Xingchen carried the steaming plate of dumplings into the dining room. He was already seated, engrossed in documents covered in intricate Arabic script she couldn't decipher.
Fresh from his shower, his chestnut hair was still slightly damp. He wore crisp white pajamas, the collar hiding the healing wound beneath. The overall effect was clean, undeniably masculine, and radiating a quiet, sensual energy.
She set the plate before him, adding a small dish of dipping sauce. Hesitating slightly, she added, "The sauce is light, considering your wound. Hope it's okay."
Bai Yeqing made a noncommittal sound ("Hmm"), setting aside the documents. He picked up his chopsticks, the simple act imbued with innate elegance. He took a tentative bite. Frozen dumplings were alien territory, but her skill transformed them – surprisingly flavorful. His appetite, surprisingly robust for processed food, kicked in.
Xingchen watched him eat with apparent enjoyment, relief washing over her. No complaints. "I'll head upstairs then. Enjoy."
She turned to leave. His voice stopped her. "Nothing else you wish to discuss?"
"Huh?" She spun back, confused by the sudden question. Was it about the dumplings?
He dipped another dumpling with deliberate grace, his gaze lifting to meet hers. "Last night. You mentioned having something to thank me for. Yet you stopped. What was it?"
"Oh. That." Xingchen shook her head. "It was nothing."
"Elaborate." His tone brooked no refusal.
"I got my job back. At the Foreign Ministry."
As if he didn't orchestrate it himself.
"And?"
"So... I plan to properly thank the friend who helped make that happen."
Bai Yeqing's eyebrows lifted. A tangible expression of gratitude? Far more promising than mere words. His mood visibly brightened. "Appreciation is warranted. How do you intend to express it? And when?"
"In a week," Xingchen offered. "Probably dinner. Cooking for them myself, if possible – feels more sincere."
Bai Yeqing nodded graciously. "An excellent notion. Home-cooked carries weight. Mark it down: dinner, one week from now."
Xingchen stared, baffled. "Oh... okay."
What was happening? Weeks of chilly indifference, replaced by… this? Engaging in mundane conversation? Offering opinions?
"Go on. Rest." He dismissed her casually. Still puzzled, Xingchen retreated upstairs.
Alone in the dining room, Bai Yeqing savored another dumpling. The taste seemed… improved.
Seven days. Dinner.
Anticipation, a rare and unwelcome guest, settled in his chest.
...
Seven Days Later - Weekend
Yu Zenan's call woke her at 6 AM sharp. "Gomus Golf Club. Be there."
Xingchen plunged straight into the kitchen.
By the time Bai Yeqing descended, impeccably dressed, Dabai was already seated at the breakfast table like a miniature gentleman.
"Xingchen?" Bai Yeqing asked, unfolding his napkin with practiced ease.
"Big Treasure's cooking!" Dabai announced cheerfully.
"Cooking?" Bai Yeqing glanced at the steward. "This early?"
"Miss Xia mentioned preparing a special dinner to thank someone," the steward explained. "She rose quite early to begin preparations."
"Is that so?" Bai Yeqing's lips twitched faintly. "Tell her there's no need for such effort over a simple supper."
"At once, sir." The steward headed towards the kitchen.
Dabai tilted his head, studying his father. "Daddy, you seem chipper today."
"Tolerable." Bai Yeqing placed a piece of chicken onto Dabai's plate.
Dabai stared at the offering, astonished. This level of good mood?
"Hmm…" Dabai's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Big Treasure wouldn't happen to be cooking your thank-you dinner, would she?"
"Naturally," Bai Yeqing replied, the picture of absolute confidence. "Who else?"
At that moment, Xingchen hurried out of the kitchen, laden with several insulated bags.
"Breakfast, Big Treasure!" Dabai called.
"Sorry, sweetie, I have a breakfast meeting." Xingchen breezed into the room, planting a quick kiss on Dabai's head. "Be good for Daddy today."
She swept out without so much as a glance at the expectant President at the head of the table.
Dabai watched her go, his eyes wide. "Whoa. Big Treasure's totally on a date! Little Bai, did you see? She's all dressed up!"
She didn't need the reminder. Bai Yeqing had noticed instantly. The cool morning air, and she chose a dress? Reckless.
His earlier good mood evaporated like mist. A cold suspicion took root. He set down his fork. "Steward. Fetch Leng Fei."
Moments later, Leng Fei stood attentively before him.
"Morning schedule?" Bai Yeqing's voice was clipped.
"Originally, sir, golf with Signor Meini at Gomus. However, considering your injury..." Leng Fei's voice dipped, his eyes flicking towards Bai Yeqing's concealed chest.
"The engagement stands. Confirm Signor Meini's attendance."
"But sir, the wound…" Leng Fei leaned closer, lowering his voice further. "...And Gomus hasn't been cleared for security."
"No clearance required. Gomus it is. Heightened perimeter security suffices."
"Yes, sir." Leng Fei bowed, recognizing the finality. He hurried off to mobilize the detail and scramble the security protocols for Gomus.
...
Xingchen arrived at the exclusive Gomus Golf Club. At the mention of Yu Zenan's name, attendants ushered her in with practiced deference. She handed her bags to a steward.
"The Second Young Master awaits you in the restaurant. Please follow me."
Second Young Master.
The title confirmed her grandmother's profound misunderstanding. No ordinary teacher warranted such reverence.
The restaurant radiated opulent serenity. Plush carpets, gleaming silver, hushed tones. Few patrons occupied the vast space.
Yu Zenan sat at the center of it all, effortlessly commanding attention in a deep V-neck cashmere sweater and tailored taupe trousers. Casual, yet undeniably elite.
She knew Gomus by reputation, even before her Foreign Ministry days. This wasn't simply wealth; it was rarefied access. A badge of status beyond even her diplomat father's reach.
"Over here!" Yu Zenan spotted her, abandoning his cutlery with a grin and waving enthusiastically.
Xingchen approached, her steps measured. A waiter materialized, pulling out the chair beside Yu Zenan. She sat.
"Morning."
"Too long," Yu Zenan countered, his gaze sweeping over her with appreciative candor – head to toe, deliberate, yet lacking the usual sleaziness. His easy charm and playful insolence made it feel more like a compliment. "Even more stunning than last time."
He leaned back, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "Second Young Master Yu, coated in honey first thing? Or just naturally gifted with the sugar-coated flattery today?"