The kitchen of the Water Restaurant was bustling.
Liu Shuqin was directing the chefs as they prepared ingredients. When she saw Chen Lin, she immediately came over.
"Xiao Lin, here to inspect our work?"
"Auntie, I'm here to pick up some ingredients." Chen Lin smiled at her and headed straight for the temperature-controlled cold room where the premium ingredients were kept.
Wild hairtail, mandarin fish, and fresh fruit and vegetables watered with spirit spring water.
He emerged from the kitchen loaded with ingredients and immediately spotted Li Xiaoyue checking the accounts with the front desk staff.
She stood there, quiet and focused, a lovely sight all on her own.
Seeing Chen Lin, she put down the reports in her hands and approached him.
"Heading out?"
Her voice was soft but steady, like duckweed that had finally taken root.
"Yeah, I'm going into the city." Chen Lin looked at her gently.
Li Xiaoyue nodded lightly and reached out to straighten his slightly rumpled collar.
Halfway there, she withdrew her hand. There were too many people in the restaurant.
All she could do was offer a shy reminder.
"Be careful on the road."
"I will." Chen Lin gazed at her, a tangle of emotions churning inside him.
Guilt, tenderness, and above all, a heavy sense of responsibility.
He sighed inwardly and turned toward the parking lot.
The black Bentley Bentayga sped down the road, but his mood only grew heavier.
The cool evening breeze streamed into the car, unable to dispel his agitation.
He parked in the underground garage of River View Splendor Mansion, picked up the ingredients, and pressed the elevator button.
When he opened the front door, the apartment was empty.
He went into the kitchen and began preparing the ingredients.
The knife struck the cutting board with crisp taps.