She then realized why science students always looked so haggard; just calculating the accounts for these few warehouses was enough to wear them out.

"Tomorrow, Manager Chen." She rubbed her throbbing temples, her voice pleading. "Let me rest first, I'm starving—aren't you hungry?"

As she spoke, she gently touched her belly, and when she looked up at Chen Jianghai, her eyes held a pitiful look, like a little animal that couldn't find food.

Chen Jianghai was soft-hearted. He was old enough to be Xu Zhuohua's father, and he also had a daughter at home who was about the same age as Xu Zhuohua, whom he doted on.

Seeing her like this, his stubborn desire to keep her here vanished instantly.

"Look at me, I was so focused on the important stuff." He chuckled, slapping his forehead. "Now that you mention it, Miss, I realize I'm feeling a bit hungry too. Let's go eat!"

"Blazing Splendor!"

The door was gently pushed open, and Cheng Muyun's voice, along with the warmth from outside, rushed in.

He was tall and upright, with the golden sunset shining behind him. The orange-red halo outlined his clear features, and even the air around him seemed to be coated with a gentle filter.

He was carrying an exquisite four-tiered food box. When he saw Xu Zhuohua behind the table, a bright smile immediately spread across his face. He waved the food box in his hand and asked, "Zhuohua, are you hungry?"

Xu Zhuohua felt a sudden brightness before her eyes, and her heart felt as if it had been gently struck by something.

She could swear to God that Cheng Muyun at this moment was so handsome that she couldn't take her eyes off him—the warmth in his smile, his travel-worn yet still upright appearance, like a savior who came in the light from a desperate situation, or a god descending to earth in mythology. In short, it was a kind of handsomeness that was indescribable and made her heart skip a beat.

Almost instinctively, she sprang up from her chair, her steps quickening as if she had taken two steps in three, and bumped headfirst into Cheng Muyun's arms. The tip of her nose brushed against the faint, cool scent of his clothes, and she was instantly enveloped by a familiar sense of security.

"You're finally back!" She looked up, her voice filled with undisguised joy and relief.

Cheng Muyun caught her steadily, raised his hand and gently stroked her soft hair, his fingertips feeling slightly cool to the touch, his movements incredibly gentle.

With a smile, he looked over Xu Zhuohua's shoulder and at Chen Jianghai beside him, politely inviting, "Would you like to have something to eat with us, Manager Chen?"

How could Chen Jianghai not understand the situation? He had lived most of his life and had that much insight.

He hurriedly began to tidy up the bills spread out on the table, waving his hands as he did so: "No, no, I suddenly remembered that my wife is calling me home for some steamed buns and vegetables. If I go back any later, I'm afraid I'll get scolded."

After saying that, he carried the neatly stacked account books and walked out almost hurriedly, as if something was chasing him from behind, afraid that if he stayed even a second longer, he would become a third wheel for the couple.

As Cheng Muyun brushed past him, he said with a hint of a smile, "Steward Chen, take it easy."

Chen Jianghai waved without turning his head, and his figure quickly disappeared outside the door, gently closing the door behind him. In an instant, only the two of them remained in the room.

Chen Jianghai had always had a good impression of Cheng Muyun because he was good enough to Xu Zhuohua. After what happened later, everyone knew that Cheng Muyun wanted to go with Xu Zhuohua.

Therefore, he doesn't think he's the legendary villain. He's a man who respects and cherishes women enough, and is a person with a high sense of morality at heart.

After Chen Jianghai left, Xu Zhuohua peeked out from Cheng Muyun's arms and said with a sigh of relief, "Finally gone. I'm exhausted today. Although I didn't do any physical work, my mind was constantly working."

Cheng Muyun patted her hair. "Since you're tired, why didn't you refuse Steward Chen?"

Xu Zhuohua shook his head. "Manager Chen knows the Eastbound South Line like the back of his hand, but he's not good at managing warehouses and has a lot of questions. I don't want to spoil his fun. This is a good thing for the Eastbound South Line, isn't it?"

Cheng Muyun held Xu Zhuohua's hand and said, "You're right. To reward you, my little helper, I specially ordered your favorite local dishes."

Xu Zhuohua rubbed his hands together happily, "That's great, I've been craving this since I was in Nanhu."

Cheng Muyun brought out plates of steaming dishes, handed chopsticks to Xu Zhuohua, and asked, "So what do you eat at Nanhu?"

“Xinghua cooks, and sometimes Doctor Liu cooks too,” Xu Zhuohua said, picking up a piece of braised pork and stuffing it into her mouth. “But as long as Xinghua’s cooking is edible, that’s fine. Doctor Liu doesn’t dare to force it, though he can occasionally go out for a treat.”

Cheng Muyun's fingertips, slightly cool to the touch, gently wiped away a bit of sauce from the corner of Xu Zhuohua's mouth. The action was natural and intimate, as if he had done it a thousand times before.

Xu Zhuohua was amused by his thoughtfulness, her eyes curving into beautiful crescents. She then picked up a piece of glistening braised pork and carefully brought it to Cheng Muyun's lips, her voice soft and sweet: "You should try some too."

Cheng Muyun obediently opened his mouth and took the piece of meat into his mouth. His lips inadvertently brushed against her fingertips, bringing a slight tingling sensation.

As Xu Zhuohua watched him chew, her eyebrows curved even more, her eyes brimming with laughter, like a pool of shattered light.

This beautiful moment was like a burning stamp, deeply imprinted on Cheng Muyun's heart.

The evening breeze outside the window gently wafted by, carrying the aroma of food. Looking at the smiling person in front of him, he felt his heart was filled with joy.

He thought that this one moment was enough.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!