Chapter 38

When the car pulled up at the house, Xi Mi let out a sigh of relief, hugging Xiao Guai to her chest as she got out. The moment her feet hit the ground, the world finally felt quiet.

She placed Xiao Guai inside Ulrica’s doghouse. Ulrica, taking to fatherhood with admirable responsibility, had already settled himself outside the entrance. Xiao Guai crawled back out, its little jaw resting on the doghouse threshold as it stretched out a tiny wolf paw to tap Ulrica’s damp nose.

Gently.

Ulrica seemed to relish it, eyes narrowed in contentment as it let the little one do as it pleased.

The scene absolutely melted Xi Mi. She offered one of her fingers, and the wolf pup extended its pink tongue for a lick, soft yet with that faintly rough texture unique to tiny tongues.

Ying Quhe had just finished discussing the response to the black-curtain scandal^[1] with Zhou Ming and came to the backyard to call Xi Mi. He paused, taking in the warm sunlight that washed over the scene, two dogs and one person bathed in an impossibly cozy glow.

Standing on the stone path, he waved her over. “Xi Mi, come here.”

“Oh, sure.” Xi Mi gave the wolf pup and Ulrica each a pat on the head, then got up and followed Ying Quhe back to the living room.

Zhou Ming was there, along with Ying Quhe’s lawyer, Wang Yingjie.

Xi Mi looked at Ying Quhe. He handed her a photo and asked, “This person. What’s your relationship with her?”

Xi Mi took the photo from Ying Quhe’s hand. The image was a bit blurry. She thought for a long moment but couldn’t place the face. Shaking her head, she said, “I don’t recognize her.”

Lawyer Wang Yingjie prompted, “She competed in the same event as you.”

That jogged her memory. “Is this… Doudou’s Kitchen? Ye Doudou from the competition’s Influencer Group?” After a moment’s thought, she added, “How could I possibly be close with someone like that? If there’s a joint lawsuit, she’s definitely involved. She hates me. Wasn’t she the one who tampered with my ingredients on the show? Her joining those chefs in suing me doesn’t surprise me at all.”

Zhou Ming said, “Miss Xi, from all the investigations I’ve conducted so far, the joint chef lawsuit and the photos in the exposé all originated from her.”

“How… how did you find all this out? In just one day?” Xi Mi glanced at Ying Quhe, puzzled.

Zhou Ming explained, “It wasn’t actually that difficult. Ye Doudou posted the exposé on a forum. We had someone trace the IP address to the poster’s location, then followed the trail to a coffee shop. As it happens, the coffee shop is owned by the Ying Group. We checked the security footage, and there she was—Miss Ye. That same afternoon, at the exact same spot in the café, she met with reporters from two major entertainment tabloids.”

A feeling straight out of Infernal Affairs^[2] washed over Xi Mi, and Zhou Ming’s words left her reeling. “Then… how did she find out I’m Xi Wendao’s granddaughter? No one knew about that except that… except Ying Quhe.”

Zhou Ming spread his hands. “That, I don’t know. But verifying whether your identity leaked is actually quite simple. You registered using your identity as the boss lady of Tangxi Ancient Town—one look at your registration form would make everything clear.”

Xi Mi pressed a hand to her forehead. Being schemed against left a truly bitter taste. She speculated, “Ye Doudou must have gone to the boss lady. That woman will chat with anyone, no guard up whatsoever. She knew I was a runaway bride, and she knew I’m Sanchuan. So it looks like this has nothing to do with Old Man Xi. I misjudged him.”

As they say, what goes around comes around.

She never should have run her mouth to provoke Ye Doudou back then. If only she’d… held her tongue, none of this would be happening now.

Xi Mi briefly recounted the day she’d laid into Ye Doudou for the three of them. Zhou Ming couldn’t help himself and burst out laughing. “Miss Xi, and that was the best you could do? If it had been the boss, he probably would have crushed that Miss Ye so thoroughly she’d never dare show her face in the culinary world again.”

Ying Quhe remained expressionless. “You’re exaggerating.” He turned his head toward Xi Mi. “I called you here because I need you to do something. This will have a significant impact on you. Considering your future in this industry, we all agree we should hold a press conference for you. However, you should prepare yourself: I’ll be inviting all the chefs who signed onto the lawsuit.”

Lawyer Wang Yingjie added, “Their joint lawsuit has no chance of winning. After the press conference, I’ll be issuing a separate legal letter, suing Miss Ye for defamation.”

The rapid-fire discussion left Xi Mi’s head spinning. She scratched her curly hair and asked, “What do I need to do?”

Zhou Ming smiled. “At the press conference, just say whatever you like. Answer the reporters’ questions honestly—we’ve already made the necessary arrangements.”

Xi Mi nodded to show she understood.

