Chapter 19 – Soup Wars
Later that day, Xueran was sitting in the garden, her bare feet splashing in the fountain water. She giggled quietly as koi darted away from her toes.
Han Zixuan stood nearby, arms folded, watching silently. His face was calm — but his eyes never left her.
Fang Ye, carrying a tray of steaming soup, tiptoed behind him with exaggerated movements.
"Boss, soup delivery! One special bowl for our precious little miss! Look how caring I am—shouldn't I get promoted for this?"
Han shot him a side glance.
"Give it here."
Fang Ye froze.
"Eh? But I made this with my own two—"
Han snatched the tray, walked over, and set the bowl gently in front of Xueran.
"Eat."
Xueran blinked up at him, tilting her head like a curious child.
"You… cooked?"
Han coughed lightly, looking away.
"…Yes."
Fang Ye collapsed onto the grass, clutching his chest.
"Lies! Lies and betrayal! That's MY soup! Mine! Ten years, Boss, and you never fed me once. Not even instant noodles! But for her, you're suddenly Master Chef?!"
Xueran giggled, covering her mouth. Then, with deliberate slowness, she picked up the spoon and took a sip.
She nodded seriously.
"Good. Hug soup."
Han's lips twitched — the closest he ever came to smiling.
Fang Ye rolled on the ground like a tragic hero in an opera.
"Hug soup?! What about me? Do I get… Betrayal Soup?!"
Han's glare silenced him instantly.
Still pouting, Fang Ye muttered under his breath:
"…I'll remember this when I write my memoirs."
Xueran laughed so hard she nearly choked on the broth. Han reached forward without thinking, wiping the corner of her mouth with his thumb.
The laughter stilled. For a heartbeat, the world quieted, leaving only the two of them, staring at each other.
Then Fang Ye ruined it, as always.
"Ohhh nooo, he's wiping her lips now! Boss, have mercy on my lonely heart! At this rate, I'll die single—someone bury me with noodles!"