Chapter 126: Fu Ziqing Eats Crawfish

Chapter 126: Fu Ziqing Eats Crayfish

Ten minutes later.

Under Chu Fei’s urging, Fu Ziqing stepped out of the villa wearing a white tracksuit. Her expression was somewhat unnatural; it was the first time in years she had dressed like this. Moreover, the clothes weren’t even hers—they belonged to Xiao Jing.

Fu Ziqing still clearly remembered the odd expression on Xiao Jing’s face when she had asked to borrow them, as if she had seen a ghost. Especially when she walked out just now, the shock in Xiao Jing’s eyes was palpable. Fu Ziqing knew Xiao Jing couldn’t believe she would actually change her clothes just to go out for a meal with Chu Fei.

She had only borrowed the clothes, though; she was still wearing her original high-heeled pumps. Despite the clashing style, the outfit looked flawless on her.

Just as she stepped out of the villa, Fu Ziqing stopped in her tracks. She frowned as she watched Chu Fei looking her up and down, left and right. What was wrong with this guy now?

"Qingqing, you look absolutely stunning in this tracksuit," Chu Fei praised.

Fu Ziqing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Did he stop just to say that? She had heard all kinds of compliments since she was a child to the point of being numb to them, but she still smiled politely. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Chu Fei grinned. "It looks great, but your hairstyle doesn't really match. Don't move, let me fix it for you..."

"Huh?"

Fu Ziqing was stunned. Before she could react, Chu Fei reached out. She stood there, frozen, not daring to move.

Chu Fei’s movements were swift. Within ten seconds, he pulled his hands back and assessed her again, nodding with satisfaction. "There, that looks much more comfortable."

Fu Ziqing was baffled. Was that it? What had he done to her hair? She immediately pulled out her compact mirror to check and her eyes went wide.

In the reflection, her hair was still up, but two strands were left hanging by her temples. They didn't look meticulously styled; one side was fuller than the other. Beyond that, a few wisps hung behind her ears and down her neck. Yet, it didn't look messy at all—it simply stripped away a bit of her cold, regal detachment and replaced it with an unexpected, alluring charm.

Especially paired with the tracksuit, even Fu Ziqing had to admit that this look was far more fitting than her previous, rigid hairstyle.

"How is it? Looks good, right?" Chu Fei said with a smug grin.

"I’m not used to this look," Fu Ziqing said, putting away the mirror. She admitted it looked good, but she felt uncomfortable. Since she turned eighteen, she had been accustomed to a polished, professional image. This sudden dash of allure felt strange.

"It’s fine, you'll get used to it," Chu Fei chuckled.

"Hah—" Fu Ziqing sighed helplessly. She decided not to press the issue; it was too late now. Besides, she had to admit that Chu Fei actually had a knack for this. She had been worried he would make a complete mess of her hair.

"The shoes don't match, though. Should we go buy you a pair of sneakers first?" Chu Fei asked, glancing down at her heels with a frown.

"No need. Aren't you hungry? Let's eat first," Fu Ziqing quickly interjected. She was afraid that if she didn't stop him, he would really drag her off to buy shoes. She felt as though Chu Fei had some ulterior motive to change her, and she had to nip that in the bud.

"You're right, I almost forgot. Xiao Jing's refrigerator nearly starved me to death."

Chu Fei didn't insist and hopped into the driver's seat. Fu Ziqing wasn't surprised; she walked around to the passenger side and climbed in.

"I know a nice Italian restaurant about three kilometers ahead, just turn right. The food is decent, and more importantly, it's open twenty-four hours. Shall we go there?" she suggested once the car was on the road.

She then noticed Chu Fei looking at her with a very strange expression.

"What?" she asked, puzzled.

"Going out for Western food in the middle of the night? You really have interesting ideas," Chu Fei said with a shake of his head, continuing to drive.

"Huh?" Fu Ziqing paused. "Then what do you want to eat? That's the only decent place I know around here."

"Not knowing is fine. We'll just look around," Chu Fei said nonchalantly.

Fu Ziqing nodded and stopped talking. She crossed her arms and stared quietly at the night view outside the window. At that moment, she felt a strong sense that she and Chu Fei belonged to entirely different worlds.

Ten minutes later, that feeling intensified. Chu Fei pulled the car over to the side of the road. Fu Ziqing looked up to see a large cluster of street food stalls. Since it was only mid-May and not quite summer, the crowds weren't overwhelming, but there were still plenty of patrons, creating a lively atmosphere in the middle of the night.

