Ming Yuqian hadn't expected that Ming Yutong would be so decisive. She went out for a moment, and Ming Yutong had already settled on the house.
***
The next morning, as soon as the sky brightened, Aunt Huo got up to prepare breakfast for Fu Yinxiu and Little Jingshi.
However, when she went downstairs to the living room, she noticed that the kitchen light was on.
Curious, Aunt Huo went over and opened the door, only to find Fu Yinxiu standing at the stove.
A delicious aroma was wafting from the kitchen.
Aunt Huo was surprised. Fu Yinxiu, who couldn't even cook instant noodles, was now making soup?
"Sir?" Aunt Huo called out softly, afraid to startle him.
Despite her gentle approach, Fu Yinxiu still reacted strongly, turning abruptly to see Aunt Huo, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Sir, are you making soup?" Aunt Huo asked, noticing the clay pot on the stove.
"Yes. I asked Mr. Zhang, and he gave me a list of foods and remedies to alleviate dampness and cold. I'm trying it out today and will take it to Tong Tong," Fu Yinxiu explained.
But Fu Yinxiu couldn't even cook instant noodles, let alone make soup.
Aunt Huo was a bit concerned. Seeing Fu Yinxiu's dark circles under his eyes, it was evident he hadn't slept much and had been up early making the soup.
"Sir, why don't you go rest a bit? I can keep an eye on the stove," Aunt Huo offered.
Fu Yinxiu shook his head. "No, I want to do it myself."
He wanted to take care of her himself.
He wanted her to drink the soup he made and to get better under his care, day by day.
No matter what it was, he wanted to do it personally for her.
Not just making soup, but he planned to learn more and more in the future.
Fu Yinxiu tasted a spoonful of the soup and found it to be quite good.
He handed another spoon to Aunt Huo, saying, "Please try it too. I'm worried that my taste might not be accurate."
Aunt Huo tasted it and was pleasantly surprised. For someone making soup for the first time, it was surprisingly good.
The soup had chunks of old duck. It had been simmered for a long time, the surface had no grease, and it looked clear and light.
"How is it?" Fu Yinxiu asked nervously.
"It's very good! I thought you'd struggle since you've never cooked before, but it tastes great. It's neither too salty nor too bland, and the subtle herbal taste isn't overpowering. The duck's smell has been well removed," Aunt Huo said.
Fu Yinxiu sighed in relief. "I also heard you mention about skimming the grease, so I tried it out."
"No wonder it's not greasy. It's fragrant and refreshing," Aunt Huo nodded.
Given the color and concentration of the soup, it must have been simmered for four to five hours.
Aunt Huo was touched by Fu Yinxiu's effort. "Sir, rest assured, Miss Ming will definitely appreciate your intention."
Fu Yinxiu looked at the soup without speaking.
He had made many mistakes; this was just a pot of soup. What did it really mean?
He wasn't trying to make Ming Yutong feel moved.
He just wanted to do his best to take care of her and make her well.
As the soup simmered on low heat, Fu Yinxiu went to tidy himself up.
When Little Jingshi, rubbing his eyes and yawning, came out, his little nose twitched, clearly attracted by the soup's aroma.
"Aunt Huo, are we having soup for breakfast?" Little Jingshi asked, almost drooling as he approached the kitchen.
"No, not really," Aunt Huo said with a smile.
Before she could finish, Fu Yinxiu came over, "It's not for you. It's for Tong Tong. It's to warm her up."
Fu Yinxiu thought for a moment and ladled a small bowl of soup for Little Jingshi.
Little Millet Cake, surprised and delighted, took the bowl. "Dad, why are you so nice? You even thought of giving me a bowl?"
He had thought he wouldn't even get a taste of it. Just being able to smell it felt like a bonus.
Fu Yinxiu said calmly said:"You should taste it and see how it is."
Little Jingshi held the bowl, not using a spoon, and blew on the surface to cool it down before taking a small sip.
He smacked his lips and said, "It's really delicious! Tong Tong will definitely like it."
Satisfied, Fu Yinxiu transferred the soup into a thermos.
Little Jingshi wanted more, "Dad, can I have another bowl?"
"It's not good for you to drink too much of the nourishing soup," Fu Yinxiu said.
"Selfish!" Little Jingshi pouted.
"Do you want to compete with Tong Tong?" Fu Yinxiu raised an eyebrow.
Little Jingshi suddenly remembered that the soup was for Ming Yutong and didn't say anything further.
***
Ming Yutong arrived at the office early.
Having been away for a while, even though Ming Yuqian had handled official business for her, she was concerned that the break had caused a disconnect and worried about readjusting. She feared she might not perform well upon returning.
Thus, she came in early to review the documents from this period.
At 9:05, Ming Yutong received a call from the front desk.
"Ms. Ming, there is a gentleman here to see you," the receptionist said.
"Hmm?" Ming Yutong put the documents aside for the moment. "Did he say who he is?"
The receptionist glanced at the imposing Fu Yinxiu and recognized him even without an introduction. Although the company had been trying to secure business with "Xiuqi," they had later given up for some unknown reason.
But Fu Yinxiu's reputation was well-known throughout the company.
Without an appointment, the receptionist was reluctant to let him up.
"It's Mr. Fu, the president of 'Xiuqi'," the receptionist said.
Ming Yutong froze, Fu Yinxiu…
She felt a sharp pain in her chest and took a long silence before the receptionist inquired, "Ms. Ming?"
Ming Yutong took a deep breath and said, "I won't see him. Tell him to leave. If he has something to discuss, he should make an appointment with my secretary. I'm fully booked today."
The receptionist, feeling the pressure, hung up the phone and, seeing Fu Yinxiu's stern face, carefully relayed Ming Yutong's response.