Volume One, Chapter 17: Who Says This Tea Is Bad? This Tea Is Truly Fragrant

Yu Jiao Jiao’s words instantly erased the last shred of hesitation in Yu Han’s heart. Their mother and younger sister were both in poor health, the outside world was fraught with danger, and food supplies were already scarce. It was uncertain when any rescue might arrive.

Undoubtedly, the scarcity of food would persist for a long time. As the men of the family, he, his elder brother, and their father could barely endure the hunger. But their mother and sister had never known hardship in their lives.

These two women were absolutely the cherished centers of the Yu family’s affection. No matter the personal grievances he might suffer, it was all worth it for their sake.

Yu Han nodded, and Yu Jiao Jiao smiled with satisfaction. Softly, she took Yu Han’s hand in hers: “Thank you, Second Brother. You’re so kind.”

Yu Yue had originally been uninterested in the conversation among the Yu family, but her keen hearing caught every subtle, sweet remark from Yu Jiao Jiao. It nearly made her want to applaud this masterful green tea act.

Tsk tsk, who said green tea wasn’t intoxicating? Watching Yu Han, that naïve second brother, stroke Yu Jiao Jiao’s head and then pull her hand toward them was almost too much to bear.

Wang Xinran, overwhelmed by the aroma of hotpot, found the taste of her dry crackers unbearably dull. Frustrated that Cheng Yue, the ultimate straight man, hadn’t shared any food with the beautiful lady beside him, her gaze suddenly landed on a pair of dust-stained leather shoes appearing abruptly before her.

With her discerning eye, Wang Xinran immediately recognized them as this year’s Dior limited edition—a pair no one could buy just by having money. She looked up sharply and found herself locked in a pair of phoenix-like eyes that once had her heart in a whirl but later filled her with biting hatred.

Surprise flashed across her face before she sneered: “Well, well! What wind blew our Yu Second Young Master over here today? Didn’t you always look down on me?”

The words sparked a flare of anger inside her. How dare a woman she once despised speak to him this way? Yet, knowing he had come to borrow food, she restrained the urge to lash out.

Yu Jiao Jiao, however, remained unfazed by Wang Xinran’s brother’s harsh words, acting as if nothing had happened and warmly linked her arm with Wang Xinran’s.

“Oh, Xinran, it’s been so long. Haven’t you forgiven my brother, the big straight guy? He really meant no harm—he just didn’t know how to reject a girl’s confession properly.”

As she spoke, Yu Jiao Jiao carefully observed Wang Xinran’s expression. Seeing her still stern face, a shadow flickered in her eyes.

Wang Xinran was nothing more than a former lackey who used to fetch her shoes. Now, with a little food in hand, she dared to challenge her.

Though burning with resentment, Yu Jiao Jiao kept a smile on her face. “Besides, even if you’re angry at my brother, remember, we are best friends~”

She coquettishly pouted, embodying the innocent charm of a young girl, a sight that would soften anyone’s heart.

But Wang Xinran was no fool. She clearly understood what kind of white-lily green tea Yu Jiao Jiao was. Frowning slightly, she glanced at Yu Yue, who was still lost in her own culinary world, oblivious to their tense exchange.

Slipping away from Yu Jiao Jiao’s grasp without a trace, she allowed herself a moment to relish the slight displeasure on that face before clearing her throat leisurely.

“Jiao Jiao, you didn’t come over just to apologize and reminisce, did you?”

Caught off guard by Wang Xinran’s bluntness, Yu Jiao Jiao was momentarily speechless.

After a brief pause, she forced a laugh. “Haha, Xinran, we’ve been trapped in this hotel all morning. Dad, Mom, and brother are very hungry, so we thought to ask you for some food.”

She hesitated, perhaps realizing her request was impolite, then added awkwardly, “I know food is precious now, but Mom is unwell, and I can’t bear to see her hungry. That’s why I’m asking.”

Having the once high-and-mighty little princess beg so humbly was a gratifying blow to Wang Xinran’s vanity.

She gave a disdainful glance at Yu Jiao Jiao and the still-arrogant Yu Han beside her, then sneered, “Fine, I’ll lend you some food. But is this really how a noble young master begs? Such an attitude?”

Yu Han nearly lost his temper, but Yu Jiao Jiao held him back. Muttering with a sour expression, he said, “Then what attitude do you want us to have? Remember, you’re the one we’re begging—show some respect.”

Wang Xinran proudly lifted her chin. Veins bulging on Yu Han’s forehead, he gritted his teeth but, thinking of his sister and mother, bowed with intense humiliation.

“Sorry for my poor attitude when I rejected your confession earlier. I hope you can forgive me and lend us some food.”

Seeing the once lofty nobleman lower his proud head, Wang Xinran’s mouth twitched with barely contained satisfaction. From Wu Xiang’s hesitant gaze, she pulled out a bag of bread and offered it to Yu Jiao Jiao as if bestowing charity.

Immediately, both Yu Han and Yu Jiao Jiao’s faces darkened. This paltry offering was barely enough to stave off hunger for one person, let alone their entire family.

As they prepared to argue, a chill voice suddenly cut through the air.

“If you’re short of food, I can lend some too.”

Finishing the last sip of soup, Yu Yue set down her chopsticks and gracefully wiped her mouth with a napkin.

Her melodious voice instantly drew everyone’s attention. The young man’s mesmerizing phoenix eyes seemed to wield a soul-capturing power, ensnaring Yu Jiao Jiao in a sea of enchantment with just one glance.

Rising to her feet, Yu Yue was bathed in light, revealing her delicate features and slender frame.

Though not particularly tall for a boy, his lean figure was perfectly proportioned, and his exquisite features were complemented by porcelain pale skin and an all-black short-sleeved jacket and trousers, exuding a mysterious, cool, and noble aura.

His tousled black hair partially veiled his eyes, adding a lazy, casual charm.

Even though her elder brothers were stunning beyond compare, their looks paled slightly beside Cheng Yue’s. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, this face seemed oddly familiar. If she had seen such a handsome boy before, she would never have forgotten.

Could it be that she had seen him once in a dream? Was he a fateful blessing from heaven?

At that moment, Yu Jiao Jiao had no idea that this so-called heavenly match was someone she had once looked down upon.

Yu Yue’s striking appearance dazzled Yu Jiao Jiao, who grew increasingly shy and infatuated. Wang Xinran, infuriated to no end, seethed. In her heart, Cheng Yue was already her chosen man; she would never allow Yu Jiao Jiao to snatch away the one she coveted.