Chapter 117: I Promise

An An left Wanting the day after completing her "filming task" and, before leaving, promised Lin Xiaowen and the others that when they returned to Shanghai, she would definitely take them to try the delicious takoyaki.

It must have been around the time An An boarded the plane that a flood of intimate photos of her and Cheng Yishu appeared online, confirming the rumors that their on-screen romance had blossomed into real feelings.

In the hotel, Cheng Yishu meticulously and cautiously attended to Lin Xiaowen, careful not to offend her in the slightest.

Actually, it wasn’t really necessary to be so guarded. Lin Xiaowen had begun to understand that this was likely part of Cheng Yishu’s work, and she was trying to accept it gradually. It was Cheng Yishu who seemed a bit uneasy.

Though the hotel room where Cheng Yishu stayed wasn’t particularly large, it had a simple open kitchenette.

At that moment, Cheng Yishu was diligently helping Lin Xiaowen, attentively watching the bubbling clay pot and occasionally stirring it with a spatula.

Lin Xiaowen, having carefully sliced mushrooms, gently placed them into the pot and softly said, “You don’t have to stir constantly. Otherwise, the chicken soup will be overcooked, the meat will fall apart, and it won’t look good.”

After busily tending to the pot, Lin Xiaowen’s cheeks were flushed, the steam gently warming her face, making her seem like a dewy peach, tempting one to take a bite.

“What are you thinking about when I’m talking to you?” she asked.

Cheng Yishu seemed oblivious, still stirring the chicken in the pot without responding. When he finally looked up, his eyes were fixed intently on her, causing Lin Xiaowen to laugh.

Feeling a bit awkward, Cheng Yishu put down the spatula and said with a hint of dissatisfaction, “We’ve known each other so long, and you’ve never made soup for me. But now, for a man you’ve only met twice, you’re making soup by hand… What do you think I’m thinking?”

“Stop it!” Lin Xiaowen rolled her eyes playfully before saying, “What man or woman? He’s your manager, one of the most important people in your life besides family. Besides, didn’t he get hurt trying to save you? It’s only right that I show my gratitude.”

“But is it really necessary for you to cook yourself?” Cheng Yishu, like a child, continued, “Wouldn’t ordering takeout be more convenient?”

“That wouldn’t be the same!” Lin Xiaowen gently covered the pot, glanced at the time on her phone, and said, “Takeout isn’t sanitary or healthy. Besides, since it’s meant to express gratitude, it’s more sincere if I make it myself.”

Cheng Yishu’s eyes shone brightly as he looked at her, a warm feeling blossoming within him. He stepped forward, embraced her, and said, “So, you’re thanking Chen Kai for saving my life as if you were my family.”

For some reason, Lin Xiaowen’s heart suddenly beat faster. She pressed a fist to his chest, her expression serious, and said, “Don’t say nonsense…”

Cheng Yishu was taken aback by her tone but then explained, “I was just saying. Don’t worry. Besides, it’s all in the past. And here I am, standing right in front of you… It wasn’t exactly a life-or-death moment, but we still should thank Kai-ge.”

Lin Xiaowen sighed in relief, grateful that Cheng Yishu understood her unspoken fears, that he could see through them.

“Yishu, do you often encounter dangerous situations in your work?” she asked cautiously.

Cheng Yishu heard her clearly. How could he not feel heartache for such a vulnerable woman, so full of worry?

Holding Lin Xiaowen tightly, he replied in a relaxed tone, “Of course not. This was an accident, a natural mishap. It’s my first time doing a military-themed drama… But to ease your worries, I’ve decided never to take such roles again.”

“Hmm… I guess you’ll just do those love stories, scandals, and all that. Romantic dramas. How about that?” Cheng Yishu teased, hoping to see Lin Xiaowen get jealous.

But Lin Xiaowen nodded earnestly and said, “Yes, I think that kind of work is better—no danger.”

“You fool!” Cheng Yishu lightly bumped his forehead against hers, half amused, half pained. “Are you really okay with your boyfriend kissing other girls and showing off fake love?”

Lin Xiaowen blinked in confusion. “Not at all!” She paused, then added, “Your safety and well-being are the most important things to me. I can learn to accept everything else.”

Faced with Lin Xiaowen’s solemn, steadfast gaze, Cheng Yishu’s heart ached even more.

This pain came from a wound she had carried since Ran Dong’s sudden passing years ago, one she could never fully heal.

It was a torment she could never endure a second time in this life.

Gently embracing her shoulder, Cheng Yishu whispered, “Xiaowen, I promise you, no matter what, I will always take good care of myself, not let myself get hurt—for me, and for you.”

Lin Xiaowen smiled and nodded, never having felt so moved by the tender side of this sometimes childish, sometimes domineering man.

“Puff… puff…”

“Oh!” The clay pot on the stove suddenly hissed, reminding Lin Xiaowen she’d been watching the heat all along.

She pushed away from Cheng Yishu’s embrace, who was still lost in the warmth between them, and she felt a little annoyed.

Watching Lin Xiaowen busily turn off the stove, fetch the thermos, and grab a ladle, Cheng Yishu’s eyes darkened suddenly.

A thought he had long avoided but never resolved surfaced quietly within him.

Chen Kai…

Such a clever and calculating man—could he really not have known Cheng Yishu was already in a relationship?

Even if he didn’t know, his calm and composed manner when first introduced to Lin Xiaowen was too deliberate.

Most importantly, the day after meeting Lin Xiaowen, she appeared at that banquet as Mrs. Si and even proposed ending her relationship with Cheng Yishu.

Everything had happened so quickly. If Cheng Yishu could think of Chen Kai’s involvement, what about Lin Xiaowen?

Had she ever considered it?

“Xiaowen…”

“Hm?”

Cheng Yishu wanted to speak frankly with her. Since they had decided to face the future together, they needed to clarify everything about Chen Kai, who was also Cheng Yishu’s manager.

“What if… Kai-ge deliberately wanted you to find Si Nan?” he asked.

Lin Xiaowen’s eyes widened in surprise, and her grip on the thermos tightened slightly.