17: Chapter 17 Secretly Delighted

"I'll bring you here to eat often. We'll have whatever you want to eat."

"Okay."

Zhao Yaqin nodded, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Wang Yang before her.

Sitting across from her, the sunlight slanted in through the window, landing on his profile.

His features were handsome, his jawline distinct, and a faint smile played at the corners of his mouth.

As Zhao Yaqin watched him, complex emotions welled up in her heart.

Happiness, sweetness, and a sense of security.

And a trace of indescribable anxiety.

This man was reliable, filial, and doted on others; he was a one-in-a-million good man.

But the more she thought about it, the less she could understand.

What exactly was Liu Qian thinking?

To cast aside such a good man and instead covet the wealth of a rich second-generation heir.

How could Liu Qian be so foolish?

A wave of frustration surged in Zhao Yaqin's heart.

But then, a second thought struck her, and her heart skipped a beat.

If Liu Qian hadn't broken up with Wang Yang, and hadn't done that thing of favoring wealth over poverty...

Then Wang Yang would always be her prospective son-in-law.

For the rest of her life, she would have to suppress that flutter of excitement in her heart, watching from afar, never able to get close.

It was Liu Qian who had pushed Wang Yang away with her own hands.

That was the only reason she, a woman who had been widowed for fifteen years, had been able to pick up this treasure.

Zhao Yaqin's face instantly burned hot.

She quickly lowered her head, not daring to let Wang Yang see.

This secret joy made her shy, and also made her feel a bit sorry for her daughter.

Yet, the sweetness in the depths of her heart surged up like a tide, overwhelming all her concerns.

The dishes were soon served.

The braised pork was stewed until soft, glutinous, and flavorful, fatty but not greasy, with a glossy, sauce-colored sheen.

The steamed sea bass was tender, topped with shredded scallions and ginger, drizzled with hot oil, and sizzling.

The stir-fried seasonal vegetables were emerald green and refreshing, the yam and wood ear mushrooms were crisp and tender, and the corn and pork rib soup was steaming, its aroma drifting straight into their noses.

Wang Yang picked up his chopsticks and used the first one to pick up a piece of braised pork, placing it in Zhao Yaqin's bowl.

"Try it, it should be stewed until tender."

Zhao Yaqin ate it in small bites; the meat melted in her mouth, filling it with flavor.

"It's delicious."

Wang Yang then picked up some sea bass, removed all the fish bones, and passed the tenderest belly meat into her bowl.

"Eat more fish, it's good for your health."

"This yam is good for the stomach, you should eat more."

"Drink the soup while it's hot, it'll warm your stomach."

He didn't even bother to eat himself, constantly picking food for her.

Looking at the food piled high in her bowl, Zhao Yaqin's eyes grew slightly warm.

In the past, during the New Year, she would always cook alone and eat alone.

After working all day, she would finally sit at the table, facing a table full of dishes, feeling lonely and desolate.

Her daughter would either go out to play or hang out with friends, rarely keeping her company.

Now, with Wang Yang by her side, picking food for her, removing fish bones, and serving soup, worried she wouldn't get enough to eat, even simple fare tasted delicious.

"Xiao Yang."

Zhao Yaqin called him softly.

Wang Yang looked up.

"Hmm?"

Zhao Yaqin looked into his eyes and said earnestly,

"I'm really happy being with you."

Wang Yang froze for a moment, then smiled.

He reached out and took her hand.

"Me too. Sister Yaqin, only with you here does this feel like a home."

Zhao Yaqin's tears almost fell.

She quickly lowered her head, pretending to drink soup, and held the tears back.

The meal was warm and heartwarming.

The two chatted about everyday life and idle gossip.

Wang Yang talked about New Year's when he was a child, about the dumplings his mother used to make and the meatballs his father used to fry.

Zhao Yaqin talked about her life over the years as a widow, about the hardship of supporting a home alone.

There were no grand, earth-shattering vows, but everywhere there was the tenderness of a long-lasting, gentle affection.

