When Yan Ling'er heard the sound, his face lit up with joy. He quickly set aside the plush doll and trotted out.
At a glance, he saw Gu Yan walking toward him, one arm firmly supporting Yan Qingqiu.
His mood soured instantly.
Seeing his expression, Gu Yan feigned puzzlement.
"Ling'er, why do you look unhappy the moment you see your brother-in-law? Didn't I just feed you enough earlier?"
Yan Ling'er's face darkened. It would have been fine if he had kept quiet, but the moment he mentioned that…
"You—you shameless man! Who's your brother-in-law? Don't talk nonsense!" he snapped, glaring at Gu Yan.
Gu Yan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? I didn't know you don't eat that kind of thing, Ling'er."
"We shouldn't eat that kind of thing, okay?!"
Yan Qingqiu frowned slightly. "...What are you two talking about? Feeding? What thing? Why can't I understand?"
Gu Yan waved casually. "Alright, alright, it's over."
He gently helped Yan Qingqiu into a seat, his expression silently saying 'I'm going to make sure your sister sits down to eat quickly.'
Then he turned toward Yan Ling'er.
"Don't pout. Come and eat."
"Hmph!"
Although he snorted unhappily, Yan Ling'er still sat down.
Only then did he notice the table before him—and froze.
The entire table was filled with exquisite dishes. Pan-fried fish fillets, vibrant salads, steaming hot pasta, roast duck, golden desserts… each one perfectly presented, brimming with color and aroma.
His mouth fell open.
"This… all of this… you made it?"
Gu Yan calmly took his seat. "Of course. Didn't I say? I learned all this for Qingqiu."
Yan Qingqiu looked slightly startled.
The chopsticks and bowls had already been neatly prepared. Gu Yan smiled, picked up a tender piece of roast duck, and gently placed it into her bowl.
"Qingqiu, try this. I guarantee it will be your favorite tonight."
His tone was warm, his eyes soft with genuine affection.
For a moment, her heart wavered.
She held the bowl, lifted the duck to her lips, and took a cautious bite.
The flavor burst across her tongue—rich, savory, perfectly balanced.
Her back straightened slightly. Her breath quickened.
How… how can it be this delicious?
She wanted another bite immediately.
Gu Yan leaned forward, watching her reaction with a faint smile.
"How is it? Delicious?"
A crisp sound chimed in his mind.
[Ding! Pure Love Partner feels happy. Points +1]
Yan Qingqiu's expression remained composed. "It's… just so-so. Barely edible."
Gu Yan saw right through her act, but didn't expose her. Instead, he chuckled lightly.
"It's fine. I prepared plenty of dishes tonight. I'll introduce them to you one by one. Surely there will be one you can't resist."
"…There's more?"
Her heart skipped. She swallowed subconsciously. "Then… I'll try it."
One dish after another, Gu Yan patiently served her food, explaining each with quiet detail.
Some were tied to traditional stories, others to distant places. For once, Yan Qingqiu—always buried in cold rationality—found herself unexpectedly fascinated.
So even food can carry meaning… so much beauty in the world…
Her chest tightened.
"No… no." She shook her head quickly, forcing such thoughts away. I can't let myself feel like this. Gratitude is the biggest obstacle to revenge.
Meanwhile, Gu Yan turned to Ling'er.
"Don't just eat the rabbit meat. Have some vegetables."
"Bah! You bastard, who are you to order me around?!"
"Alright then, I'll take the rabbit away. Didn't you say rabbits are cute? You shouldn't eat them, right?"
"Wait—wait! Leave me some vegetables!"
Yan Qingqiu could only listen, speechless at their bickering. Yet somehow… the warm sound of it all settled into her heart.
A strange feeling spread through her chest. Why… does this feel like family?
Gu Yan's gentle voice broke her thoughts.
"Qingqiu, drink some chicken soup. Your body hasn't healed yet—you need the nourishment."
He carefully ladled soup into a bowl, then brought a spoonful to her lips.
She blinked. "I can drink it myself."
Though she spoke in mock dissatisfaction, she still allowed him to feed her.
Her body leaned forward instinctively, closing the distance between them.
A blush spread across her cheeks.
Why are you so nice to me…?
Her heart was in turmoil.
Gu Yan had not only treated her well, but even in the business world—documents he had provided to Yan Xing'an were already creating waves. Several major groups from outside Sichuan had suddenly approached, showing interest in cooperation. The Yan family's revival was within sight.
Everyone believed the Yan Group was on the verge of making a comeback.
Yet that was exactly what troubled her most.
She clenched her hands. I still want revenge. I must use Gu Yan, use his Gu family. But… if one day he learns the truth… will he be sad? Will he break? Am I even… worthy of... how nice he is to me?
After dinner, Yan Qingqiu sat quietly on the sofa. Normally she would have returned to the study by now. But instead, she found herself absentmindedly watching television.
The faint sound of water running in the kitchen reached her ears. For some reason, it eased the constant tension in her heart.
"Ha! I knew he was the villain! I called it in the first episode! Am I smart, Sis?" Yan Ling'er laughed happily at the drama on screen.
"…Mm. Smart."
Qingqiu pursed her lips, then suddenly said, "Ling'er, take me to the kitchen."
"Huh? The kitchen? But that bastard's—Ow!"
"You shouldn't keep using foul language. Gu Yan is your brother-in-law. (at least in name for now.)" She lightly tapped his forehead.
Ling'er froze, shocked. "Sister!"
"Go on. Take me."
She didn't explain, because she couldn't. She didn't even understand this strange feeling herself.
"...Oh."
In the kitchen, Gu Yan was washing dishes, sleeves rolled up. His voice hummed softly, carrying a tune.
When Qingqiu and Ling'er entered, the words reached them clearly.
"You said I was hard to pursue, and told me to give up—
Yet I never needed expensive gifts, just fallen leaves on a quiet street.
A clumsy date, messy but sincere—
With you, I feel like I own the whole world.
From that day, I knew…
My heart was already yours.
Sweet, simple, and forever."
The melody lingered in the air, gentle yet filled with warmth.
Yan Qingqiu stood frozen in the doorway.
Her lips parted slightly.
Her heart… was no longer calm.