240: Chapter 240 On and Under the Table

Zhao Xiaoshuai was in the main hall discussing the lunch and dinner menus with the head chef, while Sun Yingxue and Zou Luyao were chatting alone in the room.

Zou Luyao felt that this newly acquainted older sister was truly a wonderful person; not only was she sincere, but she had also taught her so many things.

"Xiao Xue, you are really amazing. You must have put in a lot of hard work in this area, right?"

'Does that mean I'm not pretty enough, so I have to work hard on my makeup, while you're pretty enough as you are, so you don't need to put in the effort? Heh.'

Constantly keeping up with all the trendy styles, understanding what men like, and managing both videos and an online store at the same time—Sun Yingxue could be said to have poured immense energy and dedication into achieving her current success.

Every makeup technique was formed only after she had repeatedly honed it and added her own innovation and understanding.

But facing Zou Luyao's "loaded" question, she could only smile shyly, speaking as if she were embarrassed by the compliment:

"It's nothing really. Actually, I didn't put in that much effort; perhaps I just have a bit of a talent for it."

The two of them were "having a pleasant conversation."

After just a short time communicating, Sun Yingxue felt physically and mentally exhausted.

The other party acted innocent and naive, but she always felt that there was an underlying meaning to her words; with every sentence they exchanged, she had to rapidly analyze and judge it in her mind.

Yet, she was certain that the other party was absolutely not the simple, naive person she portrayed. How could someone truly simple always manage to get the upper hand in their various competitions against her?

Whether it was the competition for the title of campus belle or the battle for Zhao Xiaoshuai, it was always the same.

Knock, knock, knock—just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Zou Luyao went to open the door naturally, but in Sun Yingxue's eyes, this gesture carried a different meaning.

It was broad daylight, so there was no reason for any inconvenience. Usually, a host knocking on a guest room door is just a courtesy to alert the guests inside before entering directly.

But the current situation felt as if Zou Luyao had temporarily taken ownership of the place; she had become the true master of this room.

The sense of urgency in her heart intensified even more.

Upon opening the door, Zhao Xiaoshuai casually glanced at the expressions of the two women; they both seemed quite happy.

"Come out and eat."

"So soon? Xiao Xue and I were just having such a lively chat. But eating is more important. Xiao Xue, it's time to eat."

"Coming." Sun Yingxue put away her thoughts and affectionately hugged Zou Luyao's arm.

This way, if she wanted to sit next to Zhao Xiaoshuai during the meal later, she would be able to adapt to the situation; whether it was to block Zou Luyao or to secure a similar seat, it would be easier to manage.

Every move was calculated.

The seating arrangement for the three of them was identical to the time Zhao Xiaoshuai ate with his Sister-in-law and Meng Yawen; the two girls sat together on one side, while Zhao Xiaoshuai sat alone on the other.

Of course, he was doing the same thing as last time as well.

He did not attempt to test Zou Luyao because the affection level hadn't reached that point yet, and being naturally simple, she would most likely expose his improper actions on the spot.

So, at this moment, he only quietly extended one foot and stepped on Sun Yingxue's foot.

Sun Yingxue visibly stiffened all over, appearing somewhat at a loss—at least, that was how she presented herself.

"Xiao Xue, this barbecue is so delicious. Why aren't you eating any?"

"Oh, don't worry about me, Yaoyao. I'm on a diet recently, so I'll just eat a little bit later."

Beneath Zhao Xiaoshuai's foot, Sun Yingxue neither responded nor pulled away, acting just like a young girl who had been slightly startled.

Her expression also perfectly displayed a sense of distraction; this appearance of being "bullied" yet too afraid to resist was very effective at inciting a man's wild side.

But at this moment, Zhao Xiaoshuai withdrew his foot instead.

If you don't want to respond, then you don't have to.

At the same time, he picked up a newly served dish and brought it to Zou Luyao's lips, "Yaoyao, try this."

This was the first time at the dinner table that he had used his own chopsticks to feed someone, and Zou Luyao, without any hesitation or disgust, cooperated fully and opened her mouth to take it.

Logically speaking, the level of intimacy between her and Zhao Xiaoshuai had not yet reached this point; at present, her affection level was only at 237.

However, Zhao Xiaoshuai chose the perfect moment; Zou Luyao's hands were busy peeling shrimp and were not free, and since he had brought the food to her lips, she subconsciously opened her mouth and took it.

"Wow, this is really delicious."

Zou Luyao said indistinctly, with a bit of grease at the corner of her mouth, and Zhao Xiaoshuai picked up a napkin to wipe it for her.

Sun Yingxue watched all of this silently, suspecting that this was a warning to her—you are not the only choice.

But according to the persona she had always been playing, her response just now was the most perfect one.

Unless he had seen through her mask from the very beginning, knowing that what she had been displaying all along was just a persona.

But how could that be possible? For so many years, she had considered herself to have already perfected her act to be flawless.

Even her mother thought she was just a simple-minded, hardworking, and well-behaved girl. Could someone she had only met a few times see through her so easily?

"Xiao Xue, you should try it too, it's really super delicious!"

Seeing that Zhao Xiaoshuai had no intention of picking up a piece to feed her as well, Sun Yingxue felt conflicted for a moment, but then she smiled sweetly and reached out to take a piece herself, eating it.

"Mmm, it really is delicious."

At the same time, she slipped her foot out of her slipper, extended it toward Zhao Xiaoshuai's side, and placed it on his foot.

Regardless of how Zhao Xiaoshuai had seen through her, she had to bet everything and take the initiative.

What she was competing for now was very subtle; she already knew that Zhao Xiaoshuai had more than one woman, so theoretically, there shouldn't be a rigid competitive relationship between her and Zou Luyao.

But in reality, that was not the case.

If there are two identical books with the same settings, similar plots, and similar developments, why would a reader choose to read yours?

Perhaps some readers, having too much energy and time, might find one book insufficient and add several similar books to their bookshelf.

But among these similar books, there must be a distinction between primary and secondary.

Some books are destined to only serve as filler, used merely to kill time; they will never receive recommendation votes, monthly tickets, or tips.

She did not want to become such a filler.

"Brother, I want to eat that."

Sun Yingxue looked longingly at a plate of shrimp that seemed a bit far away.

Zhao Xiaoshuai smiled slightly, first sucking the grease off his fingers, then picked up a shrimp with his bare hands, carefully peeled it for her, and personally brought it to her lips.

Sun Yingxue took the peeled shrimp into her mouth along with Zhao Xiaoshuai's fingers, and secretly licked them with her small tongue.

She knew she had judged correctly.

Under the table, the two of them had their toes entwined, inseparable like glue and lacquer.

Meanwhile, Zou Luyao was focused intently on enjoying the food, completely unaware of everything happening beside her.