Chapter 151: A Warm Scene

In the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the supermarket’s massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a glow on shelves packed with a dazzling array of products.

Wen Qian wove through the aisles, her eyes crinkling with a smile that played at the corners of her lips.

She had an almost obsessive love for grocery shopping. Even when she lived alone, she would find herself wandering the aisles every few days.

For Wen Qian, the supermarket held a certain magic... Even if she bought nothing, just browsing was enough to make her happy.

Shen Junyi followed nonchalantly behind Wen Qian, her vibrant, long hair swaying with each step. She made no attempt to be discreet.

Passing the coffee aisle, she casually grabbed a bag of coffee beans, examined it for a moment, and tossed it into Wen Qian’s cart. Her movements were effortlessly smooth.

Wen Qian pretended not to notice. After all, it was Yin Zhi’s card they’d be using, so the expense didn’t bother her one bit.

Her fingertips gently brushed across the products on the shelf. Realizing the Beastmen might like snacks too, she paused in the snack aisle. Potato chips, dried fruit, chocolate... she picked out a little of everything.

Only when she remembered the limited space in the saddlebags on Chi Heng’s motorcycle did she finally stop herself.

In the fruit section, to save space, Wen Qian only picked out a few of the best-looking apples.

Shen Junyi was still trailing close behind. Chi Heng watched in silence, and just as Wen Qian neared the checkout counter, he quickly took a couple of steps to block her path.

His voice was laced with suspicion. "What’s your motive?"

The woman gave a lazy smile. "What motive could I have? I’m just trying to curry favor with the future Young Master’s Wife."

Shen Junyi knew just how to push his buttons. Aware that Chi Heng had a thing for Wen Qian, she’d said it deliberately. And sure enough, the man’s expression darkened in the next instant.

Sidestepping Chi Heng, Shen Junyi casually moved to Wen Qian’s side and began unloading the items from the cart. She stopped Wen Qian’s hand as she was about to present her card, then coolly took out her phone and scanned the payment code.

Wen Qian was completely baffled by Shen Junyi’s actions. ’She’s paying for me?’

’Didn’t she say we were love rivals?’

It wasn’t that Wen Qian had let her guard down completely around Shen Junyi, but she felt that some things were simply beyond her control, no matter how cautious she was.

Besides, the Critical Stone would be restored sooner or later, and she and Yin Zhi would return to the Beast World. There was no need to get into a falling-out with Yin Zhi over an unknown quantity like herself...

Besides, Shen Junyi hadn’t done anything provocative, aside from being... somewhat baffling.

The warm sun edged the supermarket entrance in gold as Chi Heng strode steadily toward Wen Qian and Shen Junyi.

An afternoon breeze ruffled the bangs on his forehead, revealing his deep-set eyes. He walked straight to Wen Qian’s side and naturally took the shopping bags, a gesture of undeniable thoughtfulness.

He never once let his gaze linger on Shen Junyi, and his entire being radiated an unapproachable aura. He didn’t like this female—in fact, ’loathed’ would be a better word.

Once at the motorcycle, Chi Heng crouched down and carefully placed the shopping bags into the saddlebags, one by one. His movements were deft and cautious, as if he were afraid of crushing anything inside.

Behind him, Shen Junyi leaned in to whisper something in Wen Qian’s ear. Wen Qian immediately let out a soft laugh, her eyes curving into crescents.

Chi Heng fastened the saddlebags, then stood and turned to look back at them. He saw Shen Junyi lift her chin provocatively, a sly smile playing on her lips.

The man’s brow furrowed slightly. A flash of displeasure crossed his eyes, but he didn’t lash out. He simply walked to Wen Qian’s side and said softly, "Let’s go."

Sunlight poured down as Shen Junyi deftly swung her leg over a green motorcycle, her long legs kicking out to steady the bike. Meanwhile, Chi Heng gently picked up a helmet and carefully placed it on Wen Qian’s head.

His fingers brushed against the strands of hair by her ear, sending a pleasant tingle through her. Once the helmet was on, he dipped his head slightly to check the strap’s tightness. The metal buckle snapped shut with a CLICK, like a prelude to the conversation to come.

Chi Heng lifted his gaze, seemingly nonchalant, and flipped up the transparent visor to look at Wen Qian. "What did she say to you?"

A smile touched Wen Qian’s lips, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "She complimented my outfit, said my earrings and jacket are a perfect match."

The man fell silent for a moment. After a beat, his tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "They do look good."

The words had barely left his mouth when the roar of Shen Junyi’s motorcycle shattered the brief, warm moment.

Chi Heng swung his leg over the motorcycle, the veins on his hand standing out as he gripped the handlebars. He glanced back to make sure Wen Qian was settled before twisting the throttle and speeding off into the crisp autumn wind.

The roar of the engine shattered the tranquility, and the turbulent undercurrents between the three of them were, for the moment, left behind in the motorcycle’s wake.

...

The silver motorcycle came to a smooth stop in front of the villa. A gentle breeze stirred the air as Chi Heng dismounted first, then turned to help Wen Qian off the bike.

The moment he removed her helmet, Wen Qian’s silky hair was slightly tousled, like a delicate flower blooming in spring.

They walked into the villa side by side, and a wave of warmth instantly enveloped them.

In the living room, Little Fox, Li Jiu, and Shen Mqing were curled up on a plush sofa, completely engrossed in a game. The colored light of the screen flickered across their faces; the battle seemed intense.

Hearing Wen Qian come in, Little Fox’s eyes lit up, and he tossed his phone aside without a second thought. Shen Mqing’s face darkened as he watched his teammate’s avatar instantly grey out on the screen...

The solid lead they’d had vanished in an instant. The tables turned, and they were suddenly on the losing end.

He grit his teeth and cursed inwardly, ’Stupid fox!’

The thought of the impending victory slipping through his fingers felt like a punch to the gut, filling him with frustration. Just then, Wen Qian opened the shopping bags and started taking out the groceries.

The scent of apples instantly filled the living room. Li Jiu’s nose twitched; he had clearly caught the enticing aroma. Without hesitation, he also tossed his phone aside and sidled up to Wen Qian.

Abandoned by one teammate after another, Shen Mqing was so exasperated he could only roll his eyes. He didn’t even have the energy to curse anymore. He collapsed back onto the sofa and let out a sigh of utter despair.

’If I ever ask them to play with me again, I’m not human!’

’Then again... I’m not human to begin with.’

This realization only made Shen Mqing more miserable. Just then, Shen Junyi walked in. As if having made some kind of decision, he pressed the exit button on his game.

Gu Mian leaned against a wall, arms crossed, watching the lively scene unfold in the living room. The corners of his mouth turned up unconsciously, softening his otherwise stern features.

He walked over, picked up one of the apples, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Just then, Yin Zhi came down from upstairs. He gently wrapped his arms around Wen Qian, nuzzling her affectionately, completely ignoring his so-called "fiancée" beside them.

Fortunately, Shen Junyi seemed completely unbothered by his actions. She simply reached out and picked out the bag of coffee beans she had chosen.

The warm yellow light bathed everyone, creating a cozy scene... Shen Mqing picked out a few snacks, and his gloomy expression finally began to lift.