Fan Lin and Yao Xingran exchanged glances and vacated the office, leaving Lu Huan alone.
His hand rested on the computer for a few contemplative moments before he cautiously lifted the laptop’s lid.
The screen flickered back to life, revealing the disconnected call.
On Yu Baihan’s end, two messages awaited.
[Yu Er]:?
[Yu Er]: Connection issues? [bird probe]
Lu Huan pursed his lips briefly and then tapped out a reply: No.
Almost instantly, the video call was re-established.
With the shock of earlier somewhat subsided, Lu Huan was more composed now. Yu Baihan’s face reappeared on the screen, and he questioned with measured composure, “What’s the purpose of this?”
Yu Baihan had exited the dressing room by this point and was en route to the sauna room. One hand held his phone, and his loose bathrobe revealed a sliver of his pale, slender shoulder.
“Why, of course, it’s to give Dr. Lu a live demonstration of my recovery,” he chimed with a lighthearted tone.
“… recovery?”
Yu Baihan, glancing at the screen, explained cheerfully, “I’m currently at Huo’s residence, about to enjoy a sauna and massage.”
Lu Huan gave a soft commendation, “You certainly make yourself at home wherever you go.”
“Wherever I go, it feels like home,” Yu Baihan responded with easy acceptance. “It’s okay~” he added happily, “I knew you’d enjoy the show.”
In just a few sentences, he reached the sauna room’s entrance. The wooden door, adorned with translucent glass at the top for visibility, swung shut behind him. Since there was no one inside yet, Qiao Yun must have gone for a massage.
Yu Baihan positioned his phone on the table opposite the door.
The table wasn’t very high, and after setting the phone down, he leaned over to adjust the camera. “Since you can’t bring your phone in here, I’ll set it up to livestream for you.”
Meanwhile, Lu Huan remained seated in his office, somewhat distant from the computer camera. The backlighting made it difficult to discern his expression.
“I still have work to do,” he reminded him.
“Just keep it minimized as a floating window, and check in when you have some spare moments,” Yu Baihan suggested with an inviting wave. “Join in on our family gathering!”
With that, he waved goodbye to Lu Huan, turned, and entered the sauna room. The transparent door closed behind him as he activated the sauna room’s control. Finding a seat with a view of the door, he sat down. Through the glass on the door, he could see that the video call on his phone was still active; Lu Huan hadn’t hung up.
This was just right.
With a contented smile, Yu Baihan realized that, despite the sauna’s scorching 40-degree temperature, Lu Huan might feel the warmth of home through the screen.
…
After spending some time inside the sauna room, a figure swayed near the entrance.
Yu Baihan lifted his gaze and spotted Huo Ming entering from the outside. Huo Ming offered Yu Baihan a friendly smile before, halfway across the room, he paused beside a shelf near the door and turned around.
“…”
Yu Baihan moistened his dry lips. He sensed that Huo Ming and Lu Huan might be having a silent exchange over the video call.
The delicate atmosphere outside the door lingered for two seconds.
Soon, Huo Ming turned around, walked back to Yu Baihan, and jokingly opened the door. “The newlyweds are inseparable!”
His jovial voice reached them, and then the wooden door closed once more.
Yu Baihan lowered his eyelashes, replying, “Yes!”
Huo Ming took a seat beside Yu Baihan, maintaining a distance of about a meter. As they conversed casually, they eventually broached the subject of the recent commotion.
Huo Ming sighed, “Those two youngsters from the Si family… Tsk, how can there be such a stark contrast between siblings from the same parents?”
Yu Baihan promptly clarified, “I was adopted.”
His pure lineage must remain undefiled.
Huo Ming paused for a moment, then sighed and didn’t press further. Instead, he regarded Yu Baihan with some sympathy. “No wonder.”
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.
Silence filled the sauna room briefly.
