Movie/TV series: Starting with Ode to Joy, I opened my own private kitchen.

Page 191

Zhu Zhe and Ye Zhenzhen both laughed upon hearing this. The three of them raised their glasses again, and the atmosphere became lively.

Just then, Ye Zhenzhen's phone rang. After looking at the caller ID, Ye Zhenzhen gestured for the two to be quiet, and Zhu Zhe and Yu Chuhui immediately shut up.

"Hey! David, what's up with calling me so late?" Ye Zhenzhen asked as soon as she answered the phone.

"Zhenzhen, I've made plans with some friends to go camping on the island tomorrow. I was wondering if you'd be interested?"

"Camping? Do you mean spending the night there or just hiking?"

"We'll need to stay overnight. When we get to the island, we'll cycle around the island first, and then we can stay overnight at the campsite."

Ye Zhenzhen fell into deep thought. To be honest, she really liked this kind of activity. If it were before, she would have agreed to David's request without hesitation. However, now that David was pursuing her and wanted to stay overnight, she was a little undecided.

David waited two minutes for Ye Zhenzhen's reply, then asked, somewhat puzzled, "Wait... Zhenzhen, don't you love these kinds of activities the most? Why are you hesitating?"

Ye Zhenzhen steadied herself and said, "I'm sorry, David, I'd better not go. I have something to do tomorrow night, so it's fine if it's just during the day, but I won't go if it involves staying overnight."

When Ye Zhenzhen said she had something to do that evening, David didn't think much of it and said, "It's okay, after we cycle around the island, I'll take you back after we play for a while."

"But······"

"Okay, no more buts, it's settled then. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning." David hung up the phone after saying that.

Ye Zhenzhen stared blankly at the phone. As always, David hung up before anyone could finish speaking, leaving them no time to refuse. But she felt that if she were to specifically tell David that she was refusing, it would hurt him. She could only sigh helplessly and shake her head with a wry smile.

After hanging up the phone, Ye Zhenzhen seemed a little down. She sat on the sofa in the living room and took a big gulp of wine. Yu Chuhui and Zhu Zhe, sitting beside her, frowned when they saw Ye Zhenzhen like this.

"Zhenzhen, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?" Yu Chuhui sat down next to Ye Zhenzhen with a wine glass in hand and couldn't help but ask, his tone full of concern.

Ye Zhenzhen snapped out of her daze and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I'm just a little tired."

Yu Chuhui clearly didn't believe her. She leaned closer, staring into Ye Zhenzhen's eyes: "Don't lie to me. You don't look like anything's wrong. Tell me, what happened? Was it that phone call just now?"

Ye Zhenzhen sighed, knowing she couldn't hide it from Yu Chuhui, so she simply explained the situation: "David invited me to go cycling on the island. I wanted to refuse, but he didn't give me a chance and arranged the trip right away."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chuhui's eyes widened immediately: "David? How can that guy be so arrogant? He actually dares to do this? Sister Zhenzhen, you should just call him and refuse. He's not worth wasting your time on. If he's like this now, what will he be like in the future?"

Ye Zhenzhen gave a wry smile: "I know, but I didn't have time to refuse before he had already arranged everything. Now I don't know what to do."

Yu Chuhui patted Ye Zhenzhen on the shoulder, his tone firm: "What's so difficult about that? Just refuse directly. You don't have to listen to his arrangements. Besides, it's not like you haven't refused him before. There's no need to give face to someone like him."

Ye Zhenzhen shook her head, her tone tinged with helplessness: "But he has already arranged the schedule. If I refuse now, wouldn't it seem too heartless? And it would also make him lose face."

Yu Chuhui rolled her eyes: "Zhenzhen, you're just too kind. David won't appreciate your kindness at all. He'll only think you're easy to bully and will take advantage of you even more in the future. Listen to me, just refuse him directly and don't give him any chance."

Ye Zhenzhen was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly: "You're right, I really shouldn't hesitate anymore, but let's just let it go this time."

Just then, Zhu Zhe came out of the room, holding a cell phone in his hand, with a mysterious smile on his face.

She sat down on Ye Zhenzhen's other side, her tone relaxed: "Zhenzhen, I just sent a message to Su Chang and told him about David's invitation for you to go cycling on the island."

Ye Zhenzhen was taken aback, then looked at Zhu Zhe with a hint of helplessness: "Why did you tell him? There's no need for him to know about this, is there?"

Zhu Zhe smiled, a hint of slyness in his voice: "I think Su Chang should know. After all, we can all see how he feels about you."

Ye Zhenzhen's face flushed slightly, and her tone carried a hint of reproach: "Don't talk nonsense, Su Chang and I are just ordinary friends."

Yu Chuhui and Zhu Zhe exchanged a glance and laughed at the same time.

Yu Chuhui teased, "Friends? Sister Zhenzhen, don't fool yourself. Su Chang's feelings for you are more than just those of an ordinary friend."

Ye Zhenzhen felt a little embarrassed by what they said, so she lowered her head and stopped talking.

