Could it be that she’s been lacking a father figure since childhood, and now she’s found one?
Mu Xingfeng lifted his head to look at her, his large, dark eyes resembling black grapes, filled with confusion. He reached out to rub her long hair, "Because you’re my savior, of course I have to treat you well."
"Oh," An Ran responded, lowering her head to sip the porridge, feeling like something was not quite right.
Mu Xingfeng watched her, his eyes reflecting a subtle smile: Silly girl, finally realizing how well I treat you?
After finishing breakfast, An Ran had nothing to do. She watched him intently as he handled his affairs on the sofa, then turned around and went back to her room. After a while, she came out in a white linen dress.
"Instructor Mu, I’m going out to buy groceries. To repay you for taking care of me last week, I’ll cook something delicious for you at noon today." Her crisp and pleasant voice carried a cheerful tone, making it hard not to feel delighted upon hearing it.
Mu Xingfeng looked up and saw An Ran in a white dress, her long black hair braided into a plait behind her head, looking as pure as a blooming lily.
Mu Xingfeng put down his laptop and stood up, saying, "Where are you buying groceries? I’ll accompany you."
"Huh? You’ll go with me?" An Ran was momentarily unresponsive.
"Why? Is it not okay?" Mu Xingfeng asked.
An Ran nodded her head like a pecking chicken, "Of course, it’s okay."
She had quite a few things she wanted to buy, initially worried that she’d be unable to carry them all by herself. If Mu Xingfeng was with her, it wouldn’t be a problem. Last time, they bought so many things together, and he handled it all alone.
She thought Mu Xingfeng was always busy with work and didn’t have time. Now that he actively suggested accompanying her, how could she refuse?
Excitedly, An Ran took Mu Xingfeng’s arm and looked up at him, her small face glowing as she sweetly said, "With Instructor Mu accompanying me, I’m more than happy."
Mu Xingfeng glanced down at his arm, held by An Ran, with a faint flicker in his eyes.
This girl had completely let down her guard against him, fully trusting him. Though her trust seemed somewhat excessive, she seemed to have forgotten that he was a man and regarded him as a father figure. It was quite a headache.
However, gaining the trust of the young girl was something Mu Xingfeng never hoped for but was pleased to receive.
An Ran and Mu Xingfeng headed to a market located a few stops from the school. An Ran had discovered it accidentally while shopping with Xiao Xiao and noted it because it looked lively inside.
Mu Xingfeng drove, and there weren’t many cars on Nan’an Road on weekends, but he still drove slowly.
An Ran opened the car window, letting the October autumn wind caress her face, tickling and comfortable. She lowered her head, jotting something down with a pen, occasionally looking up to ask Mu Xingfeng, "Instructor Mu, what kind of fish do you like? Freshwater fish or saltwater fish?"
Mu Xingfeng watched her serious expression, a slight smile tugging at his lips, "Both are fine."
"Then let’s go with freshwater fish. Freshwater fish are all alive, fresh. How about grass carp?" An Ran asked again.
"Sounds good," Mu Xingfeng replied, his voice deep and resonant like a cello, magnetic and elegant.
An Ran scribbled quickly on the memo, then looked up again shortly, "Instructor Mu, do you like beef or lamb? Aside from spicy food, what’s your favorite dish?"
Mu Xingfeng pondered for a moment. He wasn’t picky about food, except for his preference for spicy flavors. But seeing the sparkling eyes of the young girl, he couldn’t bear to respond with a casual answer.