Check out this new novel ? about a wronged hero who breaks all shackles – an intriguing story awaiting exploration. It symbolizes various aspects such as vulnerability, resilience, or even societal outcast status. While facing great injustices, despite his many hardships, this character is poised to rise above all adversity.
Sick Dog
Chapter 42: Midnight Snack
Cooking might be a hobby for some people or a necessary life skill that others have to learn. However, for people like Jiang Suizhou and Guan Xi, who are used to having someone else cook for them and have no interest in culinary arts, the kitchen is a forbidden place. The last time Guan Xi attempted to cook, she made a dish of potato beef stew that was nauseating. Moreover, Guan Xi believed that Jiang Suizhou and she were equally inexperienced in this area, so she never expected him to step into the kitchen.
“I was just joking; I really won’t eat,” Guan Xi stood at the kitchen door, expressing her concern. “Don’t burn down Lang Ningyi’s kitchen.”
Jiang Suizhou remained silent, opened the refrigerator, and started looking for something to cook.
“I’ve never seen you cook anything,” Guan Xi commented.
Jiang Suizhou glanced back at her, “I won’t poison you. Go take a bath.”
“Uh… okay.”
Seeing that Jiang Suizhou seemed determined, and not wanting to stop him anymore, Guan Xi quickly went to the bathroom, took a shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and came out. At this point, Jiang Suizhou was still in the kitchen. Judging by his back, he seemed calm.
Guan Xi walked behind him, peeked into the pot, and asked, “Steak?”
Jiang Suizhou checked the time on his wristwatch and turned it over. “There’s nothing special in her refrigerator. This steak is passable.”
Guan Xi was surprised, “Can you handle such a high-level dish?”
Jiang Suizhou gestured towards the phone lying nearby, “Looked it up online.”
Guan Xi stood awkwardly, “I did search on Baidu before.”
“Are you referring to that potato beef stew?” Jiang Suizhou recalled, furrowing his brows. “Maybe your talent isn’t enough.”
“…”
“Alright, go sit down. It’ll be ready soon.”
This was quite terrifying. Guan Xi sat at the dining table, feeling a bit surreal. Er Gou was actually cooking, and it looked quite professional.
“Give it a try.” Jiang Suizhou brought the food out.
Guan Xi looked at the steak, broccoli, and other side dishes on the plate for a long time without moving.
Seeing this, Jiang Suizhou sat down beside her, moved the plate closer, picked up a knife and fork, and began cutting. After taking the first bite himself and swallowing, he honestly evaluated, “Not poisonous, cooked to medium, tastes okay.”
After saying that, he cut another piece and held it up to Guan Xi’s mouth, “Try it.”
Guan Xi’s gaze shifted from his face to the piece of meat and back to his face. The kitchen’s bright lighting illuminated his hair and face with a radiant glow, making him look clean and tidy. He was still wearing a high-end shirt, with the collar unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up.
Although he exuded an air of nobility from his hair to his fingertips, at this moment, he inexplicably portrayed a demeanor of “gentle and virtuous.”
Guan Xi was momentarily speechless, perhaps due to some strange impulse, she actually opened her mouth. Jiang Suizhou handed her the piece of meat.
Guan Xi silently chewed twice, “Hmm…”
“How is it?”
“It is indeed medium-cooked, a bit tough.”
Jiang Suizhou frowned, “Really? Online it said this cooking time would be medium-cooked.”
“But I feel it’s not medium, and the taste… a bit salty.” Guan Xi, acting as a human critic, slowly started her critique, “Do you think the taste is okay? I find it not quite there…”
Jiang Suizhou knew Guan Xi’s temperament. When she wanted to find fault, she could turn things around 180 degrees at every opportunity.
So, he didn’t argue and cut another piece to feed her, “The first attempt needs improvement, but compared to the dish you made before… you should be able to feel the difference.”
Miss Guan took a bite, rendered speechless. The dish she made before indeed left much to be desired.
Jiang Suizhou said, “Eat more. After you’re full, go to sleep.”
Speaking of sleep, Guan Xi suddenly realized it was deep into the night, and she was eating steak at this hour… it was quite surreal. She stopped Jiang Suizhou from handing over the fork again. Just as she was about to say she couldn’t eat more, the sound of the door opening came from the entrance.
“Xi Xi, I’m back!” Lang Ningyi’s voice echoed, “You’re at home, right? Still not asleep? Hey, that Second Dog of yours didn’t do anything to you, right—”
As Lang Ningyi spoke, she walked in. At that moment, her face still carried a slightly excited, tipsy demeanor. However, as soon as she saw Guan Xi and… Jiang Suizhou sitting at the dining table, her excitement instantly vanished like a receding tide.
