Chapter Forty-One: Deeply, Truly Fond

“I’ve finished it. If you want some, cook yourself another bowl.”

When Zhou Kai met Shi Zhaodi’s gaze, his face flushed unnaturally, and he immediately snapped at her.

“I don’t want any. It’s your birthday today. Eat longevity noodles, and may you enjoy a long life, good fortune, and perfect health.” Shi Zhaodi beamed.

“Superstitious!” Zhou Kai scoffed.

“Zhou Kai, when you’re happy, the people who love you will be happy too, no matter where they are.” Shi Zhaodi did not mind his disdainful remark and continued speaking.

Zhou Kai pressed his lips tightly together and fell silent.

“Then I’m going home. Be sure to go to class on time tomorrow.” Shi Zhaodi reminded him. “Bye-bye!”

“Zhaodi—” Zhou Kai called out, stopping her. “Why didn’t you go to school today?”

“Oh, I had a high fever last night, so my mother asked for leave on my behalf.” Shi Zhaodi explained.

“So you came all the way to my house this afternoon just for me?”

“We made plans, didn’t we? I couldn’t very well break my promise.” Shi Zhaodi nodded.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“No need. It isn’t far.”

“I’ll take you!” Zhou Kai insisted.

And so Zhou Kai rode his bicycle to escort Shi Zhaodi to the entrance of the Jiang residence, then walked home by himself.

After returning to the Jiang residence, Shi Zhaodi felt somewhat unwell. She took a hot shower, came out and swallowed a packet of medicine, then slung her schoolbag over her shoulder and went to look for Jiang Hao’en.

The moment she saw Jiang Hao’en, a sweet smile spread across her otherwise weary face.

It was as though Jiang Hao’en were her medicine—and a sweet one at that.

“Big Brother—”

Almost reflexively, Shi Zhaodi walked up to Jiang Hao’en, slipped her arms around his waist, rested her head against his chest, and called to him in a faintly coquettish voice.

Jiang Hao’en’s whole body stiffened for a moment before he gradually relaxed and returned her embrace.

Shi Zhaodi clung to him shamelessly for a while. After basking in his warmth, she obediently sat down beside the desk, pulled a workbook from her schoolbag, and began working on her exercises.

Whenever she encountered something she did not understand, she simply asked Jiang Hao’en.

Jiang Hao’en explained everything slowly and in great detail, and after listening to him, Shi Zhaodi could always apply what she had learned to similar problems.

It was a pity that, even with such a good teacher, the student sometimes could not help drifting off while listening.

Just like now, Shi Zhaodi propped her chin on one hand, tilted her head, and gazed dreamily at Jiang Hao’en.

Before she knew it, her thoughts had wandered far away.

Looking at Jiang Hao’en’s handsome features and listening to his slightly deep yet gentle voice, Shi Zhaodi could not help letting a smile curve across her lips.

She loved Big Brother—loved him very, very much.

She loved him so deeply that she could not even imagine a day when it might be possible not to love him.

And every time she was with Jiang Hao’en, Shi Zhaodi felt that her love for him could only grow, never diminish by even the slightest bit.

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Should I add another chapter? Please favorite the story, give me a pat, and tell me how wonderful I am!