ATMAWTPM Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Like an Art Piece on a Plate

Shen Jun’s voice was very low, but the words he spoke still reached Ye Tingtong’s ears, each one clear.

Shen Jun said he liked him.

The two were very close, the other’s breath brushed against his face, gentle and unavoidable, just like the soft touch on his lips that disappeared in an instant. Even though they had already kept a distance, it still made his heart beat faster.

Having talked so much by himself just now, Ye Tingtong felt his lips were dry. He licked his lips and lowered his head, the tip of his nose lightly brushing against Shen Jun’s chin. The unexpected contact made his heart beat even faster.

Ye Tingtong whispered, “Say it again.”

Shen Jun reached out, pinched his chin, and lifted his lowered head. “I like you.”

He was willing to say it as many times as he wanted.

The clear moonlight outside the window fell into the room, enough to illuminate their gazes, and also allowed Shen Jun to see Ye Tingtong’s wide eyes, as well as the surprise and shyness that filled them.

Shen Jun had never minded revealing his affection first. Many of the things he had said before were just gradual probes, to make it easier for Ye Tingtong to accept him.

In fact, tonight’s confession was not in his plans.

But Ye Tingtong had come into contact with too few people from childhood to adulthood, and received so little love and kindness that even Ye Guodong, who had done nothing but bad things, could strike at Ye Tingtong just by having the title of biological father.

Fortunately, his liking was useful and had a significant effect.

Ye Tingtong’s cheeks were burning hot, and he wanted to shrink into the quilt, but with his chin pinched, he couldn’t escape.

Sometimes, Shen Jun was really domineering. Ye Tingtong could only let his flushed face be exposed to Shen Jun’s gaze, his eyes blinking nervously, like a butterfly flapping its wings.

“Did you hear clearly?” Shen Jun pressed his forehead against his, his voice carrying a clear smile. “Do you need me to repeat it?”

Ye Tingtong lowered his eyes and mumbled softly, “I heard it.”

This wasn’t something that needed to be constantly publicized, and he didn’t need Shen Jun’s liking to satisfy his vanity. He just needed to be sure of Shen Jun’s feelings.

Ye Tingtong was a very easily satisfied person.

“So—” Shen Jun lightly pinched the soft flesh on his chin, “You don’t have anything to say?”

Ye Tingtong obediently tilted his head back, following his strength, and said vaguely, “Actually, I had something to say at first, but I was interrupted by these things.”

Shen Jun was stunned for a moment, then released his hand, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness, “You say it, I’m listening.”

Even without being restrained anymore, Ye Tingtong didn’t lower his head, openly revealing his face, allowing people to see his expression. “Don’t give me money every month anymore. I’ll give you back the 100,000 that was sent a few days ago later.”

Shen Jun’s eyes flickered slightly. “Reason.”

Ye Tingtong organized his words for a moment, “I’m not giving back all the money you gave me. I’m just returning last month’s. Before, when we entered into a contractual marriage, I think it was okay for me to take that money.”

That money could be used for his tuition and living expenses for the next few years.

After he finished speaking, he paused, “But last month’s money isn’t okay.”

“And it won’t be okay in the future either.”

Zhao Cheng was right, if it was wrong, then it should be corrected in time.

Ye Tingtong’s voice got softer and softer as he spoke, the last sentence almost a murmur, but Shen Jun still heard it clearly.

Even though Ye Tingtong’s words were obscure, he immediately captured the message within. Ye Tingtong was saying—

[Last month, we weren’t in a transaction, and we won’t be in a transaction in the future.]

That barren, thin little tree was really growing. The little tree, having received sufficient watering and nutrients, was sprouting branches and leaves and was already enough to cast a small patch of shade below.

Shen Jun laughed, “Okay.”

*

Ye Tingtong saw the news about the Ye family’s property liquidation when he finished his part-time job at the milk tea shop. The shop manager not only paid him his wages but also gave him an extra red envelope.

