Seeing him waiting anxiously, she burst out laughing: "The taste is really nice."
He Jinxuan finally realized and pulled her into his arms: "You little rascal."
Xinyan pouted, "I didnât do it on purpose. I just wanted to savor it properly and then give my review."
He Jinxuan was amused by her words, "It took you so long, and all you came up with was five wordsââthe taste is really niceâ."
Xinyan giggled, looking at him, "Yes, the taste really is very nice."
Then she gestured with her hands: "These garlic ribs are very close to the flavor I make. I really like them."
He Jinxuan looked at her with a gentle gaze, "As long as you like to eat it."
Then he playfully pinched her nose, "Iâll work harder to learn more dishes to make for you in the future."
After saying that, he gave Xinyan a quick peck on the lips, suppressing his inner longing: "Letâs eat."
During the meal, they were just shy of feeding each other, and the room was filled with romantic vibes.
While He Jinxuan was washing the dishes, Xinyan went to the backyard for a bit. Seeing that He Jinxuan had tidied up the backyard as well, she came back and hugged him from behind as he was wiping the stove: "Jinxuan, you havenât had a moment to rest all morning, have you?"
He Jinxuan glanced back at the little girl leaning against his back, "Why do you ask?"
Xinyan rubbed her cheek against his back, "I saw you cleaned up the backyard too."
He Jinxuan nudged Xinyanâs head with his own, "Itâs early spring this year. It wonât be long before we can tidy up the vegetable patch. Iâll come over later to set up the garden beds for you, so even if Iâm out driving, just transplanting the seedlings wonât wear you out."
Xinyan felt touched, leaning her head against his back, "You must have forgotten my previous identity. Iâm not that delicate."
He Jinxuan set the damp cloth up to dry, turned around, and wrapped her in his arms, "I wasnât there before, but now things are different. You have me."
Then he gently cupped Xinyanâs face with his hands and said earnestly, "Although I canât always be by your side because of work, Iâll do my best to think the way you do. Trust me, okay?"
Xinyan saw sincerity and love in his eyes, tightened her arms around his waist, and softly said, "Okay."
Hearing Xinyanâs response, He Jinxuan gently pulled her head to his chest and hugged her tightly, "Meeting you really is a blessing."
For the rest of the time, they did nothing, didnât move from their spot, just held each other and whispered sweet nothings.
Noticing it was getting late, He Jinxuan finally released her, "Come on, Iâll walk you over."
Xinyan didnât refuse; they put on their clothes and walked out together. Seeing no one in the alley, they stealthily held hands like thieves.
After exiting the alley, she once again mentioned wanting Chen Manjuan to help her watch the shop.
He Jinxuan smiled, "You donât even know where the shop is yet, and youâre already planning staffing."
Xinyan shook the hand she was holding with He Jinxuan, "Itâs called being prepared and taking the initiative."
He Jinxuan affectionately patted her head, "Alright, my Yanyan has the best eye for talent. Iâm sure whoever you have your eye on is great."
The two chatted and laughed until they reached the school gate. He Jinxuan was about to stop, but Xinyan asked, "Arenât you going to walk me in?"
He Jinxuanâs lips curled up. He figured it was a good time to make an appearance and declare his presence: "Iâd love to."
Xinyan shared anecdotes from school all the way, amusing He Jinxuan. Seeing Xinyanâs confident and radiant smile made He Jinxuan feel even more urgency.
He needed to work harder to be worthy of such a wonderful Xinyan.