Zhou Ming continued, “Oh, and about the ‘kept woman’ rumors—I’ve already arranged that too. There’s an antique auction tonight. You and the boss will attend together. I’ll have reporters interview you there, and the boss can openly and publicly clarify your relationship. That way, you won’t have to put up with these baseless accusations.”

Xi Mi felt a bit flustered, her ears turning red. “Announcing that kind of relationship in public… isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

Zhou Ming looked confused. “What? Is your mentor-student relationship with the boss really so scandalous it can’t see the light of day?”

So that’s the relationship he meant. Xi Mi exhaled in relief. Ying Quhe caught her reaction and, almost imperceptibly, his brow furrowed.

*

The past few days had placed Xi Mi squarely at the center of the storm. Her public attention had already surpassed that of some currently trending celebrities. And yet, Ying Quhe showed no inclination to avoid the spotlight, bringing Xi Mi with him to the charity auction.

Antique charity auctions like this drew industry tycoons and A-list celebrities alike. Xi Mi had only ever seen traditional auctions back in the ancient town; she’d never been to a high-end charity event like this before.

The car pulled up at the hotel entrance. The journalists crowded behind the security line were busy guessing who would step out next when Ying Quhe pushed open the door, his long legs stepping onto the pavement.

After exiting the car, facing the swarm of reporters, he calmly adjusted his bow tie with his fingertip first, then walked around the front of the car to open Xi Mi’s door, offering her a gentlemanly arm to take.

Facing the blaze of camera flashes outside, Xi Mi felt inexplicably nervous.

She tugged her strapless dress up a little higher, placed her hand on Ying Quhe’s wrist, and stepped out of the car.

The moment she emerged, a stir rippled through the crowd. The press corps collectively buzzed with excitement.

The black-curtain scandal had blown up into a major controversy. On Weibo, Xi Mi’s topic search popularity was second only to that of Guo Fei, the reigning queen of the entertainment world. When Xi Mi made her entrance in a yellow lace-embroidered strapless dress, the impact was no less stunning than the popular young starlets who had walked the red carpet ahead of her. The lace embroidery along the hem billowed with each stride, so lifelike it seemed to flutter on its own.

Xi Mi had always been small-boned. The corseted strapless lace dress cinched her waist into a slender line, and her chestnut-brown bangs were pinned back with a crystal hair clip, revealing one faintly flushed cheek.

The charity auction hall buzzed with people. Outside, a famous painter’s works were on exhibition. Leaning on Ying Quhe’s arm as she stepped into the outer hall, Xi Mi spotted Guo Fei with a single glance. She immediately dug her fingers into Ying Quhe’s arm, her voice squeezed tight with excitement. “Guo… Guo Fei! Can I go ask for an autograph?”

“You’re Mr. Ying’s companion. Technically, she should be the one coming over to greet you.” Ying Quhe lowered his voice. His warm breath brushed against the back of her ear. “We came tonight with two objectives.”

“Mm? What’s the other thing?”

Xi Mi stopped before a Grape Painting, drawn by the deep, mellow richness of its brushwork. She glanced at the signature and gasped in disbelief. “Oh my god? Is this a Zhang Lin original?”

She tugged at Ying Quhe’s sleeve, too carried away to care.

Her voice had been a little loud and drew the attention of those nearby. She immediately clamped a hand over her mouth.

“The second objective: staking my claim.” Ying Quhe paused, then explained, “The word ‘kept’ is such a dirty label. How could I let you suffer that kind of humiliation?”

Xi Mi pressed her palms to her burning cheeks. Somehow, she couldn’t shake the feeling she’d been sweet-talked straight into a trap.

Tilting her head back, she studied the painting carefully. The moisture-laden grapes were so vividly lifelike, they seemed ready to be plucked right off the canvas.

Ying Quhe stepped away to make a phone call. When he turned back and saw Xi Mi standing there so quietly, he couldn’t help taking a picture of her in profile. Using Weibo’s built-in sticker, he covered her features, posted it, and added the caption: “Mm, Little Watermelon studying purple grapes. Very focused. :)”

Culinary Dao had posted three Weibo updates in a row, none of them about food and all of them about romance. The comment section exploded: “My idol, ahhh! We want video! We want the goods! Flaunting your love life without actually showing us anything, that’s criminal!”

“Why cover her face! We want to see Little Watermelon!”

“Little Watermelon’s so slim! Such thin calves, such a tiny waist, and that dress is gorgeous! QAQ”

“…”

The news of Culinary Dao flaunting his relationship somehow hijacked the trending topic from Xi Mi’s black curtain scandal.

*

The outer hall exhibition was crowded and chaotic. Noticing someone tailing them with a camera, Ying Quhe pulled Xi Mi into the auction hall, where they found their seats.

