Married at First Sight Chapter 4361
Ning Siqi had become smarter.
No, she had matured-significantly.
With no parents to rely on and estranged siblings, she was no longer the second young lady of the Ning family. Even if she still had a trace of immaturity, life would
eventually force her to grow up.
The others quickly composed themselves and followed Ning Siqi into the bar. Meanwhile, at Dongguan Airport-
Zhan Yuan was pulling a large suitcase in each hand, while Ouyang Ya walked emptyhanded. He wanted to free up one hand to hold hers, but she didn’t need him to.
She said, “It’s already tough enough for you to drag two big suitcases. Don’t hold me-I’m not a child who needs hand-holding to walk.”
Zhan Yuan gave a faint smile. “There are a lot of people here.”
In the past, she was always followed by bodyguards when going out. In crowded places, they would form a protective barrier and clear a path for her.
But now, there was no one behind her-no protection, no path-clearing presence. Ouyang Ya replied, “So what if there are a lot of people? I won’t bump into anyone, and they won’t bump into me.”
“To be honest, I haven’t walked in a crowd like this in a long time.”
Looking around at the sea of people, she added as she walked, “Now it actually feels like I’m part of the real world.”
Normally, no one could approach her without permission-her bodyguards would stop anyone who tried.
She had always felt like she lived in a completely different world from everyone else.
Zhan Yuan smiled. “Sometimes, living low-key and simply is a kind of happiness.” “As long as we have loved ones beside us and everyone is healthy, that’s enough to be happy.”
Ouyang Ya smiled but didn’t reply.
She knew they couldn’t truly live like ordinary people.
The burdens they carried were far too heavy.
The burdens they carried were far too heavy.
“Sixth Young Master.”
Just as they exited, someone called out to Zhan Yuan.
He turned toward the voice and saw Uncle Yang and a bodyguard. He said to
Ouyang Ya, “That’s the butler from our old house. He’s here to pick us up.”
He walked over with Ouyang Ya.
Uncle Yang and the bodyguard stepped forward with a smile and greeted them, “Sixth Young Master, we’ve been waiting here for a while.”
He glanced at Ouyang Ya, and Zhan Yuan introduced her at the right moment,
“Uncle Yang, this is Miss Ouyang-my girlfriend.”
In the future, she would be the Sixth Young Madam of the Zhan family. Uncle Yang already knew Ouyang Ya’s identity and immediately greeted her respectfully.
“It’s getting dark. Sixth Young Master, Miss Ouyang, let’s head home. The Old Madam and the others are waiting for you to join them for dinner.”
Uncle Yang and the bodyguard each took one of Zhan Yuan’s suitcases. As soon as Uncle Yang grabbed his, he felt its weight and guessed it was filled with gifts Miss Ouyang had prepared for the family.
The future Sixth Young Madam appeared as composed as the Third Young Madam, yet she was very polite. When the staff greeted her, she responded with a nod and a smile, never looking down on them just because they were servants. After getting into the car, Zhan Yuan asked, “Has my brother returned yet?” Uncle Yang replied, “The Eldest Young Master hasn’t come back yet, but he called home twice. He’s also very concerned about your and Miss Ouyang’s return.” “The Eldest Young Madam will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. She said she wants to go back to the villa to recover after giving birth.”
When Haitong had just given birth, Uncle Yang had delivered some supplies and taken a peek at the little one.
The arrival of a new baby in the household was a joyous occasion. Everyone working at Youyou Villa was genuinely happy.
The Eldest Young Master and his wife had been married a year before they
conceived. Everyone had been looking forward to this child. Although the Old Madam had hoped for a little girl, she was still overjoyed-after all, this was her first great-grandchild.
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With the birth of the baby, the old lady officially became a great-grandmother. Zhan Yuan said with some surprise, “Sister-in-law is going back to the old house to recuperate after giving birth? That’s great-the old house is quiet and the air is fresh. It’s a good place to rest.”
When he wasn’t working, he always found it peaceful and relaxing to stay at the old house.
Normally, they were all so busy with work that the old house felt too far away. Every time they went back, they had to leave in a hurry, unable to fully enjoy the calm, serene comfort of the place.
Once the elders in the family retired, they preferred to move back to the villa to live. Even if they didn’t leave the house for a month, they wouldn’t feel bored. The villa was spacious, the scenery was beautiful, and many of their workers lived at the foot of the mountain.
Like his grandmother, who loved to chat with the other elders every day and talk about family matters. Life there was leisurely and comfortable.
Uncle Yang smiled and nodded in agreement.
The ladies were overjoyed when the eldest young lady said she would return to the villa to recover after childbirth.
At that moment, Ouyang Ya’s phone rang.
It was a call from her mother.
