After picking up Chu Lulin, the two bought some things at a nearby supermarket and went straight home. As soon as Jian Ran entered, Hulu came to greet her. Normally, the little guy would rub against her legs, but this time it bypassed her and pounced on Chu Lulin, who followed behind.
Meow~ Meow~
Probably because they hadn't seen each other for a while, the little fella was very enthusiastic, meowing and climbing up his leg as he did so.
Chu Lulin had no choice but to free one hand to pick it up.
Jian Ran went "Hey," hands on her hips, and scolded with a hint of jealousy: "You little ungrateful thing! You're never this enthusiastic with me on normal days."
The little guy, nestled in his arms, called out to its owner in a somewhat ingratiating tone.
Its expression was slightly obsequious.
Jian Ran couldn't be bothered with this little turncoat. She gave a haughty "Hmph" and turned away.
Chu Lulin changed into slippers, placed the supermarket shopping bag at the kitchen door, and carried the little guy to the living room carpet.
"Go let mommy play with you. Daddy is going to cook and will give you an extra meal tonight."
Jian Ran turned her head and refused with dignity: "I'm not playing with it! I'm busy!"
Still, when the little guy stretched its head over to her, once, twice, three times... she eventually caved and started petting it without any pride.
A hint of laughter flashed in Chu Lulin's eyes.
Both the person and the cat seemed used to Jian Ran's tough exterior and soft heart.
Since the two hadn't had dinner yet, Chu Lulin didn't dawdle any longer and headed to the kitchen.
After playing with the little guy for a while in the living room, Jian Ran also got up and followed.
She stood by the kitchen door, arms crossed, watching the scene inside.
Recently, Jing City had experienced a major temperature drop, instantly entering winter mode. The autumn coats were shed, and various down jackets and padded coats made their debut.
However, indoor heating had started in batches, and Jian Ran's neighborhood was among the first each year. So Chu Lulin had already taken off his down jacket in the living room.
He was now wearing a black henley shirt, his head bowed as he washed ingredients at the sink.
Whether because Jian Ran's footsteps were too quiet or the sound of running water was too loud, Chu Lulin didn't notice her arrival at first, which gave her a good chance to sneak a peek.
He was very focused when working, his sleeves rolled up, revealing a stretch of toned, powerful forearm, his features carrying a faint air of detachment.
After watching for a while, Jian Ran noticed something interesting: Chu Lulin seemed a bit OCD, evident from how he washed the ingredients.
Each item was neatly arranged in categorized plates, orderly, even aligned in the same direction.
Probably because Jian Ran's gaze was too intense, Chu Lulin finally noticed.
He looked up and met her eyes, first startled, then asked with a smile: "Why are you here? Didn't you play with Hulu for a while longer?"
Mentioning this made Jian Ran annoyed. That little cat Hulu had been losing patience lately. After playing with her for just a bit, it had run off without even looking back.
Hmph! Spoiled and pampered!
"I don't want to play with it anymore. I want to play with you—can't I?"
Chu Lulin raised an eyebrow, pleasantly surprised.
Jian Ran, pleased by his reaction, announced grandly: "It's lost favor with me. From now on, you're number one in my heart."
Chu Lulin lightly shook his head with a smile, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
Jian Ran always said he sweet-talked her, but actually, she was the one who knew how to charm.
Yet he was just susceptible to her ways.
The ingredients were all prepared. Chu Lulin wiped the water off the counter, opened the fridge to put away the remaining ingredients, and was about to start cooking.
"Big sister, go wait in the living room for a while. The kitchen has too much smoke."
But Jian Ran wasn't too willing. She quite enjoyed watching Chu Lulin cook.
When someone was good-looking, everything they did seemed pleasing to the eye, right?
Besides, they hadn't seen each other for a week, especially after that kiss—there was an inexplicable sense of "parting makes the heart grow fonder," like a newlywed couple.
"It's fine, it's not like the range hood isn't on."
With that, she moved even closer inside for a better view.
Seeing that she was determined to stay, Chu Lulin sighed softly.
He beckoned to her, signaling her to come over.
Thinking she had permission to watch, Jian Ran happily went over. But as soon as she got close, Chu Lulin pulled her into his arms.
Holding her, he sat her on another clean countertop, bent down, and kissed her lips.
Since the last time in the bathroom, it had been many days since they kissed again, and Jian Ran had clearly adapted much faster.
She skillfully wrapped her arms around Chu Lulin's neck, lifted her chin slightly, and met his kiss...
After a long moment, the kiss ended.
Chu Lulin gently patted her back and placed a kiss on her forehead. His tone carried a mix of helplessness and affection: "Can big sister go out now? I really need to cook."
Jian Ran, like a contented little cat, let out a light hum.