Leb Zlcu revvfcis jrxfv, “Djltjc, ktja vb sbe atlcx Fcmif Leb rtbeiv vb jybea abvjs’r rlaejalbc?”
Te Djltjc wfa Leb Zlcu’r ujhf, tlr bkc fsfr rafjvs. Lf gjlrfv j tjcv ab klqf atf rkfja ogbw atf rlvf bo tlr cfmx jcv gfqilfv rboais, “Qts vbc’a sbe mbcrlvfg jmmfqalcu ws ygbatfg’r qgbqbrji obg mbbqfgjalbc?”
When an opportunity is handed to you on a silver platter, it’s unwise to decline it.
Coincidentally, the two brothers were now linked: Shan San’er was tied to Lu Huan, while his “Crazy Master PUA” brother was bound to Huo Ming.
Two dogs fighting can only be interesting if they’re evenly matched.
Yu Baihan fell silent, and Huo Ming couldn’t help but chuckle, admiration gleaming in his bright eyes. “You’re a clever one!”
As he spoke, he glanced at the mobile phone outside the door, then turned to Yu Baihan. “No wonder Lu Huan sticks to you like glue. Of course, you’d want to protect your baby.”
Yu Baihan playfully responded, “Well, he just likes to see me.”
Huo Ming, “…”
—
This pair had less-than-ideal physical constitutions and couldn’t linger in the sauna room for too long. Yu Baihan estimated that it was about time, so he rose from his seat, ready to head for a massage.
Huo Ming suggested, “You go ahead; I’ll wait here for Aunt Yun.”
Yu Baihan agreed with a nod, exited the sauna room, and retrieved his phone.
On the screen, Lu Huan was focused on the computer, his expression serious and composed. Possibly sensing the camera moving, Lu Huan shifted his gaze momentarily, then paused as if caught off guard.
Yu Baihan held up his phone and informed him, “I’m stepping out.”
“Alright.” Lu Huan redirected his attention back to the computer and rhythmically tapped his fingers on the keyboard. “It’s time to leave; if you stay in the sauna room any longer, you’ll risk dehydration.”
Yu Baihan looked down at himself; his neck and chest were covered in perspiration, and even the neckline of his bathrobe bore damp marks. He adjusted the robe, allowing a refreshing breeze to sweep in, and continued the live broadcast for Lu Huan. “I’m going for a massage now.”
Lu Huan’s voice came across faintly, “Alright.”
…
The massage room was a single cubicle.
After changing into his massage attire, Yu Baihan was attended to by a professional masseuse from the Huo family. He placed his phone on the bedside table, lay down, and addressed Lu Huan, “I haven’t started yet; I’m not sure if it’ll be painful.”
Lu Huan glanced at him through the camera.
The masseuse behind him offered a friendly smile, “You’ll know once I apply some pressure.”
“Alright.” Yu Baihan reclined and the masseuse began working on his shoulders. The first five or six minutes were bearable, but there came a point when she pressed somewhere that prompted him to arch his back and emit a soft groan.
Observing his reaction, the masseuse paused, and Lu Huan’s gaze flicked to the screen.
Yu Baihan tilted his head and confessed, “It tickles there.”
The masseuse took note, “I’ll be more cautious around that area.”
“Sure.” Yu Baihan raised his eyes to the screen again and initiated a conversation with Lu Huan, “Did you not have an afternoon meeting and remain in the… well… office?”
As he spoke, he was pushed down again and made a soft sound of discomfort, “I haven’t seen anyone entering your office, um…”
The video screen fell silent.
For the third time, Lu Huan ceased his actions and shifted his attention towards the screen.
Yu Baihan buried part of his face in the pillow; his fair complexion was flushed, and when he raised his head, his delicate eyelashes quivered slightly.
The video momentarily froze.
Raising his chin, Yu Baihan inched closer and asked, “Is the internet disconnected again?”
“No.” The screen readjusted, and Lu Huan lowered his gaze. After a few seconds, he spoke, “Someone needs to come in for a work report. I’ll hang up now.”