She answered, “Mom-“
Unexpectedly, it was her younger brother, Ouyang Jun, on the other end.
“Jun just got out of school.”
Ouyang Ya asked gently, “Did you finish your homework?”
“I got out a while ago and already finished. Sis, why didn’t you take me with you when you went to play at Brother Zhan Yuan’s house? I didn’t even realize you two left me behind until I got home. So mean!”
“I didn’t get to go either,” Ouyang Jian chimed in from the background.
Ouyang Ya chuckled softly. “You two have school, so I couldn’t take you this time. But next time, when you’re on a break, I’ll bring you along to visit.”
Ouyang Jun pouted and said, “But big sis, you have to go to work too. You can ask for leave from work, so why can’t I ask for leave from school? You didn’t even ask for leave for me!”
Ouyang Jun pouted and said, “Doesn’t big sister have to go to work too? She can ask for leave when she’s working, and I can ask for leave when I’m at school-but she never asks for leave for me.”
“Ajun!”
Ouyang Ya’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.
“As long as you’re not sick, you must attend school as usual. Don’t think about
taking leave just to play. Once you start getting used to it, it’ll become a habit.” She wouldn’t allow her younger brother to skip school for fun.
It wasn’t a holiday.
Ouyang Jun went quiet for a moment before saying, “Okay, big sister, I
understand. I won’t ask for leave just to play. But during the summer vacation, you have to take me to Brother Zhan Yuan’s house, alright?”
“Didn’t you say his house is big, beautiful, and fun?”
Ouyang Ya replied, “I just left the airport and got in the car. I’m still on the way to
your Brother Zhan Yuan’s house. I haven’t seen his family yet, so I can’t promise anything.”
“Big sister will be back in a few days. While I’m gone, you and Ajian must study hard and not slack off. Do your homework properly and don’t fall behind.” “When I come back, I’ll check your homework.”
“Okay, big sister. Second brother and I will be good. Will Brother Zhan Yuan come back with you?”
The two little ones were most afraid that Zhan Yuan would stay behind and not return with their eldest sister.
They liked Brother Zhan Yuan a lot.
They had overheard the adults say that their big sister and Brother Zhan Yuan
were dating, which meant there was a 99% chance he’d become their brother-in- law.
That was amazing. Once he officially became their brother-in-law, they wouldn’t have to worry about their big sister firing him.
They could eat the delicious food he cooked anytime.
They could also ask him to play with them and take them out.
The two kids had already noticed that their big sister gave Zhan Yuan special
treatment. As long as he was around, they could do whatever they wanted-and their big sister wouldn’t scold them.
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Ouyang Ya smiled and said, “What’s wrong? Are you worried that Brother Zhan Yuan won’t come back and you won’t get to eat delicious food?”
“There are several chefs at home. Can’t you just eat the food they make?” Ouyang Jun replied, “We’re not just eating for the food. We can eat what the other chefs make, but Brother Zhan Yuan’s cooking is tastier-and he plays with us, too.”
“Brother Zhan Yuan takes us out, and no matter what we do, Big Sister never says anything when he’s around. That’s why we love playing with him.” Ouyang Ya: “………..”
She had to admit, she gave Zhan Yuan a lot of leeway-and now these two little guys had clung to him like he was their secret weapon. In their eyes, as long as Zhan Yuan was around, even the sky falling wouldn’t be a problem.
“Don’t worry. Your Brother Zhan Yuan is going home with your big sister. He didn’t quit- he just took a leave of absence.”
Ouyang Jun sighed in relief and asked with concern, “Big sister, why did Brother Zhan Yuan take leave? Are you going back with him because you’re going to marry him?”
“Big sister, we’ll miss you so much. Please don’t move into Brother Zhan Yuan’s house, okay?”
He’d heard that once a woman gets married, she’s supposed to live with her husband.
Even though they liked Zhan Yuan, that was only because their big sister still lived with them. If she moved in with Zhan Yuan, everything would change-and he didn’t like that.
Once she was gone, it wouldn’t matter how much they liked Brother Zhan Yuan. Because then, he would’ve taken their big sister away.
“Don’t you like Brother Zhan Yuan a lot?”
Ouyang Ya teased him on purpose. “So why don’t you want your big sister to live at his house?”
Ouyang Jun said seriously, “We do like Brother Zhan Yuan, but we like Big Sister even more. As long as Brother Zhan Yuan doesn’t steal Big Sister from us, we’ll always like him.”
“But if he takes her away, then we won’t like him anymore.”
Zhan Yuan, who had been quietly listening to the siblings’ conversation, felt the need to step in and defend himself.
He said, “Ajun, I won’t compete with you for your big sister. She’ll always be yours.”
“Even if she marries me, she’ll still live with you-nothing will change. I’ll still be your cook and make you three meals a day.”
