Once Shen Lingqing felt full after eating all the snacks Liu Jinfei bought for her, her attention was turned to the other goers of the night market. Some were couples; some were small families who were catching up on such a rare day they could spend together.

Shen Lingqing remembered her first time being in a night market with her family. She was only seven years old at that time. She had gotten home so late, and her mother had already left with her siblings to see the night market. If it wasnt for her father who had arrived almost the same time as her, she would have already lost her chance to see it herself.

People usually said that she was closer to her father, but Shen Lingqing knew better. Her parents were trying their best to spend enough time with her and her siblings. They would never miss any school recognition, birthdays, and holidays. Now that she was an adult woman, she finally understood the struggles of making enough time for her family.

Is there something wrong? She heard Liu Jinfei ask when the silence persisted between them. She didnt mean to s.p.a.ce out while being out with Liu Jinfei at a time like this.

Im sorry? Shen Lingqing blinked and turned her head to look at him. She wasnt really a people person and didnt know how to start a conversation with other people.

Oh, its nothing. I just noticed youve been s.p.a.cing out. Just wondering if something happened, Liu Jinfei replied, finis.h.i.+ng his own snack.

Nothing serious that I cant deal with. The Shen princess shrugged.

Liu Jinfei chuckled at that.

En, thats our Director Shen. He agreed with her. Its a shame that I didnt have many experiences seeing night markets like this before.

Is that so? Shen Lingqing cupped her chin and let her long hair hang over her shoulder and down her chest. She looked calm today, unlike the usually strict and proper businesswoman that she was when they were at work.

En. I tried to balance my time with school and work, you know. I dont have the liberty to walk around the city and enjoy what other children could do. He smiled, watching as a group of playing young children went past them.

Shen Lingqing didnt know what to say. Was she supposed to sympathize with him or pity him?

But I know you had it worse, he said.

No, dont say that. Each of us has struggles we dealt with on our own, Shen Lingqing argued. I hate it when people demean themselves, just to bootlick and earn a favor.

I dont need to, right? The handsome man next to her laughed.

No, you dont. You earned your right to work along with us, didnt you? I was just saying that you dont have to compare your childhood to mine. I know it wasnt easy growing up without your parents. h.e.l.l, I couldnt even imagine not seeing or talking to my parents for a very long time.

I suppose you wont understand, Director Shen. Liu Jinfei smiled at her. It was enough that Shen Lingqing wasnt giving him a pitiful look like what others give him whenever they found out about his parents untimely death.

Its good that you know, Liu Jinfei. Shen Lingqing didnt peg Liu Jinfei to lie to her, but it was rea.s.suring to know that he was willing to listen to what she thought.

Silence engulfed the two of them, but both understood that there were no words needed to be spoken between them. Liu Jinfei didnt bother to ask more and accompanied Shen Lingqing as they checked the other stalls at the night market.

What they didnt expect to see were Yang Fangjin, Lin Xiaoyu, and Qiao Lian at the night market. Yang Fangjin grinned with a knowing look at Liu Jinfei, while Lin Xiaoyu looked at the two of them in surprise. Meanwhile, Qiao Lian smirked at her boss.

Director Shen, Chef Liu what are you doing here? Yang Fangjin asked. Are you supposed to be on a date?

A date? Shen Lingqing furrowed her brows and looked at the younger man in confusion. What was that supposed to mean?

Then, what are you doing here? Lin Xiaoyu asked innocently.

Liu Jinfei and Shen Lingqing glanced at each other. One knew what the three were implying, while the other was oblivious of the meaning of their teasing looks.

Its not like that. Liu Jinfei took the initiative to clear the small misunderstanding around them. He didnt want his co-workers to surmise that he was b.u.t.tering Shen Lingqing up to earn her favor.

My grandmother dropped us here near the night market, and we decided to check it out, Shen Lingqing explained with her ever calm and stern tone that made other people not question her words.

Oh? Is that so? Qiao Lian hummed, but her eyes got that glint that was enough for Shen Lingqing to know that her mind got some ideas in her head again.

Shen Lingqing made a mental note to remind her a.s.sistant not to overthink things. Theres nothing between her and Liu Jinfei anyway, and she didnt like people to misunderstand why they were in each others company.

Then, should we look around together? Lin Xiaoyu suggested.

Yang Fangjin nudged at Liu Jinfeis arm, their eyes on the three women walking ahead of them.

Sorry, we have to cut your date with Director Shen short, he apologized to Liu Jinfei.

We arent on a date. Liu Jinfei avoided meeting Yang Fangjins gaze.

But you like her, dont you? Yang Fangjin retorted back.

Shes our boss. You are imagining things, Chef Yang.

Liu Jinfeis eyes then turned to Shen Lingqings form.

Okay, Chef Liu. If thats what you do to get a good nights sleep, sure.

Liu Jinfei decided to not respond anymore, knowing that no words would be able to convince the younger man to believe in his words.