After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1371 - 1370: Xia Chuyi’s Culinary Journey to Conquer the World

~3 minute read · 647 words
Previously on After Marrying the Officer...
After Xia Chuyi’s son was verbally abused and physically bullied, his father, Huo Shiqian, demanded an apology from the aggressor. When the aggressor refused and made a racist remark, Mr. Rayne and Emily arrived. Emily, angered by the racism, insisted on calling the police, who then took the aggressor away. Afterwards, Emily greeted Xia Chuyi and offered her support, then noticed and admired Xia Chuyi’s son.

Even though he could not grasp Emily’s spoken words, young Huo Shiwu was perceptive enough to understand her expressions.

Consequently, Huo Shiwu turned his gaze towards his father and then his mother, a look of utmost seriousness gracing his tiny features as he firmly declared, "NO."

Huo Shiqian subtly shifted his body, shielding his son from the woman's outstretched hand, and offered an apology, "Sorry, Shi Wu is a bit shy."

"Shi Wu?" Emily responded to the rejection with a shrug, her expression betraying little emotion, only a flicker of confusion as she inquired, "Do you... have fifteen children?"

Xia Chuyi and Huo Shiqian exchanged a silent moment.

"No," Xia Chuyi replied, shaking her head. "Shi Wu is his nickname; his actual name is Huo Lixing."

Upon hearing the name, Emily attempted to pronounce "Huo Lixing," her efforts resulting in a series of sounds: "Huō Lìqíng? Kuò ní xǐng? Hé lǐ jīn?"

Xia Chuyi was left momentarily speechless.

"Ahem, you can simply call him Shi Wu," Xia Chuyi suggested gently to Emily.

"OK!" Emily finally relented, agreeing to the simpler moniker.

At this precise moment, Rayne extended a formal greeting to Huo Shiqian.

Turning his attention to William, he then stated, "Councilman William, the delegation from Country Z is a highly valued guest of our Bao Family."

"I trust that the incident from earlier will not be repeated," Rayne added with a cool tone.

"Yes, it absolutely will not happen again," Councilman William quickly affirmed. "I will personally ensure Mr. Rhen is well-supported in organizing everything for Mr. Huo and his entourage!"

"Arrangements have already been made to provide Country Z's venue with a prime location, ensuring that when they achieve a favorable ranking..."

Councilman William continued to express his unwavering loyalty with a plastered smile.

Hearing Councilman William's pronouncements, Rayne offered a minimal nod.

"Huo, should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to inform me," Rayne then addressed Huo Shiqian directly. "If there is anything concerning the competition that you need help with, I will endeavor to provide my utmost support."

As these words were spoken, a deeper significance flickered in Rayne's gaze.

His words carried an unspoken implication: if Huo Shiqian found himself in need, Rayne possessed the means to intervene privately.

However, upon hearing this offer, Huo Shiqian calmly inclined his head and replied, "Thank you, but it will not be necessary."

"I have complete faith in my wife's culinary abilities. She will undoubtedly win the contest, provided that..."

Huo Shiqian paused briefly at this juncture, his tone deepening with unspoken meaning, "...provided that the contest is conducted with complete fairness and impartiality."

The underlying message was clear: as long as no covert manipulations occurred, victory was assured.

Possessing a keen understanding, Rayne grasped the full import of Huo Shiqian's statement.

"I understand," Rayne responded solemnly, nodding. "I will ensure this matter receives my focused attention."

"Thank you," Huo Shiqian acknowledged with a slight nod.

After a brief discussion of crucial contest-related matters, Rayne and his entourage took their leave.

Before departing, Emily shared a warm embrace with Xia Chuyi, then followed Rayne away.

Moments after Rayne and his party had departed, young Huo Shiwu unexpectedly extended his small hand towards his mother, indicating his desire to be held.

Lifting her son into her arms, Xia Chuyi inquired, "What is it, sweetheart? Are you hungry?"

With a remarkably serious expression on his little face, Huo Shiwu wrapped his arms possessively around Xia Chuyi's neck and declared, "Mine!"

"Hmm?" Xia Chuyi expressed mild confusion, not immediately grasping his meaning.

Standing beside her, Huo Shiqian gently shook his head, a subtle hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, and clarified, "Shiwu means that your embrace belongs to him; he wasn't receptive to Emily's affection."

Xia Chuyi was left momentarily speechless again.