Chapter 51 Waiting for me to feed me?
The door closed right in front of me.
Su Ruan rubbed her molars against the door panel.
She rushed into the bathroom, brushed her teeth and washed her face as quickly as possible, and looked at the haggard female ghost in the mirror, angrily splashing cold water on her face.
I didn't have time to wash my hair, so I just tied it up in a high ponytail to make myself look a little more presentable.
She grabbed a long dress, put it on, and rushed out with no makeup on.
Yan Tingnan waited for her in the corridor, his posture relaxed.
Seeing her come out, his gaze lingered for a moment on her clean yet undeniably tired face, then he said nothing and turned to walk towards the elevator.
The car wound its way through the streets before finally stopping in front of a well-established teahouse with an old-fashioned facade and a bustling atmosphere.
The rich aroma of tea and pastries mingled with the sounds of people coming from all directions.
Su Ruan was a little confused.
This is such a mismatch with Yan Tingnan!
Yan Tingnan, however, led her calmly through the noisy lobby and familiarly to a relatively quiet small table by the window.
The waiter, dressed in a white coat, greeted us with a smile, but before he could speak...
Yan Tingnan had already clearly recited the menu.
"Shrimp dumplings, siu mai, chicken feet, char siu bao, and boat congee."
He paused, then gave a special instruction.
"The porridge should be smooth and cooked longer, as this young lady has a sensitive stomach."
The waiter smiled and nodded, quickly jotting it down in his notebook.
"Don't worry, Mr. Yan, it's the same as always!"
Su Ruan's heart stirred slightly.
Does he even know the regular waiters here?
"Mr. Yan, you seem quite familiar with this place?"
Su Ruan couldn't help but speak up.
Yan Tingnan picked up the teapot and poured boiling water into the rough porcelain cups, rinsing the cups, bowls, chopsticks, and plates.
The movements were fluid and graceful.
"Um."
He pushed the warmed teacup in front of her, poured in the pale amber tea, and the aroma of the tea instantly rose.
"I spent two years on Hong Kong Island with my mother when I was a child."
His answer was brief, and he didn't elaborate further.
Su Ruan recalled memories of his mother, Jiang Ya.
That talented female painter who led a life of hardship and displacement with her young son.
It turns out that during those turbulent years, they had briefly stayed on Hong Kong Island.
Those days of wandering were perhaps one of the few times in his childhood that he could call home.
There was no infighting within the Yan family, nor the later deceit and treachery in the business world.
The steaming hot snacks were quickly served, and the rising steam blurred the view.
Yan Tingnan naturally picked up the serving chopsticks, took out a crystal-clear shrimp dumpling, and placed it on the small plate in front of Su Ruan.
"Try it."
"The shrimp dumplings here have thin wrappers and delicious fillings; they're their signature dish."
"The owner personally goes to the dock to select shrimp every day; he's been doing it for decades."
Su Ruan didn't touch her chopsticks, her gaze fixed on his profile softened by the rising steam.
A thin layer of white mist covered the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses, giving them a touch of warmth and humanity.
This aloof and dignified man, who usually frequents top-tier clubs, can blend into the bustling city so naturally.
What are you spacing out for?
"Waiting for me to feed you?"
Su Ruan snapped out of her daze, her ears burning, and quickly picked up a shrimp dumpling.
The skin is incredibly thin, and the taste is sweet, juicy, and chewy. The warm broth instantly soothes a stomach that has been empty all night.
She squinted her eyes contentedly.
"Eat slowly, it's hot."
Yan Tingnan offered a gentle reminder, but he himself simply sipped his tea slowly.
Occasionally, I would use serving chopsticks to add one or two items to her small dish.
Su Ruan sipped her porridge.
The congee was cooked until it was thick and creamy, and its steaming heat dispelled the chill from staying up all night.
"How does it taste?" he asked.
"Excellent."
Su Ruan gave a vague compliment, pointed to the plate of shrimp dumplings, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled.
"This is amazing."
Upon hearing this, Yan Tingnan's lips curled up slightly.
The usual imposing distance was softened by the satisfied expression on the face of the person in front of him.
A morning tea warmed my stomach and made me feel comfortable, and most of my fatigue disappeared.
Su Ruan put down her spoon, feeling the tension of the past few days ease a bit.
Yan Tingnan also put down his teacup.
"Are you full?"
"Um."
Su Ruan nodded sincerely.