“…”
“…………”
They looked at each other in silence. Lang Ningyi took a step back, her expression somewhat stiff.
“I’m back. Are you hungry? Want something to eat? Steak, perhaps?” Guan Xi spoke up.
Lang Ningyi nervously chuckled, “Uh… Jiang Suizhou, you’re also at my place.”
“Yeah,” Jiang Suizhou replied.
“…Are you guys having a late-night snack?” Lang Ningyi glanced at the plates and utensils that obviously belonged to her. “Did you make it yourselves?”
Guan Xi immediately explained, “I didn’t plan to make it myself. He insisted on taking your steak. It’s not my fault.”
Jiang Suizhou added, “Sorry about that, Miss Lang. If you need it, next time I’ll have my assistant send over a few steaks.”
“No, no, no need!” Lang Ningyi was astonished by the fact that Jiang Suizhou personally cooked for Guan Xi at her place. “No need to send anything. It’s fine.”
Lang Ningyi took a few steps back, “Uh, well, you guys continue, continue. I’ll go back to my room to rest. Don’t worry! The soundproofing in our house is excellent. I won’t hear anything you do.”
“…?”
With a bang, Lang Ningyi rushed into her bedroom, isolating herself from the world.
Seeing this, Jiang Suizhou finally stood up, “Since your roommate is back, I’ll leave now.”
“Oh.”
Guan Xi’s cheeks puffed up; the piece of meat he had cut was a bit large.
As Jiang Suizhou watched, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. He casually reached out and patted her head, “Eat more; you’re already quite thin.”
“…”
Guan Xi felt the back of her head heating up.
**
The next day. After waking up and having breakfast, Guan Xi retreated to the study. She confirmed upcoming meeting times with several companies. They were already familiar with her online “works,” but she needed to visit their environments in person. After confirming everything, her phone, placed to the side, rang.
Looking at the caller ID, Guan Xi sighed but decided to answer.
“Hello.”
“Hello, Xi Xi.”
“Grandma.”
Cui Mingzhu: “What are you doing? Are you used to being at Ningyi’s place?”
Guan Xi: “I’m quite used to it.”
“Oh… well, you also know that your grandfather’s birthday is in a couple of days. He really hopes you can come. You see, you’ve been present for every birthday before, and if you’re absent this year, your grandfather will be quite sad.”
Cui Mingzhu had been subtly urging her to return home in these past few days, and while Guan Xi could easily brush off other excuses, she couldn’t refuse when it came to her grandfather’s birthday.
Initially, when she didn’t know the truth, her sorrow stemmed from Wei Shaomin’s favoritism toward Guan Ying. After learning the truth, this sorrow turned into embarrassment and resentment. She no longer had any expectations for Wei Shaomin, but the contradiction arose from the immense affection Guan Xinghao had showered on her, indulging her in every aspect of her life. He might not have known the truth about his mother’s pregnancy, but the wrongs he committed were real.
He concealed the truth from her, making her deeply self-doubt during this period, but he also genuinely cared for her and ensured her happy and carefree growth from a young age. She believed that if Guan Ying hadn’t returned, he would have kept the truth from her forever, keeping her in that ivory tower. But reality was different – Guan Ying had returned, everything was disordered, and the truth came to light.
She resented Guan Xinghao, which was why she avoided his calls and refused to meet him. However, deep inside, there was a constant struggle between two versions of herself. Guan Xinghao had done wrong, but the kindness he showed her throughout her life couldn’t be easily erased.
Cui Mingzhu said, “Nana knows you’re still upset. I’ve scolded your father severely on this side, and he’s been feeling guilty lately. He said he should have told you earlier, but he was afraid you’d resent him… Xi Xi, our entire family is sorry for your mother. If it weren’t for your father’s reckless mistake back then, your grandfather and I would have been more than happy to welcome your mother into the family.”
“Grandma, I know. Please don’t bring this up again.”
“Alright, alright. Nana just wants to tell you that we all love you and care about you. Xi Xi, you’ll always be the young lady of our Guan family; that’s something that will never change.”
…
Cui Mingzhu continued talking, and Guan Xi couldn’t bear it anymore. She promised to attend grandpa Guan Hong’s birthday banquet. Cui Mingzhu, hearing her relaxation, happily hung up the phone.