After the meal, Wang Yang paid the bill.

It was over four hundred yuan, not expensive, but it was a satisfying meal.

They walked out of the restaurant, the winter sun shining warmly on them.

Wang Yang held her hand and suggested with a smile,

"It's still early, let me take you to a movie. It's what couples love to do, we can join in the fun too."

Zhao Yaqin, however, shook her head gently.

She raised her hand to rub her temples, a trace of fatigue on her face.

"Xiao Yang, I'm a little tired..."

Wang Yang looked at her slightly red-rimmed eyes, his heart softening.

After walking around for most of the day and eating, at her age, she was bound to be tired.

He reached out and put his arm around her waist, saying softly,

"Then let's go back and rest first. Shall we go to my place or yours?"

Zhao Yaqin froze for a moment, her cheeks slowly turning red.

She lowered her head, fingers clutching her hem, and didn't say a word for a long time.

Wang Yang just watched her, his gaze gentle, not rushing her.

After a long while, Zhao Yaqin said in a low voice,

"Let's go back to my place..."

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum.

Wang Yang smiled.

"Alright."

He chuckled softly, the laughter filled with a bit of indulgence and a bit of knowing understanding.

Zhao Yaqin's face turned even redder.

The scene changed.

The black X5M drove steadily along the street.

The sunlight of the twelfth lunar month shone through the car window, feeling warm.

Zhao Yaqin leaned in the passenger seat, turning her head to watch the street scenes flying by outside, her heart feeling both sweet and chaotic.

The car stopped downstairs at her building.

Wang Yang turned off the engine and turned to look at her.

Zhao Yaqin's heart raced under his gaze; her fingers clutched the seatbelt, and she didn't move for a long time.

"We're here," Wang Yang said softly.

"Hmm..."

Zhao Yaqin nodded, unbuckled her seatbelt, and reached for the car door.

Her hand had just touched the door handle when it was grasped by Wang Yang.

She turned back.

Wang Yang looked at her, his gaze so soft it could drip water.

"Sister Yaqin."

"Hmm?"

"Did you forget something?"

Zhao Yaqin froze for a moment, blinking.

"Forget what?"

Wang Yang didn't speak, just smiled, and raised a finger to point at his own cheek.

Zhao Yaqin realized, and her face turned completely red in an instant.

She bit her lip, looking at his smiling face, her heart pounding.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she leaned over and quickly kissed his cheek.

A dragonfly skimming the water.

Then she quickly retreated, wanting to open the car door.

Her hand had just reached out when she was pulled back by Wang Yang.

Zhao Yaqin fell into his arms, and before she could react, Wang Yang's low voice reached her ear.

"You want to send me away just like that? Hmm? Sister Yaqin?"

Warm breath brushed against her ear, and Zhao Yaqin shivered.

The next second, her earlobe was gently bitten.

Her whole body went soft.

"Xiao Yang..."

Before she could finish, her lips were blocked.

Wang Yang's kiss came fiercely and urgently, carrying an undeniable dominance.

Zhao Yaqin was kissed until she couldn't breathe, her hands clutching his lapels, her whole body trembling.

It didn't know how long it had been before Wang Yang released her.

Zhao Yaqin gasped for air, her eyes shimmering with moisture, her cheeks red as blood.

Wang Yang looked at her appearance and smiled.

He raised his hand, gently wiping the moisture from the corner of her mouth, his voice impossibly gentle.

"Go on up. Get some good rest."

Zhao Yaqin glared at him, a look that was both shy and coquettish, but without a hint of annoyance.

She gathered the clothes Wang Yang had bought for her.

Immediately after, Zhao Yaqin opened the car door and got out as if fleeing.

After walking a few steps, she looked back.

Wang Yang was leaning against the driver's seat, watching her with a smile.

Zhao Yaqin's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her head and walked quickly into the unit door.

Not until her figure disappeared into the hallway did Wang Yang retract his gaze.

He smiled, started the engine, and put it in gear.

The black X5M slowly drove away.