Chapter 11: Young Master, Is That You?

“Hui Juan!”

Just as Ye Tian was about to lose his patience, Li Shanhe’s expression darkened and he interrupted his wife, “Let young people handle their own feelings. There’s no need to interfere in everything, as if I, Li Shanhe, am some old-fashioned fool!”

“I was just—”

“That’s enough!”

Chided by her husband, Yin Huijuan finally fell silent, not daring to say another word.

After speaking, Li Shanhe turned to Ye Tian, his voice softening, “I’m sorry, Ye Tian. My wife’s only fault is her sharp tongue—her heart is not bad.”

His words were not meant to comfort Ye Tian; as head of the family, he had been gravely ill before and unable to oversee Muqing’s feelings. Now that he had recovered, he could not just sit by and let his wife make trouble.

“It’s nothing. I only came to repay a kindness; things between Muqing and me are not as you imagine,” Ye Tian replied with a gentle shake of his head.

He understood the mother's words. After all, what parent doesn't wish for their daughter's happiness and security? Perhaps she simply worried that, following him, Li Muqing might face a life of wandering and hardship.

Yet, Ye Tian couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Of course—there wasn’t even the faintest sign of such a fate. He had come only to repay a debt of gratitude; Muqing herself had never spoken of being with him.

Realizing he’d been overthinking, Ye Tian felt relieved.

“Haha, who can foresee the matters of youth?” Seeing Ye Tian so reasonable, and with his own illness cured, Li Shanhe’s mood was buoyant.

Just then—

The clear sound of the doorbell rang.

Yin Huijuan’s face brightened. “It must be Lin Zixuan.”

“What is he doing here? Who invited him?” Li Muqing’s beautiful face clouded with displeasure. This pest had been bothering her for years; if not for the long-standing ties between the Lin and Li families, she would have cut him off long ago.

Not only was Lin Zixuan shallow and untalented, he also loved to frequent foot massage parlors and nightclubs. At every meal, he would boast about Michelin stars and luxury cars, but when it came to business or the stock market, he knew nothing.

He had neither ambition nor ability—a true good-for-nothing, and thoroughly detestable.

Upon hearing this, Li Shanhe’s face also turned sour.

“Find an excuse to send him away. That boy never came when I was sick, but now that I’m almost recovered, he comes to curry favor?”

“Don’t say that, dear,” Yin Huijuan protested anxiously.

“You just woke up. Who could have known you were well so soon? Zixuan surely planned to visit but was delayed by business. It’s only natural for the younger generation to pay respects—how could we turn him away and chill his heart?”

She spoke with conviction.

In reality, Lin Zixuan had only come because she’d just sent him a message. The Lin and Li homes were close by; it was a quick drive.

“You—” Li Shanhe shook his head repeatedly.

Busy with business? He knew exactly what kind of person Lin Zixuan was. After all, the families had been close for generations.

“Forget it. If he’s here, let him in. I’ll greet him.” Though annoyed, Li Muqing restrained herself. The families were entwined, and she didn’t want to make things difficult for her father.

“Muqing, you’re just too kind,” Li Shanhe said helplessly, but didn’t stop her. One couldn’t act rashly when it came to family ties.

Soon, a young man in a tailored suit, with tousled hair, swaggered inside. He was somewhat handsome, but the dark circles under his eyes were so pronounced that no amount of concealer could hide them.

“Muqing, long time no see!” Lin Zixuan, seeing her the moment he entered, opened his arms to embrace her, only for her to dodge him in disgust.

“Stay away!” she snapped.

Yet the young man took no offense, laughing boisterously as he turned to ask with easy familiarity, “Where’s Uncle Li? I’ll go see him.”

“No need. My father isn’t well and isn’t seeing guests,” Li Muqing answered with a pout, her face dark.

She was thoroughly irritated. Ye Tian had cured her father, and she had wanted to thank him properly with a meal, only for this good-for-nothing to barge in.

“And who is this?” Lin Zixuan’s gaze slid over, pretending to notice Ye Tian for the first time.

Clad in plain clothes and cloth shoes, hair tied back—

What is he supposed to be, a Taoist priest?

Lin Zixuan curled his lip in disdain. He figured Li Shanhe’s desperation had driven him to seek help from charlatans.

He had no idea Li Shanhe was already recovered—Yin Huijuan had simply called him over.

“This is my friend, Ye Tian—a benefactor to our family. Please show him some respect and lose that superior attitude,” Li Muqing said coldly.

So, he really is a charlatan! Lin Zixuan was quite pleased with himself. Still, the name “Ye Tian” sounded oddly familiar.

“Anyway, it’s just about lunchtime. Muqing, why don’t we go to Tianhe Hundred Flavors for a meal?” Not bothering to ponder further, Lin Zixuan became attentive, his eyes roaming openly over Li Muqing.

This girl’s getting prettier by the day… I wonder when I’ll get a taste, he thought lecherously.

“All right.”

…

Half an hour later, a Panamera roared to a stop in front of Tianhe Hundred Flavors.

The towering building’s unique design made it instantly recognizable—a restaurant brimming with character. Cuisines from all over the world were displayed on the walls in the style of ukiyo-e, full of novelty and cleverness.

Getting out of the car, Lin Zixuan’s face soured.

Why did we have to bring this country bumpkin?

He glanced over at Ye Tian, who was staring up at the building with a blank expression.

“What are you gawking at, hick?” he muttered under his breath, visibly annoyed.

This was Tianhe Hundred Flavors—the most renowned fusion restaurant in Central City. Surely this bumpkin was overwhelmed.

The thought gave Lin Zixuan a surge of superiority.

Yet while he relished the sight, Ye Tian’s heart was a tumult of emotions.

“So, I’ve come back again.”

Gazing at the familiar design, Ye Tian was momentarily lost in reverie.

Tianhe Hundred Flavors had once been a Ye family enterprise. Even the giant ukiyo-e on the building had been designed by his own hand.

When it first opened, the restaurant’s authentic international fare and unique aesthetic had instantly drawn the city’s elite, causing a sensation and nearly driving Michelin and other famed establishments out of Central City.

But now, whose hands did it belong to?

“Let’s go up. I’ve already reserved a table,” Lin Zixuan announced, clearly proud. “Do you know, tables at Tianhe Hundred Flavors are booked a week in advance? Luckily, the Lin family supplies one of their main ingredients, so we have special privileges!”

He shot a triumphant look at Li Muqing, but she paid him no mind.

“Master, is that you?”

A sudden call rang out as the three stepped into the restaurant.