Appetizer Before the Meal

As Ye Feng was lost in thought, he pushed open the door in front of him. Before he could step over the threshold, a graceful figure blocked his path.

"Huh? Yu... Yuyan?"

Ye Feng was startled to see Xie Yuyan standing at the doorway in an apron, her eyes fixed on him. The sight forced him to push aside whatever he had been pondering in the hallway.

"Welcome home, Ye Feng~"

Xie Yuyan greeted him with a sweet, squint-eyed smile. Though she appeared to be eagerly awaiting his return, the moment the door opened, her scrutinizing gaze had already begun sweeping over every inch of him.

"Yuyan, were you waiting for me on purpose?"

"Of course! I’ve already prepared dinner. The only thing missing was you, so of course I had to wait."

Seeing Ye Feng frozen in place, seemingly moved by her gesture, Xie Yuyan quickly reached out and pulled him inside.

"Honestly, don’t just stand there like a fool. Come in already!"

"Ah... R-right."

Under Xie Yuyan’s insistent tugging, Ye Feng found himself dazedly seated at the dining table. Before he could even regain his bearings, warmth suddenly pressed against his thighs—Xie Yuyan had settled onto his lap, holding a bowl of rice.

"Stop fooling around, Yuyan. Shouldn’t we be eating now?"

"But I am eating~"

She shook the bowl in her hand, then picked up a piece of beef with her chopsticks and held it to Ye Feng’s lips.

"Mmph! Yuyan, don’t—mmph—!"

Before he could protest, she seized the opportunity to pop the beef into his mouth.

"So, Ye Feng? How does it taste? I used a different seasoning for the beef today—it should be delicious!"

"Gulp... Yuyan, let’s put the beef aside for a second. Next time, could you at least give me a heads-up before doing something like this? If you keep startling me like this, I’m going to die of a heart attack one day."

"Aw, I just wanted you to try it while it’s still hot! And of course I need your feedback on new dishes so I can adjust them to your tastes in the future."

"You really don’t need to go to such lengths. I’m just an ordinary guy. Cook whatever you feel like eating—no need to cater to me."

"Eh?"

Xie Yuyan’s eyes lit up as if she’d just stumbled upon a treasure. Hearing Ye Feng’s words, she seemed to have an epiphany. She immediately set down her bowl and chopsticks and plopped back onto his lap.

"Yuyan? What are you—"

"Shh~"

She pressed a slender finger to his lips, then leaned in and kissed him, her eyes locked onto his.

"Mmmph... Hah..."

"N-no, Yuyan! Wait a sec—"

"Chu~"

But Xie Yuyan, now fully immersed in the bliss of their closeness, paid no heed to his protests. Or rather, she gave him no chance to explain.

"Smooch..."

Only after a glistening thread slowly stretched between them did Ye Feng finally manage to gasp for air. For some reason, Xie Yuyan seemed especially bold today—as if something had stirred her up.

"Mmm~"

She bit her lip, savoring the memory of what had just happened. Her alluring gaze and seductive demeanor made it clear that after their contact, the emotions simmering inside her could no longer be contained.

Ye Feng sensed the atmosphere shifting dangerously and quickly spoke up before Xie Yuyan could make another move. "Yuyan, let’s eat first, okay? Look at you—this is hardly proper. Go sit back in your own seat."

"No way~ Ye Feng, you know how there’s always an appetizer before the main course? Well, I’m just enjoying mine~"

Her half-lidded eyes bore into him as she pressed her hands against his chest, her heated breath brushing his skin.

"Ye Feng, with me like this, there’s no way we’re eating quietly. So this appetizer is absolutely necessary~"

"Xie Yuyan, you’re asking for trouble! If you won’t listen to reason, then—!"

Feigning anger, Ye Feng lifted her off his lap and unceremoniously dropped her onto the floor, where she landed in a kneeling sit.

"Alright, get up and eat! We’ll talk about the rest later, got it?"

"Ohhh, I see~"

Xie Yuyan looked up, nodding thoughtfully. The sudden understanding in her eyes made Ye Feng immediately wary.

"W-what do you mean ‘I see’? Xie Yuyan, what scheme are you cooking up now?!"

"Thanks, Ye Feng. This must be the real appetizer. I wouldn’t have realized if you hadn’t done that~"

She licked her dry lips, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a sly smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Then... I’ll dig in~"

......

"Gulp—Ahh!"

Su Wanli downed his glass in one go, then glanced at the brooding Li Jing across the table and spoke boisterously.

"Old Li, let the kids figure things out on their own. We hardly get to meet like this—let’s focus on the good stuff! Come on, drink up!"

Li Jing reluctantly took a sip and heaved a heavy sigh. "It’s all because of Mu Cheng. I never thought my quiet, well-behaved daughter would suddenly do something like this... How am I supposed to face her mother now?"

"Ah, kids these days are bound to act out during their rebellious phase. Though I’ll admit, even I was surprised when I heard about it."

Su Wanli refilled his glass, then gazed wistfully at the night sky and muttered,

"At least Yu Xin only throws the occasional tantrum, and even then, it’s always over that brat Ye Feng. What’s so special about him, anyway?"

"It’s because he’s got both looks and personality—unlike you, you old scallion."

"Always with the insults, Old Li! Back in my day, I had my fair share of admirers too, you know!"

"Pfft. Oh, I remember. You were practically wagging your tail like a puppy when you were chasing after your wife."

"Cough! Let’s drop that topic! Everyone’s been desperate in love at some point—no shame in that!"

"...Everything is just fate, I suppose."

"Alright, Old Li, don’t overthink it. Like they say, ‘cross that bridge when you come to it.’ Let the kids handle their own messes. As parents, our job is just to keep them from getting hurt. Now, drink!"