Because it was in an insulated container, it was still warm, and as soon as the lid was opened, the rich aroma of chicken soup wafted out, perhaps with a hint of herbs added, making it look extra appetizing.
Jian Dan looped back to the kitchen to fetch bowls and chopsticks, standing by the kitchen island, she thought of Bo Qin and called out, "Uncle Qin, would you like some?"
"Hmm."
Hmm, does that mean yes or no?
Jian Dan felt like it was a tricky question, so she decided to take bowls for both of them and grabbed a soup ladle too.
She praised herself for her cleverness, handed the bowls and chopsticks to Bo Qin, and first scooped half a bowl of soup for him, giving him a chicken leg as well, with a flattering smile, "Thank you, Uncle Qin, for going out of your way to bring me chicken soup from afar. Thank you."
Bo Qin’s gloomy mood inexplicably improved, Lin Ma finished her call and followed the aroma out, seeing the two at the dining table indulging happily as if they forgot everything else, she exclaimed, "Did you guys go out to buy a midnight snack?"
Jian Dan shook her head, "No, Lin Ma, it’s from the old mansion brought by Uncle Qin. Lin Ma, would you like to try some? It’s really good."
Considering Bo Grandpa and Bo Grandma’s health, the old mansion hired chefs who were particularly good at cooking, with dishes that are light yet highly nutritious.
This demands particular attention to taste, selection of ingredients, and skill.
Upon hearing it’s from the old mansion, Lin Ma smiled, "I don’t need any, I thought you knew I was home and still went out to buy a midnight snack, that wouldn’t be nice, after all, my cooking skills are still quite good."
"Of course, of course."
Having eaten her fill, Jian Dan was in particularly good spirits, joking around with Lin Ma, who walked over, patted the girl’s head, and looked at her rounded belly, sighing, "This late at night, even if it’s delicious, you should pace yourself a bit, just look at your belly, I feel embarrassed to even comment."
Jian Dan: "..."
She hurriedly pulled down her casually donned coat to cover her embarrassment, "It’s not that bad, I think it’s just right."
But honestly, she was a bit too full.
Lin Ma tidied up their bowls and chopsticks, noting that it was getting late, "You two should go out for a walk, it’s not good to sleep right after a big meal, go quickly, take a couple of laps, then come back, take some digestion pills, and off to bed. One has school, the other has work, you’re not kids anymore, acting so childish."
The two being lectured: "..."
Fortunately, the garden outside the villa is large, a leisurely walk along the cobblestone path takes about half an hour.
The garden is filled with flowers that bloom in different seasons, their fragrance is enchanting, Bo Qin several times almost spoke up but held back, worried that things might completely fall apart between them, which isn’t what he wants to see, at least not what he hopes for. Clearly, when they get along like this, it’s quite harmonious.
But now, he’s a bit afraid to hope, wondering if they’ll have any more interaction if they do end up breaking ties.
"Do you still insist on becoming an exchange student?"
Bo Qin brought it up, and Jian Dan’s joyous mood slightly dampened, aware that this issue always stood between them, Bo Qin seemed unwilling for her to go as an exchange student, but she didn’t want to always face Bo Qin so humbly.
Without even having the courage to speak clearly.
She lowered her eyelashes, gave a small nod, "Lately, I’ve been preparing materials, I took TOEFL previously but plan to register for IELTS as well, making preparations on both fronts, nearing the end soon, within half a year it’ll be ready to submit for review, if approved, then next semester I’ll be off to Greece."
"Athens University?" Bo Qin asked.
Jian Dan shook her head, "National Technical University of Athens."
Bo Qin was a bit surprised, knowing the girl he’s raised was outstanding, just not expecting this excellence to exceed his expectations by so much. Some insists, seeing her excellence, have already compromised actually, knowing this girl isn’t a bird to be kept in a cage.
She has her dreams, her thinking, she deserves to have a vast and boundless sky, allowing her to fly freely, he shouldn’t become a stumbling block on her path of growth, supporting her would be enough, is Greece far?
It’s just a flight away, not too far actually.
After thinking it through, Bo Qin’s mood wasn’t as heavy and angry as before, he smiled slightly, "Go ahead."
"Eh?"
Jian Dan was a bit taken aback, quietly watched Bo Qin’s side profile, uncertainly asked, "Uncle Qin, did you just agree for me to go to Greece?"