Chapter Fifty-Three: The Private Concert

"Finally finished. I'm exhausted." After working all morning, Bai Chenxi collapsed onto the sofa, feeling as though even her fingers didn't want to move.

Suddenly, the distant sound of a guitar drifted over. Chu Muyun caught Bai Chenxi's gaze.

He looked up and spoke slowly, "I promised you last time, so consider this as a token of thanks."

"No way!" Bai Chenxi quickly retorted before Chu Muyun could finish, "Last time was last time, this time is this time. You still owe me one."

Such a pleasing sight—of course, she wanted to enjoy it as much as possible.

Chu Muyun looked at her, a faint smile at his lips. "Alright."

He strummed his guitar and sang his own song. They say boys who play instruments are handsome—all the rumors were true.

Right now, Bai Chenxi felt as though Chu Muyun was glowing. Even his singing seemed to possess some kind of magic, holding her ears captive.

At this moment, Bai Chenxi was just like any of Chu Muyun's many fans, her heart and eyes filled with nothing but him.

As a proper fangirl, she almost wanted to scream, though she reminded herself to maintain her image as a reserved little fairy.

When Chu Muyun finished his song, Bai Chenxi applauded enthusiastically. Any semblance of restraint had long been tossed to the wind.

Who else could enjoy such privileges? This was practically VVVVVVIP treatment! What use was restraint, anyway?

Chu Muyun watched Bai Chenxi’s reaction with satisfaction, putting away his guitar.

Seeing his actions, Bai Chenxi said, disappointed, "Brother Chu, is that all?"

Chu Muyun originally intended to knock her forehead, but paused, then reached out and ruffled her hair thoroughly.

"Eat first. Aren't you hungry?"

"Food?" Bai Chenxi perked right up. "Wait for me—what are we eating?"

"Heh! I knew following Brother Chu meant meat on the table."

Her eyes stayed glued to the menu, nearly drooling.

"Order whatever you like. My treat today."

Bai Chenxi’s eyes lit up. "Brother Chu, I adore you!"

Chu Muyun paused, cup in hand, unable to suppress the smile tugging at his lips.

He glanced at Bai Chenxi—only the menu filled her gaze.

As Chu Muyun signaled the waiter, Bai Chenxi instinctively tried to shield her face.

Chu Muyun stopped her. "Everyone knows we're acquainted now; sharing a meal is nothing."

Bai Chenxi thought it over and dropped her hand. "I just don’t want them gossiping!"

"Relax. This place is very discreet. Lots of celebrities eat here."

Her face said, "You don’t understand," as Bai Chenxi explained, "They always post anonymously. You think they aren’t talking, but they’re secretly leaking everything under a pseudonym."

Chu Muyun’s expression grew a little uneasy. "They wouldn’t."

"Based on my years of following gossip..." Bai Chenxi was eager to continue enlightening him.

He’d never been involved in scandals, so he probably didn't know the twists and turns of the business. She didn’t want him to get caught off guard someday.

Chu Muyun cut her off, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "They won’t. Because I own this place."

"You... you own it?" Bai Chenxi’s voice trembled.

Chu Muyun nodded, resigned.

...

Awkwardness filled the room.

Chu Muyun, observing her flushed face, teased, "So, can I call someone now?"

Bai Chenxi laughed dryly. "Please, go ahead!"

Chu Muyun glanced at her. "Order anything you like."

The mention of food swept away any trace of awkwardness. Bai Chenxi reverted to her true foodie self.

Once the waiter left, Chu Muyun asked, "With the way you eat, do you really not need to watch your weight?"

Bai Chenxi recalled something dreadful. "Of course I do. After eating, I have to exercise like crazy."

"Then why eat so much?"

Bai Chenxi answered confidently, "If I don’t eat, how will I have energy to lose weight? I’d rather eat and exercise afterward than live off boiled vegetables every day."

Soon, the dishes arrived. Bai Chenxi showered them with praise from every angle.

"Wow! The speed of service is impressive. Looks delicious, too."

"So tasty—no wonder this place is so popular!"

"Brother Chu, you’re amazing. Even running a restaurant, you’re so successful."

Chu Muyun watched Bai Chenxi gobbling up food, still managing to compliment him between bites, with a resigned smile.

"Alright, I’m not upset. Just eat in peace."

With Chu Muyun’s assurance, Bai Chenxi stopped talking and focused on enjoying her meal.

Afterward, she patted her satisfied belly. "Okay, now that I’m full, time to get back to work."

Chu Muyun glanced at her stomach, recalling last time’s misunderstanding.

He teased, "If someone took a picture now, do you think they'd say you’re pregnant again?"

Bai Chenxi, remembering the previous fiasco—thanks to him—said angrily, "If they say I’m pregnant again, I’ll say it’s yours."

Chu Muyun agreed readily, "Sure! When the time comes, I expect a child calling me Dad."

Bai Chenxi looked regretful—she’d lost this round.

"Chu Muyun, I never thought you’d be like this."

"You have no idea. Aren’t we supposed to work? Let’s go!"

With that, he pulled Bai Chenxi, who was sprawled on her chair, unwilling to move.

The two went to a nearby supermarket to shop.

As soon as they entered, Chu Muyun reached for some bread.

Bai Chenxi stopped him. "Don’t take too much. If you keep piling it up, the rest will just go moldy."

"I’ll pick things that are quick and easy to prepare for you."

In the vegetable section, Bai Chenxi shopped while explaining to Chu Muyun how to tell if vegetables were fresh.

A nearby aunt glanced over, warmly commenting, "Miss, your boyfriend is wonderful. Unlike mine—he won’t even come to the supermarket with me, let alone listen to all this."

Bai Chenxi was about to say he wasn’t her boyfriend, but Chu Muyun slipped his arm around her shoulders.

She turned to him, astonished, but Chu Muyun ignored her, smiling warmly at the aunt. "Thank you! I still have a lot to learn."

Chu Muyun looked at Bai Chenxi with affection. "With such a good girlfriend, I have to cherish her—only then will she never leave me."

The aunt was delighted, repeatedly praising how well-matched they were, urging them to treasure each other.

Chu Muyun smiled and responded to each comment.

Leaving the vegetable section, Bai Chenxi glanced at Chu Muyun, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Chu Muyun seemed to read her mind and spoke first.

"Wondering why I didn’t correct her and let her keep the misunderstanding?"

Bai Chenxi nodded vigorously.

Chu Muyun replied calmly, "If I explained, more questions would follow. I’d rather avoid the hassle."

Bai Chenxi looked at Chu Muyun with admiration. "Exactly! You really think things through. Why didn’t I think of that!"

Chu Muyun watched Bai Chenxi’s silly, smiling face and let out a barely perceptible sigh. This little fool.