Chapter 18
Su Yunzhe seemed familiar with this area, heading directly into the supermarket after riding the elevator up. Shen Yan followed, pushing the cart as he watched Su Yunzhe, sleeves of his white shirt rolled up, weaving through the seafood section with practiced ease.
During the workday, his hair was always meticulously styled, but now a few strands had fallen across his forehead, giving him an unexpectedly sexy vibe. Shen Yan couldn’t help but stare, surprised to see Su Yunzhe here, personally picking up groceries. While Su Yunzhe was known for his cooking skills—grilling too, with impressive flavors—this down-to-earth grocery shopping side was something Shen Yan hadn’t expected. It made him seem different, less like his domineering CEO brother or the ruthless villain Shen Yan imagined.
And Shen Yan wasn’t the only one impressed; other shoppers noticed him too, some even sneaking photos. But Su Yunzhe seemed used to the attention, moving through the aisles, choosing a few items, and, with a casual toss, adding two boxes of sweet shrimp sashimi into the cart before heading to the register.
Shen Yan’s eyes flicked to the sweet shrimp and then back to Su Yunzhe, his lips curling into a smile. So, the “Big Boss” wasn’t actually upset—if he was, would he really buy Shen Yan’s favorite? While Shen Yan wasn’t picky with food, he did have preferences, and he really enjoyed sweet shrimp; Su Yunzhe’s supply at home had already been wiped out by him. Observing Su Yunzhe, Shen Yan felt even more certain that the shrimp was meant for him.
In a light mood, he walked up with a grin. “Thanks, Boss Su.”
As they left the store, Su Yunzhe chuckled and said, “Taking it out of your paycheck.”
“Sure thing!” Shen Yan agreed eagerly, knowing Su Yunzhe was just kidding.
Once they arrived at Su Yunzhe’s place, Shen Yan grabbed his bag and gave Su Yunzhe a quick farewell, heading out to meet someone. He considered explaining his errand but, seeing that Su Yunzhe didn’t seem interested, decided to skip it.
Ten minutes later, Shen Yan arrived at the complex’s entrance just as he got a call. But before he could answer, the caller hung up, and he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he saw a fashionable young girl, no older than sixteen or seventeen, looking coolly at him.
“Where’s the bag?” she asked bluntly.
Shen Yan handed it over without a word. She inspected it briefly, nodded, and said, “Yep, it’s authentic. Limited edition, only about ten in the country, and you’re selling it cheap.” She transferred seven grand to him on the spot, two grand extra. Before Shen Yan could react, she waved goodbye, already slipping away.
Just then, a flashy sports car pulled up beside her, the window lowering to reveal a familiar face: Qin Mofeng. The girl shot him a cheeky wave, made a face, and shouted, “What a coincidence, Brother Feng! See ya!”
Qin Mofeng jumped out to chase her, but she quickly disappeared into the crowd. “Damn it! Is she a rabbit or what?” he muttered irritably.
Shen Yan approached, grinning. “Who was that girl? She’s got spirit!”
Qin Mofeng shook his head helplessly. “One of my students, a junior who’s been skipping class since school started. I’m her class advisor and have been hounded by her homeroom teacher, who’s been on my case nonstop. Today, he actually threatened me, saying I better drag her to class tomorrow.”
Shen Yan laughed, surprised. “So you’re here for her?”
“Well, no, actually…” Qin Mofeng’s expression turned curious. “Speaking of, Yan, what are you doing here?”
Uh…
Before Shen Yan could answer, Qin Mofeng’s eyes lit up, a grin creeping onto his face. “Wait, are you two living together? I never thought old Su would finally make a move!”
“Brother Feng, no, it’s not like that!” Shen Yan quickly corrected, explaining, “My plumbing’s busted. I can’t stay at my place, so Boss Su kindly let me crash here.”
But fearing Qin Mofeng might still jump to conclusions, Shen Yan changed the topic. “So are you here to see Boss Su?”
