Wei Yumeng had no idea what was going on with Zhan Mohan. Could he possibly know already? That was impossible. Even Wen Yulan didn't know, so why would he?
Could something have happened to Zhan Lin?
She asked tentatively, "Is it about Zhan Lin..."
"Eat," Zhan Mohan said, tapping his chopsticks on the table before picking up food and pointedly interrupting Wei Yumeng.
Wei Yumeng felt awkward but couldn't say more. She glanced at Fang Xun, hoping for a clue in his eyes.
Fang Xun merely shrugged and spread his hands in helplessness.
He didn't know what was wrong with Mr. Zhan either. Ever since he lied to his wife this morning, he'd been irritable, his temper explosive. Even Director Feng had been reprimanded for delivering a document at noon.
Wei Yumeng could only speculate. After all, Gu Shuyi was in dire need of money right now; money was the only way to save her life.
She couldn't afford to offend this young master easily. If Zhan Mohan got angry and stopped the medical payments for Gu Shuyi, she wouldn't even have a chance to regret it.
Mama Zhang signaled with her eyes towards the plate of shrimp in the middle of the table.
Wei Yumeng understood immediately and quickly used her chopsticks to pick up a shrimp for Zhan Mohan, placing it in his bowl.
"Try this. I didn't know what flavors you liked. And the cake, I bought chocolate and plain. The cream might be too rich for you."
She was attentive in every way, displaying thoughtfulness from all angles. Even Mama Zhang watched with great satisfaction.
A woman, as long as she knew how to act demure, her happy days wouldn't be far off.
Zhan Mohan, however, coldly refused.
"No need. I don't like sweets. Mama Zhang, you and the others can share this cake later."
His voice was cold, and a hint of impatience flickered on his face. He hadn't even bothered to look at what the cake looked like.
Mama Zhang could feel the awkwardness in the air. Her heart was soft, and she had watched Wei Yumeng work hard in the kitchen for so long, only to be met with such a cold response from the young master.
Anyone would feel disheartened.
"Um... Young Master, this is the result of the young mistress's efforts for several hours. Couldn't you at least try a little?"
Zhan Mohan remained unmoved, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Mama Zhang found it extremely awkward. Wei Yumeng's gaze darkened, clearly affected by the situation.
She took a deep breath. "It's fine. Just pick what you like. If you don't like anything, Mama Zhang, ask the others to share it later. Don't let it go to waste."
What else could Mama Zhang do but reluctantly agree?
"Yes, Young Mistress."
Wei Yumeng forced a smile and put down her chopsticks, standing up.
"Mr. Zhan, please eat. I'll be going back to my room now."
Just as she began to move her chair, Zhan Mohan's cold voice suddenly cut through the air.
"Did I say you could leave?"
His tone was like a chilling wind, piercingly cold.
Fang Xun froze with his chopsticks in hand, his heart tightening. What was wrong with Mr. Zhan today?
Wei Yumeng's expression was indifferent, her voice cool and detached.
"Is there anything else, Mr. Zhan?"
"Sit down," he commanded emotionlessly.
Wei Yumeng had no choice but to sit. Yet, the spread of food before her offered no appetite.
At that moment, Feng Shiyin returned from outside, calling out cheerfully,
"Mohan Gege, look what good things I bought for you today."
She entered with her purchases and saw Wei Yumeng and the others, the table full of food, and the untouched cake.
"So many dishes! Who made them, Mama Zhang? Did you?"
Mama Zhang gave an embarrassed smile. "I didn't make them. The Young Mistress did."
Feng Shiyin sat down and, without ceremony, picked up a piece of braised pork.
"Mmm, it tastes very good. However, judging by Mohan Gege's expression, he doesn't seem to like it. Why don't you try what I bought?"
She eagerly opened the box, releasing a fragrant aroma of bullfrog. Feng Shiyin smiled, her eyes curving.
"Mohan Gege, doesn't it smell delicious?"
Wei Yumeng sat next to Feng Shiyin, and her words only made her feel worse. She had worked for hours, and he hadn't even offered a single word of praise. Now, he seemed to actively dislike it.
She vowed to herself that if Zhan Mohan dared to eat what Feng Shiyin brought, she would never cook for him again. Her good intentions would be wasted.
Mama Zhang was about to interject that the young master didn't like bullfrog or scallops, but before she could speak, Zhan Mohan suddenly said,
"Let me try."
Upon hearing this, Feng Shiyin quickly pushed the box towards him and stared at him expectantly.
Zhan Mohan took a bite and nodded, offering a fair evaluation.
"Not bad."
"See? I told you this place was delicious. Mohan Gege, wait a moment, I have another gift for you."
Feng Shiyin took out an exquisite box from her bag. It was clear that effort had been put into it; the box itself was beautiful, let alone its contents.
She handed it to Zhan Mohan. "This is your birthday gift. Hurry and open it to see if you like it."
Zhan Mohan's eyes softened with affection. He reached out and ruffled her hair.
"I like it. I like anything you give me."
Feng Shiyin smiled triumphantly and glanced dismissively at Wei Yumeng, who sat rigidly beside her.
"You only gave Mohan Gege a cake? Isn't that a bit stingy? Don't you know that Mohan Gege dislikes sweets?"
Wei Yumeng could no longer bear to stay. She felt that Zhan Mohan had asked her to sit here simply to humiliate herself.
Even if he was angry, she couldn't tolerate this.
She replied expressionlessly, "I haven't spent much time with Mr. Zhan, so I naturally don't know his preferences. Unlike Miss Feng, who has been childhood friends with Mr. Zhan and grew up together. I won't disturb you two any longer."
Wei Yumeng pulled out her chair. Whether intentional or not, she put a little too much force into it, and the chair legs scraped against the floor with a harsh sound. Feng Shiyin frowned. Was she doing this on purpose?
Zhan Mohan's face tightened as he watched her walk upstairs without looking back, a faint coldness creeping into the corners of his eyes.
Mama Zhang didn't want to stay either and quickly found an excuse.
"I still have some cleaning to do upstairs. I'll be going now."
Seeing that everyone else had left, Fang Xun saw no reason to linger. He sheepishly stood up.
"Um, Mr. Zhan, I still have documents to organize. I'll be going now. You two enjoy your meal."
The living room suddenly felt much quieter. Feng Shiyin, however, secretly rejoiced. She wanted to be alone with Mohan Gege.
She picked up her chopsticks and looked at Zhan Mohan, her eyes filled with admiration and affection.
"Mohan Gege, let's just eat by ourselves."
Zhan Mohan, however, threw down his chopsticks and stood up. The tenderness in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a look of indifference.
"Eat by yourself. I'm going back to my room."