Under the Couch

At this very moment, Yue Yiqing was actually feeling incredibly annoyed.

Normally, this polite tone would significantly increase one's favorable impression of a person.

However, Yue Yiqing simply didn't want the other party to pay; doing so would make it seem like she was desperate to earn the money for just one cup of coffee.

Too lazy to argue further, she signaled the barista to make the coffee and led Wu Hao to an empty seat on the side.

In her heart, she only wanted him to quickly finish this cup of coffee so she could send this self-important Buddha on his way.

Just as she turned around, the corner of her eye caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar figure in the kitchen.

A man wearing a mask was skillfully kneading dough!

In an instant, Yue Yiqing's face darkened.

That kitchen was her sanctuary, the place where she made desserts. Aside from her and her designated apprentices, no one was allowed inside!

Xiao Ling!

She whipped her head around, the temperature in her voice dropping to the freezing point. Who is that person in the kitchen?! Didn't I say that no one is allowed into my kitchen?!

This reprimand caused the atmosphere in the entire shop to freeze.

Wu Hao was startled, but then he looked at Yue Yiqing with piqued interest.

Oh, a rose with thorns, how feisty! If he could get his hands on this kind of woman, it would be much more interesting than those docile little white rabbits.

Behind the counter, Xiao Ling trembled in fright. She timidly glanced at Wu Hao nearby before explaining in a small voice, Boss... it's... it's Mr. Lin.

Her voice grew even smaller. You mentioned before that if Mr. Lin came over, he could use the kitchen...

Mr. Lin?

Lin Bei?

Yue Yiqing's breath hitched slightly, and her footsteps came to a halt.

It was him? He was here again?!

Through the pristine glass, the tall and lean figure in the kitchen was working methodically. His movements were as smooth as flowing water, carrying a unique sense of rhythm.

There was no mistake, it was him.

If it was him... then it didn't matter.

Yue Yiqing's tense nerves instantly relaxed, and the corners of her lips unconsciously curled into a smile she herself didn't even notice.

She turned around and waved her hand dismissively at Wu Hao, who was wearing an inquisitive expression.

It's nothing.

These few light words made Wu Hao's heart sink.

One second she was acting as if facing a formidable enemy, and the next she was completely breezy. This change was simply too fast.

Miss Yue, who might this be? Wu Hao's gaze bypassed Yue Yiqing and locked firmly onto the figure in the kitchen, his tone carrying a trace of imperceptible scrutiny.

It seemed this guy wasn't going to be easily chased away.

A friend of mine. Yue Yiqing's answer was concise, and her gaze returned to the kitchen. His culinary skills are excellent, so he occasionally comes here to borrow the equipment.

Her gaze was focused and bright, as if the person inside was creating some rare treasure. Seeing this made Wu Hao's chest tighten with irritation.

He had only met Yue Yiqing today, but whether it was her looks, temperament, or background, he was determined to have her. Yet now, the prize he had set his sights on was openly showing her admiration for another man right in front of him.

It was simply outrageous.

How could he allow another man to encroach upon his territory?

Inside the kitchen, Lin Mo's movements didn't pause for even a moment.

His divine sense had long since clearly perceived this little commotion outside.

Naturally, he had also clearly seen Wu Hao's expression, but he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to it.

His time today was extremely precious.

Today, Jiang Yunlu seemed to be organizing a camping event, though he didn't know if the Old Geezer would participate.

After all, it was Jiang Yunlu's birthday, and that Old Geezer Jiang Chengshan might even go all out to throw some sort of coming-of-age ceremony.

Outside, seeing that Yue Yiqing had no intention of going in, Wu Hao's displeasure faded slightly.

As long as they weren't getting intimate right in front of him, he could still maintain his superficial grace.

Besides, they might not necessarily be a couple.

The waitress brought the coffee over at the right time, while Yue Yiqing personally took out a few small, exquisite desserts from the display cabinet and brought them over together.

This was also recommended by Lin Mo. After all, desserts were originally created to neutralize the bitter and astringent tastes of tea and coffee.

Or rather, the two complemented each other.

That was why coffee sets were always paired with sufficiently sweet desserts.

She gently pushed the dessert plate in front of Wu Hao. Mr. Wu, try pairing them. The flavor will be much richer.

How thoughtful of you. Wu Hao nodded elegantly, but his heart was burning with passion.

A beautiful woman personally serving him food, and the lady boss of this shop at that—this treatment and status greatly satisfied his vanity.

He was already starting to calculate how long it would take to completely conquer this aloof beauty.

Wu Hao picked up a small silver fork, calmly cut off a piece of Opera cake, and put it in his mouth.

The next second, an overwhelmingly thick sweetness instantly locked up his throat, as if a large glob of honey mixed with butter had been plastered over it. It was sickeningly sweet and cloying.

His expression remained unchanged, but his Adam's apple bobbed up and down unconsciously. He desperately secreted saliva, trying to wash down that cloyingly sweet mass.

Yue Yiqing took in all his little movements and offered a timely reminder: You need to pair it with the coffee, otherwise it will be too sweet.

Hearing this, Wu Hao felt as if he had been granted amnesty. He immediately picked up the coffee cup and took a huge gulp.

In truth, he didn't like drinking this kind of espresso at all; he only ordered it to keep up appearances and show off his so-called taste.

An extreme bitterness exploded in his mouth instantly, like a heavy punch ruthlessly smashing against his taste buds that had been paralyzed by the sweetness.

That burnt, bitter taste forcibly washed away the cloying sweetness on his tongue. The two extreme flavors rampaged through his mouth, bringing about a nearly masochistic sense of stimulation.

He forcefully suppressed the urge to grimace, put down the cup, and squeezed out an appreciative smile.

It is indeed... a very wonderful combination. This is my first time tasting such authentic French desserts. Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Yue.

I'm glad you like it.

Yue Yiqing nodded and then stood up. I still have some matters to attend to in the kitchen, so I won't keep you company. Take your time, Mr. Wu. If you are in a hurry, you may leave at any time.

After speaking, she didn't even give Wu Hao a chance to ask her to stay. She simply turned around and walked straight toward the kitchen.

Wu Hao's hand froze in mid-air, and the smile on his face stiffened.

May leave at any time?

Wasn't this just a disguised way of chasing him out?

He watched Yue Yiqing's retreating back, the gentleness in his eyes gradually fading away, replaced by a trace of gloominess.

Good, very good.

It was normal for women to be a bit reserved.

The more thorns a rose had, the greater the sense of accomplishment when plucking it.

He refused to believe that with his, Wu Hao's, methods, he couldn't handle a woman who ran a dessert shop!

Afterwards, his gaze landed on Lin Mo inside. He might as well regain his confidence by starting with this guy.

He silently placed his car keys on the table.

This attracted the gazes of the other girls around who had come to take photos and check in.

There were even some who had already come forward on their own initiative to ask for his contact information.

After all, Wu Hao did possess a fairly good-looking, elite-style appearance.