“Wow, what a handsome man! So much more attractive than those young idols in the entertainment industry.”
Jiang Mengning had seen all kinds of beautiful men, but none could compare to the one standing before her—a walking bundle of raw masculinity.
Sharing a bed with a man like this? How could anyone possibly dislike him?
In the novel, the original Jiang Mengning had actually disliked Huo Jinyan.
Thinking about it, it was a miracle they even got married.
The original Jiang Mengning was the daughter of a wealthy capitalist, pampered by her family.
But because of the times, their family was expropriated and sent away.
Her grandfather, worried that his youngest granddaughter wouldn’t survive in the countryside, decided to find her a protector. At the time, only high-ranking, loyal government officials could serve as a safe backing.
The grandfather set his sights on Huo Jinyan.
Originally, Huo Jinyan had once saved the grandfather’s life. To repay him, the grandfather invited Huo Jinyan to his home. At the dinner table, cups were raised, and drugs were secretly slipped into the wine. Huo Jinyan became intoxicated. The original Jiang Mengning entered the scene; one night together, and though nothing had “cooked” yet, she was falsely blamed for losing her virginity. Huo had no choice but to marry her.
The original Jiang Mengning had no real interest in Huo Jinyan. He was a rural-born man, already divorced, and she had a lover in the dance hall she preferred. She only married him to survive in the chaotic era.
Not long after their marriage, her grandfather passed away from illness. He had lived a righteous life and, in his final moments, was willing to risk his own reputation to secure a future for his granddaughter. Truly, he loved her with his life.
Huo Jinyan noticed Jiang Mengning watching him, but he didn’t look at her. He cleaned up the little girl, ruffled her hair, and said:
“Go play! Daddy will make you egg noodles.”
“Oh, okay.”
Xiao Niannian obediently agreed.
She had just eaten a century egg and now would have egg noodles—she felt so happy! She walked to her stepmother respectfully:
“Mom, can I go out to play?”
“Go ahead, but don’t go too far. There are bad people outside. Be careful not to get taken by the wolf grandmother.”
…Wolf grandmother? There was no wolf grandmother in the courtyard!
But it didn’t matter—her mom had allowed her to go out to play, and that was wonderful.
“Okay, Mom. I won’t go far, just outside.” She obediently went out.
Rarely, Huo Jinyan glanced at Jiang Mengning.
She… still cared for people? Ridiculous.
Surely she was up to some trick again. Ignoring her, he went to the stove and grabbed two eggs.
He poured oil into the pan. Once heated, he cracked the eggs in with one hand. Sizzle, crackle—the sound filled the kitchen. The eggs quickly turned golden on both sides.
They were perfectly cooked—clearly the work of someone skilled in the kitchen.
The aroma drew Jiang Mengning over.
She hadn’t been hungry before, but now her stomach growled. Leaning close to the pan, she sniffed and sighed in satisfaction.
“Wow, it smells amazing! Looks so delicious.” Her voice and expression were a little affected… hmm, she had to act like a gentle lady in front of a soldier.
A soldier who could cook! How delightful.
Huo Jinyan stared at her as if she were insane. What was wrong with her? Shouldn’t she normally stay out of the kitchen, scorn his cooking, and complain it was inedible? Today, the sun was rising in the west or what?
His Adam’s apple moved nervously as he smelled her perfume, and he instinctively stepped back.
Jiang Mengning paid no attention—her eyes were fixed on the eggs. She pointed at the prettier egg and said:
“I want to eat that one later.”
She was overly familiar, completely unaware of how scandalous her behavior was for her character.
The man’s voice, emotionless, said:
“I didn’t say it was for you.”
“You’re lying!”
“I—”
“What do you mean ‘I’? You’re lying! Who uses two eggs for egg noodles? You’re cooking them for the little one—she can’t eat two, so one must be mine!”
“Oh, you’re ridiculous. If you wanted to cook for me, just say so. I wouldn’t mind at all. In fact, I quite like a man who can cook. You can cook for me for the rest of my life.”
When it came to flirting, Jiang Mengning could confidently claim second place—no one would dare to argue first. She knew all thirty-six tricks of the art of teasing and could manipulate someone effortlessly.
Huo Jinyan’s ears turned red. He felt… teased. Embarrassed and annoyed.
“You’re talking nonsense!” he said, not wanting to speak to her further. He picked up a plate to transfer the eggs.
“Move away…”
“Ah!” Jiang Mengning had been enjoying herself too much when the oil suddenly splattered, burning the edge of her lips. Pain shot through her. Her prized face—her perfect beauty—couldn’t be ruined! She quickly leaned over the water basin to check her reflection. Luckily, the burn was minor.
She valued her face above all; even a pimple would upset her for half a day. She glared at Huo Jinyan with a pouty, wronged expression.
Huo Jinyan immediately panicked.
“I… I just wanted you to step back.”
“Hmph, but my lips hurt now. Kiss me— I heard kissing relieves pain.”
Within three seconds, she was already speaking nonsense again.
Huo Jinyan turned bright red with embarrassment. Being nearly eight years older than her, he felt utterly flustered being teased by this little girl. He didn’t want to talk, only to work.
He plated the eggs, added water, boiled the noodles, and scooped them out. Sure enough, he had cooked two portions—one bowl had an egg. Placing the bowl on the table, he arranged the chopsticks stiffly and said:
“Eat.”
He felt a little guilty. After all, he had intruded into her room earlier… better not think about it, or his body would heat up just recalling it.
Jiang Mengning was truly hungry—she didn’t lie.
She sat down at the table and picked up her chopsticks, reminding him:
“Go call Niannian back.”
Huo Jinyan glanced at her but said nothing, preparing to leave.
“Ah, don’t drag me! I hate you!” Xiao Niannian’s voice suddenly rang out, with a hint of crying.
Huo Jinyan heard her and immediately went out.