As usual, Zong Cheng arrived early to pick him up.
He glanced at the caramel dark chocolate hot cocoa in his hand and nodded with satisfaction.
It was a newly released flavor, and today was much colder than before. Drinking this would warm Yin Chen up nicely.
The more he thought about it, the more perfect his plan seemed, and he nodded to himself.
This time, there was no way the plan could fail!
The car slowly drove into Yin Chen’s villa, and from a distance, Zong Cheng spotted him.
Yin Chen looked even taller in his camel-colored long coat. His skin was pale, so much so that it made the surrounding colors seem muted, like the difference between fireflies and the sun.
So handsome.
Zong Cheng thought bluntly.
Even from this distance, he could tell Yin Chen was different from others.
That difference was—extraordinary handsomeness.
No wonder his taste was impeccable.
Zong Cheng thought calmly.
Indeed, pairing a man with a man was the right choice. Avoidance? Eat it.
As the car neared, Zong Cheng’s expression softened.
Once out, he handed the cup to Yin Chen.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Get in before you catch a cold.”
…
Yin Chen looked at the cup, hesitated for a second, and decisively took it.
No problem!
Even if he didn’t drink it, he could just hold it in his hands slowly.
Yes, that’s it.
Feeling justified, he got in, now more comfortable speaking freely with Zong Cheng.
“Has your company been slow lately?”
He said it casually.
But Zong Cheng tensed immediately.
What did he mean?
Why would Yin Chen suddenly ask about his company?
Driving toward the villa, Zong Cheng furrowed his brows, trying to figure it out.
Could it be because he’s been going to too many dinners?
Did Yin Chen think he was too idle?
Or maybe he thought being too idle would affect their cooperation?
Or was it that Yin Chen was subtly pointing out that they were meeting too often?
Which one was it?!
Zong Cheng felt conflicted.
He wanted to wait for Yin Chen to ask again, glancing at the rearview mirror.
But Yin Chen didn’t move, his eyes fixed on the cup, seemingly… daydreaming?
Zong Cheng was puzzled. Why was Yin Chen daydreaming?
Ah…
He shouldn’t have asked that question.
Yin Chen thought bitterly.
So when will Zong Cheng look away?
He wants to drink just one sip!
The atmosphere in the car was tense until they arrived at the villa.
Yin Chen held the cup, reluctant to let go.
Sigh.
Still didn’t get him to look away.
Damn, it’s cold now!
After struggling internally, he slowly placed the cup in the nearby trash can.
Farewell!
Cold drinks don’t deserve me!
Seeing this, Zong Cheng’s heart tightened.
Did Yin Chen not drink a single sip?
What was going on?
He couldn’t understand it. Yin Chen usually loved these drinks.
And this time, he hadn’t even tried one sip. Even if he didn’t like it, he’d normally test it first, right?
Both of them entered the villa, full of thoughts.
The villa was beautiful, with carefully selected greenery adding a splash of color even in the cold winter, flowers blooming boldly against the chill.
Yin Chen’s nose twitched. He was a little surprised.
“I… smell something fragrant?”
“Hm? Hm.”
Zong Cheng snapped back to attention.
Yin Chen seemed interested?
His heart stirred, memories of his little notes flashing through his mind, and he smiled faintly.
“It’s the special Laba porridge of this villa. Last year, friends told me it was unique, so I wanted you to try it.”
He had also arranged several other carefully chosen dishes.
Special recommendation!
Laba porridge could really smell this good?
Yin Chen was shocked.
Although—
Damn it.
Face blank, he wavered internally.
It sounded delicious.
But!
His weight, his abs, and Ali pointing out his slightly rounder jaw!
For the first time, Yin Chen understood why some girls in novels only took a small bite of their favorite food.
Too hard. Too hard.
Why does humanity have fat?
He sighed internally.
Humanity’s progress isn’t enough—why invent all this good food but nothing that keeps abs intact?
Still too primitive!
His resolve wavering, Yin Chen followed Zong Cheng into the villa.
Soon, it was lunchtime.
Unlike usual, Yin Chen ordered food but sat still, staring at the distant mountains.
The sky was truly blue.
The mountains, truly far.
His stomach, truly hungry.
Zong Cheng wondered if he wasn’t hungry.
Then, a faint rumble came from beside him.
His footsteps paused.
Ah, solved.
The meal could be served now.
The villa quickly sent over the meal cart, and even before it arrived, the sweet, fresh aroma hit Yin Chen’s nose.
!
Smells amazing!
Yin Chen’s eyes glazed over.
Zong Cheng never disappoints!
Zong Cheng’s cooking is number one!
This flavor must be incredible!
Yin Chen considered his life.
Cannot.
At least… should not.
For Ali’s sake, he should at least restrain himself.
If he kept eating…
“Alright, Yin Chen, come eat.”
Zong Cheng’s gentle call was like a devil whispering.
Yin Chen inhaled sharply.
There, Zong Cheng lifted the lid.