Yu Baihan understood, “Alright, then you should go.”
Go and earn money to support your household.
The nearly hour-long video call was finally terminated, and Yu Baihan nestled his face back into the pillow, savoring the ongoing massage with contentment.
—
After a relaxing session at Huo’s residence, Yu Baihan found it was already dinner time by the time he returned home to the Lu residence.
Lu Huan also joined him for dinner at home, and the two sat down at the dining table.
Yu Baihan, feeling at ease, offered a suggestion to Lu Huan, “I felt so comfortable after the massage, how about going for one together next time?”
Lu Huan paused, his chopsticks hovering in the air, “We can consider it.”
Taking this as not a complete rejection, Yu Baihan swiftly started researching several wellness centers on his phone.
…
Presumably due to his deep relaxation from the steam massage the previous day, Yu Baihan enjoyed a sound sleep that night and didn’t wake until 10 o’clock the next morning.
Upon descending the stairs, he found Uncle Feng giving instructions to Aunt Zhou, the family cook.
“Uncle Feng, what’s going on?” he inquired.
“Master Baihan, please have some breakfast first.”
Uncle Feng handed him a milk sandwich and explained, “After the birthday party a few days ago, it seems that Mr. Lu had a bit too much to drink, and his stomach hasn’t been feeling well. Both Xiao Zhou and I were asked to prepare lighter, more easily digestible meals for him over the next few days.”
Yu Baihan wondered, “What about lunch at the company, then?”
Uncle Feng hesitated, “Maybe something lighter? Or perhaps ordering takeout?”
“…” How pitiful.
Working tirelessly to support the family, yet unable to enjoy a decent meal.
Filled with sympathy, Yu Baihan suggested, “Takeout isn’t very hygienic. I’ll make something for him and deliver it to the office.”
Both Uncle Feng and Aunt Zhou raised their eyebrows in surprise, “Really?”
Yu Baihan remembered that porridge or pasta was gentle on the stomach, so he scoured the kitchen and discovered a box of pre-packaged noodles. The packaging was simple, covered in foreign script, and depicted a tomato, appearing relatively healthy. He set a pot of water to boil, broke the noodles into the pot, and then added the tomato sauce sachet, letting it simmer gently.
As for a few mysterious-looking packets containing dark ingredients, he simply set them aside.
The noodles cooked to a pleasantly soft consistency, and it was already 11 o’clock when they were ready.
At home, there was a thermal container from Qing Yu Yuan. Yu Baihan packed the tomato noodle soup into it, and Hua Wu drove him to the company.
On the way, he sent a message to Lu Huan.
[Yu Er]: Ding dong! You have a notice from Baihan.
[Fish]:?
[Yu Er]: I’ve prepared tomato noodles for you and will bring them over at noon. [Duck head, you can’t refuse me]
[Fish]:…
[Fish]: Okay.
After a 40-minute drive, the car pulled up at the entrance of the Lu Group.
He reached the company lobby after about 40 minutes. The reception desk was directly across from the entrance and was staffed by three employees.
Approaching them, Yu Baihan inquired, “Which elevator goes to the president’s office?”
The receptionist indicated the direction, noting the “Qing Yu Yuan” thermos bucket in his hand and suggesting, “You can leave it here, and someone will come to pick it up.”
Yu Baihan shook his head, “No need, I’ll take it up myself.”
With that, he carried the thermos bucket across the lobby towards the elevator.
The elevator doors closed slowly, shutting out the hushed murmurs coming from the reception desk:
“Does Qing Yu Yuan offer food delivery now?”
“Perhaps Mr. Lu has special privileges. That delivery guy seems quite nice.”
……
The elevator swiftly carried Yu Baihan to the top floor.
Exiting the elevator, he quickly located the president’s office. A knock on the door prompted Lu Huan’s voice from within, “Come in.”
