The oil in the pot began to smoke.
Startled, Su Jin let out a soft gasp and quickly dropped the chopped ingredients into the pan. With a loud sizzle, the mixture hit the oil, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen.
Wielding the spatula with practised ease, Su Jin glanced at Fu Siyan, who stood there blankly like an obedient, oversized puppy. The sight softened her heart.
"Pass me the dark soy sauce," she said, keeping her tone light.
Fu Siyan scanned the counter, picked up a bottle, and handed it to her.
Su Jin nearly laughed when she saw it was vinegar, not soy sauce.
"That's vinegar," she said gently, pointing. "The dark soy sauce is over there."
Expressionless as ever, Fu Siyan turned and retrieved the correct bottle. But beneath his cold surface, he was clearly uneasy. It was the first time in his life that he had ever stepped foot into a kitchen.
He hadn't expected it to be this complicated.
Su Jin caught the subtle stiffness in his movements and couldn't help but chuckle softly.
But beneath her smile, a pang of sorrow settled in her chest.
In her previous life, Fu Siyan had become a skilled cook. Not only could he prepare full meals, but he even made desserts. He'd once sent her sweet treats in a thermos box, carefully prepared and delivered with sincerity.
She had scorned them.
Without even opening the lid, she had thrown them into the trash.
Now, thinking of how tenderly he once treated her—only to be met with cruelty—Su Jin's heart ached with guilt.
While Su Jin and Fu Siyan were busy in the kitchen—lost in their quiet, shared world—Master Fu was practically beaming in the living room.
Fu Siyan, usually composed and stone-faced, was someone who demanded perfection in everything he did. From childhood, he had never allowed himself to show weakness or make mistakes.
And yet today, he'd stumbled… over something as simple as helping in the kitchen.
Watching his grandson fumble around, Old Fu was thoroughly amused. "Good, good," he chuckled to himself. "That's what it means to be alive—let the smoke and oil temper your sharp edges."
Soon, the food was ready, steaming dishes filling the table with tantalizing aromas and vibrant colours.
Master Fu's eyes lit up at the sight. He took in the display with delight and gave a hearty nod of approval. "Xiaojin, you're outstanding. With skills like yours, I can't imagine which lucky fool is worthy of you."
Su Jin blushed, ducking her head in shy embarrassment. She didn't know how to respond to the praise.
Fu Siyan, who rarely joined dinners and even rarely ate more than a few bites, was surprisingly engaged tonight. Perhaps it was the familiar taste of the dish… or the unfamiliar warmth at the table.
Hearing Old Fu hinting—again—at matchmaking, he sighed inwardly. A quiet helplessness flickered in his eyes.
Without saying much, he picked up a piece of fish and gently placed it into his grandfather's bowl. "Grandpa, eat before it gets cold," he said calmly, trying to divert the conversation.
The old man smiled in satisfaction and nodded. "Mm, delicious. Xiaojin's cooking is truly outstanding."
Su Jin quietly picked at her rice, but her thoughts were completely occupied with Fu Siyan.
Nervous yet eager, she couldn't help but watch him out of the corner of her eye, carefully observing his every expression.
Fu Siyan was particular when it came to food. She noticed how he silently picked out the garlic, chilli, and coriander—placing them with deliberate precision into the small dish beside his plate.
Then, with graceful movements, he brought a piece of fish to his mouth and chewed slowly.
Everything about him was elegant and refined, like a European noble. No—more than that. There was an innate nobility in him, a quiet authority that made him feel like a king born to lead.
Even something as simple as a family dinner felt like fine dining when he was at the table.
Master Fu, on the other hand, was much more relaxed. He chuckled when he saw Su Jin sneak another glance at Fu Siyan.
"Don't worry about him, Xiaojin," the old man said kindly. "That boy spent too many years abroad and picked up all kinds of foreign habits. You don't need to follow his lead. Just eat however you like."
Su Jin smiled warmly at his reassurance and replied softly, "Thank you, Old Master Fu."
"Why be formal? Just call me Grandpa," Old Master Fu said with a grin, his lips curving in amusement.
"Alright, Grandpa," Su Jin replied cheerfully.
Master Fu's smile deepened, his eyes nearly disappearing into the creases at the corners. Hearing Su Jin call him 'Grandpa' clearly delighted him more than he expected.
