Why Does First Love Feel This Sweet? - Chapter 14

Chapter: 14 The First Pot of Gold

The new cafe was massive—a three-story standalone building filled with Western antiques and exquisite chandeliers, exuding a vibe of vintage luxury. The owner, Chu Yesheng, was a relaxed young man from a wealthy family who opened the shop purely for leisure.

“No specific requirements, just follow your inspiration,” Chu Yesheng said, lounging on a leather sofa. “As a student of Master Tu, I trust you completely.”

Master Tu? Sheng Yi’s head throbbed slightly at the mention of the name. Lately, his memories had been heavily centered around Rong Yu, but he vaguely recalled his art teacher was indeed named Tu.

“You know my teacher?” Sheng Yi asked.

“Of course,” Chu Yesheng smiled. “Master Tu has stopped painting recently; his works are nearly impossible to find now.”

Sheng Yi was stunned. Stopped painting? Why? He realized he had been out of touch with his mentor for a long time.

Throughout the morning, Sheng Yi sat by the window designing his sketches. He was so focused that he didn’t notice a man in a mask and hat slip into a corner of the cafe. Rong Yu ordered an iced Americano and opened his laptop to work on his research reports, his eyes frequently drifting to the silhouette of the boy working in the sunlight.

Around noon, Rong Yu sent a text: Remember to eat lunch.

He watched as Sheng Yi, perched on a ladder, checked his phone and smiled. A reply came back: Okay, you too.

However, Sheng Yi didn’t stop. He kept working for another two hours. Seeing this, Rong Yu frowned and signaled a waitress. Ten minutes later, a tray with a nutritious sandwich and hot cocoa arrived at Sheng Yi’s side. Sheng Yi looked confused but thanked the waitress, eating the sandwich while still sitting on his high stool.

…

By 9:00 PM, Sheng Yi showed no signs of stopping. He wanted to finish the mural quickly. He texted Rong Yu: It might be late. Go home first, don’t wait for me. I’ll take a taxi.

Rong Yu’s brow furrowed. He packed his laptop and left silently. Once in the car, he called Sheng Yi, his voice leaving no room for argument: “We agreed you wouldn’t work too long. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

Sheng Yi obeyed. When he climbed into the car, exhausted but buzzing with excitement, he threw his arms around Rong Yu’s neck. “I missed you so much, wife!”

The annoyance on Rong Yu’s face melted away instantly. He started the car, his voice gentle. “Then come home earlier next time.”

By the time they reached the Rong estate, Sheng Yi had fallen asleep against the window. Rong Yu didn’t wake him. He carried the sleeping boy back to their courtyard, ignored the offer of help from the butler, and held him close. The maids watching from afar whispered in envy, “The young master is so good to him… I want a husband like that.”

…

The final day of work arrived. Sheng Yi was kneeling by the wall in denim overalls, a palette in one hand and a brush in the other. He looked like a masterpiece himself—white T-shirt splattered with paint, amber eyes bright with focus.

In the afternoon, Cheng Wenge came by to visit. Because of his recent memories of their shared weekends in the art studio, Sheng Yi felt a renewed closeness to him. They chatted and painted together with perfect synchronization.

In the corner, Rong Yu watched them, his fingers hovering over his keyboard, his eyes darkening behind his glasses.

“Master Tu wants to see you,” Cheng Wenge said, handing Sheng Yi a bottle of water. “He’s been worried about you these past few years. He’s hit a bit of a bottleneck lately… ever since the year you had your accident, he hasn’t been able to paint.”

Sheng Yi’s heart sank. He vaguely recalled Master Tu being a heavy smoker and drinker. As they talked, memories of the “affair” they had witnessed in middle school resurfaced—how they had caught the Master’s wife with another man and even “ambushed” the lover in an alleyway to protect their teacher’s dignity.

…

“Finished!” Sheng Yi stretched, admiring the massive completed wall.

Chu Yesheng was thrilled and immediately transferred the payment via WeChat. “Great job, Master Sheng! Let’s grab dinner. Wenge is here too, my treat!”

Cheng Wenge draped an arm around Sheng Yi’s shoulder. “Let’s go. We can discuss those apartments I mentioned. I’ve prepared a few for you to choose from.”

In the quiet cafe, Rong Yu heard every word. His hand holding his coffee tensed. He looked up, watching Cheng Wenge’s arm around Sheng Yi.

Sheng Yi looked at his phone and realized the payment had an extra zero. “Brother Chu, you gave me too much. It’s over a hundred thousand… let me transfer it back.”

“It’s not too much,” Chu Yesheng smiled, glancing secretly toward the “invisible” boss in the corner. “You’re worth it.”

Sheng Yi was ecstatic. He had earned his first pot of gold! He immediately took a screenshot and sent it to Rong Yu: I made money! What do you want to eat tonight? Brother will buy it for you!

Rong Yu looked at the screen, seeing the pure joy in Sheng Yi’s words. His tight expression softened slightly.

Nearby, Cheng Wenge was leading Sheng Yi toward the door. “Let’s go get some grilled lamb chops, Xiao Yi. My treat.”

Sheng Yi hesitated, wondering if he should invite Rong Yu to join them. Just then, his phone vibrated. He looked at the screen, and his ears turned bright red.

Rong Yu: Hubby, when are you coming home?