Chapter 8

Unconsciously, I had already opened the chat window with Lu He.

I clicked into the input box, but even as the screen was about to go dark, I hadn’t typed a single word.

It seemed I didn’t even have the right to question him.

Suddenly, the chat window showed that the other party was typing.

My heart leapt into my throat.

Soon, a message came through:

“Tuan Zi still has some things here. When do you have time to come and get them?”

It felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over my heart, chilling me completely.

I tugged at the corner of my lips, not sure what I was still hoping for at this point.

Just as I was about to reply, Shen Xianzhi came out of the kitchen, carrying a black clay pot.

“The porridge is ready. Come and try it.”

I instinctively turned off my phone and walked over to him.

Shen Xianzhi was ladling out the porridge.

The freshly cooked seafood porridge was steaming. He stirred it slowly at first, then carefully scooped it into a bowl, bit by bit.

After handing me a bowl, Shen Xianzhi sat down across from me, spreading his hands openly,

“You saw just now, this is my first time making seafood porridge. If it doesn’t taste good, just tell me. I’ll improve it next time.”

Next time?

My hand holding the spoon hovered over the porridge for a few seconds, then I scooped up a spoonful and tasted it. I looked up and gave him a sincere smile, “It tastes good.”

He smiled slightly, “I think so too.”

During the meal, Shen Xianzhi took a phone call, saying he had to go back to the office and might be home late tonight, so I shouldn’t wait for him for dinner.

After he left, I sat there pondering his words, finally warning myself not to overthink.

After finishing the porridge, my mom called me with a voice message, telling me that Zhao Yue had told her mother she didn’t plan to go back and wanted to settle down here with me.

I was stunned for a few seconds before I realized the true meaning behind Zhao Yue’s “I’m sorry” from last night.

After thinking it over, I told my mom about my plan to move.

My mom was silent for a long while before she cautiously asked, “Did you break up with Lu He?”

I was taken aback.

Lu He and I were never really together, so how could we talk about breaking up?

“It’s just as well.”

My mom sighed, her voice sounding a bit distant through the phone,

“Lu He is a good kid, but he’s too proud and used to being cared for. I’ve seen how you two have gotten along over the years.”

“Last time I came to see you, you happened to be out with Lu He, so I waited for you at your door.”

“I saw him bring you back. It was already late, and you’re so afraid of the dark, but he kept walking ahead, leaving you far behind. He didn’t notice at all, not once did he look back.”

“Do you know how much it hurt me to see that?”

My throat tightened, “Mom…”

“The other day when you called me, you were helping him tidy up his place, weren’t you? Don’t think I don’t know anything…”

As she spoke, my mom’s voice was already tinged with a sob:

“What I hope for most is that someone will take care of you.”