On one side, Little Six had finally persuaded Hu Ben after a lengthy heart-to-heart talk.
On the other, Jiang Fuyue had just stepped out of Queen when she unexpectedly ran into someone familiar.
Jiang Hua was walking out of the bar next door, arm-in-arm with a woman.
The woman was dressed in a form-fitting short dress that showed off her sizzling figure—exactly the same woman who had been dining at Yufeng Kitchen that afternoon.
Jiang Hua seemed slightly tipsy, cheeks flushed and eyes a bit dazed. His shirt collar was yanked open, hanging loosely.
Another middle-aged man with a big belly tried to stop him. “President Jiang, we’ve barely gone a few rounds—why leave so early? We brothers are still ready to drink more!”
Jiang Hua waved his hand. “No, no… my alcohol tolerance is nothing compared to you, President Qiu. I’d better leave before I embarrass myself.”
President Qiu laughed heartily. “You, still so modest! Alright then, I won’t keep you. That Huasheng order—I trust you with it. Send someone over to sign the contract tomorrow.”
Jiang Hua beamed. “Thank you, Brother Qiu! I’ll definitely treat you to a proper drink another day!”
“Alright, alright,” the middle-aged man waved and turned back inside.
Once outside, the cool wind sobered Jiang Hua instantly. He stood upright, not a trace of drunkenness left—his eyes were clear and alert.
The woman giggled, “Congratulations, President Jiang. This deal alone should net us at least three to five million in profit.”
Jiang Hua smiled and pinched her waist. “Still your sweet mouth, had that old geezer eating out of your hand.”
“Ow… be gentle, that hurts!”
Instead of loosening his grip, Jiang Hua squeezed harder. His eyes grew darker, turbulent beneath the surface. “Tell me—where did that old b*stard touch you?”
The woman’s face went pale. She forced a smile. “How could I let him touch me? I avoided him every time. But you…” She bit her lip, tears welling up. “I helped you land such a big deal, and instead of appreciating me, you accuse me…”
Tears streamed down her cheeks like pear blossoms in the rain.
Seeing her watery eyes, Jiang Hua’s heart softened instantly.
He lowered his voice. “Alright, I was just asking casually. Don’t cry like that—what do you want? I’ll have Little Zhang buy it for you tomorrow.”
The woman sniffled, inwardly sneering.
Casually asking?
Hah… as if she couldn’t tell?
One minute, he wants her dolled up to entertain clients; the next, he’s jealous and suspects her of being dirty.
If he had the guts, he wouldn’t have her flaunt herself around in the first place.
But all that remained unspoken—outwardly, she continued to smile and act demure, knowing just when to be charming and when to appear understanding—
“Then it’s settled. I can have whatever I want.”
Jiang Hua agreed readily. “Of course.”
“But that’s not enough.”
“Oh?”
She leaned into his chest, eyes seductive. “You have to stay with me tonight. No going home.”
Jiang Hua frowned.
“That so hard to agree to? You haven’t stayed at my place in ages. What, sniffed the wildflowers so much you’re missing the ones at home?”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” he chided. “I’ve been busy these days and even went on a business trip. How could I have time for you?”
“Well, you’re not busy now, right?” She pouted. “I helped you land a massive deal—don’t I deserve even this small reward?”
Knowing she had indeed earned her keep—and frankly enjoying her jealous act—Jiang Hua relented. “Fine, I’ll stay tonight. No sleep till sunrise!”
“Ugh, you’re so shameless!”
Laughing loudly, Jiang Hua led her into the car. No sooner had they sat down—window still open—they were already kissing.
She was bold; he enjoyed. Then the roles reversed.
Jiang Fuyue turned her gaze away with a slight click of her tongue.
Who’d have thought her second uncle, nearing fifty, was still this lusty?
Running into him twice in one day—what were the odds?
“Miss?” Liu Jinzhong looked over questioningly—should they intervene?
Jiang Fuyue didn’t even glance over. “Go home.”
Liu Sixi followed without a word.
Liu Jinzhong shot a glance at the entangled couple not far off—shameless, disgraceful!
***
As soon as Jiang Fuyue stepped into the house, she was greeted by a mouthwatering aroma.
Her younger brother brought over her slippers.
She patted his head, changed shoes, and sniffed toward the kitchen. “Dad’s making a late-night snack?”
“Nope. Daddy’s not home yet.”
Jiang Fuyue walked toward the kitchen, her little brother trailing her like a shadow.
