Chapter 329 - Small Movement Under the Table
Shortly after, Loong Xiaoyi emerged from the hall carrying a plate of piping hot dumplings, followed by Xu Mo, who brought along a bowl and chopsticks.
“Teacher, eat more, don't be shy. You look too frail,” Xu Mo called out to Ann Yichen, presenting him with a bowl of dumplings.
Ann Yichen felt a flutter of gratitude. Neither his father nor grandfather had shown him such care back home.
Perhaps due to growing up without a mother, Ann Yichen found Xu Mo's warmth unfamiliar yet comforting, akin to maternal affection.
“Quit daydreaming and dig in! There's plenty more where that came from. Let Auntie know if you need seconds,” Xu Mo urged, slipping two more dumplings into Ann Yichen's bowl.
“Xiao Yi, you too. Don't be shy. You need to put some meat on those bones. What if you can't even lift your future wife?” Xu Mo teased as she added another dumpling to Loong Xiaoyi's bowl. Despite serving herself the smallest portion, her smile radiated contentment, as if she had already dined on their joy.
“I can handle both,” Loong Xiaoyi retorted casually, casting a subtle glance at Ann Yichen, who was busy eating, eliciting a shy smile.
Ann Yichen's cheeks flushed as he kicked Loong Xiaoyi discreetly, urging him to stop boasting.
Unaware of the silent exchange, Xu Mo beamed. Turning to Loong Xiaoyi, she inquired with curiosity, “Son! How old is she? Is she virtuous? Where does she live, and how did you two meet?”
Ann Yichen, bewildered, looked at Loong Xiaoyi.
“Teacher, you're not aware!” Loong Xiaoyi interjected. “I already have someone in mind. She's quite a catch.” Xu Mo's smile, brimming with pride, nearly melted as she listened to Loong Xiaoyi's confession.
“Ah! So that's it! You have someone you fancy!” Ann Yichen, feigning innocence, teased Loong Xiaoyi and then slyly kicked him below the belt.
Loong Xiaoyi's face paled, and dumplings went flying in surprise.
“Is something wrong, son?” Xu Mo's concern was palpable.
“N-nothing, just a bit hot,” Loong Xiaoyi stammered, unable to reveal the truth, cautioning Ann Yichen silently to ease off.
Ann Yichen persisted, attempting another kick, but Loong Xiaoyi swiftly evaded.
“He's relentless,” Loong Xiaoyi thought, bracing for further onslaughts.
“You're not getting a second shot,” he vowed silently, eyeing Ann Yichen warily.
Ann Yichen persisted, but Loong Xiaoyi remained vigilant, prepared to deflect any further attempts.
“He won't let up,” Loong Xiaoyi mused, resolving to remain on guard against future assaults.
This kid dares to catch my feet.
Ann Yichen shot a stern glance at Loong Xiaoyi, silently warning him to desist or face his ire.
Ignoring the caution, Loong Xiaoyi persisted in his mischief.
Ann Yichen's eyes widened in disbelief. Despite being beneath the table, Auntie was present! Was he asking for trouble?
“I was careless!” “I'm not a child anymore. Do you want Mom to scold you?” Xu Mo feigned scolding Loong Xiaoyi.
“No need. I'll be cautious.” Loong Xiaoyi declined, though his demeanor remained indifferent.
Ann Yichen, already sensitive, contained his frustration until his cheeks flushed crimson.
“What's wrong, dear? Is it too hot? Your face is flushed!” Xu Mo inquired with concern.
“Son! Turn on the air conditioner! It'll cool down the dumplings faster,” Ann Yichen instructed.
“Alright.”
Loong Xiaoyi, the culprit, casually reached for the remote and activated the air conditioner as if nothing transpired.
“Feeling better, dear? Should we eat later?” Xu Mo suggested.
“I'm fine. I'll manage.” Ann Yichen's discomfort lingered.
His face flushed as he quickly consumed dumplings to alleviate the awkwardness, avoiding Xu Mo's gaze.
“What happened just now?” Xu Mo inquired, intrigued.
“It's nothing, Auntie. Please, continue eating,” Ann Yichen deflected with a forced smile, seething inwardly at Loong Xiaoyi's audacity.
Ann Yichen's smile masked a desire to throttle Loong Xiaoyi for his audacity.
This reckless behavior was infuriating. Couldn't he wait until they were alone?
Curse it! It must have been deliberate, setting him up for embarrassment later.
“Ah, I see!” Xu Mo brushed it off, her attention fleeting.
“Still not done eating? Did the teacher burp?” Loong Xiaoyi taunted, eyeing Ann Yichen.
“Indeed! Did you choke? Auntie will fetch you some water!” Xu Mo turned to the water dispenser, oblivious to the tension.
“Thank you, Auntie.” Ann Yichen maintained a smile, swiftly retracting Loong Xiaoyi's hand when Xu Mo turned around, cautioning against rash actions. 𝚏ree𝚠𝚎𝐛nove𝚕.com
Loong Xiaoyi smirked mischievously, focusing on his dumplings, unfazed by Ann Yichen's glare.
“You'll pay for this, you troublemaker,” Ann Yichen muttered under his breath.
“Let's eat quietly. There's plenty of night left,” Ye Zichen intervened, silencing Ann Yichen with dumplings.
Ann Yichen suppressed his anger to avoid arousing Xu Mo's suspicion, directing a fierce gaze at Loong Xiaoyi.
Subsequently, after a hearty supper, Ann Yichen's anger subsided with a full stomach. Upon seeing Loong Xiaoyi tidy up and leave, he hastened to follow.
Xu Mo intended to leave, but Ann Yichen had already taken away the bowl.
“Such a well-behaved child! Whoever marries the teacher will be quite fortunate,” Xu Mo mused, smiling at Ann Yichen's departure, then settled onto the sofa, awaiting Loong Xiaoyi and company.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Ann Yichen caught up with Loong Xiaoyi, promptly delivering a scolding kick. “You insolent brat! Have you lost your senses?”
Damn, does Auntie have no sense of caution?
“You made the first move, didn't you?” Loong Xiaoyi maintained his grin.
“You provoked it with your talk about a girl! Who is she? Why haven't I heard of her before?” Ann Yichen fumed.
Angered, Ann Yichen demanded, “Who's the girl? I'm a man. Did you tell your mother something?”
Loong Xiaoyi met Ann Yichen's gaze squarely. “Isn't she right here?”
Fortunately, his mother didn't press further about the girl earlier. It was a blessing in disguise.
“Who is she? I'm a guy. Did you tell your mom anything?” Ann Yichen felt a sense of foreboding.
“Relax, it's nothing.”
“Really?” Ann Yichen doubted Loong Xiaoyi's assurance.
“Absolutely.” He leaned in, planting a kiss on Ann Yichen's lips with a broad grin.
Argh! Always kissing and duping me.
Despite knowing his antics, Ann Yichen willingly fell for them.