Cheng Su stayed in the office until closing time before she returned home, and by the time she entered, she already smelled the fragrance of the meal.
"Youâre back? Iâve made dinner. Would you like to wash your face before eating, or would you prefer to eat first and then wash?" Qi Taiguo asked as he stood up from the couch.
Cheng Su looked at the dining table where they usually ate together. Dishes were set, but covered with plates, obscuring their contents.
"Letâs eat first." Cheng Su set down her bag, washed her hands, and sat at the table.
Qi Taiguo opened the thermos first, ladling out a bowl of soup for her and said, "Itâs chicken soup. Iâve skimmed off the fat after removing the skin. Drink it while itâs hot!"
Cheng Su looked at the soup that exuded a hint of angelica aroma without much oil; after taking a sip, the corners of her mouth curved slightly: "Thank you."
Seeing her smile, Qi Taiguo seemed encouraged and exhaled deeply before uncovering the dishes and said, "You donât like salty food, so I used less salt."
Steamed ribs, a few fried eggs, and a pile of stir-fried greens.
"Youâve gone to a lot of trouble!" Cheng Suâs heart felt indescribably mixed as she looked at the dishes.
"Weâre husband and wife, no need for such formalities. You make meals for me often, donât you? Itâs not a great merit for me to cook a meal for you occasionally. Itâs just that I canât make it as tasty as you do," Qi Taiguo said hesitantly.
Cheng Su hummed in acknowledgement, served herself some rice, took a bite, and then said, "In a couple of days, I need to go on a business trip to Sichuan to see how the apples there taste. Our company is planning to make a new sauce."
Just as Ying Xiaoya had predicted, the moment Cheng Su brought up the business trip, Qi Taiguoâs smiling face instantly changed, and without thinking, he said it wasnât possible.
He put down his chopsticks and looked at Cheng Su: "Sichuan is too far away, the travel is strenuous, involving both trains and buses, and too roundabout. Your body canât withstand such a bumpy journey right now. When youâre well, you can go wherever you want, and I wonât stop you. But now, no."
It was almost exactly as Xiao Ya had said.
Cheng Su also put down her chopsticks and said calmly, "Iâm not made of glass that will shatter at the slightest touch. After resting all these days, my body has already recovered."
"No," Qi Taiguo looked into her eyes and said, "I know your business trip is just an excuse. In fact, you just want to avoid me."
Cheng Suâs hand, which was picking up chopsticks, paused as she said, "Actually, thatâs not the main reason. I think it might be good to cool off separately. Iâm afraid if things continue like this, I might actually end up leaving you."
Qi Taiguo trembled slightly, his complexion turning pale.
"Furthermore, when Iâm at home, my mind wanders. If I have something to do, I can divert my attention, and not keep thinking about..." She touched her lower abdomen and pursed her lips.
Qi Taiguoâs gaze darkened and he said, "If you really donât want to see me, then how about I stay in the barracks for a few days? You can rest well at home, and itâs too tiring to travel about."
Cheng Su lowered her head and silently picked up a spoonful of greens, chewing gently, she said, "I want to get out and have a walk."
Qi Taiguo watched her quietly for a while then asked, "How many days will you go for?"
"At least three or five days, maybe seven or eight," Cheng Su replied casually.
"I see," he said as he picked up his chopsticks again.
Cheng Su looked at him unexpectedly; she thought he would persist in not allowing her to go, but now he seemed nonchalant, as if he had compromised.
For some reason, Cheng Su felt a strange sensation in her heart and a vague sense of loss.
...