Luo Xi got angry for a while, but then she realized she was all sweaty, so she quickly took a shower. When she came out, she saw Cheng Qing opening the door.

Seeing Luo Xi coming out of the bathroom all damp, Cheng Qing quickly smiled and softly asked, “Are you still angry?”

With that said, Luo Xi forgot to feel shy again and frowned, saying, “How can you not be angry? Li Mingyao is too much. Just because he inherited his grandfather’s company, he thinks he’s so arrogant. Anyway, I’m going to vent my anger for you.”

As she spoke, she turned her head away from Cheng Qing, obviously not wanting to listen to her trying to persuade her.

Cheng Qing sighed, walked up to Luo Xi, and gently hugged her.

With a contented sigh, she said, “Luo Xi, thank you.”

Luo Xi wasn’t prepared for the sudden embrace and was momentarily taken aback. In fact, over the past few days, Cheng Qing and she had hugged each other quite a few times. Sometimes it was an accidental hug from Luo Xi, while other times Cheng Qing hugged her to comfort her. But this time felt different. Cheng Qing’s embrace felt special, holding her tightly, and the way she buried her face in Luo Xi’s neck seemed more like seeking comfort. 

Hugs express feelings without words, and when Luo Xi stepped forward to protect Cheng Qing, it seemed like she was guiding Cheng Qing, who felt uneasy in this unfamiliar world, towards a path.

“I’m grateful for your care.” It makes me feel like I’ve found a home in this strange world.

Cheng Qing’s sweet words touched Luo Xi, making her blush. She slowly raised her hand and hugged Cheng Qing back, resting her head on Cheng Qing’s shoulder.

In the room, the two embraced each other quietly, like a pair of mandarin ducks.

Luo Xi bit her lip, realizing Cheng Qing’s vulnerability for the first time, and her heart ached even more. She understood that Cheng Qing could also have these fragile moments.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you,” Luo Xi said.

Hearing Luo Xi’s promise, Cheng Qing, who had only been slightly down, burst into laughter. 

Luo Xi’s face turned serious as she pushed Cheng Qing away, asking, “What are you laughing at?”

Cheng Qing tried to cover her mouth, but her crescent-moon-like eyes were still visible, clear and tender, like spring water, radiating a loving gaze that made one feel like they were basking in the most beautiful moonlight.

Feeling uneasy under Cheng Qing’s gaze, Luo Xi softly asked, “What are you looking at?”

Cheng Qing laughed, “I’m looking at you because you’re so charming!”

With a loud thud, Luo Xi’s face turned bright red. Wide-eyed, she exclaimed, “You… you heard that?”

Cheng Qing chuckled, “You shouted so loudly, of course, I heard.”

Luo Xi didn’t mind saying those words in front of others, but when Cheng Qing repeated them, she felt so embarrassed that she almost wanted to disappear. 

Cheng Qing reached out and gently lifted Luo Xi’s face, noticing her blushing from shyness. She said seriously, “No need to be embarrassed. I believe what you said is true.”

Luo Xi’s breath hitched, and she muttered sheepishly, “…No need to repeat it.”

Cheng Qing laughed, “Hahaha, okay then! I won’t say it again. Shall we go downstairs and cook now?”

Luo Xi quickly patted her face, obediently following Cheng Qing downstairs.

The two walked side by side to the staircase, each step taking them down the path of life.

As they descended, the sunlight from outside spilled over Cheng Qing, surrounding her in a golden glow.

With a sense of pride, Luo Xi wanted to smile, but then she casually asked, “How did you and Zhang Lingling meet?”

Cheng Qing didn’t suspect anything and thought for a moment before replying seriously, “Actually, we didn’t know each other before. Even though we, she, and Zhou Yong are all from the same city, we lived in different areas, like parallel lines.”

Luo Xi smiled at hearing this.

Cheng Qing continued, “It’s because of this show that she and I, or she and you, met.”

Luo Xi crossed her hands behind her back, sneaking another glance at Cheng Qing, and continued to ask, “Do you like her?”

Cheng Qing replied, “She’s alright!”

Luo Xi took a deep breath and gritted her teeth, “What’s so good about her?”

Cheng Qing chuckled, turned to look at her, and asked, “What’s not good about her?” Both she and Zhang Lingling were amateurs who joined the program together. 

Zhang Lingling had a pleasant personality and spoke softly; there was really nothing unlikable about her.

After thinking it over, Luo Xi realized that her own hot-tempered nature made her less appealing compared to Zhang Lingling.

