“Boss, I’d like a bowl of red date and white fungus porridge,” Zhou Wan said at the counter. “Thank you.”
Since Lu Xixiao was injured, Zhou Wan only dared to buy him something mild to eat.
This porridge shop was right in front of his house. They mainly sold porridge with some side dishes. The taste was quite good, and portions were generous and affordable, making it quite popular.
Zhou Wan sat waiting, playing with her phone to pass the time.
Opening WeChat Moments, the first post was from Jiang Yan—a photo of him with his father in the car.
Zhou Wan’s fingers paused. She opened the photo and zoomed in.
Her brows furrowed as she studied the photo carefully, becoming more certain: this was Lu Xixiao’s father whom she’d seen at the hospital.
Though that encounter had been from a distance, Lu Xixiao’s father wasn’t someone easily forgotten. He had strong, serious features, a powerful presence, and distinct bearing.
He was quite unlike Lu Xixiao’s casual personality—Lu Xixiao took more after his mother.
But why would Jiang Yan and Lu Xixiao share the same father?
“Young lady, your porridge is ready!” the owner called out.
Zhou Wan’s thoughts were interrupted. She quickly got up to take it, thanking him again.
The red date and white fungus porridge came in a hefty portion, the container feeling substantial in her hands.
…
When she returned, the door was still slightly ajar. Zhou Wan gently pushed it open, changed into the slippers, and went in.
Hearing the sound, Lu Xixiao turned his head and gave her a bland glance.
Zhou Wan helped him open the takeout container lid and pushed the porridge in front of him: “I don’t know what you like to eat, but since you’re injured, let’s have something mild today.”
Lu Xixiao asked: “Where’s yours?”
“What?”
“Dinner.”
Zhou Wan paused, realizing she had forgotten about her dinner.
“I’m not hungry, I’ll eat later.”
Lu Xixiao got up and went to the kitchen.
Zhou Wan heard running water, and soon Lu Xixiao came out with a bowl, not fully dried, water dripping onto the carpet.
He put the bowl on the table, chopsticks between his teeth, and wordlessly poured half the porridge into the bowl, steam rising.
He pushed the porridge toward Zhou Wan, tossing a spoon in front of her.
Lu Xixiao hadn’t said a word throughout. After finishing, he lowered his head and began eating large spoonfuls of porridge.
Zhou Wan pressed her lips together, holding the bowl with both hands: “Thank you.”
They occupied opposite corners of the coffee table, quietly eating porridge.
Zhou Wan ate slowly and attentively. After Lu Xixiao finished, he turned to stare at her.
Several times Zhou Wan felt uncomfortable under his gaze and looked back at him, but he continued staring without avoiding her eyes. He just wouldn’t say anything. Finally, Zhou Wan couldn’t take it anymore and asked: “Is something wrong?”
Lu Xixiao: “Thought you weren’t hungry.”
“…”
Zhou Wan paused, then said softly, “Shouldn’t waste food.”
He let out a contemptuous snort.
Zhou Wan quickened her pace to finish the porridge and took the bowls and chopsticks to the kitchen to wash them. Just then, the doorbell suddenly rang.
“I’ll get it,” Zhou Wan said.
Probably Jiang Fan again.
Zhou Wan ran to open the door but froze when she saw who was standing there.
Not just Zhou Wan—the person outside was equally stunned.
“Zhou Wan?” Jiang Yan’s eyes widened. “Why are you here?”
The world is full of coincidences.
Some coincidences make things more beautiful, while others make things worse.
Lu Xixiao had appeared behind Zhou Wan at some point. He coldly regarded Jiang Yan, gripping Zhou Wan’s slender wrist and pulling her behind him.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
Jiang Yan finally shifted his gaze from Zhou Wan: “Dad couldn’t reach you by phone. He asked me to come get you for dinner. The car’s downstairs.”
Lu Xixiao said nothing and moved to close the door.
Jiang Yan blocked it with his elbow. His face darkened, eyes deep, as he said in a low voice: “If you’re so capable, then never come back.”
Lu Xixiao suddenly laughed, as if he’d heard something particularly amusing. He tilted his head and asked Jiang Yan: “Do you know why I look down on you?”
“These should have been mine to begin with!” Jiang Yan rarely raised his voice. “Why do you get to have everything so easily while I have to work a thousand times harder!?”