Chapter 489: Got Manipulated!

"Jianjun, I'm not trying to rain on your parade," Meng Xiao xing sighed, her voice softening with sincere concern, "If you keep going down this path, sooner or later you'll take a huge tumble and make an irreparable mistake. I'm saying this from the bottom of my heart for your own good; I don't want to see you later full of regret."

She looked at Cheng Jianjun, her eyes full of expectation, and said:

"Do you want to think it over again? Don't be single‑minded and go all the way to the dark."

Hearing this, Cheng Jianjun frowned slightly, a complex expression flickering across his face—some impatience, some hesitation, and a hint of embarrassment at being called out.

He let out a light sigh, the breath seeming to be forced out from deep within his chest, heavy with pressure, then he fell into thought.

His fingertips unconsciously drummed on the table, a faint tap‑tap sound, his gaze drifting toward the window, thoughts unknown.

After a dozen seconds, the air seemed to solidify; Cheng Jianjun rose slowly, straightening his back, yet the hesitation in his eyes remained. He stared steadily at Meng Xiao xing, his tone a little forced:

"I'll give you an answer in a couple of days."

Meng Xiao xing saw him relax and a smile immediately blossomed on her face, a hint of slyness, and she teased:

"Go home and discuss it with Cai Xiaoli again? You two have always been a husband‑and‑wife team."

Cheng Jianjun's face darkened, he gave Meng Xiao xing a cold stare, and said irritably, tightening his neck:

"Do I get to negotiate with her? I can decide this myself!"

After speaking, he turned and left, his steps a bit hurried, as if avoiding something, his silhouette quickly disappearing at the doorway.

Meng Xiao xing watched his back, a knowing smile curling at the corner of her mouth, murmuring softly, "Is that so? I doubt it."

The tone carried a touch of disbelief, and also a clear anticipation of a good show.

Night fell, and the city lights began to glow.

From Han Chunming's kitchen drifted waves of tempting aroma, the sizzle of stir‑fry, the clatter of pots and pans, weaving together a warm melody.

Han Chunming, apron tied, hustled back and forth, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead, yet his face beamed with joy as he deftly carried the final dish to the table.

The table was a dazzling spread: braised fish gleaming, sweet‑and‑sour ribs tempting, crisp stir‑fried vegetables, and a steaming bowl of chicken soup whose aroma made mouths water.

After the dishes were set, Han Chunming wiped his hands, lifted his chin toward the living room, deliberately raised his voice, and laughed with a teasing tone:

"Leader, the meal is ready, please take a seat."

Su Meng walked from the living room smiling, a magazine in hand, and, seeing Han Chunming's demeanor, couldn't help scolding:

"Are you poor or what? What's this about being a leader or not, I've told you countless times, don't give me that routine."

But when she saw the table piled with dishes, her eyes lit up, then she froze for a moment, deliberately set a stern face, and teased:

"Yo, isn't this our Han family's big filial son? Leaving your mother at home unattended, you come over all eager to serve me? Such a lavish spread—if your mom finds out later, she can't blame me for being clueless, hogging her son, can she?"

Han Chunming skillfully uncorked the red‑wine bottle; Pop! the liquid streamed down the neck into two goblets, fine bubbles rising, and he laughed:

"No way! Don't blame me—these dishes are all fresh ingredients my mother picked early at the market, specifically instructed me to make for you because you've been overworked lately and need proper nourishment. I'm just the executor, basking in your glory."