Chapter 316: Chu Xinran Arrives!

In the garden outside the Han family’s old mansion, several maids were gathered. They wore matching uniforms, and some had aprons, indicating they were kitchen staff. They were chatting animatedly, each adding to the conversation.

“I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s just too unbelievable. Miss actually went into the kitchen and kicked us all out! Do you know how shocking that is?”

“Yeah, I was stunned too. Could it be that Miss got tired of our cooking and wants to make her own meals? Are we going to lose our jobs?”

“Nah, that’s not it. Before I left, I saw that it was the man Miss brought back who wanted to cook. She was just keeping him company. So, we don’t have to worry about losing our jobs, at least not yet.”

“Speaking of that man, he’s really handsome! Even more so than the actors on TV! When he looked at me, my heart nearly skipped a beat!”

Their gossip was interrupted by the butler, who cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. His face was stern, clearly displeased with their behavior. Discussing the family’s private matters so openly was against the rules.

“Cough, cough!”

The loud cough brought an immediate halt to their chatter. The garden fell silent, and the maids looked at each other in panic, covering their mouths.

The butler, now walking at the edge of the garden, turned to two guests accompanying him and offered an apologetic smile. “I apologize for the behavior of these young maids. They are new and a bit undisciplined. Please don’t mind them.”

The two guests were Chu Xuan and Chu Xinran. Chu Xuan was dressed in an elegant dark green cheongsam, exuding sophistication and grace. Her well-maintained appearance belied her age, and her sharp gaze hinted at a formidable character. In contrast, Chu Xinran wore a white modern Chinese dress. Despite her attempts to appear mature, her youthful energy was palpable.

Chu Xuan smiled gracefully, indicating she wasn’t bothered. “It seems the working atmosphere at the Han family is quite relaxed. I rather like it.”

The butler smiled back, feeling unexpectedly pleased by the compliment, even if it was just polite.

However, he quickened his pace, leading the two guests to another entrance of the mansion, where the master’s study was located.

Chu Xinran looked at her mother with visible concern in her eyes. ‘Mom, will Fang Zhou be okay?’

Chu Xuan patted her daughter’s hand reassuringly. ‘Don’t worry. He’s fine.’

Chu Xuan silently sighed, feeling a bit sorry for her daughter. She had heard the maids talking earlier—Fang Zhou was not only safe but apparently well enough to cook. Meanwhile, her own daughter had been so worried she could barely eat or sleep, even wanting to call the police in the middle of the night to report Fang Zhou missing.

If Chu Xuan hadn’t stopped her, they might have arrived at the Han family’s place with a squad of police officers.

Sighing again, Chu Xuan thought, ‘Well, she’s my daughter. I have to help her.’

As they followed the butler into the mansion, they walked slowly towards the study.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen on the first floor, a busy figure was cooking, chopping vegetables, and stirring pots like a seasoned chef. Sitting nearby was Han Xi, looking slightly anxious.

Finally, she couldn’t hold back her concern any longer. “Are you sure you’re okay? Stirring the pot like that might reopen your wound.”

After spending a warm and intimate moment with Fang Zhou, he suddenly wanted to cook for her. Han Xi, eager to make amends, agreed despite her worries. But now, seeing him cook, she felt uneasy.

“Relax, haven’t you tasted my cooking before?” Fang Zhou said as he finished a dish of spicy, savory shrimp. Another pot held sweet and sour ribs that he soon brought to the table.

“Come on, taste this,” Fang Zhou said eagerly.

Han Xi picked up her chopsticks and tried the ribs. The familiar delicious taste eased her worries. “It’s really good.”

“Really? Let me try. Feed me,” Fang Zhou said, still wearing his kitchen gloves and eagerly leaning in.

Han Xi was surprised at how naturally Fang Zhou slipped back into their old dynamic. She picked a well-presented piece and fed it to him, watching him closely.

“Delicious, as expected from me! Hahaha, let me serve you some rice!” Fang Zhou said, clearly proud of his culinary skills.

They sat down with their bowls of rice, chatting and laughing. The scene felt surreal to Han Xi, like they had never broken up or been apart. He was still the same Fang Zhou, and she was still the same Han Xi.

“By the way, can I return to Kyoto tomorrow? The national competition is coming up, and I need to be there,” Fang Zhou suddenly asked mid-laugh.

Han Xi’s smile faltered slightly, but she nodded slowly. “Okay, I’ll take you back tomorrow.”

Fang Zhou, overjoyed, began peeling shrimp for Han Xi, muttering happily. “After the competition, let’s celebrate. No drinking for you this time!”

Han Xi chuckled, “What if I want to drink?”

Fang Zhou shook his head emphatically. “No way! If you drink, we’ll all end up lying on the curb, Princess!”

“Hahaha!”

Their laughter filled the kitchen, sharply contrasting with the tension in the study room on the other side of the mansion.