Chapter 2 Part 2

“You…” Red Hair gnashed his teeth but couldn’t retort, seemingly helpless against the newcomer.

Only then did Zhong Nian take an interest in the man. He turned his head to size him up.

The man named Sheng Chu had sharp, handsome features. The frameless glasses intensified the stern, profound depth between his brows. His attire differed from the young men and women in the group: a dark-patterned shirt with black trousers, Necktie knotted impeccably in a Windsor, only the rolled-up sleeves adding a touch of casualness.

On this Cruise Ship, he didn’t seem like someone here for leisure—he was more like attending a meeting or doing business.

Though around the same age, his aura overwhelmed everyone. When his deep, cold eyes like abyssal pools swept over, no one could hold his gaze for long.

Thus, Zhong Nian’s curious, direct stare stood out especially.

Sheng Chu glanced casually to the side and paused slightly.

“Zong Ge says the show on the twelfth floor is starting. Everyone, let’s go watch together.”

Someone mustered courage to speak up in the suffocating tension, pointing at the group message on their Mobile Phone with a fawning smile.

“Then let’s hurry!”

“Let’s go, Qian Shao. Together. Don’t keep Zong Ge waiting too long.”

Whether eager to escape or because that “Zong Ge” held extraordinary status, everyone left in a group, dragging Red Hair along and giving him a perfect out.

The bodyguard holding Zhong Nian naturally followed.

Having escaped disaster, Zhong Nian scratched his temple and said to Sheng Chu: “Thanks.”

Sheng Chu’s gaze fell on the young man’s moving red lips, then shifted away imperceptibly. He said coldly: “I’m not helping you either. Getting involved with him isn’t good. Look after yourself.”

The man turned and left. Zhong Nian licked his lips on the spot, suddenly realizing it was getting late, and hurried back to the second floor.

He was quite late. The bearded team leader had been frantic and furious searching for him. Jie Wen, working nervously nearby, had already prepared to take the blame.

But when Zhong Nian stood with hands behind his back, head lowered, blinking his big, watery eyes pitifully at them, anyone’s anger would dissipate.

In the end, he only got a mild scolding and was peacefully assigned to help in the Kitchen with serving dishes.

Near mealtime, the Cruise Ship’s Kitchen was the busiest and most chaotic place, and very hot.

Even maximum air conditioning couldn’t suppress the heat from dozens of stoves. The chefs rushed about, drenched in sweat.

In such a place, everyone shouted at the top of their lungs, tempers flaring from the work.

The mild-tempered Zhong Nian stood dazed in a corner for a bit, then followed a colleague to go over his tasks.

Fortunately, it was relatively easy: cover the prepared dishes with round lids one by one, then load them onto the meal carts.

The key was not to mix them up—each cart was destined for the most honored guests’ rooms.

Zhong Nian wore a mask and Gloves, checking the menu to ensure accuracy while working methodically.

The downside was that, smelling the plates of exquisite delicacies, he got a bit hungry.

The aromas drilled straight into his nose, making his stomach growl.

“Hey, don’t let your drool fall in.”

Zhong Nian instinctively wiped his mouth, only realizing when his hand touched the fabric layer.

He was wearing a mask! How could drool fall?

He glared annoyed up at the teaser.

The other wore a black-and-white chef’s uniform. The stiff fabric and black Apron tied tight at the waist accentuated the man’s broad shoulders and narrow waist, his inverted triangle figure on full display.

The spatula was like a toy in his large palm. With a flick and swing, he poured the thickened sauce neatly over the dish and added the garnish.

“Don’t zone out. Cover the dishes.”

Zhong Nian continued his work. After a busy half-day, he finally found a moment to approach the man for payback.

“Why’d you say that nonsense? My drool couldn’t possibly fall in.”

The man glanced at him, his sharp, deep brows above the mask arching slightly: “Does it matter? Your eyes back then looked like you wanted to steal a bite.”

“As if. I was just a bit hungry. Guessing at others is rude.” Zhong Nian shot the man a sidelong glance with his blue-black, moist eyes and huffed heavily before turning back to his station.

After the dinner rush, Zhong Nian finally got his break.

The staff meal was plentiful but a bit cold.

Zhong Nian didn’t want to go hungry and picked out a small half-bowl.

“You’re eating that little?” Jie Wen sidled up, his own heaping-mound portion contrasting sharply.

Other colleagues noticed and crowded over.

“No wonder your arms and waist are so slim. Eating so little…”

“Do you prefer veggies?”

“I’ve got a hidden Little Cake. Want some?”

“Eating so little won’t do. Here, I’ll share more with you.”

Zhong Nian didn’t know why they were so enthusiastic and clutched his bowl while dodging around.

“No need! I don’t want any!”

“Hey, don’t run—”

Someone warned, but Zhong Nian couldn’t stop in time and crashed straight into a wall of flesh with his bowl.

The food didn’t spill, but inertia made it smear onto the other’s clothes.

Zhong Nian stared blankly at the oil stain on the upper white fabric of the chef’s uniform, then looked up to meet a pair of hawk-like, sharp black eyes.

The man: “Tch.”

The overwhelming pressure made Zhong Nian swallow: “Sorry…”

The man snatched his bowl, shook the few pieces of meat and veggies inside: “Even a Rabbit eats more than you. So frail—can you even work? After a day, your legs won’t hold up by evening.”

With the familiar voice, Zhong Nian realized this was the chef who’d mocked his greed earlier.

Without the mask, his looks weren’t bad, but he gave off a bandit-like vibe.

Not like a good person.

“Come with me.” The man commanded.

Zhong Nian wasn’t pleased: “Why.”

The man pulled him over and whispered in his ear: “Bro’s gonna give you a special treat.”