Chapter 7: Acquaintance and Affection (1)

Jiang Hao saw Ye Ran looking at him, and without hesitation, he picked up a piece of fish and stuffed it into his mouth. It was not as spicy as before, but for someone who could not handle spicy food, it was still quite hot. He chewed a few bites haphazardly and swallowed it without changing his expression, then praised, "Hmm, the taste is indeed very good"

"Shall we go sing later?" Mina asked Nightran with a questioning glance, then turned to Jiang Hao and asked, "Cousin, will you join us?"

Jiang Hao gazed thoughtfully at Ye Ran, who appeared somewhat lost in thought. Following her line of sight, he also looked over to that table where a young man, with a warm expression, was serving food to his girlfriend, saying, "Alright, since you don't eat celery, make sure to have more meat."

"Are you feeling unwell? Is it serious?" Jiang Hao asked with concern

"It's not bad." Jiang Hao said awkwardly

"Cousin, this chopped chili fish head is the signature dish of this restaurant. Give it a try, it's really delicious," Mina enthusiastically pointed to the fish head soaked in red chili oil as she introduced it to Jiang Hao.

Ye Ran awkwardly withdrew her gaze, sat up straight, and caught a glimpse of Jiang Hao looking at her with concern. She couldn't help but smile sheepishly and said, "Why haven't Mina and the others arrived yet?"

After ordering a variety of dishes, Ye Ran squinted her eyes and smiled at Jiang Hao, saying: "When it comes to Sichuan cuisine, it must be numbing and spicy; only then is it truly enjoyable"

Jiang Hao did not ask much, raised his hand to check the time, and said uncertainly: "It should be arriving soon"

Jiang Hao hesitated for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "No, I have something else to attend to"

Are you online now? Would you like me to send you some photos to take a look? Jiang Hao asked tentatively

Ye Ran tugged at the menu and looked up to ask Jiang Hao: "Can you eat spicy food?"

"Just now, the secretary called me and said that the model we arranged for the sample shoot is unable to come due to some issues," Jiang Hao said helplessly. "Now we have to find a model at the last minute."

Ye Ran arrived at the agreed Sichuan restaurant earlier than Jiang Hao, choosing a window-side seat. Just as she sat down, the waiter brought the menu, which Jiang Hao immediately handed to Ye Ran, saying, "I have no expertise in Sichuan cuisine, so you order."

Well, the dishes have just started to be served. Ye Ran looked at the pot of food just placed by the waiter, a layer of bright red chili oil glistening with a warm aroma, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily relaxed. When feeling a bit down, eating something flavorful, breaking into a sweat, taking a fragrant bath, and having a good sleep can refresh the mind and spirit upon waking.

Mina did not insist, and with a smile said, "Alright, we will take you back."

What kind of model are you looking for?" Mina pondered for a moment, glancing at Yaran, and casually asked, "Would a part-time one be acceptable?

"Well, please tell me the company address. I will pick you up after work; it is not easy to hail a taxi during rush hour," Jiang Hao said thoughtfully.

Indeed, it is quite delicious. Ye Ran also nodded with a smile, took a piece of fish, and praised, "The taste is truly excellent"

After the initial excitement subsided, it was realized that it was not the case, and calmness returned. After saying this, Ye Ran watched as Jiang Hao, with an expression of indifference, hung up the phone, bringing the topic to a close

Whenever she hears the words "our family," Ye Ran's heart is always filled with warmth. At that time, she naively believed that it was truly possible to live a lifetime this way, that she and Chen Mingxuan could genuinely love each other until old age.

Ah? Do you have plans for the weekend?" Mina casually replied.

Then let's go have dinner together, Mina said, hooking her arm around Yaran.

When Ye Ran was just filming, Jiang Hao received a phone call. His expression was subtle, and after a brief greeting, he hurriedly left

However, the joyful and warm moments always pass by like lightning. Three years, the most beautiful and youthful years, are merely a fleeting dream. Upon waking from the dream, one discovers that the original warmth is accompanied by pain, entangling a certain soft corner of her heart, occasionally causing a painful twist.

