Chapter 35: Let’s Eat Together

“Do you have cilantro?”

“Um… I don’t like cilantro, so I’ve never bought it.”

“Alright then, I’ll look for some soy sauce… here it is.”

“Mhm, do you need vinegar, Gu Fan?”

“Whatever we have, probably all will be used.”

“Okay, I’ll go find it in the cabinet now.”

A long time ago, my mother had bought some seasonings, and I once enthusiastically added a few kitchen utensils myself.

Though later my cooking was a complete mess, it’s nice that these can finally be put to use here, letting Gu Fan patch together a dinner for me — that’s at least fulfilling their purpose.

After searching around, I placed all the seasonings I found in front of Gu Fan, then stepped back to the kitchen doorway, obediently watching him show off his skills.

Gu Fan didn’t rush to use the seasonings first; he boiled the noodles first.

Then he chopped up some greens I bought two or three days ago, stir-fried them, and set them aside.

Next, he skillfully took out two large bowls, added soy sauce, vinegar, oyster sauce, chicken essence, and some seasonings I didn’t recognize.

After mixing the soup base, Gu Fan poured the noodles along with the broth into the bowls.

At first, there was no aroma, but once the steaming hot broth was poured, the fragrance instantly wafted up to my nose.

“Wow… it smells so good…”

Maybe I had eaten noodles like this at restaurants outside, but at home, this was the first time.

Just by smelling the aroma and seeing how it looked, I knew it had to be delicious.

Even I, who often lacked an appetite, swallowed my saliva unusually.

Of course, the most important thing was that Gu Fan made it, and he made it in my home.

Watching him cook the whole time, even before the meal was served, my heart was already content.

The stir-fried greens were divided into two portions and added into the two bowls of noodles floating in broth.

Gu Fan used chopsticks to mix them evenly, then held one bowl in each hand and walked steadily to the seldom-used dining table, not a single drop spilled.

“All done, you can start eating.”

“Um… just a moment.”

It was too dirty, really too dirty.

The surface of the dining table was covered in a thick layer of dust.

Because my mother rarely came back and I wasn’t good at cooking, I almost never cleaned this place.

I quickly wet a cloth with water from the kitchen faucet and wiped down the spot where Gu Fan was about to put the bowls, then let him set them down.

Sigh…

I really need to be more thorough with cleaning in the future.

Even if I explained that it’s because I rarely cook that I don’t clean, Gu Fan would probably still think I’m careless about hygiene.

After wiping down the table and chairs, I looked around but couldn’t find Gu Fan anywhere.

Where was he?

Returning to the kitchen, I found Gu Fan skillfully washing the pots and knives at the sink.

“Can I help?”

“Maybe next time. I’ve already gotten used to washing them myself.”

“Alright…”

I imagined myself clumsily trying to help—hmm… probably better if I didn’t.

Back at the table, I cupped my hands around the edges of the bowl.

The heat shielded my hands perfectly, and my slightly cold fingers gradually warmed up.

I quietly watched Gu Fan bustling around in the kitchen.

My heart felt like it was melting, like biting into a soft candy with a sweet center, overflowing with a honeyed warmth.

It’s really nice.

So nice.

The aroma of the noodles lingered near my nose.

I carefully adjusted the chopsticks resting on the bowl and gently pulled Gu Fan’s bowl a little closer to me—but I still didn’t start eating.

“Zhi Nian, you should start eating first. If you wait too long, the noodles will get too soft.”

“Um, I want to eat with you.”

I had thought about finishing early and just quietly watching Gu Fan eat, but I felt that would be too lovestruck—maybe even scare him.

I’d rather take it slow and steadily build our relationship than risk testing his patience.

Too risky.

…Wait, no, no, that’s not right.

I just want Gu Fan to be happier—I can’t let my own desires control me. It’s not like I’m falling for him.

My nails unconsciously tapped against the outside of the porcelain bowl.

I tried hard to instill the right thoughts into myself and slowly exhaled, relaxing my straightened back as I surveyed the kitchen and dining table.

The small space held just the two of us.

The sound of running water in the kitchen, the crisp clinking of dishes, and the fragrant steam rising from the two bowls of noodles before us.

I sat quietly at the table, waiting for him—waiting for Gu Fan to finish tidying the kitchen and sit beside me.

We’d eat the noodles side by side, occasionally exchanging glances and smiles, then continue enjoying our dinner.

Mm… just imagining this scene fills me with an indescribable happiness.

This should leave Gu Fan more satisfied than any fleeting joy, right?

Like being in a little cabin at night, with no lights on, gathered around a fire roasting sweet potatoes, patiently waiting… then suddenly taking a big bite.

Heh heh.

I suppressed the smile tugging at my lips.

That’s going too far, I’m overthinking again.

I really need to rein myself in more.

Resting my elbow on the table, I stared at Gu Fan wiping the kitchen counter.

The small apron stretched tight over his solid build, revealing an enticing side to his physique.

Gulp…

For some reason, I swallowed unconsciously.

I’d never realized before that I might be attracted to a guy with a strong build—feeling my heart flutter like this.

Is this a side effect of becoming a girl?

I really wanted to shake my head and toss away all these impure thoughts, but after hesitating for a moment, I let them stay in my mind.

Forget it—physiological reactions can’t be suppressed.

The more I try to block these feelings, the stronger the backlash becomes.

Better to distract myself.

Maybe ask Gu Fan how he’s been working out? Is he still keeping it up? How’s his condition progressed?

I puffed out my cheeks in frustration.

I kind of regretted not learning more about Gu Fan’s situation before.

I only remembered that in the blink of an eye, he had grown so much thinner, and his pale complexion was frightening.

Wait!?

Could it be that in a few months, Gu Fan would end up like that too…?

Just thinking about it snapped me awake.

I jumped on the spot, and the color drained from my face immediately.

I could clearly feel the blood pumping in the veins at the back of my head, accompanied by a throbbing headache.

“Ah… so annoying!”

I gritted my teeth and growled softly, grabbing my cat ears and vigorously stroking them, using them as an outlet for my frustration.

I finally realized I’d been avoiding it all along—my subconscious guiding me to ignore the future and only obsess over these meaningless trifles in the present.

“Zhi Nian, eat quickly. Look, your noodles are almost cold. If you wait any longer, they won’t taste good anymore.”

Hearing Gu Fan’s cheerful voice, I hurriedly covered my cheeks, took a deep breath, and when I lowered my hands, my expression had already calmed.

I absolutely can’t let Gu Fan worry. I need to become more mature and responsible.

I want to be the emotional pillar that supports Gu Fan.

I want…

Gu Fan to get through these three years with no regrets.

Gu Fan took off his apron, his sturdy upper body now covered by the loose school uniform.

After hanging up the apron, he sat down beside me, just as I had hoped.

“Gu Fan, let’s start eating.”

I picked up my chopsticks and forced a smile, silently scolding myself.

Why do I always have to put on a sour face at the wrong moments, thinking about gloomy things?

I really don’t know how to seize the right opportunities…

“You have to give my cooking a good rating, okay?”

“Mhm, I already gave it a top score before even tasting it.”

I picked up a few strands of the delicious-looking noodles and was about to put them in my mouth when suddenly, click—a sound.

The door—someone came back through the front door of the living room.