Volume 1 Chapter 20: Kitchen
The photographer was startled, his tongue stumbling uncontrollably: “M-Mr. Li, I…”
Li Xuzhou nodded, not bothering to hold it against him. He took off his overcoat and handed it to a servant: “Miss Yuan, Miss Guan.”
A slight smile appeared on his face: “Ruan Yu.”
Ruan Yu inexplicably blushed: “Mm, Mr. Li.” She had been quite bold on the messaging app recently, so Li Xuzhou rarely saw her this shy. He couldn’t help but reach out and stroke her hair.
Guan Man’s expression stiffened slightly. Although she had convinced herself to give up, over a decade of feelings couldn’t be let go so easily. She took a deep breath, still unwilling to lose her composure, and maintained a proper smile.
Just as they were about to leave, Li Xuzhou draped his suit jacket over his arm: “I selected a few cars recently. Someone will bring them over later. If any of you ladies like one, I’ll have it delivered to your homes.”
Guan Man guessed this was a thank-you gift for accompanying Ruan Yu and nodded graciously: “Thank you, Mr. Li.”
After receiving the photos, Yuan Lele first dismissed the photographer, then winked: “In exchange, this ‘precious item’ is for you.” She handed a stack of photos to Li Xuzhou: “The digital versions will have to wait for the photographer to send them to me.”
Li Xuzhou smiled: “Thank you. I won’t disturb you all any longer.” He went upstairs first.
Guan Man spoke up: “There’s an outdoor gala in Prague next Thursday. Are you all going?”
Yuan Lele raised an eyebrow, remembering something: “The one hosted by the youngest son of Xue Electronics, right? That prodigal son.”
Guan Man nodded: “That’s the one.”
Ruan Yu looked over curiously; she also knew a bit about the Xue Clan.
Xue Electronics went public five years ago and has grown to a massive scale today. Although it can’t compare to Li Xuzhou’s Huayang, it’s still a leader in the industry. The group’s founding story is quite inspiring, embodying the lifelong efforts of the Xue Clan’s chairman. Yet even such a legendary entrepreneurial history couldn’t withstand the youngest son Xue Zhe’s extravagant spending and numerous scandals.
The Xue family also has an eldest daughter, born to the chairman’s ex-wife. She once served as CEO of Xue Electronics for half a year. Her methods were quite skillful, and during that time, Xue’s stock soared like a rocket. However, due to the old-fashioned thinking of her father, who is still hesitating over which child to pass the company to, she is currently under observation.
Xue Zhe is hosting this gala to win people over, attract more investment, and make one last struggle.
Yuan Lele said disdainfully: “He just doesn’t want to lose too embarrassingly, doing nothing but useless work.” Guan Man agreed.
The main reason Ruan Yu remembered him was because whenever she searched for Li Xuzhou online, Xue Zhe’s name would often appear in related search terms—always boasting about surpassing Huayang within three years, hinting at Li Xuzhou’s decision-making abilities, and so on. It was already an open provocation, but Li Xuzhou had never responded. Ruan Yu could guess it was probably because Li Xuzhou didn’t care. She could already picture Li Xuzhou’s cold expression and Xue Zhe throwing a tantrum like a clown.
Yuan Lele and Guan Man were also well aware of these matters. His antics were treated as jokes within their circle.
Yuan Lele said with a smile: “Chen Zi will be going too. Since taking over her company, she’s negotiated many new collaborations. This one is with Xue’s.”
Guan Man: “Then let’s all four go together. It’s a seven-hour flight; I’ll book the tickets for you first.”
Ruan Yu remembered her passport was still at the Ruan family home: “I’ll go back tomorrow to get my passport, so I’ll book my own ticket.”
Guan Man shook her head: “It’s fine, we can book later. Let’s just book together.”
Yuan Lele picked up her bag: “That’s all for today. I’m going to look at some cars, and then I have to go to the salon~” She blew them a kiss and left first.
Guan Man and Yuan Lele each chose a sports car and an SUV. Later in the day, Guan Man even sent over a bottle of Haut-Brion with a note saying it was a gift in return for the sports car.
Li Xuzhou tested the temperature of the red wine—it was just right—and declined Steward Zhou’s offer to pour: “Please rest, I’ll take care of it.”
He sniffed the cork, detecting only fruity and wine aromas, then raised an eyebrow. Notes of blackcurrant, chocolate, and toasted oak. He poured a little to taste—rich, smooth, and not astringent.
Just as he was about to go upstairs to invite Ruan Yu, she came pattering down.
“Let me have a taste too,” she said naturally, standing with Li Xuzhou in the kitchen.
Li Xuzhou smiled, opened the cabinet, and selected two crystal glasses: “Let’s pair it with some cheese.” He went to find some strong-flavored snacks. He had considered roasting lamb chops but dismissed the idea, thinking it wouldn’t be easy for Ruan Yu to digest before bed.
As he sliced the cheese and added some nuts, he lowered his voice and asked gently, “Want some of this?”
Ruan Yu leaned against the countertop, quietly watching his movements. Her weight shifted to her right foot while her left foot tapped restlessly, a relaxed and carefree posture. When asked if she wanted some, she replied seriously, “Yes.”
At times like this, a small curve would appear at the corner of Li Xuzhou’s mouth.
Ruan Yu couldn’t suppress the restlessness in her heart. The man had already removed his tie, unbuttoned his collar, and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, revealing his firm, bronze-toned forearms—a sight both strong and sensual. As he moved, the faint outline of his muscles was visible. His sharp facial features had softened, exuding the unique charm of a mature man.
Ruan Yu licked her lips, feeling hungry again.
Just as Li Xuzhou was about to carry the food out, Ruan Yu mischievously hugged him from behind. His waist was firm too, with six-pack abs that her thighs had become familiar with even before her arms.
“Don’t move. You can only leave after you kiss me.”
Her hands slid over his waist, counting as she touched: “One, two, three… Ah!”
Before she could finish counting, Li Xuzhou set the food down, turned around, and pulled her into a tight embrace.
He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his hot breath fanning over her skin, turning it a faint pink.
His breathing was heavy, his arms holding Ruan Yu tightly. His large hands stroked her back with considerable force, keeping her firmly within his territory.
His actions were anything but innocent, and Ruan Yu’s mind turned to mush—that was the only thought she could muster.
Sensing her confusion, Li Xuzhou chuckled, “Naughty girl, you’re too inexperienced.”
The double meaning made Ruan Yu melt into his embrace, a little annoyed: “I have plenty of experience, no less than you.”
This was clearly a bluff, and Li Xuzhou saw right through it. His lips brushed her ear, his hoarse voice making her whole body heat up: “Then, Teacher Ruan, will you teach me hands-on from now on?”
“Mm…” Ruan Yu couldn’t help but let out a soft whimper, covering her mouth.
As a true theory enthusiast, she still felt a bit inexperienced when facing Li Xuzhou. She nudged him and said, “I’m hungry, I want to eat something.” After saying that, she took her wine glass and hurried ahead. Li Xuzhou couldn’t hide his smile, and only after calming himself did he follow her out.
A few days later, at the Ruan family home.
“Mom, Dad, I’m back.”
Lu Yuan impatiently asked the maid to open the door. When it opened, she saw a stunningly beautiful girl standing gracefully at the entrance, with a tall, handsome man in a tailored suit standing behind her. His expression was stern, and he nodded toward them.
“I thought you’d want to meet Mr. Li, so I took the liberty of inviting him,” Ruan Yu blinked. “Are you happy, Mom and Dad?”