Chapter 16

Chapter 16

At the deepest part of the villa district, Ning Yuyi spotted a mansion that stood in stark contrast to the others.

If the other residences looked affluent, then this one looked not just wealthy but... magnificent.

Ning Yuyi followed closely behind Fan Zhongchuan, watching him enter the security code to unlock the door, revealing an interior as pristine as a hotel.

However...

Scanning the surroundings, Ning Yuyi noted the house lacked any sign of liveliness.

"Brother, do you really live here?" Ning Yuyi asked with a hint of skepticism.

“……”

Someone needs to dock the assistant's pay.

Fan Zhongchuan thought to himself.

"Brother?" Ning Yuyi, leaning against the door frame, called out again.

"Hmm," Fan Zhongchuan responded, removing his suit jacket and draping it over his arm. He casually draped his arm over Ning Yuyi's shoulders, leading him inside, "Often, due to work, I rest at an apartment close to my office."

"I see."

Got it. The wealthy have multiple residences—living in one today and another tomorrow.

OK, fine, just another day to "suck lemons" (a metaphor indicating having a rough day).

Ning Yuyi changed into brand-new slippers, still with their tags on, and wandered around, "Brother, where's the gaming room?"

"Third floor, the last room."

Grabbing a bottle of water from the recently cleaned kitchen, Fan Zhongchuan accompanied Ning Yuyi to the third floor.

Ning Yuyi pushed open the door of the last room on the third floor. Despite being prepared, he was still taken aback by what he saw inside. "Wow."

"Stay and play for a while," Fan Zhongchuan placed the drink on the small table next to the game room sofa, "I'll be in the study on the second floor."

"Mhm!" Ning Yuyi's attention was already captivated by the latest VR game inside. He nodded and tiptoed to select a game.

Seeing him enjoying himself, a soft smile crept onto Fan Zhongchuan's lips. He quietly exited the game room, making sure to close the door behind Ning Yuyi.

He then went downstairs to handle company matters in his study.

By the time Ning Yuyi emerged from his gaming session, it was already past 10 PM. He turned off the game and shuffled downstairs in his slippers.

As he reached the second floor, he noticed the light emanating from the study. Ning Yuyi hesitated for a moment, then cracked the door open slightly, peeking his head in.

"Bro, do you have any ingredients in the kitchen?"

Lifting his gaze from the documents, Fan Zhongchuan was met with this adorable sight. Any lingering fatigue vanished in an instant.

"Yes, I do," Fan Zhongchuan tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, "Be careful."

"Mhm." Ning Yuyi carefully closed the door, not wanting to disturb the hardworking magnate inside whose daily earnings might surpass his annual income.

Upon reaching the kitchen, Ning Yuyi opened the fridge only to find it packed with fresh ingredients and various condiments. All had today's date on them.

Without giving it much thought, assuming it was merely a coincidence that they had restocked today, he chose some shrimp and cabbage, intending to cook a nourishing porridge for Fan Zhongchuan to warm his stomach and mitigate any lingering spiciness.

The kitchen had everything one could wish for.

It was, indeed, the kitchen of his dreams!

The method for shrimp and cabbage porridge is straightforward.

Ning Yuyi fetched a small pot. He took the shrimp from its container, chopped it up, rinsed some rice, and added it to the pot. Only after the rice was somewhat mushy did he add the chopped cabbage and shrimp. He simmered everything until it reached a thick consistency before turning off the heat.

He ladled the freshly made porridge into two bowls and glanced at the time.

It was almost midnight.

The study's lights were still on. Ning Yuyi couldn't help but sigh, realizing that earning money truly wasn't easy. Even his most intense exam preparations didn't compare to Fan Zhongchuan's work ethic.

Carrying a tray with the two bowls, Ning Yuyi treaded softly, careful not to disturb Fan Zhongchuan, even when climbing the stairs.

Standing outside the study, Ning Yuyi knocked gently, only opening the door after ensuring the occupant had heard.

"Bro, I made some shrimp porridge to warm your stomach. Would you like some?" Ning Yuyi stood at the door, holding the tray.

Fan Zhongchuan shut his computer and rubbed his temples, realizing it was already past 11 PM.

"Come in," he gestured for Ning Yuyi to join him, standing up to pour two glasses of water, "Let's eat together."

Ning Yuyi entered with a cheerful step, placing the tray on the now-empty desk, "It's shrimp and cabbage porridge. I noticed you had shrimp earlier tonight, so I assumed you weren't allergic."

Touched by Ning Yuyi's thoughtful observation, a warmth surged in Xie Yezhou's heart. A smile curved his lips as he nodded.

Handing a spoon to Fan Zhongchuan, Ning Yuyi then bent his head to enjoy the porridge alongside him.

