Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: Eating
Chapter 86: Eating
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Shen Jun greeted him politely. “Hello, Uncle.”
Wen Nian’s father introduced Shen Jun, saying, “Dad, this is my classmate, Shen Jun.”
Wen Xing smiled and nodded. “Hello, Student Shen.”
“Wen Nian, please bring your classmate and have a seat. Your mother will be finished cooking soon.”
Zhou Mei, who was preparing the last dish in the kitchen, caught a glimpse of Shen Jun through the window of the serving area. Although she didn’t see his face clearly, she knew that he was a boy.
As Wen Nian entered the kitchen to serve the dishes, Zhou Mei stopped her and asked softly, “The classmate who has been tutoring you is a guy?”
In China, parents of underage children who are studying would pay special attention to two issues: academic performance and dating at a young age. As a result, they tend to be particularly concerned about the company their children keep.
Although she didn’t go as far as to say that she hoped her child wouldn’t date a classmate of the opposite sex, she was nevertheless a little worried.
Of course, Wen Nian knew what Zhou Mei was thinking. She chuckled and said, “With his family background, he won’t be interested in your daughter. Don’t worry! He consistently scores first place in both the monthly and midterm exams. In every aspect, I am still far inferior to him.”
With that, Wen Nian brought out the dishes that had been stir-fried.
When Zhou Mei heard Wen Nian’s words, she initially felt slightly relieved. However, she soon began to feel uneasy. Was her daughter not good enough for him? She knew her daughter was excellent!
It was only temporary for her daughter’s grades to fall behind. Zhou Mei comforted herself.
Soon, the dishes were all served. The restaurant did not lack ingredients. Although it was a last-minute decision, Zhou Mei still made five dishes and a soup. There was boiled beef, sauteed golden fish, scrambled eggs with bitter melons, stir-fried rapeseed, handmade shrimp balls, and vegetable soup.
Zhou Mei even asked Sister Sun, who was still in the kitchen, to join them for dinner.
After everyone had taken their seats, Wen Nian introduced Zhou Mei and Shen Jun. The two greeted each other politely.
Zhou Mei couldn’t help but feel a bit stunned when she caught sight of Shen Jun’s appearance, but she quickly composed herself and offered a warm smile. “Student Shen,” she said, “thank you so much for taking care of Wen Nian. I cooked some homemade food for us. I hope it suits your taste.
Shen Jun’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Auntie, you and Wen Nian are too kind. Please just call me Shen Jun. Wen Nian and I are classmates, so it’s only natural for us to help each other out.”
Wen Xing’s warm smile matched Zhou Mei’s as she spoke up. “I believe there’s no need for formalities, Shen Jun. Please treat this place as your home and help yourself to anything you’d like. Don’t hesitate to take what you want,” she said, gesturing towards the food.
Shen Jun replied, “Okay.”
As everyone began to eat, Shen Jun and Wen Nian seemed perfectly at ease. However, the other three guests, despite being in a familiar setting, couldn’t shake off a sense of unease that lingered in the air.
Wen Nian seemed to sense their discomfort but chose to remain silent. Some things were ingrained from childhood and often went unnoticed by the person involved, yet were palpable to others around them.
Shen Jun had been taught from a young age not to speak during meals, but in reality, his family wasn’t particularly strict about it. They only followed this rule when dining with unfamiliar company. Thus, Shen Jun failed to notice anything amiss during the meal.
After a silent meal, the Wen couple engaged in a brief conversation with Shen Jun. Sensing that the two still had dinner preparations to attend to, he took the initiative to speak. “Auntie, the food was delicious, and your hospitality was much appreciated. I have already taken up too much of your time. I will take my leave now.”
Wen Xing waved his hand dismissively and replied, “Please don’t worry about us, Shen Jun. Even if you didn’t come, we would still have to eat. Since you love Zhou Mei’s cooking, visit us again whenever you want to get a taste of it.”
Shen Jun smiled, realizing that Wen Xing was simply being polite. “Thank you, I would love to join you all again. Just let me know if I’m ever a bother.”
Wen Nian accompanied Shen Jun to the door of the shop and then turned to him, sounding curious. “Now that it’s just the two of us, can I ask you something? Do you really think my mother’s cooking is delicious?”
When Shen Jun heard this, he chuckled. “Did I sound that insincere?”
After a moment of contemplation, Wen Nian replied, “You didn’t sound insincere. It’s just that I figured after having tasted so many delicious dishes, you might have become more selective and discerning with your taste buds.”
Shen Jun answered, “Your mom’s cooking is not the best I’ve ever tasted, but you can never get tired of home-cooked meals.”
Wen Nian realized that she had never come to this understanding in her previous life. She had always believed that everything outside of her own home was better. She had not expected Shen Jun to recognize the simple joy that could be found in such a peaceful and contented existence.
Wen Nian gave her a thumbs up in agreement. “You’re quite perceptive. Despite the many delicious foods out there, I still prefer my mother’s cooking above all else.”
The two of them chatted a little longer before bidding each other farewell. Wen Nian then made her way back to the noodle shop..