“Even if your big sister marries me, she’ll still live with you, and everything will stay the same. I’ll still be your cook and make you three meals a day.”
“The only difference will be how you address me. Once I marry your sister, you’ll have to call me ‘brother-in-law.’ You can still call me ‘brother,’ just don’t use my full name anymore.”
After hearing that, Ouyang Jun was relieved. Knowing that Zhan Yuan wouldn’t take their eldest sister away, he grinned and said, “Brother Zhan Yuan, as long as you don’t take our sister away, we’ll keep liking you.”
“Brother Zhan Yuan, you have to come back with Big Sister next time. Second Brother and
I will miss you.”
“We have to go to school now, so we can’t go with Big Sister to your place. But when summer vacation comes, you must take us there to play. I want to go to your amusement park!”
Brother Zhan Yuan had told them he had an amusement park at his house-one much bigger than the one at the Ouyang family estate, with way more fun attractions.
The Zhan family was wealthy and thriving.
There were nine grandchildren in Zhan Yin’s generation. When the old lady saw them being born one after another, she generously had a massive amusement park built right on the villa grounds.
Yangyang especially loved visiting the Zhan family’s old house just for the amusement park.
But if Uncle Jiu wasn’t home, it just wasn’t as fun-there was no one to really play with.
Kids from the village at the base of the mountain sometimes came to play with Yangyang, but their parents always reminded them that Yangyang was the Zhan family’s precious little one, so they had to be extra polite.
When Yangyang played with them, it never felt as carefree as it did when he played with Uncle Jiu.
Zhan Yuan smiled and said, “Alright, when summer vacation comes, if your sister’s free, she’ll bring you to visit and stay for a bit.”
“It’s a promise! You can’t go back on your word, Brother Zhan Yuan!” “It’s a promise.”
Ouyang Jun turned to his brother excitedly. “Brother Zhan Yuan promised to take
us there during summer vacation!”
Ouyang Jian was just as happy.
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Of course, Zhan Yuan had more than just a few teachers. The chefs at the hotels under the Zhan Group each had their own specialties, and Zhan Yuan would often seek their advice. His impressive cooking skills today are the result of combining the best techniques from each of them.
After dinner, the old lady invited Ouyang Ya to sit on the sofa and chat.
In fact, Ouyang Ya was almost completely monopolized by the old lady that entire night.
Seeing that he had no chance to sit next to Ouyang Ya, Zhan Yuan decided to go upstairs to tidy up the guest room for her.
Though his mother had already prepared the room, Zhan Yuan was still
concerned. He carefully checked everything and tidied up once more, ensuring
his fiancée would feel comfortable and at ease, like she was at home.
It wasn’t until 10 p.m. that Zhan Yuan finally had a chance to sit beside his fiancée.
Perhaps his grandmother had gotten sleepy and wanted to rest, as the older family members and those of his generation gradually left.
Zhan Yuan sat next to Ouyang Ya, took one of her hands, and held it tightly, saying with a hint of jealousy, “Miss, I knew that once you came, I’d be pushed to the side.”
“From the moment you walked in, I couldn’t get close to you. You became Grandma’s granddaughter, and she monopolized you the entire night.” Ouyang Ya smiled and replied, “Your grandma is a lot like mine. I’m very close with my grandparents, and I couldn’t help but chat with them. I didn’t mean to forget about you.”
“Just call me by my name. You’re still calling me Miss, but I’m your girlfriend now, not just your chef.”
Zhan Yuan leaned over and kissed her cheek gently. Seeing no objection from her, he boldly pressed his lips to hers.
After the kiss, Zhan Yuan pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart racing.
Ouyang Ya stayed in his arms for a moment before gently pushing him away and sitting up straight.
“Aya, I love you,” Zhan Yuan whispered softly, his voice full of affection.
After asking what he wanted, Ouyang Jun said goodbye to his older sister and hung up the phone.
Ouyang Ya smiled and said, “I thought you missed me a lot, but it turns out you were just thinking about going to your house to play.”
“My two brothers like you very much.”
Zhan Yuan replied, “I like them both, too. Besides being my future brothers-in-law, they’re genuinely lovable kids-sensible, yet still delightfully innocent.”
He took Ouyang Ya’s hand again. “Let’s come back during the summer vacation.” “When we return to Wancheng, don’t call me ‘Miss’ anymore. Call me by my name or just Xiaoya, like my family does.”
Zhan Yuan smiled. “I’m used to it.”
“To me, you’ll always be my eldest lady.”
Ouyang Ya gently pinched his handsome face, then leaned on his shoulder and nestled close.
The drive from the airport to Youyou Villa took about two hours.
Zhan Yuan let his beloved rest for a while.
He would wake her when they arrived.
