Taming The Hidden Bigshot By Kissing Him
Chapter 753: Is This Male Competition?

Chapter 753: Chapter 753: Is This Male Competition?

As an unwelcome guest, Wan Jiang pushed his Young Master Zhong to occupy the seat on Qiao Xi’s left.

While Huo Xingzhou sat on her right side.

The confrontation was quite obvious.

Qiao Xi was suddenly sandwiched between Huo Xingzhou and Zhong Yi.

She paused for a moment and said, "Sitting like this might be a bit cramped."

Usually, she and Huo Xingzhou would sit alone on one side, and no one else would ever occupy the seats beside her. They’d tactfully sit opposite or in other seats.

This was a long table.

"Oh, Young Master Zhong!"

Sun Weimeng was tactful and pushed Wan Jiang away. He pushed Zhong Yi’s wheelchair and directly moved him to the seat farthest from Qiao Xi.

"Young Master Zhong, in our house, everyone has their own seat at meals. If seats are suddenly changed, we’re not used to it and can’t even eat properly. Since it’s your first time dining at our Huo Family, you might not know our customs. Please sit here; this is the usual guest seat."

Sun Weimeng made it clear that you are a guest, and we are family.

Although he loved the fuss, he couldn’t just let Huo Xingzhou get angry for no reason.

After all, that’s his boss!

Zhong Yi, sitting in the wheelchair, gave Sun Weimeng a glare as sharp as a knife.

But Sun Weimeng, the thick-skinned rogue, wasn’t scared at all.

He even gave Zhong Yi a smile.

Zhong Yi rolled his eyes and said, "I don’t like sitting so far. It doesn’t feel like family with you guys."

In the end, he brazenly sat opposite Qiao Xi.

The dishes were all served.

No one started eating.

Under the table, Qiao Xi tugged at Huo Xingzhou’s sleeve, hoping he wouldn’t bother with a patient. But Huo Xingzhou remained unfazed, not even offering a glance of response.

She stood up and served Huo Xingzhou a bowl of corn spare rib soup, placing it in front of him, saying, "The corn is fresh and tender, and the soup is not greasy. It’s best for nourishing the stomach; have a bowl of soup before the meal."

Huo Xingzhou glanced at the large bowl of green vegetable rice cake soup, picked up the white spoon, and took a gentle sip.

Qiao Xi’s lips curved into a faint smile.

"Xixi."

Across the table, Zhong Yi looked at her kindly and said, "I’m a bit inconvenienced; could you help me with a bowl of green vegetable rice cake soup?"

"...Okay."

Sun Weimeng wanted to stand up and help, but Zhong Yi’s vicious glance pinned him down.

His little heart was racing—couldn’t afford to provoke! No choice but to watch Qiao Xi serve a small bowl of green vegetable rice cake soup to Zhong Yi.

Sun Weimeng licked his lips and said, "I want some too!"

Qiao Xi smiled and served him a bowl as well, "Be careful, it’s hot."

The green vegetable rice cake soup looked clear and plain, with the vegetables finely chopped and the rice cakes cooked to a soft and gooey texture.

The chopsticks would slip when trying to pick it up.

Though it seemed like a bland dish, it exuded a faint aroma.

It felt like home.

The flavor wasn’t top-notch, but it was served with warmth. It seemed like it awakened long-dormant taste buds.

Zhong Yi took a bite, and the familiar taste brought back memories from years ago.

Back then, they had no money, and life in the village was simple yet tough.

But he would cherish it for a lifetime.

The vegetables were crisp and tender, the rice cakes chewy and soft.

"Still the same taste. It reminds me of us gathered for dinner when we were young. I remember you didn’t like eating vegetables, always asking Granny Qiao to beat an egg."

Zhong Yi raised his gaze to Qiao Xi, slowly speaking.

Talking about the past, Qiao Xi’s heart softened halfway: "I always felt the vegetable leaves had a fishy smell; I still can’t get used to it. But the village’s local eggs were popular with city people, so Granny always saved them to sell and pay for my schooling."

So, eating eggs was not a frequent treat when she was a child.

"Now I’ll tell you a secret." Talking about the past, Zhong Yi and Qiao Xi created an atmosphere that nobody else could intrude into.

Their past belonged to them alone, irrelevant to others.

Qiao Xi asked curiously, "What secret?"

Zhong Yi’s eyes were filled with fragmented laughter and tenderness: "Actually, it’s not that I don’t like eating eggs."

Surprise flickered in Qiao Xi’s eyes, then realization: "Were you leaving Grandpa Cheng’s eggs...for me to eat?"

"You were too skinny back then, worried you wouldn’t grow up. Sharing a boiled egg with you every day at least provided some nutrition."

Zhong Yi did many small things for her, never boasting about them.

As a proud teenager, he didn’t like being fussy.

Sometimes, expressions of goodwill were awkward. But youthful feelings are the purest, whether romantic or familial.

Only after many years did Qiao Xi understand his hidden feelings. She thought, if they hadn’t reunited, would she have never known about these things all her life?

How many other little secrets was he hiding?

"Ayi..."

Qiao Xi called softly and said, "If you ever feel lonely eating alone, you can come find us. It’ll be much livelier with our whole family eating together."

"Okay."

Zhong Yi responded lightly and even glanced at Huo Xingzhou.

Seeing this, Sun Weimeng nearly choked on his rice cake from laughter!

This was a provocation!

Definitely a provocation!

It was his first time witnessing such direct, ominous jealousy—the showdown between the big shot of Haicheng and the big shot of the Imperial Capital!

How thrilling!

More thrilling than the competition in nightclubs!

"Cough, cough, cough..." Sun Weimeng clutched his chest, coughing non-stop, while Xiaoyun considerately poured him a glass of water.

"Thank you."

Sun Weimeng took a big gulp to ease himself a bit.

But his coughing had shattered the earlier warmth. His face flushed as he said, "Everyone, eat! Don’t just look at me! The soup rice cake was so good, I choked from eating too eagerly. Qiao Xi, you should make it more often at home."

Qiao Xi nodded with a smile and agreed.

Huo Xingzhou, not quite fond of him, sneered indirectly, "If you want to eat it, you can have Haicheng’s chefs make it; why trouble my wife! She’s not to be overworked and needs rest. The kitchen’s smoke and fire aren’t places she should frequently visit."

Sun Weimeng hurriedly nodded, "It’s my thoughtlessness!"

Meanwhile, Zhong Yi elegantly chewed a piece of rice cake, his eyes slightly indifferent.

That was directed at him.

He ate with a lowered head, his presence seeming somewhat lonely.

Qiao Xi pressed her lips together and spoke up, "It’s not really a bother. You can tell me whatever you’d like to eat. After all, you being alive is my greatest surprise."

It’s just a few meals.

She didn’t think it was a hardship.

Zhong Yi looked up, his exquisite, noble face revealing a sincere smile.

"Alright, I’ll come often."

Qiao Xi smiled back at him. She noticed Xiaoyun carrying a tray upstairs and suddenly remembered something.

Qiao Xi solemnly said, "Ayi, there’s something I want to tell you. I hope you’re not too shocked after you hear it."