The auction hadn’t started yet, and the seats were mostly empty. Keeping her voice low, Xi Mi said to Ying Quhe, “Will Master Zhang Lin be here today? I really love his work.”

Ying Quhe nodded. “He will. The antique being auctioned today is from his personal collection.”

Xi Mi’s heart beat faster. She felt inexplicably stirred. First, she’d met Guo Fei, the queen of the entertainment world, and now she was about to meet Master Zhang Lin. What kind of luck was this?

Ying Quhe assumed she was nervous. He patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Today’s guests are all prominent figures in the industry. No one here cares about a bit of online drama.”

Xi Mi said, “No, that’s not it. I’m not thinking about that. You’re the one who cares too much, aren’t you?”

“I only care about what you care about.” A strand of hair slipped down beside her ear, and Ying Quhe used the tip of his finger to tuck it back into place.

He truly didn’t care when people insulted him or slandered him. But he cared a great deal when those close to him were slandered, especially when he saw the little lady hanging her head in dejection. He couldn’t bear it, and he couldn’t just stand by and pretend not to see.

His cold fingertip brushed past the curve of her ear, and a numbing, tingling itch spread from that single point outward through her entire body. With her makeup on, it was impossible to tell whether the color on her cheeks was blush or just her face flushing red.

Just then, a reporter captured the gesture.

Xi Mi tugged at his sleeve. “I think a reporter was taking our picture just now. What do you think they’ll write? ‘Chef God of the Ancient Town Sanchuan Caught as Kept Man, Has the Nerve to Show Up at Charity Auction’?”

Ying Quhe’s eyes curved into a smile. He took her hand and asked teasingly, “If Mr. Ying is willing to keep Sanchuan, then… Miss Sanchuan, would you be willing to keep Mr. Ying and the two Mr. Dogs at home?”

“I might consider keeping the two Mr. Dogs at home.” Xi Mi paused for effect, then looked him up and down with exaggerated seriousness. “But you… I’ll have to think about it.”

“Sit tight for a moment. I’m going to the restroom.”

Xi Mi nodded. Once Ying Quhe stood and left, she pulled out her phone and started playing a game. Moments later, someone settled into the seat beside her.

“Xi Mi? What a coincidence.”

Xi Mi looked up and saw Ye Doudou in the neighboring seat. What a coincidence indeed.

She had intended to offer a smile, but remembering what Ye Doudou had done, the smile died before it could form. Her expression turned inexplicably cold. “Coincidence.”

Met with a frosty reception, Ye Doudou no longer had the energy to keep up appearances either. She smoothed down her skirt and said in a low voice, “I hear things have been rough for you lately. That black curtain scandal at the competition… honestly, I never saw it coming. You’ve really got some skills. Your cooking reflects your character, and someone like you, even if you win a competition, the stuff you make still isn’t as good as dog shit.”

The spark of battle ignited in an instant. Without looking up, Xi Mi activated her voice chat and said to her teammates in the game, “Sorry, everyone, a vicious dog was barking in my ear just now, and an enemy took me out. I’ll keep pushing and catch up with the squad!”

Her elementary-school teammate replied, “Sis, you’re hardcore!! Playing games in a spot with vicious dogs around!”

Ye Doudou was so furious her teeth ground together. She let out a cold huff. “Who are you calling a dog?”

Xi Mi shot her a sidelong glance. “Is there anyone else here besides you?” With that, she rose, grabbed her clutch, and headed for the restroom, leaving Ye Doudou with nothing but a cold, indifferent view of her back.

Ye Doudou followed her into the restroom. When Xi Mi came out of the stall, she set her clutch on the counter, unhurriedly washed her hands, and watched Ye Doudou through the mirror.

“You think you’re something just because you have Ying Quhe backing you up? What are you so proud of? Is being a kept woman something to be proud of?” Ye Doudou came over to wash her hands too and tossed out the barb without warning.

Clutch in hand, Xi Mi walked right past her. She reached the door, locked it from the inside, then kicked open each of the four stall doors to confirm no one else was there. She picked up a mop and jabbed it forward.

Caught completely off guard, Ye Doudou took the hit square on. Her pristine white dress was instantly stained with a filthy smear. She shrieked, beside herself with rage, “Xi Mi! Are you insane?!”

Xi Mi waved the mop in her hand and tilted her head. “That’s right, late-stage brain cancer, incurable!” She tossed the mop aside, grabbed the bucket of filthy water behind the door, and hurled it forward.

Ye Doudou instinctively jumped back but still couldn’t dodge the bucket of dirty water. Half her skirt was soaked through.

Xi Mi made a face at her, opened the door, and strode off.

Back at the auction hall, the antique auction was already underway. Xi Mi returned to her seat, clenched her fists, and let out a deep breath. “That felt good. Should’ve thrown dog shit on her instead.”

