Li Wu quickly shook his head.
But in the following days, the epidemic developed unexpectedly.
In an age where information flows freely, any unknown movement could trigger a hurricane or tsunami. The entire nation was on edge, everyone staying anxiously at home, each city and household isolating themselves, strictly guarding their islands.
Considering the grave situation, Cen Jin’s company released employees on holiday two days early.
Online and on TV, there were continuous broadcasts reminding people to avoid visiting each other during the Spring Festival and eliminate gatherings.
Cen Jin closely followed the news, beginning to worry about whether to visit her parents for the New Year, even though they were in the same city, just a few streets apart.
But that evening, her father called, saying that due to special circumstances, she shouldn’t come back, just take care of herself, and video chat with them on New Year’s Eve.
With her parents deciding for her, Cen Jin felt relieved, agreeing and then apologizing and acting cute, expressing how much she missed them.
Father Cen was pleased by her sweet talk and asked about Li Wu’s situation, wondering if the kid had gone home.
Cen Jin said: “No, he’s here with me.”
Father Cen was relieved: “That’s great! You’ll have company, daughter won’t have to spend New Year alone.”
Cen Jin snorted coldly.
With Li Wu’s personality, doing homework in the study from morning to night, barely speaking a few words in twenty-four hours, it hardly made a difference whether he was there or not. He’d probably be buried in his studies even on New Year’s Eve.
But the current problem wasn’t about building a relationship with Li Wu—due to the epidemic, their community was completely locked down, and even takeout couldn’t be delivered inside.
After braving the bitter winter wind to pick up meals for three consecutive days, Cen Jin broke down. She collapsed onto the sofa, attempting to delegate to the other household member: “Li Wu!”
The young man immediately ran to the living room.
He was like some sort of summoned creature, usually silent and curled up in his Pokéball, but whenever needed, he could appear before her instantly.
“From now on, let’s split the work, one person gets takeout each day,” she smiled with a rare warmth, adding an irrefutable reason: “You can’t always be buried in your studies, you need to go out for exercise too, breathe some fresh air.”
Li Wu thought on the spot for a moment, objecting: “Why do we keep ordering takeout?”
“You think I want to?” Cen Jin brushed back her long hair: “I can’t cook.”
She raised both hands in surrender, though her attitude remained righteous: “I’ve never touched a pot since childhood, limited by my upbringing, my culinary skills are completely nonexistent.”
Li Wu smiled quietly, watching her, and began to recommend himself: “I can.”
“Hm?”
He repeated: “I can cook.”
“Why didn’t you say so earlier,” Cen Jin frowned, studying him for a moment, confirming he wasn’t joking, then became gracious, retreating to advance: “If you cook, won’t it affect your homework?”
“I’ve already finished the winter holiday homework the school assigned.”
Cen Jin was shocked: “So fast?” How many days had it been since the break started?
“Mm,” Li Wu’s tone was calm: “It wasn’t much.”
Cen Jin’s smile became more genuine, pointing to the kitchen: “Then want to give it a try?”
Li Wu nodded: “Okay.”
Cen Jin stood up, walked past the coffee table, beckoned Li Wu, and together they went to explore the kitchen and refrigerator to check their inventory.
After inspection, Cen Jin summarized: “Seems like we don’t have many ingredients.”
She turned to ask: “What dishes do you want to make?”
Li Wu wasn’t very confident: “Simple ones should be fine.”
Cen Jin said: “I don’t know what counts as simple.”
Li Wu replied: “Just simple home-style dishes.”
Cen Jin hooked back her hair: “How about this—let’s go to the supermarket later, buy more ingredients, and you can see how to combine them.”
Li Wu: “Mm.”
They put on thick coats, wrapped their scarves, donned masks, and headed to the supermarket.
Along the way, the community streets were as cold as doomsday, with only three to five people visible, each keeping to themselves, wary and distant.
Cen Jin sighed reflectively and asked Li Wu: “Did you take your temperature this morning?”
“I did.”
“How many degrees?”
“36.7,” Li Wu’s big eyes looked over: “What about you?”
“Didn’t take it.”
“Why?”
“Forgot.”
“Oh.” Li Wu added: “I’ll remind you tomorrow.”
Cen Jin took off one glove, seriously feeling her forehead: “Don’t worry, no fever.”
With the mask covering his face, Li Wu could finally curl up his lips without restraint.