Given it was nearly bedtime, Ning Yuyi hadn't made a large quantity. It was just a light serving to satiate their hunger and warm their bellies. The two bowls were quickly emptied by the two men, taking them just about ten minutes.

"It tastes wonderful," Fan Zhongchuan commented, wiping the corner of his mouth, "Ningning, you can come over often."

"I can visit regularly?" Ning Yuyi was particularly fond of the game room upstairs. Then he remembered an upcoming variety show engagement, "However, I'll be traveling soon for a show shoot, so I won't be home often."

"But when I return, I'll bring back some local specialties," Ning Yuyi counted on his fingers, "And we should have another hotpot meal; tonight's broth was fantastic. Before I leave, we need a barbecue. I doubt I'll get such delicious food while shooting."

Little did Ning Yuyi know, he would gain about five pounds during that variety show.

"Mhm," Every time Fan Zhongchuan looked at Ning Yuyi, a smile graced his lips. Noticing a rice grain on Ning Yuyi's face, he gently wiped it off with a tissue.

The intimate gesture caught Ning Yuyi off guard. He froze, tilting his head up, gazing wide-eyed at Fan Zhongchuan.

His eyes resembled those of a deer—dewy and soft.

Fan Zhongchuan mused silently.

"There was rice here," Fan Zhongchuan said nonchalantly, letting go, "Which show are you filming?"

Ning Yuyi mentioned the show's name, "But it's not confirmed yet. I'll sign the contract at the company tomorrow."

He should have kept it confidential, but around Fan Zhongchuan, Ning Yuyi always felt at ease, placing immense trust in him.

Privately noting the show's name, Fan Zhongchuan planned to contact potential investors the next day.

When wooing a younger boyfriend, one should start by being generous.

The following day, Zhou Tuona took Ning Yuyi to the company to sign the contract.

Upon entering the meeting room, Ning Yuyi realized there were quite a few attendees. Two middle-aged men, dressed modestly, were conversing with Xie Yezhou.

Xie Yezhou seemed to be ignoring them, eyes closed until Ning Yuyi entered. Slowly opening them, he gestured, "Sit here."

Ning Yuyi blinked and took a seat next to Xie Yezhou.

Holding the contract, Zhou Tuona divided it into two and handed them out, "Please review, and if all is well, sign."

Since Zhou Tuona had already reviewed the contract, Ning Yuyi merely skimmed it, intending to sign. As he was about to put pen to paper, a hand stopped him.

"Look closely," Xie Yezhou sounded like a concerned parent, taking the contract from Ning Yuyi and carefully reviewing each clause.

"Remove this," Xie Yezhou pointed to the clause splitting the pay between Ning Yuyi and the company, "Give it all to him; no need to split with the company."

Wearing sunglasses and a casual jacket, Xie Yezhou tapped the contract with his pen, "I'll handle the arrangements on my brother's side."

Zhou Tuona gestured for someone behind her to make the changes without further objections.

The two middle-aged men who were initially talking to Xie Yezhou appeared taken aback, now assessing Ning Yuyi with renewed interest.

Once the revised contract was swiftly returned, Xie Yezhou meticulously reviewed it once more. Assured of its terms, he handed it to Ning Yuyi for his signature.

When they exited the company, Zhou Tuona was in a daze.

"Damn, you've struck gold this time," Zhou Tuona patted Ning Yuyi's shoulder, "If you don't split the earnings with the company, you'll earn a significant amount. Keep it up, and you might afford a house in Hai City by the end of the year."

"Sounds good," Ning Yuyi responded, a candy from the meeting room in his mouth, "Zhou Bro, can you find out something for me?"

"What's that?" Zhou Tuona inquired with curiosity.

"Which brand supplied the fruit in the meeting room? It tasted so good. I want to buy more for home."

Zhou Tuona took a deep breath, "...Ning Yuyi, sometimes I think you..."

"Hm?"

"...are asking for a beating."

After dropping Ning Yuyi home, Zhou Tuona headed back to the company. Noticing that he was running low on food after last night's hotpot, Ning Yuyi stopped by a nearby shopping mall to stock up.

Upon struggling home with two hefty bags, Ning Yuyi neatly arranged his purchases in the fridge. Recalling Zhou Tuona's advice to maintain his social media presence, he snapped a photo of his well-stocked refrigerator.

Ning Yuyi's post read: "Overflowing with happiness. Barbecue tonight." [Picture][Picture]

After posting, Ning Yuyi switched over to WeChat and clicked on a chat with a blacked-out profile picture.

—— Brother, are you coming back to Qing'an tonight? I'm preparing barbecue; want to join?

