Chapter 49: Su Rouxue’s Experienced Circle of Close Friends

These days, how many women can actually handle the kitchen? As for men, that's even less likely! Modern couples, unless they live with their parents, basically rely on takeout for every meal. That’s why the food delivery industry has boomed so rapidly. As technology advances, perhaps one day everyone will hope to solve eating, drinking, and sleeping simply by lying down.

So the fact that Natsuki knows her way around the kitchen is a rare and precious skill. After their group moved to a new location, everyone originally planned for their boyfriends to assist her, but once inside, the men—all in their early thirties—were so clueless they didn’t even know how to peel vegetables or which parts to keep.

In the end, Natsuki politely asked them to accompany the ladies, leaving herself alone to face the mound of ingredients before her. Su Rouxue had wanted to lend a hand, but as the birthday girl today, Natsuki insisted she simply enjoy herself.

“I was going to order a cake for Xue’er, but young Natsuki wanted to bake you a custom one herself—how considerate and romantic!” Liu Siqi sighed in envy, her hand rubbing the mahjong tiles and her chin rested on the table. Glancing over, she saw her husband Old Li, along with Wang Xiaoyu and Lu Xuhan’s boyfriends, sprawled lifelessly on the sofa, prompting another sigh.

Su Rouxue remained composed, a gentle smile curling her lips. “I honestly never knew how capable he was before we started dating.”

“Look at you, Xue’er, already mastering the art of humble-bragging! I knew something was different about you this month—love really can transform a person,” Lu Xuhan giggled.

“But Xue’er, you’ll have to figure out how to tell your family about dating your little brother,” Wang Xiaoyu said as she sipped her tea, her dignified gaze fixed on Su Rouxue.

“Hmm… When my family asks next time, I’ll just tell them I’m seeing someone,” Su Rouxue nodded, her brows furrowing as the topic came up.

At her age, nothing irked her more than talking about marriage with her family. She hadn’t been in touch much lately either, especially after some unpleasant events before she and Natsuki got together.

“Sigh, Natsuki is wonderful in every way, except he’s so young—just eighteen. We’ll have to wait four years before we can get a marriage certificate.”

“But Xue’er, you still need to keep your wits about you. Natsuki may seem perfect, but with that handsome face, he could change his mind quickly. At least, every attractive guy I’ve known with those captivating eyes ends up being a heartbreaker…” Lu Xuhan lowered her voice.

“At our age, we can’t afford to waste time. I hope things work out for you and Natsuki, but you really should stay alert. If anything goes wrong, you’re the one who’ll get hurt,” Wang Xiaoyu chimed in, the voice of reason among them. Having lived thirty years, she’d seen all kinds of men. Their experience in matters of the heart far surpassed Su Rouxue’s.

“Thank you for your concern. Don’t worry, I’ll be careful,” Su Rouxue replied. “Since I’ve made my choice, I have full confidence in Natsuki. He’ll never escape the palm of my hand.”

After all… if the soft approach doesn’t work, she can always use the hard approach.

“Your relationship reminds me of myself when I first fell in love. But joking aside, I did end up marrying Old Li and having a baby,” Liu Siqi mused. “By the way, Xue’er, have you and Natsuki…?”

Liu Siqi’s voice dropped, her eyes darting between the living room and the kitchen, curiosity written all over her face.

“That…” Su Rouxue’s cheeks flushed instantly.

How could her old friends bring up such private matters so openly? How was she supposed to answer?

Seeing her flustered and blushing, Liu Siqi and the others immediately understood.

“You’re moving fast! How does it feel dating a younger guy?” Liu Siqi grinned mischievously, clearly ready to press further.

“I can’t tell you that! Let’s change the subject,” Su Rouxue protested, her face burning. She never imagined she’d discuss such topics with her group of friends.

“Oh, don’t be shy! We’re all grown women—this is perfectly normal. Natsuki is at that age, full of desire, totally understandable. But you two have only been together for less than a month and already… That’s pretty quick.”

“Xue’er, you’ve really surprised me. I’m starting to miss Old Li in his younger days—he’s not nearly as capable now,” Liu Siqi’s smile was almost frightening, and Su Rouxue couldn’t bring herself to meet her gaze.

Couldn’t they be a bit more restrained?

Lu Xuhan flashed a mischievous smile, turning to Liu Siqi. “I’m guessing your pregnancy was probably a surprise, right?”

“Don’t mention it. The thought makes me uncomfortable. I actually like kids, but according to my plan, I wasn’t going to consider having one for another two or three years. But then, during our honeymoon in the summer with Old Li, he convinced me to try it without protection just once, promising nothing would happen. And then…”

“Honestly, never trust a man’s verbal promise about this. I knew I’d get caught out, and sure enough, the test came back positive.”

“So, Rouxue, if you don’t want Natsuki to become a dad before graduation, make sure he takes precautions. Don’t give him the chance, or you’ll end up with a child early, and he won’t be ready for that responsibility.”

Liu Siqi’s face grew serious.

“So your baby really is a happy accident,” Wang Xiaoyu laughed, covering her mouth.

“It doesn’t matter. Getting married because of a child—double blessings, I suppose. I just hope Old Li will step up for our baby,” Liu Siqi said, gently touching her slightly rounded belly, her eyes glowing with maternal tenderness.

Su Rouxue listened intently.

She truly placed great trust in Natsuki.

Yet, just last month, she’d tested her boyfriend a little. Natsuki’s reaction had at least passed her initial test.

She could only hope that, whatever happens in the future, her younger lover will always be able to say, as he did before, “I’ll take full responsibility”…