The new home was a one-bedroom apartment located in the city center, its main advantage being convenient transportation. After they spent an entire day cleaning, the mother and daughter both slept in the next day. Yan Xixi helped her mother wash up. Afterward, she stood under the showerhead herself, thoroughly enjoying the hot water. As she was blow-drying her hair, she saw her mother sit up and watch her intently. Yan Xixi smiled and said, "Mom, we haven’t enjoyed such a refreshing hot shower in so long. It feels amazing."
Mrs. Yan looked around the room and sighed deeply. "Xiaojue is such a good child. He’s thought of everything for us. Ah, if only you could marry him, I could die in peace."
Yan Xixi chuckled playfully but didn’t answer when she heard a knock on the door. The moment the door opened, she was pulled into a firm embrace by a pair of large hands. She was both surprised and delighted. "Xiaojue, weren’t you supposed to be back next week? Why are you early?"
Huang Xiaojue held her tightly, inhaling her clean, fresh scent, and just chuckled foolishly. Yan Xixi pushed him gently, whispering, "The door’s open, and my mom’s inside..."
Only then did he release her. Indeed, Mrs. Yan had already come out, having heard the commotion. Seeing her prospective son-in-law at the door, she quickly greeted him warmly and fetched a heater. Huang Xiaojue had barely sat down when he announced excitedly, "Xixi, I have great news! Our company is setting up a major regional office in C City. Since I’m a local and familiar with the situation here, I’ve been transferred back to be the regional manager. After the New Year, I won’t have to go to North City anymore!"
Yan Xixi was so thrilled she was almost incoherent. "That’s wonderful! That’s truly fantastic! Mom, Huang Xiaojue has been transferred back! Now we’ll have someone to lend a hand!"
As the saying goes, "Joyful occasions bring a cheerful spirit." Much of Mrs. Yan’s sickly appearance immediately improved considerably, and she gazed with great satisfaction at the travel-worn Huang Xiaojue. The young man was tall and full of energy, his eyes crinkling with a smile that made him instantly likable.
He carried a large bag filled with all sorts of fruits and health supplements, his smile radiant. "Auntie, I came back in a hurry and didn’t bring anything special."
Yan Xixi teased with a smile, "This is enough fruit to last us a whole month."
He chuckled sheepishly, scratching his hair. He gulped down two large mouthfuls of the hot tea Xixi had poured for him, then asked about Mrs. Yan’s health with deep concern. He also took another large bag out of his own and handed it over. "I almost forgot," he added. "A friend recommended this to me. He said this medicine is very helpful for your condition, Auntie."
Seeing how considerate he was, Mrs. Yan was all smiles. Yan Xixi was also silently grateful. Not knowing what to say, she simply went to prepare lunch efficiently.
Lunch wasn’t a lavish spread, but it featured three exquisite side dishes and a soup. Huang Xiaojue ate with hearty, audible enjoyment, praising loudly, "Xixi, your cooking skills are getting better and better! This is absolutely delicious!"
Yan Xixi kept refilling his bowl and adding food to his plate. Delighted to see his hearty appetite, she said gently, "Xiaojue, you’re so good to us, and there’s not much I can do for you in return. As long as you enjoy my cooking, please come over often."
Huang Xiaojue’s chopsticks paused mid-air, his eyes shining intensely. "Does that mean you’ll cook for me every day?"
Her face turned red. Mrs. Yan immediately smiled and said, "Xiaojue, since you’ve been transferred back, you should have Xixi cook for you every day from now on."
"Wonderful, wonderful! Xixi, see? Your mom has agreed. I really will come for meals every day then!"
Mrs. Yan, picking up on the cue, didn’t want to disturb the two. She excused herself to rest and closed her bedroom door.