077. Couple making a meal
An Ran was a little surprised to meet her mother here, but what's more surprising is that she also
recognised the person chasing after her mother, it was Tong Wen Hai.
Watching the two people quarreling in front of her, she does not understand the content of their quarrel but she can see that their emotions are a little agitated.
"Mom." She interrupted, heading towards them.
Wen Tong Hai and Lin Xiao Fen turn their heads and saw her walking towards them, surprised. Lin Xiao Fen seems a little flustered, she has no idea she would meet An Ran here, what's more with Tong Wen Hai at her side.
Tong Wen hai is surprise too. Actually meeting Lin Xiao Fen here was purely a coincidence. Since there's nothing going on, he got off work early but did not expect to encounter Lin Xiao Fen along his way. What happen years ago seems to appears in front of his eyes again, even though it has been almost 30 years since, the passing of the years has only left a few blemishes on her face, she is still the girl smiling at him so radiantly as before.
He called her after alighting the car, but she reacted as if she had seen a ghost, turning and leaving without a word. It was his fault for what happened long ago, and he did returned after that to find her but she left nothing behind and not one of the persons nearby had any information of her. He had thought he would never see her ago in this lifetime but they actually met again at YouRan Restaurant. He was surprised that she was Su Yi Cheng's mother-in-law, with her daughter and husband besides her. She seem to be very happy. After that encounter it is not as if he hadn't thought of looking for her again, because he still owe her an apology for what happen long ago. But after thinking about it, the matter happen a long time ago, they also have their own families now, there is no point to bringing the matter up again and so he perish the though of finding her.
But today, the encounter on the road, must be an act of the divine, perhaps it is fated that he must apologize to her. This is something he owes her for 30 years now. But who would expect that once he called out to her she would react as if she saw a ghost and walked away so quickly. Not even giving him a chance to speak but keep wanting him to leave agitatedly.
"An...An Ran..."
Lin Xiao Fen watched as An Ran approached them, seemingly flustered, turning to look at Wen Tong Hai who is still holding on to her arm tightly, she push him away strongly.
An Ran stands in front of them, looking at both her mother and Wen Tong Hai, she greeted,"Chief Tong."
Tong Wen Hai smiled and nodded to her,"Mrs Su."
An Ran pressed her lips and smiled,' Chief Tong can just address me as An Ran."
Tong Wen Hai nodded, not refusing.
An Ran turned, looked at her mother and then at Tong Wen Hai, with a questioning frown,"Mom, you and Chief Tong....?"
"No, its nothing. I, I do not know him." Lin Xiao Fen replied anxiously.
Tong Wen Hai lightly sighed, looked at her," Xiao Fen, I just want to apologise. Is this really necessary?
AT that time..." Without waiting for him to finish, Lin Xiao Fen interrupted him abruptly.
"You shut it." Lin Xiao Fen shouted, tightly pressing her lips and because of her agitation she was slightly trembling.
Because of that, Tong Wen Hai quieted down, looking at her with a face full of guilt and regret.
An Ran came up to her mother, worried,"Mom."
Lin Xiao Fen seems to be afraid of something, grabbing unto An Ran then turning to leave," Come, let's go, it's almost time for your father to come home, I, I have to go back and prepare dinner."
Although An Ran has some queries, she did not say anything, turning to look at Tong Wen Hai, she then let Lin Xiao Fen pull her away.
Lin Xiao Fen still seems to be worried and afraid, holding on to An Ran's hand with a slight tremble, keep turning her head to look at her back, as if afraid that Tong Wen Hai will follow after her.
Seeing her in this state, An Ran is worried,"Mom, are you alright?"
Lin Xiao Fen turned, shaking her head,"It's, it's fine, I have to hurry back to cook a meal for your father."
She increased her pace and try to crack a smile, but the smile was too forceful and is completely unable to conceal her unease and embarrassment.
Of course AN Ran knows this is just an excuse, their family typically has late dinner, normally after 7pm sometimes even after 8pm, it's not even 5pm now, rushing home to prepare dinner is just a convenient excuse.
As if still afraid Wen Tong Hai will chase after, Lin Xiao Fen grab a cab and got in.
After closing the door and as the cab leaves the scene, Lin Xiao Fen turn to look at the car back window, after confirming that Wen Tong Hai did not chase after her, lets out a long sigh.
In the car, An Ran look at her mother, unable to bear the curiousity and ask,"Mom, is there something between you and Chief Tong..."
At this, Lin Xiao Fen throws a sharp gaze at her, evidently still agitated, scolding,"I do not know him! And you will never mention that person in front of me again!"
"But looking at the two of you just now..." An Ran tried to say something else but was interrupted.
"I've already said I do not know him, who knows the reason why he suddenly decides to chase chase after me." Lin Xiao Fen says sternly.
Seeing this, An Ran wisely remain silent and not ask another thing. She knows her mom and Tong Wen Hai knows each other, but how did it ended up in this state, if her mother do not want to say, then she can only remain silent.
The atmosphere in the car is one of embarrassment, the driver in front is focusing on his driving, even if he wants to gossip he dare not utter a single word, he can only view what is happening in the backseat through the rearview mirror.
Lin Xiao Fen looked at the passing scenery with a stern look, but her gaze is faraway, without focus.
