58. Chapter 58

After Dai Yingmei left, Sang Yu put down his brush and threw the discarded draft into the trash.

He paced aimlessly around his cramped room, his thoughts turbulent and restless.

Dai Yingmei was right. The past had not passed. The hurt Jia Sibo caused him lingered. Yet he felt cowardly, lacking the courage to face everyone and revisit those memories.

Sang Yu paused, noting the high sun outside. He suddenly wanted to go out, to bask in the sun, to feel its warmth against his skin.

Mask on, he stepped out, wandering aimlessly along the road until he found himself opposite the Immortal Banquet Restaurant.

He once owned the place, but now it had completely transformed.

Sang Yu had a challenging childhood. Dining out was a luxury. From a young age, he dreamt of owning a restaurant.

After achieving fame and fortune, his biggest expense was opening a restaurant. It expanded from one to three, but due to Jia Sibo, he lost everything.

On impulse, he crossed the road and entered the Immortal Banquet.

He was immediately greeted by a blend of delightful aromas. The restaurant was bustling, with diners chatting merrily or savouring their meals.

"This honey roasted chicken is divine!" exclaimed a patron near the entrance.

"Exactly! It's crispy outside but tender inside. And the sauce... it's unique," his dining companion replied, tearing into a chicken leg with glee. "I'll ask if they do takeout. I have to bring one home for my wife; she loves honey roasted chicken."

Sang Yu's eyes were drawn to the glistening honey-roasted chicken, its sweet and savory aroma tickling his nostrils.

He swallowed, feeling suddenly hungry.

He had been struggling with anorexia for the past several months, food having lost its appeal. It had been a while since he'd felt such a strong craving.

"Excuse me, sir, are you dining alone?" The server asked as she approached Sang Yu standing by the door.

Sang Yu shifted his gaze, "Yes, just me."

"Unfortunately, we're fully booked on the ground floor. We do have a private dining room available upstairs, but it might be a bit excessive for one. If you don't mind waiting, we can give you a buzzer for a seat down here," she informed.

Yu AnTong, feeling restless at home, had come to the kitchen of Xian Ren Yan to brainstorm new dishes with the chefs. After working through the morning, the lunchtime rush was starting, and the kitchen was getting busier. Feeling like he was in the way, and a bit tired from standing, he decided it was time to leave.

Untying his apron, he remarked, "I'll head out now. I'll come back tomorrow."

Zhao Juan reminded, "You better be here tomorrow."

Yu AnTong chuckled, "Unless something urgent comes up, I'll be here."

As he was leaving, he noticed a server talking to a new customer by the door.

Yu AnTong slowed his steps. There was something oddly familiar about the demeanor of the customer. As he got closer, he took a more discerning look, and thought, "Is that...?"

Sensing someone observing him, Sang Yu turned to look.

Tentatively, Yu AnTong whispered, "Sang Yu?"

Sang Yu blinked in mild surprise, then replied with a courteous smile, "You remember me?"

They had only met once, during the contract signing when the restaurant changed hands. Sang Yu was impressed that Yu AnTong could recognize him even with a mask on.

Even behind the mask, Yu AnTong could tell by Sang Yu's eyes that he was smiling.

It's said you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but Yu AnTong found it hard to believe that someone as gentle-looking as Sang Yu could be involved in any scandalous affairs.

After observing and learning more about Jia SiBo, Yu AnTong was increasingly convinced that Sang Yu had been wrongfully maligned.

The main dining area was busy. Remembering there was an available private room upstairs, Yu AnTong led Sang Yu there.

Once inside and with the door closed, Sang Yu removed his mask, saying softly, "I was just passing by and thought I'd stop in for a meal. No other intentions. Please, don’t let me keep you. Go about your work."

Yu AnTong noticed that Sang Yu had lost considerable weight since their last meeting. Already slender as a celebrity, now he looked even more gaunt.

Yu AnTong thought that someone of questionable character would usually be self-serving, not living such a downtrodden life. Seeing Sang Yu's current state, he felt more certain that Sang Yu had been set up by that scoundrel, Jia SiBo.

"Take a look and let me know what you'd like," Yu AnTong handed him the menu. "Once you decide, I'll pass it along to our servers on my way out."

Scanning the menu, Sang Yu looked puzzled, "I saw some customers eating a honey-glazed chicken dish at the entrance. It smelled amazing. I don't see it listed here?"

Wondering if he'd overlooked it, he considered revisiting the menu. Yu AnTong explained, "It's a new dish we're testing out. We haven't added it to the official menu yet."

"Would you like to try it? I can have it prepared for you," offered Yu AnTong. "Anything else catching your eye?"

The illustrated dishes on the menu looked appetizing. Indecisively, Sang Yu responded, "Everything looks good. Since it's my first time here, maybe the boss can recommend a few dishes?"

Observing Song Yu's frail appearance, Yu An-Tong deduced he probably hadn't been eating well. His digestive system might not be at its best, so oily foods wouldn't be advisable. Having ordered honey-glazed chicken, it seemed best to avoid more greasy dishes. Taking pity, Yu An-Tong decided, "Let me make you a nourishing soup. I promise it will be delicious."

Quickly, Song Yu sensed the goodwill from Yu An-Tong and replied, "Thank you."

The kitchen was well-stocked. Yu An-Tong chose tender pork ribs which would take less time to stew.

