Li Qingci sighed helplessly, “I’m not trying to get rid of you.”
Xu Jinghan’s eyes immediately brightened as he looked at Li Qingci.
“But in life, one should have a skill. What I mean is, from now on, you’re completely different from before. You can try new jobs; you have many new possibilities. Although selling yourself brings quick money, you should live with dignity and walk the right path.”
After hearing Li Qingci’s words, Xu Jinghan fell silent and remained so until they reached the apartment.
“What do you want for lunch? I’m making noodles. Would you like some?”
Xu Jinghan nodded at the brightly smiling Li Qingci.
In truth, he felt somewhat upset. After analyzing the situation, all signs indicated that:
While Li Qingci didn’t look down on him, he might think of Xu Jinghan as just a pretty face—a thoughtless and undignified rent boy.
He couldn’t let Li Qingci think that way.
But he also couldn’t reveal his true identity directly. If he just said, “Hey, you heard right. I’m the second young master of the Xu family. I’ve only been back in the country for a short while, and I set up this whole scenario just to catch your eye with my beauty. You said you’d marry me when we were kids, and you even played the hero for me once. I remember it all clearly! I still can’t forget you. What about you?”
If he said that, Xu Jinghan could already imagine the aftermath.
Given Li Qingci’s personality, he’d likely punch Xu Jinghan square in the face, then throw him out hungry, and beat him up every time they met thereafter.
Hmm, best not to envision such a bloody scene. He’d better wait until he’d seduced Li Qingci, making him hopelessly in love, before revealing his identity.
Xu Jinghan gave himself a mental pep talk. First, he’d captivate Li Qingci with his looks, then casually showcase his skills in daily life, shattering Li Qingci’s perception of him as undignified and making him fall for his talents.
Unexpectedly, an opportunity to show off presented itself sooner than anticipated. Xu Jinghan looked at the bland noodles before him, topped with a few vegetable leaves, which didn’t appear particularly appetizing.
“Why aren’t you eating?” Li Qingci asked, puzzled. “Look, I even added an egg to your noodles. You should nourish yourself.”
Xu Jinghan took a bite. As expected, it tasted as bland as it looked, though at least the noodles were cooked.
“Thank you. You’re so kind to me.”
Hearing Xu Jinghan’s gratitude, Li Qingci responded generously, “No need to be so polite. It’s my pleasure. To be honest, this is my first time cooking for two. I’m not sure if it suits your taste. Feel free to give me suggestions. I’m used to eating alone. Takeout is expensive and might be unhygienic. Cooking at home saves money and is cleaner.”
Xu Jinghan glanced at the few vegetable leaves again and nodded in agreement.
“You’re eating even cleaner than me. You must be really hungry.” Li Qingci gave Xu Jinghan a thumbs up.
“Let me cook dinner tonight.” Meeting Li Qingci’s surprised gaze, Xu Jinghan calmly continued, “You’ve kindly taken me in. You said people should have skills, but right now I seem incapable of anything and can’t earn money outside. I can only help with small things at home. What I said in the car earlier—it was all sincere.”
“You…”
“Please don’t refuse me. I don’t want you to think I’m useless.”
Li Qingci’s heart twinged, feeling awkward. “Um… you’re a grown man. Don’t cry, okay?”
Damn, you got me!
Let me see your true face!
Lifting the tear-stained, crying mask: As expected, my wife can’t resist me (smug face). To capture a man’s heart, first capture his stomach. From now on, I’ll feed my wife delicious meals every day.
Leave a Reply