Half an hour later, dinner was ready. Light grey placemats, white and pale jade porcelain plates held a colorful array of delicate dishes. With Xiao Wanqing's touch, each plate looked more like an art exhibit than food. Lin Xian was quietly amazed.

  Back at the supermarket, Xiao Wanqing had thoughtfully asked what drinks Lin Xian liked. After hearing her answer, she'd brought home an entire box of coconut juice just for her. Now, it came in handy.

  As for Xiao Wanqing herself, she took a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet behind the bar and poured it into a sparkling crystal wine glass.

  The moment Lin Xian saw the wine in her hands, her eyes lit up like stars, clearly itching to try. At home, Zhou Qin and Lin Zhan had a habit of drinking a small glass of red wine every night to help them sleep—but for Lin Xian, the rule had always been strict: absolutely no alcohol before adulthood.

  And of course, the more parents forbid something, the more a kid wants it.

  This universal truth happened to apply to Lin Xian as well. She was intensely curious about red wine and had always wanted to try it. Now that she’d temporarily escaped Zhou Qin’s iron rule and was facing the gentle, approachable Xiao Wanqing, Lin Xian felt like she had finally been handed a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

  After sitting down, Xiao Wanqing used serving chopsticks to place a sweet-and-sour rib onto Lin Xian’s plate and smiled with a teasing lift of her brow. “You were drooling over this the moment I pulled it out of the fryer. Almost used your hands to grab it. Go on, try it now—tell me how it tastes.”

  Lin Xian stuck out her tongue sheepishly, picked up her chopsticks, and took a small bite. Perfectly cooked. The meat was tender without being mushy, just the right amount of chew, and the crispy exterior held in the savory juices so that one bite sent flavor spilling into her mouth. Her lips curled in delight.

  She chewed and nodded vigorously, mumbling with her mouth full, “So good…”

  Xiao Wanqing watched her with laughter in her eyes. What a little foodie…

  Once Lin Xian had polished off two ribs and finally paused to catch her breath, Xiao Wanqing raised her wine glass and leaned forward slightly. “Lin Xian, welcome to your new home.”

  Lin Xian’s big dark eyes flicked toward the wine in Xiao Wanqing’s hand, then to her own glass of coconut juice. She pouted. “I want wine too. Coconut juice is boring.”

  Xiao Wanqing smiled softly and shook her head. “Nope. You’re too young. Alcohol’s not good for you.”

  She actually didn’t mind if Lin Xian took a sip just to satisfy her curiosity—just a taste wouldn’t hurt. But Zhou Qin had specifically instructed her not to let Lin Xian drink under any circumstance. Since she’d promised, she had to keep her word.

  Lin Xian furrowed her brow and looked up at her, suddenly serious. “Auntie Xiao, let’s make a deal.”

  Xiao Wanqing set down her wine glass, smiling with interest. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

  Lin Xian raised her brows, eyes sparkling earnestly. “Let’s leave my mom out of this and treat each other as independent, mature individuals. Let’s be friends. Within reasonable bounds, we keep each other’s privacy. Like, I won’t tell anyone about your work or your dating schedule, and you don’t ask me about who I like or who I hang out with. Whatever happens between us, we handle it ourselves—no dragging my mom in. Deal?”

  Xiao Wanqing’s eyes lit up, a flicker of surprise and admiration passing through. Her smile deepened, gentle and warm. “Lin Xian, you’ve surprised me—in the best way. Alright. Deal.”

  A touch of teenage pride crept into Lin Xian’s bright expression. She was all smiles, a little smug and a little sly. “So, this is an agreement between two mature, independent people, right?”

  Xiao Wanqing tilted her head, thinking for a moment. “You could say that.”

  Lin Xian pressed on, full of momentum. “Since we’re both mature and independent, we should act that way and celebrate like adults. Let’s toast with red wine!”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Xiao Wanqing burst into a soft laugh. So this was where it was headed all along. She let out a sigh, her expression helpless but amused, and finally answered, slow and steady: “No. Way.”

  “Ughhh!” Lin Xian slumped over the table and started whining, “You’re disrespecting my autonomy.”

  Xiao Wanqing remained calm. “Still no.”

  “You’re violating my human rights.”

  Xiao Wanqing took a composed sip of soup before reiterating. “No.”

  No matter how Lin Xian tried to argue, Xiao Wanqing just kept smiling serenely, repeating, “No.”

  Eventually, Lin Xian realized she wasn’t getting anywhere. This woman was completely immune to her antics. She straightened up, smoothed out her expression, and transformed back into a proper little grown-up.

  Clearing her throat, she raised her coconut juice with a smile. “Alright then. Deal’s sealed. May our partnership be successful.”

  Xiao Wanqing chuckled, lifting her glass in return. “Silly girl…”

  Lin Xian’s smile deepened. Her black, gem-like eyes curved into playful crescents. Listening to Xiao Wanqing’s gentle voice, her heart felt like it had melted just a little.

