The battle at the dinner table is nearing its end.

The plate of sweet and sour pork ribs, piled up like a small mountain, was now reduced to just a few broken bones.

There wasn't even a single chili thread left in the plate of watercress, and even the pot of old duck soup was empty.

Ye Xi slumped gently in the chair, her face showing a mixture of satisfaction and blankness.

"belch-"

A very loud burp suddenly rang out in the restaurant.

Ye Xi suddenly covered her mouth.

Her little face, which had been smeared with oil just moments before, instantly turned bright red.

He looked around in terror, as if the voice he had just heard had come from some alien creature.

"Wow, your breathing is very steady, you're using your dantian."

Lin Que slowly peeled the orange without even lifting his eyelids.

"No wonder he's a musician, even his burp has reverberation."

"Lin Que!"

Ye Xi was filled with shame and indignation. She wanted to reach out and hit him, but she pulled her hand back halfway through the air.

"Oh dear, what's wrong with you hiccuping? It means you've eaten well!"

Wang Xiulian was overjoyed and got up to go to the kitchen to get more rice.

"Honey, there's still some crispy rice left in the pot. It's best to soak it in soup. Can Auntie scoop some more for you?"

"No, no, no! Auntie, I really can't take it anymore!"

Ye Xi was so frightened that she waved her hands repeatedly, her terrified appearance making it seem as if she were being sent to the execution ground.

"If I eat any more, I'm going to... I'm going to be unable to walk!"

It's clear this girl has really pushed herself to her limit.

Wang Xiulian then regretfully put down her rice spoon.

Her eyes darted around, and she turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

After a commotion of rummaging through drawers and cabinets, someone came out carrying a glass jar.

"Daughter, I don't have much to give you."

This is pickled garlic made by my aunt herself; it's not spicy at all, and it's quite crunchy.

Wang Xiulian shoved the jar into Ye Xi's arms with a hearty tone.

"Take it home as a snack to cut through the richness!"

Ye Xi held the heavy glass jar in her arms.

You can see the plump, white garlic cloves inside through the glass.

"Thank you, Auntie!"

Ye Xi nodded emphatically, her eyes curving into crescents.

"I'll definitely eat it all!"

Lin Que watched from the side and shook his head.

If her fans, who idolize her, saw this, they would probably be heartbroken on the spot.

"Alright, Mom, we have to go back now. We have an event this afternoon."

Lin Que stood up and handed Ye Xi her coat.

"Go on, go on, important business is more important."

Lin Jianguo put down the newspaper and adjusted his glasses.

Drive slowly and be careful.

After leaving the gate of Xisheng Mansion,

A cold wind blew, but Ye Xi didn't feel cold at all, still clutching the jar of pickled garlic tightly in her arms.

Is it really necessary?

Lin Que walked ahead with his hands in his pockets, glancing back at the road.

The two of them slipped along the base of the wall toward the school.

The streets were rather deserted in the afternoon, with only withered leaves swirling on the ground in the wind.

"Lin Que".

Ye Xi suddenly spoke, her voice low as she huddled inside her scarf.

"Your home... is so nice."

"That's it?"

Lin Que raised an eyebrow.

"Two dishes and a soup were enough to win you over?"

"It's not about the food."

Ye Xi looked down at her toes and kicked away a pebble.

"I never speak while eating at home."

My dad watches financial news, and my mom stares at my calorie intake chart.

Lin Que paused for a moment, but didn't turn around; his tone, however, softened.

"That's really terrible, not even the freedom to burp."

"yes."

Ye Xi gave a wry smile and looked up at the gray sky.

Ye Xi tightened her grip on the glass jar in her arms, and suddenly whispered:

"You know what? This is the first time I've brought something with this 'smell' back to the music room."

They used to not even allow us to bring chocolate.

Lin Que glanced at her:

"Then I suggest you remember to brush your teeth after eating, otherwise your Steinway will be tainted by the smell."

"Let's do it!"

Ye Xi snorted and looked up at the gray sky.

"Beethoven loved to eat herring, so why can't I eat pickled garlic?"

Lin Que spoke of it casually.

"Anyway, you can eat whatever you want, as long as you have the appetite."

Just be careful when handling it, and don't stain the white keys black.

Ye Xi was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.

The sadness I felt just now vanished instantly.