Chapter 26: Are You Jealous (Part 2)

Inside, mostly men were around, and some nudged each other upon seeing her.

“Look.”

The girl entering seemed young, with smooth, fair cheeks. No one called her “beautiful,” a term so overused these days that it felt meaningless. Regardless of her aloof expression, her beauty was undeniable.

Unimpressed by those around her, she headed to the VR shooting area, where she finally saw the person she’d been looking for.

“Bravo, Young Master Lan!”

“You’re amazing, Lan! Nailed two shots again!”

“That last shot was incredible!”

…

Lan Lingyun, glowing with pride, took off his VR goggles, a bit annoyed when the praise suddenly stopped.

Through the glass door, he saw a girl watching him, a spoon in her mouth, her head tilted curiously.

Lan Lingyun stared, feeling as if time had paused. She looked like she had stepped straight out of his dreams, beautiful in a way that defied logic.

Everyone else had their eyes on Dai Ning, but she was only interested in the ships displayed on the screens. Seeing Lan Lingyun stop playing, she put on a bored expression and turned to leave.

Lan Lingyun tossed his VR goggles aside and chased after her without hesitation.

“Wait, wait!”

Qingtuan, floating in her mind, finally understood who would be treating Dai Ning to a meal.

It was beginning to find its contract partner more and more unpredictable. How did Dai Ning know about Lan Lingyun in the first place?

If only Zhao Yu were as easy to win over as Lan Lingyun. But Zhao Yu was as steady as a rock, and his rational side was far too resolute.

—

When Zhao Yu finished his meeting, it was dinnertime. He said, “The hotel food is basic. I won’t keep Miss Lan any longer.”

Lan Rongrong smiled brightly. “No worries. I’ll wait for the day when we all celebrate together.”

Zhao Yu remained noncommittal.

Du Tian watched Lan Rongrong’s departing figure from upstairs, taking a deep breath. She resented that the heavens hadn’t given her a favorable identity upon her reincarnation. As a farm girl, she couldn’t assist Zhao Yu in any meaningful way and could only watch helplessly.

But there was something odd—Zhao Yu had been in meetings all afternoon. Why hadn’t Dai Ning caused any trouble?

As soon as Lan Rongrong left, Zhao Yu asked Liu Shuan, “Did the young miss eat this afternoon?”

Liu Shuan looked puzzled. “No, I didn’t see her.”

Zhao Yu frowned, worried she might really have gone hungry this time, surprisingly without making a fuss or whining.

He went upstairs and knocked on her door. “Ji Dai Ning, come out for dinner.”

No one answered.

He lowered his voice, “Don’t be stubborn. Aren’t you feeling uncomfortable by now?”

…

He paused, relenting a little. “Open the door, and I’ll get you something good to eat tonight.”

Still no response. His chest tightened with worry, and he had the hotel staff unlock the door. The room was empty.

Zhao Yu’s expression darkened.

Liu Shuan sensed the situation and tried to calm him down. “Don’t worry, Brother Yu. I doubt the Shen people would deliberately target the young miss. She probably went out without anyone noticing.”

Zhao Yu knew that was likely true and asked the hotel to check the surveillance cameras. Sure enough, he saw Dai Ning leaving through the main entrance in the afternoon.

A pang of frustration hit him; he’d only taken his eyes off her briefly, and she was causing trouble again.

Zhao Yu instructed, “Liu Shuan, keep an eye on everyone else. I’m going out to find her.”

“B-brother Yu, you might not need to. The young miss just returned.”

Following Liu Shuan’s gaze, Zhao Yu saw a red sports car pull up. Dai Ning sat in the car, happily eating an ice cream.

A man got out first to open her door.

Afterward, he retrieved a bag of treats: cotton candy, strawberry shaved ice, and a carved pineapple stuffed with mixed fruit.

Dai Ning shook her head, turning down the treats.

Lan Lingyun looked visibly disappointed.

Ignoring him, she walked cheerfully back toward the hotel, happy to see Zhao Yu and Liu Shuan.

When Lan Lingyun followed her, holding a cotton candy, he said, “Ning Ning, what do you want to eat tomorrow? Tell me in advance so I can…”

Dai Ning interrupted, “No, no, you’re so annoying!”

Flustered, Lan Lingyun stammered, “I-I won’t say anything else.”

Not caring about his feelings, she skipped happily over to Zhao Yu, announcing, “I’m back!”

Zhao Yu looked at her ice cream, then at the hopeful Lan Lingyun outside. His lips tightened, and he turned away without a word.

Not even a mocking, “Had enough fun?”

Liu Shuan sighed, seeing her confusion. “Miss Ji, Brother Yu was genuinely worried about you just now.”

Dai Ning, upset at Zhao Yu’s coldness, retorted, “He doesn’t care about me. Leave me alone—I don’t like any of you.”

Worried, Liu Shuan stepped aside, not wanting to be caught in her irritation.

Back in her room, Dai Ning thought about whether to digest her food a bit first or go pick a fight with Zhao Yu to aid digestion. But before she could decide, Zhao Yu was already at her door.

His expression cold, he said, “I have to warn you: Chief Kang told me that people have seen Shen Tu forces nearby. If you don’t value your life, go ahead and try sneaking out tomorrow.”

She wasn’t convinced. “Really?”

“Think whatever you want.” Zhao Yu turned to leave.

“Wait,” Dai Ning ran over, serious now. “Since there’s danger, I’ve decided not to go out. Young Master Lan will deliver food to me, so could you pick it up for me?”

Each word she said made Zhao Yu’s expression darker. Clever, Ji Dai Ning.

“No.”

Dai Ning grabbed his collar, studying his face. “Why are you mad? Are you…jealous?”

He pushed her away. “Get over yourself.”

He turned to go, but she jumped on his back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her laughter was light as a bell. “Zhao Yu, you’re totally jealous!”

He kept a straight face, letting out a sarcastic laugh.

“Heh.”

Unfazed by the ridicule, she nuzzled her cheek against his neck. “Zhao Yu, I’ve been starving the past few days. I don’t want Young Master Lan’s food; make something for me, please?”

He stayed silent.

“Zhao Yu,” she pouted, “I’ve gotten so skinny from hunger. Just between us, can’t you secretly cook for me?”

“Get down. Don’t cling to me.”

“So, is that a yes?”

“…”

She playfully nipped his neck and sweetly coaxed, “I’m starving. Please say yes?”

Covering her mouth, he commanded, “Quiet.”

He pulled her off his back, his voice low and serious. “If you sneak out again…”

“Then… I’ll never come back!” Seeing his scowl deepen, she quickly added, “Or, um, I’ll lose one-thousandth of my beauty!”

An odd vow for most, but given her vanity, it was nearly a curse.

Zhao Yu’s expression softened. “Remember what you just said.”

She nodded, knowing he’d agreed and confidently listed her order, “Tomorrow, I want lemon-scented red bean soup, braised meatballs, and spicy chicken.”

He frowned slightly but still replied, “Okay.”

“The red bean soup should be very sweet, and the chicken extra spicy.”

“Okay.”

“And if Lan Lingyun delivers food tomorrow…” She hesitated, missing the crab he’d promised, and looked at Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu’s dark gaze rose.

She promptly declared, “I won’t touch it!”