Chapter 9: Blissful Company

“It’s nothing, I just think you’ll look great in this jacket!” Bi Qiao’an beamed, holding up the jacket that blocked the fitting room entrance. “But if you don’t like it…”

Before she could finish, Shen Yanming grabbed the jacket, took off his coat, and tossed it over Bi Qiao’an’s head playfully before disappearing into the fitting room.

A moment later, he emerged and asked, “How is it? Do I look good?” He didn’t bother checking the mirror, relying solely on Bi Qiao’an’s judgment.

“Absolutely, very handsome!” she confirmed, a flicker of appreciation sparkling in her eyes. Blessed with innate handsomeness and a well-proportioned frame, Shen Yanming possessed the ability to make any garment look exceptional. His usual attire exuded maturity, but this jacket injected a youthful energy into his aura.

“Great, I’ll take it then!” He took off the jacket and headed to the counter to pay while Bi Qiao’an stood by the entrance, glancing around impatiently.

“Let’s go, time to head home.”

“You’re not buying anything else?”

“Nah, we can come back another time,” Shen Yanming replied, reaching for her hand as they walked towards the elevators.

Once settled in the car, he broke the comfortable silence. “What happened earlier, Qiao’an?” His eyes filled with concern.

Noticing Bi Qiao’an’s hesitation, Shen Yanming reassured her with unwavering certainty, “Trust me, Qiao’an. Whatever you say or do, I’ll always believe in you and stand by your side.”

She responded with a weak smile and a sigh. “I bumped into a dorm mate and didn’t want her to see you. I’m afraid she might become interested.”

Understanding dawned on Shen Yanming’s face. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of leaving you. Her thoughts are irrelevant.”

Bi Qiao’an let out a small laugh while shaking her head. “Careful, Brother, don’t make such promises. What if you get married and have kids in the future…” Her voice trailed off, a shadow falling over her expression. ‘By then, I’ll be alone once more,’ she thought, her heart clenching at the prospect.

Sensing her shift in mood, Shen Yanming remained silent. He couldn’t promise he wouldn’t marry, nor could he say he wanted to marry her. It was too soon.

Instead, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair. “I won’t leave you,” he repeated softly, his words a soothing balm to her troubled thoughts.

They drove home in quiet contemplation, the gentle hum of the engine the only sound. As they pulled into the parking space, Shen Yanming offered, “Try to avoid unpleasant people if you can. We’ll deal with them when the right time comes.”

“I understand,” Bi Qiao’an agreed, though a thought lingered. ‘Even if I avoid them, their misery approaches in a year. And a lot can happen in twelve months…’ The weight of the future pressed upon her, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the present moment with Shen Yanming.

The two made several trips to unload the groceries before hauling all the purchases into Unit 1602. Both collapsed limply on the sofa, their backs, arms, and legs sore from the exertion.

Seeing the clock strike 9:15 PM, Bi Qiao’an hurriedly removed her cloak to prepare dinner while Shen Yanming went for a shower.

She might have settled for instant noodles if alone, but not tonight. He deserved a proper meal after his flight and shopping spree.

“Go take a shower first, Brother Yanming. I’ll handle dinner,” she said before heading to the kitchen with the ingredients from the shopping bags.

Shen Yanming collected the newly purchased underwear and pajamas, promptly loading them into the washing machine. He efficiently sorted the groceries, putting perishables in the fridge and dry goods in the pantry.

Next, he meticulously wiped down the dining table, coffee table, and windowsills, ensuring a clean and tidy space. He switched the washing machine to drying mode for the new clothes after hearing its beep.

Then Shen Yanming stripped the bedsheets, quilt covers, and pillowcases in both bedrooms for laundering—not just his own bedding but also the guest room’s. He replaced everything with clean sheet sets stored under the beds.

After the freshly dried sleepwear and underwear finished, Shen Yanming hung them up in the laundry room, placing Bi Qiao’an’s pajamas set inside the guest room with a gentle touch. Finally, he took out new towels and toiletries for his shower.

Twenty minutes later, Shen Yanming emerged from the bath clad in gray pajamas, right hand clutching a towel to dry his short yet still damp and tousled hair. Beneath sharply carved brows, his pair of ink-black eyes glittered bright as stars; straight nose and pinkish-hued lips tilted up faintly at the corners while the giant pink heart decorating his shirt lent an endearing note to his otherwise refined, elegant features.

Leaning against the kitchen entrance, Shen Yanming watched the girl busying herself inside.

She stood at 5’6″, her long-sleeved white chiffon blouse and form-fitting jeans accentuating her slender figure. Her rich, dark locks were pulled back into a bun, unveiling the entirety of her forehead and the exquisite curve of her brows. Long lashes framed bright eyes that sparkled with determination, ticking his heart. A rosy flush adorned her cheeks, and a faint sheen of sweat glistened on her nose, evidence of her hard work in the kitchen.

As he watched her, Shen Yanming felt his heart swell with affection and desire, unable to tear his eyes away from her captivating presence.

Bi Qiao’an, sensing the weight of his admiring gaze, glanced back and offered a warm, inviting smile. “All set?”

“Mhm,” he replied, his voice husky with emotion.

“Dinner’s almost ready. Can you help me bring these two dishes out first?”

“Okay!”

He grabbed the pan-fried broccoli and stir-fried greens, arranging them neatly on the table. Estimating the timing, he quickly went to the laundry room to toss the used bedding into the washer before rejoining her in the kitchen.

She’d just finished cooking the final dish, sautéed prawns, by the time he returned. He helped scoop two bowls of rice, and soon they were seated across from each other as the aroma of home-cooked food filled the air.

Without reservation, Shen Yanming eagerly dug into his meal. “Mmm, this is incredible. It tastes like home,” he exclaimed, savoring every bite, the flavors bursting on his tongue.

“Of course it does! I learned this recipe from Auntie Su. Does it taste the same?” Bi Qiao’an chirped, a proud smile gracing her lips. Auntie Su was Shen Yanming’s deceased mother.

“I prefer yours,” Shen Yanming said, his affection not just for the meal but for the moments shared with her.

“Keep eating,” she encouraged, mindful of the late hour. “It’s already past ten, and we’re having dinner later than normal.”

“It’s a special circumstance.” He cared not one whit for propriety or hour and simply relished her presence. He could happily skip meals altogether as long as he was with her, because only then could his heart feel at peace.

They finished their food quickly and fell into a comfortable silence. Just as Bi Qiao’an stood up to clear the table, her phone rang, breaking the peaceful atmosphere.

Shen Yanming gestured for her to answer and took the dishes to the kitchen himself.

“Hello? Qiao’an, why aren’t you in the dorm? Did you put away the stuff Xiao Fei left me?” Chen Jin’s voice came from the other end.

Bi Qiao’an’s voice remained neutral. “Nope, I went home. You can ask Xiao Fei directly.”

“Is that so? Not coming back tonight?”

“Mm.”

She had no wish to get involved with those two whatsoever, so she deliberately kept her responses vague. Let that pair resolve their matters themselves.