Chaos

"Sizzle sizzle sizzle—"

Ye Shuang heated the clay pot on the stove, then added oil, garlic, and shallots. When they were fragrant, he put in the pre-marinated chicken. A slight charred aroma mixed with the scent of chicken filled the air.

It was Thursday evening, and Ye Shuang was making dinner in the kitchen. Chen Qin stood nearby, watching curiously. Tonight, Chen Qin wore a fitted knit dress that perfectly accentuated her figure.

"That smells so good—a clay pot dish," Chen Qin said, her nose twitching slightly. "Will it burn?"

"Don't worry, just control the heat. A little charred is fine, as long as it's not watery," Ye Shuang said with a smile. After all, this dish wasn't too difficult.

"Watery is perfect for mixing with rice," Chen Qin giggled.

"Then it won't taste good."

Ye Shuang used chopsticks to briefly stir the chicken, then covered the pot and drizzled a circle of rice wine around the rim. With a whoosh, flames burst up.

"A little longer, and it'll be ready," Ye Shuang said, glancing at the empty living room behind him before continuing, "We'll head back Friday and Saturday to talk to Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen about this."

After all, Chen Qin's pregnancy was something they needed to discuss face to face. On one hand, it showed respect; on the other, it would make it easier to talk about other matters.

"Hehe, I know," Chen Qin said cheerfully, seeing how seriously Ye Shuang was taking it.

"Also, from now on, we can't sleep together," Ye Shuang said seriously. This was something he needed to remind Chen Qin about.

"Wow? That's too harsh," Chen Qin said, her beautiful eyes going wide. "Why?"

"You're pregnant," Ye Shuang replied.

Chen Qin countered, "I believe Ah Ye wouldn't do anything reckless."

"I don't trust you," Ye Shuang said, giving Chen Qin an exasperated look. This woman would drain him dry as soon as they got into bed. When Chen Qin noticed his gaze, she pouted adorably.

"I'm well-behaved too."

"I don't believe it," Ye Shuang said, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Fine, fine. I'll behave, okay? You just don't like me using my charms, do you?" Chen Qin said, knowing full well she needed to hold back for the baby's sake.

"Is Yuyou sleeping with you?"

"Well, that... hmm..."

Just then, Ye Shuang opened the lid of the clay pot. Oil was sizzling inside, and the chicken was covered in a golden-brown char.

"Not bad, just right." Ye Shuang grabbed a cloth to carry the pot to the table. There were exactly five dishes and one soup for five people.

"I'll get the rice," Chen Qin said.

"Mm. Where are Yuyou and the others?" Ye Shuang looked toward the living room. The two were probably upstairs, so he headed up—and soon noticed a room with the door slightly ajar.

"Whoa—" From inside came sounds that seemed like Keke's wails. "That's so brutal! Can you be gentler and take it slow?"

Ye Shuang peeked in through the gap. The two girls were sitting on a beanbag chair playing a game. On the screen, a big-headed monster’s sweeping leg and headbutt easily one-shotted Keke’s character.

"Damn it!" Keke kicked her legs back and flopped onto the bag, her backpack jiggling. As she tilted her head back, she noticed Ye Shuang standing at the door.

"Brother, when did you get there?"

"Time to eat," Ye Shuang reminded.

"Oh, okay." Tang Keke stood up, and Bai Yuyou and Little Yezi, who had been watching, also got to their feet.

"What were you playing that got you so worked up?" Ye Shuang asked.

"There's this popular game, Black Myth: Wukong, based on Journey to the West," Keke said. "It's just a bit hard, and the map makes me dizzy."

Bai Yuyou added, "That big-headed doll's been beaten twenty times already."

"It's not my fault," Tang Keke said. "One hit and half my health is gone."

"Is that so? Adapted from one of the Four Great Classical Novels?"

"Mm-hmm. Oh, this game is already so successful. If Romance of the Three Kingdoms could be adapted into a card game..." Tang Keke hummed, "It'd definitely get rave reviews."

Before she could finish, Ye Shuang tapped her head. "Alright, stop daydreaming. Time to eat."

"Oh."

After a simple dinner, the two girls took on dishwashing duties. Little Yezi pulled up a small stool to help with rinsing, while Ye Shuang and Chen Qin went out for a walk.

"Clink clank." Tang Keke washed the dishes and glanced at the dishwasher nearby. "Should we just use the dishwasher, Yuyou?"

"Either is fine, but we have time," Bai Yuyou replied seriously, lathering up the plates with dish soap. She was wearing an apron with her hair tied in a ponytail, looking very domestic.

"Now that Chen Qin is pregnant, do you think Brother will stop coming to the academy?" Tang Keke couldn't help but ask. After all, Ye Shuang had mentioned he might help Chen Qin manage company affairs. Once Chen Qin fully stepped down, running such a huge group would keep Ye Shuang spinning like a top.

"Mm, Ye Shuang will get busy," Bai Yuyou said, pausing as she wiped the dishes. After a moment, she continued scrubbing the chopsticks in her hand and added, "But that's okay."

"Really? Yuyou, will you miss Brother?" Keke said. "You like to stick together, but if Brother—"

Maybe remembering Bai Yuyou's past depression, Keke didn't finish her sentence. She switched to a lighter topic. "Hey, there's a new dessert shop that opened near school..."

"Mm."

Seeing Bai Yuyou only reply with a single "Mm," Tang Keke scratched her head.

"Yuyou?"

"Mm."

"Yuyou, are you okay? Is something wrong?" Tang Keke asked, a little worried. But Bai Yuyou didn't seem distracted. She just looked at her calmly.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I just thought you seemed a bit down."

The girl simply shook her head. "I was just thinking about something."

"About what?"

"How to have a baby." Bai Yuyou said it with a blank expression, recalling the steps. "Hmm... It's a bit difficult after all."

Hearing this, Keke inexplicably felt relieved. It was a bit weird for Yuyou to be thinking about these things, but it was much better than her dwelling on herself. Clearly, after their last conflict, the bond between the two had deepened considerably.

"Yuyou."

"Hmm?"

"Having a baby... there's no rush. Let's enjoy our campus life for now," Tang Keke said. After all, she needed to guide her good friend in the right direction.

"Mm." Bai Yuyou responded with a blank face, though whether she was truly paying attention was unclear. Knowing this girl, Keke figured she was probably spacing out again.