When Zhong Tingyue returned to the residential area and entered Chu Fang's house, she was greeted by the gazes of Chu Yi and Zhou Qiong.

The two called out in unison, "Sister-in-law..."

A faint blush rose to Zhong Tingyue's fair face.

Despite having revealed her identity and having met him in person, she still felt a little shy upon hearing those two words.

She asked softly, "Are you on holiday?"

"We'll only have one day off, and then we have to go to class again tomorrow." Chu Yi made a pained expression.

High school seniors are already being incredibly fortunate to have a day off.

After a brief chat, she told the two women to rest, while Zhong Tingyue went into the kitchen herself. Seeing her boyfriend busy at work, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair and delicate arms, and casually picked up a floral apron to wrap around her slender waist.

Today, Zhong Tingyue is wearing a light purple knitted top and a simple yet dreamy skirt. The skirt sways slightly, exuding sweetness and elegance. The floral apron she's wearing adds to her virtuous wife and loving mother aura, making her even more charming.

"Don't bother coming, I can handle it myself," Chu Fang said.

"That won't do..."

Zhong Tingyue objected and insisted on helping out. He didn't say much, picked up a piece of beef from the stewing casserole, blew on it gently, and then gestured to Zhong Tingyue. The latter parted her lips slightly, bit into the beef, and chewed slowly.

Chu Fang asked, "How does it taste?"

"Hmm..." Zhong Tingyue chewed and swallowed, tilted her head, and said, "The natural sweet and sour taste of the tomato and the savory aroma of the beef complement each other perfectly. It's delicious."

"That's right!" Chu Fang felt a surge of pride. "This tomato and beef brisket stew has been simmering for a long time."

"Is there anything you need me to do?"

"Help me chop the pickled cabbage and pickled peppers, and soak the glass noodles in hot water. I'm going to make pickled cabbage and pickled pepper fish later."

Zhong Tingyue nodded and began washing and chopping the vegetables.

As night falls, countless lights illuminate Shanghai.

Yang Meina, He Yi, and Wu Di arrived together.

Although Wu Di had already anticipated and prepared for Chu Fang's situation, he was still amazed when he met him in person.

His face was angular and sharp, like a meticulously sculpted sculpture. He was tall and upright, with deep and bright eyes. When he smiled, he exuded kindness and warmth, the appearance of a wealthy young master.

It creates a strong contrast with the floral apron worn around the waist, yet they complement each other perfectly.

"This must be Wu Ge, I've heard so much about you." Chu Fang knew Wu Di, the jewelry designer who immediately recognized the value of the necklace, and also He Yi's boyfriend.

"Just call me Wu Di."

“That won’t do, you’re three years older than me.” Chu Fang invited the three of them into the house.

“I’m a few months younger than Sister Zhong,” Wu Di said, waving his hand.

"Hey, let's each talk our own thing," Chu Fang said. "You guys chat for a bit, then we'll have dinner."

Chu Fang placed the gifts, such as melons and fruits, on the table, exchanged a few brief pleasantries, and then went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Wu Di watched the handsome man busy in the kitchen. Judging from his wok-tossing and cooking techniques, he was obviously a frequent cook. Zhong Tingyue was assisting him, and the two worked together seamlessly.

"How about it?" Yang Meina craned her neck and asked Wu Di, "Don't you feel ashamed of yourself?"

Wu Di nodded.

Even disregarding his wealth and handsome appearance, Chu Fang's culinary skills are enough to win the hearts of many girls.

It's practically perfect...

“No way!” He Yi, standing next to Wu Di, hugged his shoulder and stood up for her boyfriend. “Besides being rich, handsome, and good at cooking, Chu Fang has nothing else to offer.”

Yang Meina gave He Yi a look of disdain.

She's also a woman who's 'love-obsessed'.

Pickled pepper and sauerkraut fish is a famous dish in Sichuan. Heat oil in a wok, add ginger slices, pickled peppers, garlic, etc., then add chopped sauerkraut and a large bowl of water, and simmer over low heat.

A tangy aroma filled the room; the fire was lit, and the vermicelli was added first.

Vermicelli is an indispensable ingredient in pickled fish with sauerkraut and chili peppers. Every time Chu's mother makes this dish, Chu Fang's favorite thing to eat is the vermicelli, especially the authentic sweet potato vermicelli from Chengdu.

When Chu's mother went to Shanghai, she specially brought him a lot of sweet potato starch, which was gray, thin, and translucent.

"This is the most fragrant one," Chu Fang said to the curious Zhong Tingyue while slicing vermicelli.

Zhong Tingyue stared intently at the pot, looking very serious, and nodded, saying, "I strongly agree!"

Once cooked, remove the pickled cabbage and glass noodles and place them at the bottom of the pot. Then, blanch the fish slices in the boiling broth and place them on top of the glass noodles.

The next step is the final step: heat oil in a wok, pour the hot oil over the top, and immediately a sizzling sound will be heard.

Chu Fang originally intended to take the dish out immediately, but suddenly heard a soft swallowing sound. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw Zhong Tingyue staring intently at the pot of fish.

He put down the basin, picked up a small bowl, filled it with vermicelli and fish slices, and handed it to Zhong Tingyue, who softly said, "This isn't appropriate..."

"We're all acquaintances, just having a casual meal together, there's no good or bad about it," Chu Fang said. "Let me tell you, Chu Yike really loves my pickled fish with sauerkraut and chili. As soon as it's on the table, she snatches it all up."

When Chu Yi saw the two of them walk out of the kitchen and saw the small bowl his sister-in-law was carrying, he angrily pointed at Chu Fang and said, "Brother, you are heartless and ungrateful!"

"There's no more room in the bowl, so your sister-in-law is only eating the scraps."

Chu Yi rolled her eyes.

Who would believe that!

With the pickled pepper and sauerkraut fish served, we began to eat.

Looking at the table full of delicious food, Wu Di felt even more admiration.

The meal lasted until late at night, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Then, everyone left. Chu Fang and Zhong Tingyue cleaned up the food scraps, while Chu Yi and Zhou Qiong took a taxi because they had class the next day. Yang Meina went back to the next room to sleep.

He Yi saw Wu Di off, took her boyfriend's arm, and asked softly, "What do you think of Chu Fangren?"

"..." Upon hearing this, Wu Di did not answer immediately, but thought about it deeply before giving a definite answer: "Impeccable."

Whether it's his external circumstances—his wealth surpassing that of ordinary people—or his inner feelings—his affection for Zhong Tingyue is obvious.

“I think so too,” He Yi agreed. “Besides you, I’m the second guy in the world I’ve ever met like this.”

"Hehe... ...I'm no match for Chu Fang."

Wu Di considered himself to be no less capable than others, but compared to Chu Fang, there was still a significant gap, which he could clearly see.

He achieved financial freedom as soon as he entered university, a fact that alone would make him pale in comparison.

"No way! You're much better than Chu Fang."

“... ..."

"By the way, you're not going on business trips again, are you?" He Yi asked.

"Yes, I'll be living in Shanghai from now on."

"So, does that mean we can live together?"

"Let me think about it."

“... ..."