Of course, now that Chen Mingxuan has left her, Ye Ran no longer needs to fantasize about a home for the two of them. However, every time she walks under the dazzling lights, Ye Ran inevitably finds herself imagining the home she desires, and whenever she thinks of this, she always ends up thinking of Chen Mingxuan. It seems that apart from him, Ye Ran cannot find another candidate who could build a home with her.

Nano, both amused and exasperated, helped her pat her back and calmed her down, saying, "I tell you, no one is competing with you, why are you eating so hastily?"

Perhaps sensing that someone was watching, the sensitive young woman was the first to glance at Ye Ran, then lowered her head to say something to her boyfriend. The man named Ming Xuan finally turned his head and cast a glance at Ye Ran and the others.

Jiang Hao slightly furrowed his brows, then a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he said softly, "It's not bad."

"Mingxuan, let's go." The couple at the slanted table behind Yeran finished their meal and were about to leave

Aren't you eating?" Jiang Hao said with a forced smile, looking at the fish head with chopped chili covered in a layer of red chili oil, his handsome brows slightly furrowing as he reached out to pick a piece of vegetable leaf that looked less spicy.

"I want to disguise myself, how unreal that would be." Mina said with a smile as she took the water that Jiang Hao poured for her, flattering him by saying, "Cousin, don't you think so?"

Chen Mingxuan always patiently sat opposite Ye Ran, indulgently watching Ye Ran pick the stems one by one and place them into his bowl. Then, he would extend his long, slender, white hand to select the leaves from his own bowl and transfer them to Ye Ran's bowl. After finishing, he would say: "Fortunately, I can eat the stems; otherwise, if you only eat the leaves like this, all the stems in our home would go to waste."

Mina gestured towards Yiran and said, "Isn't our Yiran already a ready-made model?"

Yeran pointed at the menu with one finger and confidently ordered: "Spicy Chicken, Boiled Fish Slices, Mapo Tofu..."

During lunch, Ye Ran had no appetite and ate very little. As a result, her head felt heavy and drowsy all afternoon. Fortunately, there were no major issues at work, and Ye Ran managed to hold on until 5 o'clock. Just before getting off work, she took her temperature again, frowning at the thermometer reading 37.6 degrees Celsius, wondering to herself: why is it still rising after drinking Ban Lan Gen? Is the medicine expired?

"I'm okay, just a bit of a cold," Ye Ran said nonchalantly, "A little medicine and I'll be fine."

Ye Ran fell silent, staring blankly at the teapot on the table. Although the man just now was not Chen Mingxuan, the name Mingxuan stirred up a tumultuous wave in Ye Ran's heart, and for a moment, thoughts surged forth, bringing past events vividly to mind

Jiang Hao glanced at Ye Ran with a hint of surprise and quickly asked, "Really? Ye Ran, could you do me a favor?"

Well then. Ye Ran also did not decline and accepted the * map * book.

Yeran, have you finished work? I am here to take you out for dinner

Hehe, let's talk about it another day when we have time. Ye Ran could not refuse Jiang Hao and quickly agreed.

Ye Ran got into Jiang Hao's car and forced a smile as she asked, "Where shall we go for dinner?"

Jiang Hao was taken aback and did not respond, then said: "Seeing your face all flushed, are you running a fever?"

Oh, I am at the clothing company located on XX Road, XX. Ye Ran was also not pretentious, openly stating the company address.

I estimate that you can only handle mild spice. " Ye Ran looked at Jiang Hao apologetically, "I’m sorry, if I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have ordered such heavily flavored dishes. How about we change to something non-spicy instead?

"No need, no need," Jiang Hao said generously, waving his hand. "Actually, it tastes quite good, it's just a bit spicy."

It's all right, I will arrive at your company's entrance in two minutes

Jiang Hao listened to these words, turned his face to look at Ye Ran, and saw her elegantly eating the chopped pepper fish fillet. He couldn't help but feel reassured. He picked up a piece of green vegetable that looked not very spicy and put it into his mouth. As soon as the vegetable entered, a wave of fiery burning sensation surged through his throat, causing him to cough... cough cough... Tears and mucus streamed down his face. Swallowing was not an option, nor was spitting it out. After a great deal of effort, with tear-filled eyes, he managed to swallow that piece of vegetable, hurriedly grabbed the teacup on the table and gulped down a cup of tea. Then, unable to wait for the waiter to refill, he casually drank all the tea in Ye Ran's cup in one go, continuously grimacing and fanning himself, with tears and mucus flowing uncontrollably. Swallowing was not an option, nor was spitting it out. After a great deal of effort, with tear-filled eyes, he managed to swallow that piece of vegetable, hurriedly grabbed the teacup on the table and gulped down a cup of tea. Then, unable to wait for the waiter to refill, he casually drank all the tea in Ye Ran's cup in one go, continuously grimacing and fanning himself, and awkwardly shouted: "So spicy... so spicy... Hurry up, bring me some boiled water!"