Two days later, Guan Xi, with a coat specially bought from the mall as a gift for her grandfather, prepared to attend the birthday celebration. The money, of course, came from Lang Ningyi’s account. However, she also swore to herself that, once she received her salary, she would repay the money to Lang Ningyi, despite the mistrusting look in Lang Ningyi’s eyes.
Guan Hong enjoyed lively celebrations, and during his birthday banquet, he would always invite many people to join. Every year on this occasion, the younger generation in the family would gather. When Lang Ningyi and Guan Xi arrived at the old Guan family mansion, whether they were relatives or friends, they encountered familiar faces from the moment they entered.
Later, Guan Xi went to the reception room where her grandparents were. As expected, Guan Xinghao was present. Upon seeing her enter, Guan Xinghao immediately stood up. He looked at her, and for someone accustomed to being in a high position, his face now seemed somewhat constrained.
“Xi Xi…”
Feeling stifled, Guan Xi glanced at him but didn’t call anyone. She walked directly to the side of grandpa Guan Hong, saying, “Grandpa, happy birthday. This is the gift I got for you.”
Guan Hong’s face lit up with joy when he saw Guan Xi approaching, “Good, good. Xi Xi, you’re thoughtful.”
“Yeah, I hope grandpa enjoys good health and longevity.” Guan Xi smiled, “Have a great birthday today. Um… I have something to take care of, so I’ll be leaving.”
She turned around and left, leaving behind a slightly awkward atmosphere. Guan Xinghao, standing there, looked at her departing figure with complicated emotions in his eyes.
“Hey hey—” Guan Hong immediately grabbed her wrist, “Why are you leaving? Who said you could leave just like that?”
Guan Xi replied, “I have something to attend to…”
Guan Hong saw through her intentions at a glance. He had eagerly awaited his granddaughter’s return, and it was impossible to let her leave so easily. Pretending to be angry, Guan Hong said, “Your words are quite unfilial. What could be more important than your grandfather’s birthday? I don’t care; you’re not allowed to leave tonight. Sit down and chat with your grandparents.”
Guan Xi hesitated but complied with a helpless expression. Meanwhile, Lang Ningyi, seeing that Guan Xi was held back by the elders, decided not to disturb them. She went outside into the courtyard and greeted some familiar friends.
“Ningyi, isn’t Guan Xi here today?” someone asked.
“Of course, she’s here. She’s inside, being detained by grandpa Guan,” Lang Ningyi replied.
“Today, Wei Shaomin didn’t show up. Oh, Guan Ying is here. Have they met?”
Although these people didn’t discuss it openly, they were curious about the matters within the Guan family.
“We just arrived; how could they have met?” Lang Ningyi found it strange. “Why does it matter if they meet or not?”
“We’re all curious about Guan Xi’s attitude. Before, we thought Guan Xi wasn’t a biological child, and many people believed that Guan Ying had the upper hand. After all, Guan Xi was forced to voluntarily leave the Guan family. Now, the situation seems to have completely reversed.”
Lang Ningyi sneered, “Tch, our Xi Xi doesn’t even bother with her.”
“That’s true. I heard that grandpa Guan, to compensate Guan Xi, is considering transferring more shares of Guan Corporation to her. There are also many properties and various funds intended to be allocated to Guan Xi… Hey, Guan Xi is really soaring to the sky.”
“What?” Lang Ningyi exclaimed, “Is it true? How come I don’t know?”
“I heard it from my family elders. It hasn’t been finalized yet, and Guan Xi herself might not even know.”
Lang Ningyi was astonished, looking back at the woman who was about to embark on a motivational career, wondering if she realized that she was about to become incredibly wealthy.
Guan Xi stayed in the inner room chatting with the two elderly people for a long time. Only after coaxing them and convincing them that she wouldn’t sneak away did they let her go and stroll outside in the courtyard. After coming out from the inner room, she saw Lang Ningyi in the pavilion from a distance and walked straight towards her. However, upon getting closer, she noticed a few familiar faces on the right side of the pavilion that she didn’t really want to see, such as Wei Zihan and Guan Ying.
Guan Xi didn’t pay much attention to them and walked towards Lang Ningyi without glancing sideways.
“Guan Xi, you’re here.” Her friend greeted her, and this greeting also attracted the attention of others who were chatting.
Everyone greeted Guan Xi as she sat down in the main seat that others made room for.
“Guan Xi, long time no see. If it weren’t for my dad and me coming together to celebrate grandpa Guan’s birthday, I wouldn’t have seen you.”
“Yeah, your outfit looks great. Is it this season’s style?”
