Chapter 5: Red Bean Double Skin Milk

Chapter 5: Red Bean Double-Skin Milk Pudding

"Every time Young Master Cheng appears, it's always extraordinary," the old butler whispered into Yun Fan's ear.

Indeed, who would have thought such an elite new arrival would be inseparable from his cat?

The old butler bowed and stepped forward, intending to take the cat carrier from Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu placed the carrier in his hands, unzipped it, and lifted the cat out.

"Thanks for your trouble," Cheng Yu said, holding the little white cat tightly and nuzzling its head with his cheek.

Wen Zhaofu descended directly from the car in his wheelchair. Yun Fan, coming to his senses, watched as he maneuvered forward bit by bit, realizing the wheelchair seemed like a mere toy in his hands, incredibly agile.

Meeting Yun Fan's eyes, Wen Zhaofu smiled first, tilting his head with a somewhat helpless expression.

Just as Wen Zhaofu was about to speak, his phone rang. He said, "Sorry," and answered it, his eyebrows raising slightly. After hanging up, he looked at the old butler and said, "Liu Erxing is coming to repair the car. He says that part is only available in Hong Kong."

"Uncle Cheng, notify the transportation team. Liu Erxing's helicopter will be landing on the helipad."

Yun Fan's eyes widened instantly. The ways these wealthy young masters made their entrances were all so peculiar. Instead of using perfectly good land and sea routes, they had to make a grand entrance from the sky.

Well, well, well. Storybook characters march to their own beat.

"Heh, that guy who can't straighten his tongue is coming," the old butler muttered under his breath before leaving.

"Xiao Yun, please inform Uncle Man and ask him to whip up a few more dishes," Wen Zhaofu said.

Yun Fan put on a confident face: "No problem, I'll make sure there's plenty!"

At that moment, Cheng Yu, still holding the cat, glanced over at Yun Fan. Perhaps it was because this unfamiliar little butler's way of working was completely different from others, making it impossible not to notice him.

But when Cheng Yu inadvertently looked at Yun Fan, he was stunned. As a hardcore looks person, his only impression of this never-before-seen little butler was:

"Damn, he's good-looking!"

Especially those eyes—not only well-shaped but also exceptionally full of life. In an era where everyone is weighed down by heavy workloads, such a sight is rare.

"Ahem..." Cheng Yu's throat tightened, and he made a sound.

"Let's head inside quickly. The air's muggy outside," the old butler was the first to react. "It's been raining for quite a while today."

Yun Fan walked beside Wen Zhaofu, while Cheng Yu, carrying the cat, followed behind them. Noticing the height difference, Cheng Yu raised an eyebrow.

Once inside, Yun Fan hurried to the kitchen to help. Wen Zhaofu smiled and invited Cheng Yu to sit down for tea.

"Where did you find someone like him? He's quite special," Cheng Yu said, picking up a small cup and taking a sip. It was his favorite black tea.

Wen Zhaofu replied, "The descendant of an old friend of my ancestors. He just arrived a few days ago."

Cheng Yu nodded, glanced up at Wen Zhaofu, and asked another question: "You quite like him?"

The old butler, who was refilling their teacups, perked up. The young master's evaluation was of utmost importance.

However, the old butler's feelings didn't seem to be on Wen Zhaofu's radar at that moment. He simply looked at Cheng Yu with the same unreadable look Cheng Yu had always found hard to decipher.

"Yes, I like him," Wen Zhaofu replied straight up.

Cheng Yu set down his teacup and laughed, as if he had expected it but was still surprised by Wen Zhaofu's honesty. He changed the subject: "You have many capable people here. Help me find someone to consult. I need to know if I can actually win custody of this cat."

"You..." Wen Zhaofu smiled, took out his phone, and tapped a few times. "This is the best lawyer in Hong Kong. He can handle cases anywhere. Just tell him you're my cousin."

"Earlier, I heard from my aunt that your relationship was stable and thought you were settling down," Wen Zhaofu said, looking at Cheng Yu. "I didn’t expect you to break up and now fight for a cat."

The situation was indeed absurd, but Cheng Yu seemed accustomed to being unconventional and merely shrugged: "Breaking up is for the best. Who knew there would be someone even more stunning here?"

The loaded answer made Wen Zhaofu’s smile fade. He paused and said, "Excuse me." Then, Wen Zhaofu headed straight for the kitchen.

Yun Fan was indeed having everyone laughing in the kitchen. He had already become familiar with all four chefs, especially Uncle Man—the two were as close as real uncle and nephew.

"Ah, Mr. Wen, you're here," Yun Fan said, inserting carved watermelon garnish into a fruit platter. "Are you hungry too? Would you like to try the dishes first?"

"Yes, I'm hungry," Wen Zhaofu played along with Yun Fan's words.

"Whoa—" The four chefs exclaimed in unison, staring at Yun Fan in astonishment.

Nothing was more important than filling one's stomach. Yun Fan found a small bowl and dished Wen Zhaofu some light bites.

Wen Zhaofu took it and began eating right there in the kitchen. Yun Fan pulled over a small stool and sat down to watch him eat.

