Chapter 28: A Mute Swallows Bitterness, Unable to Voice His Pain

Although she had cooked a few days ago, it was mostly Chun Tao who did the cooking, with her assisting and mainly drinking. Facing the various ingredients in the kitchen, Chen Xingmiao grabbed Chun Tao’s hand.

“Can you help your lady again?”

“No way!” Chun Tao shook her head firmly. “Miss, you have to do it yourself this time. Only then can Master truly feel your sincerity.”

Chen Xingmiao sighed deeply and hesitantly picked up the kitchen knife.

Alright, I’ll do it myself. Is there anything I can’t do?

After an uncertain amount of time, Xiao Ziyu frowned deeply, his gaze fixed tightly on the few dishes on the table, their colors dull and presentation poor.

He recalled that the last meal had at least looked quite sumptuous, but this time…

A faint cold smile curled at the corner of Xiao Ziyu’s lips as he teased, “My lady, did you put too much poison in this?”

Standing nearby, Chun Tao couldn’t help but let out a quiet chuckle. She truly hadn’t expected her lady to make such a mess of the meal.

Chen Xingmiao pouted, feeling wronged. “I didn’t poison anything!”

“Well, my lady, you are quite impressive—your cooking skills have declined drastically in just a few days.”

Chen Xingmiao was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to retort.

Xiao Ziyu picked up his chopsticks, eyeing the dishes from every angle, picking some up only to put them down again, unable to bring himself to eat.

“These dishes may look bad, but they won’t kill anyone!” Chen Xingmiao said as she picked up a large piece and put it in her mouth.

But after just a couple of chews, she couldn’t help but gag.

Seeing this, Xiao Ziyu silently put down his chopsticks.

“I…” Chen Xingmiao wanted to speak but stopped herself and lowered her head.

It was utterly humiliating. She had gotten used to eating low-fat meals on set and had never really learned to cook.

“Master, Miss means well. Chun Tao will remake the dishes right away.”

“No need,” Xiao Ziyu called out to her. He glanced at the embarrassed Chen Xingmiao and sighed heavily.

Chen Xingmiao sheepishly met his gaze before quickly lowering her head again.

What was with that expression? It was just a meal; she didn’t do it on purpose. He wouldn’t hold it against her or let his dark side grow, would he?

Her heart felt taut as if a string was stretched tight, silently praying that the little sixth sense wouldn’t trigger.

---

Xiao Ziyu said nothing and strode off to the kitchen.

After a moment, several homestyle dishes were placed back on the table.

“It smells so good!” Chen Xingmiao couldn’t help but pick up her chopsticks to try a bite, then gave a thumbs-up.

She hadn’t expected the little villain to have such culinary skills.

A faint, barely noticeable smile flickered in Xiao Ziyu’s eyes as he poured a glass of water and gently pushed it toward her.

Chun Tao understood the signal, quietly closing the door and leaving.

Chen Xingmiao ate heartily, and before long, the two had cleared the dishes from the table.

“Husband, your cooking is so good. If Chun Tao isn’t around in the future, I won’t have to worry about going hungry.”

Xiao Ziyu raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing flashing in his eyes. “My lady, are you planning to give up cooking altogether?”

She nodded like a little chick pecking at rice, hurriedly saying, “You’ve seen my cooking skills—purely a waste of ingredients.”

The corners of Xiao Ziyu’s mouth lifted slightly with a soft laugh. He didn’t immediately agree but stood up, leisurely and methodically tidying the bowls and chopsticks on the table.

“Husband, let me help you.” Before she finished speaking, Chen Xingmiao busied herself without waiting for his response.

Xiao Ziyu quietly watched her skillful movements, a trace of puzzlement flickering in his eyes.

A wealthy young lady, besides bargaining for groceries last time, was also adept at these chores?

He didn’t ask further then, quietly burying his curiosity deep within.

The two worked together silently, and before long, the kitchen was spotless. After washing up, they lay side by side on the bed.

“Husband, are you sleepy?” She turned toward Xiao Ziyu, her gaze tentative.

Xiao Ziyu didn’t look at her but asked calmly, “Is something troubling my lady?”

She bit her lip, nervous, hesitating a moment before speaking slowly.

“It’s about what happened between me and Hua Liyin before... Husband, I really have changed. I won’t ever do anything to hurt you again.”

Her words were met with a long, stifled silence. The room was so quiet that their breathing could be heard clearly.

It seemed the little villain wouldn’t trust her so easily now.

The original owner had truly dragged her into a mess, and now she had to clean it up herself. She felt as if she’d bitten into something bitter in silence, unable to speak of her pain.

Silence stretched across the room, Chen Xingmiao’s heartbeat growing louder, each thump like a heavy hammer striking her taut nerves.

She furtively glanced at Xiao Ziyu beside her. The cool moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting his profile in sharp relief, making his cold demeanor all the more striking.

---

Her heart fluttered anxiously, unsure of what he was thinking.

“If my lady truly wants to treat me well, then don’t pity me,” Xiao Ziyu finally spoke after a long pause, his voice low and calm.

Pity?

Chen Xingmiao looked puzzled, instinctively shaking her head.

“Why would you say that, husband? I have never once pitied you.”

Xiao Ziyu turned his head slightly, his gaze quietly resting on Chen Xingmiao’s face, trying to detect any trace of deceit in her eyes.

But what met his gaze was only her eyes, full of determination and anxiety—no sign of anything else.

“That’s best. And never let it be otherwise. I don’t need anyone’s charity or pity,” Xiao Ziyu’s Adam’s apple moved slightly as he averted his eyes.

“How can you not believe me? I really never have!” She boldly took his hand. “You’re my husband; how could I ever pity you?”

The tension in Xiao Ziyu’s expression softened somewhat. He sighed lightly, withdrew his hand, and said slowly, “Very well. I hope your words are true.”

Hearing this, Chen Xingmiao’s heavy heart finally settled.

She knew well that this little villain was extremely guarded, with a delicate and sensitive mind. A slight misstep could trigger buried emotions he had long suppressed.

Though she hadn’t yet figured out why his dark side was rising, she understood she must be more cautious in her actions going forward.

“Let’s sleep,” Xiao Ziyu said lightly before turning away, leaving his back to her.

Chen Xingmiao stared at his lean back, sinking into deep thought.

He always felt that others despised him like everyone else. Could it be because...

With that thought, she hesitated briefly before gently patting Xiao Ziyu’s shoulder.

“My lady still has something on her mind?” Xiao Ziyu tilted his head to look at her.

Chen Xingmiao took a deep breath, leaned close, and quickly left a soft kiss on his cheek.

Then she buried her head in the blanket.

“Good night, husband.”