“Where did you get your skin treatment? Your complexion always looks so good when I see you.”
“It’s my birthday next week. Do you want to come and celebrate on the island together?”
“I have an art exhibition this weekend. I’ll give you a ticket later; come and have a look.”
…
Except for Lang Ningyi, the people around were Guan Xi’s peers who were not very familiar to her but came with the elders to celebrate grandpa Guan’s birthday. Guan Xi was used to this scene; she only responded briefly at times, spending most of her time chatting with Lang Ningyi.
Lang Ningyi: “Someone said your grandpa is going to send you a treasure. Is it true?”
Guan Xi rubbed the rim of her cocktail glass with her fingers, “Just heard about it.”
“How did you respond?”
“I said I want to do what I like.”
Lang Ningyi took a deep breath, “And then?”
“Then grandpa said it doesn’t affect him; he does his, and I do mine,” Guan Xi said with dissatisfaction. “What does he mean by ‘I do mine’? Am I just playing? I’m serious.”
Lang Ningyi immediately gave her a thumbs up, “I think grandpa is right! Oh, I mean the four words ‘it doesn’t affect him’!”
Guan Xi glanced at her.
Lang Ningyi continued, “Since you don’t really like dealing with the company’s matters, just be a major shareholder. Let others handle the trivial matters, and you can do what you like.”
Guan Xi opened her mouth to say something, and Lang Ningyi added, “Classmate Guan Xi! Having high moral standards like ‘demonstrating wealth is like dung’ is good for a few days. When it comes, you should accept it! All those things originally belonged to you, and you’re giving them to Guan Ying. Fine, let her pocket them.”
Guan Xi was stunned for a moment, then glared at her, “Dream on.”
“Right?!” Lang Ningyi whispered, “Anyway, it’s all things grandpa gave you. He’s your real grandpa, treats you so well, so don’t be polite. In any case, keeping them is better than handing them over to Guan Ying.”
…
Guan Xi was not truly a “demonstrating wealth is like dung” kind of person; she just had a moment of realization and wanted to do something she liked. Lang Ningyi had some valid points in what she said. She absolutely couldn’t let Guan Ying take advantage. Letting go like this would be unfair to her departed mother.
Guan Xi sat in place for a while, but the people around her were talking too much, and she didn’t want to listen anymore. She stood up and walked away, intending to find a quieter place. However, as she walked through the corridor, she ran into Guan Ying.
Guan Ying happened to be standing in the center of the doorway. Guan Xi walked over and casually said, “Excuse me.”
Guan Ying shifted to the side, and Guan Xi nodded slightly, walking over.
“…Are you feeling pleased with yourself now?” Suddenly, Guan Ying’s voice came from the side.
Guan Xi raised an eyebrow slightly, halting her steps, “Pleased? Pleased about what?”
Guan Ying gritted her teeth, and when she looked up, her eyes were somewhat red, “Everyone is flattering you, everyone is revolving around you… mom has left the Guan family now. Are you feeling proud?”
Guan Xi chuckled and, sounding somewhat indifferent, responded, “Guan Ying, your mom left because things didn’t work out between them. It’s a matter of the older generation, nothing to do with me.”
…
“And as for your first half sentence. Oh, maybe you don’t know, being flattered with me as the one in the center is nothing unusual. I’ve been like this since I was little. What’s there to feel proud about?”
Guan Xi, high and mighty, resumed her ability to pierce others without hesitation. Guan Ying’s expression changed slightly. She had been having a tough time lately, and people in this circle never liked her to begin with. Now that Guan Xi had gained recognition, these people were even more inclined to follow her. Her parents had fought, and it seemed the situation wasn’t favorable. Grandpa and grandma, as well as siblings, clearly favored Guan Xi. In their eyes, she was inferior in every way.
“Is this fair?” Guan Ying tightly bit her lip. “Why…”
“It’s because I am Guan Xi!” Guan Xi’s smile faded abruptly. She was getting impatient. Why, why so many whys.
“Guan Ying, be smart and stop complaining in front of me. I’ve heard enough of these grievances from you. You talk to me about fairness? Did I cause your previous experiences? Do I owe you anything? Why does it concern me?”
“Between us, no one owes anything to anyone. Oh no, I take that back. You still owe me. I remember what you said at my door last time, but I won’t hold it against you. So listen carefully, if you behave yourself, I can tolerate you. If you can’t and insist on showing off your pity in front of others…”
Guan Xi lifted her chin, “Believe it or not, I can make you even more transparent.”
