edited April 10, 2024
Xia Wan couldn’t explain why, but when Huo Yu said that, he suddenly felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Though the hesitation lingered in his eyes, a smile gradually spread across his face.
“Thank you Eldest Master,” Xia Wan smiled, his eyes were sparkling as if they were filled with stars, shining brightly.
As Xia Wan smiled up at him, Huo Yu noticed the faint reflection of his own face in Xia Wan’s eyes. The sight made him pause for a moment, realizing how endearing Xia Wan looked in that moment.
He’s actually quite cute, Huo Yu couldn’t help but think.
Huo Yu shifted his gaze away, pretending to focus on the two unruly strands of hair on Xia Wan’s head. He reached out and pressed them down gently. “Have you eaten?” he asked casually.
During the video call with Xia Chengzhang, Xia Wan had only eaten on half a pack of dried tofu, but it didn’t really fill him up.
“Not yet,” he admitted, pressing his stomach instinctively. “I’m hungry.”
“I didn’t ask Aunt Qin to come today, so why don’t we go out for a meal?” Huo Yu suggested. “What do you want to eat?”
Xia Wan’s smile widened, and he tilted his head slightly. “Eldest Master, I’m open to whatever you pick.” After a momentary pause, he continued, “And it’s my treat today. Thanks for helping me out with that opportunity, Eldest Master.”
Huo Yu’s lips curved into a slight smile at Xia Wan’s words but he didn’t object. “Do you enjoy Japanese cuisine?”
“Yes, I do.” Xia Wan nodded.
“The Shen family’s Japanese restaurant has a promotion going on,” Huo Yu glanced at Xia Wan, “Do you want to go there?”
“Okay.” With a wide smile in his eyes, Xia Wan agreed happily.
Huo Yu ordered a Wagyu hot pot for Xia Wan, knowing he liked steaming food. He also added more sushi and fresh dishes, as well as crispy tempura and pork chop rice, knowing they were Xia Wan’s favorites.
After the meal was decided, he suddenly remembered something and looked up at the person sitting across from him. “Do you want anything to drink?”
“Ah?” Xia Wan looked at him, a bit surprised, and then hesitated, his chin resting on his hand warily.
Wasn’t this the same person who didn’t allow him to drink at the Huo family banquet that day?
Is he setting a trap?
If he mentioned he wanted to drink…
Xia Wan couldn’t help but imagine Huo Yu’s stern expression.
He bit his lip and asked cautiously after a moment of thought: “Didn’t you forbid me from drinking last time?”
Huo Yu observed Xia Wan’s extensive expressions with amusement. “Are you always this obedient?” He teased, tapping his finger on the table. Then, as if deciding, he pretended to close the menu. “Alright, let’s skip the drinks then.”
How can Xia Wan let such a golden opportunity go??!
Xia Wan quickly reached out to stop Huo Yu from closing the menu, pressing his hand down. Nervously, he raised a finger and gestured, “Can we have a drink?”
Huo Yu had already selected a drink with minimal alcohol content, a sweet Junmai Daiginjo. He chuckled softly and added it to their order.
“This one has very little alcohol, it’s sweet, and has a nice aftertaste,” he explained to Xia Wan, closing the menu. “It’s perfect for you.”
“Eldest Master is so thoughtful,” Xia Wan praised, not holding back. “Thank you, Eldest Master.”
“But make sure you don’t drink alone,” Huo Yu added after a moment of thought. “Got it?”
Xia Wan nodded enthusiastically in agreement after hearing this.
The smell of the Wagyu hot pot filled the air, making Xia Wan’s mouth water. He scooped up a piece of cooked wagyu, dipped it in the sauce, and savored its deliciousness.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
With a satisfied smile, he then took a sip of the sweet wine, enjoying the combination of flavors.
Wlj Qjc rjnbgfv atf rjxf, olcvlcu la pera jr Leb Te vfrmglyfv – rkffa jcv qifjrjca. Qlat j mbcafcafv rlq, tf gfwjgxfv, “Ktlr ajrafr jwjhlcu, pera ilxf j gfogfrtlcu vglcx. Rb kbcvfg rb wjcs qfbqif fcpbs la.”
