CHAPTER 308: CHAPTER 308: UNEXPECTED VISITOR (2)

Xuanxuan saw Kabi’s dejected look and though she felt a bit soft-hearted, she took a deep breath and chose to ignore it, pretending to be indifferent as she passed by and headed straight to He Zerui’s room.

Knock knock—

"Who is it?" With the sound of knocking, He Zerui’s cold voice came through the door.

"It’s me, Xuanxuan." Xuanxuan, feeling a bit nervous, instinctively held the food container tighter.

Soon, the door opened, He Zerui stood at the doorway, expressionless, and asked, "What’s up?"

"I..." seeing He Zerui made Xuanxuan even more nervous. She paused for a moment, her gaze wandering, then said, "Mom and I made some cookies for you. Happy birthday."

Upon hearing this, He Zerui’s stern face softened a bit, a barely visible hint of warmth, "Thank you."

"No... It’s nothing." Xuanxuan waved her hand and then lowered her head, not daring to meet He Zerui’s eyes.

"Anything else?" He Zerui’s gaze fell on Xuanxuan’s head, he could already see her tension from her stiff posture.

"Do you... Do you not like the doll I gave you? Then... Then you can give it back to me." Xuanxuan didn’t know why, but previously when she felt He Zerui was annoying, facing him didn’t make her nervous at all. But now, she inexplicably feels nervous, even speaking is stuttered, always needing a lot of effort to voice her thoughts, completely unlike her usual self.

"It’s gone."

"Gone?" The thing I gave him in the afternoon has gone missing within just half a day? Shows how much he dislikes that doll!

"Oh, I have nothing else." After the surprise, Xuanxuan quickly realized her reaction was a bit exaggerated, so she turned her face away. After speaking, she immediately turned to leave, but her slightly hurried steps revealed her anxiousness.

The warmth from the food container touched his palm, and for an instant, He Zerui felt a warmth in his heart. Unintentionally, he watched Xuanxuan leave with softened eyes, only retracting his gaze when her figure disappeared at the corner of the corridor.

Since Chinese New Year passed some time ago, Li Bao’er hadn’t returned yet, and Mi Jing was handling all sizes of café business alone, no longer enjoying the leisurely days.

She hadn’t personally cooked for a week. Breakfast was always prepared by Shen Lingxing who got up early, and for lunch and dinner, she had no time to go home and cook. Therefore, Shen Lingxing arranged for Mrs. Xu to cook at home, so she’d have a hearty meal ready once she returned home.

Today, Mi Jing went out early for shopping. Because there were many trivial matters, she was so busy that she forgot to eat breakfast. Near midday, she finally had some free time and remembered she hadn’t eaten breakfast as her empty stomach started growling.

"Mr. Ji, do you have freshly made pumpkin pancakes?" Just as she reached the kitchen door, Mi Jing couldn’t wait any longer, looking at Master Ji’s somewhat thin back and asked.

"Yes. Did you forget to eat breakfast again?" Master Ji was kneading dough and turned his head upon hearing, gazing at Mi Jing with a mix of disapproval and fond concern.

"Once in a while, it’s no big deal." Mi Jing walked into the kitchen, laughing carelessly.

"You really don’t know how to take care of yourself." Master Ji handed the plate of pumpkin pancakes to Mi Jing, his tone carrying a bit of helplessness.

"Hehe, I’m already trying to improve bit by bit. Compared to before, I’ve made significant progress." Mi Jing took a bite of the pumpkin pancake, speaking with her mouth full.

"That’s true." Master Ji nodded in agreement with a smile, then continued his work—kneading dough.

Since marrying Shen Lingxing, Mi Jing gradually kicked the bad habit of skipping breakfast. Because if she wasn’t out early, Shen Lingxing would always wake up before her to prepare breakfast, alternating between Western and Chinese dishes, pampering her palate.

"Jing, there’s someone looking for you outside."

At this moment, Mi Jing had just finished a pumpkin pancake when a staff called from the kitchen door suddenly.

"Who is it?" Mi Jing asked curiously.

"I don’t know, never seen them before." The staff replied.

"Then find a spot for them to sit, I’ll come out in a bit."

"Okay."

After the staff left, Mi Jing quickly grabbed a pumpkin pancake and stuffed it into her mouth, hurriedly chewing to fill her stomach!

"Cough cough—"

Eating too quickly, the pancake got stuck in her throat, Mi Jing felt awful and started coughing uncontrollably.

"What’s wrong?"

Hearing the coughs, Master Ji immediately put down his work, glanced at Mi Jing’s flushed face, then hurriedly poured a glass of juice and handed it to her, urging, "Quick! Drink some juice."

Mi Jing gulped down a couple of big sips of juice, finally catching her breath.

"Whew, almost choked to death!" Mi Jing exhaled, still red-faced.

"You kid, such words are inauspicious." Seeing Mi Jing was okay, Master Ji sighed in relief but couldn’t help reprimanding her words.

"Hehe. I’ll be careful from now on." Mi Jing looked at Master Ji, straightened up and said seriously.

"Are you full? Do you want me to make you some noodles?" After the café was vandalized last time, Master Ji felt a gratitude towards Mi Jing. Though he was injured while working, Mi Jing gave him financial compensation and showed a lot of care and support, seeing her like a daughter, naturally concerned.

Similarly, Mi Jing felt grateful towards Master Ji for his kindness, remembering it well, and their interactions became less formal.

"No need, I am full." Mi Jing finished the juice, took a breath, and with a smile, declined Master Ji’s offer.

With a full stomach, Mi Jing felt completely revived and spirited as she walked out.

"Pingyan, where is the person who is looking for me?" Mi Jing casually scanned the café, not seeing any familiar faces, so asked the staff who called her from the kitchen.

"Jing."

Before the staff could answer, a stranger’s voice called out. Mi Jing turned around and saw Mrs. Su smiling warmly at her from a corner.

"Mrs. Su?" Mi Jing was astonished, not expecting someone she only met once to specifically come looking for her.

"I heard from Xing’er that you run a café here. I happened to be passing by today and came in. I hope I’m not intruding?" Su Aiping stood up from her seat, politely asking.

"Of course not. Mrs. Su’s visit is very welcome." Mi Jing smiled broadly.