Wangji stepped into the cozy restaurant, the aroma of savory dishes enveloping him. He had dropped Zhan off at his mansion and was heading home, but a sudden craving for a snack led him here. Mrs. Wang Carmen, the owner, greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling in the soft light.
“Welcome, Wangji! What brings you here tonight?” she asked, her voice gentle.
“Just a quick bite, Mrs. Wang,” he replied, taking a seat at the counter. “I’m on my way home.”
As she expertly prepared his dish, they chatted about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing like a gentle stream. When his food arrived, Wangji savored each bite, closing his eyes in appreciation.
Mrs. Wang Carmen leaned in, her voice low and playful. “Wangji, when are you going to settle down? I want to meet your future husband!”
Wangji chuckled, his eyes sparkling. “Soon, Mrs. Wang, but not yet. I’m still enjoying my freedom though I’m recently going after someone.”
She laughed, her eyes twinkling. “I’m sure you are, dear. By the way, how’s Zhan doing? I haven’t seen him around lately.”
“He’s doing well, Mrs. Wang,” Wangji replied. “Just busy with his usual affairs. I actually just dropped him off at his mansion before coming here.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” she said, her expression warm. “And how about you? How’s life treating you, Wangji?”
“It’s been good, Mrs. Wang. Just keeping busy with my own things,” he replied, smiling. “By the way, how’s Jingyi doing? I didn’t see him around tonight.”
“Ah, my little bundle of energy?” she laughed. “He’s already asleep, dear. He’s been keeping me on my toes lately, but I love him to bits. He still talks about you and Zhan, you know. He loves it when you visit.”
Wangji’s face softened, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. “I’m glad to hear that, Mrs. Wang. I’ll have to come by more often and play with him again soon."
With a warm smile, Wangji finished his meal, bid Mrs. Wang farewell, and headed out into the night, feeling grateful for the brief moment of warmth and connection
Wangji walked into the apartment, expecting a quiet evening alone. Instead, he was greeted by the savory aroma of stir-frying vegetables and the sight of Xue Yang expertly cooking dinner. Yang looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“Hey, Wangji! Welcome home!” he said, his eyes sparkling.
Wangji returned the smile, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. “Hey, Yang. I didn’t expect you to be cooking dinner.”
“Thought I’d surprise you,” Yang replied, his eyes shining with excitement. “Join me for dinner? It’s been a while since we’ve eaten together.”
Wangji hesitated, thinking about the snack he’d just had at the restaurant. “I actually already ate, Yang. But thank you for offering.”
Xue Yang’s face fell, but only for a moment. Then, his signature charm kicked in. “Ah, come on, Wangji! It’s been ages since we’ve shared a meal together. Just one bowl of noodles won’t hurt, will it?”
Wangji chuckled, knowing he was no match for Xue Yang’s persistence. “Fine, fine. But let me go shower first. I’ve had a long day.”
Xue Yang grinned, triumphant. “Great! I’ll keep everything warm for you. Hurry up, I’m starving!”
Wangji laughed, shaking his head as he headed towards the shower. He knew he was in for a lively dinner conversation with Xue Yang, but he was looking forward to it.
