Chapter 3

He gladly accepted and asked, "Shall I write a 'TO sign' for you? What is your name..."

The water in the pot on the stove gradually began to boil, making a bubbling sound

The last time she looked at someone eating with such delight was during Liu Yubai's childhood

Liang Siyue awkwardly pulled out the book from under her arm, while feeling grateful for her habit of taking notes with a pen while reading. "... ... Could you please sign this for me?"

Zhou Xun was taken aback for a moment, then smiled

Liang Siyue aims to wash and dry her clothes before Wang Ma uses the laundry room

"Xiaoyue, do you want to add some vegetables to the noodles?" As Zheng Ma spoke, she turned her head and saw Liang Siyue had noticed her, and she was momentarily taken aback, stammering, "This, this is..."

However, what he wrote was not "Siyue" but "April"

He must have already taken a shower, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and looks completely refreshed, even more handsome than what is seen on television

Liang Siyue was so engrossed in reading that she did not notice when someone came out until ーー

Liang Siyue quickly turned around and discovered that Zhou Xun had come out at some point, sitting on the steps leading from the kitchen to the courtyard, enjoying the breeze

Yesterday at noon, Liang Siyue secretly asked Zheng Ma during lunch, when she wants to eat, she can just find a nearby farmhouse restaurant, why make it so complicated

Liang Siyue

A bowl of noodles quickly diminished to more than half, and Liang Siyue picked up the bowl to drink the soup

She never expected to hear an apology from the mouth of a member of the Liu family

With the contrast provided by Zhou Xun, it appears even more severe

In the yard, there are two trees, whose names she cannot recall. Their branches and leaves are spread out, and there is a scent of dew on the grass.

I don't know..." Zhou Xun smiled and pointed ahead, "I might like those two trees.

In summer, the sun rises early, and Liang Siyue also gets up early

Liang Siyue smiled and said, "Indeed."

Liang Siyue hesitated for a moment before walking over, not daring to sit too close to Zhou Xun. After sitting down, there was still a distance of one person between them.

Liang Siyue still did not correct this mistake, closing the book and smiling as she said: "Thank you, I will treasure it well"

Liang Siyue was curious why Zhou Xun did not go to the courtyard ahead

It is evident that the person on the other end of the phone is Liu Yubai

"I apologize, I need to take a call." He took out his phone, stood up, glanced at the screen, answered the call, took two steps to the side, and said with a smile to the person on the other end of the line: "Brother, why are you up so early today..."

Zheng Ma said that this is the peculiarity of the wealthy; anything good or desirable must be brought home, even if it is not used, it can simply be kept as a display

There are not many clothes, they were washed and changed yesterday

However, this backyard is different, as it serves as a living courtyard. In addition to hanging clothes to dry, there are also vegetables that Zheng Ma dries using a dustpan along the wall, as well as jars and bottles that only she can move.

Telling the truth is of no use and will only unnecessarily increase Liang Guozhi's psychological burden

Zheng Ma was taken aback, "... ... Xiao Yue?"

"Xiaoyue, please do not tell Madam..." Zheng Ma pleaded

However, after the renovation, this stove is hardly used more than a few times a year, only being opened when Liu Wenzao feels a sudden craving for the taste of home-cooked meals.

I will discuss it with my mother—if there are any other requests, please let me know all at once

Zheng Ma looked at her, seemingly not very convinced of the guarantee's effectiveness.

Just thinking about what Liu Yubai said to her last night makes her feel a surge of anger

Only after confirming that no one was in the living room did I feel at ease to boldly head to the kitchen

This person has a very bad temperament

It may be unfair to blame her; she was a bit emotional earlier and did not express herself clearly

The stage name he adopted when he debuted, "Zhou," is his grandmother's surname

She gradually realized that the little girl was far more intelligent than she had thought, and that she could not treat her with the same attitude as one would towards a child

She added, "My dad usually relies on your care."

No, I won't disturb you, I am just... casually taking a look.