"I'm full," Fu Siyan said as he stood up. He gave a small nod to both Su Jin and his grandfather. "Please, enjoy the rest of your meal."
"Hold on," Master Fu called out as Fu Siyan turned to leave. "Take Xiaojin home later."
Su Jin, startled, quickly waved her hands. "No need to trouble him, Grandpa. I can get back on my own just fine."
The thought of riding with Fu Siyan made her more nervous than grateful—she was sure she'd suffocate in the silence.
"Nonsense," Master Fu said with a frown. "You came here just to change my dressing. How could I let you go back alone? He has nothing better to do."
Fu Siyan's face remained unreadable, but Su Jin didn't miss the faint furrow in his brows. Clearly, he wasn't thrilled about it.
"I have a meeting in forty minutes," Fu Siyan said, his tone cool and businesslike.
Su Jin instantly understood—driving her home would take thirty minutes, which meant Fu Siyan was giving her only ten minutes to finish eating.
How strict.
"I'm done too," Su Jin responded quickly, putting down her chopsticks.
Seeing them about to leave so soon, Master Fu looked a little disappointed. He had hoped to chat with them a bit longer.
But for the sake of his grandson's happiness, he chose to sacrifice his own wishes. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, off you go."
After bidding farewell to Master Fu, Su Jin and Fu Siyan walked out of the Fu residence.
Outside, a sleek black Maybach was parked quietly, like a predator lurking in the shadows—dangerous, elegant, and mysterious.
Fu Siyan opened the car door and gestured for Su Jin to get in.
Su Jin gave him a polite smile and then settled into the passenger seat.
Fu Siyan got in next, gripping the steering wheel. Even in such a casual motion, his presence was commanding.
"Seatbelt," he said, glancing sideways at Su Jin.
His deep, unreadable eyes seemed to draw her in, carrying an unspoken pressure that made her heart skip a beat.
Su Jin was startled by Fu Siyan's sharp gaze. She instinctively responded with a soft "okay" and quickly reached for her seatbelt.
But because she was flustered, she fumbled and had to try several times before finally getting it buckled.
She let out a quiet breath of relief, only to hear Fu Siyan's low voice say, "Sit tight."
The next second, the car shot forward like an arrow.
The speed was terrifying. The scenery on both sides of the road blurred past like streaks of light, fast and dizzying.
A ride that should have taken thirty minutes was finished in just ten.
When the car finally came to a stop, Su Jin's face had turned pale. Her legs felt weak as she got out of the car.
"Thank you for the ride," she said softly.
Fu Siyan's face remained expressionless. His cold, unreadable eyes locked on her, and his voice, just like his gaze, was piercing.
"Su Jin, I don't care what your intention is, but I think it's better if you stop now."
"Intention?" Su Jin looked at him, stunned, but quickly realized what he meant.
So, in his eyes, she was using Master Fu to get close to him—approaching him with a hidden motive.
Her lips curved into a bitter smile.
She had never once thought of using the Fu family. The only reason she approached Fu Siyan… was to repay a debt of gratitude.
But she couldn't bring herself to say those words—not when she knew he wouldn't believe them. So she swallowed the pain.
"…I understand."
In order not to make Fu Siyan dislike her even more, Su Jin could only follow along with his assumption, keeping her tone light.
Yet her quietness and seeming compliance only confirmed Fu Siyan's suspicions—making it look like she had something to hide.
"If you're trying to use Grandpa to get to me," he said coldly, "then your little plan is doomed to fail."
With that, Fu Siyan turned and walked away without a backwards glance.
Su Jin stood there, blinking rapidly to hold back the sudden sting in her eyes. She didn't let the tears fall, not even when his car disappeared down the road.
She gave a bitter laugh.
So this was what rejection felt like.
In her last life, she hadn't cared. But in this life… it hurt more than she expected.
Shaking her head firmly, she whispered to herself,
"Su Jin, pull yourself together. You can do this."
In her previous life, Fu Siyan had fallen in love with her. There was no reason it couldn't happen again—only this time, she wouldn't waste it.
Still feeling a little dizzy from the ride, Su Jin decided to walk to the corner convenience store for a bottle of water.
But just as she reached the side street, footsteps sounded rapidly behind her.
Before she could react, a rough hand clamped tightly over her mouth and nose.
Her eyes widened in panic.
She struggled—but a strong arm wrapped around her waist, dragging her backwards into the shadows