Alright, who cooks makes the rules in the kitchen. Having "eaten" from him, she had to comply.
After Jian Ran left, the kitchen range hood started humming.
Soon, Chu Lulin had the meal ready. He placed the dishes on the dining table, set out the bowls and chopsticks, and called Jian Ran to eat.
But he himself went back to the kitchen to bring out Hulu's extra meal: boiled chicken breast and shrimp.
The shredded chicken breast was still steaming, and the shrimp had been peeled, leaving only the meat.
The little guy ate noisily, almost burying its head in the bowl.
It was clearly thrilled by the meal.
Jian Ran watched speechlessly, as if she were a stepmother mistreating the child.
Heaven knows, when Chu Lulin wasn't around, she—who didn't even cook for herself—often boiled chicken breast and shrimp for the little guy as a treat. But somehow, it just wouldn't eat.
Jian Ran knew her cooking was bad. She had even humbly asked Chu Lulin for advice. The answer was: no seasoning, but pay attention to heat and method.
So she truly had no solution.
Hulu might have been too happy eating. It even turned back to rub against Chu Lulin in between bites. This bootlicking move undoubtedly earned it a scolding from Jian Ran.
It finally dawned on her why the little guy had been so enthusiastic with Chu Lulin at the door.
It was all for the food.
Shameless!!
But as it turned out, Jian Ran wasn't any better. At the dinner table, her chopsticks didn't stop moving either.
With Chu Lulin around, both the person and the cat in the house enjoyed an upgrade in meals.
This meal could only be described as satisfying for both human and cat.
After dinner, seeing it was still early, Chu Lulin suggested watching a movie together.
Without a second thought, Jian Ran said: "You want to watch a movie? I can take you out to see one?"
Chu Lulin shook his head with a smile. "Too much trouble. Let's just watch at home. It's the same."
Jian Ran frowned slightly. How could it be the same? The theater had the latest releases.
She suddenly thought of something and looked at Chu Lulin with disapproval. "You... aren't trying to save me money, are you?"
He came to her place to eat, claiming he wanted home-cooked food; now he didn't want to go out for a movie.
Who did he think she was? She knew she couldn't compare to a real rich woman, but she didn't need him to save her this little money!
"Big sister, you misunderstand. I really don't like going out much," Chu Lulin said helplessly.
He just wanted to be alone with her. Compared to going out and being disturbed, he preferred being at home.
Jian Ran was half-convinced: "Really?"
"Really. If you don't believe me, you can ask Jiang Ming next time. I'm usually like this too; I don't like crowds."
Seeing that he had said this much and it didn't seem fake, Jian Ran didn't dwell on it.
After all, she was probably the same type.
Once they decided, Chu Lulin turned on the living room projector and started choosing a movie.
"Does big sister have a favorite genre?"
Jian Ran hesitated. What genre?
Horror movies were out; she wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
Romance movies? Well, given their relationship, a little flirtation was fine, but involving sensitive topics like love talk seemed a bit inappropriate.
Being in a compromising situation, one wrong step and things could cross a line—better to be cautious.
"Let's pick a comedy."
Comedies were great, light and fun. The best choice.
But Chu Lulin saw through her intentions at a glance and how could he let her have her way? He casually selected a well-known romantic comedy.
Romance was the main theme, comedy secondary, the theme being love above all.
Jian Ran: "???"
"Does big sister not like it?" Chu Lulin asked with an innocent face. "If you don't, we can watch something else."
Jian Ran thought about switching. But before she could speak, Chu Lulin continued: "I heard someone say this movie is really good. I've been wanting to watch it for a while. But it's okay; if big sister doesn't like it, then we won't."
Jian Ran immediately softened.
It was just a movie. She didn't believe anything would happen.
"No need. Let's watch this one."
Jian Ran made the final call, turned on the projector and screen, turned off the lights, and started the movie.
Sitting in the dark living room, adhering to the principle of "the more open, the more guiltless," she leaned sideways and rested against Chu Lulin's shoulder.
Given their current progress, after kissing like that, physical contact was inevitable. No need to pretend to be a prude.