As Zhan Yuan reached the door, he paused, turned to Ouyang Ya, and said, “Miss, I only care about my future wife. To me, all other young women are just strangers.”
“If politeness is needed, I’ll be polite. If not, I don’t bother, even if she’s my boss. I won’t cross any lines unless there’s a reason.”
“Miss, rest early. You’re slightly drunk, and you might wake with a headache. I’ll make you some honey water in the morning.”
With that, Zhan Yuan left.
Ouyang Ya turned to look at the doorway, where he had vanished.
What did his words mean?
He only cared about his future wife?
Other young women, even his boss, wouldn’t prompt him to cross boundaries.
What did he mean by crossing boundaries?
Caring too much?
Did it mean that if his boss was a young woman but not his fiancée, he’d just do his job, keep things professional, and not show personal concern?
Was that what he meant?
If so, was he subtly referring to her?
He treated her so well, beyond just fulfilling his role as a chef, diligently preparing her three meals a day. He did things that went beyond his duties.
For instance, he cared about her. When she was upset, he’d chat with her, keep her company, or go for walks with her.
He was also exceptionally kind to her family, which didn’t feel like something a mere chef would do.
Was Zhan Yuan saying he liked her, seeing her as his future wife?
But didn’t he say he’d only marry the girl his grandmother chose for him?
Zhan Yuan’s parting words had thrown Ouyang Ya’s mind into disarray.
Her heart, which had cooled moments before, began to warm again.
What she most wanted to know was, who was Zhan Yuan’s fiancée?
The fiancée chosen by Old Madam Zhan was likely from City A or nearby. Otherwise, why would he travel so far? Surely not just to be her personal chef?
If his fiancée was from City A, who could it be?
Not to boast, but across all of City A, there was no heiress more outstanding than Ouyang Ya.
Those slightly less accomplished were her cousins, and other heiresses from prominent families couldn’t match her in ability.
She managed all of the Ouyang family’s businesses, a true head of the household.
How many heiresses could claim to lead their families?
A sudden thought struck Ouyang Ya.
Could Zhan Yuan’s fiancée be her?
Because it was her, and she was picky about food, his exceptional culinary skills made them a perfect match.
If his dishes weren’t up to par, she’d taste it, point it out, and he’d improve, making them even better.
With her discerning palate, she couldn’t stomach meals made by average chefs.
But his cooking? She could eat it, had been eating it for two or three months without growing tired. His skills kept improving, leaving no flaws for her to pick at, no chance for boredom.
Wasn’t that a perfect match?
The Ouyang family and the Zhan family of Guancheng were well-matched in status.
He’d also said that if his fiancée needed him to marry into her family, he would.
The Zhan family’s current generation had nine young masters. Zhan Yuan’s eldest brother was the head of the family, and their elders were open-minded. If he married into her family, his family would respect his choice.
Why did he say he’d marry into her family if needed?
If his fiancée was Ouyang Ya, it made perfect sense.
She couldn’t marry far away, nor could she abandon the Ouyang family’s businesses. She had to keep carrying the load until her two younger brothers could take over, only then could she step back to do what she wanted.
For a couple to avoid long-term separation, him marrying into her family was the best choice.
“Sis, I think Zhan Yuan came for you. When he looks at you, his eyes light up.”
Those were words her sister, Ting, had said to her more than once.
