After three days, Xu Yanxia finally finished moving into her new home.
When Lu Jingming arrived, she was hanging clothes in the wardrobe piece by piece.
At 5:30 PM, the last rays of the day's sunlight slanted in, plating the small apartment in a warm layer of gold.
She had changed the sofa cover to an off-white fabric, hung several botanical prints on the accent wall, spread a floral tablecloth over the dining table, and placed a few potted plants on the balcony.
Coupled with the clean, light-colored wood-grain flooring, the place exuded a cozy pastoral vibe.
Standing in the entryway, Lu Jingming looked over the living and dining areas again, feeling that this modest little apartment was indeed quite comfortable.
Soon after, Xu Yanxia ran out of the bedroom to see him. She was wearing a casual cotton short-sleeved top and pants set, with a little bear on the T-shirt, looking absolutely adorable.
"You got off work this early today?"
She was a bit surprised. "I thought you wouldn't be able to make it until at least six-thirty."
Lu Jingming smiled. "I was worried about traffic, so I left a bit early, that's all."
He then asked, "Is there anything else you need help with?"
"I've already got it all sorted."
She added, "So, what do you think? Does the place look pretty decent now?"
Lu Jingming nodded. "Very cozy."
Shaking the shopping bags in his hand, he said, "Then it's my turn to show off. You can go back to what you were doing; I'll call you when it's ready."
This was what they had agreed upon last night.
Although today was Saturday, it was a normal workday to make up for the National Day holiday. Xu Yanxia had come over first to tidy up the house, leaving Lu Jingming to cook the very first dinner in their new home after he finished work.
Furthermore, he was to do it entirely on his own, without any assistance.
As for what to cook, that was up to him.
Because of this, Xu Yanxia was somewhat curious. Glancing at the shopping bags he was carrying, she asked, "What are you planning to make?"
To her surprise, he raised an eyebrow mysteriously. "It's a secret for now. You'll find out when we eat."
With that, he carried the groceries into the kitchen.
Xu Yanxia, "..."
Alright then, she had no choice but to go back to organizing her wardrobe.
A while later, the aroma of pan-fried steak wafted to her nose.
It actually smelled quite authentic.
Driven by curiosity, Xu Yanxia followed the scent out and saw Lu Jingming in the kitchen, holding a frying pan and plating the freshly cooked steaks. The sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up, revealing the muscular lines of his forearms.
He gave off a sort of... grounded and visually pleasing domestic vibe.
After plating the steaks, he carried them out of the kitchen and set them on the dining table.
Two thick-cut filet mignons rested in white porcelain plates. Their dark brown crusts stretched over slightly bulging textures, with a ring of amber meat juices pooling around the edges.
The steaks were sprinkled with finely chopped rosemary, and beside each sat a serving of creamy yellow mashed potatoes that gave off the fragrance of cooked onions and butter.
There was also a plate of roasted pumpkin and vegetable salad on the table, presenting a colorful array.
Mmm, tonight's dinner looked like a feast for the eyes right from the start.
"How is it?"
He asked her with a smile, "I didn't blow up your kitchen, did I?"
Xu Yanxia said, looking slightly amazed, "It actually looks really good. When did you learn to pan-fry steak?"
"I've always known how,"
Lu Jingming coughed gently and added, "I just looked up a video today to brush up on it."
He then very gentlemanly pulled out a chair for her and said, "Come, taste it and see how it is."
"Okay."
Having been busy all afternoon, Xu Yanxia was indeed a bit hungry, so she happily sat down.
Before she could pick up her knife and fork, he poured two glasses of red wine, handing one to her. "This is a Pinot Noir my mom brought back from Europe last time. Try it and see how you like it."
"...Uh,"
Xu Yanxia took the glass and told him, "But if you drink, you won't be able to drive later."
He looked up at her and said, "That's why I plan to sleep here tonight."
"..."
Xu Yanxia said, "Sure, the guest bedroom has a bed anyway."
Who knew he would reply, "Can't you let me sleep in the master bedroom? The bed is so big, I promise I won't crowd you."
"What are you talking about,"
Xu Yanxia's face turned red.
She had said that before they were engaged, it was out of the question.
To her surprise, he smiled again and said, "I'm just teasing you. I already arranged with Uncle Li to come pick me up later. My parents are coming back tonight too."
With that, he raised his glass, initiating a toast. "Come, let's celebrate my baby finally having her very first independent space."
"Mhm,"
Xu Yanxia happily clinked glasses with him.
She then took a sip of the red wine from her glass, nodded, and said, "The acidity isn't sharp, it's smooth and delicate, and the fruity aroma is very clear. This wine tastes excellent. As expected of Madam's selection."
"Of course, otherwise why would I bring it for you to taste?"
Lu Jingming invited her again, full of expectation, "Come on, try the steak and see how it is."
