Chapter 46: Rejecting His Kindness

Amidst the bustling market, at an inconspicuous little stall, Xu Zhaozhao and Shen Mu sat facing each other, quietly sipping on old duck soup.

The rising steam blurred their faces but could not conceal the faintly ambiguous atmosphere surrounding them.

The live chat was lively at this moment.

"Seeing them so immersed in their meal, that old duck soup must be delicious."

"I always thought Xu Zhaozhao knows how to eat well. She picks out local delicacies in the market, and look at that old duck soup shop—it seems like it’s been around for years..."

"Followed the trend and ordered old duck soup. Family, I’m off to nourish myself first."

"Is the delivery upstairs really that fast?"

"Xu Zhaozhao can earn money, but she can also spend it. The money she just made is gone in an instant."

"She’s someone who enjoys the moment. I’m that kind of person too."

"No money? No problem. Just sell lemonade next time; I see there are plenty of lemons on Aunt Fu’s tree."

"If worst comes to worst, Shen Mu can fish!"

"Exactly, those two together won’t starve even without money."

"Sniff, I’m useless and broke—I’d better go earn some pitiful wages!"

"Next time, Xu Zhaozhao shouldn’t be constrained by others on a dating show; she should join a survival show instead!"

"Agreed, I want to see Xu Zhaozhao fighting for survival."

"Feels like you guys are more dramatic than Chen Sisi."

After finishing the old duck soup, Xu Zhaozhao’s pocket was indeed nearly empty.

She bought a few more instant noodle buckets at the supermarket and headed back to the car.

Only then did she realize Shen Mu hadn’t followed her.

She got out and circled around the car looking for him.

"Xu Zhaozhao’s way of looking for someone—haha, it’s so funny, like a little animal just circling the car."

"I have reason to suspect she doesn’t actually want to find Shen Mu."

"I suspect the same. I see impatience in her expression."

"Actually, Shen Mu came more like a tutor for the prince this time! The most effort he put in was helping Xu Zhaozhao carry water; the lemonade selling was all her own doing."

"Didn’t contribute much, and Xu Zhaozhao still had to treat him to a meal—definitely not worth it."

"Hey, don’t say that. Shen Mu is wholeheartedly devoted to Xu Zhaozhao; he came along to help."

At that moment, Shen Mu appeared from a corner of the market.

"Where did you go?" Xu Zhaozhao complained. "Not even a word to me!"

Shen Mu handed over a transparent box.

"You treated me to old duck soup, so I’m treating you to fruit."

Xu Zhaozhao looked at the clusters of translucent green gems inside, shimmering with a charming glow in the sunlight.

They were her favorite green grapes.

She especially loved how the grapes gave off a faint, fresh fragrance—a scent mingling grassy and fruity notes, reminiscent of her hometown from childhood.

Her gaze lifted from the grapes and met Shen Mu’s eyes.

What exactly was this guy trying to do?

They had already gone their separate ways; why bother trying to win her over again?

Noticing her gaze, Shen Mu swallowed, then instinctively opened the plastic box, holding it out to her, nearly offering the grapes directly into Xu Zhaozhao’s mouth.

"What, are you really waiting for me to feed you?"

Seeing Xu Zhaozhao remain still, he asked.

Xu Zhaozhao neither let Shen Mu feed her nor took the grapes herself; instead, she turned and said, "Since you’re back, let’s get in the car quickly!"

Seeing that Xu Zhaozhao didn’t take the grapes, Shen Mu’s expression darkened.

However, only Xu Zhaozhao knew her heart was far from calm and resolute as she appeared.

Her feelings for Shen Mu were complicated and tangled—marked by past pain yet tinged with reluctant attachment.

She wanted to end the dating show quickly and leave this place where Shen Mu was.

Every extra moment she stayed only deepened her pain.

The two of them should have been cast in a break-up or divorce reality show.

Yet, fatefully, these two, each hiding their own thoughts, met on a dating show.

But after getting in the car, Xu Zhaozhao regretted it.

Did her refusal signal to Shen Mu that she couldn’t really let go?

Shen Mu must be secretly laughing at her.

"Shen Mu, if Xu Zhaozhao won’t eat the grapes, give them to me—I want some."

"Tell the truth, is it really the grapes you want?"

"Ah, Shen Mu, if you still can’t catch up to Xu Zhaozhao by the end of the show, please come find me—I’ll comfort you properly."

"Upstairs, mind your abacus beads; you’re throwing them right in my face."

"Who would have thought? The aloof, cold guy at the start has now sunk to the point of trying to please a female contestant..."

Holding the untouched grapes in his hand, Shen Mu remained silent all the way.

He looked up at Xu Zhaozhao from time to time; whenever she caught his gaze through the rearview mirror, she immediately looked away.

Noticing her reaction, Shen Mu lowered his eyebrows, his expression unreadable to outsiders.

-------------------------------------

"Great-granduncle, do you feel it too?"

At the Shen family villa, Su Chengyu voiced his suspicion beside Shen Feifan.

"I feel like the little uncle and Xu Zhaozhao knew each other before..."

And definitely had a deep connection.

Although Xu Zhaozhao never showed any warmth to the little uncle and even appeared quite uncooperative, no matter how much someone pretends, the emotions occasionally slipping through their eyes never lie.

The little uncle prepared green grapes for Xu Zhaozhao, and she clearly froze and became distracted.

Later, she refused the grapes, which was even more puzzling.

This was a live broadcast; Su Chengyu was sure the director hadn’t given them some script or role at that moment—it was some unresolved grudge between the two.

What kind of grudge?

First, Su Chengyu ruled out any professional conflict.

Although Feifan Construction hired celebrities for endorsements, they had never dealt with Xu Zhaozhao.

Eliminating work-related grudges left only personal ones.

Between a man and a woman, personal grudges usually stem from matters of the heart.

"Did you notice it too?"

Shen Feifan was old and his eyesight was failing, but his perception was sharp.

Hearing Su Chengyu, he agreed.

"Could it be..." Su Chengyu guessed, "Xu Zhaozhao is the little uncle’s ex-girlfriend?"

Why not say current girlfriend? Because whether they wished the little uncle well or not, the family paid close attention to his private life.

No one had noticed any signs of a romantic relationship.

So Su Chengyu guessed Xu Zhaozhao was the little uncle’s former lover.

If Lawyer Wu were here, she would smile and encourage Su Chengyu, "Young Master Su, you can be bolder with your guesses!"

She meant ex-wife!

After Su Chengyu spoke, Shen Feifan picked up his phone and made a call.

"Hello, it’s me. How’s the information you were checking coming along?"

Su Chengyu leaned in to listen to what was said on the other end.