Chapter 89 Eat Up, Little One

Lu Er was momentarily stunned by Song Jingmo’s suggestive remark, blinking his beautiful peach-blossom eyes, full of confusion and a sense of unfairness.

Quietly, he protested, “No, I didn’t even do much… so why am I the one who’s tired?”

The more he spoke, the more convinced he sounded, logically analyzing in his own unique way: “If anyone should be tired, it should be you. And… shouldn’t you be more tired than me?”

The double meaning and faint accusation in his words made Yan Huaijin’s fingers curl involuntarily beside him.

Even his knuckles turned white, yet he still maintained the calm, jade-like composure of a senior.

Song Jingmo looked at his adorably innocent little ancestor, unwittingly teasing, and a faint smile flickered across his eyes.

Nodding in agreement with a straight face, he said earnestly, “Mm, you’re right. After feeding you, it’s indeed me who’s hungry.”

Lu Er only realized what he meant two seconds later, instantly blushing from his ears down to his neck like a boiled shrimp.

Annoyed and embarrassed, he glared at Song Jingmo, wanting to retort, but with Yan Huaijin present, he could only turn his face away in a huff.

Yan Huaijin observed the interaction between the two, a bitter feeling rising in his chest, nearly making it impossible to keep the smile on his face.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to make his voice sound calm: “You two really have a great relationship—it’s truly enviable.”

He paused, then casually added, “At first, seeing the buzz on Weibo, I thought it was just publicity for your new drama.”

Lu Er immediately turned his head and firmly clarified, “I never use Weibo for publicity. All those messy trending topics are people trying to ride the wave.”

Yan Huaijin smiled, letting the topic drop, though his gaze dimmed slightly.

The three of them entered a barbecue restaurant, elegant and private.

Lu Er sat close to Song Jingmo and picked up the menu.

Faced with the array of beef slices, he suffered from indecision: “Fatty beef? Snowflake beef? They all look so delicious…”

Yan Huaijin sat across, trying to ignore the pang of bittersweetness in his chest.

He smiled gently, “Today it’s on me. Order whatever you want, don’t be polite.”

“Really? Then I won’t hold back!” Lu Er’s eyes lit up, and he happily selected a few of the most expensive dishes.

The dishes arrived quickly, with delicate meat slices and seafood covering the table.

Yan Huaijin politely waved away the staff who were ready to help grill, indicating they could do it themselves.

Song Jingmo picked up the oil bottle, drizzled a thin layer on the hot grill, then placed a few beautifully marbled snowflake beef slices and Australian lobster on it.

His movements were unhurried and precise, fingers long and clean, grilling with the surgical precision and elegance that made Lu Er’s eyes go wide.

Yan Huaijin placed some bacon and fresh fish on the other side of the grill, smiling, “You love fish the most. At every crew dinner, you always eye the fish first.”

Lu Er, still looking down at his phone, casually replied, “Mm, I like whatever Jingmo grills.”

Yan Huaijin’s movement with the bacon paused almost imperceptibly.

Soon, Song Jingmo’s first batch of beef and shrimp was ready.

He carefully placed the aromatic beef on Lu Er’s plate and meticulously peeled the lobster meat into a clean small bowl.

Lu Er put down his phone, picked up a piece of shrimp, dipped it in sauce, and offered it to Song Jingmo with sparkling eyes: “You try it first.”

Song Jingmo looked at the shrimp at his lips, warmth flickering in his eyes, and took a bite.

Only then did Lu Er eat contentedly, praising as he chewed, “Delicious! The meat you grill is the best in the world!”

Yan Huaijin watched the two of them interact so intimately, and put the bacon and a few fragrant fish he grilled onto Lu Er’s plate.

His face still held a gentle smile: “Try this? You wouldn’t avoid eating what I grilled just because your boyfriend is here, right?”

Lu Er looked up and smiled openly: “Of course not!”

He picked up a crispy-yet-tender grilled fish, removed the bones with his chopsticks, and put it in Song Jingmo’s bowl: “Senior Yan, your fish-grilling skills are amazing. You should try it!”

Song Jingmo glanced at the bowl, then at Yan Huaijin’s slightly stiff smile, and a barely noticeable smile flickered in his eyes.

He calmly took a bite and nodded: “Mm, perfectly cooked. It really tastes good.”

Yan Huaijin watched the fish he intended to use to please Lu Er end up in his rival’s stomach, politely praised by Lu Er, and felt a wave of frustration rise.

He lifted his tea cup, voice tinged with appropriate concern: “Doctor Song, would your mother approve of you dating someone from the entertainment industry?

“After all, this world tends to have more gossip and complications.”

Lu Er’s hand froze mid-bite, his lips still smeared with a little sauce, eyes wide like a startled fawn, staring at Song Jingmo.

This was the worry he had always felt deep down, now laid bare by Yan Huaijin.

Song Jingmo remained composed, took a tissue, and gently wiped the sauce from Lu Er’s lips in a natural, intimate gesture.

Then he looked at Yan Huaijin, his voice calm as ever: “My mother really likes Er’er.

“Last time I was in Warsaw, she even sent me a message saying my silly little one was about to be taken away, and I should hurry and bring him home.”

Lu Er: “!!!”

Memories of Qu Suiwan’s care in Poland and the words, “Take Jingmo out more when you have time,” flashed through his mind.

So that’s what it meant behind the scenes!

The immense surprise and sense of security flowed through him like a warm current. Lu Er was so excited he almost jumped up to hug Song Jingmo on the spot.

Yan Huaijin could no longer maintain his smile, barely twitching his lips.

He sipped tea, then regained his voice: “That’s really wonderful.”

After calming himself, he continued, his tone returning to gentle, though carrying a subtle reminder:

“The entertainment world has many complications and temptations. Beautiful young people keep emerging. I hope both of you stay true to yourselves.”

The words sounded like a blessing, yet held a hidden sharpness.

Song Jingmo raised his glass and clinked lightly: “Thanks for the reminder. But I’ve seen the best; everything else is just a compromise.”

Lu Er’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Song Jingmo, excitement and curiosity written all over his face: “Aunt Qu really said that?

“She said I’m her silly little one? And told you to bring me home?”

Song Jingmo, seeing his delighted expression, picked up a sizzling, freshly grilled piece of beef tongue and offered it to him.

His tone full of indulgence: “Mm. Eat up, little one.”