3 Please Come to My House for Dinner 03

[Disclaimer: In this world, Jiang Yi and Ye Qiao have no blood relation nor adoption ties. Jiang Yi and Su Ran are in a sham marriage; there is no real marital relationship, no marriage certificate, and no wedding ceremony.]

Early in the morning, Su Ran followed his usual routine and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Jiang Yi didn’t come home last night—he must have been entertaining guests late and ended up staying at a hotel. Su Ran didn’t plan to make much—just some plain congee, boiled eggs, and a couple of simple side dishes.

As he was chopping vegetables, he heard movement in the living room and glanced back to see Ye Qiao had come out and was now sitting on the sofa.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Su Ran asked before returning to his chopping.

Ye Qiao placed a sketchpad on his lap and held up a pencil, then smiled and said, “Not bad. The bed was quite comfortable.”

“That’s good. If you’re hungry, there are boiled eggs you can have now. The meal will be ready soon,” Su Ran said.

Ye Qiao had already begun composing a sketch and sweetly added, “Thanks for your hard work, Ranran. I’ll eat with you in a bit.”

Su Ran’s movements were efficient; soon the side dishes were ready. He peeked over at Ye Qiao on the sofa, who was bent over his sketchpad, absorbed in something.

Walking over, Su Ran finally saw the sketchpad on Ye Qiao’s lap. “What are you drawing?”

Leaning closer, Su Ran noticed a rough outline on the paper that seemed somewhat familiar.

Ye Qiao looked up at him. Su Ran still wore his apron tied tightly around his waist, his hair illuminated by the sunlight, strands yellowed and slightly tousled—obviously, he hadn’t had time to fix it yet.

“Can you tell? It’s you,” Ye Qiao said.

“Me?” Su Ran pointed to himself in surprise.

Seeing his astonished expression, Ye Qiao’s eyes widened slightly. He noticed Su Ran’s pupils were a clear, warm brown; his eyes drooped gently at the corners, framed by long, naturally curled lashes. Those eyes were beautiful, resembling the tender gaze of a loyal dog—no wonder he gave off such a well-behaved impression.

“Yes, it’s you. You’re perfect to be captured in a drawing,” Ye Qiao said.

Su Ran didn’t understand much about art, but the sketch did resemble him—a simple line drawing from behind as he worked in the kitchen. It was still rough, so details were sparse.

He was genuinely surprised to learn Ye Qiao was drawing him; he had assumed that if anyone were to be sketched, it would be Jiang Yi.

“Let’s eat first, then you can continue drawing,” Su Ran said, feeling in good spirits. Being described as “perfect to be drawn” sounded like a compliment—like he had a story worth telling.

Together they carried the dishes to the table. Su Ran continued, “I’ll be helping out at the shop later. If you get hungry at noon, there are dishes in the fridge—just microwave whatever you want.”

“Don’t worry, Ranran,” Ye Qiao replied. “My right hand should be almost healed. The splint will come off by the end of the month. Then I’ll help you cook so you won’t have to work so hard.”

Su Ran smiled softly, feeling comforted. “Take care of yourself during this time, okay?”

*

The shop was exceptionally busy today, with a birthday cake order and refreshments for a banquet.

Su Ran had been bustling about all day. By the afternoon, his back ached from the hard work. As dusk fell, he estimated the time and instructed two employees to help load the car until it was filled with the rich, sweet aroma of pastries.

The drive took about forty minutes. Su Ran drove steadily, while the two employees in the back seat were visibly excited.

“This is the wealthy district? It’s my first time here.”

“I never thought someone living here would choose our cakes for their birthday party.”

Su Ran felt pleased. Their shop rarely received banquet orders, and this was the first upscale birthday event.

He had a strong impression of the client—a stylish young lady who frequently bought cakes and had even met him once, praising his pastries as among the best in the country. Su Ran had been both honored and surprised that she chose their cakes for such an important occasion.

The van, guided by a servant, pulled into the villa’s garage, standing in stark contrast to the luxury cars surrounding it.

The two employees carried the birthday cake to the kitchen while Su Ran arranged the exquisite pastries in serving dishes at the refreshment table. As he focused on the plating, a slender hand suddenly reached out and took a piece.

