CHAPTER 138: CHAPTER 137: BECAUSE OF LOVE

When Ye Manman went downstairs, she hadn’t washed up yet. She still walked with a slight discomfort, trying hard to ensure her steps were normal, but it was still evident she wasn’t as nimble as usual.

Fortunately, Cheng Yuan and Jiang Yuan, both unmarried girls, just assumed she wasn’t feeling well and were particularly concerned, asking if she had caught a cold.

As soon as He Chen heard the noise, he immediately handed the prepared Sweet and Spicy Duck to a customer, collected the money, and quickly went over.

Cheng Yuan and Jiang Yuan had originally stood up but now sat back down, somewhat embarrassed.

After all, with He Chen around, they needn’t worry about Ye Manman.

"I’ll fetch some water for you to freshen up."

The house had hot water, which He Chen had boiled early in the morning, and it was stored in a thermos bottle, currently still hot.

He quickly fetched some cold water, mixed in some hot water, found the temperature suitable, squeezed out toothpaste for Ye Manman, and brought her a cup with a scoop of warm water for brushing her teeth.

With He Chen taking care of her, Ye Manman didn’t have to endure the discomfort so much. Shielded by his tall figure, she hummed softly as she went to the back to brush her teeth.

With the store watched over by Cheng Yuan and Jiang Yuan, both He Chen and Ye Manman felt reassured. During such times, they could have some private conversations.

"Is it still uncomfortable?"

As Ye Manman brushed her teeth, He Chen stood by her side, massaging her waist. Although he was very careful the previous night, he couldn’t completely prevent her from feeling discomfort, primarily affecting her waist.

Despite his cautiousness, seeing her discomfort made He Chen feel guilty.

Ye Manman noticed his low spirits, understood his self-blame, and quickly rinsed her mouth to comfort him.

"It’s okay, this time was already great; you did wonderfully!"

She gave him a thumbs up as encouragement, her expression charming and adorable, with a faint mint scent between her words, the fragrance of toothpaste.

Though the toothpaste had a typical smell he encountered daily, only after Ye Manman used it did He Chen find it particularly appealing, as if the sharp cold scent blended with her sweet aroma, making it sweeter.

He Chen couldn’t help but lower his head and kiss her.

The two dared not linger too long in the back; Ye Manman, with a playful glare, returned to the front.

Just having brushed her teeth, her hands were still cold. She placed them into the warm water basin, finding it not hot and soon warming up, ready to continue washing her face.

He Chen had gained experience in mixing water temperatures daily for her, so he rarely needed to adjust it—just one mix and it was perfect.

She washed her face, carefully applied snow cream, not missing her wrists, neck, behind the ears, while He Chen took away the basin to empty it and fetched the warm mushroom chicken porridge and boiled eggs for her from the back kitchen.

Their mode of interaction was incredibly natural and harmonious. Ye Manman barely needed to do anything, and He Chen showed no hint of impatience, remaining utterly gentle.

Cheng Yuan and Jiang Yuan watched, awestruck, taking a while to react.

They had seen loving couples, but none like He Chen and Ye Manman.

Especially He Chen, who seemed so stern and intimidating, yet was so attentive and gentle toward Ye Manman.

It’s often said that a tender-hearted man strikes the hearts of young women easily.

For the first time, Cheng Yuan and Jiang Yuan felt He Chen didn’t seem so terrifying.

Normally, when they were present, He Chen was busy, everyone was busy, and they never witnessed such an interaction between the couple.

After breakfast, He Chen returned to his work. As Ye Manman just sat in front of them, Jiang Yuan, with eyes full of admiration, asked her.

"Manman, how is your husband so good to you? So attentive, he’s a hundred times better than my dad! I thought my dad adored my mom, but there’s always someone better out there!"

She wanted to shout it out loudly but was afraid He Chen might hear, so she only whispered it, full of excitement.

Cheng Yuan also clenched her fists, looking equally excited and curious.

"How did you manage that? Manman, you’re incredible! He looks so stern..."

Cheng Yuan’s fear of He Chen was known to Ye Manman. After all, they first met when He Chen was angry; it was hard not to feel intimidated. She understood, yet she didn’t grasp why they said she was incredible.

"Perhaps it’s because of love."

Ye Manman didn’t know what else to say. She didn’t feel she did anything special; He Chen had treated her this way from the start. She hadn’t done much of anything.

In essence, she attributed it all to his love for her.

Thinking of this, Ye Manman couldn’t help but smile sweetly, her lips curling up slightly.

Cheng Yuan and Jiang Yuan saw her expression, felt a pang of envy, and decided not to press further.

In truth, He Chen had excellent hearing, able to hear the girls’ whispered conversations without needing to pay much attention.

Hearing Ye Manman say it was because of love, he blushed slightly in the ears.

However, the cold winter meant wearing more clothing, so red ears seemed normal, and no one noticed his blush.

After Cheng Yuan left today, Jiang Yuan’s brother soon arrived at their shop, intending to learn how to make fried chicken with her.

Jiang Yuan’s family objected to her running a business alone, so she grudgingly agreed to have her second brother join her. Fortunately, Ye Manman didn’t refuse.

After all, Ye Manman intended to teach Jiang Yuan methods that weren’t suitable for too many to know. Such techniques couldn’t be provided freely.

The two had agreed that future profits would allocate thirty percent as a dividend to Ye Manman and He Chen, as a way of contributing their techniques into her fried chicken venture.

Ye Manman and He Chen jointly assisted Jiang Yuan in setting up shop, initially providing space and chicken suppliers. Knowing their business had form and feasibility, Jiang Yuan’s brother also found it promising.

This was Ye Manman’s first time meeting Jiang Yuan’s brother since knowing her for a while. Jiang Yuan had a bob haircut, big eyes, and slightly chubby cheeks, giving her a cute appearance. Her brother, wearing glasses, was evidently more composed, the two resembling each other at most by thirty percent.

Although already aware of Jiang Yuan’s well-off family background, engaged in business themselves, seeing such a shrewd man claim to be her brother took Ye Manman by surprise.

The Jiang Family indeed protected Jiang Yuan well.

Not only securing her material needs but preserving her innocent and carefree nature, pure and untainted to this day.

It’s quite enviable.

"Hello, I’m Jiang Yuan’s second brother, Jiang Tianrui."

As Jiang Yuan saw her brother arrive, she immediately rushed over, grasping his arm, yet even before she spoke, Jiang Tianrui greeted He Chen and Ye Manman proactively.

Adjusting his glasses and reaching out, Jiang Tianrui’s manner was neither overbearing nor servile. His eyes held a hint of curiosity without causing any discomfort.

He Chen displayed no special expression, simply shaking hands with him.

"Hello, I’m He Chen, and this is my wife, Ye Manman. They’re friends."

With this, introductions were made. He Chen invited Jiang Tianrui into the shop, poured him a cup of hot water, and the four then began formally discussing Jiang Yuan’s small business plans.

Jiang Yuan watched Jiang Tianrui intently, seemingly afraid her brother might say something unpleasant.