Chapter 040 You're bullying me.
*
Zhao Nanfeng glanced sideways into the kitchen and said disdainfully, "Is it fun to date like you're coaxing a child?"
Su Xian took the remaining dumplings into the kitchen to cook and asked Li Chengshi to come out and prepare the cold salad. Seeing a little dough left, he quickly made a batch of hand-pulled noodles.
"Quite capable," Zhao Nanfeng said, not meaning it.
Li Chengshi didn't respond. He had to admit that the charm of cooking and doing laundry could never surpass that of drawing and arranging flowers. Besides, who knew what other hidden talents Zhao Nanfeng possessed? He couldn't just get angry every time he was outmatched; that would be unreasonable. He decided to win with gentleness and consideration. "Boss, you're from the South; are you used to eating boiled dumplings? Should I make you some wontons or seafood noodles instead?"
This sudden kindness genuinely surprised Zhao Nanfeng. However, "No need to trouble yourself. My dad is from Northeast China, so my family is used to eating dumplings."
He's not even a picky eater—how annoying! Li Chengshi grumbled inwardly, but his hands didn't stop moving for a moment.
*
The dumplings made with gourd, Chinese chives, and shrimp were fresh and juicy—one bite was pure bliss. Su Xian repeatedly exclaimed how delicious they were and was glad they bought a big enough gourd, as they only used a quarter of it today, meaning they could enjoy many more meals.
"I can change the flavor for you next time."
"Really? That's incredible, Little Bear!" Su Xian put down her chopsticks and reached out to pinch his cheek. What a pity he won’t let her kiss him.
Zhao Nanfeng watched and sneered inwardly: A fierce carnivore in her twenties, playing pure love in her thirties—she's completely regressed!
Su Xian rolled her eyes at him, signaling him to keep quiet.
Honda's eyes darted between the three of them, watching with great interest. She must work at a company with this much gossip until she retires!
**
They went to the home center on the weekend to choose furniture.
Su Xian said there was no rush to buy everything at once. Initially, all she needed was a bed to sleep on and a refrigerator and stove to store food and cook.
"This 1.2-meter wide bed is good enough," Li Chengshi selected one for her.
"No, it must be at least 1.5 meters wide. It's comfortable for one person, and two people can fit too."
Two people, who? He remained silent, not daring to ask.
After selecting the furniture, they looked at appliances, and Su Xian let him choose everything.
"Then can I buy a teppanyaki griddle?" It's convenient for searing steaks, grilling fish, and making fried noodles, and it looks very stylish.
"Of course you can."
"But this one is quite expensive."
Su Xian glanced at the price tag. "No problem, it's perfectly acceptable."
*
After selecting the items and paying the deposit, she pulled him to Uniqlo to buy matching trench coats, had the same chamomile pattern embroidered on them, and looked forward to autumn together.
"But Team Leader, what reason should I use to accept you buying me clothes?" He was still struggling with himself.
"The cute little assistant has been doing a great job lately, so this is a small reward. Besides, it's not a luxury brand; you don't need to overthink it."
"But I know you're actually very stingy. You've only bought one luxury item for yourself in ten years of working—that Hermès shawl. Engineer Zhang said you nearly cried your lungs out at home after breaking up with Zhao Nanfeng, but couldn't bear to throw away the things he gave you because they were expensive."
"Old Zhang is such a gossip. But Li Chengshi, I've changed. I was indeed stingy in the past, always saving money because money gave me security. But from now on, I'm going to spend money, because spending money gives me happiness."
"Then spend more on yourself; you don't need to spend specifically on me. I'm not after your money."
"Then what are you after?"
He lowered his head and smiled shyly, whispering, "171, 34C, 60, 94."
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
"What?" Su Xian looked confused, but he quickly walked ahead.
"Hey, Li Chengshi, stop right there!" She realized what he meant and shouted at his retreating back, "I'm 34D!"
He turned back and said, "You're bragging."
Su Xian caught up in a few steps, grabbed his hand, and pressed it against her chest. "Measure it yourself right now."
Li Chengshi was utterly horrified. He broke free and ran away.
Su Xian crossed her arms over her chest, a triumphant smile on her face.
*
On the train.
Su Xian poked his arm. "Hey, are you planning to never look at me again for the rest of your life?"
"You have to swear not to harass me anymore."
"Okay, I swear. Now turn your face back."
He turned around, looked down at his phone, and completely avoided eye contact. He deeply regretted talking nonsense and accidentally exposing the 'colorful things' in his mind and his not-so-pure inner self. She must think I'm such a poseur now. Argh, I regret it so much!
Su Xian scrolled through her Weibo, which hadn't been updated for years. "I thought your eyes were so sharp that you could accurately measure my bust, waist, and hips just by sleeping with me once. It turns out you looked at my profile." She felt a little smug thinking he had searched for her information online. "In the future, if you want to know anything, just ask me directly. I'm very open-minded; we can talk about anything."
"You just swore not to harass me!" he muttered softly.
"Was there anything wrong with what I just said? Or are you the one who's having dirty thoughts?"
Li Chengshi felt like a little rabbit caught in a hunting net, doomed to be captured. "You're bullying me. I'm not talking to you today."
However, that evening, he still made braised gourd with spare ribs and called her down for dinner on time.
**
The new office was very stylish. The reason Zhao Nanfeng suddenly changed the layout last time was because he heard Su Xian mention An Liang's gym/rest area, so he made one too. Seeing that the equipment was all set up, Su Xian immediately went to try each one, heartily thanking Zhao Nanfeng for his consideration and generosity.
Hmph, the deceitful ex-boyfriend! Despite his indignation, Li Chengshi was very happy for Su Xian. Furthermore, based on his observations over the past few months, Zhao Nanfeng had not been persistent with her. Although he occasionally harassed her verbally, it felt like empty talk, without a hint of seriousness.
Zhao Nanfeng's newly interviewed recruits also started work. With the team fully staffed and the equipment updated, Towa Design—which had suffered a severe setback—was back on track.
*
Su Xian's work was progressing smoothly.
Regarding the Youth Park wedding hall project she had inspected, she believed that the reason young people chose that location was precisely because they wanted a non-traditional wedding experience. If they built a formal wedding hall, it would lose the meaning they originally sought. She proposed a highly open, small gazebo-style design that extended from the park's existing glowing walkway. This kept the existing landscape intact and kept the cost within budget.
"When a couple holds a wedding, the roof can light up with different colors than usual, sending out an invitation to the surrounding young people to increase their participation," Su Xian presented her proposal to Zhao Nanfeng.
He had no objections and instructed her to have the newcomer, Suzuki, prepare the budget and submit it to the client next week.
*
The new office chair was very comfortable. Li Chengshi spun around in it several times. Just as Su Xian came back with documents, she reached out and straightened his chair, smiling as she said, "Why are you so naughty, little child?"
"I've told you how many times not to call me a little child."
"Because you're so cute."
He scratched his curly hair. "Maybe I should get a haircut."
*