"Eh? You're back?" Zhao Juan said, surprised, as she turned to see Yu An-Tong.

"A friend is here. I'm making soup for him," Yu An-Tong explained.

"Use this pot," Zhao Juan offered, clearing a spot on the stove.

Yu An-Tong started by boiling the ribs, skimming off the scum. Then, he transferred them to a clay pot, added fresh water, green onions, ginger, and a few drops of rice wine to remove any gaminess. After bringing it to a boil, he simmered the mixture, adding corn and monkey head mushrooms, followed by yam after some time.

The essence of the soup was its natural flavors. Once ready, he removed the scallions and ginger slices, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper.

"Try it — monkey head mushroom, corn, yam, and rib soup. We can have the roasted chicken next time."

The mushrooms, corn, and yam are known for their spleen-strengthening and energy-boosting properties, ideal for those with a weak appetite.

Steam rose from the freshly cooked soup, its aroma rich and inviting. Song Yu took a sip. The clear broth looked enticing and not the least bit greasy.

It tasted as pure as it looked — savory rib flavors melding with the sweetness of the corn.

He picked up a piece of corn, which was a selected sweet variety, finishing it quickly, followed by the tender, fall-off-the-bone rib.

Before long, Song Yu had consumed the entire bowl, leaving not a morsel behind.

It had been a long time since he felt this kind of satisfaction from food. Overwhelmed, tears welled in his eyes.

Often, those who suppress their emotions can break down over the simplest things. For Song Yu, this bowl of soup felt like a ray of light in his otherwise gloomy life.

"Could I talk to you?" he asked, struggling to contain his emotions.

Realizing his outburst might have been inappropriate, he added, "I'm sorry. That was presumptuous of me. Please don't mind."

Yu An-Tong couldn't help but sympathize. What must someone have gone through to want to confide in a virtual stranger?

And despite his vulnerability, Song Yu was still so considerate. How did someone as kind as him end up with Jia Si-Bo, a scoundrel?

Eager to comfort, Yu An-Tong assured, "It's okay. Please, go on."

Tears streaming down his face, Song Yu recounted his story with Jia Si-Bo. Just when he believed he'd found his life partner, he discovered Jia Si-Bo was married, making him the 'other man'.

Referring to a particular event with Dai Ying-Mei, he confessed, "I don't know what to do. I'm not sure I have the courage to face it all."

Offering a tissue, Yu An-Tong gently inquired, "Would you like to hear my perspective? Keep in mind, I'm an outsider looking in."

Song Yu nodded.

Yu An-Tong began, "Anyone can be deceived, but when realization hits, it's not about escaping but confronting the truth. This wasn't your fault. You were just unfortunate to cross paths with a despicable person."

"After seeing his true colors, shouldn't you distance yourself and expose his deceit to everyone, so he faces the punishment he deserves?"

"But what's most important isn't punishing him; it's freeing yourself. You've been trapped in the past; are you going to let it bind you forever?"

"Only by confronting this matter can you discover how to truly liberate yourself and start anew."

"Of course, these are just my personal thoughts. Whatever you choose to do is entirely up to you."

Wiping away his tears, Sang Yu was silent for a moment, then regained his composure: "Thank you for listening and for sharing your thoughts. I think I've found my answer. I'm truly grateful for today."

After many heartfelt thanks, Sang Yu left, feeling the need to act and break free from his haunting past.

"Life still has so much beauty awaiting him, like today's warm sunshine, the aromatic rib soup, and that honey-glazed roasted chicken he missed."

[Title: "Midnight Reading"]

——

"Mom told me you didn't eat lunch on time today?"

Xing Lixuan remembered this right before bedtime.

Due to his encounter with Sang Yu, Yu Antong returned home late. Concerned for her daughter-in-law's health, Xing's mother subtly informed her son, hoping Xing Lixuan would remind Yu Antong to prioritize her wellbeing, especially with a baby on the way.

Mention of the afternoon reminded Yu Antong of Sang Yu's story, and pointing at Xing Lixuan, he exclaimed, "If you ever betray me, I swear I'll chop you up!"

Without any context, even the astute Xing Lixuan was at a loss.

Frowning, Xing Lixuan responded, "What are you talking about?!"

Just because he asked about skipping a meal, where did his mind wander off to?

Yu Antong then shared Sang Yu's story, leading Xing Lixuan to playfully slap his butt.

"Why did you hit me?!"

Xing Lixuan retorted, "Equating me with a scumbag? Doubting me so easily? Don't you think you deserve a smack?"

Knowing he was in the wrong, Yu Antong cuddled up and cooed, "My dear, even when I'm wrong, you shouldn't hit me. Always cherish and love me, treat me like your precious gem."

[Author's Note:] Tongtong: Am I not your little gem anymore?!

CEO Xing: Little gems need a spanking when they're naughty.

Big thanks to the angels who voted or contributed during 2020-02-07 23:57:45~2020-02-08 23:59:14!

Special thanks to the angels who contributed: akatsuki with 10 bottles; Glazed Ice Field with 5 bottles; Cloud Chen, Chess Play, and Blank Slate with 3 bottles; Pretend Monarch and Mud Scream with 1 bottle each.

I deeply appreciate your support, and I promise to keep up the hard work!

Click to download the best book tracking app; many readers use it for audiobooks!