Ying Quhe’s brow lifted. “What happened?”

Xi Mi gave him a quick summary of what just happened. Noticing his expression was a bit off, she asked, “Was I… too childish? Being so petty and vengeful?”

Ying Quhe: “Next time an opportunity like that presents itself, remember, an eye for an eye. Give her the full measure.”

“…” Xi Mi hugged his arm and murmured, “Isn’t that a bit too cruel?”

When Ye Doudou returned, she had changed into a different cocktail dress. She sat back down beside Xi Mi and shot her a vicious glare. Her male companion noticed her foul mood and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ye Doudou had a bellyful of anger and nowhere to vent it. She snapped, “Are you blind? Can’t you see I changed my clothes?”

The gentleman companion shut his mouth immediately. His gaze happened to meet Xi Mi’s, and he smiled back at her. Xi Mi, caught in the act of sneaking a glance, smiled back awkwardly.

Ye Doudou caught the silent exchange between them and let out a cold scoff. “Mr. Ying, your lady friend is quite the charmer. Looks like she’s already stolen my boyfriend’s soul.”

The gentleman boyfriend lowered his voice. “Doudou.”

Ye Doudou: “What? You exchange glances with another woman, and I’m not allowed to be jealous?”

The gentleman: “If you’re going to be jealous, at least pick the right time and place.”

Ying Quhe turned and exchanged a few quiet words with the married couple to his right. Soon, he and Xi Mi swapped seats with them. With that couple now sitting between them and Ye Doudou, they finally got some peace and quiet.

Master Zhang Lin was auctioning a set of Qing Dynasty jewelry crafted with kingfisher-feather inlay. The starting price was 1 Yuan, with bids called out from the floor, and all proceeds would be donated to mountain-region schools.

The jewelry set climbed from 1 Yuan to 500,000, and when the bid hit 800,000, Ying Quhe passed his bidding paddle to Xi Mi and leaned in close enough that his lips practically brushed her ear. “Nine hundred thousand.”

Xi Mi shakily raised the paddle. “Nine… nine hundred thousand.”

For jewelry of this craftsmanship to be bid up to 900,000 – it was a bit absurdly high. Xi Mi couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy.

The auctioneer asked, “The young lady has bid 900,000. Do I hear any further bids? Nine hundred thousand going once, nine hundred thousand going twice, nine hundred thousand-“

“Wait – one million.” Ye Doudou raised her paddle.

Ying Quhe’s lips curved into a smile. Xi Mi nudged his elbow. “Should we… keep bidding?”

“Let it go. Let her have it.” Ying Quhe’s mouth quirked up. “Our target is the next one.”

“Oh… alright.”

The market value of that jewelry set was probably around 400,000. Buying it for a million was clearly well above its worth. Seeing how readily Ying Quhe dropped out, Ye Doudou realized she’d walked right into his trap and immediately regretted it.

The next lot was a vase – the matching pair to the one Xi Mi had shattered.

The vase drew strong competition, but in the end, Ying Quhe secured it for 1.2 million. Xi Mi covered her face, on the verge of tears. “Last time, I kicked that other one to pieces. Doesn’t that leave this one all alone now?”

Ying Quhe: “I already had Zhou Ming repair the last one. I plan to put the pair together in my study.”

Xi Mi: “Why… do you have to buy a pair? What are you, a power socket? And since when do you have Virgo tendencies too?”

Ying Quhe: “I used to prefer single pieces. A pair looked cluttered to me. Now, I like seeing things in pairs. It’s more… satisfying.”

…

As the biggest buyer of the day’s auction, Ying Quhe was invited on stage to give a speech. After delivering some polished, ceremonial remarks, he was cornered on stage by reporters.

Just as Ying Quhe had expected.

Reporter: “Mr. Ying, you’ve been out of the public eye for several days now. The online discussions have been boiling over. Why haven’t you issued a statement?”

Ying Quhe responded frankly: “Scandals don’t benefit the show or Ying Shi Pavilion in any way. I thought this kind of thing wasn’t worth clarifying. I never expected netizens to follow it so closely.”

Reporter: “And the online rumors that you’re financially keeping Sanchuan as a lover – what’s your take on that?”

A trace of amusement rose at the corners of Ying Quhe’s eyes. He glanced down at Xi Mi in the audience and said, “Does that even need explaining? If two single young people dating each other counts as keeping a lover, then I have nothing to say.”

Xi Mi: “…” Wait – weren’t they supposed to say it was a mentor-student relationship?

How did it turn into dating?

Ying Quhe continued: “Miss Xi Mi and I met in the ancient town a few months ago. We’re now in a mutual, affectionate relationship. When two young people date, how does that become ‘keeping’ someone? I don’t know where such vicious rumors originated, but I reserve the right to pursue legal action.”