He looked at his bank card balance when a pop-up window suddenly appeared on his browser.

[A City’s old enterprise, Ye Group, announces bankruptcy. Many senior executives have been imprisoned for violations, with sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years.]

Ye Tingtong didn’t click to read the details. He glanced at it and then withdrew his gaze.

“Tingtong, don’t forget the dessert you made when you leave,” the manager called out, shaking the packaged bag she had prepared. “Didn’t you say you wanted to take it home for your family to try?”

Besides Ye Tingtong, there were several other university students working part-time at the shop. They had all had a good time before and after the New Year. The manager allowed them to make their own desserts under the guidance of the pastry chef on the last day, with the cost of ingredients covered by the shop.

So Ye Tingtong made the shop’s signature tiramisu, choosing the Magnum chocolate flavor.

“Thank you, manager!” Ye Tingtong took the bag, his eyes curved with a smile. “I wish Forest Bear’s business will get better and better! I’ll come by often in the future!”

The manager waved goodbye. “Bring your classmates, and I’ll give you a 20% discount!”

Ye Tingtong, with the corners of his mouth raised, unlocked a shared bicycle on the street and rode directly to the Shen Group building.

Shen Jun had provided him with ample equipment: a hat, scarf, and gloves. It wasn’t cold to ride a bicycle even in the dead of winter.

Last time, he had come to deliver food, fully covered, and was recognized by Shen Jun at a glance. He was even taken into the office in front of many people, which probably caused quite a stir at Shen Group.

This time, he was still wearing a hat. The receptionist looked at him hesitantly for a long time, not daring to speak for a moment, for fear of recognizing the wrong person.

Ye Tingtong didn’t intend to make things difficult for her and directly pulled down his scarf. “I’m here to see Shen Jun.”

The exclusive elevator went straight to the top floor. Shen Jun was in a meeting, so Ye Tingtong waited in the office.

He carefully placed the dessert on Shen Jun’s desk, adjusting the angle several times to ensure Shen Jun would see it at a glance when he came back.

After placing it, he was about to go to the sofa when he remembered something. He turned back to look at Shen Jun’s office chair.

Spacious and grand, it looked very comfortable…

The first time Ye Tingtong saw it, he had wanted to try it, but he had been too embarrassed to say it.

The president’s office had one-way glass; people outside couldn’t see inside. After hesitating for a second, Ye Tingtong sat on it, then pushed off with his feet, his feet leaving the ground, and spun 360 degrees.

Wow, it was much smoother than the computer chair at his school.

Ye Tingtong spun again. In the midst of flying, the door directly in front of him was unexpectedly opened.

“I think the Junle project is promising. Should we consider investing more?”

Shen Jun was in front, Yu Mo behind, discussing the matters from the meeting.

Yu Mo wanted to say something else. When he raised his head, he saw the office chair still spinning, and Ye Tingtong on the chair, his eyes wide.

Yu Mo chuckled. “Playing on a swivel chair?”

Shen Jun initially had no expression. Perhaps because he was discussing official business, the expression on his face was even somewhat cold, but now, the corners of his mouth slowly turned up, though he quickly raised his hand to cover it. Still, Ye Tingtong caught it.

Ye Tingtong was so embarrassed that his entire face turned red. However, since things had already come to this point, he could only clumsily jump off the chair and stammer, “You’re back…”

Yu Mo could no longer hold back and burst out laughing. He covered his stomach. “Sorry, Little Tongzai. We should have knocked before coming in.”

Ye Tingtong listened to his wild laughter and looked down at the gaps in the marble floor, wishing he could pry them open and hide inside.

Shen Jun stepped forward and touched his burning red ear. “When did you arrive?”

Ye Tingtong obediently answered, “A while ago.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Mo popped his head out from behind Shen Jun. “Did you start playing on the swivel chair as soon as you got here?”

After teasing him, he was unceremoniously hit on the head by Shen Jun with the folder in his hand. “If you don’t shut up, don’t even think about touching the Junle project.”

