Before leaving with Jin Bao, Shi Jingyang was stopped by Yu Tan.
Yu Tan said that Jin Bao had been frightened and, as compensation, would offer him a "resource" in the entertainment industry. Of course, this "resource" would conveniently keep Jin Bao away from Shen City for quite some time.
After Shi Jingyang left, Ah jiu reported to Yu Tan: "Boss, the people have been brought in."
The five men who had clashed with Hu Xiaoyu were usually just extras at the film city, but more often they were thugs with long criminal records.
Yu Tan unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt and entered the room where those thugs were being held.
Anyone who dared to touch what was his—yes, even just think about it—had to pay the price.
Ah jiu stood dutifully by the door, listening as the shouting, cursing, cries of pain, and pleas for mercy gradually faded to silence.
While Yu Tan was "at work" that day, Hu Xiaoyu, on his day off, hadn't been idle either.
He went to visit Granny Cui at the nursing home and was relieved to find out that her care costs were covered for another three months. Three months was enough time for him to save up more money from his salary. And if he could become a star—he'd heard acting paid well—he could not only cover Granny Cui's expenses, but also treat Yu Tan to better meals.
In the afternoon, Hu Xiaoyu began preparing dinner, keeping the promise he had made the day before.
He had learned to cook a century ago from the head chef at the Yu family mansion. At first, he had thought it was interesting to turn fish into so many tasty dishes. But after getting Yu Tan's approval and praise, his motivation skyrocketed.
At first, Uncle Hong didn't trust him and stayed close by to watch, especially since Hu Xiaoyu wasn't familiar with modern kitchen appliances. But later, he had to physically distance himself from the kitchen—otherwise, he couldn't help but steal a bite or two.
By the time Yu Tan got home that night, Hu Xiaoyu had just finished the final dish. He grabbed the portion he'd set aside for himself and hurried back to his room before Yu Tan came in.
To be exact, it was just a plate of sweet and sour fish. The other dishes tasted great too, but Hu Xiaoyu's favorite was the fish. He didn't bother with the rest.
When Yu Tan came in, Uncle Hong told him that dinner was prepared by Hu Xiaoyu.
Yu Tan responded with a nonchalant "Hmm," but the cold lines of his handsome face softened noticeably. He wondered if the food would even be edible. However, the aroma in the dining room seemed even richer than the meals cooked by the housekeepers.
Ah jiu hadn't even tried to smell, but his mouth had already started watering uncontrollably. He stared at the spread in disbelief. "Xiaoyu really cooked all this?"
Uncle Hong replied, "I saw it with my own eyes. He didn't leave the kitchen all afternoon…"
Yu Tan changed into loungewear upstairs, then came down to the dining room and sat at the table. The food was indeed tempting. Even someone like him, who had no appetite for anything, found himself wanting to take a bite. But he waited a few minutes without moving his chopsticks and asked, "Where is he?"
Uncle Hong was used to his young master asking "Where is he?" and knowing it always meant Hu Xiaoyu. He explained that Hu Xiaoyu had taken his plate to eat in his room—probably too tired.
Ajiu looked up. "He's not eating with us?"
Usually, at this hour, Xiaoyu would have already claimed the seat next to the boss, clinging to him like a little koala.
Uncle Hong said, "Xiaoyu said he wanted to eat in his room. Probably exhausted."
Yu Tan didn't say a word and walked out of the dining room.
Uncle Hong and Ah jiu exchanged looks. As expected, the young master (or boss) was going to see Xiaoyu.
When Yu Tan knocked on the door, Hu Xiaoyu was happily picking out bones from his sweet and sour fish. He had infused all the dishes today with spiritual energy. It had been tiring, but the flavor was truly amazing.
Hearing the knock, he casually said, "Come in."
Seeing Yu Tan, Hu Xiaoyu's first thought was: Yu Tan would come to see me on his own!
So… he probably wouldn't deduct his pay, right?
Then, a bit nervously, he asked, "Was the food not good?"
Yu Tan looked at the boy sitting alone at the table with only a plate of fish, weariness shadowing his youthful face. After a pause, he said, "It was alright."
Then he asked, "Tired?"
Drained from using so much spiritual energy in cooking, Hu Xiaoyu nodded honestly.
Then, he saw Yu Tan sit down beside him and pick up a pair of chopsticks.
Hu Xiaoyu stammered, "... There's plenty more in the kitchen." Don't take mine, please.
These were his chopsticks. His fish.
Did Yu Tan think his fish smelled better?
Yu Tan looked up, catching the wide-eyed, pitiful gaze of the boy. His lips curved slightly.
He said nothing, but his hands moved a bit faster.
A few minutes later, piece after piece of tender fish had been picked out. The bones and spines were stacked neatly to the side.
Hu Xiaoyu watched him and thought, Yu Tan's hands are so nice to look at.
Then he remembered what Jin Bao had said—that sleeping with a man could be really pleasurable, incredibly enjoyable.
Whether it was enjoyable wasn't the point. As long as it wasn't too painful, it should be fine.
So… if Yu Tan really wanted to, if he truly liked him, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad...
Lost in thought, Hu Xiaoyu saw Yu Tan push the plate he'd taken earlier back in front of him.
He blinked. "You're not eating?"
Yu Tan had planned to tell him to eat up and get some rest. But seeing the boy's soft, slightly parted lips, close enough to touch, and recalling what he'd heard from Jin Bao, a wave of indescribable desire surged up in him.
He cupped the back of Hu Xiaoyu's neck and leaned in.
The taste was just as sweet as he'd imagined. And as he kissed deeper, Hu Xiaoyu didn't resist—so obedient, so yielding, it ignited a dangerous urge to ruin and possess.
When the kiss ended, Yu Tan held the boy's chin, his thumb rubbing gently over the smooth skin.
His dark eyes swirled like bottomless pools as he said, "Next time you want to know something, ask me directly."
That way, no filthy scum would overhear and dare entertain such thoughts.
As for those men, he'd take care of them—make sure they never showed their faces in Shen City again.
The translation maintains the original tone and phrasing while keeping the narrative smooth and natural. Let me know if you would like any further adjustments!