An Ran is worried about her, but she does not know how approach or ease her worries. She sigh silently, reach over to hold her mother's hand and placed in on her lap.
Lin Xiao Fen momentarily stiffen, but did not turn back, still facing outside, her nose slightly souring*.
The car stopped at the Gu's family's place, An Ran pays the cabfare and accompanies her mother home.
Lin Xiao Fen has calm down by now, not as agitated as before. As the two rode the lift, Lin Xiao Fen says," Keep far away from Tong Wen Hai in future, understand?"
An Ran wants to ask for the reason, but after what happen just now, she endured, not asking anything but just nodding.
At home Gu Heng Wen is still not back yet, Lin Xiao Fen ask An Ran to stay for dinner, then got her to call Su Yi Cheng to join them for a meal. Thinking about it, since the last time they came back for a meal when they returned from Sunset Town, they have not accompanied the two elders for a meal since.
An Ran nodded, took out her mobile to the balcony and called Su Yi Cheng, the call was answered on the third ring. An Ran inform that she is at the Gu's and ask him over for a meal together. Su Yi Cheng seemingly is already on the way, after hearing her, immediately agrees and says will arrive within 10 minutes.
After the call Lin Xiao Fen is already not in the living room. Puting down her mobile, An Ran enters the kitchen, only to see Lin Xiao Fen washing the vegetables as if in a daze, her attention faraway, not even realising the water in the washing bowl has almost overflowed with water. An Ran hurriedly goes up to turn off the tap, drains off some of the water so it does not seem to be so full.
Taking over the vegetables in her hands, she says,"Mom, let me do it."
Only now does Lin Xiao Fen comes back to her senses, reply unnaturally,"You, you better go out, the kitchen is too smoky and oily, I'm fine, just a moment more."
"It's ok mom, I can help, in addition, I have to learn how to cook from you, otherwise Su Yi Cheng will dislike that I only knows how to cook noodles." An Ran laughing reply.
Lin Xiao Fen relented," Did you call Ah Cheng yet, what time does his work end, do we have to wait for him?"
An Ran did not especially tells them about Su Yi Cheng's occupation, so her parents and even Lin Li still thinks Su Yi Chengis an employee of some multi-national corporation and not as the special assistant of the mayor, the youngest nobility of Jiang City.
An Ran nodded," En**, already told him, he's already on his way and will be here in a while."
"If it's like this, then I better be faster." Lin Xiao Fen hurriedly takes the ingredient from the fridge. They are what she bought this morning. It was several days worth of food, it was planned that way so that she does not have to shopped everyday, seeing as how she and Gu Heng Wen are both working and shopping everyday would have been quite troublesome. But good thing that there are extra food in the house or there would have been not enough food to eat when An Ran and Su Yi Cheng joins for dinner.
Preparing the fish, she ask," Is Ah Cheng's gastric better, did you limit his drinking, that illness requires long term care otherwise it could turn out to be troublesome."
"En, he's better these days, we have also been eating more plainly, he does not have to do much entertaining these few days so he hasn't been drinking." An Ran answered as she continues washing, removing the yellowed leafs from the vegetables and washing them thoroughly. "What time will father be home, does he have night classes tonight?"
"No, I took a look at his schedule, there's no night revision tonight, so he should be home soon, just in
time for dinner." Lin Xiao Fen decisively prepared the fish on hand, removing the scales, then slicing the fish belly, removing the innards, carefully avoiding the plump fish roe.
As Lin Xiao Fen finish preparing the fish and preparing to place the fish in the wok, the door bell rang.
"It should be Su Yi Cheng, I'll go open the door." An Ran goes out the kitchen, wiping her hands.
Opening the door, it is indeed Su Yi Cheng, with a grin, his expression gentle like always.
An Ran turn and let him in, taking the document bag in his hands,"why so early today?"
"I was out in the afternoon for some work and it went smoothly so I can get off earlier. Coincidentally it was on this area." Su Yi Cheng explained.
An Ran nodded, actually she was just casually asking.
Su Yi Cheng looked around and does not see Lin Xiao Fen and Gu Heng Wen,"Where's mom and dad?"
"Dad's not home yet, mom is in the kitchen..." at this time there was suddenly a scream from the kitchen.
"Ahhh!..."
The two of them immediately goes to the kitchen only to see the oil in the wok sizzling and splashing, Lin Xiao Fen stand at a side, hands on her face. It seems her face has been hurt by the splattering oil.
An Ran wants to rush in but was stop by Su Yi Cheng. He went over to first switch off the gas stove, then escorted Lin Xiao Fen out.
An Ran is frantic with worry,"Mom, how can you be so careless!"
"It's alright, it's alright, just a lapse of attention, and splattered by the oil a little." Lin Xiao Fen says with her hand still covering half her face.
Su Yi Cheng remove her hand, the place where the oil splattered is right below the eye, just another centimeter upwards and it would have hit the eye. The area is not big but considering the high heat of the oil it will leave a blister. Turning toward An Ran,"An Ran, is there any burn ointment in the house?"
"Yes, yes." An Ran got up hurried and retrieve the first aid kit from beneath the TV cabinet, Su Yi Cheng applies the ointment gently on the redden area.
Lin Xiao Fen says in embarassment," Look at me, getting old and useless, creating such a joke just cooking dinner."
