The Cold Queen is My Exclusive Little Snack - Chapter 18

“Jiejie?”

Chu Shiyin bumped into the coffee table, causing a bag of snacks placed on the edge to fall to the floor with a rustle. Even the most oblivious person would have noticed something was amiss.

“Are you okay?” Zuo Xingning stood up to help. “Are you dizzy?”

“Mm-hmm.” Her words inadvertently offered an opening, and Chu Shiyin seized the opportunity to agree. She glanced sideways at Zuo Xingning’s outstretched hand and hastily avoided it.

Chu Shiyin rarely showed strong emotions on her face, and Zuo Xingning had grown accustomed to inferring her feelings from subtle cues. She immediately recognized Chu Shiyin’s desperate desire to avoid her.

Why?

Zuo Xingning’s outstretched arm fell awkwardly to her side. She stood frozen, the soft fabric of her nightgown crumpled in her palm, a dull ache spreading through her heart.

“I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Huh? Oh,” Zuo Xingning belatedly realized Chu Shiyin was answering her earlier question. She nodded. “I understand. Jiejie, you should rest early. Good night.”

After turning off the TV, Zuo Xingning lowered her head and trudged toward the bedroom, her steps heavy and dragging as if a thousand-pound weight were pulling her down, down, down into a bottomless abyss.

Regarding Chu Shiyin’s unusual behavior, she could only think of one explanation: her true feelings had been seen through.

Put another way, Chu Shiyin genuinely felt no affection for her—at most, she might see her as a “younger sister” in need of care.

A younger sister who feels nothing for me has fallen in love with me and even fantasizes about me? How utterly disgusting.

I’m so disgusting.

Zuo Xingning tugged at the corners of her mouth, realizing she had ruined everything.

“Xingning.”

A voice called out to her. Zuo Xingning stopped, bracing herself for the impending dismissal. “I’m here.”

“I didn’t eat dinner and I’m a bit hungry,” Chu Shiyin’s voice sounded perfectly normal. “Would you keep me company while I grab something to eat?”

The water in the pot came to a boil. Chu Shiyin added the handmade noodles and, while waiting for them to cook, took two bowls and placed a spoonful of snow-white lard in each. She then added soy sauce and other seasonings, dissolving them with hot water to create the broth for the Yangchun noodles.

She only cooked a single portion. She wasn’t actually hungry; she had just made up an excuse to coax Zuo Xingning.

To coax that girl who called her “Jiejie” at every turn, who was so incredibly sensitive that she would secretly cry just because Chu Shiyin had avoided her.

Chu Shiyin let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

It was true that she had once entertained the inexplicable urge to bully Zuo Xingning until she cried, but not those kinds of tears—

Large, pearl-like drops that fell to the floor, desperately concealed by their owner, each one bitter to witness.

She didn’t like them, even though those tear-reddened eyes gave Zuo Xingning a fragile beauty.

What am I thinking about again?

Chu Shiyin rubbed her face and scooped out the cooked noodles.

She had chased Zuo Xingning out of the kitchen, needing private space to do something—anything—to calm the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind.

Unfortunately, it had little effect.

Chu Shiyin washed and oiled the flat-bottomed pan, then cracked an egg into it.

Zuo Xingning loved fried eggs: one side crispy, the other tender, with a yolk that was perfectly moist—neither dry enough to choke on nor with a hint of raw taste.

She had once sweetly begged Aunt Chen to make them just so, and Aunt Chen had happily agreed. Chu Shiyin had overheard the exchange and unconsciously remembered it.

Only someone who had been pampered their entire life could develop such particular habits.

For Zuo Xingning, the greatest hardship she had ever endured might have been the sprained ankle she suffered half a month ago.

…And it had been because of Chu Shiyin.

I’m truly a terrible “older sister,” Chu Shiyin thought with a bitter smile. The gleaming metal edge of the range hood reflected her silhouette, but all she saw were Zuo Xingning’s eyes.

Clear, tea-brown irises framed by thick lashes that curled naturally at the tips. The corners of her eyes tilted upward, giving her a pair of eyes that seemed divinely bestowed with deep affection.

