Chapter 25: Love at First Sight

Zhao Yan’er hurried along the road, a delicate sheen of sweat glistening at her temples. Her charming, lovely cheeks were tinged with a gentle blush, and her apricot-shaped eyes, slightly moist, were fixed intently on Zhao Kai, her face full of concern.

Zhao Kai found himself unable to look away from her. He didn’t know why, but lately he’d noticed Zhao Yan’er becoming more and more beautiful.

He wasn’t the only one entranced; Zhou Chengwang was equally captivated. Facing this vision before him—like a fairy stepping out of a painting—his pupils contracted sharply, as if something deep within him had been stirred.

“Brother?” Zhao Yan’er called again, seeing Zhao Kai staring at her without responding.

Snapping back to himself, Zhao Kai replied, “It’s nothing. I just made a new friend.”

A friend? Only then did Zhao Kai remember the young man standing beside him.

“And this is...?” he began, intending to introduce him.

But Zhou Chengwang stepped forward first, saying, “Miss, hello. My name is Zhou Chengwang. I’m a clerk hired by your brother.”

“A clerk?” Zhao Yan’er’s face was skeptical; this Zhou Chengwang, with his elegant demeanor and luxurious clothes, didn’t look like a clerk at all.

Noticing her scrutiny, Zhou Chengwang was filled with satisfaction, as if a seed long buried in his heart had finally sprouted and taken root—he only wanted to bloom for this beauty before him.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Zhao Kai cleared his throat. “Yan’er, he really is someone I brought on to help at the casino.”

With this confirmation, Zhao Yan’er finally nodded.

“Brother Zhao, who is this beautiful young lady? You haven’t introduced us yet,” Zhou Chengwang pressed.

An uncomfortable feeling rose in Zhao Kai’s heart, but he didn’t dwell on it. “This is my younger sister—Zhao Yan’er.”

So she was his sister. Zhou Chengwang’s eyes sparkled with adoration as he eagerly took her hand, reluctant to let go.

Zhao Yan’er felt uneasy and tried to withdraw her hand, but to no avail. Zhao Kai coughed twice, prompting Zhou Chengwang to realize his mistake and quickly apologize. “I’m sorry, that was inappropriate.”

“It’s all right. Since you’re a clerk hired by my brother, you’ll be helping him manage the casino. I can see he’s been very tired lately—he even has dark circles under his eyes.”

Zhao Kai muttered to himself, Tired from holding back... nothing else.

“Brother, I made some bird’s nest soup for you. Would you like to try it?”

“I’d love to.”

“I’d like to try some too.”

Zhou Chengwang squeezed in, much to Zhao Yan’er’s displeasure—she had made it for her brother, not for others.

Seeing Zhou Chengwang’s obvious attempts to curry favor with Zhao Yan’er, Zhao Kai understood his intentions.

“It’s nothing. I can’t finish it by myself—let him taste your cooking too,” Zhao Kai said.

Since her brother had spoken, Zhao Yan’er could say nothing more.

Her culinary skills were indeed excellent; both men praised her without end. Zhao Yan’er gazed at Zhao Kai, her face radiating happiness. As long as she could stay by his side like this, she was content.

“Husband.”

While the three were chatting, Lin Fei’er entered, carrying a box of food.

She’d come to see her husband and brought some homemade treats, but unexpectedly found him with Zhao Yan’er.

Upon seeing Lin Fei’er, Zhao Kai hurried to greet her. “Fei’er, what brings you here? It’s so hot outside—what if you get heatstroke?”

“It’s nothing.”

“What did you bring?”

“I made some pastries for you, but it seems you’ve already eaten...”

“That’s not true. I was just thinking I’d like something sweet. Let me have a taste.”

Zhao Kai fussed over Lin Fei’er, while Zhao Yan’er felt deeply uncomfortable though she dared not show it and could only endure in silence.

Zhou Chengwang’s eyes widened at the sight of Zhao Kai’s beautiful wife.

Brother Zhao, you’re quite something—with such a fairy-like wife, your life is truly blessed.

“Hello, sister-in-law,” Zhou Chengwang greeted with perfect tact, his words charming and pleasing. The title of “sister-in-law” delighted Lin Fei’er.

Noticing Zhao Yan’er sitting off to the side with a cold expression, Lin Fei’er felt a surge of triumph.

After a brief introduction from Zhao Kai, Zhou Chengwang winked at him, signaling admiration for his good fortune.

It truly was good fortune—though who else could understand the frustration of looking but not touching?

“Husband, you’ve been coming home late these days. Is the casino business wearing you out? Should you take a break?” Lin Fei’er asked, moving behind Zhao Kai and, in full view of Zhao Yan’er, began massaging his temples.

Zhao Kai closed his eyes in comfort. “I’m all right, not tired.”

In truth, he was simply avoiding returning home early and seeing that bloody scene again.

“Fei’er, Brother just hired a new clerk—he won’t be too tired,” Zhao Yan’er said coolly.

“But I worry for him,” Lin Fei’er replied sweetly. “If my husband exhausts himself, I’ll be heartbroken.”

Hearing her gentle words, Zhao Kai quickly took her hand. “Don’t worry, Fei’er. I’ll take care of myself.”

Zhao Yan’er’s face went numb with frustration—she wished she could separate the two of them, but given their legitimate relationship, she had no right.

“Sister-in-law, you’re truly skilled. I’ve never tasted pastries this delicious. Miss Yan’er, would you like to try some?” Zhou Chengwang offered ingratiatingly, holding out a pastry to Zhao Yan’er.

She ignored him, instead turning to Lin Fei’er. “Fei’er, could you teach me how to make these pastries? I learned a bit before, but my hands aren’t deft, and they never turn out as pretty as yours.”

Anything Zhao Kai liked, Zhao Yan’er wanted to master. But Lin Fei’er was unwilling—what she made for her husband was unique, something she couldn’t share with anyone else.

“Of course, but I’ve been busy taking care of my husband lately. I’m afraid I won’t have time,” Lin Fei’er replied.

No time? Zhao Yan’er frowned, about to protest, but Zhao Kai sensed the tension and quickly interjected, “Pastries are best enjoyed occasionally—too many can be cloying. Bird’s nest porridge is better for daily nourishment.”

His words successfully doused Zhao Yan’er’s anger, but now Lin Fei’er was unhappy. She was a sensitive woman, and misunderstood his meaning, believing he preferred Zhao Yan’er’s cooking.

“Husband, my wrist is hurting a bit. Could you massage it for me?” she asked.

“Of course,” Zhao Kai replied cheerfully.

At this, Zhao Yan’er could bear it no longer and excused herself, saying she had other matters to attend to.

Zhou Chengwang, oblivious to the undercurrents, said, “Brother Zhao, aren’t you going after your sister? She seemed a little upset.”

It was perfectly normal for her to be upset—she could find a reason to be unhappy over anything, big or small.

But who said she was just his sister? Zhao Kai wanted to object, but on second thought, she really was his sister—there was nothing to refute.

“Husband, is Yan’er upset because of me? Maybe I shouldn’t come by in the future, to avoid any more trouble,” Lin Fei’er said pointedly.

“Don’t worry. It’s not your fault—Yan’er’s always been spoiled. She’s probably just upset because her cooking isn’t as good as yours.”

Reassured, Lin Fei’er let the matter rest.

Zhou Chengwang leaned in conspiratorially. “Brother Zhao, I really think Miss Yan’er has an excellent temperament—charming and lively. She’s just my type.”

So, this fellow truly had his sights set on Zhao Yan’er.