The fragrance grew even stronger.
No.
This was angelic temptation!
“Yin Chen?”
Zong Cheng called again.
What’s happening?
Usually, he wouldn’t need to call. At mealtime, Yin Chen usually rushed to the table early.
Had Yin Chen stopped liking sweets recently?
He lifted another lid—
Another signature dish: spicy stewed fish and frog.
Hiss—!
Double temptation!
Yin Chen stared at the table expressionless.
His feet seemed frozen yet twitching, wanting to move.
My heart is stirred.
But I cannot act.
Why?
Because he didn’t know if he should.
While Yin Chen struggled internally, Zong Cheng, seeing him unmoving, kept lifting lids.
One fragrant dish after another.
Impossible, right?
Zong Cheng felt increasingly frustrated.
What’s going on?
Is Yin Chen in a bad mood today?
Or lacking appetite?
Were his carefully selected dishes not appealing anymore?
Then he quickly dismissed that thought.
Impossible. Yesterday they ate together, and Yin Chen was perfectly normal.
If anything was off, it had to be that caramel dark chocolate hot cocoa from the morning.
…
Could it be that Yin Chen really didn’t like the flavor?
For the first time, Zong Cheng felt conflicted enough to want to pull his hair.
What if…?
What if Yin Chen was feeling unwell and had a poor appetite?
Choosing to deceive himself, Zong Cheng strode over and checked Yin Chen’s forehead.
“Seems fine. No fever?”
Ah?
Fever?
Yin Chen gave him a “what are you talking about?” look.
Zong Cheng looked at him.
“Are you feeling unwell? Don’t want to eat? If you feel bad, tell me. Don’t force yourself.”
Ah…
Guilt flashed in Yin Chen’s mind.
Not eating could make Zong Cheng misunderstand so much?
But how could he explain…
That it was just because he’d gained a little weight, betraying the food and Zong Cheng’s thoughtfulness?
In an instant, Yin Chen realized what a scumbag he felt like.
Wasn’t he a genuine scumbag?
A classic case of wasting someone’s thoughtfulness!
Fine!
Then I’ll eat first and worry about losing weight later!
Yes! Decision made!
With that, Yin Chen’s whole aura shifted.
He strode over and sat at the table.
Zong Cheng, noticing his defined features, froze for a moment.
What happened?
Why did Yin Chen suddenly change?
Back to his usual self?
Puzzled, he shrugged—since Yin Chen was back to normal, all was well.
Zong Cheng sat down and served him a bowl of Laba porridge.
“Here, try it. If you like it, we can come back next Laba Festival.”
Calmly suggesting next year’s visit.
Success √
“Hmm?”
Yin Chen paused after his first sip.
What? Already planning for next year?
But it’ll make me gain weight!
Yet the Laba porridge is really good!
Damn it.
Zong Cheng carefully offered him frog legs and boneless fish.
“Try these too, don’t just drink porridge—it gets monotonous. A bit of fish and frog can balance it; if it’s too spicy, sip porridge to neutralize.”
Perfect pairing!
As expected of Zong Cheng!
Yin Chen thought, subconsciously took a bite.
The fish was tender, the frog meat plump!
All delicious!
“Also this.”
Seeing Yin Chen’s eyes light up, Zong Cheng felt a bit proud.
“This is the villa’s own beef, their chef is skilled with braised beef. It’s a bit gamey, but flavorful. Try it?”
Yin Chen solemnly picked up a slice.
Also delicious!
OK.
Looks like this time, there’s nothing on the table Yin Chen dislikes.
Satisfied, Zong Cheng kept adding dishes to his bowl.
The plan was a success!
Suddenly, Yin Chen’s phone buzzed on the table.
Who?
In the middle of enjoying his meal!
He instinctively glanced.
Then he froze.
Ali.
Even without opening the message, he could guess what it said.
The braised beef suddenly lost all flavor.
Yin Chen slowly stood.
“…I’m full, I’ll go sit over there for a bit.”
?
Zong Cheng instinctively reached out, anxious.
“What’s wrong? You seem… off today. Why stop eating?”
Had he done something wrong?
Yin Chen staggered from being pulled.
Zong Cheng reacted faster than thought, using his body as a human cushion to catch him!
Bang.
They both fell.
Zong Cheng, nervous, helped Yin Chen sit up and asked urgently.
“You’re okay, right? What’s wrong? You really feel off today!”
…sigh.
Yin Chen felt overwhelmed.
Eat—gain weight, and he’d let down Ali.
Don’t eat—let down Zong Cheng who brought him here.
Why is life so hard…
?
He slowly lowered his head, fingers pressing, touching.
Firm yet elastic, and clearly structured.
Zong Cheng: ?
Next second, his ears burned red.
“W-what’s wrong?”
Yin Chen’s usual calm expression twisted into frustration.
He couldn’t believe it.
Why?
Why!
Why did Zong Cheng, the culprit, eat the same but still have an eight-pack?