Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Cake

"Had enough of your peeking? Do you like what you see?" Ye Shi said, puffing his cheeks in annoyance at the curious Mu Chen.

Mu Chen withdrew his head, giving Ye Shi a sheepish grin. "Nothing special, just a casual look."

Ye Shi glanced out the window and snidely remarked to Mu Chen, "Zhuang Yu is downstairs. If you miss him so much, why not invite him up?"

Mu Chen chuckled, "Why would I miss him?"

With a huff, Ye Shi retorted, "Actions speak louder than words."

That night, Ye Shi pondered a lot, rolling many thoughts over in his head. He concluded that Mu Chen's gift of a VIP card was likely a veiled threat. However, uncertain of Mu Chen's hidden intentions, Ye Shi decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach.

Mu Chen gazed at Ye Shi, saying, "I have something for you."

"What is it?" Ye Shi asked, casting a suspicious glance at Mu Chen.

Mu Chen retrieved a cake from his spatial ring and handed it to Ye Shi, saying, "This is for you."

As soon as the cake was presented, a sweet aroma enveloped the air. Ye Shi, captivated by its exquisite design, blinked in curiosity, his eyes shimmering with fascination.

"This is a dessert I crafted after studying ancient texts. I named it 'cake,' made especially for you," Mu Chen said, a tender look on his face.

Ye Shi stared intently at Mu Chen, his eyes revealing a mix of longing and an indescribable emotion.

Mu Chen looked at Ye Shi and asked, "Is something wrong?"

Without a word, Ye Shi continued to gaze at Mu Chen, wide-eyed.

A realization dawning on him, Mu Chen frowned, "You aren't worried that I've tampered with it, are you?"

Ye Shi tilted his head, remaining silent. At home, various maids plotted against him. He had grown up amidst deceit and manipulation.

Once, in his childhood, Ye Shi had mistakenly consumed a drugged sweet soup, almost choking to death. Since then, he'd become even more wary. Without such caution, he wouldn't have survived until now.

Mu Chen's lips twitched. He thought, "Am I really so untrustworthy?"

"I'll show you it's safe." Mu Chen took a spoonful of the cake and tasted it.

After seeing Mu Chen take a bite, Ye Shi eagerly devoured the cake, exclaiming, "Delicious, truly delightful..."

Mu Chen: "..."

With cheeks puffed out like a squirrel, Ye Shi ate without restraint. Mu Chen watched with a raised eyebrow.

Not believing Mu Chen could genuinely care for him, Ye Shi threw caution to the wind, not minding his appearance.

Mu Chen, intrigued, gently stroked Ye Shi's back, advising, "Slow down, don't choke."

Ye Shi choked slightly, and Mu Chen patted him on the shoulder, asking, "Are you alright?"

Head bowed, Ye Shi thought: Had Mu Chen looked at him with disdain, he would've glared back. But Mu Chen's present demeanor left Ye Shi feeling uncertain.

Mu Chen found Ye Shi's flushed face amusing.

Ye Shi gazed at Mu Chen's teasing expression and glared at him fiercely.

Mu Chen chuckled good-naturedly, his face radiating understanding. Seeing this, Ye Shi felt too embarrassed to glare further.

Knowing Ye Shi's appetite, Mu Chen purposely made a 12-inch cake. Yet, by Ye Shi's lingering expression, it still seemed insufficient.

"Do you like it?" Mu Chen inquired.

Ye Shi nodded, replying, "Delicious."

"If you like it, I'll make it for you again," Mu Chen offered earnestly.

"Did you really make this?" Ye Shi asked incredulously.

Mu Chen affirmed, "Of course, I learned from our house's spiritual chef. He even praised my swift learning, saying I have the talent of a spiritual chef."

"Really?" Ye Shi replied, skeptical.

"Absolutely," Mu Chen assured.

Confused, Ye Shi asked, "Why are you being so kind to me?"

Mu Chen, with a radiant smile, replied, "Because I like you!"

Ye Shi's heart fluttered, but he struggled to believe Mu Chen's words.