Chapter 1215: He Ate More Than Me𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

As soon as the words left his mouth, the rich, savory aroma in the air made him pause mid-step. Drawn like a moth to a flame, he followed the scent with his eyes until he spotted Su Bing gracefully carrying a steaming bowl of soup into the dining room.

“What’s Su Bing made today?” Chen Xi asked, his eyes lighting up with unfiltered excitement. “Smells amazing. Gu Zi, can I crash your lunch? I didn’t eat before coming—completely starving.”

Gu Zi narrowed her eyes at him. Something about the way he phrased it didn’t sit quite right. She and Su Shen had just returned from Guangcheng, and during that time, the Chen family had helped care for the three children. Chen Yu and Sun Yi were buried in work and rarely at home, so logically speaking, it had to be Chen Xi who did most of the heavy lifting with the kids.

But if you listened to him now, it almost sounded like Su Bing had been taking care of him instead of the other way round.

She raised a brow, her tone teasing as she said, “Su Shen made lunch. If you want to stay, stay. What’s one more pair of chopsticks? The kids are going to need your help a while longer anyway. Come on.”

Chen Xi looked momentarily sheepish but quickly caught up to her, rubbing the back of his head in a gesture that was equal parts humble and amused. “Honestly, I didn’t do much. Su Bing’s the one who’s been incredible—every day something new, something delicious. His cooking? Out of this world. I can’t even enjoy food at home anymore. I just had to come over and get a fix,” he said with a grin.

The two of them walked into the dining room, where Su Shen was already pulling out a chair for Gu Zi, settling her in with the kind of attentive grace that was second nature to him. He gestured for Chen Xi to sit as well. Su Jing and the three kids followed, filling the seats one by one. Su Jing, ever the gracious hostess, was already ladling rice into bowls for everyone.

Chen Xi’s eyes landed on the enormous bowl of mushroom soup in the center of the table, and his mouth practically watered on sight. “I think it’s not just Su Bing I admire—your whole family could open a Michelin-starred restaurant. Su Shen, what kind of soup is this? It looks divine.”

Su Shen served a bowl of the mushroom and pork broth to Gu Zi first, then calmly reached for another and filled it for Chen Xi. Despite his usual stoic air, there was something undeniably warm in the gesture—Chen Xi wasn’t just a guest. He was Chen Yu’s younger brother, and Chen Yu had been his comrade-in-arms, his brother in everything but blood. Taking care of Chen Xi was simply second nature.

“This is a broth made from dried wild mushrooms Gu Zi brought back from our hometown,” Su Shen explained. “If you like it, have more—but don’t ask to take any home. Your sister’s got a craving for this and she’s pregnant. She carried back that little bag herself, belly and all. It isn’t even enough for her. Next time we get a new batch from home, I’ll set some aside for you. Makes great stir-fry too.”

Chen Xi received the bowl reverently, like it was some sacred offering, and his voice was full of syrupy gratitude. “Thanks, Su Shen. Thanks, Gu Zi.”

He took a cautious sip, and the hot broth stung his lips—but the flavor was so exquisitely rich, so indulgently umami, it practically sang on his tongue. It was the kind of soup you remembered in your dreams.

Su Li watched him down the bowl in record time and reach for another, eyes wide in amusement. “Mom, Dad, you wouldn’t believe it—brother Chen Xi is such a foodie. When Big Brother made herbal jelly dessert, he ate five bowls in one sitting. Beat even me!”

Chen Xi nearly scalded his tongue mid-sip, coughing and blushing as he set the bowl down. From the side, Su Bing gave a soft sigh, patting him on the shoulder like an old soul trapped in a child’s body. “Chen Xi, don’t worry. We all get cravings. Su Li only saw you because he got up in the middle of the night for the bathroom. I say it’s fine—you don’t have to be embarrassed.”

Chen Xi’s face turned the color of a ripe tomato. “Well, I wouldn’t be embarrassed if you guys didn’t say it out loud…” he muttered, eyes darting sheepishly around the room.

But his embarrassment didn’t last long—nothing could dull his appetite. He downed five bowls of the mushroom broth and three heaping servings of rice. Usually, there’d be leftovers. Not today. Chen Xi practically polished every last dish clean.

And to his credit, he didn’t just eat and bounce. As soon as the meal was over, he was up helping the kids gather dishes, sleeves rolled up and off to the kitchen to wash up.

Meanwhile, out in the courtyard, Su Shen held Gu Zi close, reluctant to let go. He had to leave for the office, but you’d think he was departing for a war zone.

“Gu Zi,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “I need to go to the company for a bit. Do you want me to bring back anything? Snacks? Something you’ve been craving?”

It was painfully obvious he didn’t want to leave. They’d only just been reunited, barely shared a single meal, and now he was expected to walk away like it didn’t hurt.

Su Shen used to love work. He thrived on productivity. Believed in it like gospel. But now, it felt like work was just another obstacle keeping him from the woman he loved.

Gu Zi leaned into him, her hand resting on his, and sighed against his chest. “Even today, you have to be busy?”

Their time apart had taught her one thing: what longing really felt like. Had it not been for the loose ends still unresolved in Guangcheng, she would have taken the earliest train home without hesitation.

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