“Gbfr sbeg vjv jirb ilxf ab vglcx?” Leb Te jrxfv mjrejiis, jwerfv ys Wlj Qjc’r gfwjgx.
“My dad doesn’t drink,” Xia Wan explained. “His legs aren’t great, and since he works with needles, threads, or knives, it’s not safe for him to drink.”
Huo Yu took a moment to process what Xia Wan had said. It was the first time he learned about Xia Wan’s father’s leg condition, and it caught him off guard.
“Is there any way your dad’s leg can still be treated?” he asked after a brief pause.
When Xia Wan first appeared next to Huo Lin, Huo Yu asked Shen Yan to check on him, but Shen Yan never mentioned anything about his father’s health. All they gathered was that he and his father were dependent on each other, and life at home was not easy. They relied on his father to make handmade leather shoes to make ends meet.
“It can’t,” Xia Wan said, not showing any sadness. “My dad had an accident when he was young and lost both legs. Luckily, he survived.” He said it so calmly that Huo Yu was left speechless.
But Xia Wan smiled and reassured him, saying, “It’s no big deal, really. My dad can do anything, just as well as anyone else.”
“Yep,” Huo Yu replied, nodding in agreement.
Xia Wan smiled at him and grabbed a piece of sushi.
The sushi was rolled with plenty of mentaiko on the outside, making it mouthwateringly delicious with each bite.
Coupled with the sweetness of sake, it left a lingering aftertaste that was simply delightful.
For a moment, Xia Wan regretted saying that he’d have just one drink.
Huo Yu didn’t eat much meat, only having a few bites of fatty beef, but he enjoyed more fresh sashimi.
Xia Wan wasn’t used to eating raw food, so she stuck to the hot beef pot instead.
Huo Yu ate very little meat, only a few bites of the Wagyu beef, but he indulged in the fresh sashimi.
On the other hand, Xia Wan, who wasn’t fond of eating raw food, concentrated on the hot beef pot.
They both have specific preferences when it comes to food. They complement each other well. Huo Yu enjoys lighter options like fresh sashimi, while Xia Wan prefers heartier dishes like the hot beef pot. Their differing tastes balance each other out and make their dining experiences enjoyable together.
For a bit, the only noises at the table were the soft clinks of forks and spoons and the sizzle of the beef cooking in the hot pot.
After a period of quiet, Xia Wan broke the silence by speaking up suddenly.
Xia Wan spoke in a soft and hesitant voice, “How was your trip overseas, Eldest Master?” It was unusual for
Xia Wan to inquire about Huo Yu’s travels, whether they were related to work or personal matters.
Huo Yu felt a bit weird and couldn’t help but glance up.
Through the wispy steam, Xia Wan’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. It felt like he was wrapped in a delicate veil, exuding a unique charm.With his chin resting in his hand, his eyes appeared tender and affectionate. And those hazy eyes were just silently watching Huo Yu, as if they were waiting for his reply.
Huo Yu hesitated for a moment, then his hand moved to grasp the wine glass in front of him.
The wine glass wasn’t large, and there was still a bit left at the bottom.
“You’re drunk,” Huo Yu stated, his voice carrying a hint of concern as he observed Xia Wan’s dazed expression. He couldn’t help but notice the slight swaying of his posture and the unfocused look in his eyes, indicating that he had consumed more than his fair share of alcohol.
“I’m not drunk,” Xia Wan protested, his voice slurring slightly as he spoke. “My grandpa and brother can handle way more than this. There’s no way I’d get drunk.” His words were a mix of defiance and pride, despite his obvious signs of intoxication.
Huo Yu smiled, thinking that he was talking about relatives in his hometown.
Xia Wan wanted his wine glass back. He reached across the table and grabbed Huo Yu’s wrist. “Give it back to me,” he insisted softly.
Huo Yu noticed that Xia Wan’s palms were slightly damp as he touched his wrist, his fingertips felt warm and soft against his skin.
Though there was no strength in his grip, his touch gentle and feeble, as if he lacked the usual vigor in his movements.
But Huo Yu had a strange sensation, as if the alcohol had somehow seeped into his bloodstream through his touch, and he could feel a faint warmth where his hand held his skin.