Meanwhile, at the top-floor office of the Fan Corporation.

Fan Zhongchuan had set special notifications for Ning Yuyi's messages, ensuring he'd be alerted instantly.

At the distinct chime, he knew a message from Ning Yuyi had arrived.

Setting aside his current task, Fan Zhongchuan picked up his phone, a smile forming upon reading the message.

—— Yes.

That evening.

Ning Yuyi was busy cutting meat into smaller pieces for the barbecue when the doorbell rang.

"Bro?" Opening the door, Ning Yuyi found Fan Zhongchuan, who was holding a bag, "You finished work early today."

"Mhm." As Fan Zhongchuan changed his shoes, he noticed a new pair of slippers placed next to his.

"Here they are, I bought these especially in your size," Ning Yuyi eagerly unpacked and placed the slippers on the floor.

Custom-sized slippers?

A warm feeling blossomed in Fan Zhongchuan's heart as he tried them on and found they fit perfectly.

"Brother, sit tight. I'm not done preparing everything," Ning Yuyi hurried back to the kitchen, not expecting Fan Zhongchuan to follow him in.

"You can help out."

Ning Yuyi handed him the plates of already cut meat, "Brother, can you arrange these on the plates? I want to take a photo for Weibo later."

"Weibo?" The ever-busy CEO Fan Zhongchuan seemed unfamiliar with the term.

"Yes, Zhou Bro advised me to be more active on Weibo," Ning Yuyi replied, diligently slicing some beef, "I thought I'd share some daily moments."

Fan Zhongchuan pressed his lips together, not commenting aloud. Yet, he made a mental note.

He planned to ask his assistant to create a Weibo account for him later.

Once everything was set on the table, Ning Yuyi washed his hands and, phone in hand, looked for the perfect angle to capture the feast.

"Let's eat, Brother."

The compact dining table at home came with a built-in grill, though it was seldom used. Today, Ning Yuyi had even purchased a special barbecue sauce. The tender, golden grilled meat was incredibly delicious when paired with it.

However, Ning Yuyi soon realized that Fan Zhongchuan seemed unfamiliar with using the grill.

It was understandable; as a CEO, he likely had little time for such things. And if he did have barbecue, it was probably served to him, ready to eat.

Sympathizing with this, Ning Yuyi offered Fan Zhongchuan some of the meat he had grilled.

While Fan Zhongchuan was wrestling with the grill tools, a pair of chopsticks appeared, placing grilled meat into his bowl.

Looking up, he met Ning Yuyi's twinkling eyes.

Ning Yuyi remained silent, looking as expectant and adorable as a kitten awaiting praise.

Fan Zhongchuan tasted the meat with the sauce, "It's delicious. Well done, Ningning."

"I knew it! I believe barbecues and hotpots are the world's most

delectable

cuisines," Inspired by the compliment, Ning Yuyi added even more meat to the grill, "Tonight, Brother, just sit back and enjoy. I'll handle everything."

"Let me show you the prowess of the barbecue prince."

By the end of the meal, Ning Yuyi's belly was roundly filled, and he leaned back in his chair, not wanting to move an inch.

"If I had known, I would have invited Zhou Ge for dinner," Ning Yuyi said, patting his slightly protruding belly. "At least then we'd have someone to wash the dishes."

Upon hearing this, Fan Zhongchuan glanced up subtly, got up, collected the dishes, and headed to the kitchen.

The sequence of events happened so swiftly that Ning Yuyi didn’t initially comprehend it. By the time he reacted, the sound of water and dishes clinking on the countertop emanated from the kitchen.

"Holy crap!"

Startled, Ning Yuyi quickly sprung up from his chair and dashed toward the kitchen. "Bro, stop, let me do it, let me wash them!"

Grasping Fan Zhongchuan's arm, Ning Yuyi resolutely stopped him from washing a second dish. "I feel this tiny kitchen isn’t fitting for someone of your stature."

Who would have the audacity to let Fan Zhongchuan wash dishes?!

Who would?!

Fan Zhongchuan's arm was gripped by Ning Yuyi, whose strength wasn't particularly strong. Yet Fan was cautious about not hurting Ning if he pulled away too forcefully.

"Relax," Fan assured. "Today it’s my turn. Tomorrow, we'll have someone install a dishwasher."

"No way, drop it. I've got it today. We can worry about the dishwasher tomorrow."

In the end, both men squeezed into the tiny kitchen to wash the dishes. Once they left, Fan Zhongchuan's first task was to instruct his assistant to order the best dishwasher available.

His second task? To have an account created on Weibo.

Author's Note: I wonder how Xie Yiezhou would react hearing Ning Yuyi addressing Fan Zhongchuan as ‘bro’.