Ah… that," Ye Chen hesitated. He didn't know how to explain that he had lunch with Lin Rouxi while Zhao Yanyan was waiting and eventually got kidnapped. If she found out, she'd definitely get angry.
Zhao Yanyan noticed his hesitation and pretended to tear up. "So you won't be honest with me…"
Ye Chen sighed and decided to come clean about what happened.
"Hahaha! So you just had lunch together?" Zhao Yanyan laughed. "I thought it was something serious."
"That was just a thank-you lunch for healing her," Ye Chen explained.
"Still, I don't think it's that simple," Zhao Yanyan said with a knowing smile.
You know," Zhao Yanyan continued, "I don't think Teacher Lin treats you like just a student.
Do you know how many men have tried to date her? She's turned them all down. Yet she cooked for you and shared a private meal."
"You mean…?"
"I think Teacher Lin might have feelings for you," Zhao Yanyan said directly.
"That's impossible. She's never shown anything like that. She only talks about my studies and future," Ye Chen replied.
"Women are complicated creatures," Zhao Yanyan said with a mysterious smile.
"I'm just glad you're being honest with me," she added softly. "I don't mind if you end up with other women… as long as you always keep me in your heart."
"Yanyan, you are and always will be the woman I love most in this life and the next," Ye Chen said as he held her hand gently.
Zhao Yanyan's heart melted at his words.
Just then, Chu Yuechan's voice echoed in Ye Chen's mind.
"Master, isn't that great? Zhao Yanyan is okay with you having more women! Things will be much easier now."
"This has nothing to do with you," Ye Chen replied flatly.
"Hehehe, at least smile a little! You're so boring," Chu Yuechan teased before going quiet.
Ye Chen and Zhao Yanyan chatted until class resumed.
The morning lesson was taught by a middle-aged male teacher—Lin Rouxi would be teaching in the afternoon.
During the break, Zhao Yanyan received a message on her phone.
"Who's that?" Ye Chen asked.
"It's from Sister Lin Rouxi. She said you need to go to her office immediately—it's important."
Zhao Yanyan smiled. "She's probably calling you for lunch again. Go before she gets mad!"
Zhao Yanyan secretly hoped to bring Lin Rouxi into their relationship circle.
That way, she wouldn't report anything to her grandfather—who was famously strict and overprotective.
Ye Chen made his way to Lin Rouxi's office. A full lunch was already neatly arranged on the table.
"Mmm, looks good," he said, sitting across from her.
But Lin Rouxi barely spoke, keeping her head down as they ate. Ye Chen felt something was off—she usually asked him about everything.
"Is she mad at me?" he wondered.
After the meal, he thanked her and left.
Back in the room, Lin Rouxi sat with a flushed face, still recalling the indirect kiss from the day before. She had been too embarrassed to talk.
Ye Chen returned to class where Zhao Yanyan greeted him cheerfully.
"You're back already?" she asked.
"Of course. I couldn't leave my dear Yanyan waiting," Ye Chen grinned and hugged her. The class was quiet—only the two of them remained during the break.
"Are you still hungry?" Zhao Yanyan asked sweetly.
"Hmm? Why?"
"I brought some food today. Want to eat together?"
"Sure! Let's go to the Fairy Gate. No one will bother us there," Ye Chen suggested.
They slipped away and shared their lunch like a cozy picnic. The view was beautiful, and they playfully fed each other like lovers.
Suddenly, Ye Chen remembered something.
"I planted the Paradise Peach yesterday. It should be ready now…"
He went to the medicinal garden and found a tall tree, already bearing over thirty huge, glowing peaches. He picked five and returned.
Zhao Yanyan's eyes sparkled. "What kind of fruit is that, husband?"
"They're called Paradise Peaches. I've never tried them before. Let's taste them together," Ye Chen said, smiling.
Zhao Yanyan took the fruit and cut it herself. There were no seeds—just thick, juicy flesh. She sliced it up.
Ye Chen tasted the first piece and his eyes widened. "This is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten!"
Zhao Yanyan tasted hers and agreed. "It's heavenly!"
Within moments, the five fruits were gone.
"I could eat these forever!" Zhao Yanyan giggled.
Ye Chen thought to himself: I could sell these for a fortune… but who should I ask for help?
"Ah, of course—that woman. She definitely has rich connections."
Just then, Chu Yuechan suddenly appeared. "Hey, what are you two doing?"
"We just had the most amazing fruit!" Zhao Yanyan chirped.
Chu Yuechan's eyes widened. "Wait… Paradise Peach? That's an extremely rare fruit! In the realm of the gods, only three seedlings ever existed. Whenever one bore fruit, the gods would fight over it because its taste was unmatched!"
Ye Chen now understood why the fruit had no seeds—it couldn't be replanted easily. That explained why it was so rare and precious.