Su Ran instinctively stepped aside and straightened up to look—and froze. “Mr. Lu?”

Lu Jin was about to speak but caught himself. It would be impolite, and they barely knew each other. Even Jiang Yi hadn’t fully integrated into their circle.

Lu Jin looked equally surprised and paused mid-chew. “You work at this shop?”

Su Ran nodded. “Yes. Are you here for Miss Lu’s birthday party?”

Lu Jin was taller than Su Ran by a good half-head. His gaze lingered on Su Ran’s face before slowly drifting downward to the white employee uniform and the pale pink apron emblazoned with the bakery’s logo—making him look like a sweet, tempting pastry himself.

“Lu Wan is my sister,” Lu Jin said, eyeing the cake with two bite marks. “The cake’s good. Did you make it?”

Receiving praise from Lu Jin filled Su Ran with pride. “I sometimes help with the baking and adjust the ingredient ratios. It’s less sweet than most shops.”

“Just right,” Lu Jin said, noting the faint scent of baking on Su Ran’s person, which blended with his natural scent to create a unique fragrance.

Gradually, more people arrived, including several teenagers running and playing, making the scene rather lively.

Suddenly, a voice called out, “Hey? Su Ran?”

Su Ran looked over to see Yan Ze and Lu Wan approaching. He had only met Yan Ze once before at a bar and hadn’t expected him to remember his name.

Yan Ze scrutinized Su Ran from head to toe. “You... work at a pastry shop?”

Lu Wan circled around the table and, sidestepping Lu Jin, grabbed Su Ran’s arm. “This is the manager of the pastry shop I always talk about. His desserts are really delicious.”

Su Ran stiffened under her grasp, standing awkwardly. Lu Wan, raised abroad, was lively and uninhibited; now dressed in a sexy off-shoulder short dress, her figure was striking—making shy Su Ran quite flustered.

Just as Su Ran was at a loss for words, Lu Wan added, “Ranran, thanks for coming to my birthday party. Have fun here later.”

Su Ran was taken aback. When had he agreed to attend? But seeing the birthday girl’s joyful expression, he didn’t want to embarrass her and felt compelled to accept.

“Welcome, welcome,” Yan Ze smiled, casually biting into a pastry. “Hmm, really good.”

Lu Jin watched Su Ran’s awkwardness and thought, as expected, he would agree no matter how uncomfortable he felt—such an easy person to mess with.

As darkness settled, balloons and flower bouquets decorated the party, the crowd dressed in elegant attire growing livelier. Among these well-dressed guests, Su Ran in his work uniform felt somewhat out of place.

Fortunately, Lu Wan was considerate, pulling him to sit with her peers. Su Ran sipped his juice quietly, unable to fully engage in their conversations.

Occasionally, curious glances landed on him. Though introduced, people remained intrigued by his gentle demeanor—a face that grew more attractive the longer you looked.

Yan Ze’s gaze lingered on him. The last time at the dimly lit bar, and now under open natural light, Su Ran fit perfectly into his type.

Someone nudged Yan Ze and whispered, “Ze, do you know Su Ran? Is he single?”

Yan Ze’s smile stiffened, and he promptly elbowed the person aside. “Don’t even think about it. He’s married.”

The other party was shocked. “Doesn’t look like it at all…”

Lu Wan handed Su Ran a glass of wine. As the guest of honor sitting at the center, she had placed Su Ran beside her, clearly showing her fondness for him.

“Come, let’s have a drink to celebrate my birthday!” she toasted.

Su Ran quickly declined, “Sorry, I have to drive later. I’ll stick to juice.”

Lu Wan laughed. “No worries. I’ll have someone drive you. You can relax and enjoy tonight.”

Su Ran, worn out from baking, truly didn’t want to drink. “I’m feeling a bit unwell…”

Before he could finish, others began urging him to drink, but Lu Jin, who had been quiet, spoke up: “If you’re unwell, have juice. It’s the same.”

Grateful, Su Ran glanced at him. Everyone was surprised—usually taciturn Lu Jin defending him. Even Lu Wan looked at her brother, surprised. She wasn’t one to force anyone and accepted Su Ran’s preference for juice.