Since childhood, he had loved watching people eat. Seeing others enjoy their food made him happy.

His gaze was intense and full of joy, making Wen Zhaofu feel weirdly flustered. He started a conversation: "Have you tried all the dishes? Which one do you like the most?"

Yun Fan clapped his hands: "You've asked the right question! Our chefs are all incredible. The dishes look good, smell good, and taste good—so exquisite. This isn’t just eating; it’s an experience."

Wow, just hearing Yun Fan say this, the chef chopping vegetables felt his arms grow stronger.

Normally, Wen Zhaofu never came to the kitchen, and the old butler wasn’t likely to say nice things in front of him. Where did this young man come from, with a mouth as sweet as honey?

The kitchen of Langyun Terrace was now filled with harmony when a rumbling sound came from outside the window. Wen Zhaofu raised an eyebrow: "Mr. Liu is here."

*

Liu Erxing, true to his name, strode through the main gate with a backpack slung over one shoulder. After greeting Wen Zhaofu and Cheng Yu, he first chugged a big glass of ice water.

His hair was long, tied into a small ponytail at the back of his head. He casually wiped the sweat from his forehead, and the earring in his right ear glinted as it caught Yun Fan’s eye.

Yun Fan instinctively flinched, and when he looked back, Liu Erxing was watching him.

"You’re the new little butler, right?" Liu Erxing curled his lips into a cocky grin. "You look quite young. What’s your sign?"

Yun Fan laughed: "Are you from the north?"

"Ah, I'm half-Beijing, half-Tianjin—a real mutt," Liu Erxing said, taking off his gloves and handing them and his backpack to the old butler. "My bad."

"I’m not tired," the old butler replied. "But Young Master Liu, your journey must have been a rough trip, flying and all."

Liu Erxing looked at him rather helplessly: "Hey, wishing you prosperity."

If he hadn’t been biting the soft flesh inside his lip, Yun Fan would have burst out laughing. He could tell at a glance that Liu Erxing was scared of nobody—except someone like the old butler.

It was getting late, and Wen Zhaofu invited everyone to sit down to eat. Liu Erxing leaned closer to Yun Fan and whispered: "Every time I come here, I feel like I’ve time-warped, as if I’ve entered a royal court."

"Have you been to a palace before?" Yun Fan looked up at Liu Erxing and asked with a smile.

Liu Erxing was stumped for a moment, then laughed. He habitually reached out to slap Yun Fan on the neck, but Cheng Yu glanced over.

Although Liu Erxing got along with everybody, it seemed that being too familiar with this little butler at this moment might not be appropriate. It could bring unnecessary trouble to this adorable little butler who already caught people’s attention at first sight.

As soon as he sat down, Liu Erxing exclaimed: "Hell yeah! There’s my favorite red bean double-skin milk pudding."

"Hey, I’ve had a taste for this," Liu Erxing said, quickly washing his hands. "Wen-boss, let’s start eating soon."

Wen Zhaofu sat at one end of the table and glanced at the empty seat to his left. It was reserved for Wen Haochen, but the kid was clearly still holding a grudge and hadn’t shown up.

So he nodded, raised his glass, and said, “Welcome to both of you. Hope we're good hosts.”

“Short? When have you ever been short on hospitality?” Liu Erxing remarked, putting down his glass while scooping a spoonful of double-skin milk.

The first time he tasted this dessert at Langyun Terrace, he found it mind-blowing. The sweetened red beans used here were sweet without being too much. And since it was freshly made, it had a rich milky aroma the moment it entered the mouth.

“I brought some milk skin yogurt that was made this morning,” Liu Erxing said. “But now I think I’ll save it for later—this one is just too good!”

Yun Fan walked over to Liu Erxing’s side and placed another bowl of double-skin milk in front of him. Liu Erxing was delighted and asked, “You look like you want some too. Have you tried it?”

“I’ve already had three bowls,” Yun Fan said with a laugh. “Go ahead and eat. If it’s not enough, I’ll get you more.”

Somehow, Yun Fan felt a natural rapport with Liu Erxing. Although he wasn’t socially anxious, being around Liu Erxing seemed to make him more outgoing.

Wen Zhaofu frowned inwardly. In his opinion, Liu Erxing’s personality and behavior were completely different from Yun Fan’s, so how could the two be so close?

So close that it made one want to tip over the vinegar dish.

“How long will you be staying this time, Da Liu?” Wen Zhaofu asked gently, wiping the corner of his mouth.

Liu Erxing exclaimed, “Wow, trying to kick me out already?”

Wen Zhaofu smiled faintly. “Just planning ahead so the kitchen can prepare more red beans.”

Everyone laughed, but louder than the laughter was Liu Erxing’s phone ringtone.

“Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron! Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Neon! Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminum, Silicon, Phosphorus! Sulfur, Chlorine, Argon, Potassium, Calcium!” (DJ version)

“Odd functions change, even functions stay the same…”

Yun Fan couldn’t hold back. Fighting the urge, he blurted out, “Check the quadrant for the sign!”

Liu Erxing was startled. “Wow, you got it right!”

Author’s Note:

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Da Liu, a man who brings his own BGM [praise].