Just like last time, as soon as Gu Yelin and An Yiqing walked in, someone went to inform Old Zhang.
A moment later, Old Zhang slowly emerged from the inner hall.
"Yo! The third kiddo a is here! Little lady is here too!" Old Zhang, looking as hale and hearty as before, greeted them with a smile that was the epitome of kindness.
An Yiqing, feeling the warm familiarity, cheerfully said with a smile, "Grandpa Zhang, long time no see. I’ve come to bother you again."
At that moment, Old Zhang thought girls were indeed better than boys. Looking at the tender and delicate An Yiqing, then at the icy Gu Yelin, Old Zhang’s heart immediately began to side with her.
He laughed heartily and said, "What do you mean bother? I’m happy as long as you come! Come on, girl, hurry inside! Grandpa Zhang will take you to the coziest private room!"
Leading An Yiqing by the arm, Old Zhang turned and left, without so much as a glance at Gu Yelin from beginning to end.
Hmph! The cheeky kid, always loathing his cold face! Even during the month he spent here learning to cook, he kept a straight face the entire time, driving me to hormonal imbalance!
In the private room, An Yiqing and Gu Yelin sat facing each other.
The room was small, with an antique table and two simple benches. The floor was laid with faux-antique tiles. Carved in ancient style, the window lattice added charm. Beside the table, a small stove sat with boiling water, the flame beneath flickering warmly.
The whole room had an old-town feel. It was a living, breathing commoner’s home, quaint and warm.
An Yiqing appreciated the room’s decor, thinking how pleasant it would be to live in such an environment.
After a while, the waiter brought in the dishes.
Worried An Yiqing might be hungry, Gu Yelin had specifically ordered a few dishes that were quick to make.
"Tutu, time to eat." The man placed a bowl of white rice in front of An Yiqing, considerately handed her chopsticks, and poured her a cup of tea.
An Yiqing giggled with pleasure at Gu Yelin’s attentiveness, urging him to eat more while enjoying her meal.
A satisfying meal later, An Yiqing patted her round, full belly and lazily sat back on the bench.
"Tutu, are you full?" Gu Yelin asked with concern.
"Mhm, so full." The girl leaned against the table, replying in a languid tone.
Gu Yelin glanced at her bulging belly with satisfaction and nodded. Standing up, he took her hand and gently led her up. An Yiqing was pulled to her feet.
"Don’t just sit after a meal. Let’s go for a walk."
An Yiqing blinked and obediently followed Gu Yelin out of Old Zhang’s restaurant.
The restaurant was not far from the city center, which was ideal for a post-dinner walk. It was after eight in the evening, and Gu Yelin left the car at the entrance to Old Zhang’s place, holding An Yiqing’s hand, they quietly strolled through the tranquil alleys.
At the An Family Villa, the whole family was still up. Old Master An was playing chess with An Zhihang on the sofa. An Zhiyan watched the game. An Zisheng was channel surfing with the remote, to which Kong Shi impatiently snatched the remote away and switched to an entertainment program that everyone liked to watch.
"Why hasn’t Niuniu come back yet? Where did she go this late? I hope nothing’s happened!" said An Zisheng, who was bored and restless as he glanced at his watch and expressed his concern.
Kong Shi rolled her eyes at him, "Niuniu is with Xiao Gu, what could possibly go wrong? Stop being such a pessimist. They’re a young couple in love, going out on a date – how wonderful is that?"
Just then, Old Lady An, who was descending from the upstairs, couldn’t help but agree, "Exactly! Xiao Shi’s right! Zisheng, don’t be too hard on Niuniu. In this day and age, what couple doesn’t go out on dates?"