Chen Yi has a plan

Churong made a decision. He would keep up the act for as long as he could. If Chen Yi ever found out and left him, then he would deal with it later. For now, he wanted to treasure the time he had with Chen Yi.

His face visibly relaxed, earning a sigh of relief from the person in front of him. He turned his gaze toward the room and was immediately struck by the romantic atmosphere and the pleasant aroma of incense wafting from the far corner.

There was a white couch that circled around a circular wooden table, laden with various dishes served in small plates. The curtains were red, but not too bold to be overwhelming. They were drawn open to reveal the twinkling city lights. On the side table near the couch, there was champagne, wine glasses, and a single large rose.

Churong's heart warmed, beating faster as he took in the scene, while Chen Yi discreetly observed him.

Yesterday, he had a heart-to-heart with Tian about his complicated feelings. The conversation was supposed to help him figure out who he should choose to continue loving, but for some reason, it turned out to be far more complicated than that.

Churong might actually be Ling Xie.

This was the difficult conclusion they came to after Chen Yi confessed to Tian that he was attracted to both Ling Xie and Churong. Tian had suggested investigating after seeing their pictures side by side, and the result was astonishing.

They hadn't been able to get a clear view, since Emperor Liang's people had a tight shield around Churong. But the public information was enough to raise suspicions.

The height and weight could have been a coincidence. But their face shapes and body types—excluding the chest—lined up remarkably well. The eye color was what made Chen Yi hold on to the hope that it was true.

It was too similar. They sparkled like real emeralds and radiated innocence, much like the first time he met Ling Xie.

Chen Yi had a plan.

It was risky, but he needed confirmation. He had been sitting on pins and needles, worrying that he might end up hurting either of the two because of his attraction to both of them.

The last time he held Ling Xie, he was deeply concerned about his scar. Now, if he could subtly assert that Churong had a scar on her neck, he would be ninety-nine percent sure that Churong was Ling Xie. The last one percent would be when Churong confirmed it herself.

He wished for nothing more than for his speculation to be true.

Churong was gently led to sit on the comfortable couch. He felt nervous. For some reason, he had a feeling he was forgetting something, but he brushed it off lightly. If he forgot it, then it must not have been important.

The space beside him sank, and he glanced up to see Chen Yi sitting close by. He instantly had the urge to run away. The couch is so long—why are you so close?!

"I got the chefs to prepare appropriate dishes for the party here," Chen Yi gestured to the small plates. "You can taste-test them to decide what to serve."

Churong was surprised at his attentiveness. He wondered if Chen Yi would do the same if he were Ling Xie right now. He quickly pushed the thought away, not wanting to become depressed again.

"Thank you," he softly said before diving in to start his work, missing the bright smile that appeared on Chen Yi's face.

Chen Yi was filled with happiness. It was simply two words—two words that gave him a sense of major accomplishment in life.

Churong suddenly covered his mouth and widened his eyes. "Delicious!" He let the tip of his chopsticks rest on his moist lips as he assessed the dish he had just tasted.

When Chen Yi gazed at those lips, he couldn't help but gulp. Strangely, he wanted to be in the chopsticks' place instead. How would those taste? he wondered.

"Chen Yi, I want this on the menu!" Churong cried with great enthusiasm, forgetting to be formal in his speech.

"Okay," Chen Yi nodded and made a mental note. Whatever you say~

Churong continued his work. He was a picky foodie. Seeing and tasting so many delicious dishes on the table, he forgot to continue his girly act. But even then, he still retained a feminine vibe. He was so comfortable that he basically said whatever was on his mind, criticizing each dish according to his high standards.

Chen Yi saw that the opportunity was near, so he waited patiently. He couldn't be too hasty, or the other might bolt right out the door.

"Chen Yi, who made all this?" Churong's eyes twinkled, clearly eager to meet the legendary cook behind such delicious dishes.

Chen Yi's eyes curved, and a flash of pride passed through them. "It was me."

Churong's mouth slightly parted. He couldn't be blamed for his surprise; the information he had about Chen Yi only stated that he owned the restaurants. It didn't mention at all that he would be behind all its glorious recipes.

"Woah, you're amazing~" Churong, the picky eater, had to applaud continuously in his heart since his stomach had been thoroughly satisfied, even though they were merely samples.

Chen Yi raised his hand to pat Churong's wavy hair. "Thank you." If the two words earlier gave him a sense of accomplishment, the "amazing" one sent him soaring beyond the clouds.

His good mood affected Churong, who was startled by the affection and purred at the big hand patting his hair tenderly. He giggled in reply, his white cheeks tinged with red, and his long eyelashes fluttered like butterflies.

Chen Yi was completely struck by Cupid's arrow. How he wanted to bring her to his lap and squeeze her in a hug. How he loved the idea of pinching those cheeks, which looked like they'd squish under his touch.

His hand subtly moved closer to Churong's neck.

Churong abruptly covered his neck with both hands.

The poor chopsticks fell to the floor with a clang that echoed throughout the deadly silent room. Both of them were wide-eyed, staring at each other for what seemed like hours, though only a few minutes had passed.

"W-w-wa?" Churong stuttered.

Aha, it is my Xie'er.