Apex Predator - Chap 31

This question was just like activating Cheng Zimei’s touch switch. Shen Dai and the driver listened on for the entire journey as she gave a lecture on her theories and practical knowledge about love, confusing the driver so much that he started to occasionally mutter a few words in agreement.

As a person, Cheng Zimei was very interesting. To hear her say it, she was an all-rounder, who had not lagged behind in either her studies, career, physical fitness, personal image, or her romantic life. Women and Omegas involved in scientific research tended to put most of their focus on academic work, leaving little time for personal grooming or relationships. It was a consequence of how one allocated one’s energies, as more often than not, pursuing one goal meant losing sight of another.

But Cheng Zimei’s energy was so limitless it was almost frightening. She approached everything with an unquenchable curiosity and an eagerness to explore. Even the matter of feelings she studied and researched with academic rigour. In her view, the subject of feelings between two people was a significant area of study within sociology which scientific knowledge could undoubtedly be used to understand.

As he had a firm belief in logic and the dialectical method, Shen Dai found himself persuaded by her viewpoint. No matter how great the individual differences between two people were, genetic instincts still exerted a significant influence on one’s actions and words.

Given the numerous connections already established between him and Qu Moyu, along with the premise of simultaneously possessing a legal marriage and intimate relations, it followed that he was the person with the highest probability of moving Qu Moyu’s heart.

These days he found himself trapped in his own emotions, making himself dizzy and confused, paralysed by his own excessive thinking – the first time in his life he had experienced being in such a state. To sum it up roughly: He was disorientated.

Because of the unknown, he didn’t know what to do; Because he didn’t know what to do, he was disorientated. Even during the darkest moments of his life when problems were happening in his family, he had never felt this lost and bewildered.

He knew back then that those types of real life problems could be solved by earning money. He had been young and capable, and while he had to endure some hardship, the path was clear and he had been headed in the right direction.

However, when it came to the matter of feelings, which he had never studied or researched before, he found himself completely at a loss. His heart was like a solitary boat adrift at sea, swayed by Qu Moyu’s every action and every word. There was nothing about it that was in his control. Then again, he was clearly a quick learner who was good at using his brain, not someone timid as a mouse who would surrender before a fight.

It was just as Cheng Zimei had said. Without a spirit of inquiry, how could he call himself a scientific researcher? What aspect of their work could be called easy? But just because something was difficult didn’t mean it was hopeless.

After getting down from the car, Cheng Zimei made her concluding statement: “And so, to sum things up, when you have spare time go learn a bit more about emotional knowledge. I mean, if you’ve never even dated anyone before, it basically equals having no clue about the Alpha species.”

“Got it.”

“Why are you suddenly so curious about this today anyway? Are you really planning to go after the Crown Prince?” she asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

“Not at all. You know, just making some idle chit chat.”

“But you can’t stand idle chit chat. Heh, are you itching to take action now after what I said ?”

“Well, my grandmother’s operation is over and I’m in a good mood, so it’s fine to chat about anything,” replied Shen Dai, with a faint smile.

“If you really like him that much you should just try. I can help advise you. There’s nothing shameful about liking someone. Just make sure to keep yourself in check. It’s all fine as long as you don’t end up really getting fired like those other three.”

Shen Dai smiled without saying a word. He had been restless for an entire day and night, thinking about how he was about to do something that no one had ever done before. But at the very least he had many more advantages and opportunities compared to anyone else. It was high time that he started using his intellect over his emotions.

Upon reaching the hospital, Cheng Zimei, a little dumbfounded, exclaimed, “Woah. Isn’t this a private hospital?” The lobby of the hospital was decorated like a five-star hotel. How was this a place to seek medical treatment? It seemed more like a vacation spot.

Shen Dai also felt helpless. He had wanted to wait for his grandmother to be discharged before letting Cheng Zimei come to visit, only she had insisted on coming to see her. This kind gesture was hard to refuse, and so he could only respond with an excuse that he had prepared in advance: “It’s related to the ‘good news’ I told you about before. Uhm… my biological father gave me some money.”