Ouyang Ya said, “I already slept for three hours on the plane. I can’t fall asleep now. If I do, I’ll end up with insomnia tonight.”
Ring, ring, ring…
The phone rang again, but this time it wasn’t Ouyang Ya’s—it was Zhan Yuan’s.
It was a call from Tang Junye.
Zhan Yuan let go of Ouyang Ya’s hand and answered his mother’s call.
“Zhan Yuan, have you landed?”
“Mom, we’re on our way back. Uncle Yang picked us up. We should be home
around 7:30 p.m. If you’re hungry, please eat first. You don’t have to wait for us.”
Married at First Sight Chapter 4365
“Mom, we’re on our way back. Uncle Yang picked us up. We should be home around 7:30 p.m. If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat first-you don’t need to wait for us.”
“We had something to eat on the plane, so we’re not hungry.”
In our family, dinner usually starts at 6 p.m.
Our dining schedule rarely changes.
Zhan Yuan felt a little guilty for making the whole family wait.
Tang Junye replied, “It’s okay. We’re not hungry either. We had afternoon tea, so we’re fine. We’ll wait for you two to get back before eating.”
“Make sure to take good care of Miss Ouyang.”
Tang Junye was very pleased with Ouyang Ya. In the past, she might have even said this younger daughter-in-law was better than Haitong, her elder daughter-in- law.
But now, after spending years with Haitong, their bond had grown.
She hadn’t yet formed the same emotional connection with Ouyang Ya. No matter how satisfied she was with her, she wouldn’t speak poorly of Haitong. Deep down, her emotional balance still tilted in Haitong’s favor.
“Mom, I will.”
“Alright, call me when you’re almost home,” said Tang Junye.
Zhan Yuan gave a hum of acknowledgment.
He wanted to say more, but his mother had already hung up.
She only called to check if he had landed-nothing more? Not a single extra word?
Zhan Yuan could already picture what it would be like when they got home. Ouyang Ya would be the center of attention, warmly welcomed by everyone and doted on by the whole family. Meanwhile, he-the son who brought her back- would be quietly brushed aside by his own parents.
Around 7:30 in the evening, the car carrying Zhan Yuan and Ouyang Ya arrived at Youyou Villa.
It drove straight to the main house at the center of the estate and came to a stop. Earlier, when they reached the foot of the mountain, Zhan Yuan had asked Uncle Yang to roll down the window so that Ouyang Ya could enjoy the view.
From the villa entrance to the main house, the night scenery along the way made Ouyang Ya-who had seen her fair share of the world-let out a sigh of admiration. “Ruotong said your Zhan family’s estate is beautiful, like a painting in every season. It’s true.”
The night view was indeed stunning.
Zhan Yuan gave a faint smile. “After breakfast tomorrow, I’ll take you on a walk around the villa. I doubt I’ll be free tonight.”
Everyone was waiting for their return.
It was Ouyang Ya’s first visit, her first time meeting his parents. She would soon
be surrounded by elders and likely wouldn’t have time for a stroll.
But they had a few days.
He could slowly show her around the entire villa.
“Alright.”
They got out of the car, and Zhan Yuan took her hand, leading her into the house. At the door, Ouyang Ya noticed a middle-aged woman smiling warmly. When she saw them, she respectfully addressed Zhan Yuan as “Sixth Young Master” and then greeted Ouyang Ya politely.
Then, following Ouyang Ya’s glance, she turned around with a smile and trotted inside to announce that the Sixth Young Master had arrived with Miss Ouyang. A wave of nervousness came over Ouyang Ya.
But only for a moment.
After all, she had been chosen by Grandma Zhan herself. It was the Zhan family elders who had first taken a liking to her. She hadn’t gone out of her way to pursue Zhan Yuan.
So what was there to be nervous about?
She believed the Zhan family would welcome her and wouldn’t try to find fault. Ouyang Ya also felt she was good enough that there’d be nothing they could criticize.
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Ouyang Ya also believed she was good enough that the Zhan family wouldn’t be able to find any fault with her.
She quickly regained her confidence and let Zhan Yuan hold her hand. She didn’t move forward until Uncle Yang and the bodyguards had finished unloading the two large suitcases.
Inside the house, when everyone heard that Zhan Yuan had returned, the old lady stood up with a smile. Surrounded by the family, she looked toward the entrance. The moment Zhan Yuan and Ouyang Ya appeared in her view, her face lit up with joy.
A major event in her grandson’s life had been settled.
How could she not be happy?
With her guidance, the grandchildren she raised had found wonderful partners, fallen in love, and were getting married.
From now on, happiness awaited them.
As a grandmother, her deepest wish was for all nine of her grandchildren to live fulfilling lives-that was her mission.
“Grandma, we’re back.”