Su Yi Cheng laugh lightly, stood up, removes his outer coat, ask Lin Xiao Fen," If Mom don't mind I will prepare tonight's dinner, it has been a while so if I don't use it I think I will really forget what I learn in the past."
"You know how to cook?" Lin Xiao Fen is surprise. Nowadays guys who knows how to know are few and far between, not to mention guys, even girls do not know much about it, like An Ran.
"Not too well, have to trouble mom to make do with it." Su Yi Cheng humbly reply.
"Nowadays guys who knows how to cook are really rarely." Lin Xiao Fen says softly, but suddenly thought of something,"Then have you been the one cooking at home all this time?" as she was saying this she look at An Ran.
"No, mostly An Ran has been the one cooking for me." Su Yi Cheng replies laughing also looking at An Ran.
An Ran sweats, what she has cooked so far is noodle and yet more noodles, and it is the simplest of noodles. Even for breakfast, she has only prepared once or twice, the rest are prepared by him after coming back from morning exercise.
Hearing this, Lin Xiao Fen looked at her daughter with doubt, she does not remember An Ran knows how to cook at all. But she also feels happy for An Ran in her heart, Su Yi Cheng really seems nice, even though their marriage is a little rushed, but from what can be seen now, there is no one more suitable than Su Yi Cheng to be An Ran's husband, being gentle and considerate.
That time when Mo Fei left, she has not more than once lamented how similar the fates of her daughter is to herself, what's even more laughable is that the reason for the betrayal is the same, it's not because there isn't any love but it's because they want to achieve more success. They have ideals, want to achieve success but lack opportunities. In this society marked by nepotism they are not able to help them and even becomes their stumbling blocks. But another woman can help them, can give them a hand, can let them achieve the success they want to achieve, even if the price for that success is their love and marriage.
But thank the heavens they have been treated kindly, she has Gu Heng Wen by her side and An Ran has Su Yi Cheng by hers. Both are gentle and considerate men, and both are men that can be depended to love and cherish them for the rest of their lives.
Su Yi Cheng rolled up his sleeves as if preparing for a big showdown. Just before entering the kitchen says to An Ran," An Ran, come and give me a hand."
An Ran nodded, says to Lin Xiao Fen,"Mom, sit and rest for a bit, Ah Cheng's cooking is not bad."
Lin Xiao Fen nodded, hands over her apron,"Go now."
An Ran enters the kitchen with the apron and saw Su Yi Cheng washing the wok in his white shirt. She hurriedly says,"Wear the apron first, or the oil stains will not be able to be washed off from the shirt."
Hearing this Su Yi Cheng turns over, grins at her and lifted both his arms,"Then you help me wear it."
An Ran looks at his foam covered hands and went forward to tie the apron around his neck without much thought. An Ran has never considered herself short, and she isn't. For a female, at 167cm is considered to be the ideal height ratio, not too tall nor short, she can choose to wear a 5cm tall high heels yet is able to make do with wearing flats.
Because it's indoor and in the kitchen, she's currently wearing flipflops. Su Yi Cheng is 185cm tall, nearly 20cm taller, he is also standing ramrod upright and watch with a grin as she tiptoes to hang the apron around his neck. But innocent An Ran would have never thought that someone is devilishly also tiptoe-ing with her so it seems that the apron could never be hang around his neck.
Both hands on her waist, An Ran look at him,"Don't you know how to bend over, Mr Su!" He's so tall yet is still standing ramrod straight, and she is not aware if it is intentional or not but as she leans close to him his warmth breathe keeps tickling her ears. It's itchy! What does he want, just putting an apron on him is so troublesome!
"Oo***."Su Yi Cheng agrees amicably, then slightly bows and bends his body, letting her place the loops of the apron on his neck. He turns a little, to accomodate him, An Ran also turns along with him but she did not pay attention that now she is in between him and the kitchen cabinet.
Su Yi Cheng lifts his head and places both his hands on her sides, effectively surrounding her on all sides and looks at her with a devilish half smile.
An Ran looks at him strangely and just as she was about to turn to his back to tie up the apron, realises that she is now trapped!.
The two got very close and the atmosphere starts to turn intimate, like a sudden heat has started. An Ran unconsciously start to feel heated and her face begins to turn reddish.
An Ran lightly pushes him,"Go away first, let me out, or how else am I to tie your apron."
Su Yi Cheng wrinkle his brows a little, then reply matter of factly,"Why can't it be done, just do it like this!"
Evidently, someone is starting to shows his Su style of bullying.
"But I can't see it!" Looking at him, An Ran think furiously, how is this different from him tieing it himself, you can see your own back anyways, just blindly tie a knot will do.
"Its alright, just tie it like this." Su Yi Cheng is really playing the bully to the tee, and even hurries her,"Be quick, dad will be home in a bit, once he is home it'll just be in time for dinner."
An Ran cannot win against hime, so she reach over as if in a hug to tie the apron, as she feels their distance grows ever closer, he just places his chin on her shoulders. That soothing warm breathe
brushes past her earlobes and tickles her ears, making her want to scratch the itch instinctively.
Only now does An Ran realises that she was trick, scolding him besides his ears in a whisper,"You corrupt officer, you are too devious!"
