An Yuan walked back into the kitchen, glancing at Chen Cheng, who was focused on whisking the eggs. He lowered his head and busied himself with chopping ingredients and heating the pan.
Still, he couldn't help but steal a few more glances at her.
Back in school, Chen Cheng always wore a plain blue-and-white uniform, with glasses as her only accessory.
Even though the uniform wasn't form-fitting, she still managed to make it look youthful and vibrant. When she widened her eyes with that lost and innocent expression, she looked so pure and cute that it made people want to kiss her.
But today, she was dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt. It wasn't anything fancy, but the fitted jeans highlighted her long, straight legs and round hips, making him want to give her a playful slap or squeeze.
"An Yuan, is this okay?"
An Yuan's eyes snapped away from her hips like he'd been electrocuted. He quickly answered with a serious face.
"No, keep going."
"Ugh, this is such a hassle. I don't wanna eat anymore!"
"Then let me do it."
"Yes! You do it!"
Chen Cheng had zero hesitation handing over the bowl and chopsticks. She then leaned her hips against the counter, took a gulp of Coke, and sighed in satisfaction.
"Ah~ So good!"
"If you're not gonna help, then get out. You're just getting in the way."
The kitchen wasn't that big. While two people could fit inside, moving around was tricky. Plus, An Yuan didn't want to keep getting distracted by his so-called "brother" and risk cutting his own hand while slicing ham.
Not to mention, every extra glance made his guilt pile up.
Understanding the hint, Chen Cheng moved to the doorway, leaning against the frame with her arms crossed as she watched An Yuan work.
"I thought your job was super busy? How do you have time to learn how to cook?"
"What do you think?"
Ever since Chen Cheng got bullied by Li Wanyi, An Yuan didn't even want to bring up that woman's name.
"Hmmm... What a good man!" Chen Cheng gave him a thumbs up, looking impressed. "I thought about learning to cook when I was living alone, but it's just too much work."
"That's because you're only cooking for yourself. When you meet someone you like, you'll put in the effort."
"No way! I'm staying single forever!" Chen Cheng groaned, covering her face. "I don't want to fall for a guy. Never!"
An Yuan poured the egg mixture into the pan, tilting it gently to spread it evenly.
"So, you're not planning on getting a girlfriend either? Even if your family doesn't approve, you could always keep it a secret after moving out."
"I've thought about it, but… nah." Chen Cheng shook her head, looking unsure.
"It's not that I don't like girls at all… I mean, I enjoy yuri in anime, but in real life, it just feels kinda weird."
"Besides, I'm used to being alone. Earning money and spending it all on myself? That's the dream."
That's what she said, but her tone was flat and unconvincing, more like an excuse than a genuine preference.
She had gotten used to loneliness, but she still envied those couples who were happily in love.
That thought made her expression stiffen for a moment. She hesitated, unsure how to say what was on her mind.
She looked at An Yuan's strong, handsome profile.
Her so-called "brother" was good-looking, a great cook, and caring. Aside from his short-lived relationships, he had no major flaws.
It was only a matter of time before some lovestruck girl chased after him…
And when that happened, would she be left alone in the end?
"Um..."
Chen Cheng lowered her head, absentmindedly biting her nails. She wanted to ask him not to date anyone, but she knew that was impossible.
The best she could hope for was for things to stay like their past lives. Just chatting online, meeting up occasionally.
She didn't want An Yuan to leave her behind. She didn't want to be abandoned.
But saying something like that felt way too clingy, like a girl who couldn't live without a man.
"Almost done. Just two more minutes."
"Mm."
An Yuan's cooking was even better than she expected.
The egg rolls were cooked to a perfect golden brown, neatly rolled up like towels. Almost as if they had been carefully crafted in a bakery.
An Yuan took two bottles of milk from the fridge and placed them on the table alongside a plate of egg rolls, that was their breakfast for the day.
"Here, try one."
Chen Cheng couldn't wait. She picked up a piece and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes lit up like they were sparkling with stars.
"This is so good! Even better than I expected! Something like this would easily sell for thirty yuan outside!"
"Is it really that good?"
"Of course!"
Even though An Yuan knew she was exaggerating, seeing her genuinely happy filled him with a sense of pride. His usual smile softened as he added two more egg rolls to her plate.
"Then you have to finish it all."
"I'll lick the plate clean!"
Chen Cheng had zero table manners. She devoured an egg roll in just a few bites, washing it down with a gulp of cold milk. But after a few more, she started feeling full.
Her body had shrunk, so naturally, her stomach wasn't as big as before.
She sat cross-legged on the chair, resting her chin on her hands as she looked at An Yuan across the table.
"When are we going to the internet café?"
"This early? Let's go tonight. I have something to do later."
"Oh? A date?"
An Yuan casually replied, "Just going out for a bit."
"With a girl? Damn, look at you! Is she pretty? What class is she from? Does she like you?" Chen Cheng teased. "Don't tell me you've already won her over? It hasn't even been that long!"
"It's my cousin." An Yuan rubbed his nose. "She asked me to help carry her bags while shopping."
"Oh, her? You should get her to introduce you to a girlfriend."
An Yuan couldn't shake the feeling that Chen Cheng's tone was a little off. She always encouraged him to date, but somehow, it didn't sound sincere.
He studied her face but didn't notice anything unusual.
"We'll see."
"Just don't end up with another terrible woman." Chen Cheng declared righteously. "I'll personally screen them for you! At the very least, she has to be beautiful, have no bad habits, and be a super rich sugar mommy!"
"Marry one, and you'll never have to worry about money again! How great is that?"
An Yuan couldn't help but laugh at her serious expression. "What kind of daydream are you having?"
"Hey! You should have more confidence! You're handsome, thoughtful, good at housework, and not bad at making money. In our last life, you made tens of thousands a month! Sure, your family background is just average, but who cares? As long as the sugar mommy is rich!"
"That's the first time I've heard you call me handsome." An Yuan rolled his eyes. "With your standards, I'll never find someone."
And wouldn't that be perfect?
Chen Cheng's eyes sparkled as she tried to convince him further, but then she saw him pick up his phone.
When the call ended, she couldn't wait to ask.
"Who was it?"
"My cousin. She's asking me to head out now."
"Oh… okay then… I'll just go home and do my homework."
Her disappointment was obvious. Her smile instantly faded, and she pursed her lips as she stood up to leave.
As she walked past, An Yuan, holding the dishes, suddenly acted on impulse. He gave her a slap on the butt.
"Ah!"
Chen Cheng whipped around, hands covering her butt, and glared at him in shock.
"Are you crazy?! Get lost!"
She rubbed her sore backside, stepped back cautiously, and then—
BAM!
She kicked him, then ran out the door.
What a grudge-holder!
But at least now, she looked more lively.
An Yuan looked down at his hand. He could still feel the soft, bouncy sensation.
Only after she left did he finally relax.
He rubbed his nose, feeling troubled. Why did his eyes keep wandering to her legs and butt? And why was his hand so damn restless?
He kept worrying that Chen Cheng would notice something, but luckily, she seemed engrossed with her own thoughts and wasn't as sharp as he had feared.
<+>
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[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/1362427?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/129811097?collection=1362427
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/129811097?collection=1362427
[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/1362427?view=condensed