[Ding.] Su Meng’s phone screen lit up—it was another video from Su Che.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she quickly tapped to open it.
In the video, the lighting in the piano room was soft and warm. Jiang Ning was patiently teaching Mengmeng to play the piano. His gaze was gentle and focused, his long fingers danced lightly across the keys, and he explained the notes in a calm, soothing voice. Every movement, every expression, radiated care and attentiveness.
Su Meng was stunned. She couldn’t help but admire him inwardly. “No way… Jiang Ning knows this much?!”
Not only could he teach drawing well, but now he was also teaching piano—and doing it impressively. His patience with Mengmeng was truly rare.
Thinking about this, Su Meng’s opinion of Jiang Ning rose to a new level.
She recalled how she had asked her younger brother, Su Che, to find a trustworthy person to be a stay-at-home dad. At that time, Su Che had recommended his college classmate Jiang Ning, but she had firmly objected.
In her mind, how could a young man possibly take care of a little girl properly? It just didn’t seem possible.
In the end, she gave in to her brother’s persistence. He had advised her to observe first, and if it didn’t work out, she could always find someone else. She’d only agreed to give Jiang Ning a one-day trial just to save face for her brother, assuming that he wouldn’t last the day and would quit on his own.
But unexpectedly, in just one day, Jiang Ning had bonded with Mengmeng so well. Mengmeng had already shown noticeable change, which gave her peace of mind to go on her business trip.
She had left her assistant behind at the company just in case Jiang Ning couldn’t manage and a new babysitter needed to be arranged quickly.
Now, it seemed she had been too suspicious.
As she watched the video, Su Meng’s gaze was unconsciously drawn to Jiang Ning’s back. Broad and warm, it gave off a reassuring strength. Her eyes locked onto that silhouette, completely forgetting that Mengmeng was sitting right beside him.
Time slipped by quietly. Another hour passed.
“Mengmeng, today’s piano lesson is over. Let’s go downstairs—you can watch some TV while Uncle Jiang makes something tasty for you. How does that sound?” Jiang Ning’s gentle voice broke the peaceful atmosphere in the piano room.
“But… but Mengmeng still can’t play Two Tigers!” she said with a pout, her little brows furrowed.
“You’ve done amazing already! For someone your age to learn so much in just one hour—Mengmeng is super awesome!” Jiang Ning said, ruffling her hair with a smile full of encouragement.
“Really? Am I really amazing?” Mengmeng’s eyes lit up instantly, her voice soft and sweet.
“Hehe, then Mengmeng will go watch TV! I want to watch Pandas Aren’t Vegetarians!” she clapped happily, a big smile on her face.
“Let’s go.” Jiang Ning held her chubby little hand and led her into the elevator, heading down to the first floor.
As soon as he saw Su Che, Jiang Ning asked, “Old Su, are you sure you want to stay for lunch?”
“Of course! I’ve never tasted your cooking before—I have to try it today!” Su Che said with eager anticipation, rubbing his hands together.
“Alright then. You keep Mengmeng company while she watches TV. She wants to see Pandas Aren’t Vegetarians. Help her find it. I’m off to the kitchen.” Jiang Ning said as he headed off.
“Don’t worry, Old Jiang, go on. Mengmeng, come here, sweetie—Uncle Su will turn on your cartoon,” Su Che said dotingly as he took Mengmeng’s hand.
Jiang Ning knew Su Che’s appetite and taste preferences like the back of his hand. Back in college, they ate in the cafeteria every day together. He remembered exactly what Su Che liked and disliked.
He opened the fridge—thankfully, there were enough ingredients.
Jiang Ning set up his phone and started filming as usual. The video showed only his hands, the neatly arranged ingredients, and the blazing stove—never his face.
Half an hour later, the rich aroma of food began to drift out from the kitchen into the living room.
“Wow, what smells so good?” Su Che couldn’t help exclaiming, sniffing the air deeply.
“Hehe, Uncle Su, don’t you know? Uncle Jiang’s cooking is so delicious!” Mengmeng lifted her head proudly, her eyes sparkling like little stars.
“Really? Then Uncle Su is in for a treat.” Su Che grinned, his stomach letting out an untimely “gurgle.” Embarrassed, he chuckled and swallowed unconsciously.
Five more minutes passed.
When he glanced at his account, he was stunned.
In such a short time, his followers had shot up to over 300,000. Likes were still climbing, and the number of comments was countless.
But now wasn’t the time to check all that. He quickly turned off his phone.
“Mengmeng, go wash your hands—it’s time to eat! Old Su, come eat!” Jiang Ning called out while bringing out steaming dishes one by one, all vibrant, fragrant, and mouthwatering.
After turning off the TV and washing their hands, Su Che and Mengmeng came to the table.
“Gurgle…” Su Che’s stomach protested again.
Seeing the table full of delicious dishes, his eyes widened in shock. “No way, Old Jiang—when did you get so good at cooking? These dishes look like art! The colors and aromas are on par with a five-star chef. I just hope they taste as good as they look.”
While scooping rice, Jiang Ning casually replied, “Back in college when we ate together, did you ever ask me that?”
He certainly couldn’t tell Su Che that all this skill came from binding to the Super Stay-at-Home Dad System.
“Alright, stop talking. Dig in,” Jiang Ning said with a smile.
Today, he had specially prepared steamed fish.
He remembered how much Su Che loved fish back in college, so he wanted to surprise him.
On the table, the steamed fish was beautifully plated. The tender white fish meat was topped with bright green scallions and golden ginger strips. The soy-based sauce shimmered under the lights, releasing waves of savory fragrance.
Su Che couldn’t wait—he picked up a piece of fish and popped it into his mouth. The fresh, tender meat melted between his teeth, delicate and smooth, dissolving instantly.
The steaming preserved the fish’s natural taste perfectly. A light aroma of fish blended with the freshness of the scallion and ginger—balanced, rich, and full of ocean flavor.
“Old Jiang, your cooking is incredible! This steamed fish is spot on. It could compete with a five-star restaurant’s!” Su Che praised while chewing, giving a thumbs up with admiration in his eyes.
Jiang Ning looked at Su Che eating with such satisfaction, and a warm, content smile spread across his face.
At that moment, all the effort felt completely worth it.