Su Yi Cheng laughs, feeling so good and whispers back into her ears,"Thanks for the compliments madam." and blows another puff of air into her ear.
An Ran at this time is both angry yet laughing, her hands are behind him still searching and tying the knot, says without a hint of laughter,"Special Assistant Su, are you sure I was praising you just now?"
"Even if it's a scolding it's fine, I'll just take it as a compliment." Su Yi Cheng replies.
An Ran feels a bit defeated,"Mr Su, your pride is ever so strong!"
Su Yi Cheng smiles in glee,"Thanks Mrs Su for the praise."
An Ran looks at him in the eye laughingly, the knot on his back is finally done, she lets go,"There, it's done."
Su Yi Cheng nodded, looks at her and says in a seriously tone," As a reward, I'll give you a kiss."
"Bwaha-" An Ran suddenly laughs out loud, tilts her head looking at him, say," Special Assistant Su, then can I refuse this reward? Just take it as the good deed for the day, to serve the people."
Su Yi Cheng stops and was seeming in serious deep thought for a moment, looks at her and shakes his head apologetically," The organisation says, only with reward comes with greater motivation, so there can be no rejection, only acceptance."
An Ran was still trying to rebuke and had just open her mouth when his handsome face move in and a hot kiss follows, hurried but still gentle.
"Kaaaa~" The sound of the kitchen door open as someone enter.
Lin Xiao Fen pushed open the door to enter,"Ah Cheng in the fridge there is_" She just want to tell him there's beancurd in the fridge to make soup but it seems she came at the inopportune time!
An Ran immediately pushes Su Yi Cheng away, lowers her head to look at the stove, her face redder than the tomato on the table. She really feels like crying in shame, first in the courtyard, now at home
she has been caught in the act both times, she really wants to dig a hole and buried herself to hide from the shame, it is so embarrassing.
Compared to An Ran, Su Yi Cheng acts much more naturally, grinning and looking at Lin Xiao Fen,"Mom, is there anything?"
Only now does Lin Xiao Fen manage to get her wits back about her, she replies with embarrassment,"It's nothing it's nothing, take your time, cook what you want to eat, no need to hurry." Then she quickly get out of the kitchen, and even remember to securely closed the kitchen door behind her. She also keeps reminding herself to not let Old Gu enters the kitchen when he is back.
Till Lin Xiao Fen leaves, An Ran remains washing the vegetable with a red red face, scolding Su Yi Cheng several hundred times in her heart.
Su Yi Cheng looks at her shy self and laughs, asking,"Mrs Su, are you being shy?"
An Ran scolds him within her heart then glares at him.
After receiving such an intense glare, Su Yi Cheng touch his nose and wisely restrain his smile, says seriously," I'll cook."
An Ran glares at him for a while, finally silently lets him takes herspot and stands at the side like a good wife, waiting for his order, to fetch the soy sauce, water etc.
When Gu Heng Wen comes home he saw his wife alone in the living room couch, at times frowning at times lightly laughing. "What happen today?" When changing shows notice that there are two extra pairs in the show rack," An Ran and Ah Cheng came over?"
Lin Xiao Fen finally notices him, gets up and takes his briefcase from him, laughing and nodding,"En, they are back, they are now cooking."
"Cooking? An Ran never learn how to cook!" Gu Heng Wen exclaim in surprise.
"Ah Cheng is cooking, An Ran is helping." Lin Xiao Fen explains laughing.
"Ah Cheng even knows how to cook!" This surprises even Gu Heng Wen. Then he noticed the red blister below her eye, frowning as he ask,"How did this happen?"
"The wok was not wipe clean of water when I put in the oil, I was careless, it's fine now, already applied the ointment." Lin Xiao Fen explained.
"So careless." Gu Heng Wen slightly scolded but actually he is worried about her. "Have you applied the medicine?"
Lin Xiao Fen smile, nodding, being able to meet Gu Heng Wen is the luckiest thing in her life. That time when she was alone and without anyone it was this man that doted on her, that cherish her and given her a home. Although this is not an influential or rich life, or even always enjoy affluent clothing or food, this kind of peaceful life is what she has always wanted, and he has fulfilled whatever she wanted. These years she has been really happy and she has to admit, she is really lucky.
"What's wrong?" They are a couple for so many years after all, he can feel that she is behaving strangely that night.
"Nothing, only feels a little sentimental." Lin Xiao Fen replies, she is not about to tell him about meeting Tong Wen Hai on the roadside, she does not want to worry him.
Gu Heng Wen did not persue this but instead looks over at the closed kitchen door,"You're really not going in to help?"
Lin Xiao Fen smiled,"No need to." Upon remembering what she saw earlier, she looked at her husband, smiling,"An Ran is as lucky as I am, to have met a person as good as you in Su Yi Cheng."
Gu Heng Wen looks at his wife with a slightly smile on his lips.
*nose slightly souring - This is referring to the feeling the nose has prior to crying; she's touched
** En (嗯) - it's a nonverbal grunt, best I can place in context, to indicate agreement; try making the en sound without opening your mouth..
***Oo (哦)- not quite Oh so I put in the sound of the word. Depending on the tailend of the sound it can have different meaning. A monotone Oo can mean agreement or disinterest depending on the tone use. An Oo ending with a higher tailend sound can mean a questioning reaction.