Huo Yu thought he probably shouldn’t have offered him the drink. He just couldn’t believe someone couldn’t handle even a bit of weak sake like this.
“Okay, I’ll give it back,” Huo Yu replied in a serious tone, relenting to Xia Wan’s request. “I’ll pour you some more,” he added.
“Okay,” Xia Wan nodded obediently, and although he released Huo Yu’s wrist, he didn’t retract his hand.
Huo Yu emptied the wine from the glass and filled it with barley tea, then handed it to Xia Wan. “Drink this,” he instructed gently.
“Thanks,” Xia Wan said, his eyes lighting up with joy, and a contented expression on his face, easily pleased by the gesture.
Huo Yu glanced at Xia Wan for a moment before speaking up suddenly, “Not bad,” he remarked, then added, “This trip abroad turned out well.”
“Congratulations.” Xia Wan said, seeming pretty sober. He grabbed the cup and took a sip from the wine glass without even checking what was in it. He didn’t realize it had been swapped.
He was definitely drunk. Huo Yu laughed as he looked at Xia Wan.
“Eldest Master,” Xia Wan suddenly said, his expression serious as he looked at him. “I won’t let you lose,” he declared firmly, his words filled with determination.
Huo Yu crossed his arms and turned his head slightly to look at Xia Wan. “Seriously?” he asked.
Since Xia Wan was feeling the effects of the alcohol, his emotions were written all over his face. His deep gaze held a slight smile and a sense of intense focus.
Even Huo Yu wasn’t sure he’d win this battle, but Xia Wan insisted he wouldn’t lose. It was pretty funny.
“Yeah,” Xia Wan nodded, a smile lighting up his eyes.
Huo Yu glanced at him, aware that he was speaking under the influence and not making much sense. But when he saw those smiling and confident eyes, something softened in his heart. The skepticism in his gaze melted away, and he couldn’t help but smile back.
“You still hungry?” Huo Yu asked softly, a small grin forming at the corner of his mouth.
“Yes,” Xia Wan nodded, “But it’s not easy to pick up.”
Huo Yu stood up and fetched a new dinner plate. He rinsed some wagyu beef for Xia Wan and arranged some sushi and pork chops on the plate, topping it off with a selection of sashimi. Placing a lemon wedge beside the dish, he pushed it towards Xia Wan and warmly said, “Eat up.”
Afterward, he wiped his hands clean and sat down across from Xia Wan.
After watching Xia Wan slowly finish the food in front of him, Huo Yu asked again, “Want more?”
This time, Xia Wan shook his head and looked at him with grateful eyes. “Thanks, gege,” he said softly.
Huo Yu paused for a moment, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at Xia Wan. “Gege?” he repeated, his expression a mix of amusement and laugh.
“Yeah,” Xia Wan replied, meeting his gaze. He then stood up and leaned across the dining table towards him.
The gesture made Huo Yu’s heart skip a beat, causing him to subtly clench his fingers in response to the unexpected proximity.
It felt like Xia Wan might accidentally kiss him if he wasn’t careful.
But Xia Wan simply leaned in close to his ear and whispered softly, “The braised pork you made was so delicious, gege.”
The word “gege” brushed against his ears with Xia Wan’s warm breath, mixed with the sweet scent of wine. It sent a tingling sensation down his spine, making his ears feel strangely numb and tingly.
….
The next morning, Xia Wan woke up in Huo Yu’s house, in his own bedroom.
The bed was really comfy, and the blanket was just perfect, but he had a slight headache.
Wait, did he get drunk last night? Xia Wan questioned, feeling a sudden sense of uncertainty.
Xia Wan was a bit puzzled. He had only had a small amount of wine, so why did he feel this way?
He lifted the thin blanket and noticed he was dressed in clean pajamas. His hair and skin looked neat and clean.
Xia Wan sat cross-legged on the bed, a puzzled expression on his face as he considered the possibility. Did Huo Yu actually give him a bath? But then, he quickly dismissed the thought, shaking his head at the absurdity of it.
How could Huo Yu have bathed him? There was no way Huo Yu would bathe him.