Cheng Zimei nodded her head, seemingly unsurprised. “I already guessed as much. Who else would give you money but him. What happened? Did your dad kick up a fuss again? Wait, didn’t he just recently appear out of the blue?”

“Not at liberty to say. Anyway, I can’t complain about getting money.”

“Got it. Can’t complain, can’t complain. Well, now that your financial issues are sorted, it’s time to start dating!”

“Things are definitely much easier now,” said Shen Dai, before changing the subject. “Over here. It’s this ward.”

His grandmother was already up and presently in the middle of her meal. Shen Qin was beside her keeping her company. It looked like a scene of a caring mother and her filial son. Shen Dai sighed to himself. Perhaps this was what was best for Grandmother after all.

“A-Dai. Aiya, Cheng Zimei’s also here,” said his grandmother, beaming with pleasure, stretching her hand out towards her. “I haven’t seen you for so long.”

“Grandmother! I missed you!” Cheng Zimei exclaimed as she ran towards her, equally pleased to see her. Holding his grandmother’s hand, she asked her about how she was doing. She had a sweet mouth and knew how to get on people’s good sides.

Shen Dai smiled as he put down his things. As soon as he saw Shen Qin, he gave a somewhat stiff nod.

“Your grandmother had quite an appetite today and even went downstairs for a short walk in the afternoon,” said Shen Qin earnestly. The doctor suggested that a bit of walking would be beneficial for her health. She’s recovering really well.”

“That’s good. She’ll probably be able to be discharged on time,” replied Shen Dai. He removed the wrapping from the flowers that Cheng Zimei had brought, thinking he should put them in a vase. But as soon as he turned his head, he noticed an aroma diffuser from Diptyque placed on the bedside table. Only a glance was needed to tell that it was brand new.

Reading the expression on his face, Shen Qin explained, “Ah, your grandmother said that the smell of the hospital was unpleasant. This orange blossom is quite close to my own pheromone scent. It smells so good.”

Looking at the equally sweet-smelling flowers in his hands, Shen Dai’s face darkened, “This bottle must have cost a few hundred.”

Only just yesterday he had transferred over the three thousand for living expenses. As he was worried about the quality of the meals at the hospital, he wanted Shen Qin to be able to prepare some nutritious food for his grandmother to strengthen her body, But then…

Then again, he had always known that his father’s spending habits were out of touch with reality, spending any money he had as soon as he received it. Even if it meant having no money the next day to eat, he still had to spend a thousand to have a nice hairstyle today.

He would never forget how Shen Qin, after receiving one million from You Xinghai, chose to buy a sports car instead of investing in practical and valuable fixed assets like a house. The remainder of the money was squandered within a month.

Only, he thought that going through the trials and tribulations of life would change a person.

“But… this scent is really not bad!” protested Shen Qin, cautiously, “I only got it because I wanted your grandmother to be a bit more comfortable.”

From the other side, his grandmother let out a soft sigh.

Cheng Zimei secretly rolled her eyes.

Even if he was fuming inside, Shen Dai didn’t want to lose his cool in his grandmother’s hospital ward. He said softly, “Don’t buy these expensive and impractical things anymore. I already told you to keep track of every penny.” Apparently giving him three thousand all at once was already too much.

“Alright, I got it,” answered Shen Qin, reluctantly.

That weekend was half spent at the hospital accompanying his Grandmother and half at the new house putting things in order. If she managed to recover well, she would be able to be discharged the following week. He wanted his Grandmother to move into his own place as soon as she came out of the hospital.

But after discussing things with his Grandmother, they agreed that it would be best not to tell Shen Qin that he had bought the house outright, and instead say that it was rented. After all, they had all just gone through a difficult ordeal together, and with Shen Qin now trying to find out if Shen Dai had a rich boyfriend, Shen Dai was now even more guarded.

