try it and see if it suits your taste.” Like some model husband, he slid all the food over to Hee Yu.

“Thanks, Jin.” Who was Hee Yu? She’d suffered with her mother since she was little. Even after she grew up, Hee’s Father treated her well enough, but there were still the three of them—mother and daughters—and plenty of what should’ve been hers had been snatched away by Hee Qianshi. Hardship was something Hee Yu had learned early. A little chili? Please.

Hee Yu shrugged, kept her face perfectly calm, and finished everything.

If looks could kill, Hee Yu would’ve died who knows how many times by now under Hee Qianshi’s glare.

If Yan Jin weren’t here, you wouldn’t be acting this cocky. But I can’t let Yan Jin see my ugly side.

Hee Qianshi started to doubt what Hee Yu had told her.

“Mr. Yan… you… you don’t like spicy food?” After thinking it over, Hee Qianshi decided she couldn’t let Hee Yu keep leading her around by the nose. She had to take the initiative.

“Anything Yu likes, I like.” The moment those over-the-top words hit her, Hee Yu started coughing hard.

What is this man trying to do—give me a heart attack? The chili went straight down the wrong way. It burns…

“Slow down. No one’s stealing it from you—what’s the rush?” He poured her a glass of water and set it in front of her, watching her with amused eyes. Trying to use me? That comes with a price.

“No, thanks. I’ve got water.”

“Mr. Wenn.” Smart as Mr. Wenn was, he immediately understood what Yan Jin meant and pulled the water cup away from Hee Yu’s side.

“Want me to feed you with my mouth?” He leaned in close to Hee Yu, his long, defined fingers tipping up Hee Yu’s chin as he moved in to kiss him.

Hee Yu raised a hand to push Yan Jin away and took the cup back.

“Yan…” Hee Qianshi started to say something, but her mother kicked her lightly under the table. Left with no choice, she swallowed her words, her pretty face twisted with resentment—nothing like her usual sweet, innocent look.

Why does Hee Yu get to have him? Why him? What do I lack? Why does he only have eyes for you? Hee Yu, you stole what was mine. One day, I’ll make you pay it back. Rage had already warped Hee Qianshi’s thoughts. Jealousy convinced her that Hee Yu had taken something that belonged to her, never once considering that without Hee Yu, people like them would never have even crossed paths with Yan Jin.

After dinner, an array of fresh, flown-in fruit was set out in front of everyone.

“Go on, go on—eat. Don’t be shy. Help yourselves.” She put on the full hostess act.

“These are cherries from Chile.”

“And this is black-skinned watermelon from Japan.”

...

She rattled off a whole list in one breath. It wasn’t like they’d know the difference anyway—who could say whether she was right or not? Except for that man, the one who threw curveballs at her every day. Thanks to him, she’d gotten a lot better at thinking on her feet.

Once Hee Yu had eaten his fill, the maids came up to clear the table.

“Young Master, Madam should rest now,” Mr. Wenn said at just the right moment—also a not-so-subtle reminder to the guests still lingering.

“Yu, it’s getting late. We should go,” Hee’s Father said, afraid Hee Yu would forget, repeating himself again and again. “Don’t forget—promise me.”

Dad, this time I’m going to disappoint you. The Hee Family was built up by Mom’s hard work. I won’t let you stain what she sacrificed for anymore.

“Mr. Wenn, got anything for a late-night snack? Bring me a little more.” The moment the Hee Family left, Hee Yu’s appetite came roaring back.

Yan Jin watched his wife with a strict but intrigued look as she ate, already plotting how he should punish this “proper” Mrs. Yan.

“What’s going on with Hee Qianshi?” Yan Jin asked, sounding almost casual.

At his question, Hee Yu’s body stiffened slightly.

“What are you talking about?” So he knew? She’d only used him a little—was he really that mad?

Fine. She’d make him a great meal to make it up to him. After talking herself into it, she went right back to eating. The maids around them instinctively backed away about ten feet, but the person at the center of it all had no idea.

Yan Jin lifted a hand and motioned for the staff to leave.

“Wait—wait, let me explain!” He didn’t give Hee Yu a chance. He grabbed her from the table, yanked her to her feet, and headed straight for the bedroom.