Chapter 101 The Tables are Turned

I arrived smoothly with Zoey at Jennifer and Fatty’s place a little after ten.

Zoey parked the car and went up to knock on the door.

Almost immediately, Jennifer responded from inside, “Is that Zoey? The door’s open, just come on in.”

Zoey and I pushed the door open and went in. We saw Fatty and Jennifer standing side-by-side at the counter, both looking rather disheveled, busy with something.

Getting closer, I saw that they were making dumplings.

Jennifer obviously wasn’t very skilled at this traditional Chinese food, and she had flour all over her face.

Looking at Fatty, good grief, this “professional chef” had even more flour on his face. It was obvious he had put it there on purpose.

Zoey tugged on my sleeve and whispered in my ear, “Look at Jennifer’s clothes.”

Good lord, I thought, good lord.

Jennifer was wearing a loose t-shirt. At first, I thought she just preferred this kind of casual style at home. She hadn’t seemed to like such baggy clothes before, usually wearing fitted clothes that gave off a capable vibe.

“Damn, isn’t that Fatty’s shirt? How did Jennifer end up wearing it?” Zoey and I exchanged suspicious glances and muttered quietly.

Zoey and I had considered several possibilities for Fatty and Jennifer’s relationship on the way over. After all, they’d been living together, and it was understandable that they might develop feelings for each other. But this was progressing faster than either of us had expected.

Zoey had told me about Fatty and Han Yu, and I knew Fatty was deeply hurt. Sure enough, the best way to save a man from one relationship is to quickly throw him into the next.

“Not bad, Fatty, you’ve won the beauty’s heart,” I teased.

Fatty’s face flushed red when he realized his relationship with Jennifer had been exposed so easily.

“Ah, so… so you noticed? Is it that obvious?”

I laughed, “People in love, men and women alike, are idiots. That saying has come true for you.”

Fatty didn’t argue, just stood there giggling stupidly, trying to hide his nervousness with his work. Jennifer, beside him, kept her head down, fiddling with the dumpling wrappers, unable to make a single complete dumpling, and occasionally glancing up at Fatty.

My teasing made the atmosphere a little awkward, so Zoey changed the subject, asking Fatty, “Fatty, what are you serving us today? Just dumplings doesn’t seem like enough.”

The change of topic was very successful. The blush on Fatty’s face faded immediately. He pointed to a plate of partially prepared ingredients on the other table and said, “The beef over there is freshly marinated, and there are some other ingredients in the fridge. I’ve prepared four dishes, all substantial, plus a soup, and a plate of dumplings… Food like dumplings is best made ahead of time… That’s why I’m teaching Jennifer how to make them.”

Fatty explained to me carefully, afraid of missing any details. He made a thin-skinned, generously filled dumpling with textbook precision, showed it to me, and then placed it on the steamer rack.

Fatty’s tense state was like a subordinate being inspected by their boss. I never thought the usually carefree Fatty could be shy.

I couldn’t resist teasing him further. I looked at Fatty with a mischievous smile, “Besides making dumplings, you’ve taught Jennifer quite a few other things, haven’t you? Or should I say, Jennifer has taught you quite a bit too…”

The redness on Fatty’s face, which had just faded, surged back again. His face was like a kettle about to boil dry. “What are you talking about, Young Master? Everyone dates. Fatty and Jennifer are just living together shamelessly, so what?”

“Oh, I meant in terms of fitness. What did you think I meant?” I said, pointing to the exercise equipment piled in the corner, jokingly.

Fatty, having been tricked by me, was obviously a little annoyed. He was usually the one teasing others. He said, somewhat indignantly and helplessly, “Alright, alright, just laugh at me. Fatty is living a carefree and happy life, very enjoyable. Besides, Jennifer and I are of age and in love, what are we afraid of you saying?”

“Oh ho, Fatty, are you so easily teased? I let you call me ‘Young Master’ from the start, and I’m not allowed to joke with you?” I still looked at Fatty with a smile.

The words “Young Master” slipped out, and Fatty instantly broke down. He laughed like a goose, looking at me with glee and asking, “So you know?”

“Of course. I thought it was some kind of compliment. Some time ago, I learned from a retired veteran that the nickname you gave me came from the term ‘Young Master Soldier’ in the army.” I looked at Zoey and explained to her, who was still confused, “’Young Master Soldier’ refers to soldiers who are spoiled and unable to endure hardship, usually referring to your American soldiers. When Fatty calls me Young Master, he’s actually saying that I’m spoiled and can’t withstand the storms.”

Fatty’s face turned white and red by turns. He said embarrassedly, “Hey, it’s a misunderstanding. I had a prejudice against you at first. But now, when I call you ‘Young Master,’ it’s a nickname! An affectionate term!”

Alright, seeing Fatty’s fawning and flattering appearance, I decided not to argue with him. I had teased him enough, so I waved my hand, signaling a truce.

Who knew that Fatty seemed to want to make up for it somehow. He looked at Zoey and me with a sneaky look and said in a smarmy tone, “Tsk tsk tsk, aren’t you two still living together? How can you still be embarrassed to tease us?”

Not only that, but Fatty also made a dumpling with exaggerated movements in front of Zoey and me. When filling it, he could have filled it in one go, but he deliberately filled it three times, pressing down hard each time, pressing the filling into the dumpling skin.

Each time he pressed down, Fatty raised his eyebrows at me.

Anyone could tell what Fatty was implying.

Zoey also understood Fatty’s implication, and her face flushed red. She didn’t seem to want Fatty and Jennifer to know about our unpleasant incident last night.

I understood Zoey’s meaning instantly. I generously put my arm around Zoey, kissed her on the cheek, raised my eyebrows at Fatty, and said boastfully, “My Zoey, very moist.”