TSWRLM -Chapter 77 Sir, Are You Drunk?

Shen Qingyuan naturally knew that Chun Xi hadn’t eaten anything.

But he immediately wrapped an arm around her waist and said seriously, “If my wife dislikes these dishes, have the nephew-in-law arrange a fresh set for her.”

Shen Qingchi hadn’t expected the meal to become such a scene before even starting.

Master Wei had already said that he had specially hired a famous Huainan chef at great expense, and now sister-in-law hadn’t even touched a bite and wanted it removed. With her older brother supporting her, where would that leave Master Wei’s face?

Even though she wasn’t the one speaking, Shen Qingchi felt like she was sitting on pins and needles. Clutching her silk handkerchief, she nervously advised, “sister-in-law, I think these dishes smell delicious. You should at least try a bit. It’s such a waste to remove them.”

Chun Xi, holding onto Shen Qingyuan’s arm, was fearless. “I’m not asking to waste them. They can be sent to the city’s beggars as charity. I’m just truly disgusted—seeing these dishes makes me want to vomit. I can’t eat a single bite.”

With that, she buried her head into Shen Qingyuan’s chest.

Shen Qingyuan, who often dealt with murder cases and corpses, always bathed and changed after work. His skin carried the comforting, fresh scent of soap pods, which made her feel safe.

Wei Lingze’s temples throbbed with fury.

In front of so many people, Chun Xi was practically glued to Shen Qingyuan, showing no hint of shyness or restraint.

Even if it were acting, this was excessive.

And she fully knew that this Huainan feast was prepared specifically for her—a proactive gesture of goodwill from him—yet she showed no gratitude, insisting it be sent to beggars.

It was as if she were trampling his sincerity into the ground.

Shen Qingyuan was about to leave for Xuzhou to investigate a case. No one could protect her, yet she dared to act so arrogantly?

The more Wei Lingze thought about it, the darker his expression became. Shen Qingyuan held Chun Xi and spoke softly, “If the nephew-in-law refuses, then this meal need not continue.”

After saying this, he was about to stand and leave with Chun Xi. Wei Lingze finally spoke: “Bring all these dishes away and give them to the city’s beggars. Also, find another cook to prepare a fresh set.”

The boat’s owner hurried in, looking puzzled and anxious. “These are famous Huainan dishes, made exactly as the young master requested. Why suddenly remove them?”

“Remove them because I said so!”

Wei Lingze raised his voice, venting all his displeasure on the boat owner. The man trembled, replying quickly, then cautiously added, “But if these dishes are removed, the remaining ingredients are limited…”

It would be fine to make a new set, though the dishes wouldn’t be as lavish. With an hour or two to buy ingredients and prepare, it was doable.

Wei Lingze’s irritation peaked. Just as he was about to leave the problem to the boat owner, Chun Xi lifted her head from Shen Qingyuan’s chest: “I want pickled fish, spicy shrimp, eight-treasure porridge, roujiamo…”

One by one, she ordered dishes. At first, the boat owner broke into a cold sweat, but then he realized the ingredients were the same as before—just cooked in a salty and spicy style instead of sweet.

The boat had all the ingredients on hand, and calling a chef over to adjust them was easy.

The owner breathed a sigh of relief, stepped back, and instructed the assistants to prepare the ingredients.

Half an hour later, the new dishes were served. Chun Xi ate seriously, showing no trace of disgust or nausea.

She was doing it on purpose!

Wei Lingze glared at her, wishing he could turn his gaze into a physical object and pierce her thick-skinned face to see how shameless she really was.

Shen Qingyuan, noticing Wei Lingze’s glare, fed Chun Xi while asking, “Nephew-in-law, you’ve never been on good terms with us. Why suddenly invite us for a meal?”

Shen Qingchi, already embarrassed that Chun Xi had insisted on removing the dishes, nearly choked on her own words hearing her brother.

Brother, we’re still eating Master Wei’s meal—can’t you speak more tactfully?

Shen Qingyuan’s gaze at Wei Lingze was sharp, judging him openly as a scheming villain.

Wei Lingze, however, didn’t get angry. Instead, he softened, smiling warmly: “Previously, I was just unaccustomed to the change in status. And Little Aunt had always tried to distance herself from me, but now our paths cross more often, so naturally I overthought things.”

His words were deliberately ambiguous, leaving room for imagination.

It sounded as if Chun Xi marrying Shen Qingyuan was meant to make her cross paths with Wei Lingze more often, attracting his attention.

What a nerve.

Chun Xi, furious, wanted to retort but hadn’t yet spoken when Shen Qingyuan caught her wrist. His calloused fingertip brushed over her wrist bone, leaving a ticklish sensation that calmed her anger considerably.

Shen Qingyuan looked at Wei Lingze and said softly, “Indeed, you’ve overthought. This marriage was planned by me long ago, deliberately. If it weren’t, A-Xi would never willingly have any contact with you.”

By stating his position, Shen Qingyuan put himself below them in status.

The intimate way he said “A-Xi” sent shivers through Wei Lingze.

Impossible.

This marriage was clearly a scheme by Madam Mo. Shen Qingyuan had no choice; there was no way he could really have feelings for Chun Xi.

He must be resentful that Wei Lingze had taken credit for the previous case and was now playing a charade with Chun Xi to provoke him.

He wouldn’t be fooled.

Wei Lingze quickly found an excuse to calm himself and signaled the boat crew to pour wine for himself, Shen Qingyuan, and Chun Xi.

“Previously, I misunderstood. I apologize to Uncle Shen and Little Aunt.”

Wei Lingze raised his glass. Chun Xi was happy to drink this cup of apology wine and reached for it—but Shen Qingyuan preemptively took the cup in front of her: “A-Xi is unwell today. I’ll drink for her.”

Shen Qingyuan’s protection was obvious. Wei Lingze didn’t stop but drank even more eagerly.

After all, if he drank one cup, Shen Qingyuan would drink two. Who ended up at a loss? Not him.

Chun Xi didn’t know Shen Qingyuan’s tolerance, but didn’t want to show weakness in front of Wei Lingze, so she quietly served him food to fill his stomach and protect it.

By the end, Shen Qingyuan remained composed, while Wei Lingze’s words grew reckless.

“Although Chun Xi is no longer of the Wei household, she still cared for me devotedly for three years. Uncle Shen, rest assured, once you leave Hanjing, I will take good care of Little Aunt.”

The word “take care” carried a heavy, suggestive meaning.

Xiao Qinghe’s expression shifted slightly and she timely said, “Wei Lang, you’ve drunk too much.”

“I haven’t…”

Wei Lingze wouldn’t admit it. Xiao Qinghe and the boat crew helped him to the bow to get some fresh air and sober up.

Soon, the boat docked.

Wei Lingze and Xiao Qinghe left first.

On the carriage, Chun Xi couldn’t help but mutter, “Speak the truth when drunk. Wei Lingze must have been scheming. Could his appointment to Xuzhou be deliberate?”

Before she finished, Shen Qingyuan suddenly pressed a hand over her lips.

Perhaps due to the wine, his fingers were hot. Then she heard his low, hoarse voice: “I drank so much wine for my wife today. Can my wife shift her attention from other men to me?”

Chun Xi: “…??? Such a big girl, sir—are you drunk?”