If it wasn’t Dad, then the only other possibility was—
“Mom, what are you making? Smells amazing!”
Han Yunru turned around, her face bare of makeup. Seeing her daughter and son, she smiled gently. “Pumpkin stuffed with yam purée.”
Jiang Chenxing sniffed the air like a puppy, circling his mom and sister. “I wanna eat…”
Jiang Fuyue smacked her lips. Okay, she kinda wanted to eat too.
Han Yunru said, “Don’t rush. It’s not ready yet… just two more minutes.”
Two minutes later, she lifted the lid. A cloud of steam rose, revealing a round pumpkin sitting in the pot.
Wearing heatproof gloves, Han Yunru carefully placed the pumpkin on a prepared plate.
The siblings leaned in, heads bumping together.
She pried open the lid with a small knife, revealing thick yam purée inside—its creamy white streaked with touches of pumpkin yellow, visually appealing and mouthwatering.
Han Yunru washed two spoons and handed one to each of them.
Only after Jiang Fuyue took the first bite did her little brother dig in.
“It’s been over ten years since I made this. How’s it taste?”
The hot spoonful burned Jiang Fuyue’s tongue; she couldn’t speak, just nodded and gave her mom a big thumbs-up.
Jiang Chenxing was blowing furiously on his spoon and still muttered, “…Sooo good!”
Han Yunru beamed, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “Slow down. No one’s going to steal it. Aren’t you both afraid of burning your tongues?”
After a few bites, Jiang Fuyue handed over the rest to her little brother.
He didn’t just finish the yam—he scooped the pumpkin clean.
With puree smeared around his lips, he licked them clean with his tongue, clearly still wanting more.
Then he looked up at Han Yunru with puppy eyes. “Mom, is there any more?”
“There was only one pumpkin.”
“Oh…” His little face fell.
“I’ve never had this before…”
Han Yunru replied, “It’s a bit troublesome to make, so I haven’t cooked it in years.”
“Did sister eat it before?”
Han Yunru thought back. When they lived with Mother Jiang and the rest of the family, she used to make it often. But after she and Jiang Da moved out, she stopped.
“Not really.”
“Then can sister and I eat it often from now on?”
“Of course.”
Jiang Chenxing leaned over and rubbed against her like a kitten. “Mommy, you’re the best…”
“And you’re such a good boy.” She stroked his head softly.
A little while later, Jiang Da came home.
First thing he did—look for his wife.
“Yueyue, is your mom home?”
“She’s in the kitchen.”
Changing shoes, he headed straight in.
“Still in the kitchen at this hour? Did you make supper for the kids again?”
Han Yunru gave a light “mm,” placing the washed bowl on the rack. “Came home a bit early today. Chenxing said he was hungry. There was a pumpkin in the house, so I just made something simple.”
Jiang Da glanced into the trash bin—only the thin skin of the pumpkin was left.
“You call that simple?”
He grumbled, “Ever since we moved out, you never made that dish again. I haven’t even had a taste, and the little brat gets the first bite…”
Han Yunru couldn’t help but laugh. “Didn’t you used to say you didn’t like it? Why the grudge now?”
“Who said I didn’t like it?!”
“Keep it down. Don’t shout so late at night…”
“Ahem! I like it.”
Han Yunru raised an eyebrow. “I remember you barely touched it. It was always second brother who ate the most—I thought you didn’t like it.”
Jiang Da rubbed his nose. “I was just holding back…”
He was a good older brother—if his younger brother liked something, he’d give way. No big deal.
But over time, making way became a habit. And others started thinking it was only natural.
“Alright then. If you like it, I’ll make a portion just for you next time.”
Jiang Da: “Don’t give any to that brat!”
“Stop calling him ‘that brat’ all the time—Chenxing’s got sharp ears!”
Just then, a little head poked out from behind the doorway. “Yup, my ears are sharp. Daddy, watch what you say!”
Jiang Da: “…”
Han Yunru laughed so hard she bent over. “Serves you right!”
“Still, you have to make some for me.”
Jiang Chenxing: “Shame shame shame! Daddy’s this old and still acts all spoiled!”
“You little brat, come here! Don’t think I won’t—”
“Bleh!” Jiang Chenxing stuck out his tongue and ran off.
“Wife, your son’s bullying me.”
Han Yunru reached out her hand. Jiang Da immediately bent down, lowering his head. She rubbed his rough hair.
“Alright, stop bickering with your own kid. Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Jiang Da zipped his lips instantly, eyes half-closed, looking just like a big black dog being petted.