"Thank you, Mr. Yan, for saving my stomach."
Yan Tingnan paid the bill and gestured for her to get up.
"They're gone."
After they came out, Yan Tingnan opened the passenger door of the black SUV for Su Ruan.
"Get in the car."
Su Ruan was slightly taken aback, but still got into the passenger seat as instructed.
After Yan Tingnan got into the car, Su Ruan couldn't help but break the silence.
"President Yan, where are we going now?"
"I'll take you to meet someone."
"Hmm?" Su Ruan raised her eyes, her expression questioning.
Yan Tingnan looked ahead, one hand on the steering wheel, his posture relaxed yet full of control.
"Since you're on Hong Kong Island, let's have a casual meal together."
Su Ruan became even more curious.
Who could it be that Yan Tingnan would personally drive to take her to see?
“An elder, a former leader, whose surname is Qin.”
"After retiring, I lived on Hong Kong Island. I have a straightforward personality and enjoy lively places."
"Former boss?"
Su Ruan sensed the weight of that word, and her heart stirred slightly.
"Um."
He stopped there, saying no more.
The car eventually stopped in front of a small courtyard on a hillside facing the sea.
White walls and gray tiles, vines climbing the courtyard walls, and several potted plants in full bloom by the entrance.
The courtyard is small, but it is very well maintained, with lush flowers and plants, and stone tables and benches that exude a leisurely atmosphere.
A sprightly old man was already waiting at the door, his back straight.
Wearing simple cotton and linen shirts and trousers, he exuded a seasoned and resilient air.
"Listen to Nan!"
Old Qin, with a loud voice and a hearty smile, strode forward and patted Yan Tingnan's shoulder firmly, the force of which looked solid.
"You finally remembered to come and see this old man's bones!"
"Oh, you've brought such a pretty young lady with you? You've finally figured things out, haven't you?"
"Come in quickly, come in quickly!"
"Old Commander."
Yan Tingnan nodded slightly, his attitude more respectful than Su Ruan had ever seen before, even carrying a hint of junior intimacy.
He turned to the side to introduce it.
"This is Su Ruan."
"Hello, Mr. Qin, I apologize for bothering you."
Su Ruan quickly stepped forward to greet him, her smile polite.
"No, no, no! You're Xiao Su, right? Come in! Don't be shy, make yourself at home!"
Old Qin greeted them warmly and led the two into the courtyard.
"Please sit and have some tea, I'll go to the kitchen."
Yan Tingnan said to Qin Lao, then turned to Su Ruan.
"You should rest for a while too."
"Shall I help you?"
Su Ruan said subconsciously.
"Need not."
"You stay outside and keep Old Qin company while he drinks tea."
Yan Tingnan refused decisively, rolled up the sleeves of her white shirt to reveal her forearm, and walked straight into the kitchen.
They handled it with the ease of returning home.
"Never mind him!"
Old Qin chuckled and invited Su Ruan to sit down, then picked up the copper kettle from the small stove and brewed her tea.
"This kid loves to dabble in the kitchen when I'm with him. He's a decent cook, but he's incredibly stubborn and never lets anyone else help, finding it a nuisance."
"You sit down and rest, let him keep busy."
Su Ruan sat down as instructed, and took the teacup handed to her by Old Qin. The warm porcelain cup warmed her palms.
"Mr. Qin, President Yan is a man of great talent and cunning."
"Hey! That's what military training made me!"
Qin Zhenguo took a sip of tea, his eyes filled with reminiscence.
"Back in the team, during wilderness survival assessments, he was the most efficient at starting fires and cooking, and all the guys wanted to be in his group."
Old Qin nodded, pointing to the busy figure in the kitchen, his tone filled with the pride of watching his own child.
"This kid, his grandfather sent him to me when he was just an eighteen-year-old rookie soldier!"
"Hey, back then I was cold and stubborn, the most stubborn wolf cub. Once I made up my mind, not even ten oxen could pull me back."
"He's ruthless at heart and quick-witted; he's a promising talent!"
"He may seem cold and aloof, but he is actually very affectionate and kind-hearted; he just hides it well."
Old Qin stopped laughing and sighed.
"He once went on a very dangerous mission, but he was lucky and came back."
"But his comrade-in-arms Yang Zechuan is gone, leaving behind a ten-year-old boy named Yang Yunye."
Su Ruan's heart skipped a beat.
Yang Yunye?
Yan Yunye? !
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
