An Nuo had indeed done it on purpose.
But upon hearing Qi Yu's accusation, she couldn't help but want to laugh.
An Nuo hugged Qi Yu, kissed her little chubby cheeks, and held both cubs tightly. "Alright, alright, I'll make you pastries when we get back. Let's go find your father first, he must be worried to death."
Qi Yu nodded and agreed.
An Nuo carried Qi Yu and Si Qing downstairs.
As expected, Shao Feng was standing by the table, frantically searching for them.
Shao Feng had been contemplating whether to circle the area one more time, thinking perhaps the two little ones had gone somewhere further to use the restroom. But when he turned and saw them being carried down by An Nuo, the anger in his gut flared up instantly, yet a sense of confusion also arose.
"Where did you two run off to? Do you know how long I've been worried? I told you not to wander off."
"Uh, An Nuo, why are you here too? Did you just happen to run into them? Or did these two cubs come to you on their own?"
Shao Feng massaged his temples.
"You two tell him," An Nuo patted Qi Yu and Si Qing's little heads.
Qi Yu and Si Qing nodded. The two of them obediently hugged Shao Feng's arms and began to explain everything.
They recounted the entire incident, including how they had secretly gone up to the third floor.
Shao Feng scooped up Qi Yu and Si Qing and spanked their bottoms. "Naughty children, sneaking up there on your own. Did you ignore everything I said? Aren't you afraid of danger!?"
Qi Yu immediately whimpered and acted spoiled.
Si Qing, a beat slower, joined in the act.
Shao Feng was still somewhat shaken. But after a while, he seemed to suddenly realize something was amiss and turned to An Nuo. "But I still don't understand. Why are you here? An Nuo, don't you... really dislike these black markets?"
Shao Feng looked at An Nuo calmly ordering dishes, tea, and good wine for herself, and couldn't make sense of it.
Why was his wife... so different from his memory?
For a moment, Shao Feng even suspected he had mistaken the person.
"Hmph, what's so strange about that?" An Nuo rolled her eyes at Shao Feng and then snatched the two cubs from his hands. "If you're done spanking, give them back. If you make the cubs cry, I'll deal with you."
"Why isn't it strange? It's incredibly strange, An Nuo, why are you here?" Shao Feng tugged at An Nuo's sleeve, demanding a reasonable explanation.
An Nuo raised an eyebrow and glanced at Shao Feng. Seeing his face full of curiosity, she slowly began to speak. "Who said that just because I dislike black markets, I can't come here? Disliking them is just an excuse. The reason I'm here is because this place, Xiang Rui Yuan, is mine. I've owned it for so many years, and you've never suspected anything?"
Shao Feng shook his head and then scratched his scalp. "Why would I be idle enough to suspect something like that? I've never met the owner of Xiang Rui Yuan, and Xiang Rui Yuan hasn't done anything outrageous. I've always thought it was a good place."
No wonder when he was eating here earlier, the newly served dish tasted so similar to what he ate in the Dragon Palace.
So, some of the chefs from the Dragon Palace must have been brought to Xiang Rui Yuan.
Shao Feng couldn't help but brace his forehead as he thought.
An Nuo served him a piece of food with a smile. "This proves my management is orderly. You can come here often in the future, but you can't listen to any nonsensical gossip, alright?"
"I wouldn't dare come alone. You're the boss here," Shao Feng said, holding his wine glass. "Next time, let's come together. With you as the owner, I'll just follow your lead."
An Nuo leaned on his shoulder. "I thought you'd stop me from coming to places like this once you knew, since it's a bit chaotic."
"How could I? I actually hope to take you out more. It's good that you have something you enjoy doing."
"My husband, you're so good."
Qi Yu and Si Qing sat on An Nuo and Shao Feng's laps, their faces darkening.
Enough was enough.
When would this constant barrage of public displays of affection ever end?