Chapter 18: “It’s Okay, Just Eat Well”

“Xingyao, let’s go. Director Chen Yi has a great reputation in the industry and has discovered many famous actresses,” Guo Zimu urged, trying to persuade Tong Xingyao.

“Um, but—”

Guo Zimu cut her off immediately. “If he really loves you, he should support your career ambitions.”

Determined, Guo Zimu wanted to free Xingyao from the influence of that “bad man.”

That wretched man had manipulated the family finances, forcing Xingyao to rely on him. Guo Zimu had realized that once Xingyao had her own income, she could gradually become independent—a strong, autonomous woman.

This opportunity with Director Chen Yi was crucial. Women with their own careers could attract good partners in the future, and Guo Zimu was ready to make sure Xingyao grasped that chance.

“He… will support me?” Xingyao hesitated.

Seeing Xingyao waver, Guo Zimu pressed her point.

“Yes! Think about it—you earn your own money, and that bad man can’t just take it away like before. Every reward you’ve earned, he used to seize… this time, it’ll be yours!”

Xingyao’s resolve began to shake. The “discussion” was essentially Guo Zimu persuading her relentlessly.

Outside, a rapid patter of footsteps grew louder.

“Xingyao, lunch time!” Wang Yan arrived, holding a thermal box as he dashed into the classroom, eager to showcase his latest culinary creation.

“Look! Look! This is my newest recipe,” he said, placing the box on the desk and layering it open.

“I’ve tasted it—it’s delicious and fresh. Just like last time, eat everything,” Wang Yan reminded her, wiping sweat from his forehead and standing hands on hips.

Guo Zimu stepped back, frowning.

“No wonder you stayed in this classroom for so long, even after class ended,” she muttered. She sniffed the fish aroma wafting from the box and reluctantly swallowed her saliva. She didn’t want it—after all, it came from that “bad man.” She quietly left, preferring a fancy restaurant instead.

Xingyao closed her eyes, inhaling the scent. Her body reacted even just from the aroma—her pulse raced. Memories from yesterday surfaced, stirring her still-sensitive body.

“Eat quickly! Food loses flavor if it cools down,” Wang Yan called.

Xingyao took a small sip of the fish soup, and her body shivered violently, almost bouncing from the chair.

“How’s the taste?” Wang Yan asked confidently, trusting the legendary cookware he’d used.

“Um… good…” Xingyao replied, trying to maintain composure. The familiar warmth returned, her body naturally starting to sweat.

“I… I’m full,” she whispered, attempting to close the thermal box lid.

But Wang Yan blocked her. “Skipping lunch? That won’t do. Come on.” He reopened the box.

“Eating properly is important—you want to grow tall, don’t you?” he chided lightly.

“Here, I’ll feed you.” He scooped a spoonful toward her lips.

Xingyao hesitated but had to open her mouth, sipping the warm soup and small chunks of crystal-clear fish. Each spoonful sent a rush of warmth coursing through her body.

After a few spoonfuls, she blushed, sweating lightly, like a kettle about to boil.

Wang Yan continued feeding her with care, breaking it into small bites to prevent the soup from cooling, aware of the “emotion points” this generated.

Xingyao’s mind grew dizzy. After finishing another spoonful, she suddenly wrapped her arms around Wang Yan, pressing close. Her hot breath brushed against his neck.

Wang Yan, slightly winded, patted her back soothingly. “Xingyao? Are you too hot? Or feeling unwell?”

Xingyao didn’t respond—she buried her face further in his neck, nose brushing against his skin.

“Daddy… do you… love me?”

Wang Yan froze. Such a question from a preteen—was this just a fleeting adolescent emotion? Consulting his mental notes on child development, he knew these moments often arose from inner anxiety. The best response was simple and reassuring.

“I love you,” he said, looking into her eyes and gently kissing the side of her face.

Xingyao tightened her embrace, murmuring softly, “Mm…”

Before Wang Yan could react further, she loosened slightly but remained pressed close. Her gaze locked on the steaming spoon of fish soup in his hand.

Seeing her calm down, Wang Yan cooperated, relieved. He lifted the spoon to her lips again.

Xingyao obediently took a bite—savoring the warm soup and tender fish. Her fingers instinctively gripped his clothes.

“Daddy…” she whispered, voice trembling slightly. “Do you… love me?”

Wang Yan, focused on feeding her, gently scooped another piece of fish. “Yes, Daddy loves you.”

“Open your mouth,” she said, passing a spoon toward him.

Startled, Wang Yan obeyed. The warm soup and fish melted in his mouth, delicious. He was once again impressed by his own cooking.

Satisfied with her reaction, Xingyao smiled faintly.

“Daddy, smells so good,” she murmured, leaning forward to kiss him.

Wang Yan: (ㅍ_ㅍ)

This was no gentle kiss. Normally, he would have authority over this moment, but her hands gently forced him into the embrace. He could only groan in mild protest, feeling the warmth and the lingering taste of the fish.

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, Xingyao reluctantly pulled back, cheeks flushed with satisfaction.

She licked her lips, savoring the last traces.

“Because… it was hot,” she explained calmly. “But… after tasting with my mouth… it’s not hot anymore.”

Wang Yan: “…(；一_一)”

He panted, heart racing, lips still marked.

Well, as long as Xingyao ate properly and grew healthy, that was enough.

He scooped another spoonful, coaxing her gently, “Here, a little more. Don’t waste it, okay?”

After finishing, he carefully wiped her mouth, making sure she was clean and comfortable.