Love Conquers All

In the kitchen, You Man hummed a melodious tune as she prepared a meal for Zhou Yi.

Under the warm yellow light, the woman’s silhouette remained as beautiful as ever. Her hair was loosely tied into a bun resting on her shoulder, with a few strands cascading down her cheeks, adding a touch of delicate charm.

Zhou Yi leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching her just as he had when he first met You Man in this world.

But the You Man now was different from the one back then.

Even while cooking, her face radiated a blissful smile.

She found immense happiness in cooking for someone she loved.

As long as Zhou Yi was by her side, she felt utterly content.

"Man Jie," Zhou Yi suddenly called out to her.

You Man turned her head while sorting vegetables. "Why are you in the kitchen? Go sit down—standing must be tiring."

Zhou Yi smiled at her. "It’s fine. I just wanted to call your name. You’re standing here cooking without complaining, so how could I, the one waiting to eat, be tired? I’ll just stay here and watch you."

You Man shot him a shy glance. "What’s so interesting about watching me cook?"

"Everything about you is interesting, Man Jie. I could stare at your back all day."

"You’re at it again, always so unserious."

"Why should I be serious around you? I’m just speaking my mind—I’m the most honest person."

"You’re just saying that to make me happy."

The two bantered back and forth, one cooking and the other admiring the beauty.

Zhou Yi teased You Man until she was laughing uncontrollably. Feeling the intensity of his gaze, she eventually shooed him out of the kitchen.

"The fumes here are strong—I don’t want your handsome face getting all smoky," she joked, pushing him out.

Only then did Zhou Yi obediently return to the dining table.

He proceeded to send messages to those close to him, informing them of his return to the country.

Naturally, this included the Qu family. During Zhou Yi’s time abroad, Qu Hongzhuo and Ma Yunfang had frequently messaged him to check in.

However, Little Jia was unhappy that Zhou Yi hadn’t gone to City A to see her first after returning.

Over WeChat, she alternated between whining and throwing a tantrum, insisting on knowing where he was staying so she could fly to Huaihai to find him.

Zhou Yi refused, and she predictably sulked.

While Zhou Yi and You Man were eating, Little Jia’s calls came one after another.

Zhou Yi didn’t hide it from You Man—his phone lay on the table, flashing Little Jia’s name with each incoming call.

You Man only asked curiously, "Could it be something important?"

Zhou Yi sighed and explained how he had cured Qu Yin in City A, becoming Qu Hongzhuo’s adopted son in the process.

"Little Jia is my adoptive mother’s niece. Her mother passed away when she was young, and her father is always out fooling around. Ever since I joined the Qu family, she’s been clingy toward me."

"She’s quite domineering—she wanted me to visit her first after returning, but since I came back to Huaihai, she’s throwing a fit. Don’t worry about it. Her spoiled attitude could use some tempering."

His words clarified Little Jia’s identity while subtly emphasizing his closeness to You Man.

After all, Zhou Yi had thought of her first upon returning—how could You Man not be happy?

Her eyes curved as she took his hand. "Xiao Yi, I feel like... you’ve changed in some way since coming back."

A woman’s intuition was sharp. You Man could sense that Zhou Yi had always treated her well, but there was a difference now.

She didn’t know what price another woman had paid to bring about this change.

Zhou Yi paused mid-bite. "For better or worse?"

You Man blinked. "Of course for the better."

She smiled softly. "You’re even kinder to me now."

Her gaze was tender, and Zhou Yi simply chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"Maybe it’s just been too long since I’ve seen you. A day apart feels like years—now that we’re together, I want to make up for lost time."

As always, Zhou Yi knew just how to make You Man’s heart flutter.

After the warm, comforting meal, You Man nestled against Zhou Yi’s chest as he shared his plans.

"Man Jie, I’m thinking of moving to City A for work."

You Man stiffened in his arms, her eyes flickering with unease.

She had always known Zhou Yi would soar beyond Huaihai—she just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

If he left Huaihai, he would also be leaving her side.

Numbly, she nodded. "That’s good... a big city means more opportunities..."

Zhou Yi guessed her thoughts and continued with a smile, "Let’s go to City A together."

You Man looked up abruptly. "Huh?"

Zhou Yi raised a brow. "What, did you think I’d abandon you in Huaihai and go alone?"

You Man was both thrilled and apprehensive.

"No, I just... didn’t expect it."

She had never dared hope Zhou Yi would take her with him when he left Huaihai.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she frowned worriedly. "But if you bring me along, I’m afraid I’ll just hold you back."

Zhou Yi patted her back. "You won’t. It’s just that moving to City A means starting fresh—it’ll take time for you to adjust."

You Man thought for a moment. "Then... what if I open a restaurant there?"

If Zhou Yi relocated, his company would surely move as well, or at least establish a branch in City A. She could still cook for him there.

"I’d prefer you not overwork yourself. Running a restaurant is just as exhausting, and you never let yourself rest."

"It’s just how I am—I can’t sit idle. Let me do something. If nothing else, I could work as a receptionist at your company."

"Absolutely not. With how beautiful you are, my employees would swarm around you all day. I wouldn’t stand for it."

You Man burst into laughter again, leaning against Zhou Yi’s chest as she murmured,

"Well, since you’ve agreed to take me, I’ll shamelessly stick to you. Wherever you go, I’ll follow. Opening another restaurant is doable with my savings. As long as I’m with you, no city is too big or unfamiliar."

For You Man, love could overcome any obstacle.

She would move forward with Zhou Yi—it didn’t matter where or how far.

At the same time, she couldn’t give up her Satisfactory Restaurant.

To her, it wasn’t just a business—it was a crystallization of her love, the first venture she and Zhou Yi had started together. She wanted to nurture it well.

She wanted to be a woman worthy of Zhou Yi, to have her own career, even if it was just running a restaurant.

If she could build a reputable, beloved establishment, that would be her success.

"Opening a restaurant in City A won’t be as easy as in Huaihai. But if it’s what you want, I’ll support you."

"I’ll pick a good location, preferably near your company, so I can still see you often."

You Man envisioned their future together, her face lighting up once more with happiness and anticipation.