Su Huaiming was happily eating barbecue when he heard this and froze, like a rusty robot. He turned his head blankly to look at Fu Jingfan, his eyes wide open and his face full of surprise.
Fu Jingfan, completely oblivious to his own unease, found it amusing. After observing Su Huaiming's expression, he finally asked, "Is it alright?"
Su Huaiming then came to his senses and, as if he didn't recognize Fu Jingfan, carefully examined him, nodding very slightly.
Fu Jingfan picked up a skewer of barbecue, took a bite, and his movements were elegant and refined, as if he were sitting in a five-star restaurant where every inch of land was precious, eating expensive ingredients. There was no hint of smokiness about him, and the skewer of barbecue in his hand seemed to double in value.
Su Huaiming, unsure of Fu Jingfan's sudden outburst, observed his expression and asked curiously, "What do you think?"
Fu Jingfan remained composed, his expression revealing no emotion whatsoever. He said nothing more, only nodding slightly.
Fu Jingfan finished the entire skewer of barbecue, whether he genuinely found it delicious or simply followed his usual dining etiquette, it's unclear.
Since they met, Fu Jingfan's behavior had been strange, and Su Huaiming couldn't figure it out, so he couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.
Fu Jingfan wore his bespoke suit, handmade with crisp fabric. As he raised his hand, a section of his wrist was revealed, and his wristwatch was studded with diamonds. The value of this outfit could probably fill an entire street of barbecue restaurants.
Fu Jingfan's posture was casual yet his aura was powerful, as if this wasn't a wooden chair by the roadside, but a serious conference room discussing a deal worth hundreds of millions. Fu Jingfan seemed completely out of place in this environment; it was truly a shame for him.
As Su Huaiming was looking at Fu Jingfan happened to be looking at him as well.
Su Huaiming was eating barbecue, his lips turning bright red and inevitably covered with a layer of oil.
Fu Jingfan handed over a tissue, and Su Huaiming thanked him before taking it and casually and roughly wiping his lips with it.
The soft flesh of her lips was squeezed and deformed, turning their originally light color a bright red, as if they were about to bleed. Fu Jingfan's gaze was involuntarily drawn to them, and after staring at them for a few seconds, he frowned slightly. "Be gentle."
Su Huaiming didn't take it to heart, but was stunned for a few seconds by what was said, and looked at Fu Jingfan blankly.
Fu Jingfan realized that this wasn't his property and he shouldn't interfere, so he casually changed the subject, "Don't just keep eating, drink some water."
Su Huaiming nodded, picked up the milk tea cup, and took a sip.
Plain and simple, no different from water... This is water!
Su Huaiming looked at the design of the milk tea cup, doubting his sense of taste and then his own eyes, finally staring at Fu Jingfan in disbelief, "You, you bought a cup of water?"
Fu Jingfan nodded. "This is the only one I can buy nearby."
Su Huaiming was full of questions and asked, puzzled, "Why did you buy water at the bubble tea shop?"
"I only wanted to buy hot water, not milk tea." Fu Jingfan paused, then said, "Barbecue seasonings are too strong and can hurt your throat. You've just recovered from an illness and need extra care, so hot water is better."
Barbecue and milk tea are certainly delightful, but hot water is healthier.
Su Huaiming took a sip of hot water and felt much better. He vaguely agreed with Fu Jingfan's actions and thanked him again.
Fu Jingfan gazed at Su Huaiming's fair profile in the night, remained silent for a few seconds, and without regard for the atmosphere or emotions, asked again, "Why didn't you just say you wanted to eat it? You could have had the chef make it for you."
"..." Su Huaiming hesitated for a moment before finally sighing and explaining to the out-of-touch Fu Jingfan, "The atmosphere of eating barbecue is what matters. I know the barbecue sold outside isn't that healthy, but sometimes you just really crave it. It's irrational. Besides, barbecue bought on the street is meant to be eaten on the street!"
If it weren't for his current inappropriate status, he would probably be sitting on a small stool, surrounded by the smoky aroma of charcoal, eating barbecue.
These words were too emotional, and Su Huaiming thought Fu Jingfan wouldn't understand them, but Fu Jingfan nodded, "I understand."
Su Huaiming suddenly had a bad feeling and pressed, "What have you figured out?"
With his exceptionally handsome face, Fu Jingfan said in a very serious tone, "You just enjoy the pleasure of sneaking food when no one's going to take it from you."
Su Huaiming: "..."
You're completely clueless!
