Chapter 99: Mad with Jealousy

Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Mad with Jealousy

A stubborn madness seeped out from the marrow of his bones.

It clamored and urged him on, demanding he do something.

Lu Shixu didn’t even notice that his gaze had lost its focus, as if his soul was sinking into a mire.

Across from him, Tao An was already so frightened he had shrunk into the corner of his chair.

"M-Mr. Lu, the food is getting cold."

Gritting his teeth, Tao An clung to the last shred of his duty as an assistant and pushed the freshly served dishes forward.

His action was like a small hammer, cracking the layer of ice that had been silently spreading around Lu Shixu.

The aroma of the food slipped through the cracks in the ice.

Lu Shixu snapped back to his senses.

He looked at the food before him and picked up his chopsticks—

He lifted a piece to his mouth and chewed.

An indescribable deliciousness spread through his mouth.

The hole in his heart was filled by the direct sensory stimulation.

His soul, which had been drifting aimlessly in the darkness, followed a path back to solid ground, guided by the delicious taste.

’So, eating can be this enjoyable?’

Lu Shixu didn’t know.

When he was seven, his mother had tried to drag him into a fire to die with her.

But he had struggled desperately, abandoning his mother who had lost her mind to madness, and fled without a backward glance...

Ever since then, it was as if he had lost his perception of life.

Other people felt a desire for life from a blue sky, a warm breeze, or a satisfying meal.

But he never did.

He didn’t even understand what that feeling was.

Until now, as he ate this food made by Nan Zhi herself.

"It’s delicious,"

he murmured to himself.

Tao An, who overheard him, almost thought he was hallucinating.

Then, Tao An watched with his own eyes as Lu Shixu ate every last bit of food.

Not even a single leaf was left.

Tao An couldn’t help but ask:

"Mr. Lu, is your stomach okay?"

Everyone close to Lu Shixu knew he had a mild eating disorder and wouldn’t eat unless absolutely necessary.

His long-term irregular eating habits had led to serious stomach problems.

For a healthy adult man like Tao An, one meat dish and one vegetable dish was just the right amount.

But for Lu Shixu, it was a little too much.

"I’m fine."

Lu Shixu put down his chopsticks.

He even looked like he wasn’t quite finished yet.

Tao An found it utterly incredible.

At the same time, a thought couldn’t help but pop into his head—

’Mr. Lu’s meals have always been a huge problem. If we get takeout from Nan Family’s Small Restaurant every day from now on, then wouldn’t that...’

Suddenly, a childish voice interrupted Tao An’s thoughts:

"Excuse me, sirs, the restaurant is closing. Would you like to pay the bill?"

Tao An turned and saw a little boy pop up by the table.

He had delicate and refined features. Though he couldn’t be more than three or four years old, he was solemnly holding an account book and recited his customer service lines with the poise of a professional waiter!

Having seen the show countless times, Tao An naturally recognized the boy as Miss Nan Zhi’s son, Nan Yi.

’Does that mean he might become Mr. Lu’s son in the future?’

Tao An’s spirits soared. It was as if a wide, golden road was unfurling before him... 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

"Yes! Of course, we’ll pay! How much was it again? Do you need me to help you calculate it?"

Tao An was being exceptionally solicitous.

Nan Yi pressed his little lips together and primly refused:

"Thank you, but that won’t be necessary."

Although Tao An was only trying to butter up Nan Yi because of his connection to Mr. Lu,

seeing Nan Yi’s serious little grown-up act...

’What should I do?!’

’He’s so adorable!’

Nan Yi gave Tao An a wary glance, feeling that this man was a little strange.

He subtly took a step to the side and stated the total.

Then he held up the payment QR code placard that was hanging around his neck, a holdover from the last filming session.

This reminded Tao An of scenes from the show. A strange, happy feeling washed over him as he cheerfully scanned the code and paid.

Nan Yi nodded politely.

"Please come again."

Then, he looked at Tao An, and Tao An looked back at him.

Big eyes stared at little eyes, neither of them moving.

It took Tao An a beat to realize what was happening.

"Ah... oh, we’d like to sit for a little longer! Is that okay?"

"Okay,"

Nan Yi said, his little face fallen, looking none too happy about it.

After all, all the other customers in the restaurant had left. Only their table remained.

And to make matters worse, one of them was the man who had left a bad impression on him!

Nan Yi shot a quick glance at Lu Shixu, only to find the man had been watching him the whole time.

He frowned, displeased.

’What are you looking at?!’

The chubby flesh of Nan Yi’s cheeks tensed.

Composing himself, he stuffed the account book into the pocket of his hoodie, pretended not to notice Lu Shixu’s scrutiny, and started clearing the plates.

"Let me, let me!"

Tao An hurriedly stood up.

Even if it wasn’t to curry favor, as an adult, Tao An couldn’t just stand by and watch a child clear heavy plates.

But Nan Yi didn’t appreciate the gesture and dodged his hand.

"You’re a customer, you should be resting! I can do it!"

His eyes were especially bright, filled with a stubborn refusal to admit defeat.

"Let him do it," Lu Shixu said to Tao An.

After a moment of hesitation, Tao An had no choice but to sit back down.

He watched Nan Yi’s movements with trepidation, only to discover the child was much smarter than he had thought—

The plates had leftover sauce, so Nan Yi first poured it into a bowl to avoid spilling it while walking;

Stacking all the plates at once was too difficult for Nan Yi, so he made several trips, carrying a few at a time;

After the plates were gone, Nan Yi brought out a cloth, gripping it with both his small hands. He struggled but wiped the table earnestly, making sure every corner was clean;

When he was done, Nan Yi even asked Lu Shixu and Tao An if they needed any tea.

...His service, it had to be said, was impeccable.

Tao An was about to refuse.

But Lu Shixu nodded.

"Thank you."

Nan Yi nodded and turned away.

He stood on a small stool, his slender arms trembling as he lifted the heavy teapot to pour the water, his face red from the effort.

Tao An couldn’t bear to watch and whispered:

"Sir, he’s so young. Isn’t it a bit cruel for us to just watch and not lend a hand?"

’Besides, you’re trying to pursue his mother!’

’Shouldn’t you be doing everything you can to please him and grant his every wish?’

But Lu Shixu said,

"More than being looked after because he’s young, he’d probably rather you respect his work."

Tao An almost wanted to laugh.

’He’s just a little kid. What ’work’ could he possibly have...?’

’Wait.’

’But whether it was handling the bill or cleaning up, hadn’t Nan Yi done it all with such competence?’

’Who was he to be so arrogant and dismissive?’

"You see things so clearly, Sir!"

Tao An offered a bit of flattery.

Lu Shixu didn’t reply.

He watched Nan Yi in silence, one thought turning over and over in his mind—

’Who is this child’s father?’

’Who was it that left such a deep and vivid mark on Nan Zhi’s life?’

Even though reason told him it was all in the past and he shouldn’t let it bother him.

But how could he possibly not care?

Just imagining the scene of Nan Zhi being intimate with another man was enough to drive him mad with jealousy!