Guan Xi wasn’t someone easy to provoke, domineering to the extreme, explosive temper. Guan Ying had heard Wei Zihan say this before, but she had only heard it from her. To be honest, she had not really faced it before.
But at this moment, as Guan Xi no longer restrained herself and truly began to confront her, Guan Ying realized the overwhelming pressure coming her way made her heart race. It felt as if, as she had said, she might become completely transparent in the eyes of everyone the next second. Guan Ying’s lips trembled, her face turning somewhat pale.
Guan Xi crossed her arms, and after restraining her hostility, her tone softened a bit, “I’m telling you, you should have this kind of realization now. Contentment brings happiness, right? Yes, that’s the phrase. You have a lot of things, don’t you?”
Just the fact that she had a mother was enough to make her envious.
Guan Xi snorted lightly, “Isn’t the Wei family treating you well? Why do you have your eyes everywhere? Can you stomach it?”
Guan Ying bit her lip, “I am also from the Guan family.”
“Yeah, no one said you weren’t,” Guan Xi stared at her sharply, “But compared to your sister, you don’t carry as much weight in the Guan family, understand?”
Guan Xi was really harsh with her words, and Guan Ying couldn’t compete. Eventually, with a pale face, she didn’t want to hear anything more from Guan Xi and turned to leave. Guan Xi watched her retreating figure, her gaze slightly cold. This little cabbage really wanted to act like a steak in front of her, without considering whether she was qualified.
In the past, she had been polite to her because deep down she felt she might have taken her place, and it was also because of Wei Shaomin. But now… as for Wei Shaomin, she no longer cared about her. The once mother-daughter bond had completely disappeared due to past mistakes and subsequent favoritism.
Guan Xi stood in place for a while, about to head towards the corridor. However, just as she turned around, she saw two people standing not far ahead, one was Song Li, and the other was Jiang Suizhou.
Guan Xi was stunned, “When did you guys arrive?”
Song Li greeted silently, chuckled, and said, “Just a moment ago, literally just now.”
Jiang Suizhou approached, and Guan Xi asked, “Were you eavesdropping on my conversation just now?”
Jiang Suizhou replied, “It doesn’t count as eavesdropping, we happened to pass by.”
Guan Xi said, “Couldn’t you have just passed by directly? Did you have to appear after I finished talking to Guan Ying?”
“I can’t resist, I wanted to see.”
Guan Xi asked, “Want to… want to see?”
Jiang Suizhou tilted his head slightly. Today, Guan Xi wore a pair of strapped high heels, about ten centimeters high, bringing her closer to him. She looked imposing, with a hint of sharpness.
Jiang Suizhou assessed her with a glance and said, “This suits you better.”
“What?”
Jiang Suizhou didn’t answer directly but said, “After making the steak for you a few days ago, I tried it a few more times when I went back.”
“Oh? And then?”
“Then I found that it might depend on the type of beef. Different cuts of beef require different frying times,” Jiang Suizhou said, “I’ve studied it, and the approximate times are ready. Come to my place tomorrow and give it a try.”
This person used to say that going into the kitchen was looking for trouble, so how did he start studying it himself?
Guan Xi was genuinely surprised, stumbling in her words as she responded, “I, I have something to do. I have an important matter tomorrow, can’t make it.”
Guan Xi did indeed have a “job interview” scheduled for tomorrow, a genuine matter.
“I also need to go find grandpa, so I’ll leave first.” After saying this, Guan Xi, in her high heels, walked away rapidly.
Song Li caught up only after Guan Xi left.
“Hey, what did you guys talk about?”
Jiang Suizhou said, “Nothing much, just invited her to come over for dinner tomorrow.”
“Did she agree?”
“No, she didn’t.”
Song Li chuckled, “Just break up if you’re going to break up. Brother, you’re a bit persistent.”
Jiang Suizhou’s gaze fell lightly on Guan Xi’s retreating figure, saying nothing.
Song Li said, “Hey, did you hear just now? This young lady is really not easy to deal with. Look at how fierce she was against Guan Ying, really ruthless. Most people can’t handle that.”
Jiang Suizhou said, “What she said is not entirely wrong.”
“That’s true, but our young lady is just too overbearing.” Song Li draped his arm over Jiang Suizhou’s shoulder and asked, “She’s undoubtedly beautiful, but her temperament is indeed formidable. From childhood to now, it’s not just bossy, it’s getting even more bossy. So, what exactly do you like about her?”
Jiang Suizhou pondered for a moment and said calmly, “I like her beauty and bossiness.”
“…”
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