113: So do you like me?

As he walked, politely declining inquiries from the elderly, he found a stall selling sea fish, bought two fresh turbot, and then quickly left.

After exiting the wet market, Chen Xiangbei breathed a sigh of relief. He found it annoying to deal with a group of elderly people and didn't want to engage with them.

If it weren't for the fact that his personal space couldn't hold live creatures, he would absolutely not be willing to carry a large bucket of seafood around, even if this wasn't just aimless wandering.

By the time he returned to the guesthouse, it was already past 8 AM, but no one was awake yet; everyone was still sleeping.

He went to the kitchen, preparing to make a classic Jiangnan Province delicacy—Seafood Porridge.

Seafood Porridge is made by selecting fresh ingredients such as crabs, large shrimp, and razor clams, pairing them with various seasonings, and then simmering them in a clay pot, starting on high heat and reducing to medium, until the aroma emerges.

The guesthouse's facilities were good, with a large and well-equipped kitchen. After cleaning all the ingredients, he began to follow the steps.

It didn't take long to prepare; he placed the clay pot on the gas stove and started simmering.

He opened his phone, played a cheerful R&B song, adjusted the volume to a suitable level, and swayed to the rhythm while watching the pot.

Chen Xiangbei was immersed in the music, his body swaying involuntarily. Suddenly, he felt someone pat his shoulder. He turned around and saw it was Yin Yueyao.

"What delicious food are you making?" she asked curiously.

"Seafood Porridge, it'll be ready soon," Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile.

"It smells so good, can I have a taste?" Yin Yueyao looked at Chen Xiangbei expectantly.

"Of course, let's eat together later," Chen Xiangbei invited enthusiastically.

Yin Yueyao nodded happily and sat down on a nearby chair. The two began to chat, their conversation ranging from food to travel, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Soon, the Seafood Porridge was ready. Chen Xiangbei scooped two bowls, handing one to the girl. She took a bite and praised it highly.

"Mmm, you're really good at cooking. Honestly, did you specially learn how to cook?" Yin Yueyao complimented.

"Thanks, I often watch short food videos at home and learn from them," Chen Xiangbei smiled, his heart filled with satisfaction.

"Then your talent is really good! There was a time when I also watched tutorials shared by those food bloggers, but I just couldn't learn it," she said with a hint of frustration.

"It's okay, practice makes perfect! You'll get it if you do it a few more times!"

"I'll try hard, hahaha."

The two ate breakfast and chatted, and before they knew it, they had finished the entire pot of porridge!

Yin Yueyao rubbed her stomach and said, "Oh my, I'm so full!"

"Whose fault is it that you're so greedy? No wonder people at school nicknamed you 'Foodie Campus Belle.' It's true!" Chen Xiangbei teased.

"Oh, it's your fault for making such delicious food! I just couldn't help but eat too much," Yin Yueyao said playfully, licking her lips, which made Chen Xiangbei stare straight ahead!

Yin Yueyao keenly caught the change in his gaze, and a ripple stirred in her heart, like a lake surface gently brushed by a spring breeze—a little happy, a little sweet, as if she had tasted a piece of honey slowly melting in her heart.

Chen Xiangbei realized he had zoned out and quickly said, "Uh... how about we go for a walk to digest?"

"Sounds good! I was just about to suggest that!" Yin Yueyao chirped.

After Chen Xiangbei briefly tidied the dishes, he and Yin Yueyao walked out of the guesthouse side by side.

The two followed a small path all the way to the seaside boardwalk by the beach. The salty sea breeze blew gently, carrying the unique scent of the ocean.

Waves gently lapped against the shore, making crisp sounds, like a beautiful symphony. Sunlight spilled onto the sea, shimmering and sparkling with golden light.

Afterward, they strolled leisurely along the boardwalk.

Both remained silent, simply walking shoulder to shoulder, quietly enjoying the peaceful and beautiful time by the sea.

This scene reminded them of their university days.

At that time, when they were both members of the modeling department in the photography club, they often served as a regular modeling pair, going to various locations for shoots together.

This included themed activities with the seaside as a background. Back then, they not only took photos but also filmed micro-movies. They had once filmed a micro-movie by the sea as a couple.

And their story spread throughout the entire campus from that time.

Rumors like 'the campus belle is dating a poor student' and 'a toad wanting to eat swan meat' circulated.

When these rumors reached their ears, Yin Yueyao actually didn't care, because aside from being a bit poor, Chen Xiangbei was excellent in other aspects.

His academic performance was often among the top, his height and looks were outstanding, and his personality was humorous, witty, and straightforward—a typical sunny boy.

Yin Yueyao had always had a good impression of him, but as a girl, she was more reserved; at that time, she couldn't bring herself to actively pursue a boy.

Chen Xiangbei also had a good impression of her; after all, who wouldn't love the campus belle, especially the pure, lovely, and captivating Yin Yueyao?

However, Chen Xiangbei at that time didn't actively pursue Yin Yueyao. He felt that his own circumstances weren't very good, and his original family, in particular, put a lot of pressure on him.

Yin Yueyao's family was well-off, being locals of Linhai City, and received several apartments in the city center during a demolition project.

Therefore, the two missed each other during their university years, remaining good friends and mingling within their small group.

Teenage relationships are often innocent and subtle. They are afraid of rejection, even more afraid of getting hurt, and if they can't find a suitable way to interact, then being good friends is fine.

Yin Yueyao was a full 1.7 meters tall, and standing next to Chen Xiangbei, they looked perfectly matched.

She occasionally looked up at Chen Xiangbei's profile, and after a moment of thought, she asked, "Have you gotten taller?"

"Yes, you're quite observant," Chen Xiangbei replied with a slight smile.

"Before, when I stood next to you, I could look directly at your earlobe, but now I have to squint to see it."

"Then if you wear high heels, you'll be able to look straight again!"

"Then do you like me wearing high heels?" Yin Yueyao suddenly asked very seriously.

Chen Xiangbei stopped, his eyes fixed on her, and said, "Who wouldn't like to see the campus belle wear high heels?"

Yin Yueyao met Chen Xiangbei's gaze without backing down, blinked, and said, "I mean."

"You!"

"Like!"

"To see me wear high heels?"

Chen Xiangbei pretended to look up and ponder for a moment, then looked back into Yin Yueyao's eyes and said earnestly, "Yes, I do!"

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Yin Yueyao's face. She gently bit her lip and then asked, "Then do you like me?"