Chapter 57.3
Editor: Jodi
Support the site + read ad-free for just 12 coins a chapter.
“Xiao Ci is making cream of mushroom soup. You’ll all get to try it soon!” Cheng Yun announced as he dried his hands and returned to the table after washing vegetables.
Those who knew Shen Ci well were stunned and amused. This was a young master who never lifted a finger for anything—what did he know about cooking?
Wei Shuo: “Oh? Impressive! This is definitely a moment to remember. The first bite has to be mine!”
Shao Jinhuan glanced at him quietly before taking a sip of water.
Lu Xiao smiled faintly, his expression calm and gentle.
Min Shoubei, on the other hand, let out a cold snort, his gaze sharp and full of warning as he glared at Wei Shuo.
Wei Shuo: “…”
“I’m here!” Shen Ci came over, carrying a large bowl of soup, his face glowing with pride. He set it down on the table where his acquaintances were seated.
The atmosphere at the table grew tense. Shen Ci, however, was blissfully unaware, too caught up in his excitement over having successfully made a big pot of soup.
Wei Shuo silently observed as a few powerful figures shifted subtly, clearly eager to claim the first bowl. He wisely decided to stay put.
“I’ll go first.” Shao Jinhuan finally stood up, unable to hold back anymore, and reached out.
“There’s no need, there’s no need!” Shen Ci blocked him quickly then ladled three to four small bowls efficiently, pushing them toward the women first.
“Ladies first!” He smiled happily, then watched the women begin sipping before he turned back to serve more bowls.
The three influential figures deflated a little collectively: “…”
Wei Shuo applauded Shen “Equal Opportunity” Ci in his heart silently. If this wasn’t worth an award, what was?
“Is it delicious?” Shen Ci’s eyes sparkled as he looked expectantly at those who had just taken their first sip of the soup
Those who drank the first spoonful: “…..”
Wei Shuo barely managed to stop himself from spitting it out. However with Shen Ci showing such a puppy-like expression, who could bear to tell the truth?
Forget it. For the sake of how cute he was, he would just forgive him for his terrible cooking skills…
But what shocked Wei Shuo was that the three bigshots who didn’t get the first sip actually drank several mouthfuls in a row.
“It’s pretty good.” Lu Xiao said gently.
Shao Jinhuan nodded in agreement.
Min Shoubei, without a word, downed half a bowl in one go.
Shen Ci’s joy lit up his whole face, his crescent-shaped eyes shining like they were filled with stars, overly beautiful.
Since there wasn’t enough soup, Shen Ci didn’t keep any for himself, but seeing everyone smiling so happily, it must taste great, right?
Feeling a bit proud, he thought back to the last time he’d made hangover soup—it turns out he did have a knack for cooking after all.
Only Wei Shuo was left rubbing his mouth suspiciously, could it be that his tongue was defective or that his taste buds were broken?!
**
Shen Ci let loose a bit tonight, even drinking some cocktails.
Alcohol always hit Shen Ci fast, so after a few glasses, his cheeks were already flushed red, his smile looking foolish.
“Alright, stop drinking.” Lu Xiao patted his shoulder lightly.
Shen Ci wasn’t happy: “Just this? I can drink more!”
Lu Xiao, helpless, pinched his soft cheeks, his gaze full of indulgence. “Don’t come crying to me later when your stomach hurts.”
Shen Ci huffed and continued drinking.
After a few more drinks, his baby’s courage and stubbornness had clearly grown, leaving Lu Xiao at a complete loss.
When Shen Ci downed yet another glass, he suddenly felt the need to go to the restroom. Wobbling slightly, he stood up.
Lu Xiao started to follow, however he pushed him back down by the shoulders, pouting. “I’m just going to the bathroom! It’s right over there.”
Lu Xiao followed the direction Shen Ci pointed and, seeing it wasn’t far, let him go alone reluctantly.
However even after five minutes had passed, Shen Ci still hadn’t returned. Everyone started to sense that something was wrong.
Lu Xiao’s brows furrowed, an uneasy feeling creeping into his heart.
He stood up. “I’ll go check.”
“I’ll come too.”
Min Shoubei also stood up, and in the end, half the table got up, including the cameraman, who followed with his camera eagerly, ready to catch some juicy footage.
However after searching the public restroom thoroughly and not finding a trace of Shen Ci, panic set in.
“Frick! Where is Xiao Ci?!” Wei Shuo’s eyes reddened with worry as he began circling the area anxiously.
Lu Xiao’s brows were furrowed tightly, his expression icy and terrifying, the faint smile he usually wore completely gone.
His baby actually disappeared right under his nose… damn it!
His jaw clenching, he scanned the area quickly. He didn’t think Shen Ci could have gone far in such a short time. Then his sharp gaze landed on a dense patch of bushes nearby.
However seeing Lu Xiao suddenly head toward the bushes, Jiang Shu suddenly shouted, “Could he be in that thicket? I’ll check!”
She didn’t even wait for anyone to respond and ran after Lu Xiao hurriedly, trying to catch up with him.
No! If Lu Xiao found Shen Ci first, all her efforts would go to waste!
Lu Xiao walked quickly toward the bushes, and faint muffled sounds caught his attention.
“…Don’t scream… Cut it off!”
“Wuu…”
Baby!
He bolted forward, his pace quickening into a full sprint. However just as he reached out to push aside the thick branches, a figure suddenly tumbled out of the bushes!
It was Shen Ci. Lu Xiao bent down immediately, half-kneeling as he caught him, but before he could fully steady him, a burly man emerged from the bushes with a fierce expression, a sharp blade glinting coldly in his hand.
Lu Xiao’s eyes turned dark and sinister, his suppressed rage burning intensely as if he wanted to devour someone.
The man lunged forward to grab Shen Ci, however Lu Xiao struck first. And with a swift punch to the gut, the man doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach.
“Damn it…..”
Where was the woman who said she would come to receive him? How come this guy who wasn’t someone he could mess with had shown up!
Screw it. Since they’d been discovered, what was the point of holding back? “Don’t harm anyone” his foot! Was he supposed to just accept this beating that could make him become childless?
Furious, he clenched his blade tighter and, fueled by spite, thrust the knife downward—directly toward the disobedient vase who was lying vulnerable just inches away.
Lu Xiao’s position made it impossible for him to block in time. Acting purely on instinct, he threw himself forcefully at the man, colliding with full strength. The man staggered back from the impact, however his knife jerked upward in the chaos. Then the sharp tip slashed across Lu Xiao’s neck.
Lu Xiao grunted in pain, his brows furrowing as hot bl*od, bright red, spurted from the wound everywhere.
Shen Ci’s pupils constricted in terror. The lingering haze of alcohol vanished instantly as his cries and roars tore through the night.
“Little Uncle!!!”