The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era
Chapter 114: Inviting the Mother and Child to Dinner

Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Inviting the Mother and Child to Dinner

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Looking at the top-tier Wagyu beef set meal that the waiter brought to the table, Shen Mingzhu quickly spoke up to stop them, "You’ve got it wrong, this isn’t what we ordered."

"Ms. Shen, this is at the instruction of Mr. Yan. You and the young master can just go ahead and enjoy the meal; the expenses for your table tonight will be charged to Mr. Yan’s account."

Upon learning that it was Yan Yi’s doing, Shen Mingzhu subconsciously looked towards where Yan Yi was sitting.

He was conversing with a young woman, all smiles and at ease.

She thought about it and decided not to rashly disturb them.

Since the steak was already served, it couldn’t be returned, so just eat, she thought, and she could repay him the meal cost when they met next.

Thus, Shen Mingzhu picked up her knife and fork and started eating happily with Pei Ziheng.

The top-tier filet mignon was indeed different; the surface of the steak was seared to a crispy and fragrant perfection, evenly sprinkled with black pepper and salt grains. Cutting into it, the interior of the meat revealed a beautiful pink hue, neither overdone nor undercooked, with just the right level of doneness.

Shen Mingzhu forked a piece and fed it to Pei Ziheng first, watching his plump and tender cheeks slowly chew, he looked as adorable as a little hamster, giving her a sense of satisfaction akin to a pet keeper.

Pei Ziheng was small, and so was his appetite; he was full after just a few bites.

"Mom, I’m going to the restroom."

Shen Mingzhu looked at him, "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No need, I know where it is."

"Such a good boy. Then go and come back quickly, and don’t talk to strangers," she said.

"Oh."

After going to the restroom, Pei Ziheng didn’t return to the table immediately, but instead approached the cashier to inquire about the cost of their meal that evening.

Afterward, he walked with his little legs towards where Yan Yi was sitting.

"Uncle Yan."

Yan Yi looked at him with a smile, his tone indulgent towards the child, "Is there anything else you’d like to eat? You can just tell the waiter."

Pei Ziheng shook his head, "It’s not that. My mom and I are done eating; I just came to thank you."

Yan Yi said it was no big deal, but his gaze involuntarily swept over toward Shen Mingzhu.

The tender filet mignon melted in the mouth, rich with the flavor of milk, delicious even without any sauce. Shen Mingzhu savored each bite with relish.

Watching her enjoy her meal, a trace of amusement crossed Yan Yi’s eyes.

Pei Ziheng, noticing his subtle expressions, wore a cool expression on his little face, "Uncle Yan, my dad has always taught me that I shouldn’t accept rewards without merit. Although your intentions are good, my mom and I are neither kith nor kin to you, and we can’t just accept your kindness. Otherwise, my dad will scold me when he finds out. When I get home, I’ll have my dad send the meal cost to the restaurant. I’ve said my piece, so I won’t disturb your meal any longer. Goodbye."

Watching Pei Ziheng’s small but straight-backed figure walk away, Yan Yi couldn’t help but chuckle.

Yan Su saw him laughing and couldn’t help but turn her head to glance in Shen Mingzhu and her son’s direction.

"Xiaoyi, I’ve been wanting to ask you, what exactly is your relationship with her?" she said.

Yan Yi thought for a moment and replied with a smile, "Classmates."

Yan Su stared at him skeptically, "Is it really just mere classmates? When have you ever been one to meddle in other people’s business like this?"

"I just did it on a whim," Yan Yi replied nonchalantly, sipping his red wine.

Yan Su scoffed, "Don’t try to fool me. I warn you, she’s a married woman, and as you’ve seen, she doesn’t appreciate your favor, which is why she sent her son to set boundaries with you. Don’t get any foolish ideas."

Yan Yi laughed softly, "Sis, it’s just a meal. Are you really that worried?"

But Yan Su wasn’t as nonchalant as Yan Yi, because she knew her brother all too well: outwardly gentle and restrained, yet inherently unconventional.

It seemed she would have to arrange a matchmaking session for her brother sooner rather than later.

Yan Su pondered to herself, and she didn’t forget to reiterate her warning, "Anyway, I’ve made myself clear: don’t even think about crossing the line. Otherwise, see if dad won’t beat your legs."

"Don’t worry, sis, I’m an adult and know my limits," he reassured her.

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Hearing him say that, Yan Su also said no more.

She knew all too well the principle that too much was as bad as too little, in case her brother had no thoughts about this female classmate, and being prompted by her would be detrimental.

After eating for a while longer, Yan Su stood up to go to the bathroom.

Yan Yi relaxed against the leather chair back, gently swirling the glass of red wine in his hand, but his gaze unabashedly focused in the direction of Shen Mingzhu.

He had thought that after she learned he was the owner of the restaurant, her attitude towards him would at least change somewhat.

But it turned out, to her, he was less appealing than an ordinary steak on the table.

She was not sycophantic, did not ingratiate herself, and was neither humble nor haughty; she was confident and independent, without the timidity and ignorance of rural women, nor the affectation and pretentiousness of city girls.

It felt as if she didn’t quite belong to this era.

Yan Yi tipped his head back for a sip of red wine, his eyes flickered with an interest that even he hadn’t realized.

——

When Yan Su returned from the bathroom, she intentionally chose the path that passed by Shen Mingzhu’s table.

It just so happened that Shen Mingzhu had finished eating and was standing up to leave the restaurant.

The two met in the aisle.

Recognizing Yan Su as the woman who had dined with Yan Yi, Shen Mingzhu politely held onto Pei Ziheng and stepped aside to give way.

"Thank you."

Yan Su thanked her and glanced over Shen Mingzhu’s face and nodded slightly as she passed by, bringing with her a faint pleasant aroma of orchids.

Shen Mingzhu didn’t pay much attention and continued to leave with Pei Ziheng.

Yan Su returned to her seat, intending to continue the earlier topic with her brother, only to see him suddenly stand up and grab his coat from beside him.

"Sister, I have something to do and need to leave first; you finish your meal at your leisure."

"What are you off to do? You..."

Yan Yi left as he said and didn’t give her a chance to inquire further.

Yan Su was stunned for a moment, then suddenly thought of something, grabbed her bag and hurried out after him.

——

It was still early, and since she had eaten quite a bit, Shen Mingzhu was not in a rush to return home, leisurely strolling along the street with Pei Ziheng.

They had not walked far when two honks sounded from the side of the road.

Shen Mingzhu turned towards the sound and saw Yan Yi’s face through the rolled-down window.

"Shen Mingzhu."

Yan Yi waved her over and, seeing that Shen Mingzhu had no intention of coming, had no choice but to open the car door and walk quickly towards her.

"I happen to be heading to Bat Street on an errand, I can give you both a lift."

"No need, I don’t want to go back yet, I’d like to take a walk."

At that moment, other vehicles began honking impatiently behind Yan Yi’s parked car.

Yan Yi turned to look briefly but ignored them, still smiling as he spoke to Shen Mingzhu, "The time for our next outdoor activity has been set, it’s this Saturday, and each person can bring a family member. The address is..."

After giving the details, Yan Yi calmly returned to his car and drove away.

Yan Su, watching this scene from across the street, felt both relieved and worried.

The relief was because she saw that Shen Mingzhu was a woman with a sense of propriety, the worry stemmed from her understanding of her brother’s character.

Once back home, she resolved to immediately have their family arrange a blind date for her brother, it was not to be postponed any longer.