As dusk fell, Ni Sitian arranged the scented candles in the shape of a small heart in the middle of the table.

Xu Tingchuan brought out the plates, placed them on both sides, untied his apron, and turned off all the lights in the room.

The flickering flames of the short, stout candles reflected off the silver cutlery, making it gleam.

The two sat down, glanced at each other, smiled warmly, and exchanged a loving look.

Xu Tingchuan picked up the champagne and poured a glass for himself and Ni Sitian.

Ni Sitian raised her glass, her eyes crinkling with a smile, "Mr. Xu, Happy Valentine's Day."

"Mrs. Xu, Happy Valentine's Day." Xu Tingchuan smiled slightly, his glass clinking lightly against hers. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Ni Sitian clinked glasses with Ni Sitian and took a sip of champagne.

The champagne tasted very weak, like regular soda. She looked up at Xu Tingchuan and asked, "Why don't you open the bottle of Lafite that Dad gave us?"

"I'm afraid you'll drink too much." Xu Tingchuan cut his steak, as always, cutting the pieces from his plate into smaller pieces and then exchanging them with hers.

"Thank you." Ni Sitian smiled at him, then muttered, "I'm at home today, what's wrong with having a few more drinks?"

"Don't get drunk, I have a gift to give you." Xu Tingchuan smiled faintly and lowered his head to cut his steak.

Ni Sitian originally thought that roses were her Valentine's Day gift, but she didn't expect him to have prepared something else.

But he's been at home these past few days and I haven't seen him go out to buy anything. Could it be that he already prepared it?

"What is it?" she asked him curiously, eager to know.

"We can't get it now, we have to wait until nine o'clock," Xu Tingchuan said meaningfully.

Ni Sitian's curiosity was piqued even more. Could it be something being delivered by courier? But at this hour, everyone should be off work soon!

"What could it be?" She was really looking forward to the surprise he would give her; every time he gave her something, he always managed to touch her heart.

Xu Tingchuan smiled and shook his head, indicating that it should be kept secret for the time being.

Ni Sitian had no choice but to give up and lower her head to eat the secret-recipe steak he had pan-fried. It was cooked to the perfect doneness, tender and juicy, with just the right amount of chewiness.

Under the candlelight and the fragrance of roses, the two enjoyed a romantic dinner.

Ni Sitian seized the opportunity when Xu Tingchuan put down his knife and fork and took out the box of chocolates.

"Have some dessert after dinner." She pushed the box in front of Xu Tingchuan with two fingers, her eyes crinkling with a slightly nervous smile.

She knew Xu Tingchuan didn't like sweets, and wondered if he would eat the chocolate she made. She had specially adjusted the sweetness and made dark chocolate, which should be bitter and not too sweet.

"What is it?" Xu Tingchuan smiled, bent down to untie the ribbon, opened the box, and saw a dark mass inside. He looked up at Ni Sitian with some confusion.

"It's chocolate." Ni Sitian scratched her head a little embarrassedly. She originally wanted to make small heart-shaped pieces, but for some reason, after using a mold, they still turned into lumps that looked like dark black blobs under the candlelight.

"You made this yourself?" Xu Tingchuan looked up with a hint of surprise.

"Hmm, it shouldn't be too sweet. Do you want some?" Ni Sitian looked at him expectantly.

“Of course.” He picked up a piece and put it in his mouth.

Ni Sitian watched him chew nervously, "Is it good?"

Xu Tingchuan slowly finished the chocolate, looked up at Ni Sitian, and smiled faintly: "It's the sweetest chocolate I've ever eaten."

Ni Sitian stood up in confusion, leaned over, and reached for the chocolate, her brows furrowing slightly. "How can it be so sweet? I definitely tried it..."

Before she could even touch the chocolate, Xu Tingchuan grabbed her hand. She looked up and saw his lips meet hers.