Happy times were always short-lived. Before long, amid laughter and conversation, the hot pot meal was nearing its end.
By the end, Xia Qiuer's movements had slowed considerably.
She picked out and ate every last scrap from the pot.
Hua Yunfei chuckled. "If you like it so much, I can teach you how to make it."
Xia Qiuer shook her head.
Only when you make it yourself does it mean anything.
She kept those words to herself.
By now, she no longer said things that could easily be misunderstood.
Since she had decided to sever her affections, she would simply be a good friend.
She could keep everything else in her heart.
"I'm full." Xia Qiuer wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth and said, "Thank you for the meal, Young Master Hua."
"You don't have to keep calling me Young Master Hua. It sounds so distant. Why not go back to calling me Senior Brother?" Hua Yunfei said.
Ever since she left Heartbreak Valley, Xia Qiuer had changed the way she addressed him. It wasn't out of spite; she was simply sensible enough to keep her distance.
But given their relationship, that form of address really was too distant. Even friends wouldn't call each other that.
"Are you saying you don't even want to be friends anymore?"
Before Xia Qiuer could refuse, Hua Yunfei continued, "Besides, it's only a form of address. Friends shouldn't be so distant with each other."
After that, Xia Qiuer couldn't refuse even if she wanted to.
"Senior Brother Hua," Xia Qiuer said obediently.
"Mm." Hua Yunfei smiled. "It'd be better without the surname."
"Senior Brother," Xia Qiuer said again.
Hua Yunfei nodded with satisfaction. Looking at Xia Qiuer, he said, "Qiuer, although I'm technically the original body now, I'm still a little