Chapter 1176: Chapter 1176: Extra Story of the Eel 13

Childhood companions and innocent playmates—the idea is alluring to many.

Perhaps it’s because everyone hopes their lover can accompany them from a young age, sharing the sweetness and bitterness of growing up together, gradually developing an unbreakable bond through the everyday moments spent side by side.

But in reality, it’s rarely possible.

Because human nature, especially in the case of males, tends to be more easily drawn to mysterious and novel things. Over-familiarity with someone nearby may hinder romantic feelings from blossoming and instead nurture friendship or familial affection.

…

Aunt Zhang said Li Li hasn’t “woken up” yet.

But Lu Yuwen believed that whether or not someone “wakes up” has nothing to do with time or their chosen field of study. It depends solely on who the other person is.

To put it simply, if Li Li doesn’t feel a spark with Su Man today, then it’s very likely he won’t feel one tomorrow, or the day after.

Outside, footsteps sounded. The dragging of slippers against the floor came with a heavy noise, hinting at the owner’s foul mood.

Su Man stormed in angrily.

Aunt Zhang had already laid out the bowls and chopsticks on the dining table and served each of them a bowl of porridge. Seeing Su Man return, she asked curiously, “What happened now?”

Su Man pulled the chair out forcefully, sat down with a dark expression, and said angrily:

“That Li Li fellow has no conscience! I kindly brought him porridge, and he blamed me for waking him up! There’s even an award ceremony today—couldn’t he wake up a little earlier? He didn’t even open the door for me!”

Aunt Zhang laughed, seemingly accustomed to their antics, and said, “You two—there’s never a day you don’t fight. You used to get along so well when you were little.”

Su Man paused at this, looking forlorn, and muttered to herself, “Yeah… when we were kids, he clung to me every day. When I went to summer camp, he couldn’t see me and cried his eyes out. Now? He finds me irritating every day.”

Lu Yuwen comforted her, “It’s because he’s close to you that he doesn’t hold back when throwing a tantrum. Don’t dwell on it, have some porridge before it gets cold—it won’t taste as good once it cools.”

Su Man felt slightly better, looked up at him, and smiled, “Uncle Li and Auntie Li said the porridge smells delightful today. If he loves to sleep in, then he deserves to miss out on it.”

Lu Yuwen chuckled, nudged his bowl toward her, and asked, “When you head to the hospital later, are you staying there?”

Su Man: “Mm. My mom is very picky about beds; she probably didn’t sleep well last night. I’ll take her place for the day and come home tonight.”

She lowered her head to sip two spoonfuls of porridge. The flavor shocked her, and her eyes instantly lit up.

In truth, her appearance leaned toward an elegant and mature style, but occasionally a trace of childlike innocence would surface—this peculiar contradiction made her both fascinating and endearing.

Lu Yuwen watched her enjoying the porridge and, slowly, even he began to feel the porridge tasted better.

“Uncle Su still needs another month before he’s discharged. You’re running back and forth and must be exhausted. You might consider hiring a caregiver from the hospital.”

Su Man shook her head, “No way, even with a caregiver, my mom would still have to visit often. You don’t understand—don’t be fooled by my dad’s appearance… he’s quite the drama king. If he doesn’t see my mom for a day, he feels neglected and acts all pitiful, saying no one cares about him when he’s old. So, my mom definitely has to go.”

Lu Yuwen laughed, “Uncle and Auntie are so loving—it’s really enviable.”

Aunt Zhang emerged from the kitchen carrying an insulated lunchbox, coincidentally hearing this, and chimed in cheerfully, “That’s right! I’ve been working here for over ten years and have never seen the Mr. and Mrs. quarrel even once.”

Su Man playfully blinked, “That’s not true. My mom argues with him at least seven times a week, complaining he’s too clingy!”

Aunt Zhang shook her head with a smile, “That doesn’t count. That doesn’t count…”

Lu Yuwen listened to their conversation, stirring the porridge in his bowl with slow deliberation, the edges of his lips soft with a gentle smile:

“The way parents interact often impacts their children. You’ll probably end up finding a great husband like your dad someday.”

Su Man didn’t hesitate and nodded: “That’d be—”

Then…

The words stuck. The third syllable got swallowed halfway down her throat.

She thought of Li Li.

He already disliked her so much now—how could he possibly cling to her the way her dad clung to her mom in the future?

Thinking this, her mood fell instantly…