That evening after returning to the Qu residence, he went looking for Auntie Lan, to tell her that he wanted to prepare breakfast for Qu Moyu the following morning. He felt that the most basic thing that one should do when they liked someone was to treat them with sincerity.

Auntie Lan had an expression of “you finally came to your senses” and exclaimed, “Perfect! What are you thinking of making? I’ll have the kitchen prepare the ingredients for you in advance!”

“It’s fine. I’ll just make something depending on what’s available.” Then, a little sheepishly, he added, “Uhm….Auntie Lan, actually, I wanted to ask you about Qu Moyu’s preferences, not just when it comes to food, but also his lifestyle habits, hobbies, temperament, and so on. Since you’ve been taking care of him since he was young, who else would know him better than you?”

“Well, then I’m the best judge of that.” Auntie Lan laughed. “It’s getting late tonight, you should go to bed first. When we have time, we can have a good talk.”

It had been a really long time since he had last prepared a meal. When he was young, he really enjoyed making delicious food with his grandmother. He had been born into a richly artistic family, and had been considered to have diverse talents. However, after starting work, he no longer had the leisure to indulge in such hobbies.

Lying in bed that evening, unable to fall asleep, he flipped through the cookbook while thinking about how Qu Moyu would react to the breakfast he would make. Even though he was alone under the covers, he couldn’t help but smile to himself.

The following day, he woke up an hour earlier than usual and hurriedly got dressed before rushing to the kitchen.

Qu Moyu had a preference for Chinese-style breakfast. But it consisted mainly of rice and noodles, and his nutritionist had set a daily intake limit for his carbohydrate consumption, so the proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins he took in the morning had to fall within a specific framework.

After consulting with Auntie Lan and the chef for a short while, he decided to prepare wontons with fresh shrimp, fried eggs and blanched Chinese broccoli. Since it was his first time preparing breakfast for Qu Moyu, anything too complicated would seem too deliberate. His thoughts were wrapped up in the filling of the wontons that he and his grandmother had come up with.

Qu Moyu had incredible self discipline, the routine he followed every morning having a standard deviation of less than ten minutes. By the time he came downstairs, Shen Dai had already finished preparing everything. Seeing Shen Dai, he appeared a little surprised: “Not leaving yet? Aren’t you afraid of being late?”

Normally, Shen Dai would set out half an hour earlier than Qu Moyu. He explained that it was due to his long commute, but in reality, the time it took for him to cycle and take the subway was no longer than Qu Moyu’s car journey during peak hours. He had just wanted to avoid the awkwardness of having breakfast at the same time as Qu Moyu.

“It’s fine. I don’t have to clock in.” He asked playfully, “Though, is my boss going to deduct my salary?”

Qu Moyu chuckled, “It seems that I would first need to change the rules at the Research Institute for that.” As he glanced over at his breakfast, he immediately noticed that it wasn’t prepared by the chef. At the house, even the sprinkling of chopped spring onions was done with careful attention to presentation by the chef.

“I made it.” Shen Dai’s heart was beating a little faster, though he still tried to maintain a casual demeanour. “I couldn’t fall back asleep after waking up too early, so I decided to cook something. These are all home-style dishes, so I don’t know if they will suit your taste.”

Wontons, fried eggs, vegetables. In fact, these were all the most basic dishes that one would make at home.

Compared to the exquisite plated delicacies with carefully calibrated calories prepared by the chef, the simple and unassuming dishes resting comfortably on those white porcelain bowls and plates had a much more homely flavour.

Qu Moyu’s heart trembled slightly. It was a feeling that was hard to describe. “What was it that you made the other time? It was quite tasty,” he said.

“Shrimp and tofu pot.” Shen Dai immediately answered, unable to contain his excitement, “If you like it, I’ll make it for you again the next time.”

Qu Moyu smiled slightly and glanced over at him: “Alright.”