Chapter Nineteen: Look After Yourself

Fu Yong's smile grew even wider, and looked a little strange to Hua Tang. "A-are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Fu Yong returned to his usual chilly countenance and coughed twice expressionlessly. "Since we didn't make dinner, let's eat out tonight! "

Hua Tang widened her eyes at him. Did he know that she got paid today? Why else would he go out to eat? 

Before she could reject this suggestion, she was already out the door with Mu Chi.

Along the way, she didn't say a word. All she could think about was, 'What can I get with my paltry salary?' 

She stole a glance at Mu Chi. Although his family used to be very rich, that was all in the past; not long after Mu Chi was born, his family declined. 

He had lived in a poor small village his entire life, so he was probably unfamiliar with fine dining restaurants in Jiangcheng City, right? According to his level of consumption, a roadside stall should satisfy him. Moreover, many roadside stalls offer unlimited staple food.

Having come to this conclusion, Hua Tang was relieved. 

Since they married, she had been living frugally, buying cheap groceries and making simple food. However, couples need romance and thrills to keep their relationship passionate; being romantic from time to time would help.

'So today, I'll be extravagant for once and eat at a roadside stall…'

However, Hua Tang was thinking too much. 

She looked up and saw the most luxurious establishment in Jiangcheng City, the Rose Grand Hotel.

"Let's have dinner here!" Mu Chi's words were light and casual as if he was saying, 'Let's make do and choose this one.'

"What did you say?" Hua Tang nearly couldn't control the volume of her voice.

"I said, let's eat here." Fu Yong chuckled. "This hotel looks good. There's even a light at the door."

Hua Tang subconsciously clutched her wallet. This was the most expensive hotel in Jiangcheng City. Her salary was probably not even enough to cover a dish!

Fu Yong simply pulled her towards the doorway. 

The attendants on both sides of the entrance bowed respectfully. "Welcome."

"Wait a minute!" Hua Tang grabbed his arm.

"What's wrong?" Fu Yong raised his eyebrows.

"We…" '—don't have enough money,' was what she wanted to say. 'Commoners like us can't afford the food here.' 

The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them back. 

She looked at Fu Yong's expectant eyes and thought about how he had given her all those precious family heirlooms. He had already treated her as one of his own. How could she be stingy to her husband?

Hua Tang made her decision and said, with a miserable smile, "Let's… head inside."

"Really?" Fu Yong was surprised by this answer.

"Of course." Hua Tang had already adjusted her emotions and cuddled up against him. "It's rare for us to eat out, so let's have a good meal. Besides, it's just one meal; I can afford it!"

Fu Yong was slightly touched. 

He had chosen this place on purpose. He knew that Hua Tang did not have a high-paying job, and he assumed that she would use all kinds of reasons to reject him, placating him with lip service. She might even go back to buying cheap vegetables for tonight's dinner. 

He just wanted to tease and force her to admit she was a substitute; she was not Hua Ning. 

But at this moment, Fu Yong felt that he had gone overboard. He did not expect Hua Tang to be so sincere.

"Let's go eat somewhere..." Before he could finish his sentence, Hua Tang pulled him into the hotel. They found a seat by the window where they could enjoy the night scene and sat down.

Hua Tang ordered two dishes. They weren't very expensive, but it was the best she could do. She specifically asked the waiter to order a small portion—enough for Mu Chi alone. She was fine so long as Mu Chi was satisfied.

"Why aren't you eating?" Fu Yong looked into her eyes.

"I'm not hungry." Hua Tang avoided his gaze. "I don't have much of an appetite."

"I remember you complaining about me not making dinner just now." Fu Yong exposed her without hesitation.

Hua Tang felt awkward at being caught.

Fu Yong put down his chopsticks. His deep eyes seemed to pierce through her. "We've been married for a while now. Don't you have anything to say to me? "

Hua Tang's expression changed. 'Did he find out? Did someone say something to him?' 

All men have their pride; they would prefer to marry a fair, rich, and beautiful woman instead of a disgraceful little weed like her.

Under the table, Hua Tang's hands rubbed together uneasily. She told herself that she couldn't admit the truth over and over again. 

After all, Mu Chi had gone to prison for being violent. If he was angered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"What do you want to talk about?" 

Hua Tang racked her brains to change the topic. "By the way, I didn't make any sales this month; I haven't issued any bills. I have to work harder next month so I will be working till late. Will you be fine looking after yourself?"