As the door swung open, Yu Baihan stood there with the thermos bucket in hand. “Mr. Lu, you’ve got a personally delivered takeaway.”
Lu Huan, sitting behind his desk, raised his gaze from his work and directed it towards the thermos. “What’s inside?”
Yu Baihan placed the thermos on the table, his tone feigning offense. “I told you it’s tomato noodles, are you that forgetful?”
Lu Huan moved aside the papers on his desk, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. “Is it really that simple?”
Yu Baihan shook his head, “Of course not.”
Lu Huan paused in the midst of arranging his documents.
With a playful grin, Yu Baihan continued, “I even added a poached egg for some extra nourishment.”
Lu Huan seemed to relax his initially tense expression. “Thank you.”
Yu Baihan returned to his usual teasing tone, “You’re welcome. It’s just what you should thank me for.”
“……”
—
The thermos bucket was opened, revealing two sets of bowls and chopsticks inside.
A rich tomato aroma wafted out, and the smooth noodles looked surprisingly delicious, with no sign of clumps.
Yu Baihan served them both and noticed Lu Huan’s slightly dazed expression. He playfully inquired, “What emotions are you conveying with that dreamy expression of yours?”
Lu Huan snapped back to reality and reached for the bowls and chopsticks. “It’s nothing, just touched.”
Yu Baihan couldn’t help but smile; Lu Huan was easily moved.
He divided the noodle soup into two portions, and then observed Lu Huan as he took the first bite. The flavor was delectable, albeit a bit mild.
But that was precisely what Lu Huan wanted – something light.
Yu Baihan encouraged, “It’s quite good. Give it a try.”
Lu Huan picked up a chopstick, tasted the noodles, and paused after a couple of bites. He swallowed and said, “Did you turn soup into pasta?”
Yu Baihan stared down at the noodles in his bowl. They were indeed a bit too smooth and thick.
You could faintly discern minced meat amidst the tomatoes… He had made spaghetti bolognese instead.
The office fell silent for a moment. Yu Baihan pursed his lips, then grabbed a chopstick and scooped up the poached egg from the thermos. “Poached egg…”
Lu Huan glanced at him and remained silent.
The round poached eggs floated in the tomato-rich soup, glistening.
After a few moments, Lu Huan moved his chopsticks and took another bite.
Although it had been turned into noodle soup, the taste remained delightful.
As they continued to eat, Yu Baihan couldn’t help but comment, “Uncle Feng mentioned your stomach issues, but I didn’t expect you to have the typical CEO stomach problems.”
Lu Huan, mid-noodle slurp, raised his eyes at this.
Before he could respond, Yu Baihan continued, “Fortunately, you have an in-house family doctor. We can ask Dr. Zhong… the medical staff to come and treat you immediately.”
Lu Huan finally swallowed his mouthful of noodles and frowned, “I don’t have any stomach issues.”
Yu Baihan readily agreed, “Alright, no issues then.”
Before they could delve further into the stomach issue debate, a knock sounded on the office door.
“Come in,” Lu Huan called.
The door swung open, revealing a security guard. He explained, “Mr. Lu, the front desk informed me that a delivery person came up but didn’t return, so they asked me to check…”
As he trailed off, the security guard’s gaze landed on Yu Baihan.
Yu Baihan also turned to glance at Lu Huan, who straightened up in his chair, lifted his chin slightly, and quipped, “Who am I, Please explain.”
Thank you for the chapter.
Ah our MC overreacting. It’s cute how he just punts the question to hus hubby. The poor security guard. If only he had run into the secretary he would not be trapped between the emperor and the empress.
So green tea of him 😆
Yeah Mr. Lu, pray tell who he is lmaoo 🤣🤣
Spaghetti into noodles??? 😨
💜
Aww, it’s sweet that Yu Baihan is looking after Lu Huan 🤗
Thanks for the chapter 💞
Thank you so much 😊