Chapter 278: HE DIDN’T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING HIMSELF

"So are you heading to the fish market now?" Zhang Wei stepped into place beside Liuxian.

He used to find it funny when he saw his boss fussing over his partner. But now he realized it was because he loved and respected his partner.

And because he did, that was why he kept putting in the effort over and over again.

Because he couldn’t let it end, not like that.

"Yes. My mother said to get the fish alive, then we go to the grocery store and get the rest of the ingredients."

Something in Zhang Wei’s eyes softened as he pressed the elevator button.

Now he was truly envious of his boss.

"I’ll join you then, mostly because I want to see you embarrass yourself."

Liuxian’s eyes narrowed as he turned to face Zhang Wei.

"Um, did I say ’embarrass’? I meant to say ’embrace yourself’ by trying something new."

Liuxian couldn’t help but laugh.

"You’ve gotten more and more shameless. Now you’re not even afraid to speak your mind."

Zhang Wei straightened up. He knew a lot about his boss now, so that fear wasn’t there anymore.

After all, they’d been together for five to six years.

Anyone would have grown a thick skin during that time.

When they got to the lobby, Zhang Wei stepped back, stopping at the reception desk to hand over some files.

"The CEO and I will be heading out. If there are appointments or walk-ins, cancel them."

The woman nodded as she pushed up her glasses, accepted the files, and placed them in a drawer three rows down.

"I will let them know. Have a good day, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Wei nodded and jogged to meet Liuxian at the entrance.

"To the fish market. I’ll get the car."

Liuxian nodded. He crossed his arms at first, then thought better of it and put his hands in his pockets instead.

Beep!

Beep!

Liuxian stepped forward, opened the door, and got into the car.

"We’ll be there in twenty minutes, minus traffic."

Liuxian stared out the window. He had never been to a fish market or any market before.

That made him realize being rich made him detached from everyday life.

Normal people knew their way around the market.

They don’t have people who stock up their fridge or wardrobe for them.

They have to go there, pick out, and get whatever they want themselves.

"Zhang Wei, have you been to a market before?"

Zhang Wei glanced at him through the rearview mirror, then focused on the road again.

"Many times, sir. Everyone goes to the market or the grocery store. It’s part of our daily lives."

Liuxian didn’t say anything. It was normal to go to the market, to cook your own food or clean your house.

Being privileged meant he never had to do those things himself, so he never experienced it.

"I see."

They got to the market in record time. Zhang Wei knew where the fish section was, so they went there directly.

Stopping at the first stall, Zhang Wei bowed slightly.

"Good afternoon, ma’am. We’re looking for Mr. Zhou. Do you know where we can find him?"

The older woman nodded and pointed down the line.

"Zhou Lan is down the line. He’s not hard to miss. His stall is the last one."

Zhang Wei bowed again, offering her a slight smile. "Thank you, ma’am."

Liuxian stared at her stall briefly as they walked off. She looked unbothered when giving them directions.

Seems this wasn’t the first time someone had come asking for this Mr. Zhou.

They found Mr. Zhou sleeping in the stall. Liuxian raised a brow. He thought for someone so popular, the stall would be crowded, but it wasn’t.

On the contrary, it was empty enough that he could sleep.

Zhang Wei reached forward and gently tapped him.

Mr. Zhou cracked one eye open, then the second flew open after seeing their clothes.

He could practically smell the money on them.

"Good day. How can I help you fellas?"

Liuxian stepped in and bowed slightly.

"I’m looking to make steamed fish. Can you recommend a fish for me?"

Mr. Zhou raised a brow, then grabbed a plastic hand picker and pointed to the fish swimming around.

"I’d recommend a black sea bass for you. It would be easier to steam or fillet. Do you know how to fillet a fish?"

Liuxian shook his head. Even in the military there were people who happily jumped at the thought of cooking for him.

So he never had to do anything.

"Okay, I will teach you. Buy extra fish."

"Sure."

Mr. Zhou nodded and picked out a fish, placing it on the scale.

"This is a good one. Three pounds."

He wiped his knife on a rag that used to be white.

The blade caught the light. "Lay it down. Head to the left."

The fish hit the wood with a wet slap.

Mr. Zhou’s hand came down behind the gill, quick and sure.

"The first cut isn’t for meat. It’s to find the spine."

The knife went in and stopped.

He dragged it back toward the tail, slow, letting the bone guide him.

"You fight the bone, you tear the meat. You follow it, it gives way."

He flipped the fillet back with his fingers.

Pink flesh peeled away from white ribs in one clean sheet.

Liuxian watched the bones stay behind, naked on the board.

Mr. Zhou grabbed the second fish and placed it on the wood.

"Your turn. You saw how I did it. Just do it the exact same way."

Liuxian’s palms were damp. He made the cut behind the gill and the knife skidded on a rib.

"That’s too straight," Mr. Zhou tutted. "Tilt it. Fifteen degrees."

A hand covered Liuxian’s. Calloused, cold from ice water.

Mr. Zhou guided the angle and the blade slipped through.

The fillet came off in his hands, still warm.

Liuxian exhaled.

He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath.

Mr. Zhou picked up the bones and tossed them in a bucket.

"See? Nothing wasted. Nothing extra."

He laid both fillets on paper and folded the corners tight.

"Cook it tonight. Don’t leave it in the fridge."

He tied the string with one hand and passed it to Liuxian. Then he placed the fresh black sea bass in a bag filled with water and handed it to Zhang Wei.

"Your total for the two fish is 400 yuan for both."

Liuxian nodded and reached into his pocket, grabbing his wallet.

He handed four crisp notes to Mr. Zhou. "Thank you."

Mr. Zhou nodded, placing the money in his pocket.

"Note: you’ve got three hours before it’s stressed. And don’t leave it anywhere hot or it’s gonna cook."