  After dinner, Xiao Wanqing naturally started clearing the table. Lin Xian stood up to help her carry dishes into the kitchen.

  When Xiao Wanqing took off her apron and headed for the sink, Lin Xian stopped her and offered, “You cooked. Let me wash the dishes.”

  Xiao Wanqing shook her head with a warm smile. “No need. There aren’t many dishes. I’ll be done in no time. You go take a shower—you’ve had a long day.”

  Lin Xian frowned, stubborn determination gleaming in her clean eyes. “I can’t just do nothing. I can’t cook, so I can’t help you there, but I can wash dishes—and I’ll wash them sparkling clean.”

  Xiao Wanqing’s eyes softened even more. She looked at the girl’s earnest face and thought for a moment before suggesting gently, “You’ve got a full schedule during the week, so I’ll handle the kitchen. If you really want to help, how about this—you take charge of deep cleaning every weekend. Deal?”

  Lin Xian considered this and nodded. “Alright. But when I clean, you’re not allowed to help. Don’t steal my job.”

  Xiao Wanqing laughed. “Gladly. I’ll be more than happy to slack off—I’m not as silly as you.”

  Lin Xian grinned, showing off her pearly teeth. “Don’t be so sure.”

  Xiao Wanqing tied her apron back on. “Alright then. Go shower. It’s late—your hair won’t dry easily. Want me to show you how the water heater works?”

  Lin Xian waved her off as she walked away. “No need. I’ll figure it out. I’m going now.”

  Xiao Wanqing hummed in response, watching her disappear down the hallway.

  The kitchen returned to its quiet routine. Just Xiao Wanqing and her long shadow. The sound of running water suddenly felt unusually loud, striking the silence like a sharp echo.

  As she calmly washed the dishes, a soft smile slowly appeared on her face.

  This house, once so cold and still, had somehow come to life with Lin Xian’s presence. A warmth long forgotten stirred in her chest.

  Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh at herself in her mind. So, Xiao Wanqing… turns out you’re not immune to loneliness after all.

  When Lin Xian stepped out of the shower, towel-drying her hair, she heard Xiao Wanqing’s voice in the living room, replying to someone on the phone—“Sure, I’ll tell her in a bit,” “No worries, I was already up early making breakfast…”

  As Lin Xian walked into the room, she guessed who it was. Probably her mom.

  Sure enough, Xiao Wanqing saw her and smiled warmly. “She just got out of the shower. I’ll hand the phone to her now.”

  She held the phone out to Lin Xian and said gently, “It’s your mom.”

  Still toweling her hair with one hand, Lin Xian took the phone with the other and flopped onto the couch. “Hi, Mom. It’s me.”

  Xiao Wanqing watched her with soft amusement. Lin Xian’s clumsy little movements were oddly adorable. She walked over, gently pulled the towel from Lin Xian’s hand, and said softly, “Let me help you.”

  Lin Xian looked up at her, startled.

  Xiao Wanqing gave her a little wink and began gently drying her hair, her touch light and careful.

  Something fluttered through Lin Xian’s chest. She wasn’t even listening to her mother anymore—just focused on the gentle movement of fingers through her damp hair.

  Until Zhou Qin suddenly raised her voice, snapping her back to reality: “Lin Xiao Xian, are you even listening to me?!”

  “W-what? I am! I’m listening! Keep going…”

  Zhou Qin reminded her to report to school early tomorrow, so she wouldn’t get caught in the crowds. She also said she’d emailed some English learning materials—listen to a clip every morning and do a reading passage every night. It would help prepare for studying abroad.

  Lin Xian had always been obedient about school. She agreed and said she’d check the email soon.

  Then Zhou Qin added, “Your Auntie Xiao was an excellent student—especially in languages and literature. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask her.”

  Lin Xian glanced up, trying to look at Xiao Wanqing, but all she could see was her elegant waist… and the soft curve just above it. Her cheeks suddenly burned.

  She quickly looked away, stammering, “Got it, Mom…”

  Xiao Wanqing, of course, noticed nothing. She was simply admiring Lin Xian’s hair—glossy black and silky soft, just as it looked.

  Half a minute later, she was done drying. She put away the towel and gently ruffled Lin Xian’s head, confirming with satisfaction how soft it felt. She smiled, poked Lin Xian’s shoulder, and pointed to the bathroom—her turn to shower.

  Lin Xian looked up, locking eyes with her for a second. The smile in Xiao Wanqing’s gaze made her heart flutter oddly.

  She nodded, watched her walk away, then silently asked herself:

  Why do I feel guilty all of a sudden?

  …Could it be… because I just thought, “Auntie Xiao has a really nice chest”?!

  Oh god. What am I even thinking…