The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul-Chapter 1014 - 1013. Where did you learn the skills from?

"You’re just afraid of missing tomorrow’s final exams, aren’t you, Miss Tang, who always secures the top spot in the grade?"

Wen Nuan mercilessly exposed her true intentions, started the car, and headed toward the capital city. Three hours later, they arrived at the north gate of Palm Pavilion Community.

"Go home and get a good night’s rest. This matter can end here. Leave the rest to us."

"Got it. Good luck to you."

Tang Shu hoisted her toiletries onto her back and waved her hand without looking back.

The non-stop mental and physical exertion of the past twenty-odd days had indeed taken a toll on her. She felt as if she’d been thrown back into the Tang Sect trials by her grandfather and reshaped all over again.

At least she managed to cure that group of people from poisons and curses; otherwise, the Tang Sect’s reputation in Poison Techniques might not have survived.

Returning to her home after more than twenty days away, Tang Shu found herself feeling a little out of place. When she closed her eyes, all she could see were the intricate medicinal herb recipes or Shan Jiang with the tools in his hands.

Sinking into a hot bathtub, she opened her phone and was immediately shocked by the flood of messages from Shen Yan and the others.

"Huh? Was everything this lively while I was away?"

Her reputation had apparently experienced a rollercoaster ride, and some even mentioned Feng Yan... That name did sound vaguely familiar.

Fortunately, it had all been perfectly resolved. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to rest easy after returning and might not have gotten a single good night’s sleep.

Tang Shu let out a comfortable sigh, stretched her legs, and shifted into a cozier position. She used her exposed arms to type a message, responding to her colleagues at Starshine Media one word at a time.

"Buzz buzz——"

A notification vibrated. Tang Shu glanced at the screen and saw a private message from Jing Yu pop up.

[Jing Yu]: "You’re back? Have you had dinner yet?"

[Tang Shu]: "Just got home, haven’t eaten yet. What about you?"

[Jing Yu]: "Just came back from the nearby supermarket, waiting for you."

Tang Shu let out a light chuckle. Her usually cool and reserved eyes curved into crescents, clearly reflecting her cheerful mood at the moment.

Half an hour later, she changed into some casual, comfortable clothes and threw on a white puffer jacket before appearing at the Jing Family Villa next door.

Jing Yu, wearing a familiar SpongeBob apron, was busy cooking in the kitchen. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Wash your hands. Dinner’s ready."

Tang Shu let out an "Oh," washed her hands, and dried them. It was only then she realized the dish in the pan was the last one. Two dishes and a soup were already placed on the dining table, still steaming hot.

"Is Aunt Lin not here?"

"I just got back today from a business trip; Aunt Lin went home."

Jing Yu placed the final dish, stir-fried romaine lettuce, on the dining table and poured Tang Shu a cup of warm milk.

"Look at you, so tired you’ve got dark circles under your eyes."

"..."

Tang Shu blinked. Fresh out of a bath, her whole body felt relaxed, yet the weariness seemed only partially lifted, leaving her drowsy.

Jing Yu didn’t hear her respond and looked up again, only to notice that his usually sharp-eyed girlfriend was now staring blankly at the dishes, a sluggishness that was rare for her.

"...Let’s eat first."

"You eat too."

As they ate, their conversation touched on recent events—though, in truth, Jing Yu did most of the talking, as the places Tang Shu had been involved in were classified, something even former insiders like Jing Yu couldn’t pry into.

"Final exams are tomorrow? Do you still have time?"

"Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve reviewed."

"So, during these twenty-something days, you divided your time into three parts, huh?"

No wonder the dark circles were so prominent. Seeing her subtle nod, Jing Yu sighed, rubbed his temple in exasperation, and got up to clear the table.

"Go watch some TV in the living room. I’ll take care of this."

"Should I help you?"

"No need. Uncle Tang said that any plate you’ve touched would somehow taste bland the next time it’s used."

"..."

Tang Shu’s expression began to crack. That man was definitely her real dad!

Jing Yu reached out and ruffled her freshly washed, fluffy black hair, then turned and headed to the kitchen. Not long after, the sound of TV dialogue drifted in from the living room.

However, when he finished cleaning up after five minutes and walked into the living room, he saw Tang Shu lying on the sofa, asleep with her head resting on a stuffed toy.

Though a dramatic fight scene was playing on the TV, it couldn’t disturb the girl in deep sleep. Her steady breathing sharply contrasted with the clamor of the show.

Jing Yu froze before stepping softly toward her. He picked up the remote, turned off the TV, and bent down to carry Tang Shu away. The girl murmured something, struggling to open her eyes for a glance at him.

"...Jing Yu?"

"It’s me. Sleep."

Tang Shu was utterly exhausted. She closed her eyes and fell asleep again, the faint scent of rose from her shower wafting into Jing Yu’s senses.

A moment later, holding her snugly, he headed upstairs.

***

Tang Shu was awakened by the alarm clock.

Opening her eyes to a ceiling painted in unfamiliar sky blue, she took a moment to react before recalling that... she didn’t seem to have gone home last night?

Piecing her memory back together, Tang Shu sat up and surveyed the room. The slightly familiar decor quickly reminded her of where she was. Her phone was already fully charged, and the alarm was set for 7 a.m.

This was Jing Yu’s bedroom. She’d only been here once before, but she clearly remembered the adjacent screening room that had left her green with envy.

"Knock knock——"

"Come in."

The bedroom door opened, and Jing Yu appeared in casual loungewear. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned arms.

"Awake? Get up and have breakfast. I’ll take you to school later."

Tang Shu noticed his hands were dusted with some flour.

Fifteen minutes later, freshly cleaned up, Tang Shu sat across from Jing Yu at the dining table. A simple breakfast had been laid out, including an extra serving of delicate wontons.

"Ahem, where did you sleep last night?"

Jing Yu raised an eyebrow at her question and set down his porridge bowl. "Where do you think I slept?"

"..."

She had no answer to that.

"Sorry for stealing your place."

"That’s okay. Next time, I’ll steal yours."

"..."

Tang Shu was speechless.

Jing Yu chuckled softly. "Hurry and eat. Afterward, go home, change into something else, and pack up your exam materials. I’ll take you to school."

Tang Shu took a frustrated bite of a wonton, only to find the filling exceptionally flavorful, with a wonderfully balanced broth.

"Eh? Where’d you learn this cooking skill?"

"From an old shop in the East District. It seems like it’s good?"

"Very good. Did you secretly learn from their chef?"

"It was proper learning. I even paid tuition," Jing Yu replied. "If you want to try it for yourself... the shop’s quite near your school. You could go there for lunch."

Tang Shu swallowed a spoonful of soup, savoring the rich, fresh flavor. The shrimp was perfectly portioned. "What about work? Aren’t you going in today?"

"No need. Even bosses need days off."

Having just returned from a business trip, Jing Yu had no urgent tasks at the company. And since Tang Shu’s little assistant hadn’t kept her informed, he’d happily taken on the role of her temporary assistant.

Thus, over her two days of exams, Tang Shu successfully sampled the delicacies of four century-old eateries near the East District.