---END OF CHAPTER---
077. Couple making a meal
An Ran was a little surprised to meet her mother here, but what's more surprising is that she also
recognised the person chasing after her mother, it was Tong Wen Hai.
Watching the two people quarreling in front of her, she does not understand the content of their quarrel but she can see that their emotions are a little agitated.
"Mom." She interrupted, heading towards them.
Wen Tong Hai and Lin Xiao Fen turn their heads and saw her walking towards them, surprised. Lin Xiao Fen seems a little flustered, she has no idea she would meet An Ran here, what's more with Tong Wen Hai at her side.
Tong Wen hai is surprise too. Actually meeting Lin Xiao Fen here was purely a coincidence. Since there's nothing going on, he got off work early but did not expect to encounter Lin Xiao Fen along his way. What happen years ago seems to appears in front of his eyes again, even though it has been almost 30 years since, the passing of the years has only left a few blemishes on her face, she is still the girl smiling at him so radiantly as before.
He called her after alighting the car, but she reacted as if she had seen a ghost, turning and leaving without a word. It was his fault for what happened long ago, and he did returned after that to find her but she left nothing behind and not one of the persons nearby had any information of her. He had thought he would never see her ago in this lifetime but they actually met again at YouRan Restaurant. He was surprised that she was Su Yi Cheng's mother-in-law, with her daughter and husband besides her. She seem to be very happy. After that encounter it is not as if he hadn't thought of looking for her again, because he still owe her an apology for what happen long ago. But after thinking about it, the matter happen a long time ago, they also have their own families now, there is no point to bringing the matter up again and so he perish the though of finding her.
But today, the encounter on the road, must be an act of the divine, perhaps it is fated that he must apologize to her. This is something he owes her for 30 years now. But who would expect that once he called out to her she would react as if she saw a ghost and walked away so quickly. Not even giving him a chance to speak but keep wanting him to leave agitatedly.
"An...An Ran..."
Lin Xiao Fen watched as An Ran approached them, seemingly flustered, turning to look at Wen Tong Hai who is still holding on to her arm tightly, she push him away strongly.
An Ran stands in front of them, looking at both her mother and Wen Tong Hai, she greeted,"Chief Tong."
Tong Wen Hai smiled and nodded to her,"Mrs Su."
An Ran pressed her lips and smiled,' Chief Tong can just address me as An Ran."
Tong Wen Hai nodded, not refusing.
An Ran turned, looked at her mother and then at Tong Wen Hai, with a questioning frown,"Mom, you and Chief Tong....?"
"No, its nothing. I, I do not know him." Lin Xiao Fen replied anxiously.
Tong Wen Hai lightly sighed, looked at her," Xiao Fen, I just want to apologise. Is this really necessary?
AT that time..." Without waiting for him to finish, Lin Xiao Fen interrupted him abruptly.
"You shut it." Lin Xiao Fen shouted, tightly pressing her lips and because of her agitation she was slightly trembling.
Because of that, Tong Wen Hai quieted down, looking at her with a face full of guilt and regret.
An Ran came up to her mother, worried,"Mom."
Lin Xiao Fen seems to be afraid of something, grabbing unto An Ran then turning to leave," Come, let's go, it's almost time for your father to come home, I, I have to go back and prepare dinner."
Although An Ran has some queries, she did not say anything, turning to look at Tong Wen Hai, she then let Lin Xiao Fen pull her away.
Lin Xiao Fen still seems to be worried and afraid, holding on to An Ran's hand with a slight tremble, keep turning her head to look at her back, as if afraid that Tong Wen Hai will follow after her.
Seeing her in this state, An Ran is worried,"Mom, are you alright?"
Lin Xiao Fen turned, shaking her head,"It's, it's fine, I have to hurry back to cook a meal for your father."
She increased her pace and try to crack a smile, but the smile was too forceful and is completely unable to conceal her unease and embarrassment.
Of course AN Ran knows this is just an excuse, their family typically has late dinner, normally after 7pm sometimes even after 8pm, it's not even 5pm now, rushing home to prepare dinner is just a convenient excuse.
As if still afraid Wen Tong Hai will chase after, Lin Xiao Fen grab a cab and got in.
After closing the door and as the cab leaves the scene, Lin Xiao Fen turn to look at the car back window, after confirming that Wen Tong Hai did not chase after her, lets out a long sigh.
In the car, An Ran look at her mother, unable to bear the curiousity and ask,"Mom, is there something between you and Chief Tong..."
At this, Lin Xiao Fen throws a sharp gaze at her, evidently still agitated, scolding,"I do not know him! And you will never mention that person in front of me again!"
"But looking at the two of you just now..." An Ran tried to say something else but was interrupted.
"I've already said I do not know him, who knows the reason why he suddenly decides to chase chase after me." Lin Xiao Fen says sternly.
Seeing this, An Ran wisely remain silent and not ask another thing. She knows her mom and Tong Wen Hai knows each other, but how did it ended up in this state, if her mother do not want to say, then she can only remain silent.
The atmosphere in the car is one of embarrassment, the driver in front is focusing on his driving, even if he wants to gossip he dare not utter a single word, he can only view what is happening in the backseat through the rearview mirror.
Lin Xiao Fen looked at the passing scenery with a stern look, but her gaze is faraway, without focus.