“Grandma Zhan.”
Ouyang Ya also wore a smile. Usually cool and reserved, she had the presence of an ice queen.
But when she smiled, that chill melted away, enhancing her beauty even more. Zhan Yuan loved seeing her sweet smile-it completely captivated him.
“Xiaoya, you’ve been on a plane for hours and then in the car for nearly two more. You must be tired. Come, sit down.”
The old lady waited for the pair to approach, then lovingly took Ouyang Ya’s hand and guided her to the sofa, settling her down with ease. She then began
introducing everyone in the room.
Ouyang Ya greeted them one by one.
As she glanced at each of the Zhan family’s young masters, she silently agreed with what her good friend Fu Ruotong had once said: the Zhan brothers were all incredibly outstanding-so handsome it was enough to provoke envy from both mortals and gods.
If that was the case, then the rumors were absolutely true.
The elders of the Zhan family were also remarkably well-preserved. Her future in- laws, for example, looked like they were in their forties or fifties-no one would guess they were already over sixty.
They still exuded charm, clearly once handsome and beautiful in their youth. With generation after generation of strong genes, it was no surprise that all of Zhan Yuan’s brothers were so strikingly good-looking.
Now she understood why so many women were eager to marry into the Zhan family. Not only was the Zhan family the wealthiest in Dongguan City, with immense financial power, but the sons were all accomplished men with successful careers.
Even more important was their admirable family tradition. Once a Zhan man married, he would remain loyal for life-faithful to his partner and never straying. A husband like that, both handsome and devoted, would belong to you forever. Who wouldn’t want a husband like that—and in-laws like these?
If she hadn’t met him herself, Ouyang Ya would have believed that men like the young masters of the Zhan family existed only in novels.
Surely not in real life.
Any woman lucky enough to marry into the Zhan family would become the object of envy, jealousy, and admiration.
Thinking back, Ouyang Ya remembered how calmly she had accepted the news that she was the daughter-in-law personally chosen for Zhan Yuan by Grandma Zhan. She hadn’t resisted-in fact, she felt grateful that Zhan Yuan had chosen to pursue her.
The old lady clearly cared deeply about Ouyang Ya’s well-being. Knowing the couple would be staying in Dongguan for a few days made her even happier. The gifts Ouyang Ya brought filled two large suitcases. She opened them herself and handed out the presents one by one to each family member.
She said she would personally deliver the gifts to Haitong’s family of three during her hospital visit the next day.
She had even prepared gifts for Liberty’s family-such attention to detail spoke volumes.
Of course, it was Zhan Yuan who had been so thoughtful. She paid for the gifts, but it was he who had created the list.
“You must be hungry, Xiaoya. Let’s go eat.”
The old lady only had eyes for Ouyang Ya now.
As for the grandson who brought her such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law? He might as well have been thrown into the Pacific Ocean-completely forgotten. Zhan Yuan, now ignored and pushed to the sidelines, had already anticipated this outcome.
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Zhan Yuan, who had been ignored and pushed into a corner by his family, had already expected this outcome.
The old lady led Ouyang Ya into the dining room.
Everyone else followed behind.
Ouyang Ya said apologetically, “Grandma Zhan, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for making you all wait on an empty stomach. I should’ve left earlier with Zhan Yuan.”
The old lady smiled and replied, “It’s alright. We usually eat around this time anyway—it worked out perfectly.”
“You’re so busy with work. We’re just happy you could come home with Zhan Yuan,” she added warmly.
Tang Junye smiled and nodded in agreement with her mother-in-law.
Zhan Yuan tried to catch up, but his brothers pushed him toward the back of the group.
The eighth brother said to him, “Sixth Brother, why are you squeezing so hard?” Zhan Yuan frowned. “Can you guys stop pushing me around like this?”
The youngest of the brothers grinned. “We just want a good look at Sixth Sister-in- law. It’s her first time here we haven’t seen her in person before.”
Zhan Yuan shot back, “If it weren’t for me, your Sixth Brother, where would your Sixth Sister-in-law have come from?”
The youngest brother laughed. “Yes, yes. Thank you, Sixth Brother, for bringing
us a Sixth Sister-in-law. Now that your mission is complete, you can step aside- your job is done.”
Zhan Yuan: “…How is my job done? Your Sixth Sister-in-law and I aren’t even married yet!”
This guy really needed a beating for saying that.
Without him-Sixth Brother-how would there even be a Sixth Sister-in-law?
Without him marrying her, did they think Ouyang Ya would have just come to their door on her own? What did they mean he had nothing to do with it?
Did they plan on having a wedding without a groom?
The Eighth Young Master laughed again. “Sorry, I spoke too fast and misspoke.” Then, without giving Zhan Yuan a chance, he pushed him behind, entered the dining room first, and sat down in his usual seat.
