As soon as the words left his mouth, the rich, savory aroma in the air made him pause mid-step. Drawn like a moth to a flame, he followed the scent with his eyes until he spotted Su Bing gracefully carrying a steaming bowl of soup into the dining room.
"What’s Su Bing made today?" Chen Xi asked, his eyes lighting up with unfiltered excitement. "Smells amazing. Gu Zi, can I crash your lunch? I didn’t eat before coming—completely starving."
Gu Zi narrowed her eyes at him. Something about the way he phrased it didn’t sit quite right. She and Su Shen had just returned from Guangcheng, and during that time, the Chen family had helped care for the three children. Chen Yu and Sun Yi were buried in work and rarely at home, so logically speaking, it had to be Chen Xi who did most of the heavy lifting with the kids.
But if you listened to him now, it almost sounded like Su Bing had been taking care of him instead of the other way round.
She raised a brow, her tone teasing as she said, "Su Shen made lunch. If you want to stay, stay. What’s one more pair of chopsticks? The kids are going to need your help a while longer anyway. Come on."
Chen Xi looked momentarily sheepish but quickly caught up to her, rubbing the back of his head in a gesture that was equal parts humble and amused. "Honestly, I didn’t do much. Su Bing’s the one who’s been incredible—every day something new, something delicious. His cooking? Out of this world. I can’t even enjoy food at home anymore. I just had to come over and get a fix," he said with a grin.
The two of them walked into the dining room, where Su Shen was already pulling out a chair for Gu Zi, settling her in with the kind of attentive grace that was second nature to him. He gestured for Chen Xi to sit as well. Su Jing and the three kids followed, filling the seats one by one. Su Jing, ever the gracious hostess, was already ladling rice into bowls for everyone.
Chen Xi’s eyes landed on the enormous bowl of mushroom soup in the center of the table, and his mouth practically watered on sight. "I think it’s not just Su Bing I admire—your whole family could open a Michelin-starred restaurant. Su Shen, what kind of soup is this? It looks divine."
Su Shen served a bowl of the mushroom and pork broth to Gu Zi first, then calmly reached for another and filled it for Chen Xi. Despite his usual stoic air, there was something undeniably warm in the gesture—Chen Xi wasn’t just a guest. He was Chen Yu’s younger brother, and Chen Yu had been his comrade-in-arms, his brother in everything but blood. Taking care of Chen Xi was simply second nature.
"This is a broth made from dried wild mushrooms Gu Zi brought back from our hometown," Su Shen explained. "If you like it, have more—but don’t ask to take any home. Your sister’s got a craving for this and she’s pregnant. She carried back that little bag herself, belly and all. It isn’t even enough for her. Next time we get a new batch from home, I’ll set some aside for you. Makes great stir-fry too."
Chen Xi received the bowl reverently, like it was some sacred offering, and his voice was full of syrupy gratitude. "Thanks, Su Shen. Thanks, Gu Zi."
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The readers' comments on the novel: Reborn as a Fake Heiress Marrying the Tycoon
One of the best novels. A different touch, a change in usual billionaire's stories filled with cruelty and betrayals. Thank you author....