“Of course…” Cheng Qing always paid attention to Luo Xi and noticed her gritting her teeth. Cheng Qing found it amusing but still raised her hand and gently rubbed Luo Xi’s head, soothingly saying, “You are different from her; you are special.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Xi quickly covered her face with her hand, feeling her cheeks heating up. Cheng Qing saw her reaction, smiled warmly, and gently pulled down her hand.

Gazing at Luo Xi’s delicate face, Cheng Qing playfully tapped her forehead and asked, “Are you feeling jealous?”

Luo Xi’s face turned even redder, and she forgot to deny it directly. Cheng Qing leaned closer to her, with a tempting tone, and told Luo Xi, “There’s no comparison between you and Zhang Lingling… Of course.”

In an instant, Luo Xi… blushed furiously. 

***

Because of this sudden and unexpected incident, everyone felt a bit awkward and didn’t dare to look around while sitting in the living room.

When Cheng Qing came down the stairs with Luo Xi, everyone fell silent.

Cheng Qing nodded at Luo Xi, motioning for her to go into the kitchen first.

Luo Xi turned around and glared angrily at Li Mingyao, making sure that Kong Mingyan had also come out. Reluctantly, Li Mingyao went in, not daring to bully Cheng Qing.

Cheng Qing smiled and said, “Today’s incident has everyone a little worked up…”

Kong Mingyan had already watched the video and knew it was Li Mingyao who started it with his words. Besides, he was the eldest son of the Li family and currently held power in the Li Group.

It might be difficult to ask him to apologize. Having spent time with Cheng Qing, Kong Mingyan understood that she was not someone who would bow down to power.

Before Cheng Qing could express her thoughts, Kong Mingyan was already feeling worried. But her current words surprised him. Was she suggesting reconciliation?

Cheng Qing said, “With so many people, conflicts are inevitable. I hope everyone can put it behind them and get along well.” Clearly, she was the amateur here, and she was the first one to be attacked.

However, it was Cheng Qing who spoke about reconciliation, and everyone was taken aback and began to feel ashamed.

The talk of reconciliation ended there, and Cheng Qing’s tone changed, but she still had a radiant smile. “Of course, if you still feel unsatisfied and want to have a fight, that’s also fine.” Cheng Qing casually picked up a nearby fencing sword and performed a few moves. 

She looked at Li Mingyao with a gentle smile and said, “If using weapons is allowed, I’m open to a mixed-gender duel too.”

Cheng Qing was quite confident in herself.

Li Mingyao finally smiled and said to Cheng Qing, “Let’s forget about that. I’m afraid I would be the one getting beaten.”

When he had stood at the patio and looked out into the courtyard, he had seen Cheng Qing effortlessly dealing with three students tangled in a fight with a fencing sword.

Her sword skills and confidence were on full display, and Cheng Qing was undeniably strong.

Li Mingyao stood up, took a deep breath, and realized that Cheng Qing’s generosity in saying those things made him, as a company’s authority figure, unwilling to be petty and argue over trivial matters.

As a result, he stood up and looked at Cheng Qing, finally speaking, “Today, it was mainly because I couldn’t control my mouth.”

Cheng Qing was somewhat surprised; she had thought Li Mingyao, being such a proud person, wouldn’t stand up and admit his mistake.

Cheng Qing wanted everyone to reconcile here, ultimately for Luo Xi’s sake. Cheng Qing would eventually leave, but Luo Xi was different. She would have to face these people alone sooner or later, and Cheng Qing didn’t want Luo Xi to make enemies. 

However, she also didn’t want them to think that she and Luo Xi were easy to bully. So, she used both gentle and firm approaches and said those things.

But perhaps she had also shown some willingness to compromise, hoping that everyone could coexist peacefully.

Maybe it was because of this that Li Mingyao didn’t want to be petty and chose to stand up and apologize proactively!

The outcome was favorable, and when Cheng Qing heard Li Mingyao’s apology, she smiled happily and said, “I accept your apology.” Even though he didn’t say the three words “I am sorry.”

After accepting his apology, she turned and headed towards the kitchen, saying, “I’ll go cook.”

Kong Mingyan was dumbfounded as he watched Cheng Qing’s figure. He didn’t expect that what seemed like an impending battle was resolved so easily.

Cheng Qing… what a truly remarkable person! 

***

In the kitchen, Luo Xi frowned as she looked at the various meat and vegetable dishes prepared on the counter, wondering what should be paired with what.

When she heard Cheng Qing’s voice entering the kitchen, she turned to look at her and asked with a smile, “What did you say to everyone?”