Zhan Yuan ended up being the last to enter. He had planned to sit beside his beloved eldest lady, but when he saw his mother on Ouyang Ya’s left and his grandmother on her right, he knew better than to challenge the positions of those two revered figures.
He could only return to his regular seat in defeat.
During the meal, Grandma would occasionally rotate the lazy Susan to bring dishes closer to Ouyang Ya.
“Grandma knows how well Zhan Yuan cooks. I was his very first cooking teacher. A few of the dishes tonight were prepared by me. Xiaoya, give them a try.” Everyone in the family already knew that Ouyang Ya was famously picky with food.
To accommodate her, the old lady had instructed the chef to prepare dishes tailored to her taste. Still not reassured, she had gone into the kitchen herself to make a few dishes. If age and energy hadn’t limited her, she might have insisted on cooking the entire meal.
Ouyang Ya smiled a little awkwardly. She had every reason to be picky, and back home, everyone accepted it. But now, visiting the Zhan family for the first time, she realized that being hard to please might not be such a virtue. “Grandma Zhan, since you were Zhan Yuan’s first cooking teacher, your food must be amazing. I’ll try it.”
She took the dish Grandma offered. With so many eyes on her, she knew she had
to give face to the elder-no matter how it tasted, she had to eat it.
Bracing herself as if facing a trial by fire, Ouyang Ya took a bite of the dish.
To her surprise, the taste was familiar-it reminded her of Zhan Yuan’s cooking. It was delicious and totally to her liking.
Clearly, Grandma was worthy of being called Zhan Yuan’s first culinary teacher. Yes, Zhan Yuan had once told her that his passion for cooking began in
childhood, when he learned from the chefs at home.
And all those chefs had been his mentors-starting with Grandma.
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The chefs of the Zhan family had all been Zhan Yuan’s mentors.
“How is it? Do you like it?” the old lady asked. “Xiaoya, don’t force yourself. If it tastes good, eat more. If it doesn’t, just tell me I’ll have Zhan Yuan whip up a couple of dishes for you right away.”
Zhan Yuan had complete confidence in both the family chefs and his
grandmother.
He picked up a bite with his chopsticks and said, “The eldest lady would never force herself. If she says it’s good, she means it. Our chefs haven’t changed.”
In other words, the same chefs who had taught Zhan Yuan to cook were still with the family.
Everyone was used to their food. Changing chefs would take time to adjust, and beyond that, the household had developed deep bonds with them. Most had been working with the Zhan family for over ten or even twenty years.
As long as the chefs were still capable, they wouldn’t be asked to retire. And when they did reach retirement, the family ensured they received a monthly pension. After all, they had spent their best years satisfying the tastes of the Zhan household-it was only right to take care of them afterward.
Ouyang Ya replied, “Grandma Zhan, the dishes are delicious. You truly deserve the title of Zhan Yuan’s cooking teacher. A great teacher raises great students.” She hadn’t expected Grandma Zhan to be skilled in the kitchen.
But then again, someone of her generation had likely lived through a great deal. She’d heard that Grandma Zhan was once a wealthy heiress, whose family later
fell into poverty before regaining their fortune. With such a journey full of ups and downs, it made sense that she would know her way around a kitchen. Ouyang Ya genuinely enjoyed the meal, which reassured the old lady and everyone else at the table.
Although Zhan Yuan was a talented cook, he wasn’t home every day. Sometimes work took him away, and they had worried that Ouyang Ya might not enjoy the meals prepared by the household chefs.
Now that she clearly did, they were all at ease.
And the old lady remained fully confident in the chefs she had trained-especially
since they’d raised such a capable student in Zhan Yuan.
Of course, Zhan Yuan had more than just a few teachers. The chefs at the hotels owned by the Zhan Group each had their specialties, and Zhan Yuan would often seek their guidance. His impressive cooking skills today were the result of learning from each one and combining their strengths.
After dinner, the old lady brought Ouyang Ya over to sit on the sofa and chat.
It could be said that Ouyang Ya was practically monopolized by the old lady the entire evening.
Seeing he had no chance to sit beside Ouyang Ya, Zhan Yuan gave up and went upstairs to prepare the guest room for her.
Although his mother had already had it cleaned, Zhan Yuan still felt the need to doublecheck everything. He carefully inspected the room and tidied it up again to ensure his young lady would feel completely at ease—comfortable and relaxed, just like at home.
It wasn’t until ten o’clock that night that Zhan Yuan finally had a chance to be alone with his fiancée.
Or perhaps it was just that Grandma had grown tired and decided to rest,
prompting the other elders and his brothers to leave one by one.