An Ran is worried about her, but she does not know how approach or ease her worries. She sigh silently, reach over to hold her mother's hand and placed in on her lap.
Lin Xiao Fen momentarily stiffen, but did not turn back, still facing outside, her nose slightly souring*.
The car stopped at the Gu's family's place, An Ran pays the cabfare and accompanies her mother home.
Lin Xiao Fen has calm down by now, not as agitated as before. As the two rode the lift, Lin Xiao Fen says," Keep far away from Tong Wen Hai in future, understand?"
An Ran wants to ask for the reason, but after what happen just now, she endured, not asking anything but just nodding.
At home Gu Heng Wen is still not back yet, Lin Xiao Fen ask An Ran to stay for dinner, then got her to call Su Yi Cheng to join them for a meal. Thinking about it, since the last time they came back for a meal when they returned from Sunset Town, they have not accompanied the two elders for a meal since.
An Ran nodded, took out her mobile to the balcony and called Su Yi Cheng, the call was answered on the third ring. An Ran inform that she is at the Gu's and ask him over for a meal together. Su Yi Cheng seemingly is already on the way, after hearing her, immediately agrees and says will arrive within 10 minutes.
After the call Lin Xiao Fen is already not in the living room. Puting down her mobile, An Ran enters the kitchen, only to see Lin Xiao Fen washing the vegetables as if in a daze, her attention faraway, not even realising the water in the washing bowl has almost overflowed with water. An Ran hurriedly goes up to turn off the tap, drains off some of the water so it does not seem to be so full.
Taking over the vegetables in her hands, she says,"Mom, let me do it."
Only now does Lin Xiao Fen comes back to her senses, reply unnaturally,"You, you better go out, the kitchen is too smoky and oily, I'm fine, just a moment more."
"It's ok mom, I can help, in addition, I have to learn how to cook from you, otherwise Su Yi Cheng will dislike that I only knows how to cook noodles." An Ran laughing reply.
Lin Xiao Fen relented," Did you call Ah Cheng yet, what time does his work end, do we have to wait for him?"
An Ran did not especially tells them about Su Yi Cheng's occupation, so her parents and even Lin Li still thinks Su Yi Chengis an employee of some multi-national corporation and not as the special assistant of the mayor, the youngest nobility of Jiang City.
An Ran nodded," En**, already told him, he's already on his way and will be here in a while."
"If it's like this, then I better be faster." Lin Xiao Fen hurriedly takes the ingredient from the fridge. They are what she bought this morning. It was several days worth of food, it was planned that way so that she does not have to shopped everyday, seeing as how she and Gu Heng Wen are both working and shopping everyday would have been quite troublesome. But good thing that there are extra food in the house or there would have been not enough food to eat when An Ran and Su Yi Cheng joins for dinner.
Preparing the fish, she ask," Is Ah Cheng's gastric better, did you limit his drinking, that illness requires long term care otherwise it could turn out to be troublesome."
"En, he's better these days, we have also been eating more plainly, he does not have to do much entertaining these few days so he hasn't been drinking." An Ran answered as she continues washing, removing the yellowed leafs from the vegetables and washing them thoroughly. "What time will father be home, does he have night classes tonight?"
"No, I took a look at his schedule, there's no night revision tonight, so he should be home soon, just in
time for dinner." Lin Xiao Fen decisively prepared the fish on hand, removing the scales, then slicing the fish belly, removing the innards, carefully avoiding the plump fish roe.
As Lin Xiao Fen finish preparing the fish and preparing to place the fish in the wok, the door bell rang.
"It should be Su Yi Cheng, I'll go open the door." An Ran goes out the kitchen, wiping her hands.
Opening the door, it is indeed Su Yi Cheng, with a grin, his expression gentle like always.
An Ran turn and let him in, taking the document bag in his hands,"why so early today?"
"I was out in the afternoon for some work and it went smoothly so I can get off earlier. Coincidentally it was on this area." Su Yi Cheng explained.
An Ran nodded, actually she was just casually asking.
Su Yi Cheng looked around and does not see Lin Xiao Fen and Gu Heng Wen,"Where's mom and dad?"
"Dad's not home yet, mom is in the kitchen..." at this time there was suddenly a scream from the kitchen.
"Ahhh!..."
The two of them immediately goes to the kitchen only to see the oil in the wok sizzling and splashing, Lin Xiao Fen stand at a side, hands on her face. It seems her face has been hurt by the splattering oil.
An Ran wants to rush in but was stop by Su Yi Cheng. He went over to first switch off the gas stove, then escorted Lin Xiao Fen out.
An Ran is frantic with worry,"Mom, how can you be so careless!"
"It's alright, it's alright, just a lapse of attention, and splattered by the oil a little." Lin Xiao Fen says with her hand still covering half her face.
Su Yi Cheng remove her hand, the place where the oil splattered is right below the eye, just another centimeter upwards and it would have hit the eye. The area is not big but considering the high heat of the oil it will leave a blister. Turning toward An Ran,"An Ran, is there any burn ointment in the house?"
"Yes, yes." An Ran got up hurried and retrieve the first aid kit from beneath the TV cabinet, Su Yi Cheng applies the ointment gently on the redden area.
Lin Xiao Fen says in embarassment," Look at me, getting old and useless, creating such a joke just cooking dinner."
