Chapter 40

Chapter 40: All Gone.

Mu Chen stumbled into the room, excitement evident, "Ye Shi, you wanted to see me?"

Watching Mu Chen's clumsy entrance, Ye Shi smiled inwardly and nodded, "Indeed."

"What did you want to discuss?" Mu Chen asked eagerly.

"I just wanted to check on you," Ye Shi responded with wide eyes.

Mu Chen's spirits lifted immediately. Grinning cheekily, he moved closer to Ye Shi and teased, "Shi, have you missed me?"

Ye Shi looked at Mu Chen, nodding, "Yes, I have."

Mu Chen paused, looking somewhat flustered and lost for words.

Ye Shi's lips curved upwards, trying to hide his amusement.

"You look a bit off," Ye Shi observed, examining Mu Chen's face.

Rubbing his face, Mu Chen explained, "The alchemy chamber is just too hot. I got a bit scorched from the flames."

Ye Shi hesitated before asking, "Given your current strength, won't frequent visits to the alchemy chamber be detrimental?" From what he knew, alchemists could face troubles if fire toxins invaded them.

Mu Chen dismissed the concern, "I only spend two hours in the alchemy chamber daily. And with my father watching over me, there won't be any issues."

"That's great." Ye Shi then presented a food box, saying, "I brought something for you."

Mu Chen's eyes lit up with delight. "Wonderful, I'm quite hungry."

"Oh, two roast chickens!" Mu Chen murmured joyfully, thinking to himself: Ye Shi giving him two chickens might be a hint for him to order an extra one every day.

"It's lotus leaf chicken, which is pricier than roast chicken," Ye Shi corrected with a frown.

Mu Chen nodded, saying, "Ah, lotus leaf chicken? Shi, you're so good to me."

"Let's eat," urged Ye Shi.

Nodding in agreement, Mu Chen began to feast right in front of Ye Shi. Since coming to this world, Mu Chen's appetite had grown. After two hours of alchemy, Mu Chen's energy was greatly expended. To him, two chickens were nothing; in no time, he devoured them entirely.

"Shi, I've finished everything," Mu Chen announced with a smile.

Ye Shi rolled his eyes, gazing deeply at Mu Chen with a hint of reproach, "Yes, you ate everything, not even leaving a drumstick for me."

Mu Chen glanced at Ye Shi's forlorn expression, feeling a little awkward.

Mu Chen mentally facepalmed. It seemed he made a blunder by eating even his wife's portion.

"Did you eat the cake I sent you? I added extra honey because I heard you like sweets," Mu Chen tried to divert the topic.

Recalling the cake, Ye Shi felt a twinge of disappointment, "The cake was shared with others."

Mu Chen paused, seeing Ye Shi's downcast expression, he said, "It's alright. I can make another one for you."

"Why... why are you so kind to me?" Ye Shi asked, looking anxiously at Mu Chen.

"Because I like you! Naturally, I'd treat you well," Mu Chen replied matter-of-factly.

"Why do you like me?" Ye Shi persisted, gazing intently at Mu Chen.

Mu Chen shrugged, "I just liked you when I saw you. No particular reason."

Ye Shi frowned, looking suspiciously at Mu Chen.

Seeing Ye Shi's face drawing near, Mu Chen couldn't resist leaning in to plant a kiss on Ye Shi's forehead.

Somewhat flustered, Ye Shi pulled back, "Where... where's your grandfather?" He ventured.

Without giving it much thought, Mu Chen replied, "Grandfather is in seclusion."

"In seclusion?" Ye Shi echoed, puzzled.

Mu Chen nodded, explaining, "Yes. Grandfather often goes into seclusion. He only emerges for major family affairs or significant auctions."

"How long does he stay in seclusion?" Ye Shi curiously inquired.

"I'm not sure. It could be months, years, or even decades," Mu Chen shrugged.

Ye Shi nodded thoughtfully, murmuring, "I see."

Ye Shi reflected: If Mu Chen's grandfather could be in seclusion for decades, then Mu Chen not liking him would mean all his efforts were in vain.

Noticing Ye Shi's contemplative expression, Mu Chen inquired, "Why the sudden interest in my grandfather?"

Ye Shi lowered his gaze, "Just curious. I heard he was close friends with my grandfather."

"Indeed," Mu Chen whispered into Ye Shi's ear, "Our engagement was actually arranged by our grandfathers."

Heat rushed to Ye Shi's face.

"Young master, we have a guest," Ren San announced upon entering.

Mu Chen furrowed his brows, "A guest? Who might that be?"

"It's Lan Ruofeng who appeared at the auction." Ren San said.