The Reviled God of Cooking Tries to Slack Off - Chapter 73

Wen Qi had some knowledge of the Jiang family, but he was still a little surprised by Jiang Tingzhou’s current attitude.

It wasn’t just his resolute tone—after all, many fans already knew Jiang Tingzhou had decisively severed ties with the Jiang family—but given the family’s current situation, if he chose to return, he could easily take it back. The wealth accumulated over the years was no small sum, yet he had no intention of reclaiming it.

After they finished talking about this, Wen Qi heard someone mention that Jiang Yisheng had suffered a stroke and hemiplegia. It wasn’t a curse—it was stated very matter-of-factly when he said it.

As the conversation continued, Wen Qi heard a rather blunt remark about Jiang Yisheng having a stroke and becoming hemiplegic—that the whole world would finally be at peace. It didn’t even sound like a curse; Jiang Tingzhou had said it flatly, like a matter-of-fact statement.

At this moment, Jiang Tingzhou was being extremely candid. Even his inner thoughts were spoken aloud without reservation. He had drunk a bit during the dinner, and though he wasn’t completely intoxicated, the alcohol was starting to take hold. Instead of sobering up, it seemed to be affecting him more. So whatever was asked, he answered truthfully.

Wen Qi hadn’t expected him to be so forthright. He smiled and said, “Boss Jiang can be quite ruthless too.”

Every time they met, his impression of Jiang Tingzhou changed slightly. This time, he seemed easier to get along with. But no one in the business world truly had a weak character—especially not someone like Jiang Yisheng.

Jiang Tingzhou only responded with a single word: “Mm.”

And then said nothing more.

The wine at the banquet had a stronger  effect than expected. There was no label or alcohol content listed—his senior said it was homemade. Jiang Tingzhou’s tolerance was average, but the drink had gone down easily. The wine tasted sweet and fruity, not very strong, so he drank a bit more during the banquet while chatting happily with Chef Wu.

But once outside, the breeze made him feel dizzy. He had told Wen Qi that he felt fine at first, but the further they got, the worse he felt.

Now, the car window was slightly open for ventilation, and the wind kept blowing in. Jiang Tingzhou felt sleepy. It was late, and he was due to sleep anyway. With the alcohol and his biological clock taking effect, he leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes after speaking, appearing to fall asleep.

Wen Qi, who could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, turned his head to look at him.

Jiang Tingzhou’s hair was slightly messy, his face tinged with red. He was leaning against the seat, body curled up slightly—he didn’t look ruthless at all.

The car was moving slower than usual, and the roadside lights shone through the window, casting a soft glow on him like moonlight.

Wen Qi had always known Jiang Tingzhou was good-looking. Even in plain clothes, he stood out. Now, he looked even more stunning. 

He watched him for a while and couldn’t help but reach out.

But just as his hand was about to touch Jiang Tingzhou’s head, Jiang Tingzhou said, “What are you trying to do?”

With his eyes half-closed, he looked up at him. 

Wen Qi froze. Even in this state, he hadn’t fully fallen asleep.

“I’ll close the window on your side,” he found a weak excuse quickly. “Boss Jiang, you’ll catch a cold if you stay exposed like this.”

Jiang Tingzhou responded with an “Oh,” then reached out to close the window himself. “How much longer?”

“About half an hour,” Wen Qi replied. After answering, he realized he had naturally followed Jiang Tingzhou’s lead, almost instinctively.

Wen Qi reminded himself he couldn’t let that happen. Even though he’d taken over the sugar factory project, he still had principles and standing. 

Still, when they arrived at Jiang Tingzhou’s place, he instinctively got out of the car and opened the door for him with a smile.

Before he could say anything, a voice came from the side.

“You’ve been on the road this long?”

It was Lu Baiyu.

Wen Qi: “…”

He froze at the sight of Lu Baiyu. He was caught off guard. He’d thought Lu Baiyu had already left. For the first time, he found Lu Baiyu rather annoying.

Lu Baiyu had held back the Jiang family members and left later than Wen Qi’s car, but he’d arrived earlier and had been waiting. Seeing that the Lu family’s car hadn’t arrived and Jiang Tingzhou’s lights weren’t on, he knew Jiang Tingzhou hadn’t returned yet. 

Sure enough, ten minutes later, Wen Qi’s car pulled in.

Jiang Tingzhou, drunk, didn’t pay attention to the two of them after getting out. He just wanted to go home and sleep. His steps were unsteady, and after a few paces, he couldn’t walk straight.

Wen Qi tried to help, but Lu Baiyu moved faster and supported him with one arm. He smelled the faint scent of alcohol.

He was practiced at this, but the next second, Jiang Tingzhou pushed him away.

“Don’t touch me,” he said. “I can walk by myself.”

Though not fully sober, Jiang Tingzhou’s mind was mostly clear. After standing steady, he continued walking.

But Lu Baiyu was still concerned.

He knew the homemade alcohol from Cheng Shifei is far stronger than foreign liquors. Seeing Jiang Tingzhou drink a few extra glasses, he’d been worried, but knew better than to try to stop him. Now, from the parking lot to the yard, he followed with a thermos cup of pre-prepared hangover soup.

“Tingzhou,” he said, trailing behind, “drink this hangover soup. You’ll feel better. Otherwise, you’ll have a headache tomorrow.”

Jiang Tingzhou ignored him and walked a few more steps. He thought he was walking straight, but actually veered toward the wall.

He paused, leaning against the wall, irritated by Lu Baiyu’s nagging. He grabbed the cup, drank a few gulps just to shut him up, and then frowned.

