Early morning the next day, after spending an entire night apart from Luo Hongye, Luo Ruying could hardly wait to scoop her daughter into her arms again.
Holding the little girl close, she finally asked the question that had been on her mind since last night. "Yeye, what were you and Daddy playing last night?"
"Daddy took me flying~" Luo Hongye said cheerfully, still brimming with excitement at the memory. Even though she had played until she was too tired to stay awake, the experience had been absolutely thrilling.
"Flying…? Daddy took you into the air?" Luo Ruying frowned in confusion.
From the side, Ning Yechen quickly raised a finger to his lips, signaling Luo Hongye to stay quiet.
Realizing that she had promised not to reveal their little secret, Luo Hongye quickly shook her head and corrected herself. "This is a secret between Yeye and Daddy~ Yeye promised not to tell."
"Not even to Mommy…?" Luo Ruying asked, intrigued.
"Mmm-hmm. Daddy said I can't tell Mommy." Luo Hongye nodded earnestly, her big eyes filled with innocence.
Luo Ruying turned her gaze to Ning Yechen, her expression thoughtful.
Ning Yechen: "…"
For a moment, he felt utterly defeated by the child’s pure-hearted honesty.
Fortunately, Luo Ruying didn’t seem suspicious. She merely pondered for a moment before assuming that Ning Yechen had simply lifted Hongye up high and twirled her around to make it feel like she was flying.
Still, why does he have to make such a big deal out of keeping it a secret? Why won’t he even tell me?
Just then, Luo Ruxin emerged from her room and looped her arm through Luo Ruying’s with a bright smile. "Sister, I’m ready! Let’s go~"
With the New Year festivities still in full swing, Luo Ruying planned to take Luo Ruxin around the city to let her experience the vibrant sights and lively atmosphere of the Mortal Realm.
She turned to Ning Yechen and asked, "Dear, would you like to join us?"
"Since my lovely wife has invited me, how could I possibly refuse?" Ning Yechen replied with a grin, but as he spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at Luo Ruxin, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Luo Ruxin instantly narrowed her gaze. That look—he’s definitely doing this on purpose! He’s deliberately stopping me from spending quality time alone with Sister!
With Meng Niu and the other two left behind to watch over the house, Ning Yechen, Luo Ruying, Luo Ruxin, and Luo Hongye—accompanied by Yue Qingyou—set out together. Luo Ruying carried Luo Hongye as they strolled through the bustling streets, flanked by Luo Ruxin on one side and Ning Yechen on the other. Yue Qingyou followed silently behind.
Before long, the rich, smoky scent of roasted meat filled the air. Ning Yechen and Luo Ruying immediately recognized it, but for Luo Ruxin, it was an entirely new experience.
She sniffed the air curiously. "What’s that smell? It’s so fragrant…"
"There’s a great barbecue stall nearby. I’ll take you to try it," Luo Ruying said, leading the way.
As far as she was concerned, Ye Tianshen’s stall made the best food she had ever tasted in the Mortal Realm. Even Luo Hongye still talked about it constantly.
"A barbecue stall? Mortal food? What’s so special about that?" Luo Ruxin scoffed, her tone full of disdain.
"We’re already here, so why not give it a try?" Luo Ruying smiled as she pulled her sister along. "You might end up liking it."
However, when they arrived at Ye Tianshen’s stall, the sight before them left them completely stunned. A massive crowd had gathered, forming an endless line that stretched far beyond what the eye could see. The majority of the customers were women.
Ye Tianshen’s barbecue had become legendary throughout Nanli City. Everyone who tasted it said the same thing—it was incredible. Nobles, wealthy merchants, and even high-ranking officials had all been drawn in by the allure of his perfectly grilled meats, secret seasoning, and exceptional craftsmanship.
But there was another reason for the stall’s overwhelming popularity.
Ye Tianshen himself.
A cold, aloof, and devastatingly handsome man diligently running a humble food stall—he had become the subject of endless admiration. Countless women flocked to see him, some even offering absurd amounts of money to keep him for themselves. However, all were met with swift rejection.
Thus, a new legend had spread throughout the city—a proud, unattainable man who would rather run a barbecue stall than be kept by a rich woman. People praised his noble character, his unyielding spirit.
Luo Ruxin was taken aback by the spectacle. How could a simple barbecue stall attract so much attention?
Now, she was curious. However, the line…
"Sister, there are so many people…"
"Yes…" Luo Ruying sighed.
At this rate, it would take until nightfall to get a turn.
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"Don’t worry, my dear wife. Leave it to me." Ning Yechen grinned as he confidently strode to the front of the line and stopped beside the next person about to be served.
"Would you mind letting me have this spot?" he asked politely.
The man in line scowled. "Hah? Why should I—"
Then his eyes widened.
Ning Yechen had casually pulled out a bag full of gems and precious stones. The clinking of jewels echoed in the air.
The man gulped hard, his mouth going dry. Just this one bag… was more wealth than he’d seen in a lifetime.
"Hmm?" Ning Yechen jiggled the pouch in his hand. Then he casually pulled out a single gem, letting it catch the light before tossing it back into the bag.
Holding the pouch out, he smiled. "So, what were you saying?"
The man hesitated for only a second before beaming like a blooming chrysanthemum. "Sir, please. I reserved this spot just for you~! Since you’re here now, I’ll take my leave~!"
With a deep bow, he handed over his place and vanished in an instant.
The rest of the crowd watched in stunned silence. Spending that much just to cut in line?! This man was too rich!
Ning Yechen turned back to his family and waved them over with a smile. "Dear, it’s all settled~"
Luo Ruying: "…"
She gave him a slightly disapproving look. "That was way too extravagant just for a spot in line."
"It’s just a little money, nothing to worry about." Ning Yechen chuckled as he gently nudged her shoulder. To him, that small pouch of gems was barely worth mentioning. As long as it made his wife and child happy, he didn’t mind spending far more.
However, Luo Ruying’s next words made his steps falter, and a bead of sweat formed on his forehead.
"Hmm? I distinctly remember that you handed over all your money to me before." She narrowed her eyes slightly. "So, tell me, my dear husband, where did this money come from?"
At this moment, Ning Yechen suddenly felt a very real sense of pressure. It was like being caught red-handed hiding private savings from his wife…