Since they had already arrived, Jiang Lai couldn’t say much; she could only wait and see how things played out. Shen Ruxue coming to the house was definitely not a simple visit, but since it had come to this, she had no choice but to steel herself and deal with it.
During dinner, Jiang Lai tried to act as natural as possible. Sitting at the dining table, her gaze occasionally swept over the dishes, but she never dared to meet Shen Ruxue’s eyes.
Shen Ruxue sat next to Jiang Leyi, a faint smile on her face, as if the scene at the door had never happened.
Jiang Lai breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
‘Maybe she’s calmed down and won’t do anything outrageous.’
Chi Yingyu sat next to Jiang Lai and keenly sensed her unease. She gently patted the back of Jiang Lai’s hand.
“Are you okay? You seem a bit distracted.”
Jiang Lai forced a smile and shook her head.
“It’s nothing, maybe I’m just a little tired.”
She just wanted to have a proper meal with her best friend. Unexpectedly, her sister Jiang Leyi hadn’t noticed the tense atmosphere at the table and was now whispering with “Aunt.”
Jiang Leyi didn’t notice anything and cheerfully picked up a piece of braised pork belly and placed it in Shen Ruxue’s bowl.
“Ruxue, try this, it’s really good! It’s sweet!”
“Sweet?”
Shen Ruxue looked at the piece of pork belly in her bowl. She distinctly remembered that Jiang Lai’s taste wasn’t like this. After chewing slowly, a flicker of discomfort passed through her eyes.
Because she knew very well that Jiang Lai’s taste wasn’t this sweet.
She couldn’t help murmuring softly, “This flavor is pretty rare.”
“Yes, you can’t get this anywhere else.” Jiang Leyi replied with a smile.
Shen Ruxue watched Jiang Leyi eating with relish and roughly understood what was going on.
“Your cooking is really good! Very tasty!”
As Shen Ruxue praised, her gaze remained fixed on Jiang Lai.
When Jiang Lai heard this, she felt no pleasure at all, only increased tension. She lowered her head, pretending to focus on her own food, trying to avoid any eye contact with Shen Ruxue.
But Shen Ruxue had no intention of letting her off. She put down her chopsticks, staring straight at Jiang Lai, her tone gentle.
“Sister Jiang, what dishes do you usually like to cook? If I get the chance, I’d like to learn from you.”
Jiang Lai was taken aback by the sudden question. When she looked up, she met Shen Ruxue’s burning eyes. Her heart tightened, and she quickly averted her gaze, forcing a dry laugh.
“I… I usually just cook casually, nothing special.”
“But it tastes really delicious.”
Shen Ruxue didn’t seem to mind Jiang Lai’s perfunctory answer and continued smiling gently.
Jiang Lai was flustered by her enthusiasm and instinctively leaned closer to Chi Yingyu, trying to put some distance between herself and Shen Ruxue.
Chi Yingyu noticed her movement and gently took her hand, signaling her not to be nervous.
Chi Yingyu watched Shen Ruxue’s behavior and didn’t know what to say. She was afraid that her own reaction would draw unnecessary attention from Jiang Lai, so she could only stay silent for now, planning to ask her sister-in-law what she was up to when they got a chance to talk alone.
“It’s nothing special.”
Jiang Lai said in a low voice, with a hint of dismissal.
Shen Ruxue seemed unbothered by her coldness and still smiled brightly.
“Then when you have time, can you teach me? I really want to learn. I can come over every week.”
Jiang Lai felt a wave of helplessness. She really didn’t want to have too much contact with Shen Ruxue, but with her father present, she couldn’t directly refuse, so she could only be vague.
“Wait… wait until there’s a chance.”
Chi Yingyu, seeing this almost coercive request, immediately picked up a piece of fish for Jiang Lai, interrupting their conversation.
Jiang Lai looked at the fish in her bowl, a mix of emotions stirring inside her.
‘I really have to thank my sister-in-law, otherwise I wouldn’t have had a way to end the topic.’
She didn’t know what Shen Ruxue was really after, but every move the other woman made unsettled her. She could only force a smile, then lower her head to continue eating, trying to hide her panic with silence.
Chi Yingyu silently observed all this. Although she didn’t know what had happened between her sister and brother-in-law when she wasn’t around, she could feel Jiang Lai’s tension and unease.
She gently patted the back of Jiang Lai’s hand again and said softly, “No matter what happens, I’m here. It’s okay.”
Hearing this, Jiang Lai felt a little more at ease. She nodded and continued eating, trying to ignore Shen Ruxue’s gaze.
Dinner continued in a subtle atmosphere. Jiang Leyi was still chatting enthusiastically with Shen Ruxue, while Jiang Lai tried to keep silent, avoiding any interaction with her.
Shen Ruxue seemed to notice Jiang Lai’s avoidance, but she didn’t show any displeasure. She still smiled gently and occasionally put food into Jiang Lai’s bowl, appearing especially considerate.
Finally, dinner ended.
Jiang Lai sighed in relief and was about to get up to clear the dishes when Shen Ruxue stood up first.
“Let me help you clean up.”
Jiang Lai quickly waved her hand.
“No need, you’re a guest. How could I let you do that?”
“It’s fine, I want to help too.” Shen Ruxue paused, her tone meaningful. “Besides, I want to be alone with you.”
That was too blunt. Even Chi Yingyu felt uncomfortable hearing it. She immediately stood up.
“Sure, then let’s all help together.”
Jiang Lai glanced at her sister-in-law beside her and felt a little relieved.
The three of them went into the kitchen and started cleaning the dishes. Jiang Lai tried to keep her distance from Shen Ruxue, but Shen Ruxue kept intentionally or unintentionally moving closer, occasionally gazing at her with gentle eyes, making Jiang Lai feel very uncomfortable.
Finally, the dishes were put away. Jiang Lai was about to make an excuse to leave when Shen Ruxue suddenly grabbed her hand and said softly, “I really had a great time today. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Jiang Lai was startled by the sudden move and instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Shen Ruxue held on tighter.
Panic rose in her heart. She forced a smile onto her face.
“You’re welcome. You’re Le Yi’s friend. It’s only right to host you.”
Shen Ruxue gave a slight smile, a flicker of barely noticeable satisfaction in her eyes.
“You’re so nice. The praise I give you is what I want to say. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”
Jiang Lai was momentarily speechless. She could only force a smile, then quickly pull her hand free and turn to leave the kitchen.
Back in the living room, Jiang Lai sat on the sofa, still unable to calm down.
She didn’t know what Shen Ruxue really wanted, but every move the other made made her uneasy. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
But she vaguely sensed that Shen Ruxue’s offensive had only just begun.