Xinyan was amused by his conflicted little expression: "Donât worry, I definitely wonât let it spoil. Iâll braise it for you tonight, and itâll be perfect with lunch tomorrow."
Little Siyanâs eyes lit up: "Can we come over to have lunch here again tomorrow?"
Ye Silai gave his brother a pat on the back: "What are you thinking? Didnât Uncle tell you not to bother your sister these days? She has very important exams coming up."
When Xinyan heard this, she lifted her eyes to look at Jinxuan, and it happened that Jinxuan was looking her way too. Both of them were caught off guard for a moment but then exchanged a smile.
To ease the unknown emotions in her heart, Xinyan called out, "Dinnerâs ready, hurry up and wash your hands to prepare for the meal."
Jinxuanâs smile lingered on his lips, filled with warmth inside.
After washing their hands and sitting at the table, when they saw the dishes laid out, Ye Silai and Ye Siyan grinned with delight, while Jinxuan said, "Look how happy you are, shouldnât you thank your sister?"
After the two little ones expressed their gratitude, Jinxuan commented, "You shouldnât spoil them like this. Itâs so hot near the stove in this weather. Donât tire yourself out."
Little Siyan blinked at his uncle: "If Uncle cooks, then sister wonât get tired."
Jinxuan felt a bit embarrassed hearing this: "Uncleâs cooking skills would ruin the fish."
Unexpectedly, Ye Silai, who usually doesnât meddle, spoke up: "Uncle can learn from sister and cook for her in the future, that way she wonât get tired."
Even though it was just childish innocence, Jinxuan took it to heart, raised his head to look at Xinyan, and blurted out, "Iâll learn properly in the future so you wonât tire."
But after his words slipped out, he was dumbstruck, worried heâd frighten Xinyan, quickly waving his hands: "I, well, I..."
Seeing him so embarrassed, Xinyan suddenly laughed and quipped back, "Men learning to cook is quite good."
Thus arose a beautiful misunderstanding; Xinyan felt that these days many menâs culinary skills surpass womenâs, and in many families, men taking over the kitchen has become trendy. Though, of course, in this era, women were still doing most of the cooking.
But the meaning was different to Jinxuanâs ears, as he took it to heart and thought about practicing his cooking more...
Ye Siyan, the little foodie, couldnât wait any longer: "Smells so good."
Xinyan laughed out loud at his deep inhale and fascinated expression: "Alright, hurry up and eat, look how greedy youâve become."
Jinxuan taught them well, even with their cravings, they didnât start eating directly but waited for Xinyan to give the go-ahead, then dug in joyfully.
The four of them enjoyed the prepared meal, leaving the plates and bowls spotless. The three nephews and uncle were all satisfied.
After dinner, Jinxuan took the initiative to wash the dishes, which pleased Xinyan greatly.
Once finished tidying up, Xinyan looked at Jinxuan: "Iâll braise the chicken later, have Silai and Siyan come to pick it up tomorrow noon."
Jinxuan waved his hand: "No need, just keep it for yourself."
But Xinyan wouldnât let him refuse: "Alright, Silai and Siyan coming over wonât be an issue for anyone. Iâll set aside a portion for myself."
Jinxuan scratched his head: "Okay, whatever you say."
Though he was worried about causing her trouble, he knew her personality; if he didnât agree, sheâd likely be unhappy.
Besides, he wished for more interaction with this girl. Even if he couldnât come over, it made him happy inside.