Su Yi Cheng laugh lightly, stood up, removes his outer coat, ask Lin Xiao Fen," If Mom don't mind I will prepare tonight's dinner, it has been a while so if I don't use it I think I will really forget what I learn in the past."
"You know how to cook?" Lin Xiao Fen is surprise. Nowadays guys who knows how to know are few and far between, not to mention guys, even girls do not know much about it, like An Ran.
"Not too well, have to trouble mom to make do with it." Su Yi Cheng humbly reply.
"Nowadays guys who knows how to cook are really rarely." Lin Xiao Fen says softly, but suddenly thought of something,"Then have you been the one cooking at home all this time?" as she was saying this she look at An Ran.
"No, mostly An Ran has been the one cooking for me." Su Yi Cheng replies laughing also looking at An Ran.
An Ran sweats, what she has cooked so far is noodle and yet more noodles, and it is the simplest of noodles. Even for breakfast, she has only prepared once or twice, the rest are prepared by him after coming back from morning exercise.
Hearing this, Lin Xiao Fen looked at her daughter with doubt, she does not remember An Ran knows how to cook at all. But she also feels happy for An Ran in her heart, Su Yi Cheng really seems nice, even though their marriage is a little rushed, but from what can be seen now, there is no one more suitable than Su Yi Cheng to be An Ran's husband, being gentle and considerate.
That time when Mo Fei left, she has not more than once lamented how similar the fates of her daughter is to herself, what's even more laughable is that the reason for the betrayal is the same, it's not because there isn't any love but it's because they want to achieve more success. They have ideals, want to achieve success but lack opportunities. In this society marked by nepotism they are not able to help them and even becomes their stumbling blocks. But another woman can help them, can give them a hand, can let them achieve the success they want to achieve, even if the price for that success is their love and marriage.
But thank the heavens they have been treated kindly, she has Gu Heng Wen by her side and An Ran has Su Yi Cheng by hers. Both are gentle and considerate men, and both are men that can be depended to love and cherish them for the rest of their lives.
Su Yi Cheng rolled up his sleeves as if preparing for a big showdown. Just before entering the kitchen says to An Ran," An Ran, come and give me a hand."
An Ran nodded, says to Lin Xiao Fen,"Mom, sit and rest for a bit, Ah Cheng's cooking is not bad."
Lin Xiao Fen nodded, hands over her apron,"Go now."
An Ran enters the kitchen with the apron and saw Su Yi Cheng washing the wok in his white shirt. She hurriedly says,"Wear the apron first, or the oil stains will not be able to be washed off from the shirt."
Hearing this Su Yi Cheng turns over, grins at her and lifted both his arms,"Then you help me wear it."
An Ran looks at his foam covered hands and went forward to tie the apron around his neck without much thought. An Ran has never considered herself short, and she isn't. For a female, at 167cm is considered to be the ideal height ratio, not too tall nor short, she can choose to wear a 5cm tall high heels yet is able to make do with wearing flats.
Because it's indoor and in the kitchen, she's currently wearing flipflops. Su Yi Cheng is 185cm tall, nearly 20cm taller, he is also standing ramrod upright and watch with a grin as she tiptoes to hang the apron around his neck. But innocent An Ran would have never thought that someone is devilishly also tiptoe-ing with her so it seems that the apron could never be hang around his neck.
Both hands on her waist, An Ran look at him,"Don't you know how to bend over, Mr Su!" He's so tall yet is still standing ramrod straight, and she is not aware if it is intentional or not but as she leans close to him his warmth breathe keeps tickling her ears. It's itchy! What does he want, just putting an apron on him is so troublesome!
"Oo***."Su Yi Cheng agrees amicably, then slightly bows and bends his body, letting her place the loops of the apron on his neck. He turns a little, to accomodate him, An Ran also turns along with him but she did not pay attention that now she is in between him and the kitchen cabinet.
Su Yi Cheng lifts his head and places both his hands on her sides, effectively surrounding her on all sides and looks at her with a devilish half smile.
An Ran looks at him strangely and just as she was about to turn to his back to tie up the apron, realises that she is now trapped!.
The two got very close and the atmosphere starts to turn intimate, like a sudden heat has started. An Ran unconsciously start to feel heated and her face begins to turn reddish.
An Ran lightly pushes him,"Go away first, let me out, or how else am I to tie your apron."
Su Yi Cheng wrinkle his brows a little, then reply matter of factly,"Why can't it be done, just do it like this!"
Evidently, someone is starting to shows his Su style of bullying.
"But I can't see it!" Looking at him, An Ran think furiously, how is this different from him tieing it himself, you can see your own back anyways, just blindly tie a knot will do.
"Its alright, just tie it like this." Su Yi Cheng is really playing the bully to the tee, and even hurries her,"Be quick, dad will be home in a bit, once he is home it'll just be in time for dinner."
An Ran cannot win against hime, so she reach over as if in a hug to tie the apron, as she feels their distance grows ever closer, he just places his chin on her shoulders. That soothing warm breathe
brushes past her earlobes and tickles her ears, making her want to scratch the itch instinctively.
Only now does An Ran realises that she was trick, scolding him besides his ears in a whisper,"You corrupt officer, you are too devious!"
