Chapter 84.2 – Extra: Wife-Chasing Crematorium (Part 9)

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　　In the soft glow of the evening, Sheng Wanwan arrived with her boyfriend to meet Jiang Dai.

　　With a bashful smile, she introduced in a hushed tone, “Sister Dai, this is my boyfriend, Ji Tingzhou.”

　　Jiang Dai’s eyes widened in delight as she beheld the tall, charming man before her.

　　Perhaps it was Huo Rongshen’s playful introduction that set the stage. He started by mentioning that Sheng Wanwan’s boyfriend had begun his career as a programmer before working in the fast-paced, high-tech research and development. With a wink and a grin, he even teased at the precarious fate of his hairline due to the high demands of his job.

　　Standing beside the sweet and innocent Sheng Wanwan, the actual main lead proved to be even more astonishing. One could not help but deem them an incredibly captivating couple.

　　Seated at the cozy cafe, the trio had a pleasant conversation over a cup of coffee.

　　To Jiang Dai’s surprise, Ji Tingzhou proved to be an eloquent conversationalist, his words flowing effortlessly. Yet, he balanced it with a thoughtful demeanor, exuding confidence in his expertise when business topics arose.

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　　Jiang Dai emerged from the bathroom, determined to uphold her principles and keep Huo Rongshen in check for the evening. Her plan was clear: spend a brief one or two hours with him before making a hasty retreat.

　　Just when she was about to start her skincare routine after blow-drying her hair, a sudden jolt of surprise jolted her out of her tranquility. The video intercom crackled to life in her room, and her butler’s voice, tinged with anticipation, reverberated across the room. “President Jiang, you…… might want to head downstairs right away.”

　　Perplexed, Jiang Dai wondered, “What’s wrong?”

　　The butler wore an indescribable expression and answered, “You…… You’ll find out when you see for yourself downstairs.”

　　Baffled but intrigued, Jiang Dai hastily threw on a robe and made her way downstairs.

　　Stepping out of the elevator, she was met with a jaw-dropping spectacle unfolding at the foyer.

　　Huo Rongshen led the way, with Chen Mu following closely behind, as well as a parade of bodyguards lugging suitcases and bags in tow……

　　Jiang Dai’s brow furrowed in curiosity, but her inquiry was met with a disarming, almost servile grin from the man.

　　“I’m famished, Little Darling, so let’s have dinner together.”

　　Jiang Dai took a deep breath and demanded, “What’s the meaning of this? Don’t beat around the bush!” She gestured towards the luggage behind her.

　　Huo Rong closed the distance between them, his eyes brimming with a profound tenderness that tugged at her heartstrings. He spoke with an air of uncertainty, “Well, I’m all by myself at home, and, you know, there’s no one to look after me. So……”

　　Jiang Dai could not hold back any longer and interrupted, “So, you’re planning to stay at my place? Those don’t look like overnight bags, Mister. Are you planning to move in for real?”

　　Unexpectedly, the man nodded his head. “Your place has plenty of empty rooms, Little Darling. Could you do me a favor and lend one to me? Is that not…… possible?”

　　Upon hearing that utterance, Jiang Dai found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

　　Chen Mu, however, did not waste a moment and chimed in with utmost sincerity, “President Huo truly needs your assistance, President Jiang. Though they may be external wounds, the doctor warned that without proper care, it could either heal in a month or worsen if his spirits plummet…… So, your help can make all the difference.”

……

　　Huo Rongshen’s luggage was placed in a spacious and well-equipped guest room.

　　As Jiang Dai pondered, she could not refrain from wondering how she had been charmed into accommodating him.

　　After swapping his outfit for something more casual, large sections of thick gauze could be seen beneath his clothes.

　　In the aftermath of yesterday’s heart-pounding encounter, Jiang Dai could not shake off the lingering shivers. Despite her compassionate nature, she understood the undeniable need for caution.

　　Even though Huo Rongshen seemed strong, he was far from invincible.

　　With determination in her eyes, Jiang Dai reassured herself. “You’re more than welcome to crash at my place for now. It’s my fault you’re hurt, so it’s only fair for me to be your personal nurse. But let’s be real, I’m no medical expert. Perhaps we should consider summoning one from your house?”