Seeing this, Zhu Zhe stopped teasing her and said instead, "Su Chang just replied with 'I know,' but I don't know what he meant."

Yu Chuhui shrugged: "Who cares what he means? Anyway, we've already passed the message on to him. Now we'll see how he performs."

Ye Zhenzhen shook her head helplessly, but a hint of anticipation lingered in her heart. She knew that Su Chang was always a man of action; if he truly cared about this matter, he certainly wouldn't stand idly by.

The next morning, Ye Zhenzhen was stunned by the scene before her eyes as soon as she stepped out of the Joyful Song residential complex.

David's car was parked not far away, with two mountain bikes in front of it standing out conspicuously. However, what surprised her even more was that next to David's car was a large SUV, and standing beside it was a familiar figure—Su Chang.

David clearly didn't notice Su Chang's presence. He quickly walked up to Ye Zhenzhen, his face full of smiles: "Zhenzhen, you're here! I've been waiting for you for a long time. Let's go now."

Ye Zhenzhen naturally dodged David's outstretched hand that was about to help her with her bag, which surprised David, because they always did that when they were together before. Now...

Su Chang's lips curled slightly as he walked over unhurriedly. He stood beside Ye Zhenzhen, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority: "...Zhenzhen, would you like to go cycling on the island with me?"

Ye Zhenzhen looked at Su Chang, a slight smile playing on her lips, a warm feeling welling up inside her. She knew that Su Chang's appearance meant that he cared about her, and an indescribable joy filled her heart.

David's face instantly turned ugly. He glared at Su Chang, his tone filled with hostility: "Who are you? Zhenzhen has an appointment with me today, don't come and cause trouble."

Su Chang glanced at David indifferently and said calmly, "Who I am is not important. What matters is Zhenzhen's choice."

David was enraged by Su Chang's attitude. He raised his voice: "What do you mean? Zhenzhen has already agreed to go camping on the island with me. Don't get in my way!"

Ye Zhenzhen frowned, her tone tinged with displeasure: "David, I have never explicitly promised you anything. Moreover, I have the right to choose what I want to do."

David was speechless for a moment after being choked by Ye Zhenzhen's words, and the expression on his face became extremely ugly.

He gritted his teeth, trying one last time to plead: "But I'm ready, the car and bicycle are here. You can't do this..."

Su Chang finally spoke, her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm: "Mr. David, Zhenzhen has made her choice. If you don't mind, we can set off together; after all, it's more fun with more people."

David's face darkened further. He glared at Su Chang fiercely, his voice laced with resentment: "No need! (Okay) I can go myself!"

After saying that, David turned around and strode to his car, slammed the door shut, started the engine, and the car quickly drove away from the entrance of the Joyful Song residential area, leaving behind a screeching sound of tires.

Ye Zhenzhen watched David's departing figure, sighed softly, turned to look at Su Chang, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Why did you have to provoke him like that?"

Su Chang shrugged, her tone relaxed: "I'm just telling the truth. Besides, his attitude clearly showed a lack of respect for you."

Ye Zhenzhen didn't say anything more, only nodded slightly. She knew Su Chang was right; David's attitude did make her feel somewhat uncomfortable.

She glanced at the SUV and two mountain bikes behind Su Chang, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes: "Are you really going to go cycling on the island with me?"

Su Chang smiled, her tone slightly teasing: "Of course, is there anything wrong with that?"

Ye Zhenzhen shook her head helplessly, but felt a warmth in her heart, and a sense of inexplicable peace of mind.

"Let's go then." Su Chang said, opening the trunk of the SUV and gesturing for Ye Zhenzhen to put the luggage inside.

Ye Zhenzhen nodded, put her luggage away, and got into the passenger seat. Su Chang started the car and slowly drove out of the Joyful Song residential area, heading towards the island.

Chapter 352 They've Taken It Down

The atmosphere inside the car was somewhat quiet. Ye Zhenzhen looked at the scenery outside the window, her heart filled with complex emotions. She didn't know what the outcome of this cycling trip would be, but she knew she had made her choice.

"Zhenzhen, have you been having something on your mind lately?" Su Chang suddenly asked, breaking the silence in the car.

Ye Zhenzhen was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at Su Chang, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "How did you know?"

Su Chang smiled, her tone gentle: "Your emotions are written all over your face. Although you usually pretend to be carefree, I can tell you've been a little unhappy lately."

Ye Zhenzhen was silent for a moment, then sighed softly: "Actually, it's nothing, it's just that I'm under some pressure at work and there are some trivial things in my life that are bothering me."

Su Chang nodded, her tone tinged with concern: "If you'd like, you can talk to me. Although I may not be able to help much, at least I can listen to your troubles."

Looking at Su Chang's profile, Ye Zhenzhen felt a warm feeling well up inside her. She knew that Su Chang had always been like this, silently caring for her and never putting any pressure on her.

She nodded gently, her voice tinged with gratitude: "Thank you, Su Chang."