Yu Mo immediately made a gesture of locking his mouth, then went back to the sofa, crossing his legs and flipping through the documents in his hands.

Ye Tingtong, seeing that he had quieted down, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Jun placed the documents in his hand on the desk, saw the dessert bag to one side, and asked, “Did you bring that for me?”

Ye Tingtong’s expression became a little unnatural for a moment, and he mumbled, “Yeah, it’s our shop’s tiramisu, chocolate flavored. You can try it and see if you like it.”

The box was opened, and inside was a small, square cake with a crooked heart shape made of melon seeds on top.

Yu Mo, hearing there was food, stretched his neck to look. When he saw the uneven chocolate on the surface, he frowned. “Wait, how did the chef at your shop make it so shabby?”

Tiramisu was a very popular dessert; there was no reason for the craftsmanship to be so immature.

Ye Tingtong’s entire face fell, and he forced a smile. “Maybe it got jostled while I was riding my bicycle on the way. It’s okay, I can eat it myself—”

He was about to take the dessert away when another hand took the box backward.

Shen Jun raised his eyes. “Did you bring it for me to eat, or for him to look at?”

Ye Tingtong was taken aback for a moment, then withdrew his hand and answered honestly, “For you.”

“Then you don’t have to listen to him messing around. I think it’s very special; the chocolate sauce has layers, like a work of art on a plate.”

Shen Jun’s steady tone made these words very convincing.

Yu Mo, listening to Shen Jun’s serious nonsense, looked at him with shock.

No, bro, do you even know what you’re saying?

Ye Tingtong, listening to Shen Jun, ignored Yu Mo’s exaggerated expression. His eyes were sparkling as he looked at Shen Jun, “Then do you want to try it?”

Shen Jun picked up a fork, took a piece, thought for a moment, “The texture is rich. No wonder it’s said to be your shop’s signature. However, I don’t really like sweet things; the sweetness is a little too much for me.”

“If the total score is ten, I would give it an eight.”

Yu Mo was shocked again. An eight? For a picky eater like Shen Jun, that was an unprecedentedly high score.

Was this dessert shop that incredible?

Ye Tingtong was also very surprised. It seemed he should put less sugar next time, then he could get a perfect score!

This was the first time Ye Tingtong had been so confident. After this cake baking talent skill point was lit up, if he couldn’t find a job after graduating, he would give this line a try.

Learning that Shen Jun had to work overtime until very late today, Ye Tingtong didn’t continue to wait, but went home first. Before he left, he even gave Yu Mo a big smile, which was rare, clearly in a good mood.

Yu Mo was baffled. “What’s he so happy about…”

After saying this, he walked to the desk, picked up another fork, and secretly took a bite of the tiramisu. After it entered his mouth, his whole body froze. After finally coming back to his senses, he was about to look for the trash can when Shen Jun kicked the trash can under the table, “Swallow it.”

His tone was not to be refused.

Yu Mo jumped around in place several times but couldn’t go against Shen Jun, so he had to swallow it. After eating, he poured himself a big glass of water and gulped it down. “Shen Jun, are you sick?”

He pointed at the cloyingly sweet tiramisu. “You gave this thing an eight?”

He almost started having thoughts about investing in that dessert shop. Then he tried it, and it almost sweetened him to his coffin.

After Yu Mo finished speaking, he felt something was wrong. “Don’t you hate sweets the most? You’re not just pretending, trying to murder me, are you?”

That was too vicious.

Shen Jun’s voice was calm, “Ye Tingtong made it for the first time. I think eight is fine.”

Even though Ye Tingtong tried his best to hide it, his nervous little expression still let him see a hint.

His words had also achieved their effect.

Yu Mo: “?”

“Wait a minute.” Yu Mo was on the verge of tears. “So, you’re just coaxing your wife?”

Damn it!

This dog food was even more sickening than the dessert he just ate!