Jiang Hao merely smiled and did not speak

It is only natural for friends to help each other, and when friends share a meal together, you wouldn't be so inconsiderate, would you? Jiang Hao pressed her with Ye Ran's words

Jiang Hao's handsome brows furrowed slightly as he calmly grasped the teapot and poured a cup of water

Ye Ran smiled at Jiang Hao, who returned a grateful glance. After settling the bill, the four of them laughed as they headed to the reserved studio.

Mina gestured towards the couple walking out the door and said, "Hearing that name, I thought you would be a bit excited."

Ye Ran watched as Mina had already promoted her, and feeling it was inappropriate to decline, she hurriedly smiled and said, "I have no problem helping, but I am not sure what you want to shoot."

Ye Ran was taken aback for a moment and hurriedly asked, "Is it just two minutes until we reach the entrance of our company? Then there's no need to postpone, let's have dinner together."

Jiang Hao looked at Ye Ran's smile, and his lips involuntarily curled up slightly, his mood also being infected, giving rise to an indescribable joy.

Ah? Ye Ran was taken aback

After Jiang Hao finished sending the photos, he rambled on about various things for a while, and then everyone logged off to sleep

Ye Ran suddenly recalled that she had made an appointment with Jiang Hao to have dinner together, but as a result, she was so feverish that she completely forgot about it. Seeing that her temperature had risen to 37.6 degrees Celsius, she had no strength to go out for dinner. She hurriedly told Jiang Hao: "You don't need to come pick me up anymore, I'm feeling a bit unwell. Let's have dinner another day."

Nano apologetically smiled at Ye Ran and asked, "You must be very tired today, right?"

I must sincerely thank you and treat you to a meal

The next day, Ye Ran woke up feeling somewhat unwell, as if she had no strength in her body and her head felt a bit dizzy. After thinking carefully, she recalled that she had sweated a little while sleeping the night before and had gotten up in the middle of the night to open the window for ventilation. Could it be that she had caught a cold? Upon considering this possibility, Ye Ran hurriedly got up and brewed a cup of Ban Lan Gen. After drinking it, she took her time to tidy herself up and rushed to the company for work

Ye Ran was hanging her head, feeling a bit dazed. Before she could respond, Jiang Hao's hand unexpectedly reached towards her forehead, exclaiming: "Oh dear, you're so hot. You're not just having a cold; you really have a fever."

"Ming Xuan, I don't like eating this," a delicate and soft female voice came from behind Ye Ran. Ye Ran's whole body trembled, as if struck by lightning, and he reflexively turned around to look at that table.

I can eat with Nano, but I am not really good at eating spicy food. Mina looked up and said with a smile

Mina dragged along with Nano to accompany Yaran throughout the shoot, yet there was still no sign of Jiang Hao returning, which made her murmur: "Mimi, your cousin is really unreliable. We worked so hard to help him take photos, and he just ran off by himself."

These are a few pieces of handicrafts that require a model to pose for some shots. Jiang Hao briefly explained the situation, stating that the photos need to be sent to the client tomorrow after the shoot

In this world, no one cannot survive without someone else. At first, it is difficult to accept, but as time goes by, gradually, everything can return to normal. However, a threshold will remain in the heart; if one can cross it, they can embrace a new life and new happiness. If one cannot cross it, they will linger at the threshold like Ye Ran, hesitating for a long time. Yet, such hesitation has nothing to do with enjoying life or relaxing oneself, because being good to oneself is what truly matters. If one cannot cross it, they will linger at the threshold like Ye Ran, hesitating for a long time. Yet, such hesitation has nothing to do with enjoying life or relaxing oneself, because being good to oneself is what truly matters.