　　However, Huo Rongshen had clearly thought this through. “You know, I don’t need a medical team right now. All I need is someone as reliable as you to handle the dressing changes. Trust me, it’s way better than dealing with a nurse.”

　　Upon hearing that, Jiang Dai was left speechless.

　　She grew increasingly helpless with this man by the minute. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was time for a meal and made her way to the kitchen to have them make something light.

　　All of a sudden, Huo Rongshen uttered, “I’m feeling hungry, Little Darling, and I’m craving for your zha jiang mian¹ 炸酱面: It is a popular classic Beijing dish, zha jiang mian, that features ground pork and onion cooked in a rich savory brown sauce with a hint of sweetness. .”

　　The sudden request left Jiang Dai’s mind buzzing with astonishment.

　　‘Zha jiang mian?!’

　　She admitted honestly, “I haven’t been in the kitchen for years. But if you’re craving for some zha jiang mian, I’ll have the kitchen staff whip them up for you.”

　　At the same time, she opined, ‘Zha jiang mian shouldn’t be considered oily, right? The doctor stressed that he has to have a light diet for a swift recovery.’

　　Meanwhile, Huo Rongshen appeared as pitiful as a wounded puppy and tenderly clasped her finger before giving it a playful shake. “I just want to have the one you make.”

　　Jiang Dai’s brow furrowed as a nagging headache loomed.

　　Truth be told, it was not that she did not know how to make zha jiang mian. However, it was just that it had been far too long since she had last made it.

　　The man winced, “This throbbing wound is killing me, and I’m starving, but I don’t have much of an appetite. But I’m sure my wound won’t hurt as much if I had your noodles.”

　　Jiang Dai begrudgingly conceded, “………… Fine, I’ll cook some noodles, alright?”

　　Her steps towards the open kitchen echoed with irritation, but she was not oblivious to the reasons behind Huo Rongshen’s sudden request.

　　She was a master of many talents, but when it came to the culinary arts, she was like a fish out of water, a fact known all too well by Huo Rongshen.

　　The only exception was zha jiang mian, a recipe lovingly handed down by her mum.

　　In the early days of her relationship with Huo Rongshen, she was always bubbling with enthusiasm to impress him with her domestic prowess. It all began with her determined attempt to make homemade soups……

　　However, it was far too difficult for her since culinary arts did not seem to be her calling.

　　As such, her mum taught her how to make zha jiang mian. Not only was it delicious, but it was also very simple to make. With its diverse selection of delectable sauces and toppings, it promised a flavorful adventure in every bite.

　　And as if that were not enough, her mother possessed a stash of secret techniques, especially when it came to the recipe. That was why her zha jiang mian was unlike any other you would ever taste.

　　Armed with newfound culinary skills, Jiang Dai made her way to the spacious apartment where Huo Rongshen stayed over the weekends. To her delight, Huo Rongshen was captivated from the first bite, never doubting her culinary prowess.

　　At the very least, that was nothing short of a triumph ​​in her eyes.

　　With each subsequent attempt, the dish maintained its delectable standard. However, after the third time, Huo Rongshen could not resist wondering, “Do you only know how to make zha jiang mian?”

　　Now that he had caught on, not once did Jiang Dai make the noodles again. As time passed, their connection blossomed, and they shed their facades, revealing their true selves. Jiang Dai grew weary of pretending to be the perfect girlfriend, but there was one thing Jiang Dai would never know.

　　In the two years since their split, Huo Rongshen had never stopped reminiscing about that bowl of zha jiang mian he once had.

　　It was a rare occasion when Jiang Dai would whip up something just for him.

　　He craved the unique flavors so much that he attempted to replicate them by relying on his memory of Jiang Dai’s secret ingredient ratios. Yet, the taste he created was a world apart from what Jiang Dai made.

　　The zha jiang mian he made did not quite hit the deliciousness mark that left him craving for more. But what he truly pined for were those early days with Jiang Dai, when love was pure and sweet, and she would go to great lengths to delight him as his girlfriend.　　

　　He thought he would never be able to eat it again……

　　That was until Jiang Dai donned an apron and fumbled around the kitchen while talking to her mum on the phone. “Can you tell me the steps to make the zha jiang mian again, Mum?”