Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Excitement

Zhuang Yu entered the establishment and confidently said to Ye Shi, "Please, take a seat."

Ye Shi felt uncomfortable with Zhuang Yu's familiarity, "What do you want? I'm still working." It was strange for a tavern worker to sit with a patron during working hours.

"Work can wait. What I have to discuss is more important," Zhuang Yu replied nonchalantly.

Zhuang Yu thought to herself: With Mu Chen backing Ye Shi, the owner of this place wouldn't dare to offend him.

Ye Shi eyed Zhuang Yu with suspicion.

Zhuang Yu curiously pointed at the food box in Ye Shi's hand, "Is that something to eat?"

Ye Shi shook his head, "I'm not sure. Probably."

"Aren't you going to check?" Zhuang Yu inquired.

Ye Shi agreed, opening the box to reveal the cake that Mu Chen had once shared with him at the auction. This time, it was adorned with more spiritual fruits, making it look even more appealing.

Ye Shi's eyes sparkled, having craved this cake since he first tasted it.

"May I try some?" asked Zhuang Yu, captivated by the unique dessert she had never seen before.

Ye Shi glanced at her, and although reluctant, he nodded. Using the knife from the box, he cut her a small piece.

After cutting a piece for Zhuang Yu, Ye Shi sliced a much larger portion for himself.

Zhuang Yu compared her "small" cake slice to Ye Shi's "large" one and frowned. As someone always held in high regard, she was not used to such treatment.

Ye Shi has always been protective of his food. For him to share even a "small" slice of cake with Zhuang Yu is already quite generous.

Zhuang Yu took a bite of the cake, a novel sensation blossoming in her mouth, making her involuntarily squint in delight.

It was truly delicious. Zhuang Yu felt an unfamiliar emotion stir within. Mu Chen, in all his pursuits, had never offered such a treat!

Ye Shi devoured the cake in large bites, finishing a large slice in no time. Watching Ye Shi eat, a touch of disdain flashed in Zhuang Yu's eyes.

"Aren't you going to eat? If not, I'll help you out!" Ye Shi said, eyeing the small piece of cake in Zhuang Yu's hand.

Zhuang Yu smiled, responding, "I am eating, and it's delightful."

Biting his spoon, Ye Shi pouted, "Mu Chen claimed he made it himself, but I bet it's the work of his house chef."

Zhuang Yu looked at Ye Shi's faux displeasure, barely masking his contentment, intensifying the strange feeling in his heart.

"What I'm about to say may hurt you, but I believe it needs to be said." Zhuang Yu said earnestly, gazing at Ye Shi.

Confused, Ye Shi stared back at Zhuang Yu and asked, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

With a hint of pity, Zhuang Yu revealed, "Mu Chen's grandfather, Mu Ke, was close friends with your grandfather. Admiring all related to his friend, Mu Ke held you in high regard. With the younger generation of the Mu family fiercely competing, Mu Chen might resort to unconventional methods to curry favor."

Ye Shi's eyes narrowed sharply, "What do you mean by that?"

"You truly don't understand my point?" Zhuang Yu asked, looking at Ye Shi with disbelief.

Ye Shi clenched his fists so tightly he nearly drew blood.

"What's your angle in telling me this?" Ye Shi gritted out.

Zhuang Yu looked at Ye Shi with compassion, "I don't want Mu Chen to be entangled in these intrigues, nor do I want you to get trapped. It's not the righteous path."

With clenched fists, Ye Shi spat out, "Thanks for your 'concern'."

Zhuang Yu sighed lightly, looking at Ye Shi's expression. "I know this is hard for you, but sometimes it's better to face the short-term pain for long-term clarity, and in the future, maybe...”

Ye Shi, with a sharp glint in his eyes, challenged her, “How do you know for sure that Mu Chen doesn't like me?”

Zhuang Yu looked at Ye Shi, feeling a pang of frustration. Despite his good intentions, Ye Shi remained ungrateful.

“You must have noticed, right? Unless there's a special reason, why would Mu Chen treat you so well?" Zhuang Yu remarked lightly.

A feeling of suffocation overtook Ye Shi, leaving him utterly overwhelmed.

Furrowing his brows, Ye Shi asked, "How did you come to know this? Did Mu Chen tell you himself?"

Zhuang Yu paused, then responded, "Not exactly."

"If it wasn’t from Mu Chen directly, then why do you sound so certain?" Ye Shi said, glaring at Zhuang Yu with discontent.

Exasperated, Zhuang Yu responded, "It's clear as day! After all, which normal man would..." be into you?

“I don’t want to hear it anymore. Whether Mu Chen likes me or not, why he's kind to me, only his own words will convince me.” Ye Shi stood up, his tone growing heated.

Seeing that Ye Shi was unyielding, Zhuang Yu sighed and remarked, "Then, suit yourself."