Volume One, Chapter 20: Understanding That Capturing the Heart Requires First Capturing the Appetite

Four hours had passed, and Wen Zhi had already learned the basic skills of skiing and was ready to try sliding down the slope.

She stood at the mountain peak, gazing at the snowy slope below, her heart pounding faster.

She glanced back at Shen Nianchi, feeling nervous. "I'm scared..."

The feeling was just like confessing love—knowing you might be rejected, but still wanting to give it a try.

Her heartbeat thundered in her chest.

She clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and lifted her leg, preparing to take the first step down.

Just as she was about to move forward, someone grabbed her wrist, and suddenly her body was pulled into a warm embrace.

A strong masculine scent enveloped her.

Her face pressed against his chest, she listened to his steady, powerful heartbeat. Dizziness washed over her; her breathing quickened. She dared not look up, biting her lower lip tightly.

She had been held by him before—she should have some pride and not be so nervous!

A magnetic, gentle voice whispered by her ear: "The first time skiing, it's easy to get hurt. After you take off your skis, I'll take you down once, then you can try on your own..."

Wen Zhi was stunned by his words.

After a long moment, she raised her head, looking at Shen Nianchi's profile. Her lips moved slightly but no words came out.

After removing her skis, the two stood at the top of the slope. Sliding straight down from here would be incredibly fast!

Wen Zhi clung tightly to him, afraid to move in his arms.

The wind howled past her ears, and the snowflakes brushing against her face and neck sent a tingling sensation.

They slid down the mountain at a breakneck speed, unable to brake in time, only able to steer.

Shen Nianchi guided her to a small gentle slope nearby and stopped. Wen Zhi’s heart pounded wildly with fear.

She sat down on the snow, gasping for breath.

He bent down, lifted her onto the ski board, took off his goggles and mask, then cupped her cheeks, resting his forehead against hers, whispering, "It's alright. Don’t be afraid anymore. See? It’s not so bad."

Her eyes were large and bright, like glossy black grapes, fluttering with long lashes. A tiny beauty mark beneath her lower lashes made her look particularly endearing.

He rarely saw her so lost in thought—this was a first.

Shen Nianchi lowered his gaze, tightened his lips, and reached out to brush aside her tangled hair.

Time passed in silence. Wen Zhi’s eyes moved slowly until they settled on his handsome face.

Noticing his steady gaze, her heart fluttered uncontrollably, pounding hard, warming her ears.

His fingers were dry and warm; the touch as he brushed her hair was soothing. She couldn’t help but reach out and hold his wrist.

He remained calm and continued, "Feeling any better?"

"Yes."

She nodded and released his hand, standing up.

The staff brought over her skis. He helped secure them, held her hand, and taught her how to balance and find the rhythm of skiing.

As he patiently corrected her mistakes and guided her, Wen Zhi smiled softly, nodded seriously, and followed his instructions.

She gradually adapted, going from slow to faster speeds.

Standing at the mountain peak, she could see everything down at the foot of the hill. Nearby, a couple skied together—the girl was carried into the boy’s arms.

Wen Zhi watched for a moment, then shifted her gaze. Just as she was about to slide down the slope, she suddenly heard a low, husky voice behind her: "Sheng Sheng, you can do it!"

She paused, turned slightly, and met Shen Nianchi’s eyes in the distance—an intense gaze exchanged.

Their eyes locked.

Her clear eyes reflected his figure, while his deep, focused gaze seemed to pierce through her heart.

In that moment, Wen Zhi felt irresistibly drawn to him.

Her chest fluttered with an indescribable excitement.

"Don’t be afraid. I’ll catch you," Shen Nianchi smiled gently.

"Okay."

Wen Zhi nodded, took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and slid down the gentler slope. The wind roared past her ears as she aimed for his tall figure, then braked and crashed into his arms.

She closed her eyes, holding him tightly, breathing in his fresh, clean scent.

"Great job!"

His voice was low and gentle, laced with praise.

Wen Zhi opened her eyes, facing the wind and bright sunlight.

Under the sun, his features were sharp and dignified, radiating a cool and noble aura.

A faint smile rested on his face—warm and tender like a winter sun, wrapping her in a cozy glow.

In that instant, the world seemed to quiet down, leaving only the two of them in existence.

Meanwhile, in the livestream chat, viewers flooded the screen with comments:

"Wow, I can smell the scent of love!"

"I declare myself a jealous lemon!"

"I'm jealous too!"

"Why am I eating dog food? Because I’m single!"

"Their world is so perfect, but why is there an annoying third party?"

"Why did Wei Yuan have to butt in like that?"

"I have a bad feeling about Wei Yuan. He’s overly attentive to Wen Zhi—he must have some tricks. But don’t worry, hubby, we only ship the close couple."

"Sheng Sheng, Sheng Sheng, I love you! I want endless life for you!"

"I'm Teacher Shen’s little fan girl; Sheng Sheng is my wife. No one can take her away!"

"Wei Yuan, you’re mine!"

"Sheng Sheng, don’t get too close to Teacher Shen. Don’t look into his eyes; I’ll get jealous."

"Ahhh, Teacher Shen’s eyes are getting more and more seductive!"

"Oh no, I can’t handle this; he’s way too charming!"

"Ahhh, these two together are just perfect!"

...

In the restaurant kitchen, Wei Yuan was being punished, preparing lunch for the three of them.

It was already 11:30 a.m., and he was thinking about what dishes to make for Wen Zhi to try.

"Teacher Wei, how do you plan to cook the fish and crab?" the assistant asked.

"Let’s do spicy boiled fish, and a portion of spicy crab. Also, cook some rice," Wei Yuan replied.

"Got it!" the assistant said.

Wei Yuan stood by the kitchen door, gazing at the snowy mountains outside the window, a gentle smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with tenderness.

An hour later, lunch was ready.

A large table was filled with dishes, rich in color, aroma, and flavor!

Shen Nianchi sat beside Wen Zhi, slightly startled by the feast, then looked up at Wei Yuan and smiled faintly, "You made all these dishes?"

"Yes. Sheng Sheng, if anything doesn’t suit your taste, please tell me, and I’ll improve next time," Wei Yuan said with a warm smile.

Wen Zhi, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the attention, nodded, "Okay."

Wei Yuan was clever—he knew that winning someone's heart started with winning their stomach.

He understood the timing perfectly, knowing how to capture the heart of his beloved.

Shen Nianchi understood Wei Yuan’s intentions. He calmly took a piece of meat, ate it, and said, "It’s delicious."