Chapter 401
For years, Tamika had stayed home, honing her culinary skills instead of working. She’d mastered them completely. Whenever Alarieka returned late from work, Tamika always had a midnight snack ready.
Tamika brought another bowl from the kitchen. “Where’s Shi Yao? Why isn’t he with you? I made his portion, too.”
Without looking up, Alarieka replied, “Just leave it. He’s busy. Might not even come back tonight.”
Tamika slowly said, “Oh,” placed the bowl on the table, and sat beside her.
“Alarieka, honey… Mom needs to ask you something.”
Alarieka swallowed her taro paste. “Go ahead.”
Tamika lowered her voice. “How are things with Shi Yao lately?”
Alarieka answered offhandedly, “Same as always.”
Tamika clicked her tongue. “You know what I mean. Out with it.”
Alarieka knew exactly. For years, Tamika had subtly—and sometimes not so subtly—pushed her toward Shi Yao. Even usually oblivious Nie Guanyu noticed how obvious it was. It often made Alarieka genuinely uncomfortable. She likely felt nothing for Shi Yao. To her, he was no different from Jaylene or Nie Guanyu.
Alarieka said flatly, “Just drop it. It’s never happening.”
Tamika reacted strongly. “Never? I’ve watched him all these years! Remember how good he was to you as kids? Worked for free—no salary, no shares, no dividends. Helped you build your business asking for nothing! Where can you find such a good man?”
Alarieka sighed helplessly.
Tamika clapped her hands. “Tell me this: Did you ever offer him a salary or shares like I told you?”
Alarieka frowned in exasperation. “Mom, I told you—he refused.”
“Why wouldn’t I want it? It’s precisely because I fancy you that I’m refusing!”
Alarieka Huston helplessly set down her spoon. “Mom, what are you talking about? We never meant anything like that. How many years have you misunderstood this? And where did you even get the idea that Shi Yao likes me? That’s absolutely impossible!”
Given that there had never been the slightest hint of ambiguity or overstepping between them all these years, and that Shi Yao would inexplicably vanish for periods without ever telling her where he went, when he’d return, or when he’d leave again, would a man who likes a woman constantly disappear without explanation? Impossible.
Based on all this, she and Shi Yao could only ever be ordinary friends. From him, she saw not a single trace of affection. Not one bit.
Yet people around her—Tamika Coldberg, Jaylene, even the usually quiet Nie Guanyu—kept trying to push them together. Alarieka truly couldn’t fathom their reasoning.
Tamika Coldberg frowned. “What do you mean I misunderstood? You’re just being stubborn, Alarieka Huston. Let me tell you, I knew at first glance that Shi Yao is a good man. All these years, whenever he had free time, he’d come ask me how to cook your favorite dishes. A man like that needs to be fought for, you see? If you don’t seize the chance, watch out—some other woman will snatch him up, and you’ll be crying with nowhere to turn.”
Alarieka Huston chewed her food expressionlessly, Tamika’s words in her ears while the image of Shi Yao chasing after that Cutie Pie in the parking lot replayed in her mind. The worry etched between Shi Yao’s brows couldn’t have been fake. His hurried steps showed genuine concern for the girl’s safety. Alarieka had no idea who that Cutie Pie was.
Swallowing her food, she responded: “Just drop it. Shi Yao’s already run off with another woman.” She tilted her chin toward the wall clock. “Look what time it is. Shi Yao’s out there with some girl right now.”
“You’re serious?”
“Call him yourself if you don’t believe me.”