Zhan Yuan guessed that her question was on behalf of Ouyang Ting.
He was aware of Ouyang Ting’s admiration for him.
He also knew that her admiration was purely platonic. Ouyang Ting had likely noticed his feelings for Ouyang Ya and probably mentioned it to her sister in private. However, Ouyang Ya bore too heavy a burden to consider marriage for now.
Zhan Yuan said firmly, “No, I won’t waver. I haven’t won her over yet, but I’m set on her. She’s my fiancée and will be my wife. In our Zhan family, divorce isn’t allowed—unless our wife betrays us, but that won’t happen.”
“The people Grandma picks are of impeccable character and upright values.”
“I’ll be loyal to my marriage, to my family, and love only my wife for life. No matter how outstanding others are, that’s their business, not mine.”
With his fourth brother’s cautionary tale in mind, Zhan Yuan had no intention of following that path.
He’d rather spend his time perfecting his cooking.
Ouyang Ya said with a hint of regret, “Alright.”
She needed to talk to A-Ting. Zhan Yuan had a fiancée, and she should let her sister move on.
Having spent time with Zhan Yuan, Ouyang Ya knew he was a man of his word.
It seemed her sister and Zhan Yuan were fated to meet but not to be together.
As they strolled through the courtyard, chatting, they completed a loop without realising it. Having clarified everything, Ouyang Ya said to Zhan Yuan, “Zhan Yuan, I’m feeling much better. My stomach doesn’t feel bloated anymore, so we don’t need to keep walking. You can go rest.”
Zhan Yuan replied gently, “If Miss wants a late-night snack, just give me a call.”
“Alright.”
Zhan Yuan walked away under Ouyang Ya’s gaze.
Once he was out of sight, Ouyang Ya returned to the house.
The family was still gathered, listening to Fu Ruotong talk about the Zhan family and its affairs.
Fu Ruotong had only stayed in Wancheng for half a month, so her knowledge was limited.
Even so, the Ouyang family was astonished. They could hardly believe that Zhan Yuan was the young master of a billionaire family. Unlike the previous private chefs, he wasn’t driven by fame or profit—he was genuinely passionate about cooking.
Dedicated to his craft, he was willing to set aside his status to work as a chef.
Seeing Ouyang Ya enter, Ouyang Jun immediately ran to her.
“Big Sister, what’s going on with Brother Zhan Yuan?”
Ouyang Jun and his younger brother were still young. Though they’d been listening, they were utterly confused.
Their biggest fear was whether Zhan Yuan would remain their chef.
If he left, would the new chef’s food be as delicious as Zhan Yuan’s?
“Big Sister, will Brother Zhan Yuan still cook for us? Will he leave? I don’t want him to go. Big Sister, I love his food. Please don’t fire him, okay?”
Ouyang Jian also ran over, joining his brother in pleading with their sister not to send Zhan Yuan away.