Su Huaiming put down the barbecue, and was about to pounce on Fu Jingfan in anger when his eyes met the smile in Fu Jingfan's eyes.
He shifted his position, then suddenly realized Fu Jingfan was doing it on purpose. He snorted inwardly, raised his chin at him, and said in a nonchalant tone, "That's right, that's what I think. You're really smart to have figured that out."
Fu Jingfan probably sensed that Su Huaiming was annoyed. Although he Mingming heard the sarcasm in Su Huaiming's words, he did not refute them.
Seeing that Fu Jingfan had taken the initiative to back down, Su Huaiming felt a little better. He snorted twice, didn't argue with him, and continued to fight with his head down.
After Su Huaiming finished eating the barbecue, Fu Jingfan naturally stood up, helped clean up the trash, and carried the trash bags outside.
Su Huaiming put his mask and hat back on, covering himself completely, and caught up with Fu Jingfan in a few steps, walking alongside him.
There was a trash can by the roadside, and the two walked over together. Su Huaiming looked at the milk tea shop next door and asked, "Did you buy your hot water here?"
Fu Jingfan nodded.
Su Huaiming didn't react at first, and just hummed in response, but he soon saw several employees of the milk tea shop looking at him with bright eyes and excited expressions—they clearly recognized him.
This was the first time Su Huaiming had faced such a situation, and he was a little flustered. He looked down at the tips of his shoes and even touched his face with his hand.
Apart from his eyes, he showed nothing else and had no distinctive features. So how could anyone recognize him?
After a few seconds of stunned silence, Su Huaiming suddenly realized the problem and turned to look at Fu Jingfan.
Fu Jingfan was dressed in a suit and tie, his face casually exposed; anyone who had seen the photo would know who he was.
Even if he didn't show an inch of skin, he would still be recognized if he walked with Fu Jingfan, who was known as a living advertisement.
Su Huaiming: "..."
The two employees of the milk tea shop encouraged each other before mustering their courage and walking over, looking at Su Huaiming with fervent eyes, "Teacher Su, I'm your fan, I really like you!"
Su Huaiming felt a little embarrassed by what she said and sincerely thanked the young girl for her kindness.
The little girl became even more excited, her tongue almost slurring, "I watch your live streams whenever I have time. I especially love your personality, and I really love how you and Xiao Xiao interact. I used to fantasize about meeting you in real life, but I never expected it to be like this! You're so beautiful! I'm so happy!"
The young girl's speech became completely illogical in the end; she said whatever came to mind, as if she wanted to tear her heart out and show it to Su Huaiming.
Su Huaiming's ears turned red from the comment. Not knowing how to reciprocate, he offered, "Do you want an autograph?"
The little girl's eyes widened in surprise, and she exclaimed, "Yes, yes!"
Su Huaiming was surrounded by people signing autographs in all sorts of strange and unusual places, while Fu Jingfan was completely left out, with no one even glancing at him.
Unexpectedly, Su Huaiming was so easy to get along with. The young girl didn't know how to express her joy, so she insisted on treating Su Huaiming to milk tea.
The young female shop assistant was already working very hard, and she was still so supportive of him. How could Su Huaiming bear to let her spend money on him? He repeatedly declined.
While the two were arguing, Fu Jingfan had already paid. He was always meticulous in his work, not only buying a drink for Su Huaiming but also giving a free drink to everyone in the store.
The conflict between Su Huaiming and the little girl was resolved, and the little girl earnestly made Su Huaiming a cup of milk tea and handed it to him personally.
As they parted, the young shop assistant mustered her courage and glanced at Fu Jingfan, whispering, "I really ship you two as a couple! You two have to be even more affectionate and give us lots of sweet moments!"
After saying that, the young shop assistant blushed and ran away, hiding inside the shop to avoid their gaze.
Su Huaiming chuckled, said nothing more, and happily took a sip of his milk tea.
The cup of milk tea was quite large; half of it was still left when they got downstairs. Su Huaiming turned to Fu Jingfan and asked, "Can Xiao Xiao have some milk tea?"
Fu Jingfan shook his head. "These are bad for children's health."
Su Huaiming didn't say anything, but simply lifted the lid and gulped it down.
If he takes the milk tea back, Fu Xiaoxiao will definitely pester him to take a sip, and he'll have to coax him then. Since that's the case, he might as well just finish the milk tea outside, where Fu Xiaoxiao won't see it and won't make a fuss.
After finishing their milk tea, Su Huaiming and Fu Jingfan took the elevator back.
