A warm breath brushed the side of Su Yaya’s face. She shivered, playfully protesting, “Stop teasing me.”

Shen Xiuqi chuckled softly and kissed her cheek again. He gently pulled her down beside him on the sofa and asked, “How did the audition go today?”

Su Yaya nodded eagerly. “It went great! I landed K Family’s watch ad.”

Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she looked up at Shen Xiuqi, silently seeking his praise.

“Well done,” Shen Xiuqi said, patting her head affectionately.

Su Yaya beamed and snuggled closer to him. Seizing the moment while he was in a good mood, she added, “Even though I got the K Family ad, you promised me more opportunities this morning. You have to keep your word!”

She looked at him with bright, hopeful eyes, afraid he might back out. Shen Xiuqi’s heart softened, and he replied in a gentle tone, “Of course, I’ll arrange something for you.”

“Okay,” Su Yaya nodded, her smile even brighter. “Thank you, hubby.”

Shen Xiuqi revealed a smile.

Su Yaya happily delivered the utensils and bowl to him. “Let’s eat, let’s eat.”

Shen Xiuqi glanced at the dishes on the table, pleased with the spread. He took the chopsticks from Su Yaya and began to eat.

Su Yaya, hungry as well, tried a piece of the simmer-fried pork chop. It tasted delicious, reminding her of a food blogger’s recipe for pepper and salted pork chops she had seen on Weibo. Smiling, she said to Shen Xiuqi, “I saw a blogger making pepper and salted pork chops. It looked so good that I want to try making it myself later.”

Shen Xiuqi looked at her, remembering how good her cooking always was. “When you make it, let me be the first to taste it.”

“Of course,” Su Yaya replied with a grin. “If I don’t cook for you, who else would I cook for?”

Shen Xiuqi loved hearing that. Even though Su Yaya hadn’t made this meal, it suddenly tasted even better to him.

After dinner, Su Yaya brought out a box of durians and offered a piece to Shen Xiuqi. Though he used to dislike it, he accepted it now, perhaps swayed by Su Yaya’s enthusiasm.

“It’s delicious,” Su Yaya said with a smile. “Sweet things always lift your spirits.”

Shen Xiuqi realized he was in a surprisingly good mood too. He nodded and agreed, “It’s not bad.”

Su Yaya giggled and took a big bite of durian, savoring the taste.

—