Sunset painted the sky as Zhu Zhixuan and her mother were still bustling in the kitchen.
Lin Fan rarely came home, and they were eager to cook him everything in the refrigerator.
After a stroll outside, Lin Fan walked into the kitchen with a cheerful smile, rolled up his sleeves, and joined the busy duo.
"Do you need this great chef to show off his skills?"
"You can forget about it."
Zhu Zhixuan, apron-clad, immediately turned around and gazed at Lin Fan, her eyes brimming with affection. "You’re meant for greater things. Leave this work to us. Go and chat with your uncle; you haven’t seen each other for months, and must have a lot to catch up on."
"You really don’t understand the relationship between a father and son."
Lin Fan shook his head, "The real reason I went out was that sitting with dad, we’d have nothing to talk about. Men’s feelings aren’t easily talked out; steady as a mountain is what fatherly love is about. If we could talk, wouldn’t that mean a landslide? Maybe I’m not great at cooking, but I can certainly peel garlic."
"That won’t be necessary, either. Just go play on your phone; dinner will be ready in no time. Remember, as long as I’m here, the kitchen is off-limits to you!"
Zhu Zhixuan pouted playfully at Lin Fan. Had her mother not been there, she would have captured her lips with his, savoring them passionately.
"Alright, alright, I’ll go then. But remember, tonight I’ve prepared a surprise for you—make sure to collect it in my room."
Lin Fan whispered into Zhu Zhixuan’s ear with a lowered voice, then turned and left, leaving her there blushing and fervently wiping the same bowl again and again.
Under the moonlight, at the family dining table, Lin Fan marveled at the spread, "This is like a New Year’s feast, we’re only four people—do we really need this much food?"
"It’s a rare treat for you to come home, of course we want you to enjoy good food and drink. Besides, you’re always so busy; we never know when you’ll be home to eat next. Plus, Zhixuan made many of these dishes, give them a try."
His mother passed him the chopsticks with a smile while Lin Fan eagerly picked up a piece of braised pork, blowing on it and giving a thumbs up—entertainingly enough to make Zhu Zhixuan cover her mouth to stifle her laughter, and so the joyful family dinner began.
"So tell me, why did you end up fighting with Cai Jing?"
Lin Fan asked curiously, sitting next to Zhu Zhixuan.
"It’s all because of those gossiping old hags in the village. They’ve been walking by here quite often these days, talking behind our backs. And ever since Cai Xuliang got locked up, things with the Cai Family have been strained. I had initially moved to the school, but I’ve been staying at home these past few nights for convenience. Then Cai Xuliang’s mom started taking digs, and we got into a fight."
As Zhu Zhixuan ate, she recounted the ordeal, "Yesterday, Cai Jing came back; I don’t know what Cai Xuliang’s mom told her, but she came to my room to argue, and things got out of hand. But she didn’t get the better of me—I slapped her back. Honestly, I’ve gotten over it. If anyone messes with me, I won’t back down."
"So that’s what happened. I’ll get back at them for you."
Lin Fan said with a sly grin.
"Forget it, this is between me and the Cai Family. You don’t need to get involved. I won’t be living there often, let them do what they want. With just the two of them, mother and daughter, I’m not afraid. Cai Xuliang still hasn’t signed the divorce papers. As long as he doesn’t sign, I’ll keep the Cai Family in chaos."
Zhu Zhixuan appeared relaxed, not letting the matter weigh her down. Lin Fan simply continued to eat with a smile. The meal ended in harmony. After helping clean up, Zhu Zhixuan made a show of leaving, but her eyes told Lin Fan of her deep love. He winked back at her with a smile before heading upstairs.
As night deepened, Lin’s parents had gone to bed early on the first floor. In the darkness, a figure tiptoed in, guided by the moonlight as they climbed the stairs to the second floor. Just as Zhu Zhixuan was about to knock, the door swung open. An arm reached out from inside and pulled her delicate body inside.
"Female thief, you’re quite good at scaling walls!"
In the darkness, Lin Fan greedily inhaled the fragrance of Zhu Zhixuan’s hair, his hands freely exploring her slender waist and round backside.
"Since you know I’m a thief, why not surrender willingly and let this young lady have her way!"
In the pitch-black room, Zhu Zhixuan leaned her head against Lin Fan’s chest, finding a sense of security only in his embrace.
"Of course, I’d be delighted, but before we get to that, there’s a surprise you haven’t received yet."
Lin Fan pinched her round backside heavily, and on hearing this, Zhu Zhixuan paused, "Isn’t the surprise you?"
Leading Zhu Zhixuan by the hand, Lin Fan pulled her to the bedroom door. As the door opened, he pointed to the bed, "Look, your surprise is there!"
Zhu Zhixuan’s head spun when she saw Cai Jing, naked and bound with a red rope on the bed.