In the community, the lights of the households have all been turned on early, and occasionally, the busy silhouettes are cast on the windows, creating a warm atmosphere. This is the charm of home; no matter how tired or busy one is outside, just the thought of returning home, where someone is there to accompany and wait for you, and where lights are on for you, is such a delightful thing that brings joy to the heart

Just as I put down the thermometer, my phone rang. Looking at the screen, it was a call from Jiang Hao. I answered, saying: "Hello, how are you?"

Ye Ran chuckled softly, shaking her head in silence. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Jiang Hao had not picked up his chopsticks, and could not help but ask, "Jiang Hao, why aren't you eating?"

Yes, I have arrived. You can come out now. I will hang up first.

Actually, it's not too bad.

Ye Ran tugged at the corner of his mouth and said with a faint smile, "It's nothing, you don't need to be polite. Helping each other among friends is only natural"

The phone in the bag rang, and Ye Ran opened her eyes, sighed, reached out to grab the bag resting at the other end of the sofa, rummaged through it, and saw that it was a call from Jiang Hao. She pressed the answer button: "Hello, how are you"

Jiang Hao's hand was slightly cool, and it felt very comfortable against the forehead. Ye Ran, blushing with embarrassment, defended herself, saying: "It's nothing, just a little chill. After we finish eating, I'll go back, take some medicine, and a good sleep will fix it."

Ye Ran elegantly picked some dishes and placed them into her bowl, savoring each bite slowly, hoping to dilute and eliminate the memories that had just surged up. She did not want to remember anything about Chen Mingxuan, nor did she want this inner demon to keep her locked away.

Rushing to the company, I attended the regular meeting and submitted the weekly summary report, keeping busy the entire morning. When I returned to the office in the evening, I felt an unusual warmth in my body. I rummaged through the drawer for a thermometer, took my temperature, and upon checking, it was not very high, at 37.1 degrees Celsius, which is not considered a fever. Therefore, I brewed a cup of Ban Lan Gen and drank it. I thought to myself that on my way home after work, I would stop by the pharmacy to buy some cold medicine and fever reducers. My constitution has always been relatively good; apart from the severe cold and fever I suffered seven years ago due to self-neglect, I rarely fall ill. When I catch a cold, I usually just drink some Ban Lan Gen and it passes, so this time should be no exception.

Oh? Jiang Hao raised his elegantly arched eyebrows and asked with a smile, "Do you know any models?"

Jiang Hao looked at Ye Ran and shook his head in disagreement, "You have a fever, why are you still trying to be strong? What are you going to eat?" He then turned the car around and said to Ye Ran, "I will take you to the hospital."

A person only avoids wandering thoughts when they are busy and fulfilled. During that previously hectic afternoon, the name Chen Mingxuan did not even cross my mind. Now, as I stroll alone on the way home, the short distance of two hundred meters evokes a myriad of emotions. Ye Ran shook his head in self-mockery, unlocked the door, and returned home. Upon turning on the light, the dim yellow glow flooded the room. Ye Ran casually tossed his high heels at the entrance, walked barefoot to the sofa, and comfortably nestled into it, closing his eyes with a hint of fatigue.

Cousin, you cannot eat spicy food." Nami looked at Jiang Hao, who was in a distressed state and had just downed four glasses of water, with sympathy before making a concluding statement

You, indeed, are quite picky with your food," the man said to the girl with a tone of affection, and then added, "Fortunately, I love eating celery; otherwise, it would all go to waste

Upon arriving at the entrance of the community, Ye Ran waved goodbye to Mina and Nami. Casually, he bought a portion of fried noodles and, dragging his weary body, slowly walked home

"Don't worry about it, having time is what matters. Tomorrow evening, I will treat you to dinner," Jiang Hao concluded decisively.

"No need, no need," Ye Ran said politely.

"Yeran, thank you so much today." Jiang Hao's tone was filled with gratitude, "If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't have been able to find such a suitable model on short notice."

The rough and hoarse voice, unlike Chen Mingxuan's gentle tone, is pleasant to listen to; however, seven years is a long time, and too much can change while too little can be remembered

"That's no problem," Mina quickly interjected, smiling as she said, "We won't go singing anymore; we'll just watch you take photos."

