When Wen Wan went to get the bowls and chopsticks, she was stunned by Xu Cheng’an’s efficiency.
The kitchen looked completely refreshed—even the glass had been wiped spotless.
Wen Wan first scooped a few wontons into her own bowl, then pushed the rest toward Xu Cheng’an.
Seeing the few wontons floating in her bowl, Xu Cheng’an frowned slightly. That amount wasn’t even enough to fill the gaps between his teeth.
Just as he was about to persuade her to eat more, she said, “When I’m too tired, I don’t have much of an appetite. This is enough.”
She had just felt a bit tired earlier and drank a few drops of the spiritual spring essence. Now she truly wasn’t very hungry.
Xu Cheng’an watched her eat—it looked exhausting. She picked out the chopped scallions one by one, and each wonton took two or three bites to finish.
So delicate.
How had she even grown up like this?
He had already finished his bowl, while out of her six wontons, she still had three left.
Xu Cheng’an could only wait for her to finish before leaving.
He glanced at her fingers holding the spoon—slender and fair, almost blending into the white porcelain.
Forget it—he might as well clean up while he was at it.
After Wen Wan finished eating, Xu Cheng’an gathered the dishes and went into the kitchen. Wen Wan blinked, thinking—he really was the perfect domestic man.
Tall, well-built, handsome, and capable of housework—he was exactly her type.
After being single for twenty years, she suddenly felt like she wanted to fall in love.
She had heard from that policewoman that Officer Xu was single.
Should be okay, right?
Okay, right!
Okay!
Yes!
Definitely!
Wen Wan rummaged through her suitcase and took out her portable mini electric kettle. As someone who cared about wellness, she insisted on drinking hot water even while traveling.
Xu Cheng’an had been busy all day and hadn’t even had a sip of water from her yet.
She used spiritual spring water, steeped with roses and lemons she had grown herself using the same spring.
One cup would surely clear his fatigue and leave him feeling refreshed.
After finishing in the kitchen, Xu Cheng’an heated a pot of water on the stove so she could wash up later.
“Officer Xu, have a cup of water before you go.”
The girl held out a cup, looking up at him with a warm, beautiful smile.
In the white porcelain cup, rose petals bloomed vividly, with slices of lemon floating. The fragrance of the flowers and the freshness of the lemon drifted toward him.
Fine—he’d have a cup before leaving.
“Is it good?” Wen Wan asked expectantly.
No one who had tasted her floral tea had ever said it wasn’t good.
Xu Cheng’an’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.
“Not bad.”
He had tasted many fine teas before. This was his first time trying floral tea, and he couldn’t bring himself to say it wasn’t good.
“Then take this jar back with you. I made it myself—you have to accept it, Officer Xu.” Wen Wan stuffed the small glass jar into his hand.
Her fingers lightly brushed against his. Before he could even register the touch, she had already withdrawn her hand, afraid he might refuse.
Police work was physically demanding. With her tea, he wouldn’t feel as tired and could stay energized.
Xu Cheng’an glanced down at the delicate glass jar in his hand. “Thank you. It’s getting late—I should go.”
“So soon?” Wen Wan murmured softly.
She actually felt a little reluctant to see him leave.
The small courtyard was quiet, and with Xu Cheng’an’s keen hearing, he naturally caught it.
“There are officers on duty in this area at night. Don’t be afraid,” he reassured her.
Even though she had separated from her family, it didn’t mean they wouldn’t come back to bother her. Living alone as a young woman wasn’t entirely safe.
“Can you stay a little longer? I want to take a bath, but I’m scared being alone.”
After all, this was an unfamiliar place. Being by herself, she was afraid someone might intrude.
There were no surveillance cameras in this era.
If she encountered some pervert, even if she wasn’t scared to death, she’d be disgusted to death.
Xu Cheng’an fell silent. The girl was a bit troublesome.
But the way she looked at him—he softened again.
The wooden tub was a bit bulky and inconvenient, but it would have to do for now.
Wen Wan decided to find a craftsman tomorrow to renovate the washroom.
Since there was already drainage, it should be possible to install a flush toilet—and maybe even a bathtub for easier bathing.
She didn’t know how long she would be stuck in this broken novel world, so she couldn’t let herself suffer.
She added spiritual spring water to her bath, and with Xu Cheng’an guarding the door, she could relax and enjoy it.
She even sprinkled rose petals into the water.
Although she had been here for less than two days, it already felt like a century had passed.
Hearing a knock at the door, Xu Cheng’an’s already stern expression turned alert.
“Wanwan, it’s Siyuan. My mom made some pancakes and asked me to bring them to you.”
Before Xu Cheng’an reached the door, he heard a male voice filled with barely concealed excitement.
At that moment, he felt a strange sense of relief—relief that he hadn’t left earlier.
Otherwise…
“Wanwan, are you there?” the voice outside called again.
Xu Cheng’an frowned slightly and unlocked the door.
When Ma Siyuan saw who opened it, his smile froze. After a moment, he asked, “Officer… why are you at Wanwan’s house?”
“What is your relationship with Wen Wan? What do you want with her?” Xu Cheng’an’s tone was stern, his sharp gaze making Ma Siyuan nervous.
“I—I’m Ma Siyuan, Aunt Zhang’s son from next door. We grew up together. My mom said Wanwan moved here, so I came to bring her dinner. Where is she?”
As he spoke, Ma Siyuan couldn’t help glancing inside, but Xu Cheng’an stood firmly at the door, clearly not letting him enter.
“She’s bathing. She’s already had dinner. I’ll pass on the message—take these back.”
Though Xu Cheng’an spoke calmly, his tone left no room for refusal.
Ma Siyuan’s step forward halted instinctively.
It wasn’t until the door closed that he came to his senses.
Who was that officer? Why was he in Wanwan’s house? What was his relationship with her?
He had been questioned but hadn’t even had the chance to ask his own questions.
Still, that officer was a bit intimidating. He’d come back tomorrow instead.
After her bath, Wen Wan felt like every pore of her body had been nourished—she felt much more comfortable.
The night was a bit chilly, so she wore a long dress down to her ankles with a shawl draped loosely over her shoulders.
“Officer Xu, did someone come by just now?” she asked. She had vaguely heard voices while bathing.
Already fair, after bathing her skin looked even more delicate—like smooth jade, almost sculpted from snow. Even the breeze brushing through her long hair carried a faint fragrance, her swaying strands stirring the heart.
Xu Cheng’an swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. “Mm. A neighbor brought you dinner.”
“The neighbors are so kind,” Wen Wan said with a soft, sweet laugh.
Xu Cheng’an frowned. Bringing dinner was kindness?
It was clearly ulterior motives.
“Don’t open the door casually when you’re living alone,” he instructed.
He had just replaced the lock—if she didn’t open it, most people wouldn’t be able to get in.
“I’m not that foolish, okay?”
She had only asked him to stay because she was worried someone might come while she was bathing.
“Neighbors aren’t always kind,” Xu Cheng’an emphasized the word “neighbors.”
Many assaults were committed by acquaintances.
“I know. I don’t trust just anyone—I only trust you, Officer Xu.”