Chapter 110 The CEO’s Divorced Wife’s Gentle Knife (9)

Chapter 110 The CEO's Divorced Wife's Gentle Knife (9)

With the electronic voice announcing "Door is open," Zhong Jiaze immediately withdrew his hand.

"You might want to get a password lock."

The usually composed lawyer, now with his ears turning red from the brief contact with Tang Qing, unconsciously rubbed his fingertips—still feeling the touch of her hand. He suddenly realized how small and soft a woman's hand could be...

"Thank you, Lawyer Zhong."

Having resolved the major issue, Tang Qing smiled sincerely. "Just getting off work?"

"Yes."

"Then... do you have time later?" Tang Qing asked. "I haven't gotten to thank you for the divorce agreement last time. Today's also my first day moving in. If you don't mind, would you like to come over for dinner?"

His first instinct was to refuse, but just then, Tang Qing's hopeful gaze met his.

Zhong Jiaze suddenly recalled that afternoon in the café, the sight of tears glistening in her eyes.

He felt unexpectedly soft-hearted and couldn't bring himself to say no.

This was the second time. Oddly enough, he found it impossible to refuse Tang Qing...

Tang Qing's home was still not fully unpacked, though the kitchen was mostly ready.

Shortly after sitting down, Zhong Jiaze caught the smell of cooking wafting from the kitchen.

Was this Tang Qing's cooking?

It smelled amazing.

He realized—perhaps this was what she intended to do with that shop.

Soon, a simple meal of three dishes and a soup was served, hot and nicely arranged.

Tang Qing, now wearing an apron, looked particularly warm under the warm yellow dining light. "I didn't have time to make more. Just these few dishes—I hope you don't mind, Lawyer Zhong?"

"Not at all. I'm the one intruding."

Lawyer Zhong had perfect manners. Even while eating, his posture remained upright, his sleeves slightly rolled up to reveal clean, well-groomed wrists.

Compared to Li Zhou's aloofness, Zhong Jiaze was much more approachable.

After tasting each dish, Zhong Jiaze was astonished—Tang Qing's cooking was exceptional.

It was better than any restaurant he'd ever visited.

Just as he was distracted, Tang Qing's voice brought him back:

"Would you like something to drink?"

Zhong Jiaze replied, "I'm good, thanks."

"I'll just have this then."

Here’s the improved translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Surprisingly, Tang Qing pulled out a few cans of beer from the fridge.

Was she going to drink?

In Zhong Jiaze's memory, Tang Qing had always seemed quiet and timid. Today she'd not only invited him to dinner but even brought out beer...

This wasn't like her at all.

Seeming to notice Zhong Jiaze's confusion, Tang Qing spoke up:

"Today is my first day moving here. From now on, my life should be different, right?"

As she said this, her eyes briefly showed sadness before she quickly put on a brave face.

"A new life, Lawyer Zhong. Shouldn't we celebrate?"

Holding up the beer can, Tang Qing forced a smile—it didn't reach her eyes.

"Lawyer Zhong, thank you for helping me."

She suddenly clinked her bowl against his with the beer can before Zhong Jiaze could react. Tang Qing had already chugged it.

Clearly not used to drinking, she frowned, beer dribbling down her slender neck and into her collar.

Zhong Jiaze looked away, uncomfortable...

"Slow down," the lawyer said softly. "Be careful not to get drunk."

Putting down the beer can, Tang Qing hiccuped—clearly a first-time drinker's reaction, her movements completely unpracticed.

The alcohol put an unnatural flush to her pale cheeks. "Lawyer Zhong, am I really so useless?"

"Li Zhou doesn't love me, and today I couldn't even open a door..." Mumbling, Tang Qing lowered her eyes. "Actually, I know Li Zhou and I are worlds apart."

"I got too greedy, always thinking that if I got close to the sun, I'd shine too..."

Her gaze dimmed as she continued, "I can't seem to do anything right. I'm no good at anything."

"Li Zhou... he hates me like this the most. I don't want to be this way either, but it's like... I just can't become the person he likes..."

As she poured out her feelings in fragments, Zhong Jiaze was an attentive listener.

Looking at Tang Qing before him, Zhong Jiaze suddenly realized that, just like Li Zhou, he'd been prejudiced against her too.

He had only seen her timid side, never realizing that even the most humble person longed for change.

"Your cooking is delicious."

Zhong Jiaze suddenly spoke up, breaking through Tang Qing's gloom.

"Tang Qing, the food you made is the best I've ever tasted."

"So, you're not worthless."

The lawyer spoke firmly, his usually composed gaze softening slightly as he looked at her. "Are you planning to open a restaurant with that shop?"

"Yeah, a private kitchen." "It's... the only thing I know how to do."

Here’s the refined translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

Feeling uneasy, Tang Qing kept fidgeting with the beer can in her hands. "I don’t even know if it’ll work out, yet I had the nerve to tell Li Zhou I’d give him 30% of the profits."

As if recalling something amusing, the vulnerable Tang Qing cracked a rare smile. "Li Zhou must think I’m just boasting."

Zhong Jiaze spoke up, "You can do it."

Not just Li Zhou—even he had initially doubted Tang Qing’s capability. But after tasting her cooking today, Zhong Jiaze did a 180.

It was truly delicious.

With skills like that, running a private kitchen’s totally doable.

"Lawyer Zhong, I’ve realized you’re really kind," Tang Qing suddenly called him a good person, her gaze filled with gratitude.

"This is the third time. It seems like you’re helping me again."

A sudden gust drifted in from the kitchen, causing wisps of hair to fall across Tang Qing’s cheeks. Zhong Jiaze caught sight of her smiling eyes.

Just as he remembered, her eyes were beautiful.

The system chimed in: "Zhong Jiaze’s Love Points have increased. Current Level: 19."

After returning home, Zhong Jiaze saw Tang Qing’s social media post.

The photo showed the dinner table from earlier, left as-is, with a few beer cans still sitting at the edge. It didn’t look messy—just full of lived-in charm.

"First meal—a new beginning!?"

Zhong Jiaze hesitated for a moment before finally giving the post a like.

Sheng Baihui was also among the first to see her darling’s post and immediately blurted out:

"Who are you eating with? There are two pairs of chopsticks!"

Tang Qing was stunned, completely unprepared for Sheng Baihui’s focus on that detail. Before she could reply, Sheng Baihui had already sent a video call… The high-society airhead, her voice booming, demanded, "Tang Qing, show me right now! Who dares steal my seat?!"