"Okay."
Xu Yanxia picked up her knife and fork. As soon as she cut into it, clear juices seeped out from the pink, tender center of the steak.
She brought a piece to her mouth to taste, then nodded and said, "The meat is soft and tender without being chewy, very juicy, and the saltiness is just right. You controlled the heat and time perfectly."
"Right?"
Lu Jingming said with a hint of pride, "I told you I knew how to cook."
He then recommended, "Try the mashed potatoes too. This is my exclusive improved version after I learned it in the UK back in the day."
"Sure."
Xu Yanxia then tasted the mashed potatoes on the side.
Pleasantly surprised, she nodded and said, "The texture is very creamy, and the ratio of milk to butter is perfectly balanced. You even added sautéed minced onions? The salt and pepper are also seasoned just right. It's perfect for pairing with the steak."
After speaking, she took the initiative to taste the roasted pumpkin and vegetable salad on the side, immediately giving him a thumbs up. "You picked a great pumpkin. The sweetness and starchiness are both up to standard, and the vegetables are delicious too."
Lu Jingming smiled modestly, saying as he ate his steak, "After all, I personally inspected the cafeteria with you back then. I remember all those key points you mentioned."
"That's good."
Xu Yanxia also spoke while eating her steak, "It shows you were seriously listening to what I said."
She then told him sincerely, "Tonight's meal is really good. It's no worse than many restaurants out there."
"As long as you like it."
Encouraged, Lu Jingming was in a great mood. He raised his glass again and said, "Whenever you want to eat this, just tell me. I'm always at your service."
He added, "You can also tell me if there's any other Western food you want to eat, and I'll work hard to learn how to make it for you."
After all, he had lived abroad for a while back in the day, so he was fairly familiar with foreigners' dietary habits.
"Sounds good,"
Xu Yanxia also picked up her glass and clinked it against his.
Leaving aside everything else, being able to enjoy a meal without having to lift a finger to cook was indeed a delightful feeling.
What was even more delightful was that a while later, after they finished eating, Lu Jingming took the initiative to wash the dishes, helping her clean the kitchen spotlessly.
As for her, all she had to do was lounge on the sofa and watch a movie on the projector.
Perhaps it was because she was a bit tired from moving today, or perhaps it was due to drinking the red wine, but her body felt a little soft. At this moment, she just wanted to lean lazily against the sofa, not wanting to move at all.
It wasn't until Lu Jingming finished cleaning up the kitchen and came over that he pulled her into his arms again.
She snuggled against his chest and continued watching the movie.
A comfortable night breeze blew in from the balcony, gently swaying the sheer curtains.
In the small living room, only a single floor lamp was on, casting an orange halo on the floor.
Everything was quiet and peaceful.
After a while, Lu Jingming's phone suddenly vibrated.
It was a call from his mother, Mrs. Shen.
He answered and said, "Mom, did you guys land?"
"Yes."
On the other end, Mrs. Shen asked him, "Have you been with Xiaoxia lately?"
"Yes,"
Lu Jingming replied, "She just moved into the dormitory arranged by the company this afternoon, so I came over to help out. Do you need her for something?"
He heard Mrs. Shen say, "We brought some local specialties from our hometown, and your grandfather wants to invite Xiaoxia for a casual meal. Hand the phone to Xiaoxia for me, I want to ask if she's free tomorrow at noon."
"Okay."
Lu Jingming handed the phone to Xu Yanxia.
Xu Yanxia took it and called out, "Madam."
But Mrs. Lu on the other end immediately said, "This child, why are you still calling me Madam? Call me Auntie now."
She laughed and quickly corrected herself, calling out, "Auntie."
Mrs. Lu also laughed and agreed, then asked her, "Jingming's grandfather wants to invite you to lunch tomorrow. Are you free?"
Xu Yanxia nodded, "Yes, I am."
"That's good,"
Mrs. Lu said with a smile, "Then tomorrow at noon, have Jingming pick you up and bring you to your uncle's house. We can chat more when we meet."
"Okay."
Xu Yanxia said goodbye to Mrs. Lu and handed the phone back to Lu Jingming.
Lu Jingming put the phone aside and continued to hold her close.
After a while, he called her, "Baby."
Xu Yanxia hummed in response.
She heard him say with a smile, "Don't you think a night like this is really nice?"
"Yeah."
Xu Yanxia also smiled.
—In this small world, it was just her and the person she loved.
After a while, she raised her hand and gently touched his handsome profile, then said, "About what you asked me in the office that day, wait until I finish recording that show."
Lu Jingming paused, smiled, and said okay, holding her a little tighter.
—Just yesterday, he had already helped her negotiate the specific details with Qi Wei.
The show would start recording next week and would be completely finished before New Year's Day.
It would be soon.
He lowered his head and gently kissed the top of her hair.