Zhan Yuan sat down next to Ouyang Ya, took her hand, and held it tightly. Jealousy tinged his voice as he said, “Miss, I knew I’d be sidelined the moment you arrived.”
“From the second you walked in, I couldn’t get anywhere near you. You instantly became
Grandma’s granddaughter—she kept you to herself the whole evening.”
Ouyang Ya smiled and replied, “Your grandma reminds me a bit of my own. I’ve always had a close relationship with my grandparents. I just got carried away chatting with her and forgot about you.”
“Just call me by my name,” she added. “You still call me Miss in your own house I’m worried your family will find it strange.”
“You’re my boyfriend now, not my chef.”
Zhan Yuan leaned over and gave her a tentative kiss on the cheek. When she didn’t pull away, he grew bolder and kissed her lips.
After the kiss, Zhan Yuan pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart racing. Ouyang Ya stayed in his arms for a moment, then gently pushed him away and sat up straight again.
“Aya, I love you,” Zhan Yuan said softly, his voice full of affection.
Zhan Yuan spoke in a low, affectionate voice.
Ouyang Ya’s pretty face flushed slightly. She met his tender gaze and softly replied, “I love you, too.”
Raising her hand, she touched his cheek and smiled. “Alright, don’t be jealous. They’re your parents and brothers—your family. They like me, and I get along well with them. That should make you happy.”
Zhan Yuan still sounded a little sour. “You didn’t even glance at me all evening. From what I noticed, you only looked at me twice.”
“Twice is enough, isn’t it?” she laughed.
Ouyang Ya couldn’t hold back anymore-she burst out laughing.
This man, getting jealous over his own family, was just too funny.
Zhan Yuan looked at her with deep affection, joining in her laughter.
She usually carried herself with a calm, reserved demeanor, rarely smiling, let
alone laughing freely.
But he loved seeing her like this-genuinely happy.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.
Zhan Yuan replied tenderly, “Aya, you’re so beautiful. When you smile, you’re breathtaking-enough to captivate a nation. You drive me crazy in the best way. You’re the only one I see, the only one in my heart.”
Ouyang Ya smiled again and gently pinched his handsome face. “You’re so sweet right now, like your lips are coated in honey.”
“I’m being sincere,” Zhan Yuan quickly defended himself. “I didn’t say that to flatter you- it’s the honest truth.
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“Why haven’t I heard you say things like that before-praising me for being pretty?”
Ouyang Ya teased him, amused by his nervous expression.
His anxious look made her want to keep teasing him.
“Before we made our relationship official, I didn’t dare say such things. I was afraid you’d think I was just trying to flatter you and that it would leave a bad impression.”
“Aya, to me, you are truly the most beautiful woman in the world. I love you, and only you.”
Ouyang Ya smiled and replied, “Okay, I’m just kidding. You don’t have to be nervous or worried.”
“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. In your eyes, I am the most beautiful
woman.” She was indeed quite pretty-and she knew it.
A beauty is still a beauty, though she felt she fell slightly short compared to those rare, stunningly charming women.
In the Zhan family, her appearance was just considered decent.
The Zhan family was full of handsome men and beautiful women.
No unattractive woman ever married into the Zhan family. Though their
personalities varied, each had her own unique beauty.
“Let’s go to the hospital tomorrow to visit your sister-in-law and your nephew.”
Ouyang Ya added, “I haven’t seen a little baby in years.”
Her last memory of a newborn was when her cousin was born-five or six years ago.
Now, Ajian was in the senior class of kindergarten and would start first grade this September, at the same school as his older brother. He’d been saying for a long time that he wanted to go to the same school as him.
Now, Ajian is in the senior class of kindergarten and will start first grade in primary school this September-at the same school as his older brother. He’s long expressed his desire to attend the same school as him.
The two brothers share a close bond.
As their sisters, they were happy to see this and hoped the boys would maintain a strong relationship from childhood into adulthood. If they worked together in the future, they could jointly shoulder the responsibilities of the Ouyang family. “It’s been even longer for me. Since the ninth child was born, there hasn’t been a new baby in our family for over ten years.”
So, the entire family placed great importance on their sister-in-law’s pregnancy. When the baby was born, all the uncles-regardless of where they were or how busy-dropped everything and rushed back to see the newborn.
Technically, they could have waited until the baby’s one-month celebration to return, but none of them could wait. They were eager to meet their nephew. Since the eldest sisterin-law had a natural delivery, she wouldn’t need to stay in the hospital long.
If they wanted to see the baby, visiting her in the hospital before discharge was much more convenient.
Once she returned home to recuperate, it would be harder to visit, and they’d have to wait until the full-month celebration.
“Aya, it’s late-go and get some rest now.”
“After breakfast tomorrow, would you like me to show you around the villa before heading to the hospital to visit my sister-in-law?”
