"Why are you getting ahead of yourself? Just because I'm letting you give me a ride, you're coming up with all these fantasies?"
The man turned his head slightly, his lips curving into a wry smile.
Stumped by his remark, Shi Ran had no comeback and had to start the car.
They drove to the hotel where the food was ordered to pick it up.
Inside the car, Tang Si watched her dash out, a look of urgency on her face, and his expression grew increasingly grim.
A moment later, Shi Ran returned, carrying a thermos, still slightly out of breath as she got back into the car.
Because she was holding the food container, she was worried about spilling the food, so she handed it to Tang Si. "Hold this for a moment, please."
"Can't you put it in the back?"
The man was displeased.
"I'm driving, and with all the stopping and starting, it's easy to spill."
Tang Si: "..."
Was a meal really that serious?
He reluctantly took the thermos and said nothing further.
...
Hidden Clan.
Qing Mu Ye had meticulously prepared breakfast that morning. When they all started to wake up, he brought the breakfast to the dining room.
Meng Jing Wei, walking down from upstairs, saw the man, once so noble, now doing menial tasks like a servant for her, and her heart ached.
They made eye contact across the room, and he responded with a smile, as if to reassure her.
Soon, everyone was seated and having breakfast together.
He Xiao Ming Jin sat next to Meng Jing Wei and solicitously pushed a glass of milk towards her. "Sister Wei Wei, have some fresh milk. This is what I asked 'Iron Pillar' to buy from the market for you this morning."
His actions were observed by the others. They exchanged glances, remaining silent and quietly eating their breakfast.
Naturally, Qing Mu Ye, who was just coming out of the kitchen, also heard He Xiao Ming Jin's words, and his expression darkened slightly.
Meng Jing Wei looked up and saw Qing Mu Ye. Seeing a hint of disappointment on his face, she felt an immense pang of heartache.
This man had already done so much for her, so much that she could never repay him in this lifetime. How could she bear to see him upset?
Even if it was jealousy, she couldn't stand it.
"No, thank you."
Meng Jing Wei pushed the milk back towards He Xiao Ming Jin. "I don't like milk."
"You don't like it? Then have some porridge. I told 'Iron Pillar' that you like porridge and asked him to cook it for you." He Xiao Ming Jin was very considerate, paying attention to Meng Jing Wei's preferences.
What he didn't know was that Qing Mu Ye was even more aware of Meng Jing Wei's dietary habits.
He had even made a separate portion of porridge specifically for Meng Jing Wei for breakfast.
Meng Jing Wei looked at the porridge, knowing it was made by Qing Mu Ye. But if she ate it, wouldn't that be accepting He Xiao Ming Jin's gesture?
"Old Chen Tou, Ming Jin is not that young anymore. Why haven't you arranged a marriage for him?" Meng Jing Wei moved the porridge closer to herself, stirred it with a spoon, scooped a mouthful, blew on it, and took a bite. She continued, "I see that the girls in the Hidden Clan are all quite good-looking. If you don't find him a partner while he's young, it will be difficult for him later."
"He..."
Before Old Chen Tou could figure out how to answer, He Xiao Ming Jin immediately sat up straight. "I don't want to!"
"Why?"
Meng Jing Wei lowered her head, sipping her porridge, feigning indifference.
"Because... because..." He Xiao Ming Jin hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Then he heard Meng Jing Wei tease with a smile, "You don't want to find a partner? Ming Jin, you're not thinking of being single your whole life like me, are you?"
He stirred the porridge, trying to cool it down faster.
He then added, "Since my husband 'left,' I've decided not to remarry."