The party grew lively again with laughter and chatter. Su Ran relaxed somewhat, quietly listening without joining in, though many eyes still drifted to him.

His complexion was fair, lips softly parted as he sipped juice—hands slender and pale. Though not striking at first glance, upon closer look, he was more enduringly handsome than many celebrities.

Yan Ze’s gaze kept drifting to him, captivated. Su Ran’s long fingers clasped the glass delicately; when he tilted his head, the graceful curve of his neck was revealed.

Yan Ze looked at Lu Jin beside him and whispered, “You don’t have feelings for Su Ran too, do you?”

Lu Jin stiffened, a surge of unexplainable anger rising within. Coldly, he glared at Yan Ze. “You think I’m as dirty as you?”

Yan Ze was dumbfounded, never having heard Lu Jin speak so sharply. Pointing at himself incredulously, he said, “Dirty? You’re calling me dirty?”

Lu Jin said no more, but whenever his gaze accidentally fell on Su Ran, he quickly averted it.

Night fell, and it was time to cut the cake. Lu Wan was clearly already tipsy.

As the servants wheeled out the cake, everyone gathered around, children clustering nearby. Lu Wan steadied herself, gripping the knife with both hands, and sliced down. Cheers and applause erupted instantly.

Then, somehow, a dollop of cream was smeared on Lu Wan’s face. It was harmless, but with many children present, a playful fight nearly broke out.

Standing beside Lu Wan, Su Ran was the first target. Before he could react, cream was thrown onto his cheek. Seconds later, white blobs flew through the air, landing on his clothes and pants.

Just as Su Ran tried to dodge, his arm collided with something soft—a curvaceous body pressed against him. Lu Wan wrapped her arms around him from the side, already intoxicated and exhilarated.

“Oh, baby, you’re as sweet as cake right now,” she said, biting a piece of cream from Su Ran’s cheek.

Su Ran froze, his face flushing visibly red. Innocent and embarrassed, his moist eyes darted anxiously as he stood helplessly.

Chaos ensued. Lu Jin, seemingly foreseeing trouble, stood outside watching the scene unfold. When his eyes met Su Ran’s pleading gaze, he frowned.

He recalled the first time meeting Su Ran and telling Yan Ze that those two words—“married” and “soft”—did not suit a man like him. But now, Su Ran seemed an exception.

Yet, despite Su Ran’s pitiful look, Lu Jin coldly averted his eyes. He disliked weakness and had no reason to help him a second time.

Just as Lu Jin was about to turn away, he noticed Yan Ze moving toward Su Ran, smiling with eyes locked on him. Lu Jin halted and quickly strode after him.

He knew Yan Ze was interested in Su Ran, and with Yan Ze’s unruly nature, Lu Jin did not want him causing trouble.

Su Ran was still entangled with Lu Wan, his face burning. He dared not struggle much—the drunk were unsteady on their feet.

Just then, a warm hand touched his wrist. Turning his head, he saw Lu Jin’s stern face. Rarely smiling, Lu Jin’s presence was intimidating.

In the next instant, Lu Jin freed Su Ran from Lu Wan’s grasp. Su Ran hurriedly followed, glancing sideways at Lu Jin’s expression, sensing a hint of anger.

“I’ll take you upstairs to change,” Lu Jin said, then released Su Ran’s wrist.

His voice was calm, without inflection. Su Ran felt Lu Jin probably wasn’t truly mad, and regardless, he owed him thanks for twice rescuing him tonight.

Now, with cake smeared all over him, changing clothes was necessary.

“Thanks for helping me tonight,” Su Ran said, quickening his pace to keep up.

Lu Jin didn’t look at him, but the sweet aroma clung to his nose—now richer with cream. It truly was like Su Ran had adorned himself as a cake, captivating Lu Jin anew.

“Mr. Lu, could you slow down a bit?” Su Ran murmured softly.

His voice was gentle. Lu Jin glanced sideways, meeting Su Ran’s gaze—eyes moist and innocent, reminiscent of the family’s little dog who’d stare pleadingly when ignored.