When those eyes gazed at someone with a mixture of shyness and boldness, no one could resist.

No one…

The fried egg had cooked too long. Chu Shiyin expressionlessly scooped it into her own bowl and turned the heat back on.

I should take Zuo Xingning to the charity gala the day after tomorrow.

She needs to meet more people her age.

The charity gala was hosted by the Han Group. It was said that the founders, a married couple, had originally established the event to accumulate blessings for their frail and sickly daughter. Over time, it evolved into an annual grand affair.

The gala invited luminaries from all walks of life, and media access was strictly controlled. Every photograph and line of text published required the Han Group’s approval, making the requirements exceptionally stringent.

After stepping out of the car, Zuo Xingning lifted her skirt and followed Chu Shiyin into the banquet hall.

She wore a champagne-colored gown personally selected by Chu Shiyin. The off-the-shoulder neckline revealed no excessive skin, and a matching necklace sparkled brilliantly under the lights, dazzling countless onlookers.

Chu Shiyin’s discerning gaze swept across the gala guests: those who stared too boldly at Zuo Xingning were too brazen; those who only dared to steal furtive glances were too timid; and those who refused to look at all were too aloof.

The room was filled with vulgar people, and not a single one seemed worthy of her.

Chu Shiyin turned to Zuo Xingning, who offered her a sweet smile, showing no interest in socializing.

Then we’ll discuss it another time, Chu Shiyin decided with satisfaction.

Though she had donated some items, Chu Shiyin had little interest in the charity auction. After politely fending off several waves of social climbers, she led Zuo Xingning through the crowd and up the stairs to the third floor.

The higher they climbed, the fewer people there were, and the decor grew increasingly lavish. Access to the third floor and above was restricted, but Zhongli Yan had apparently made arrangements. The attendant at the stairwell glanced at Chu Shiyin’s face and stepped aside to let them pass.

“Jiejie,” Zuo Xingning said, stepping closer to walk beside Chu Shiyin once they were out of earshot. “What kind of person is this Zhongli Yan you mentioned?”

“A smiling tiger who kills without drawing bl00d,” Chu Shiyin replied, pulling out her phone to confirm Zhongli Yan’s location. “She’s the best ally when your interests align, but the first to turn on you when they clash.”

“Oh my, I didn’t realize Teacher Chu understood me so well.”

Before they could see her, they heard her voice. Zuo Xingning turned toward the sound as the door to a small banquet hall opened, revealing a woman who looked only a few years older than her.

With willow-leaf eyebrows, peach-blossom eyes, and shoulder-length French bob, she casually tucked one hand into her pocket. Her white suit was adorned with scattered purple ripples, and her entire presence radiated the understated opulence of someone who had been born rolling in gold and silver.

If Zuo Xingning hadn’t heard Zhongli Yan confirm Chu Shiyin’s words herself, she would never have connected her to the Zhongli Yan Chu Shiyin had described.

“I apologize. I should have picked you up myself, but something urgent came up, and I couldn’t get away,” Chu Shiyin said.

Zhongli Yan paid no attention to Chu Shiyin’s words, turning to Zuo Xingning. “This young lady… you look quite familiar. Hello, I’m Zhongli Yan.”

“Hello, Zuo Xingning,” Zuo Xingning replied, stepping forward to shake her hand. As she drew closer, she caught a strong scent of fruit wine.

Upon closer inspection, the purple patterns on Zhongli Yan’s clothes did indeed resemble wine stains…

I must be imagining things, Zuo Xingning thought. The Han and Zhongli families are close allies. Who would dare spill wine on her in their own territory?

“Zuo Xingning? My fiancée often mentions you,” Zhongli Yan’s smile grew warmer and more genuine. “Let’s go inside and chat. It’s quieter in there.”

Mentions me?

Zuo Xingning’s thoughts were interrupted. “If you don’t mind me asking, who is your fiancée?”

“Jiang…”

“Zhong… Li… Yan!!”

A furious roar cut off the name before it could be uttered, followed by a surge of murderous intent that filled the air.

“Stop right there! I’m going to kill you!!!”