“So bitter,” he muttered. “Tastes awful.”

Jiang Tingzhou didn’t usually complain about food, but he couldn’t stand bitterness. The hangover soup, made with herbs, naturally tasted bad. 

Lu Baiyu coaxed him, saying this batch had been rushed and next time he’d make it sweet.

Having just been pushed away, Lu Baiyu dared not step forward again but kept watching him. 

Jiang Tingzhou’s face was flushed, brows furrowed. When he said, “Tastes awful,” his voice was unusually soft—almost childlike.

If possible, Lu Baiyu wanted to keep him like this forever.

But Jiang Tingzhou didn’t care. After reluctantly finishing a few sips, he stood for a moment, felt slightly clearer, then staggered forward and reached home.

He opened the door and went inside, leaving Lu Baiyu outside.

Lu Baiyu followed him but didn’t enter like last time. Though he knew he could force his way in, he simply waited outside the wall.

He knew Jiang Tingzhou, even drunk, wouldn’t just go to bed. He’d shower, change into clean clothes, then sleep. An Xiaoping was away this week running an online store with friends, so he was alone.

 Lu Baiyu stayed outside, only leaving after seeing the second-floor lights turn on and then go out.

What surprised him today was that Wen Qi didn’t leave either. He followed him quietly.

Lu Baiyu glanced at him. “You’re not leaving?”

Wen Qi smiled. “Didn’t Mr. Lu stay too?”

Lu Baiyu was even more surprised. “How can I be the same as you?”

Wen Qi had just given someone a ride. Lu Baiyu hadn’t paid attention before,but now he recalled the way he reached out to help and found it rather suspicious.

Wen Qi’s attitude toward his former boss was still respectful. Faced with Lu Baiyu’s sharp gaze, he still smiled. “I brought Mr. Jiang back. Of course, I have to check. If something happens, it would be my responsibility.”

Lu Baiyu frowned.

His earlier gentleness had been for Jiang Tingzhou. Now, facing Wen Qi, he returned to being the authoritative boss. 

“If you’re really serious about the sugar factory project, then fine. But Wen Qi, cut the tricks. Tingzhou isn’t like your clients. Just talk business properly. Be honest.”

Wen Qi’s smile didn’t waver. “There’s no one more honest than me, Mr. Lu. We were discussing serious matters in the car too.”

Lu Baiyu turned away and stopped looking at him, focusing on the movement inside Jiang Tingzhou’s yard. “Was it about the Jiang family?”

Wen Qi was stunned. He hadn’t expected Lu Baiyu to know that much.

“The Jiang family hasn’t given up,” Lu Baiyu continued. “The sugar factory is short on staff, and Tingzhou is watching the situation. The Jiang family’s assets originally belonged to Jiang Moli, but Jiang Yisheng’s ambitions never stopped. Given the current situation, he might make a move. He’s not good at business, but he’s excellent at scheming.”

Especially tonight—Jiang Yisheng’s expression revealed interest in the Jiang Corps shares.

Wen Qi replied, “Of course I know.”

Since he told Jiang Tingzhou he could handle Jiang Corp’s poaching attempts, he had naturally investigated thoroughly.

He wasn’t supposed to reveal his plan, but faced with Lu Baiyu, he refused to back down. “If someone’s going to make a move, an inside job is faster.”

Jiang Yisheng had planted many freeloading relatives in the company. The board members each had their own agenda. When profits were strong, they were kept in check—but now, the whole structure could collapse at the slightest touch.

Wen Qi would naturally make his move with finesse—just like he always had.

“Mr. Lu,” he said, “I may not know any less than you do on this matter.”

As he said this, he thought of Jiang Tingzhou’s blunt comment about the stroke and hemiplegia. But he didn’t mention that to Lu Baiyu, as if deliberately keeping that moment for himself.

Lu Baiyu didn’t look at him anymore. He stared at the second-floor window. The light turned on, then quickly went out. He assumed Jiang Tingzhou had gone to bed and continued speaking.

“Business is business. You and Tingzhou are cooperating—keep that in mind. No matter what, results come first. Talking is pointless otherwise.”

Wen Qi’s smile stiffened slightly. “I understand.”

Their relationship had always been good. Even after Wen Qi left Lu Group, they remained on friendly terms. But tonight, things were different—a faint tension lingered.

Jiang Tingzhou, however, was unaware of what happened outside. After returning home, he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. It was a dreamless night of deep sleep. The next morning, though, he woke up with a heavy head.

That wine was deceptively smooth to drink, but the aftereffects were strong. He slept until ten—far past his usual schedule.

He could remember discussing business with Wen Qi in the car, but couldn’t recall how he got home. His pajamas were even on backwards. No wonder he woke up feeling like his neck was being strangled.

Not long after freshening up, there was a knock at the door. He glanced over and saw a now-familiar Lu family driver—the same one who took him to the Li family’s engagement banquet last time. 

This time, he didn’t stay long. He simply handed over a thermos of hangover soup.

“This batch is sweet,” he said, hanging the thermos on the door. “Try it. I won’t bother you.”

Jiang Tingzhou: “…”

Sweet this time? Did I drink something bitter?

He thought about it but couldn’t recall. 

He brought the thermos inside and set it aside without drinking it, deciding to make something to eat first. Then his phone rang—it was Wen Qi.

Wen Qi got straight to the point, talking about work. His capability was clear. 

Jiang Tingzhou hadn’t expected things to move so fast. In such a short time, Wen Qi had already spoken with several people on the list, as if he’d been injected with a shot of adrenaline.