This was a living room, with familiar furnishings and blooming red roses on the coffee table. Seeing this, Xia Yan, who had narrowly escaped death, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Xia Yan glanced around; the stairs, the kitchen, even the military jacket on the sofa—everything was exactly as she remembered, looking incredibly cozy. How come she hadn't noticed this before?
"Xiao Qi, what are you doing standing here? Hurry up and go wash up and eat."
With one hand on Xia Yan's shoulder and a doting smile on his face, the man held a plate of shredded potatoes in his other hand, clearly having just come out of the kitchen.
"Coach." Xia Yan's eyes instantly reddened, and she hugged him tightly.
"Hey? Who bullied you? I'll teach him a lesson right now!" The man paused for a moment, then placed his free hand on the girl's back, comforting her.
The girl slowly released him, a nonchalant smile on her face.
"With the coach here, people would avoid me like the plague. How could I be bullied? I'll go wash up right now." Being attacked, and the attackers seemed to be mercenaries, but the coach was already exhausted enough; it was better not to bother him with such troublesome matters.
"Why aren't you going yet?"
...
The villa. Xia Yan had finished breakfast and lay lazily on the sofa, watching the coach busily tidying up. She felt that her life was complete.
"Didn't you say you were going to the research institute? Why are you still here?" Cang Yi finally noticed her after he finished packing.
Xia Yan pouted, "No way! They run to the research institute every day. Will they die without me?" Besides, they probably think she's already dead.
"You! Trying to slack off again, aren't you?" Cang Yi tapped the girl's forehead, looking helpless.
"I just get lazy sometimes. Coach, are you busy today?"
"I'm not busy anymore. You little rascal, do you want to go play again?"
Xia Yan leaned closer, grabbed Cang Yi's arm, and pleaded, "Come with me! Come with me!"
"The army rarely gives leave, so who else can I spend time with if not you? But please don't go shopping! My old arms and legs can't take your exertions." Cang Yi said helplessly.
"The coach is the best!" Xia Yan cheered.
"How old are you? You're still acting like a child." Cang Yi said, ruffling the girl's hair. "Aren't you going to get yourself ready? Do you want to be stared at by everyone?"
Xia Yan pouted, "You want to be watched by everyone, but that's not allowed."
"Yes. How can I, a mere major general in the army, compare to you, Miss Xia Yan, a miracle doctor in the eyes of the people?"
"It's all government hype, just take it with a grain of salt." Xia Yan rolled her eyes at him, then obediently went upstairs. She liked being a doctor, but now—she mostly went to the research institute.
Cang Yi shook his head. Although there was some exaggeration involved, Xia Yan was indeed capable; otherwise, where would her wall of banners have come from? She was just lazy. Especially after being transferred to the research institute, she became even lazier. This girl he picked up hadn't changed her personality from childhood to adulthood.
...
Xia Yan had a great time today, first hiking and then racing. As for the research institute's phone, she turned it off completely before the coach noticed.
Back at the villa that evening, Xia Yan took the initiative to prepare dinner, saying that the coach was busy every day and deserved a rest.
Cang Yi didn't refuse, but he couldn't help but tease her a bit. This girl is a kitchen disaster! She actually has a time when she takes the initiative to cook?
But regardless of whether it's edible or not, or whether the kitchen space is limited, he'll accept it. He can't dampen the girl's enthusiasm, can he?
This meal was unexpectedly perfect; Xia Yan's cooking was so much better than before.
Cang Yi asked suspiciously, "You didn't make the kitchen like that just to be lazy, did you?"
"I'm so smart, I'll definitely learn it in no time. I was just lazy before. Now it's your turn to wash the dishes," Xia Yan said smugly.
Cang Yi understood. "Alright, I'll deal with you after I wash the dishes! You almost burned the house down before, this isn't over."
Xia Yan just smiled; the coach wouldn't have the heart to hurt her!
After washing the dishes, Cang Yi saw the girl curled up on the sofa watching a mindless, melodramatic drama. He shook his head and said, "You've been playing all day. You'll be busy when you get back to the station tomorrow! Why aren't you resting?"
Xia Yan moved over to make room for Cang Yi, "You're talking like the coach won't be busy tomorrow."
"We're a special forces unit; we're only busy when we have a mission." Cang Yi glanced at the melodramatic romance drama playing on the screen. "What's so interesting about this?"
"Nothing nutritious won't strain your brain. Coach, do you want to come and take a look?"
"See for yourself." Cang Yi shook his head and turned to go upstairs.
Suddenly, a scream rang out—it was Xiao Qi! Cang Yi turned to look at the little girl curled up on the sofa and rushed over to check on her. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should I..."
Cang Yi paused, then saw the girl clutching her stomach, barely suppressing a laugh, "Coach, you're still so easy to fool."
Cang Yi's lips twitched, and he reached out and tapped her forehead. "You're just being ridiculous!"
"Isn't that because you spoil her?" Xia Yan retorted confidently.
"That's called taking advantage of my favor." Cang Yi sat down beside her. "Tell me, have you gotten into trouble again?"
"No, I didn't."
Cang Yi glanced at her sideways, "After all these years, don't I know you? If you haven't caused any trouble, why are you being so attentive? And what were you pretending just now? If you didn't have something you were hesitant to say, what else could it be?"
Xia Yan pouted, "I was just in a good mood and wanted to cook you a meal."
"Fine, you're right. Just say what you have to say."
Xia Yan blinked and leaned on Cang Yi's shoulder. "Uncle, do you still remember the first time we met?"
Hearing the word "Uncle," Cang Yi's expression softened, tinged with nostalgia. "I remember it clearly, but I'm afraid you've forgotten. You were very timid back then. You wouldn't sleep for a while unless I held you."
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