Cheng Su dragged her weary body home and saw a backpack in the living room, realizing that Qi Taiguo had returned, probably from the army unit.
She put down her bag and helped him organize his backpack, discovering a lot of stuff inside, like dried mushrooms and black fungus, probably brought from their hometown. She neatly arranged them all.
After resting for a while, she was too lazy to move and dialed a number to Qi Taiguo’s office.
"It’s me." Cheng Su’s voice was soft, "When did you come back?"
Qi Taiguo replied, "I got back around two, went straight to the unit, what’s up? Why are you calling? I’ll be back soon!"
"Nothing much, I’m really tired and don’t feel like cooking, nor have any appetite. You can eat at the canteen, just bring back some greens for me when you return!" Cheng Su said.
"Alright. You get some rest first." Qi Taiguo responded.
Cheng Su hung up the phone. She was truly exhausted, and the weather was hot. Even though the fan was whirring, it still felt sticky and uncomfortable.
She gathered her energy, went to the bathroom, and took a refreshing shower, which made her feel a bit better, then lazily laid on the sofa waiting for Qi Taiguo to return.
Half-closing her eyes, her mind dwelled on making jam lately. She made it over and over, using different ingredients, finally settling on cherries, lemons, rock sugar, cane sugar, etc. Each batch was closer to perfect, but it never reached the effect she desired.
The jam she’d tasted before was sweet but not cloying, refreshing and delicious, but the current batch, although everyone praised it as perfect, felt like it was missing something to her.
What was it? The sense of satisfaction and happiness was lacking.
Cheng Su covered her eyes and wondered if she was being too demanding.
There was a noise at the door, followed by the sound of keys turning and Qi Taiguo’s voice, "I’m back!"
Cheng Su responded with a hum but didn’t open her eyes.
She sensed Qi Taiguo approaching with a rush of warm air, and his hand landed on her forehead.
"What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Qi Taiguo asked worriedly.
Cheng Su opened her eyes, "No, just feeling tired, maybe I’ve been too tense lately."
"Come, turn over, I’ll help you relax a bit." Qi Taiguo gently tapped her leg.
Cheng Su turned over, lying on her stomach. Qi Taiguo’s hands pressed on her lower back, the pressure just right, hitting all the right spots, making her sigh with comfort.
"How’s dad’s leg?" Cheng Su asked.
"It’s wrapped like a zongzi, no big issues, just needs rest. He has to use a crutch, but his spirits are fine." Qi Taiguo said, "This morning I got up early and went to your parents’ house with the one hundred yuan you gave, fifty for your father-in-law, fifty for dad."
Cheng Su exclaimed, "Why did you visit my family too!"
"Since I was back, I thought I should visit the two elderly folks." Qi Taiguo laughed.
"Offering compliments for no reason," Cheng Su teased with a glance, but felt sweet inside, "Is my family doing well?"
She was very satisfied with Qi Taiguo’s actions, respecting and caring for her family, which showed his respect and love for her, so why be dissatisfied?
"They’re all fine, don’t worry. They were also happy to hear about your company’s competition." Qi Taiguo said, thinking of Qi Fengping, his brows furrowed slightly, this sister was worrying.
Feeling the change in his demeanor, Cheng Su asked, "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing. Anywhere else sore? How about we eat first, then I’ll continue the massage? Otherwise, the food might get cold and not taste as good!" Seeing her so tired, Qi Taiguo decided not to tell her about the bothersome things, saving her from more worry.