Volume One, Chapter 18: The Kind of Anger That Cannot Be Pacified

Lin Yuxia thought to herself, “Could this really be such a good thing? That Fei guy must be up to something again.”

So she replied, “Go ahead and state your unreasonable demand.”

But this time, she guessed wrong.

She heard Fei Xun say simply, “Come over and have barbecue with me, now.”

Lin Yuxia: ???

“Fei, aren’t you a neat freak? You even prepared special bowls and chopsticks for those refined meals. Are you sure you can stomach eating at a barbecue stand?”

“That’s none of your concern, Miss Lin. Just tell me whether you’re coming or not.”

Of course she had to go. Free food and drink to offset a huge debt? Anyone who refuses would be foolish.

“But Fei, it’s already past nine at night… It’s not safe for a girl to take a cab alone, you know?”

Actually, she just didn’t want to spend the taxi fare—she only had a bit over two thousand left in her account, so she saved wherever she could and mooched off when possible.

Anyway, Fei Xun was not short of money.

Fei Xun said decisively, “Send me your location. I’ll have my driver pick you up.”

“Alright.” Lin Yuxia sent the location of a budget hotel.

Fei Xun read the location aloud, puzzled, “Ruyi Express Hotel? You’re staying there? Got kicked out by your family?”

Right on target—ouch.

Lin Yuxia was too lazy to explain to this rich kid. “Wealthy and willful, that’s me.”

“Even if you’re rich, you wouldn’t stay in a place like that! Fine, fine, wait right there. The driver will be there soon.”

About half an hour later, a black Rolls-Royce pulled up and brought Lin Yuxia to the new city beachfront, stopping in front of a huge seaside villa.

This bay area was a newly developed part of the city in recent years. Because of its stunning scenery, the houses were astronomical in price.

The butler invited Lin Yuxia inside and led her through a living room, dining room, and several halls that resembled a high-tech exhibition hall.

It took a full ten minutes before they reached the villa’s “back garden”—a private beach half the size of a soccer field.

Someone lay on a beach chair facing the sea, basking in the moonlight, with the sea breeze blowing gently.

The butler delivered Lin Yuxia and discreetly withdrew.

She walked onto the sand alone, but after one step, her high heels sank into the fine sand.

Helpless, she took off her shoes and walked barefoot.

On this midsummer night, the sea breeze felt a little sticky against her skin.

Fei Xun wore a silk robe with a wide-open collar, his belt loosely tied around his waist, and flip-flops on his feet.

His expression was one of utter comfort that sparked envy.

Lin Yuxia once again sighed inwardly at how unfair the world was.

“Here?” Fei Xun spoke lazily as he sat up straight from the beach chair.

His collar opened a little wider with the motion, and under the moonlight, his smooth, pale skin looked firm and full.

Lin Yuxia quickly averted her gaze uncomfortably. “Wasn’t this supposed to be barbecue?”

“Yeah,” Fei Xun nodded toward the side.

Only then did Lin Yuxia notice a small group of people busy in a corner of the beach.

Several chefs wore tall hats. Some were setting up grills, others lighting charcoal, and some organizing fresh ingredients on long tables.

Well, so this was Fei’s idea of “barbecue.”

Since Fei was paying, Lin Yuxia decided to enjoy a taste of the wealthy life and pulled up a chair.

She barely sat down when Fei Xun struck a nerve. “So, tell me, why did your stepmother kick you out?”

Lin Yuxia frowned. “Fei, your life is already perfect. You don’t need to highlight your happiness by bringing up other people’s misery.”

Fei Xun turned his head, looking at her. “You can argue back. That means your spirits are pretty good.”

Lin Yuxia: …

Fei Xun’s gaze drifted back toward the vast, dark ocean.

“You don’t have to say it—I already know. You embarrassed your stepmother at the memorial service, and in a fit of anger, she kicked you out.”

This time, Lin Yuxia tilted her head at him. “How do you know everything?”

Fei Xun smiled and tapped his head. “Because I have this.”

Lin Yuxia: “...” Just keep pretending.

As they spoke, Fei’s personal chef had finished grilling a plate of meat skewers and placed it on the table before them.

The aroma was irresistible.

Lin Yuxia hadn’t had a proper meal in days.

The sizzling, oily smell of the grilled meat instantly awakened her appetite.

“Well then, I won’t be polite,” Lin Yuxia said, picking the plumpest skewer and taking a big bite, savoring it.

“Fei sure knows how to enjoy life,” she praised.

Fei Xun glanced at her happily devouring the food, smiled with pursed lips, and carefully picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks, slowly putting it into his mouth.

Lin Yuxia clicked her tongue and, determined to keep up, took another big bite.

It was strange—ever since puberty, in front of Shen Yan, she always tried hard to maintain a good image: serene, sensible, capable, and kind.

But with Fei Xun, she always “just was herself.”

Wild, fragile, rude, and messy.

All her less-than-perfect, darker sides were seen by Fei Xun, and he didn’t care.

No need to keep up a ladylike image anymore, Lin Yuxia boldly grabbed three skewers, accidentally brushing Fei’s hand.

Smack.

Some fat dripped onto Fei Xun’s clean, fair hand.

That was it.

Without even looking up, Lin Yuxia knew his handsome face had darkened three shades.

“Lin—Yu—Xia!”

Lin Yuxia hurriedly pulled out a tissue to wipe his precious hand. “Sorry, sorry, I really didn’t mean to!”

“Third time now!”

“???” Lin Yuxia thought about it—it really was the third time she’d dirtied the neat freak’s hands. She broke out in a sweat.

Fei Xun snatched the tissue and rubbed his hand hard, reddening the back of it.

Lin Yuxia feared he might get angry and cancel her debt forgiveness, so she sweetly said, “Fei Xun, I’ll grill meat for you myself as an apology. How about that?”

Fei Xun’s expression softened slightly. He raised his eyelids and glanced at her sideways. “Can you cook well?”

Lin Yuxia tapped her chest. “I guarantee it!”

She took a clean pair of chopsticks, tied her loose hair into a bun, and barefoot, walked to the grill.

She asked the chef with the tall hat, “Can I try?”

The chef glanced at Fei Xun, who nodded, and then stepped aside.

Fei Xun came over to watch, expecting a show.

But to his surprise, Lin Yuxia really knew how to cook.

She could smell the spices in the various jars and instantly knew what was inside.

Standing by the grill, brushing oil and turning meat in an orderly and professional manner.

Her clear eyes reflected the red glow of the charcoal, shimmering like carefully polished glass beads.

Her delicate features were bare of makeup, her flawless skin glowing rosy and fresh from the heat, looking particularly lively and charming.

Fei Xun had seen thousands of beauties, but this was the first time he found himself staring so intently.

“Here!” Lin Yuxia handed him a freshly grilled skewer.

Fei Xun felt a bit guilty, as if caught doing something naughty. He took the skewer and bit into it.

“Ow!!!” He burned his mouth.

Lin Yuxia finally caught a rare moment of Fei Xun’s embarrassment and mercilessly teased him.

“Fei, if we’re eating, let’s eat pork, beef, or lamb. No need to roast the skin on your own mouth!”

Fei Xun glared at her with a resentful look that clearly said:

“Hmph, I’m mad, and you can’t make me feel better!”