When Xia Wan finished getting ready and went downstairs, he found Huo Yu already done with breakfast, sitting at the dining table and watching the news on his tablet.
Hearing footsteps, Huo Yu looked towards the stairs.
“Are you up?” he asked casually.
“Um, yeah,” Xia Wan replied, coming to the dining table. he asked a bit uncertainly, “Was I drunk last night?”
“What else?” Huo Yu raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. “Did you lose your memory?”
Xia Wan: “Ugh…”
He huffed. This guy just know how to tease him, but he doesn’t know how to answer properly.
“You don’t know how troublesome you are when you’re drunk,” Huo Yu remarked, a hint of exasperation in his tone as he recalled the events of the previous night. “You didn’t even bother to wear a seatbelt in the car, and you insisted on holding onto me…” He suddenly stopped mid-sentence and shifted his attention back to the tablet, focusing on the screen intently.
“What?!” Xia Wan exclaimed in surprise. Did he hug Huo Yu tightly and felt his muscles. Very soon he realized that he was indeed capable of it.
He nervously bit his lip, his eyes filled with anticipation but also a hint of apprehension as he looked at Huo Yu.
He waited for Huo Yu to continue speaking, but when Huo Yu remained silent, he felt too embarrassed to press for more information.
“What are you looking at me for?” Huo Yu inquired, lifting his eyes from the economic news he had just read on his tablet. He noticed Xia Wan still staring at him intently.
“What else did I do?” Xia Wan couldn’t help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him.
“Think about it slowly,” Huo Yu replied in a lukewarm tone, not offering any further information.
If he could he do why would he even bother to ask him. Xia Wan thought angrily to himself.
Still he didn’t dare to say his thoughts a loud.
“Um…” He hesitated for a moment, then continued, “You didn’t give me a bath, did you?”
Upon hearing this, Huo Yu’s grip on the tablet tightened suddenly. After a moment, he spoke softly, “You bathed yourself.”
“I’m quite capable,” Xia Wan said with a sigh of relief, then started eating breakfast.
Amidst the faint clatter of utensils, he didn’t catch Huo Yu’s soft chuckle.
He did end up bathing himself.
Huo Yu filled the bathtub with water and waited anxiously outside, worried that he might accidentally drown.
Eventually, he emerged from the bathroom, but his bathrobe was haphazardly draped around his body, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.
Huo Yu couldn’t believe how he managed to get through it.
Anyway, after he somehow helped Xia Wan get dressed, he dried his hair, tucked him under a blanket, and switched off the lights. After doing all of this, he felt utterly drained.
“Xia Wan.”
Xia Wan was fully focused on his meal when he suddenly heard Huo Yu call his, causing him to look up in surprise.
“Huh?” He placed his fork onto the soft-boiled eggs, causing a bit of the egg to spill out from the crack. “What is it, eldest master?”
Huo Yu set the tablet down, gazing at him for a moment before speaking firmly, “You are not allowed to drink in the future.”
Thank You for the new chapter (๑ơ ₃ ơ)♥
Thank you for the chapter. I read all 25 chapters today and I really enjoy reading this story❣️
Ty for the chapter!!!
(They’re so freaking adorable)
Soo cute. ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗 💘 ❤️ 💙 💜
Thank you for your translation ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Good idea, a Xia Wan without a filter is so dangerous, spouting ‘nonsense’ that’s actually important
I had a suspicion so I bought the chapter on jjwxc, and sure enough, he was calling Huo Yu 哥哥 “gege”….. XW are u trying to kill this man haha no wonder he’s no longer allowed to drink
He did? Oh my it was not mentioned in the site where I translated this from.
It probably just literally translated into “brother” which isn’t wrong^^ “gege” can just a lil cuter/flirtier depending on the context when it’s aimed at a non-relative, and I don’t think there’s any equivalent in English. But it’s sort of like “dad” vs “daddy” a little; same thing but depending on who you’re saying it to and how much their mind is in the gutter, can sound a lil flirty~~~
Late to the party but I just wanted to add my two cents XD The main issue is that XW probably meant it as Brother as in Elder Brother cuz he mistook HY as his brother who gave him braided pork all those years ago in his past life but yeah it probably also definitely sounds flirty to HY who has no context.