Qin Mofeng smirked knowingly, but didn’t pursue it. “Yeah, actually. That little troublemaker is his sister. She’s out of control, and I came to ask for his help.”
“Huh?” Shen Yan hadn’t seen that coming. He rarely sold anything, and it just so happened he sold it to his boss’s sister?
Curious, Shen Yan asked, “Why didn’t she go see him if she’s already here?”
“She probably doesn’t even know where he lives,” Qin Mofeng chuckled. “Their family dynamics are…complicated. You can ask Old Su if you’re interested. Anyway, let’s eat together tonight! I brought all this barbecue stuff, and since my boss let me off early, let’s have a good meal.”
Shen Yan thought back to their shopping trip. So that’s why Su Yunzhe restocked on ingredients last night!
Yet, Qin Mofeng’s hopes for barbecue were dashed because Su Yunzhe refused to have the same meal twice in a row. Qin Mofeng, while adept at buying supplies, wasn’t much for cooking, so in the end, he could only help out as Su Yunzhe prepared a simple, homestyle dinner.
Shen Yan wanted to lend a hand, but his finger injury hadn’t healed completely, so he sensibly took a seat, chatting with the two of them as they cooked. Su Yunzhe, usually reserved, only nodded when Qin Mofeng asked him to call his sister, showing no typical brotherly warmth or annoyance.
Meanwhile, Qin Mofeng’s chatter was relentless, going from scolding Su Yunzhe for ignoring his sister to raving about his heartless boss. Especially on his boss, he seemed deeply aggravated.
Shen Yan raised an eyebrow. “Is he really that bad?”
“Oh, you bet! I wouldn’t slander someone behind their back, but this guy? He asked the principal to bring me back for physics, which shows he can spot talent. But now that I’m here, he micromanages everything I do! You know the lesson plans, right? He sends back mine for revisions while praising everyone else. Talk about having it out for me!”
Shen Yan tried to hold back a laugh. “Why didn’t you call him out then?”
Qin Mofeng rolled his eyes. “If it weren’t for my year-end bonus, I would’ve flipped the table!”
Shen Yan was intrigued by this boss. “Do you have a photo of him? Now I really want to see this guy who’s got you so riled up.”
“Photo? Not likely. But I think the school website has an interview…” Qin Mofeng pulled out his phone, locating the page before handing it over.
One look at the photo, and Shen Yan couldn’t help but comment, “Wow, he’s really good-looking.”
The man in the photo appeared around twenty-five, with finely chiseled features and a gentle smile that gave him a natural warmth. Not the typical handsome, but rather… beautiful.
Qin Mofeng stared at him in disbelief. “What, are you serious? He’s as sour as they come.”
Shen Yan laughed, showing the phone to Su Yunzhe. “Boss Su, he’s good-looking, right?”
Su Yunzhe barely glanced over. “Just average.”
Shen Yan couldn’t believe it. Both Qin Mofeng and Su Yunzhe downplaying the guy’s looks?
Amused, Qin Mofeng said, “See, Shen, your standards need work! If he’s ‘pretty,’ then I must be a god!”
But Shen Yan, unable to resist, teased, “You’re just not his type. And honestly, he doesn’t seem like the type to pick on people.”
Qin Mofeng huffed. “Oh, sure. He’s great with everyone else. I swear, he’d give a beggar his lunch, but to me? Nothing I do is ever right.”
After a bit more venting, the food was ready, and Qin Mofeng, ignoring Su Yunzhe’s initial refusal, insisted they dine on the rooftop. Moving everything up was a hassle, but with a pitiful look, Qin Mofeng got his way. With a sigh, Su Yunzhe finally relented, heading up with them.
Watching him leave, Qin Mofeng blinked, confused. “What’s with him?”
Shen Yan just laughed. “Come on, Brother Feng. To the rooftop!”
