Listening to Mrs. Shi say this, he slightly lifted his eyes and looked at her, then slowly opened his lips, his voice gentle, "Mom, I'm not a kid anymore, I'm doing quite well living outside."
In this simple sentence, although he didn't say anything for Ling Chuxia, it indirectly helped her out of some difficulties, and Ling Chuxia couldn't help but glance at Shi Che.
Mrs. Shi complained with dissatisfaction, "Yes, you're living well, so much that you forget about coming back to see me, leaving this old woman at home alone."
"Didn't I just come back now?"
Shi Che's voice remained calm, without any sweet words, yet it was enough to make Mrs. Shi smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners, making her appear like a completely different person compared to the imposing presence she had just now.
"Alright, since you rarely come home, I must have the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes and give you a good treat."
After Mrs. Shi spoke, she glanced at Ling Chuxia, who immediately understood, "Madam, I'll go instruct the kitchen."
Mrs. Shi nodded, and Ling Chuxia stood up, retreated two steps slightly, then turned and walked towards the kitchen.
Shi Che's gaze subtly followed Ling Chuxia, watching her tense back fade into the distance.
-
Shi Che's likes, dislikes, requirements, and taboos regarding food were things Ling Chuxia naturally knew by heart.
She entered the kitchen and carefully instructed the cook, making sure to explain even the smallest details clearly, fearing any mistakes.
Because the previous head chef had retired, the new chef had been recruited from a famous five-star hotel, having only worked for a few months, he was completely unfamiliar with Shi Che's tastes. Moreover, Shi Che was extremely picky about food and would not take a single bite if it didn't suit his palate.
Listening to Ling Chuxia's thorough instructions, the cook couldn't help but exclaim, "Young Master Shi is so picky, and yet you remember every little detail so clearly, Young Madam. It's remarkable!"
Pausing, he chuckled and said, "It seems Young Madam and Young Master are very much in love!"
A flicker of light flashed in Ling Chuxia's eyes, a trace of bitterness passing through.
Shi Che's likes, dislikes, living habits, and hobbies were things she had known by heart from a very young age. How could she not be clear?
As for being in love...
Her relationship with Shi Che had nothing to do with the word "love." He only ever disliked her and had only disdain for her.
As for her, she could only 'like' him.
Ling Chuxia pretended not to hear the chef's words, curved her lips slightly, and smiled gently at him, "Thank you very much."
"No problem, Young Madam."
Having finished her instructions, Ling Chuxia walked out of the kitchen and towards the living room. However, as she walked, her steps involuntarily slowed down, each one almost requiring several steps to complete.
Mrs. Shi alone put enough pressure on her, and now with Shi Che there too, she wished she never had to walk back into the living room again.