After Li Long left, Gu Xiaoxia hurriedly finished the food in her bowl and prepared to clear up.
Teacher Wang came to the doorway and asked with a smile:
"He's gone?"
"Yes," Gu Xiaoxia said, blushing. "He brought some dried mushrooms over. Teacher Wang, let me give you some..."
"No, I'm not a good cook. They'd only go to waste with me. I smelled your food... Oh? What's this?"
Her gaze settled on the half basin of wild strawberries.
"He said they're wild strawberries from the mountains. They're quite tasty." Gu Xiaoxia held the basin out to Teacher Wang. "Try some."
Teacher Wang picked one up and tasted it, her eyes lighting up:
"Oh, they really are good. He certainly put some thought into this."
"There's also half a bowl of hand-torn noodle soup left. Would you like it, Teacher Wang?"
"Yes, I would." Teacher Wang showed no embarrassment. She and Gu Xiaoxia got along well and often shared things. "I'd planned not to eat today, but then I smelled your food. I was about to come over earlier, but I heard his voice, so I stayed away."
Gu Xiaoxia ladled out the food and handed it to Teacher Wang. Teacher Wang took a bite, spotted the pickles on the table, picked up a chopstickful and stirred them in, then tasted it again. She nodded in satisfaction and spoke as she ate:
"So you've decided he's the one?"
"Yes."
"Then what about Deputy Principal Wang's son?"
"I've already turned him down clearly," Gu Xiaoxia said. "I told him I have a boyfriend."
"He's no easy customer. He won't give up easily." Teacher Wang raised her eyebrows. "He works in the township, so he's close by. He might come looking for you often."
"Then I won't see him." Gu Xiaoxia was