h4Chapter 401: What?!/h4

    "Cadence. Why are you being petty? Just give it to me..." is followed closely behind the man, his voice a mix of impatience and persuasion. But Cadence had already made up his mind. There was no way—absolutely no way—he was going to let is feed the porridge he had prepared to someone else.

    is, meanwhile, was already regretting the words that had slipped out of his mouth earlier. When he first saw the porridge Cadence had made, he had been thrilled, almost giddy with happiness. It had felt like a small victory, proof that Mnie’s n to bring Cadence closer to him was actually working.

    And in that moment of excitement, he had foolishly thought he could tease Cadence, maybe even spark a little jealousy—just to see how he would react. The impulse had been too strong to resist.

    But now reality hit him. He had actually nned to eat that porridge himself. Maybe for lunch... perhaps even save some for dinner if he could stretch it out. And now? Now it looked like his entire day’s meal might be sacrificed—fed to the dogs out of sheer stubbornness.

    No. Absolutely not.

    is narrowed his eyes, staring at the thermos in Cadence’s hand as though it were a priceless treasure. Should he just snatch it and make a run for it? That was starting to feel like the only option left.

    Just as he was mentally calcting the distance to the door and whether Cadence could catch him in time, the man himself opened the door, ready to step outside. But he paused abruptly.

    Behind him, is, who had been hot on his heels, almost crashed into him before stumbling to a stop as well.

    Because standing right there at the door was someone neither of them had expected.

    "What are you doing here?" Both is and Cadence spoke at the same time, voices ovepping in perfect sync.

    The person standing outside raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, and then, with the air of someone who belonged everywhere, walked right in as if the house were his own.

    "Ohh... something smells heavenly." Max took a long sniff and grinned. "Mr. Sint, your hospitality is unmatched. I haven’t even stepped inside properly, and you’re already weing me with porridge."

    Before either Cadence or is could react, Max plucked the thermos straight out of Cadence’s hand. He took a cautious sip, made a dramatic face, and handed it over to is.

    "is. This is the famous porridge you were raving about? My, you have a very... unique taste. Here, you can keep it."

    As he passed the thermos back, Max leaned in slightly and murmured under his breath, "Rx. I didn’t actually drink from it, so you can stop cursing me in your head."

    is winced. Was he truly that easy to read these days? Apparently so.

    But before he could respond, his gaze shifted back to Cadence—and he nearly dropped the thermos altogether.

    Cadence wasn’t even looking at him. He turned to Max instead, his voice tight. "What are you doing here?"

    Max shrugged as though it were the most casual thing in the world. "We had ns, remember? To go out today? You two are new here, so I thought I’d take is sightseeing. Show him around a bit."

    "Dr. Jung is busy today," Cadence said coldly, his voice carrying a finality that suggested the conversation should end right there.

    Max, however, was not so easily dismissed. He turned to look at the man in question, one brow arching in amusement. "Really, is? Are you too busy?"

    Dr. Jung nced between the two men—first at Cadence’s stony expression, then at Max’szy grin—and let out a slow sigh. "I do have a conference," he admitted.

    Cadence shot Max a look of quiet triumph, as though victory were already his.

    But his satisfaction was short-lived.

    "...I’m free after that," is added quickly, almost as an afterthought.

    Max’s grin widened instantly, his expression practically glowing with mischief, while Cadence’s face darkened in silent annoyance.

    "Alright then, Dr. Jung..." Max drawled, leaning forward slightly. Something about the way he said the name made Cadence bristle-it sounded less like respect and more like a teasing nickname rolling off Max’s tongue.

    "I’ll take you to the conference myself," Max continued smoothly. "Go get ready."

    And before anyone could stop him, he even gave is a casual pat on the backside as though this were the most natural thing in the world.

    Clutching the thermos tightly in both hands, is Jung,who had never in his life been subjected to this kind of tant harassment, bolted from the room without looking back, leaving Cadence behind to deal with Max and his insufferable grin.

    Max smiled at Cadence, his expression rxed, almost smug. Cadence only grimaced in return before striding over to the couch. Max lounged there like he owned the ce, looking thoroughly at ease, which only made Cadence’s frown deepen.

    Taking the seat opposite him, Cadence crossed his arms. "Where exactly are you nning to go today?" he asked, his tone cool but edged with curiosity.

    Max tilted his head, a faint smirk ying on his lips. "Oh, just here and there. Why? nning to join the adventure?"

    Cadence opened his mouth to say yes—because of course he wanted to go—but Max was already a step ahead, cutting him off before he could even get the word out.

    "Let’s not be a light bulb for each other, okay?" Max said smoothly, leaning back like he had all the time in the world. "I mean, is is with you most of the time, isn’t he? So, you must be getting very little alone time with Melody." He gave a deliberate pause, letting the implication sink in before adding lightly, "Why don’t you use that time wisely? Hmm? And I’ll take is to ces... he’s never been."

    Cadence clenched his hands at the words. He knew that what Max had said was absolutely true. And at any other time, he would have jumped up at the chance to spend time alone with Melody but now... he wanted to know what is was going to do.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!