Su Chang smiled and said nothing more, focusing solely on driving. The atmosphere inside the car became quiet again, but this time, Ye Zhenzhen felt an unprecedented sense of relaxation.

The car quickly entered the island's ring road, and the scenery along the way was breathtaking. Looking at the sea view outside the window, Ye Zhenzhen's mood gradually brightened. She took a deep breath, feeling the fresh sea breeze, and the worries in her heart seemed to dissipate considerably.

"Let's park here." Su Chang parked the car on the side of the road and pointed to the ring road not far away: "It's a great place for cycling, and the scenery is beautiful."

Ye Zhenzhen nodded and got off the car with Su Chang913. The two unloaded their mountain bikes from the car, adjusted the seats and handlebars, and began their ride around the island.

A gentle sea breeze caressed Ye Zhenzhen's cheeks, and the sunlight bathed her, bringing a warm feeling. She rode her bicycle, feeling the wheels roll across the road, and her mood lightened. Su Chang followed behind her, reminding her to be careful from time to time, his tone filled with concern.

"Zhenzhen, you rode very well," Su Chang said with a smile, her tone full of praise.

Ye Zhenzhen glanced back at Su Chang, a hint of a smile in her eyes: "Of course, I ride a bike all the time."

Su Chang smiled, picked up speed, and rode alongside Ye Zhenzhen. They chatted as they rode, discussing everything from work to life. Ye Zhenzhen found that she always felt a strange sense of security and relaxation when she was with Su Chang.

After their ride, Su Chang and Ye Zhenzhen arrived at the nearest campsite. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the grass, and the distant sea shimmered with golden light, making the entire campsite peaceful and beautiful.

Su Chang put the bicycle back on the roof of the SUV, turned to Ye Zhenzhen and said, "The scenery here is nice, let's spend the night here."

Ye Zhenzhen looked around, hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Su Chang smiled, unloaded the tent and camping gear from the car, and got to work. Ye Zhenzhen also offered to help, and the two of them set up the tent together. Ye Zhenzhen usually enjoys camping, especially abroad. With Su Chang's help, they quickly set up the tent, and Su Chang then took out a grill and ingredients from the car, ready to start barbecuing.

"Do you know how to barbecue?" Ye Zhenzhen asked curiously.

While starting a fire, Su Chang replied, "Of course I can, I'm a seasoned camper. You'll have to try my cooking later, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Su Chang did lie about that; he had never camped in either of his lives. However, with his master-level culinary skills, a simple barbecue was a piece of cake for him.

Ye Zhenzhen smiled and nodded, then sat on a folding chair to the side, watching Su Chang skillfully flip the meat skewers and vegetables on the grill.

The air was filled with the aroma of food, and Ye Zhenzhen's stomach began to rumble. She touched her stomach a little shyly, and Su Chang laughed when she heard it: "Hungry? It'll be ready soon."

A moment later, Su Chang brought the grilled food to Ye Zhenzhen: "Try it, how does it taste?"

Ye Zhenzhen picked up a skewer of grilled meat, took a small bite, and her eyes lit up immediately: "It's so delicious! I didn't expect you to be such a good cook, not only in your main dishes but also in your barbecue."

Su Chang smiled smugly: "Of course, I've had special training."

The two chatted and ate barbecue in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. As night fell, lights twinkled around the campsite, and the gentle sound of distant waves seemed to accompany their conversation.

After finishing the barbecue, Su Chang cleaned up the grill, sat down next to Ye Zhenzhen, looked at the starry sky in the distance, and suddenly said, "Zhenzhen, there's something I want to tell you."

Ye Zhenzhen turned her head and looked at Su Chang's profile, a little puzzled in her heart: "What is it?"

Su Chang paused for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts, before slowly saying, "Actually... I have quite a few women around me."

Ye Zhenzhen paused, her smile gradually fading, replaced by a hint of unease and confusion: "What do you mean by this?"

Su Chang took a deep breath and continued, "I don't want to hide it from you, nor do I want you to misunderstand. There are other women around me... and quite a few. But I have to tell you, because I like you, and I like them too, Zhenzhen. I don't want to deceive you, nor do I want you to make a choice without knowing the truth."

Ye Zhenzhen's face turned pale. She lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly, "You... how could you do this? You know perfectly well what I feel for you..."

Su Chang interrupted her, her tone tinged with apology: "I know, Zhenzhen. It's precisely because I know your feelings for me that I don't want to hide it from you. I hope you can understand the real me and then make your own decision."

Ye Zhenzhen remained silent for a long time, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She felt an indescribable sense of loss and anger, but at the same time, there was also a strange sense of relief.

She looked up into Su Chang's eyes, her tone firm: "I need time to think. Can you leave the tent first? I want to be alone."

Su Chang nodded, stood up and said, "Okay, I'll be outside. Call me anytime if you need anything."

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the tent, returning to his SUV. Ye Zhenzhen sat inside the tent, her feelings extremely complicated. She didn't know how to face Su Chang's confession, nor did she know if she could still trust him.