Is that so? Jiang Hao replied with a smile, reached out, and picked up a piece of fish to place in the bowl, but did not eat it

Then you should eat this fish slice. Ye Ran turned her hand and picked a piece of fish for Jiang Hao, smiling as she said, "In fact, this green vegetable is more flavorful than the fish slice and much spicier"

Ye Ran lifted her face from the bowl, looking at Mina with a puzzled expression and asked, "Unusual? Where is it unusual?"

Alright, I am now logging onto QQ. Nightran hurriedly rushed to the computer, turned it on, logged into QQ, and then dashed outside to bring in a bowl of fried noodles, eating while browsing the internet next to the computer

From this angle, it is impossible to see the man's face clearly; only the gray suit can be seen from behind, as he stands there in a daze. Is he Chen Mingxuan? When he turns his face, will it still be that chiseled and handsome face from seven years ago? Such a well-fitted and composed suit must surely accentuate his extraordinary presence even more.

It was a very ordinary face, with dark skin and a slight hint of plumpness. At that moment, it bore an expression of confusion, glancing at Jiang Hao, then at Ye Ran, and finally making a face at the girl, shaking its head.

The ringtone of the phone rang loudly, pulling Yiran out of her memories. She answered, and Mina's cheerful voice came through, "Yiran, we have arrived. We are parking now. Have you ordered the food?"

Jiang Hao nodded with a smile, his phone rang. After glancing at it, he quickly got up and said to them, "I apologize," before stepping out to take the call

Ye Ran finally breathed a sigh of relief, greeting with a smile, "Then you should eat more."

There is indeed, but... After thinking for a moment, Ye Ran realized that Monday night is generally a time for recuperation after the weekend's revelry, which means one should go to bed early

Mina said ambiguously, "I am almost starving"

Mina keenly heard the name Mingxuan and curiously leaned over to take a look. After confirming that this Mingxuan was not the same as the other Mingxuan, she retracted her neck and looked at Yeran, who was focused on eating vegetables, and said with some surprise: "You seem a bit unusual today"

Your schedule is too full, and the times when you are available seem too elusive. How about I set a time instead?

Once, Ye Ran fantasized about her home with Chen Mingxuan, which did not need to be too large, just a two-bedroom apartment would suffice. On weekends, when both were not working, they would clean the house and organize their living space. The house had to be decorated warmly, with a soft pink tone complemented by a sky-blue ceiling. The living room would feature a magnificent crystal chandelier, while the bedroom would have gentle wall lamps. The study must be equipped with incandescent lights, as she needed to go online, and the lighting had to be bright enough. Yes, she needed to go online, and the study also required a super large desk, because she and Chen Mingxuan had two computers, allowing them to play games together, browse forums, and chat on QQ. Of course, with the prevalence of laptops nowadays, the cumbersome desktop computers are not as practical, and a large desk is no longer necessary.

Do you have time tomorrow evening

Not long after, Mina and Nami pushed the door open and entered. As soon as they sat down, Mina smiled and asked: "What does the person you are meeting for a blind date do?"

Ye Ran recalled her time at school; although she was not picky about food and ate everything except for coriander, she had a peculiar trait. Every time she ate cabbage or greens, she preferred to eat the leaves but did not like to eat the stems

It seems that all of you can handle spicy food quite well Jiang Hao said with a smile as he looked at the three people eating happily

Mina stuffed a chopstick full of food into her mouth and began to gulp it down ravenously, choking and coughing incessantly

Ye Ran shook his head, "No, I want to go home."

Ye Ran glanced at Mina, noticing her gossiping expression, and couldn't help but curl her lips, "After all, we are sisters; could you please hide that gloating expression? At least wear a mask to disguise your concern."

Ye Ran hurriedly grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office, feeling light-headed as she made her way towards the company entrance. Jiang Hao's white car was already conspicuously parked there. Jiang Hao rolled down the car window, his gaze fixed intently on Ye Ran as she walked slowly towards him

The man sitting opposite her is named Ming Xuan

The speaker is a young woman, around twenty years old, with delicate features and a vibrant expression of youth. At this moment, she furrows her elegant brows, continuously picking at the food in her bowl with her chopsticks, transferring the dishes she does not like to the bowl across from her