Ruan Xingchen was stir-frying in the kitchen when she suddenly sensed someone approaching from behind.
She turned her head and froze slightly.
Wei Yuanxiao stood there, smiling as he sized up the little girl in front of him—wearing an apron and holding a spatula. The more he looked, the cuter she seemed. In today's world, women with sharp chins, big eyes, and thin lips were everywhere. Girls as delicately adorable as a doll like this were rare. Lu Jingyuan had really lucked out.
"Little girl, remember me?"
Ruan Xingchen thought for a moment. "Uncle's friend?"
Seeing that she remembered him, Wei Yuanxiao's smile widened. "That's right. I'm your uncle's good buddy. My surname is Wei—Wei Yuanxiao. You can call me Brother Wei."
Looking at the man's expression—like he had candy and was about to lure a little girl away—Ruan Xingchen's lips twitched slightly.
Wei Yuanxiao leaned forward to glance at the dishes on the counter, instantly feeling his mouth water.
With a quick thought, he continued smiling. "Come, come, little girl, let your big brother help carry the dishes out."
Without waiting for her reply, he grabbed the freshly cooked dish from the counter and dashed out of the kitchen.
He had just placed the dish on the table and hadn't even taken a bite when he saw Lu Jingyuan walking back from the balcony. Startled, Wei Yuanxiao quickly withdrew his hand.
Lu Jingyuan cast him a faint glance and ignored him.
He walked into the kitchen. Seeing Ruan Xingchen busy at the counter, his gaze flickered slightly.
"Give me your phone."
The sudden voice startled Ruan Xingchen.
Lu Jingyuan repeated, "Give me your phone."
"Where's yours, Uncle?" she asked, but still freed one hand, took her phone out of her dress pocket, and handed it to him.
Lu Jingyuan didn't respond. After taking the phone, he walked straight out of the kitchen.
The moment he stepped out, the phone immediately vibrated.
Lu Jingyuan quickly pressed the lock button. The phone went silent, though the screen was still lit.
On the caller ID, the name "Lu Xiaobai" stood out clearly.
Lu Jingyuan glanced at Wei Yuanxiao, who was sneakily eating at the table, then strode over to the sofa and sat down. Loosening his tie, he pressed the answer button and calmly held the phone to his ear.
"Ruan Luoli, Ruan Luoli, let me tell you—my uncle has probably set his sights on you… You must hold your ground and don't be fooled by his looks, okay? You two are not suitable! The age gap is too big! My uncle is already in his thirties, and you're only eighteen, in the prime of your youth. Don't make a bad decision…"
On the other end, Lu Xiaobai rambled on. With every sentence, Lu Jingyuan's expression grew colder.
He was an old man?
Being with him meant making a bad decision?
Looks like this girl had been a bit too idle lately.
After talking for a long time, her mouth nearly dry, Lu Xiaobai still hadn't heard Ruan Xingchen respond. Finally, she sensed something was off. After a pause, she cautiously called out:
"Ruan Luoli?"
Lu Jingyuan leaned back slightly, his thin lips parting. "It's me."
Silence instantly fell on the other end.
A few seconds later, beep beep beep—the call was disconnected.
Lu Jingyuan's face darkened as he placed the phone on the coffee table.
He lowered his gaze and sat there quietly, lost in thought, until Wei Yuanxiao loudly called him over for dinner.
Looking at the five dishes and one soup on the table, Wei Yuanxiao gave Ruan Xingchen a thumbs-up. "Little girl, you're amazing."
"Thank you." Ruan Xingchen smiled shyly and placed two bowls of rice on the table.
Lu Jingyuan looked at her deeply. "Aren't you eating?"
Ruan Xingchen smiled lightly. "I already ate on my way back from school."
In truth, she had noticed a newly opened dessert shop downstairs and couldn't resist going in. By the time she came out, she was completely full. That was also why it had taken her so long to finish cooking.
Lu Jingyuan said coldly, "Sit down. Eat."
Ruan Xingchen: "..."
By the end of the meal, Wei Yuanxiao was stuffed.
He had planned to rest in the living room, but Lu Jingyuan kicked him out without hesitation.
The reason?
Wei Yuanxiao had said: "Little girl, Brother Wei will come again tomorrow. Don't forget to cook for me too!"
After getting rid of the "unrelated person," the house finally became quiet.
Lu Jingyuan walked to the balcony and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, silently watching the girl hang up the laundry.
Lu Xiaobai's words echoed in his mind again.
They're not suitable.
Lu Jingyuan's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
Whether they were suitable or not—
that was for him to decide.