On the side, Liang Siyue was coughing incessantly, which also drew Zhou Xun's attention

Liang Siyue was utterly astonished

The laundry room faces the backyard, where several outdoor chairs are placed

She leaned closer to her knees, feeling a strange sensation rising in her stomach, tightly pressing a book against it

Zhou Xun did not say much, just greeted Zheng Ma before going out

While waiting, Liang Siyue noticed an eco-friendly shopping bag placed on the chair beside her

Liang Siyue pointed to the laundry room and said with a smile, "Mr. Zhou can eat by himself. The clothes are washed, and I need to go hang them up."

He looked at Liang Siyue and asked with a smile, "Would you like to eat a little with me?"

She used a clothes pole to hang the clothes on the drying line, watching as the hems were lifted by the wind, her mood becoming as light as if basking in the sun

Liang Siyue smiled and said: "So it turns out that not everything was really poured out, that's great."

Don't you know?

I did not expect that Mother Zheng was still here, cleaning the stove.

Although Zhou Xun is completely an innocent outsider, this apology still makes her feel...

Unless absolutely necessary, she would prefer to hide away until the end of time rather than go outside

Zheng's mother indicated that she had taken note of it and urged him to rest quickly

Zhou Xun smiled and said, "Don't run away, you were the one who came first. Or perhaps I should leave, and you can continue reading your book."

Does Mr. Zhou know what kind of tree it is

Liang Siyue turned her face away and let out a soft hum

She looked on, inexplicably filled with a sense of accomplishment. Is there any greater praise for a chef than to see someone eat as if they were a starving ghost reborn?

After Zhou Xun finished the phone call, Zheng Ma called him from the kitchen, saying that breakfast was ready.

Peering inside, I discovered several plastic food storage containers stacked within, seemingly filled with... leftover rice and dishes

Liang Siyue held a bowl that obscured half of her face, and as she caught sight of the newcomer above the rim of the bowl, she immediately choked on her food

Liang Siyue is very fond of the laundry detergent used here, which has a refreshing scent of herbs and plants

In front of the Liu residence, there is a proper courtyard, with black iron railings, climbing roses flourishing, and a pond where water lilies lie in repose. The flowers and trees are lush and arranged in a pleasing manner, a result of the gardener's meticulous care

Liang Siyue found herself at a loss for words; she smiled and prepared to leave when Zheng Ma called out to her

Zheng Ma watched her devour her food and thought to herself, just when she felt that she was no longer a child, this manner of eating is no different from that of a child

Zheng Ma stood up: "Ah Xun, are you still not asleep?"

Zhou Xun smiled and said: "There is no need to keep it as a treasure; it is not something precious..."

Zhou Xun smiled at her

Liang Siyue did not tell the truth

There are ... ...

Liang Siyue remained in her room until the voices outside gradually faded away

Whether it was the people she had seen on television appearing right before her eyes, or the warm demeanor of Zhou Xun and his pleasant voice, all of it left her in a somewhat dreamlike daze

His phone rang at that moment

Did you not have dinner? Shall I cook some noodles for you

The dish was quickly served, topped with a rich and fragrant garlic minced meat sauce

Liang Siyue was taken aback for a moment, then smiled along and quietly said, "You sit on the steps, and I will sit on the chair; I feel a bit embarrassed..."

However, those who should know will still know, right

Zhou Xun first responded to Aunt Zheng's greeting in the kitchen, then smiled at her and said: "Am I interrupting your reading?"

"My father has always been taken care of by you, so this small matter is nothing," Liang Siyue said softly

The wind carried Zhou Xun's voice over, "Liu Ze told me about what happened yesterday. Being the youngest in the family, he is subject to relatively lenient discipline, and his father indulges him, which has led to his arrogant personality and a lack of awareness regarding the gravity of his actions, causing Miss Liang some grievances yesterday. My mother and elder brother have some conflicts between them, and both are proud individuals who refuse to back down. If possible, let me apologize to you on their behalf." My mother and elder brother have some conflicts between them, and both are proud individuals who refuse to back down. If possible, let me apologize to you on their behalf."

