Yue Qingqing temporarily resides in the garden villa, but her source of news is not isolated.
Besides browsing local forums online daily, Jiang Jingze also buys back newspapers from outside.
She quickly learns of Qiong Shun, the man who sold out program clips, and his fate.
It’s said he not only has to compensate many program groups for their losses but also faces more privacy leaks, subjected to public scrutiny.
Describing it as being abandoned by everyone wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
But Yue Qingqing doesn’t feel any sympathy.
When he leaked others’ privacy, he didn’t think about the consequences.
He was probably smug, thinking he could profit from his position.
However, when everything falls upon himself, only then does he truly understand the harm he has brought to others.
"Qingqing, it’s time to eat."
A voice comes from outside as Yue Qingqing puts down the newspaper and walks out to see Jiang Jingze wearing an apron.
The apron is sky blue, yet doesn’t seem out of place on the man.
Instead, it gives off an inexplicable charm.
"Smells so good." Yue Qingqing walks over, naturally taking the plate from Jiang Jingze’s hands.
Between them is a family-like tacit understanding, as if they have synchronized countless times.
Grab the bowls and chopsticks, dish out the rice, sit at the table.
This atmosphere filled with domestic warmth catches Jiang Jingze off guard.
An inexplicable warmth surges within his heart, rippling repeatedly.
"Why are you in a daze?" Yue Qingqing steps over to undo Jiang Jingze’s apron.
It’s done with an embrace from the front, both hands reaching around to the back.
When he feels the girl’s arms encircle his waist, Jiang Jingze stiffens entirely.
Like weather-beaten stone.
Yue Qingqing keenly senses the change in Jiang Jingze’s muscles, her eyes curve with a smile.
Just as Yue Qingqing finishes untying the apron and prepares to leave, she’s suddenly pulled into the man’s embrace.
"Qingqing." Jiang Jingze’s arms tighten gradually, perhaps trying to affirm her presence this way.
Only this way does the scene before him cease to feel like an illusion.
Yue Qingqing is entirely encased in his arms, her cheek against his chest.
The scorching breath rushes toward her, with a fast-paced heartbeat akin to drumbeats.
A reminder of the man’s emotions before her.
Yue Qingqing lets him hold her , and only after a while does she laugh and say, "The food’s getting cold."
Jiang Jingze then slowly releases her and watches her hang the apron and sit across from him.
He’s unsure why, but this scene is long awaited yet seems somewhat surreal.
As if being able to see her, hold her, and dine with her was merely a dream.
This feeling is so strange.
Jiang Jingze lowers his head; although Qingqing is here due to unpleasant events, staying to escape the media.
Yet he can’t help but feel an inexplicable joy inside.
Such thoughts of his seem a bit despicable.
Yue Qingqing observes Jiang Jingze’s ever-changing expressions, picking food with chopsticks and adding them to his bowl.
"What are you thinking? Eat up."
Only then does Jiang Jingze begin eating, his gaze remaining on the girl as he does.
Yue Qingqing notices that Jiang Jingze often feels anxious when facing her.
Normally, there’s a reason, but she somewhat doesn’t understand his emotions.
Like an old wound, even if the exterior has healed, the body instinctively recoils when others inadvertently touch it.
Yue Qingqing looks at the table full of dishes rich in color, aroma, and taste, quietly pondering.
No matter the reason, fortunately, she has a lifetime to accompany him.
Until the wound is soothed and faded by time, until it disappears.