His pace unconsciously slackened. “Sorry, I was distracted. No need to thank me. My sister might have troubled you; just don’t mind it.”

“No, not at all,” Su Ran hurried to reassure him. “Miss Lu is great. She really appreciates my pastries and often supports my business. I should thank her too.”

Lu Jin nodded approvingly. “The pastries are indeed delicious.”

Su Ran smiled at the compliment.

In the master bedroom on the third floor, Lu Jin fetched a set of his own clothes from the walk-in closet and handed them to Su Ran. “Change into these. The cut is slim-fit, so they might be a bit big on you, but they should fit.”

“You change first. I’ll wait outside.”

Lu Jin closed the door.

The corridor was lined with a dark red patterned carpet that muffled footsteps. Lu Jin paced near the door before leaning against the frame, his black leather shoes pressing softly into the carpet.

Soon, the door opened. Su Ran emerged carrying a bag with his work clothes inside. The clothes he wore now were indeed somewhat large—a round-neck knit sweater that revealed his collarbones faintly, and pants rolled up a good deal.

Feeling a bit awkward, Su Ran glanced at Lu Jin. “Does this look strange?”

Lu Jin’s gaze circled his collar before moving away. “Not really. Not strange.”

With that, Lu Jin led Su Ran downstairs. The villa’s vintage dark-toned decor lent a somber atmosphere as they walked in silence.

Su Ran wasn’t sure what to say. A pastry chef from a small town, this was his first encounter with someone from the upper class like Lu Jin.

He noticed a white smudge on Lu Jin’s neck. “Mr. Lu, you have some cream here.”

Lu Jin looked at him and raised his hand to wipe it off but missed. Su Ran stepped forward to help, carefully brushing away the cream with his fingers.

Lu Jin froze. The warmth and smooth touch sent a slight tremor through his eyelashes, his muscles tensing. His gaze darkened and clouded with a hint of puzzlement.

Su Ran lowered his head, wiping the cream onto the clothes in his bag. They were already covered in cream anyway, so it didn’t matter.

But when he looked up and met Lu Jin’s intense eyes, he hesitated, instinctively sensing something was amiss. Lu Jin’s dark gaze pinned him down, making him feel as if he had done something wrong.

The atmosphere thickened. Su Ran recalled his earlier gesture and suddenly wondered if it had been inappropriate.

After all, when changing clothes inside, Lu Jin’s stepping out had seemed unnecessary. Back in university, his roommates would casually walk around naked; men didn’t fuss over such things. But this was a world where boys loved boys—maybe his actions had seemed too intimate to Lu Jin.

Moreover, Su Ran was now considered someone’s wife. Had his behavior looked like a woman flirting with a man?

Just thinking about it made Su Ran’s face flush even hotter, burning red. He was at a loss for words.

Lu Jin’s gaze grew darker still. Seeing Su Ran’s flushed face, he wondered why. The atmosphere shifted, his own breathing becoming uneven.

“Thank you. I didn’t even notice,” Lu Jin said, his voice hoarse but his expression returned to normal.

Su Ran saw him turn aside and continue walking. The redness on his own face gradually faded, and relief washed over him. Maybe he had overthought it—after all, they were both men. There was no need for such sensitivity.

Suddenly, a ringtone broke the silence. Su Ran quickly fished his phone from his pocket.

The caller ID showed Jiang Yi’s name. He rarely called.

Su Ran answered.

An icy interrogation came through the line: “Where are you? Why aren’t you home yet?”

“I’m at the banquet delivering the cake. I’ll be back soon,” Su Ran replied.

“I told you to put the shop aside while Ye Qiao is here. And why are you delivering cakes so late?” Jiang Yi demanded.

Su Ran was about to respond when someone tapped his shoulder. He looked up to see Lu Jin motioning for the phone. Su Ran handed it over.

“Hello, this is Lu Jin,” Lu Jin’s voice was cold and stiff. “Su Ran is with me. He’s responsible for my sister’s cake today. He’ll be home safe soon. Don’t worry.”

At home, Jiang Yi’s face softened hearing Lu Jin’s voice. Just as he was about to speak, the call ended. He frowned, puzzled. Had he recently offended Lu Jin?