Malicious

Baihua Revolving Restaurant.When the family of three stepped out of the ride-share vehicle, Chen Yinuo frowned as she looked at the high-end and luxurious sign in front of her."Don't tell me we're going to Baihua Revolving Restaurant for dinner!""What's wrong?" Ye Chen asked."Do you even know how much the average spending per person is here? Do you know that a glass of milk here costs over 100 yuan? I know you have some money on hand right now, but I hope you remember what it was like to be broke. The little money you made from striking lucky at the antique market isn't enough for you to squander like a nouveau riche!" Chen Yinuo said coldly."How can a meal for a family of three be called squandering? Besides, it's not like we come here every day. It's a rare occasion, and it happens to be my birthday. I'm not spending this money partying with those so-called friends. This is for our family. You used to say that eating here would be a special experience if we ever had the chance. I was a terrible husband before—whether before or after marriage, I never gave you any quality of life. Now that I can afford it, I want you to experience it," Ye Chen said sincerely.Did Chen Yinuo long for Baihua Revolving Restaurant?She did.At least, before she had completely lost hope in Ye Chen, she used to lift her head to look at it when they passed by and imagine how wonderful it would be to come here with the family one day. Overlooking the bustling cityscape of Jiangzhou from here would surely be an unforgettable experience.But after being hurt time and again and losing all hope, she stopped fantasizing about it. She no longer even glanced at it when passing by because the harshness of life made her believe it was no longer realistic. As long as she could raise Yoyo well, she was content."Mommy, I love this place! Can we go in? Mommy, please?"Their daughter Yoyo grabbed Chen Yinuo's hand and swung it gently, her big bright eyes brimming with excitement."Fine. It's better than you gambling it all away. Let's go in," Chen Yinuo sighed and shook her head, deciding not to resist any longer.In her mind, Ye Chen's gambling habits would ensure the money wouldn't last long."Yay! Daddy, let's go in!"With her mother's approval, the little girl ran back to Ye Chen's side, holding his hand with excitement.Inside the glass elevator, the little girl squealed with delight. As the elevator ascended rapidly, instead of being scared, she was thrilled, as if a door to a new world had opened for her.Seeing this, Ye Chen felt a pang of guilt.In those years, he hadn't given the mother and daughter any material comfort or even his time. Even something as simple as a glass elevator, not particularly advanced or rare, was something his daughter had never experienced because of him. The thought of it made him want to slap himself.In just over ten seconds, they reached Baihua Revolving Restaurant.Although the average cost per person was high, the place wasn't so exclusive that one needed a membership or reservations.Soon, under the guidance of a server, Ye Chen led the mother and daughter to a table by the window."Daddy, I want this, and this, and this... I want them all!"Yoyo, excited by the colorful dishes on the electronic menu, began shouting in delight."Yoyo, keep your voice down! Don't disturb others!"Chen Yinuo quickly covered Yoyo's mouth in embarrassment.After the little girl nodded in understanding, she let her go.Ye Chen couldn't help but chuckle."Alright, Yoyo, you can have whatever you want!"Even though Yoyo might only like the pictures and not know how they tasted, Ye Chen still ordered everything she picked.Seeing this, Chen Yinuo frowned."You don't have to spoil her. Kids don't know any better, and you're just wasting money," she scolded."It's fine. As long as Yoyo's happy," Ye Chen smiled. "Yinuo, what about you? What would you like?""Anything is fine," Chen Yinuo replied without taking the menu."Alright, I'll order for you."Based on the dishes he remembered her mentioning before, Ye Chen placed the order effortlessly.For some reason, watching Ye Chen's calm and skilled actions, Chen Yinuo had an odd feeling—almost as if Ye Chen was familiar with this place.But how could that be?With such high prices, it was impossible for the Ye Chen of the past to afford this.And with his gambling habits, any money he had would've been spent in the casino. He wouldn't have splurged on an expensive meal like this.Once the order was placed, they waited for the food.Sitting across from each other, the estranged couple remained silent until Ye Chen broke the ice."How's work going?""Fine. I can support myself and Yoyo," Chen Yinuo replied indifferently.She had no intention of mentioning her recent promotion.After a pause, she added, "You should worry about yourself. Yoyo and I don't need your concern."Ye Chen felt a lump in his throat.Words he wanted to say suddenly felt stuck, and he could only manage an awkward smile as silence fell between them again.If not for Yoyo, the cheerful little mediator, this might have been one of the most awkward moments of their lives.Thanks to Yoyo's playfulness, the food arrived quickly."Mommy, try Daddy's food!""Daddy, try Mommy's food!""Mommy and Daddy, try Yoyo's food! It's yummy!"Yoyo, mindful not to speak too loudly, cheerfully kept the atmosphere lively, acting as a bridge between her parents."Yoyo, stop playing around and eat. We'll leave as soon as we're done," Chen Yinuo said after the meal was nearly finished, wiping her mouth with a napkin.But just then, a voice dripping with sarcasm sounded from behind her."Well, isn't this our Team Leader Chen?"Ye Chen looked up, and Chen Yinuo turned around to see Wang Tao, the vice president of Huaxing Trade, walking over with a woman.Seeing him, Chen Yinuo's expression darkened."And you are?" Ye Chen asked, sensing hostility."Oh, let me introduce myself. I'm Wang Tao, vice president of Huaxing Trade, and I was Team Leader Chen's direct superior. Of course, now that she's climbed the ladder, I don't manage her anymore. You must be her husband, the gambling expert I've heard about. Did you hit the jackpot at the casino to afford this place? A meal here costs at least a few thousand!" Wang Tao's tone was dripping with malice and mockery.