Divorced and Determined: The CEO's Ex-Wife Fights for Love-Chapter 144

Chapter 144 Shen Muyan, You’re Going to Be Ridiculously Happy for the Rest of Your Life!

At Ourei Grand Hotel – CEO’s Office, after finishing her overtime, Shen Muyan glanced at her phone—it was already 8:50 PM. She rubbed her stomach. So hungry. She pulled out her phone and dialed Fang Ya.

“Come out for a late-night snack.”

Fang Ya, who was in the middle of a gaming session, tilted her head to hold the phone while playing. The moment she heard food, she got excited, immediately abandoned her team, and shut down her computer.

In the game, her teammates were confused.

“???”

“Captain? Where did you go? Did you disconnect?”

“WTF! You just ditched us in the middle of a full-team mission!”

While changing clothes, Fang Ya asked over the phone, “Are we going to your husband’s stall? I’m craving his fried noodles!”

Shen Muyan replied, “No. At this time, he’s probably just finished packing up. He must be exhausted. Let’s go somewhere else.”

Fang Ya’s excitement dropped by half.

“Tsk, tsk. Look at you, being all considerate. How about giving him a massage?”

“Are you coming or not? If not, I’m going home to sleep.”

“Fine! I’m coming!”

______

At ‘Ding Shuan Tian Xia’ Hotpot Restaurant, Shen Muyan ordered, “One portion of Australian grain-fed beef chuck. By the way, your latest video was good—high quality. 1.45 million likes and lots of comments.”

Fang Ya, pleased, ordered, “One portion of half-meter-long dried mustard greens. Wait, what? Shen Muyan, you’re actually complimenting me? No way—are you indirectly praising your husband?”

Shen Muyan remained unfazed.

“One portion of white jade mushrooms. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Fang Ya smirked.

“One portion of Iberico pork meatballs. Don’t play dumb! You never used to watch my videos. This time, you watched because your husband gave me his professional advice, right?”

Ignoring her, Shen Muyan continued, “One portion of fish roe shrimp paste and crispy konjac. That’s all for now. If it’s not enough, we’ll order more.”

The server confirmed, “Understood. Please wait a moment.”

As soon as the server left, Shen Muyan turned to Fang Ya.

“You’re paying.”

Fang Ya raised an eyebrow.

“Why?”

Shen Muyan calmly replied, “You asked me to get in touch with Boss Lu. I did. Shouldn’t you repay me?”

Fang Ya burst into laughter.

“I could’ve reached him myself. I just gave you an excuse to talk to him—to help you rebuild your relationship. If anything, you should be paying for me!” freeweɓnovel-cøm

Shen Muyan ignored her and focused on the steaming hotpot broth.

“It’s been a long time since I had hotpot. I’m going to eat to my heart’s content.”

Fang Ya immediately realized—she was getting a free meal today.

Smirking, she asked, “Should I get dipping sauce? Same oil-based sauce as always?”

“Mm.”

“Ugh! Sesame sauce is the real king! Why do you still go for oil-based?!”

As the spicy broth started bubbling, the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns filled the air. They had been starving—and quickly dropped ingredients into the pot and started eating.

But after a few bites…

They both paused, looking at each other.

“The meat is good, but for some reason, I’m not really into it,” Shen Muyan said.

“Your husband has spoiled your taste buds! Even fried noodles seem better than this hotpot!” Fang Ya said.

“Should we go to his place and mooch some food?”

Shen Muyan shook her head.

“No, he needs to rest. Plus, the little one has school tomorrow.”

Fang Ya teased.

“Wow, listen to you, already protecting your man.”

Shen Muyan dismissed her.

“Let’s just ask him how to make a good dipping sauce. Your oil-based sauce isn’t great.”

Fang Ya’s eyes lit up.

“Great idea! I want to try his sesame sauce! Oil-based dipping isn’t even my specialty!”

Shen Muyan texted Lu Qin. Fang Ya leaned in to peek, but Shen Muyan pushed her away.

“Are you asleep?” Shen Muyan asked.

“Not yet. Just got out of the shower,” Lu Qin said.

At the time, Lu Qin had just finished packing up his food cart, taken a shower, and was relaxing in the living room with a yogurt while checking his system points.

“Is the little one asleep?” Shen Muyan asked.

“Just went to bed,” Lu Qin replied.

“Fang Ya and I are having hotpot. Are you hungry? Want to join us?”

“Nah, I’m not hungry. I’ll sleep soon. Enjoy your meal.”

“Master Chef Lu, we need your wisdom—how do we make the best dipping sauce?” Shen Muyan asked.

Lu Qin explained in detail.

“For oil-based dipping sauce: 3 parts sesame oil, ½ spoon vinegar, 1 spoon oyster sauce for umami, minced garlic, scallions, and small chili peppers.

For sesame paste: Use a “2:8 blend” (2 parts thick sesame paste, 8 parts thin), with sesame oil making up ⅕ of the ratio.”

Shen Muyan forwarded the recipe to Fang Ya.

Fang Ya jumped up excitedly and ran off to remake their dipping sauces.

“Wow! This sesame sauce is amazing!”

“My oil-based sauce is also way better now! I suddenly have an appetite again!”

The two immediately ordered more food—two more plates of meat and a mixed vegetable platter.

Fang Ya sighed dramatically.

“Your husband is literally a god at everything! Shen Muyan, you’re going to be too happy for the rest of your life!”

_____

Meanwhile, Lu Qin started using his system points to draw prizes.

With 2,700+ points, he started spending.

100 points → 80 mint candies (Ugh, the most common consolation prize…)

100 points → Traffic violation waiver coupon

100 points → Customizable street vendor uniform

100 points → Multi-purpose chef’s knife (permanently sharp)

After spending 1,700 points on 17 draws, he still hadn’t unlocked a top-tier skill—a bit disappointing.

Just as he was about to continue, the system triggered a new feature.

【System Lottery: 300 total draws reached! Advanced Lottery Unlocked! Each draw costs 1,000 points.】

Lu Qin’s eyes widened—an Advanced Lottery must mean better prizes!

Without hesitation, he activated it.

“Surely, this won’t be full of mint candies, right…?”

【1,000 points spent. Advanced Draw Result: Mint Candy Mega Pack】

Lu Qin: “…”

“This is a scam!”

Opening the Mega Pack, he found a massive bag of 500 mint candies—all different flavors. original, watermelon, peach, grape, green apple, mango…

He sighed.

“Forget it. I’m going to sleep.”

_____

The next morning, Lu Qin followed his usual routine—waking up, washing up, and heading to the market. Yesterday’s pickled vegetables were ready. He opened the jar, took a bite, and found them crispy, tangy, and perfectly spicy. He packed several small containers to share and cooked three portions of fried noodles before heading out.

In the neighborhood, people were already exercising, shopping, and walking pets. Seeing him, neighbors greeted him warmly.

“Boss Lu, up bright and early as always! Hurry up with the morning stall—I’m already craving your food!”

Even Elder Ge and Chen Dahai, who were practicing tai chi, perked up. Chen Dahai, who had rented an apartment nearby and showed no intention of returning to his villa, asked, “Boss Lu, what’s in your bag?”

Lu Qin smiled.

“Pickled veggies. Want to try?”

Instantly, a crowd gathered.

“Pickled vegetables? I want some!”

“Me too! Boss Lu’s pickles? Count me in!”

Even Auntie Wang, who was 50 meters away, turned back immediately—forgetting about her grocery shopping.

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