Chapter 123: The Boss Truly Cherishes His Wife!

Xu An’an was not speaking casually.

After the meal, Xu An’an asked the manager for a basket. When he inquired what she needed it for, she glanced toward the vast expanse of blooming roses outside.

“To pick roses.”

“Pick roses!” The manager unintentionally raised his voice, as if hearing something extraordinary.

Xu An’an looked puzzled. “Why? Is that not allowed?”

The manager was embarrassed. Inwardly, he reminded himself that this lady would be the future mistress of the estate, yet these roses were rare, expensive, and difficult to cultivate.

Should he then guide the future mistress to pick a less precious variety?

After all, the estate’s selling point was its roses.

The rare roses were the highlight.

“Bring two baskets.”

Just as the manager hesitated, Jiang Lie approached and said, “I want to pick some too.”

Since the boss had spoken, the manager, as an employee, could only obey. He quickly fetched two baskets along with scissors and gloves.

Xu An’an took the baskets and tools.

“Let me tell you, the rose cake is truly delicious, especially made from freshly picked roses. You’ll see soon enough.”

Jiang Lie lightly tapped his chin. “You pick over there, I’ll pick here.”

“Is there a difference?”

“You pick yours, I’ll pick mine.”

Not understanding Jiang Lie’s intent but seeing he had no further explanation, Xu An’an slung the basket over her arm and headed toward the section he designated.

To her, all roses looked the same.

From a distance, the manager watched Xu An’an walk straight to the most expensive and rarest roses. His heart ached—this boss truly cherished his future wife!

He clearly saw that it was the boss himself who directed her there.

Unaware of this, Xu An’an donned gloves and began to pick with enthusiasm. Though she rarely bought flowers, she felt these roses were different, exuding a faint, delicate fragrance.

With each rose she picked, her mood lifted.

She thought that once home, she would buy some seeds and plant flowers on the balcony—something easier to nurture.

When she had picked enough, Xu An’an looked at the full basket of roses with a strong sense of accomplishment, but when she turned, Jiang Lie’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

“Second Master!”

“Second Master, where are you!”

Suddenly, a voice appeared behind her, startling Xu An’an.

“Madam, the boss said that if you’re done picking, you can head to the kitchen to make the rose cake.”

The manager looked at the basket in Xu An’an’s hand, nearly moved to tears.

Xu An’an patted her chest, noticing the manager’s odd expression. “Manager, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

The manager dared not voice any objections. Usually, he personally tended to these rare rose varieties and naturally had a deep attachment to them.

“No, no, I just think freshly picked roses will make the cake taste even better.”

“Then let’s wait and see!”

Cheerfully carrying the basket, Xu An’an followed the manager toward the kitchen, the steps for making rose cake already etched in her mind.

Once inside, she began to show her skills.

The manager assisted nearby, wiping his eyes several times with his back turned to Xu An’an, until she noticed on the fifth wipe.

Frowning, she asked, “Manager, what’s really wrong?”

“Someone might think I’m bullying you,” he weakly replied. “I… I just feel sorry for these rare roses, but as long as you’re happy, Madam, that’s what matters.”

Learning that all the roses she had picked were rare varieties, Xu An’an’s heart sank. This was not going to end well!

“Why didn’t you stop me earlier?”

“Well, um…”

“Forget it, the damage is done. Go find Jiang Lie… Second Master, I want to have a serious talk with him.” Xu An’an prayed silently.

Please don’t let it be too expensive!

If it is, she’d only be able to cover the cost by going into debt!

When Jiang Lie arrived, Xu An’an continued making the rose cake, recalling that it was he who had told her to pick from that side!

Exactly. She planned to take the initiative and speak first!

If she could minimize the compensation, all the better.

“You’re looking for…”

“You’re the one who told me to pick from there!”

Xu An’an suddenly spun around, one hand on her waist, the other holding a cake mold, her posture resolute.

“So this mistake wasn’t caused by me alone. If anyone’s to blame, it’s mostly you. Therefore, I won’t pay for the entire basket of roses—only thirty percent. The rest is on you!”

Seeing her stance, Jiang Lie couldn’t help but chuckle.

“When did I ever ask you to compensate?”

“…”

“I simply think that with such expensive roses, it’s better to let them enter my stomach and amplify their value infinitely, rather than just letting them sit there for display.”

“…”

Xu An’an hadn’t expected Jiang Lie to have such a line of reasoning, but it made sense.

She pursed her lips and pointed to the freshly baked rose cake. “Then you eat it. Try one first.”

Still a bit doubtful, she let Jiang Lie be the first to taste.

Understanding her little plan, Jiang Lie smiled and shook his head before picking up a piece of rose cake and taking a bite. The soft cake was sweet but not cloying, perfectly balanced.

He was somewhat surprised. “Quite good.”

Seeing him eat, Xu An’an picked up a piece herself and offered some to the manager standing behind.

“Your Second Master was right. No matter how rare the rose variety is, if it’s only for show, its value is wasted.”

“Better to eat it. It’s so delicious!”

Watching Jiang Lie eat a second piece, Xu An’an smiled brightly and asked, “Second Master, would you like some rose tea? I’ll pick some more tomorrow. We have a drying machine at home, so I can dry them for tea.”

Jiang Lie raised an eyebrow. “Is that your home or ours?”

“Of course ours.”

Xu An’an blurted out, having discovered many convenient kitchen appliances in the villa’s kitchen, including a drying machine.

After saying this, she felt something was off.

Worried Jiang Lie might be displeased, she was about to explain, but Jiang Lie had already taken the rose cake and left.

“Fine, pick as many as you want tomorrow.”

Watching Jiang Lie’s departing figure, Xu An’an was momentarily stunned.

Did he misunderstand the phrase “our home”?

It wasn’t just that she occasionally stayed over once or twice; it was their home.

Hmm, it seemed she now stayed there regularly.

No, wait—she wasn’t sure when it started, but they had been sleeping together almost every night!

And always… doing that!

“Why are you spacing out? Always spacing out.”

“Is your brain not working?”

Seeing Xu An’an didn’t respond, Jiang Lie returned, only to find her cheeks flushed red. He couldn’t resist pinching them.

Soft and tender, even softer than rose cake, making him want to take a bite.

Seeing Jiang Lie return, Xu An’an’s face burned hotter as she brushed his hand away.

“I-I was just thinking about something very serious.”

“Also, please watch your words!”