"What? You’ve never eaten at a street food stall before?" Chu Fei asked, clearly surprised by her stunned expression.

"No," she answered honestly. She had lived in an ivory tower her whole life, like a true princess; she had never been to a place like this.

"How pitiful," Chu Fei said with a look of mock sympathy. He got out of the car and said, "It doesn't matter if you haven't. Today we’re eating at a stall, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked after one bite."

Fu Ziqing stepped out of the car with a wry smile. Chu Fei was surprised—he had expected her to refuse. To a princess like her, street food must seem like peasant fare, but she hadn't said a word. This woman wasn't entirely useless; at least she wasn't pretentious.

Shaking his head, Chu Fei strode into the crowded area.

He easily chose a bustling stall. Since it wasn't peak season, they found a quiet corner and sat down facing each other. Knowing it was her first time, Chu Fei didn't stand on ceremony; he ordered a table full of food, mostly seafood and river delicacies. Soon, the wooden table was packed.

"You ordered so much. Can we even finish it?" Fu Ziqing frowned at the heaps of crabs and shellfish, feeling speechless.

"That's how you eat at a street stall. You have to order plenty to get the atmosphere right. Besides, these people work hard; isn't it good to order more and help them out?" Chu Fei laughed, opening a bottle of beer and pouring a glass for himself.

Fu Ziqing’s gaze turned curious. She glanced at the young man with a limp sweating profusely by the stove, and a three-year-old girl watching him with wide, eager eyes. There was no woman in sight.

She turned back to Chu Fei and said softly, "I didn't realize you were so kind-hearted."

"How about that? Touched by my noble character, are you?" Chu Fei laughed, pushing a glass of beer toward her.

Fu Ziqing’s admiration vanished instantly. She looked at the foam still fizzing in the glass but didn't touch it. Even though she had come with him, it didn't mean she could accept the environment. She was used to clean, tidy spaces, even while dining. This place was too dirty and chaotic; it was a challenge to her psychological limits. Just sitting there took immense courage.

"Life is full of 'firsts.' It's fine if you never had the chance before, but since you're here, you have to try it. I promise you'll love this atmosphere." Chu Fei downed his beer and smiled at her. "Don't believe me? The food here is often better than what those fancy hotel chefs make. Really."

"Is that so?"

Fu Ziqing pursed her lips. She watched Chu Fei peel a crayfish and pop it into his mouth, instinctively frowning. She deeply doubted his words. Could food here really be better than what a five-star chef made? She didn't believe it for a second.

"Don't believe me? Try it and you'll see. This spicy crayfish is authentic—more authentic than the stuff on Ghost Street in the capital." Chu Fei grinned and placed a crayfish in front of her.

Fu Ziqing looked at the bright red crustacean but didn't move.

"Do you want me to feed you?" Seeing her hesitation, Chu Fei tossed one into his own mouth, then deftly peeled another and held it out to her.

"No, I'll do it myself."

Startled, Fu Ziqing quickly grabbed a pair of disposable gloves. She was terrified that if she hesitated any longer, Chu Fei would forcibly shove the crayfish into her mouth with his bare hands.

Too overbearing.

In this moment, Fu Ziqing truly experienced Chu Fei's overbearing nature. She suddenly regretted coming out to eat with him; if she had known, she would have let him go hungry. But it was too late now. She felt like she was trapped on a pirate ship with no way off.

With a complex mix of emotions, she peeled the crayfish with delicate hands. She looked up to see Chu Fei watching her with a grin. Closing her eyes, she opened her mouth and took a tentative bite.

And then...

Fu Ziqing’s eyes snapped open. She glared at Chu Fei, her beautiful eyes practically spitting fire.

*Damn.*

Chu Fei was startled. Such a huge reaction? Was it really that bad? Before he could process it, Fu Ziqing lowered her head, grabbed the beer glass, and gulped it down. She set the glass down, leaned forward, and grabbed the fresh bottle of beer on the table.

*Gulp, gulp—*

She downed half the bottle in one go. She slammed the bottle back onto the table and continued to stare at him as if she were about to eat him alive.

"Is it really that bad?"

Chu Fei peeled another crayfish and ate it, looking at her in disbelief. The taste was genuinely good. Did their taste buds not match?

Fu Ziqing finally spoke.

"Spicy! So spicy!"

She opened her red, pouting lips and exhaled forcefully. The look was indescribably alluring. Especially with her still clutching the beer bottle, the image was a total subversion of the goddess persona Chu Fei had in his mind.