Harmony

Hesta took the initiative to greet her. The woman gave Hesta an extremely stern look, then slipped back into the kitchen.

Shi Pingchuan was the only one eating in the living room. He looked up, smiled as soon as he saw Hesta, and warmly invited her to sit nearby.

Hesta sat across from him. Ding Jiali's designated bowl sat on the seat beside her, with some yogurt cereal left in it. He had evidently just finished eating.

The cook reappeared carrying Hesta's breakfast. She took Ding Jiali's dirty bowl, gave the table a quick wipe, and silently left again.

"I was just talking to Jiali about you. I heard you've been helping take care of Miaomiao at the hospital these past few days."

"It was nothing. I didn't do much."

"You really are cold on the outside and warm on the inside. No wonder Jiali thinks so highly of you."

The conversation at the table fell flat—Hesta did not pick up the thread.

"Got any plans this week?" Shi Pingchuan asked again.

"Classes."

"Interested in going out this weekend?"

"Where to?"

"Some work friends of mine are coming to Orange Town this weekend to discuss business. We're planning to rent a courtyard near the reservoir and go fishing. We'd leave Friday and come back Sunday morning."

"That wouldn't work. I have classes all day Friday, and I already have plans for Saturday."

"...I see. What a pity."

"You could consider taking Ms. Ding with you—"

"She doesn't like that sort of thing. Besides, someone has to look after Miaomiao."

Hesta glanced at Shi Pingchuan. "...I don't know much about it either."

"You can learn, and we can teach you. If you come, Jiali will come too," Shi Pingchuan said. "The first time is unfamiliar, but the second time isn't. If