Cheng Qing walked over to her side and replied helplessly, “After calming you down, of course, I had to calm down the others too.”

Luo Xi turned her head away and pouted, “What do they need to be calmed down for?”

Cheng Qing picked up an apron and put it on, saying casually, “For your sake, even if there’s not much calming needed, I still have to do it. That’s the greatest value.”

Luo Xi paused and didn’t say anything further. Instead, she went behind Cheng Qing and helped her tie the apron. Cheng Qing, of course, didn’t see the gentle and content expression on Luo Xi’s face at that moment.

“In the afternoon, we have squirrel mandarin fish, braised lion’s head meatball, poached prawns with egg white, twice-cooked pork, and more. Is there anything else you want to eat?” Cheng Qing said as she started heating the stove after preparing everything.

Luo Xi stood by Cheng Qing’s side and shook her head, saying, “I love everything you make.”

Cheng Qing chuckled, “What about the spicy boiled pork slices?”

Luo Xi replied, “Well… if you don’t make it too spicy, I can still eat it.” 

Seeing that even for something she didn’t particularly like, Luo Xi was willing to say that. Cheng Qing leaned closer to her ear, teasingly and with a smile, said, “Thank you.”

Luo Xi touched her face, suppressing the boiling emotions inside her, and proudly told Cheng Qing, “Yesterday, I asked Director Kong to buy eggplants.”

Cheng Qing nodded, “Okay, then this afternoon, I’ll prepare a pot of fish-flavored eggplant stew.”

The two were busy in the kitchen. Luo Xi handed all the seasoning Cheng Qing needed, even if she couldn’t help much, she felt accomplished just passing things over.

They served the finished dishes one by one, and Cheng Qing also made a pot of mapo tofu. Luo Xi stood by, holding her chopsticks, tasting the freshly cooked twice-cooked pork. She found it moist and fragrant, rich but not greasy.

It was delicious, and she narrowed her eyes in cheerfulness. Why did Qing Qing’s cooking always taste so perfect?

Before she could fully enjoy it, she heard Cheng Qing’s soft voice asking, “Try a sip of this soup and see how it tastes.”

As she spoke, a small dish appeared in front of her, and Cheng Qing brought it to her lips. Luo Xi simply opened her mouth and sipped it in.

Cheng Qing’s knife skills and cooking were excellent, and the soup melted in her mouth, tender and refreshing.

Luo Xi felt that the soup was really tasty!

“It’s delicious.” She turned to praise a bit, only to see Cheng Qing smiling at her with raised eyebrows. Luo Xi gave her a thumbs up. Cheng Qing nodded, then put the tasting dish back. She noticed Luo Xi picking up another piece of the twice-cooked pork.

Cheng Qing asked, “Is it tasty?”

Luo Xi nodded enthusiastically, looking up at Cheng Qing and loudly said, “It’s super delicious!”

“Well, let me try.”

As she said that, Cheng Qing reached out and held the hand that was holding the chopsticks. Luo Xi was momentarily stunned, not sure what Cheng Qing was up to.

She felt a slight tingling in the hand that was being held. Cheng Qing leaned closer, lowering her head, and her unique fragrance overwhelmed Luo Xi. 

It was the scent of the shampoo and shower gel they used together. The fragrance that belonged only to her and Cheng Qing.

Cheng Qing took a bite using Luo Xi’s chopsticks, bringing the green pepper and pork into her mouth.

Cheng Qing tasted it, and her lips still had a hint of the oil from the twice-cooked pork, shimmering brightly in the sunlight.

Cheng Qing smiled, her eyes curving, and said to Luo Xi, “It’s really not bad. My cooking skills have improved again.”

However, Luo Xi was left stunned, recalling the moment when Cheng Qing’s lips slightly puckered, the slow-motion process of Cheng Qing using her chopsticks to bring the food into her mouth.

Luo Xi blushed and stole a glance at Cheng Qing, only to see that she was completely indifferent and preparing to stir-fry some vegetables.

Luo Xi became furious. They almost had an indirect kiss, and yet she… Cheng Qing still doesn’t pay attention to me. o(╥﹏╥)o

Sensing her angry gaze, Cheng Qing helplessly reached out and pressed her unoccupied hand on Luo Xi’s head, turning her gaze away and said calmly, “Stop looking, even if you keep staring, I still won’t know what you’re mad about.”

Luo Xi’s face turned even redder, “I wasn’t looking at you!!!”

Cheng Qing chuckled, “Okay.”

Luo Xi: “…” She was so angry, but now she couldn’t stay mad. o(╥﹏╥)o

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