Zhou Yi realized she simply wanted him to accept her gesture. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow knowing that someone so young was already so thoughtful.
If she hadn't endured significant hardships, a freshman wouldn't be thinking about these things. Though the Qiao family was wealthy, it seemed Qiao Xi cared little for material wealth. What she craved was love and warmth.
"So, how much allowance do you get each month? Is it enough?" Zhou Yi asked, his concern evident.
His worry was unnecessary; Qiao Xi knew he was only looking out for her. Smiling sweetly, she reassured him, "I have plenty of money. My mother left me her inheritance before she passed away. You don't need to worry."
Zhou Yi paused. So Qiao Xi's mother was no longer alive...
"You need to be cautious," he warned. "Don't share this information with others. I don't want you to attract unwanted attention."
"I don't tell anyone else. Only you, Yi-Gege," she promised.
"Not even your father or sister?" he pressed.
"No, they don't know," she confirmed.
Zhou Yi frowned. It seemed the Qiao family's situation was far more complicated than he had imagined. A mother with two children, yet the inheritance went solely to one daughter—and even the husband remained unaware.
He sighed. Wealthy families were often riddled with drama. Thank goodness he was just an orphan.
The taxi soon arrived at Zijin Bay, and the two struggled to carry the heavy bags upstairs.
"Thank goodness we bought an apartment with an elevator. If it were a walk-up, we'd be done for tonight," Qiao Xi joked, panting heavily.
"Open the door, Yi-Gege. My back is about to give out," she pleaded.
"Alright."
Zhou Yi's door had a keypad lock, requiring only a code to unlock. As he entered the digits, Qiao Xi discreetly lowered her head, avoiding watching him input the password.
"Alright, come in. Let's rest for a bit first," he said.
They carried the bags into the living room and collapsed onto the sofa.
"What a tiring day," Zhou Yi remarked.
But Qiao Xi was beaming with happiness. Turning to him, she said, "Yi-Gege, this is the happiest day I've had since my mother passed away."
"The last time I felt this happy was also because I met you," she added.
It was the first time she had defied her father and sister and run out of the house. The first time she had enjoyed grocery shopping so much. The first time she had spent the night away from home. For her, every moment today was a source of joy.
Qiao Xi gazed at Zhou Yi, her eyes shimmering with a gentle light. Zhou Yi playfully tousled the strands of hair on her forehead and said, "There will be many more happy days ahead. This is just the beginning."
"Yes, Yi-Gege is always right. I'll become happier and happier," she replied, her voice filled with determination.
With that, Qiao Xi got up and headed to the kitchen with the groceries. "I'll start cooking now. If you're hungry, you can snack on something to tide you over."
"Alright, thank you for your hard work, Xiao Xi."
"It's no trouble. Cooking for you makes me happy too," she said softly, humming a cheerful tune as she began preparing the meal.
Though it was her first time here, the warmth of this place surpassed the cold emptiness of her own home. This apartment truly made her feel what it meant to have a family.
While Qiao Xi worked in the kitchen, Zhou Yi lay on the sofa and gradually drifted off to sleep. By the time she brought the dishes to the table, he was already deep in a peaceful slumber.
Seeing how exhausted he was, Qiao Xi decided to let him rest a little longer. Instead of waking him immediately, she quietly began organizing the items they had purchased. She filled the refrigerator to the brim, made the bed in the bedroom, and swept the floors. By the time she finished, beads of sweat dotted her forehead.
After washing her face, she finally approached the sleeping Zhou Yi. Leaning over him, she gazed at his handsome face and gently poked his cheek with her thumb. "Yi-Gege, wake up and eat. The food will get cold if you wait too long," she whispered softly.