Ouyang Ya replied, “No need. After breakfast, we’ll go straight to the hospital to see your sister-in-law. She’s being discharged tomorrow, and your family will be there too. We’ll wait and come back together.”
“We have a few days here, so there’s no rush to tour the villa. When we’re older and Jun and Jian take over the business, I’ll retire. Then we can come back to the villa to live. The air here is so fresh.”
It was even fresher than the air in her own courtyard at home. That kind of pure, natural air could only be found in the countryside around City A.
Grandma Zhan truly knew how to enjoy life. She had the villa built here and even bought several hilltops to grow various fruits. At the foot of the mountain, she had also planted expansive flower fields.
With the family’s growing businesses, they had to hire more workers to manage everything.
Married at First Sight Chapter 4370
There are many people around the mountain and in the surrounding area, so you won’t feel lonely, and it’s relatively safer with so many people nearby.
If there weren’t so many workers, no one would know if something happened to the master’s family-like a kidnapping.
Fu Ruotong once said that in Wancheng, no one dares to touch anyone from the Zhan family—not just because of their status, but also because of the strong relationship between the Zhan and Su families.
Thinking of the Su family, Ouyang Ya asked tentatively, “Zhan Yuan, I’ve heard a lot about the Su family. Could you take me to visit them? Is it convenient? If not, please don’t feel pressured.”
Zhan Yuan smiled and said, “It’s very convenient. Brother Su Nan and my eldest brother are very close, like real brothers. Our families have been close friends for generations. Uncle Su treats my grandmother like his own mother.”
“It’s difficult for outsiders to enter the Su residence, but for us Zhan family members, it’s as easy as going to our own home.”
“My sister-in-law will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, and I believe Sister Xiaojun will also be there. I’ll introduce you to her then. She’s Brother Su Nan’s wife and a good friend of my sister-in-law.”
Ouyang Ya looked a little surprised and asked, “So your sister-in-law’s best friend married your sister-in-law’s good brother?”
“Yes,” Zhan Yuan replied. “My eldest sister-in-law and Sister Xiaojun co-own a bookstore. My eldest brother often visited my sister-in-law there and thought Sister Xiaojun was a great person, so he introduced her to Brother Su Nan.” “Brother Su Nan really liked Sister Xiaojun. They naturally fell in love, got married, and had children. Her family was relocated and owns many shops and rental properties. The rent she collects each month is more than most people earn in a lifetime.”
Ouyang Ya smiled and asked, “Do you know any outstanding men who might be suitable for A Ting?”
The question caught Zhan Yuan off guard.
After thinking for a moment, he said apologetically, “The Second Miss is truly exceptional. Most of the talented young men I know are already married or in relationships. I honestly don’t know anyone who would be a good match for her right now.”
His brothers had all been matched by their grandmother.
“What kind of man does the Second Miss like? When the time comes, we’ll keep an eye out and try to find someone suitable for her.”
There’s no need to look as far as Dongguan.
Mrs. Ouyang likely wouldn’t want her eldest daughter to marry so far away. She figured Mrs. Ouyang wouldn’t want her eldest daughter to marry far away. After he and Ouyang Ya made their relationship public, Mrs. Ouyang was concerned. He assured her that even after marriage, he would continue working as the Ouyang family’s private chef, remain employed by them, and live with the Ouyang family long-term. Only then did Mrs. Ouyang reluctantly give her approval.
“She said she likes men like you-self-disciplined, with positive values, a good family background, capable, and not bad-looking.”
Zhan Yuan: “…”
“At first, I thought she had feelings for you, so I kept teasing her and even considered playing matchmaker. But she told me she simply admired you and didn’t have romantic feelings.”
“I didn’t believe her at first. But later, I realized it was true-there was no love between you two. You were always respectful and polite to her, but kept your distance. You never treated her the way you treat me.”
“Tingting also said repeatedly that she didn’t love you, just admired you and thought you were amazing. Later, she teased me, saying it felt like you had gone to City A just for me.”
At that, Ouyang Ya smiled and continued, “It’s true—those involved can be
confused, but outsiders often see things more clearly.”
“Tingting was right.”
Zhan Yuan had indeed come for her.
Fortunately, her sister truly had no romantic feelings for Zhan Yuan, and he clearly kept his distance from her sister as well.
Otherwise, if both sisters had fallen for the same man, it could’ve damaged their relationship—and she and Zhan Yuan would have had no future.
She had no intention of competing with her sister for a man, and her sister likely
felt the same. If it had come to that, it’s possible both would’ve chosen to let go of Zhan Yuan.
To her, sisterhood came first.
As for love-she believed it was always possible to find someone else.
But she didn’t say that out loud, worried Zhan Yuan might take it the wrong way
and get upset and then she’d have to coax him.