Su Yi Cheng laughs, feeling so good and whispers back into her ears,"Thanks for the compliments madam." and blows another puff of air into her ear.
An Ran at this time is both angry yet laughing, her hands are behind him still searching and tying the knot, says without a hint of laughter,"Special Assistant Su, are you sure I was praising you just now?"
"Even if it's a scolding it's fine, I'll just take it as a compliment." Su Yi Cheng replies.
An Ran feels a bit defeated,"Mr Su, your pride is ever so strong!"
Su Yi Cheng smiles in glee,"Thanks Mrs Su for the praise."
An Ran looks at him in the eye laughingly, the knot on his back is finally done, she lets go,"There, it's done."
Su Yi Cheng nodded, looks at her and says in a seriously tone," As a reward, I'll give you a kiss."
"Bwaha-" An Ran suddenly laughs out loud, tilts her head looking at him, say," Special Assistant Su, then can I refuse this reward? Just take it as the good deed for the day, to serve the people."
Su Yi Cheng stops and was seeming in serious deep thought for a moment, looks at her and shakes his head apologetically," The organisation says, only with reward comes with greater motivation, so there can be no rejection, only acceptance."
An Ran was still trying to rebuke and had just open her mouth when his handsome face move in and a hot kiss follows, hurried but still gentle.
"Kaaaa~" The sound of the kitchen door open as someone enter.
Lin Xiao Fen pushed open the door to enter,"Ah Cheng in the fridge there is_" She just want to tell him there's beancurd in the fridge to make soup but it seems she came at the inopportune time!
An Ran immediately pushes Su Yi Cheng away, lowers her head to look at the stove, her face redder than the tomato on the table. She really feels like crying in shame, first in the courtyard, now at home
she has been caught in the act both times, she really wants to dig a hole and buried herself to hide from the shame, it is so embarrassing.
Compared to An Ran, Su Yi Cheng acts much more naturally, grinning and looking at Lin Xiao Fen,"Mom, is there anything?"
Only now does Lin Xiao Fen manage to get her wits back about her, she replies with embarrassment,"It's nothing it's nothing, take your time, cook what you want to eat, no need to hurry." Then she quickly get out of the kitchen, and even remember to securely closed the kitchen door behind her. She also keeps reminding herself to not let Old Gu enters the kitchen when he is back.
Till Lin Xiao Fen leaves, An Ran remains washing the vegetable with a red red face, scolding Su Yi Cheng several hundred times in her heart.
Su Yi Cheng looks at her shy self and laughs, asking,"Mrs Su, are you being shy?"
An Ran scolds him within her heart then glares at him.
After receiving such an intense glare, Su Yi Cheng touch his nose and wisely restrain his smile, says seriously," I'll cook."
An Ran glares at him for a while, finally silently lets him takes herspot and stands at the side like a good wife, waiting for his order, to fetch the soy sauce, water etc.
When Gu Heng Wen comes home he saw his wife alone in the living room couch, at times frowning at times lightly laughing. "What happen today?" When changing shows notice that there are two extra pairs in the show rack," An Ran and Ah Cheng came over?"
Lin Xiao Fen finally notices him, gets up and takes his briefcase from him, laughing and nodding,"En, they are back, they are now cooking."
"Cooking? An Ran never learn how to cook!" Gu Heng Wen exclaim in surprise.
"Ah Cheng is cooking, An Ran is helping." Lin Xiao Fen explains laughing.
"Ah Cheng even knows how to cook!" This surprises even Gu Heng Wen. Then he noticed the red blister below her eye, frowning as he ask,"How did this happen?"
"The wok was not wipe clean of water when I put in the oil, I was careless, it's fine now, already applied the ointment." Lin Xiao Fen explained.
"So careless." Gu Heng Wen slightly scolded but actually he is worried about her. "Have you applied the medicine?"
Lin Xiao Fen smile, nodding, being able to meet Gu Heng Wen is the luckiest thing in her life. That time when she was alone and without anyone it was this man that doted on her, that cherish her and given her a home. Although this is not an influential or rich life, or even always enjoy affluent clothing or food, this kind of peaceful life is what she has always wanted, and he has fulfilled whatever she wanted. These years she has been really happy and she has to admit, she is really lucky.
"What's wrong?" They are a couple for so many years after all, he can feel that she is behaving strangely that night.
"Nothing, only feels a little sentimental." Lin Xiao Fen replies, she is not about to tell him about meeting Tong Wen Hai on the roadside, she does not want to worry him.
Gu Heng Wen did not persue this but instead looks over at the closed kitchen door,"You're really not going in to help?"
Lin Xiao Fen smiled,"No need to." Upon remembering what she saw earlier, she looked at her husband, smiling,"An Ran is as lucky as I am, to have met a person as good as you in Su Yi Cheng."
Gu Heng Wen looks at his wife with a slightly smile on his lips.
*nose slightly souring - This is referring to the feeling the nose has prior to crying; she's touched
** En (嗯) - it's a nonverbal grunt, best I can place in context, to indicate agreement; try making the en sound without opening your mouth..
***Oo (哦)- not quite Oh so I put in the sound of the word. Depending on the tailend of the sound it can have different meaning. A monotone Oo can mean agreement or disinterest depending on the tone use. An Oo ending with a higher tailend sound can mean a questioning reaction.
---END OF CHAPTER---
