Chapter Fifty: Dinner

When the sauerkraut fish was first brought to the table, its rich aroma immediately filled the air, wafting through the entire room. Soon after, an old duck soup followed, its fragrance spreading everywhere. Both the taste and appearance of these dishes were so tempting that everyone’s mouth watered uncontrollably.

Next came a platter of assorted braised delicacies, a savory lamb jelly, steaming tofu baked to perfection, rice balls wrapped in reed leaves with smoked pork, springy and tender corn buns, sauerkraut pork belly that looked rich but not greasy, a trio of seafood treasures, smoked pork stir-fried with bamboo shoots, chicken hotpot... and finally, a lovingly crafted fruit cake was carried to the table. As she placed the last dish, Xia Shu exhaled deeply, feeling the exhaustion that comes with preparing such a feast.

Yet as everyone stared, amazed at the array of food before them, they couldn’t help but turn admiring glances toward Xia Shu.

“Xia Shu, your cooking skills are wasted if you don’t become a chef. This meal is easily as good as anything from a high-end restaurant.”

“It’s mouthwatering just looking at it! Xue’er’s going to be so spoiled in the future. If she doesn’t gain ten or twenty pounds, it would be an injustice to Xia Shu’s talent.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Xia Shu! Come, sit down, it’s dinner time—everyone, dig in while it’s hot.”

Liu Siqi and her friends could hardly wait to try the food.

Their boyfriends, too, were a little overwhelmed by the plates Xia Shu had brought to the table, their eyes filled with awe and admiration. It was becoming clear why Su Rouxue, who had never shown much interest in any man before, had chosen him. In many ways, Xia Shu was an outstanding choice for a boyfriend.

Xia Shu sat beside Su Rouxue, and the two exchanged a loving glance. Under the table, they squeezed each other’s hands tightly. “Everyone, eat while it’s hot, or it won’t taste as good.”

“Alright!” came the enthusiastic reply, and everyone reached for their chopsticks.

Liu Siqi scooped up a steaming piece of baked tofu. The tender tofu melted on her tongue, its savory juices flooding her mouth, and the delicious flavor made her feel a surge of happiness. “Oh, it’s so good!”

Lu Xuhan sampled a bite of fish from the sauerkraut dish, and her pupils sparkled with delight. “Amazing!”

“It really is delicious,” Wang Xiaoyu agreed, picking up a piece of bamboo shoot—fresh, fragrant, and satisfyingly chewy.

As Su Rouxue watched her friends enjoying the meal her young boyfriend had prepared, she couldn’t help but smile, her lips curving into a charming grin.

She knew Xia Shu was talented in the kitchen, but tonight’s dinner showed just how much heart he put into it.

Thinking about living together in the future, her happiness overflowed.

With a boyfriend like Xia Shu, she could easily be a queen in the world of food lovers!

Everyone joyfully enjoyed the meal, eating far more than usual.

At last, they saved a bit of room in their stomachs for the centerpiece: the heart-shaped cake.

Xia Shu inserted the candles and lit them, and Li Heng turned off the lights.

The soft glow of candlelight illuminated their faces as Liu Siqi clapped her hands enthusiastically, setting the rhythm for the birthday song dedicated to Su Rouxue.

“Make a wish and blow out the candles, sweetheart,” Xia Shu said indulgently, smiling at Su Rouxue.

She nodded, her face radiant with joy. Closing her eyes, she folded her hands together.

I want...

After making her wish, she opened her eyes again and blew out the candles on the cake.

Her eyes glistened with emotional tears as she gazed deeply at Xia Shu, her face unable to suppress its joyful smile. “Thank you, Xia Shu. You worked so hard!”

“Hehe, there’s no need to thank me—it’s what I should do,” Xia Shu replied, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. Seeing the tears in Su Rouxue’s eyes, his heart softened.

Unexpectedly, she couldn’t help but throw herself into his arms, holding his waist tightly.

He was momentarily stunned, then lowered his head affectionately, gently stroking her silky hair. “I’ll always be by your side.”

“Look at them, Li! Isn’t that romantic?” Liu Siqi said, pulling out her phone. She’d spent the past couple of days capturing countless wonderful moments.

Her friends had used Su Rouxue’s birthday as an opportunity to size up her young boyfriend.

Xia Shu’s performance had far exceeded their expectations.

Everyone thought a young, handsome guy might be untrustworthy or fickle, but from Xia Shu’s actions over the past two days, they could feel his unwavering love for Su Rouxue.

Happiness is easy to share and infectious.

The four couples all found their relationships deepening during this gathering.

Afterward, Liu Siqi and the others brought out the birthday gifts they had prepared for Su Rouxue.

Li Heng and his friends, not wanting Xia Shu to do any more work, took the initiative to clear the table.

That night, everyone was exhausted from the festivities and returned to their rooms.

In the morning, Xia Shu still had to rush back to school for military training. Lying in bed, Su Rouxue urged him to sleep and rest well, so they could leave together in the morning.

Xia Shu wanted to rest, too—he was truly worn out from the day.

Actually, both of them slept peacefully through the first half of the night. But in the middle of the night, Xia Shu, who was sleeping behind Su Rouxue, began to stir restlessly.

His obvious reaction pressed against Su Rouxue’s waist, waking her up.

Xia Shu was still deeply asleep, breathing steadily.

Su Rouxue, suddenly awake, felt her cheeks flush.

Do all men behave like this at night?

She curled up shyly, but the “pendulum” behind her was already trembling...

Who knows what the night held in store.

Xia Shu woke up, feeling a little dazed.

Upon waking, he realized his underwear was missing.

He was stunned, pushed aside the covers, and saw himself completely exposed, giving a sheepish laugh.

Just then, Su Rouxue beside him woke up as well. She gave a soft moan, her alluring eyes fixed on him. “You were restless again last night.”

“But I didn’t do anything!” Xia Shu protested, raising his eyebrows in confusion.

“You slept soundly, but in your subconscious, you were like a little puppy in heat, moving around everywhere,” Su Rouxue giggled, her tone teasing.

“Really?” Xia Shu scratched his head, laughing awkwardly. Checking his phone, he saw it was already six o’clock. “We need to hurry—driving from here to the school will take about an hour and a half, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. Get washed up quickly. I’ll drive you to school in a bit.”