CHAPTER 73: CHAPTER 72: YOU LIKE ME

"He Chen, I want to eat that braised sea cucumber and the fish-flavored shredded pork. What do you want to eat?"

While Cheng Yuan was secretly observing them, curious about how the three would handle the situation, Ye Manman completely ignored the excited Xie Fengmian, pulling He Chen to sit at the table farthest from them.

Cheng Yuan watched their interaction, and her inner self cheered, "So cute!"

He Chen didn’t want to bother with Xie Fengmian either, knowing that the more he looked, the more his hands itched to hit someone. He didn’t want to cause trouble and make Ye Manman worry.

"I’m okay with anything, there’s nothing I particularly want to eat. Maybe we can add a small vegetable dish for a balanced diet."

"Sure~"

He naturally set up the dishes and poured hot water for Ye Manman, then stepped away to order food, making it impossible for others to join the conversation.

Out of nowhere, Xie Fengmian lost his previously gentle demeanor, taking a seat across from Ye Manman and occupying He Chen’s spot, despite being clearly ignored.

Cheng Yuan frowned, mentally marking an X over Xie Fengmian.

This guy, was he just pretending to be a gentleman earlier?

"Manman, why are you ignoring me? Are you just here in town for fun, or is there something else? If you need anything, just tell me, I can help out."

Xie Fengmian sat down and poured himself a glass of water.

But Ye Manman just rolled her eyes, sitting upright, her whole body rejecting his approach.

"This has nothing to do with you, just mind your own business. I made it clear last time to you and your wife. I hope you won’t keep getting in my way."

Ye Manman thought that after shaming him like that in the village, Xie Fengmian would find it embarrassing to face her again.

Yet unexpectedly, it was as if he’d forgotten, being even shameless than when he previously pretended.

"What are you saying? Even though we’re just relatives now, you clearly liked—"

Xie Fengmian tried to get closer, but before he could finish, a big hand grabbed the back of his collar.

He Chen grabbed his collar with such strength that he almost lifted Xie Fengmian right off the bench.

If it weren’t for Xie wearing multiple layers, dispersing the force, He Chen would have flung him aside.

Even so, Xie Fengmian was in a bad state, pulling at his collar but unable to match He Chen’s strength, soon struggling to breathe, his face turning red.

His image was utterly ruined, and he couldn’t ask He Chen to let go, only managing to flail helplessly like a dog paddling.

When he saw Xie Fengmian’s face turning liver-colored, He Chen, not wanting to cause trouble, released him with a stern expression.

"Get lost."

"Don’t bother her again."

He Chen was no longer the person he once was; now he was confident in providing Ye Manman with a good life, and she had reciprocated his feelings, giving him endless courage.

The man who once made He Chen feel inferior was now nothing more than a pathetic weakling.

Besides having a rich father, Xie Fengmian was nothing.

He Chen always harbored strong hostility toward Xie Fengmian, only suppressing it before to avoid scaring Ye Manman, but now he was completely unafraid.

Having vowed to be Ye Manman’s personal bodyguard, he couldn’t let anyone harass her.

He must make them leave!

He Chen’s intimidating gaze was menacing, filled with an indescribable intensity.

With He Chen staring him down like this, Xie Fengmian felt like prey caught in a tiger’s eyes, the oppressive force palpable and making him silent.

And that’s besides the fact that he couldn’t speak, too busy gulping down air from the prior oxygen deprivation.

Only after He Chen sat back down and replaced the water he’d poured did Xie Fengmian realize he’d made a fool of himself in front of Ye Manman and everyone else.

The restaurant, though not very crowded, had a few tables occupied, and it was mealtime.

Considering their noisy commotion and He Chen’s previously scary burst of energy, many were whispering, and even the chef by the window witnessed the spectacle.

No matter if he looked or not, he could imagine people were silently laughing at him.

He was thoroughly humiliated!

Feeling he couldn’t stay in the restaurant, Xie Fengmian remembered he had invited Cheng Yuan to dinner.

Almost forgetting about the only woman who could replace Ye Manman, Xie Fengmian quickly adjusted his clothes and looked over at Cheng Yuan, pretending nothing happened.

"Cheng—"

Cheng Yuan, having witnessed the whole scene, gave Xie Fengmian a sheepish smile before hastily standing up.

"Sorry, I just remembered I have something to do at home."

"I’m leaving the money for the meal here."

"I have to go."

She quickly left, almost running, unlike her usual leisurely pace.

As she left, Cheng Yuan was still calming her nerves, thankful she hadn’t engaged with that girl, or she’d be the one flung by the collar!

Oh my god, why is such a pretty, adorable girl’s partner so intimidating?

Who was that guy to her?

Too scary!

As Cheng Yuan slipped away, Xie Fengmian, aware of others watching, could no longer keep his composure, leaving the money Cheng Yuan placed on the table untouched as he quickly exited.

"He Chen, you’re amazing, I feel so safe with you around~"

"You were so manly just now, I’m in awe~"

Ye Manman giggled, cupping her face and showering He Chen with praise.

She wasn’t afraid of He Chen’s anger, actually enjoying the sight of his protective demeanor.

So manly, so cool!

He Chen couldn’t handle her doing this.

Even knowing she’s teasing, confronted with Ye Manman’s sparkling eyes, he bashfully played with his cup.

"I just can’t stand him bothering you like that."

He rubbed his nose, slightly blushing.

"I know you don’t like him."

Ye Manman nodded enthusiastically, her sparkling eyes curving into crescent moons as she cheekily asked him.

"So, tell me, who do I like?"

She teased him, not caring about prying eyes.

He Chen swallowed, glancing around sheepishly, the intimidating man from before replaced by a bashful boy.

He stammered, looking down with a flushed face.

"...Me."

Ye Manman tilted her head.

"What do you mean, you?"

"...You like me."