As soon as the door opened, Fu Xiaoxiao came running over, her voice tinged with grievance, "Where did you go? Why didn't you take me with you?"
Fu Jingfan patted Fu Xiaoxiao's head. "We've got to get busy, so we can't take you with us."
Fu Xiaoxiao's big eyes darted around, and she stopped worrying about the issue. Instead, she took Su Huaiming and Fu Jingfan's hands and led them to the restaurant.
Fu Xiaoxiao pointed to the two desserts on the table and said happily, "Uncle just made these, they're delicious! I really like them, I saved them especially for you!"
Fu Xiaoxiao emphasized the word "specialized".
Looking at the desserts on the table, Su Huaiming couldn't help but think of the barbecue and milk tea he used to eat outside, and suddenly felt embarrassed, his face burning with shame.
I feel so guilty ()
Fu Jingfan looked at Su Huaiming's flickering eyes, a smile curving his lips, and he seemed to be in a good mood.
To prove that she was the best baby in the world, Fu Xiaoxiao earnestly invited Su Huaiming and Fu Jingfan to have dessert. Fu Jingfan was not interested in desserts at first, but he was looking forward to Su Huaiming's reaction and readily agreed.
Su Huaiming was caught in a dilemma and could only nod reluctantly, then was pulled by Fu Xiaoxiao to sit at the table.
Faced with Fu Xiaoxiao's bright eyes, Su Huaiming dared not speak, afraid that Fu Xiaoxiao would smell the barbecue smell on his mouth. He immediately picked up a spoon and tasted a small bite of dessert.
It tasted sweet, but its heart was bitter—his conscience was weeping.
Seeing him eat, Fu Xiaoxiao immediately came over happily, asking expectantly, "Is it delicious?"
Su Huaiming nodded woodenly, forcing a natural smile. "Delicious."
Fu Xiaoxiao was overjoyed to receive a positive answer and turned around to urge Fu Jingfan to try a bite as well.
After taking a bite, Fu Jingfan looked at Su Huaiming and deliberately asked, "I ate a bit too much tonight and don't have much of an appetite. Would you like to finish the rest of the dessert for me?"
Su Huaiming: "..."
I even sneaked out for a barbecue; could you have eaten as much as I did?!
Su Huaiming knew that Fu Jingfan was doing it on purpose, but he couldn't show it in front of Fu Xiaoxiao. He could only take a deep breath and was about to refuse when Fu Xiaoxiao spoke first.
"My stepfather has a huge appetite! He can eat so many sweets!" Fu Xiaoxiao seemed to remember something, and with her innocent little face, she sighed deeply. "He loves to eat so much! Sometimes I can't even finish my food, but he's still eating."
Upon hearing these words, Su Huaiming felt a wave of dizziness and wished he could cover Fu Xiaoxiao's mouth with his hand, but that would make him look guilty, so he could only suppress the thought.
Fu Jingfan nodded and gave Su Huaiming a meaningful look. Although he didn't mean it with sarcasm, Su Huaiming felt his face burning and wished he could disappear into the ground.
Fu Jingfan knew Mingming well that he had secretly eaten barbecue, but he still deliberately said, "Does he often find good food for himself?"
"Yes, he can find a lot of delicious food." Fu Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said fairly, "I can try some too, but not too much."
At this point, Fu Xiaoxiao suddenly lowered her voice and whispered in Fu Jingfan's ear, "Otherwise he'll make a scene!"
These words were utterly absurd, but Fu Jingfan envisioned a scene that perfectly matched Su Huaiming's style, and his gaze towards Su Huaiming took on a different meaning.
Su Huaiming was completely bewildered by the gaze, but unable to hear Fu Xiaoxiao's whispers, he scratched his head in frustration, forcing a nonchalant expression. "What are you talking about? I want to hear too."
Fu Xiaoxiao shook her head firmly and said, "This is a man's private talk; you can't listen."
Su Huaiming: "..." What nonsense are you talking about? I'm a man too!
Children's thoughts are strange and unpredictable. If you force them to think about it, Fu Xiaoxiao might say something shocking, and then it will be you who gets hurt.
Su Huaiming could only manage a forced smile as he awkwardly changed the subject, "This dessert is quite delicious, what's it called?"
Children are easily fooled. Fu Xiaoxiao for a few seconds and said, "I don't know, my uncle didn't tell me."
Su Huaiming pretended to be serious and lectured, "The dessert is so delicious, how can you not ask its name? You should at least show it some respect."
Fu Xiaoxiao, completely taken aback, immediately nodded, "Okay, I'll definitely ask next time what it's called."