Ah Xun, you are up so early!

Zheng Ma quietly gazed at her for a moment, and ultimately smiled, turning away, "I will give you another bunch of vegetables, alright?"

Zhou Xun patiently waited for her

Liang Siyue was so hungry that her stomach was growling, and she completely forgot her image while eating

"It's nothing, I went to bed late. The kitchen is my responsibility, and I have tidied it up myself; I can only feel at ease after checking it thoroughly," said Zheng's mother, as she simply sat down to wait.

Currently, the members of the Liu family are each eating less than the last one

Zhou Xun picked up the pen, swiftly signed, and handed it back to her

Liang Siyue, not wanting to be overly assertive, expressed her gratitude.

"It might be a sycamore tree? I'm not quite sure either." Zhou Xun smiled with a hint of apology, as if feeling quite guilty for not being able to provide her with a definitive answer

Although the blessings are simple, they are very sincere: may you have a good mood every day

Zhou Xun said with a smile: "I need to get up early tomorrow morning, so please prepare breakfast one hour earlier than usual."

Zhou Xun looked at her and smiled, saying: "Are you Master Liang's daughter?"

To facilitate meals for the housekeeper and driver, a square table has also been set up in the kitchen

Liang Siyue said seriously: "I will not speak."

Zheng Ma said that one year, Liu Wenzhao was filming in the mountains and had a memorable meal cooked in a traditional earthen stove. After returning, he could not forget it. Therefore, he invited someone to make modifications and built this stove. The previously laid ceramic tiles were removed and replaced with a self-leveling cement floor. The renovation style was completely changed, with the cabinets and cookware being entirely replaced, all to complement the stove and ensure it did not appear out of place

I find it quite disruptive to live here, and I still hope to move to live with my father. He has been working here, and we have not had a proper reunion for many years

Then come over and sit with me. Zhou Xun patted the space beside him

The sun has risen higher, and the sunlight has begun to warm. The wind stirs the loose strands of hair on her forehead, as well as a piece of white satin ribbon used to tie the ends of her braid. The loose sleeves of her top are also filled with the wind.

Liang Siyue's face turned red, her throat was choked, and she couldn't utter a single word, only nodding.

Liang Siyue sat on the chair by the table, waiting for Zheng Ma to cook noodles for her

Liang Siyue took a book, sat on a chair, and read while waiting for the washing machine to finish its cycle

You speak

Liang Siyue felt a bit uncomfortable under Zheng Ma's gaze, "Please go ahead and rest, I will clean up after I finish eating."

Before going to bed, Liang Siyue received a call from Liang Guozhi, informing her that he had gone out of town with Liu Wenzhao and might not return for two or three days. He asked her if she was comfortable staying at the Liu family.

Shall we have pan-fried dumplings and lily bulb porridge instead

Liang Siyue took half a day to recover.

The voice of Aunt Zheng came from the kitchen

The person who has come over is Zhou Xun

The Liu family's kitchen is very spacious, equipped with a complete range of Western and Chinese cooking utensils. In fact, a separate area of three to four square meters has been set aside in the west, where a traditional earthen stove, typically found in rural areas, has been built

But there is no way, I am really... hungry

The Liu family has many rules, and Pan Lanlan particularly dislikes it when the servants engage in underhanded actions. If Pan Lanlan were to find out, she would not go so far as to dismiss them, but it would certainly put Liu Yubai in an awkward position.

Indeed

Every word he writes is beautiful, not merely the name he has signed thousands of times

This gentle gaze encouraged Liang Siyue, and she said: "... However, if possible, could I ask Mr. Zhou for a favor"

Liang Siyue spoke with a slight stutter: "... ... Good morning, Mr. Zhou."

At this moment, footsteps were heard at the kitchen door

Afraid that everyone knows he is Director Liu's son

Zhou Xun nodded

She spread the book across her lap, but in reality, she could not read a single word

Liang Siyue poured herself a glass of water, took a breath, and while sipping slowly, asked Zheng Ma: "Isn't the second young master called Liu Xun?"