Seeing him waiting anxiously, she burst out laughing: "The taste is really nice."
He Jinxuan finally realized and pulled her into his arms: "You little rascal."
Xinyan pouted, "I didn’t do it on purpose. I just wanted to savor it properly and then give my review."
He Jinxuan was amused by her words, "It took you so long, and all you came up with was five words—’the taste is really nice’."
Xinyan giggled, looking at him, "Yes, the taste really is very nice."
Then she gestured with her hands: "These garlic ribs are very close to the flavor I make. I really like them."
He Jinxuan looked at her with a gentle gaze, "As long as you like to eat it."
Then he playfully pinched her nose, "I’ll work harder to learn more dishes to make for you in the future."
After saying that, he gave Xinyan a quick peck on the lips, suppressing his inner longing: "Let’s eat."
During the meal, they were just shy of feeding each other, and the room was filled with romantic vibes.
While He Jinxuan was washing the dishes, Xinyan went to the backyard for a bit. Seeing that He Jinxuan had tidied up the backyard as well, she came back and hugged him from behind as he was wiping the stove: "Jinxuan, you haven’t had a moment to rest all morning, have you?"
He Jinxuan glanced back at the little girl leaning against his back, "Why do you ask?"
Xinyan rubbed her cheek against his back, "I saw you cleaned up the backyard too."
He Jinxuan nudged Xinyan’s head with his own, "It’s early spring this year. It won’t be long before we can tidy up the vegetable patch. I’ll come over later to set up the garden beds for you, so even if I’m out driving, just transplanting the seedlings won’t wear you out."
Xinyan felt touched, leaning her head against his back, "You must have forgotten my previous identity. I’m not that delicate."
He Jinxuan set the damp cloth up to dry, turned around, and wrapped her in his arms, "I wasn’t there before, but now things are different. You have me."
Then he gently cupped Xinyan’s face with his hands and said earnestly, "Although I can’t always be by your side because of work, I’ll do my best to think the way you do. Trust me, okay?"
Xinyan saw sincerity and love in his eyes, tightened her arms around his waist, and softly said, "Okay."
Hearing Xinyan’s response, He Jinxuan gently pulled her head to his chest and hugged her tightly, "Meeting you really is a blessing."
For the rest of the time, they did nothing, didn’t move from their spot, just held each other and whispered sweet nothings.
Noticing it was getting late, He Jinxuan finally released her, "Come on, I’ll walk you over."
Xinyan didn’t refuse; they put on their clothes and walked out together. Seeing no one in the alley, they stealthily held hands like thieves.
After exiting the alley, she once again mentioned wanting Chen Manjuan to help her watch the shop.
He Jinxuan smiled, "You don’t even know where the shop is yet, and you’re already planning staffing."
Xinyan shook the hand she was holding with He Jinxuan, "It’s called being prepared and taking the initiative."
He Jinxuan affectionately patted her head, "Alright, my Yanyan has the best eye for talent. I’m sure whoever you have your eye on is great."
The two chatted and laughed until they reached the school gate. He Jinxuan was about to stop, but Xinyan asked, "Aren’t you going to walk me in?"
He Jinxuan’s lips curled up. He figured it was a good time to make an appearance and declare his presence: "I’d love to."
Xinyan shared anecdotes from school all the way, amusing He Jinxuan. Seeing Xinyan’s confident and radiant smile made He Jinxuan feel even more urgency.
He needed to work harder to be worthy of such a wonderful Xinyan.