You Owe Me, My Love

Chapter 383 Wonderfully Sweet And Simple

Wu Nian enjoyed talking to people like Gu Mingchen. Their conversation was relaxed, at ease, and free of conflict, providing a glimpse into a wonderfully sweet and simple life. Occasionally, he would speak, and she could feel the sweet sensation flowing in her veins just by listening to his voice.

"Oh, yes, I do cook. What about fish tofu soup? The wild crucian carp from the lake would be perfect for that dish,” Wu Nian replied with a smile.

Gu Mingchen glanced at her and smiled, too.

He rarely smiled, and when he did he looked quite dashing.

“Other than crucian carps, we also caught a silver carp and a herring. Let's see what you can do with them.” Gu Mingchen posed a challenge.

Just then, Shen Yiyan walked out of the room, well-dressed as always, He smiled at them as he joined in the conversation, “It seems I'm in luck today. Chief Gu's an expert at fishing, while I've only caught a dozen small crucian carps. Ah, the shame!”

“You deserve it, idiot!" Liu Yan came out of the room with her cheeks flushed, unsure if it was due to anger or shyness.

She approached Wu Nian and grabbed her by the arm. “Nian, you'll be cooking tonight, and I shall assist you.”

Shen Yiyan pursed his lips, holding back a chuckle.

Liu Yan glared at him. And what the heck are you laughing at?

After that, she led Wu Nian to the kitchen and shut the door behind them. She reported her findings to Wu Nian. “Nian, when you weren't here just now, I told them about Su Xuyan. Gu Mingchen said there would be no surprises. I'm guessing he has an idea on what's going to happen, but I can't figure out how he intends to make it work.”

“Gu Mingchen can be quite reliable when it comes to getting things done. Let's just wait and see Most of the time, the best-laid plans tend to go awry.”

Knock, knock, knock. Someone was knocking on the door.

Wu Nian went to open it.

The butler stood grinning at the door, carrying two buckets of fish.

Wu Nian took the buckets from him, and Liu Yan closed the door after he left. The latter looked into the containers and was disgusted by the sight. “No compare, no despair. If you ask me, Shen Yiyan's really lame. He caught so many fish but none are as useful as Gu Mingchen's only catch.” "Everyone's a master in their own field. Besides, fishing requires luck, more or less,” Wu Nian said, as she began cleaning the fish.

Liu Yan looked toward the door. When she was sure no one would interrupt them, she lowered her voice and spoke to Wu Nian, “Shen Yiyan wants me to go back with him tomorrow. You'll have to negotiate on my behalf. The condition I put forward is that if the partnership falls through, I want to take one week off next month to go traveling with Bao. He's agreed to it.”

“That's great. That way, even if it comes to naught, you can still go traveling.” Wu Nian expressed her happiness for Liu Yan.

“Yeah, I think so too. That leaves us with Aaron when it comes to travel plans. By the way, why didn't he contact you today?”

"His plane took off at eight o'clock this morning. He should be in Ustrana by now.” Wu Nian took out her phone to check. There were no calls from Aaron yet.

Liu Yan snatched the phone from her. “If he doesn't call, then you do it. Gosh, you shouldn't be so passive.”

As she said that, Liu Yan dialed the man’s number.

Wu Nian failed to stop her in time.

The call went through.

Liu Yan placed the phone by Wu Nian's ear.

“Hey.” Wu Nian spoke first.

“Hehe, I feel much better after getting your call. What are you doing now?” Aaron gave a gentle reply.

“I'm making dinner. You must be tired from your journey. You should get some rest,” Wu Nian said, intent on ending the phone call.

"Oh my, I'm getting hungry just hearing that. Haha. I wish to get a taste of your cooking.”

“You'll get your chance,” Wu Nian said. Not knowing what to say next, she fell silent.

But Aaron was a brilliant conversationalist. “That's settled, then. If I ever get to visit A City, you'll prepare dinner for me. Don't go back on your word now.”

“Sure.”

Wu Nian fell silent again.

The sudden silence was quite eerie. Wu Nian found herself in an awkward position, not knowing whether she should hang up or not.

Aaron paused for five seconds as well before he spoke. “Nian, I'm facing a little problem here, but there's nothing to worry about. I'll get it fixed soon. It's just... you'll have to wait a little longer.”

Wu Nian understood. After all, an arranged marriage was no trivial matter. It could change the fate of two families.

“That's okay. Even if you change your mind, I'm fine with that. Don't force yourself to take up too much burden and stress. Whenever you feel conflicted and can't find the way out, just think of your expectations, both the good and the bad. Write them all down. Add one point for every positive situation you can think of and deduct one point for every negative one. You'll get a sensible answer eventually,” Wu Nian suggested

Over the phone, Aaron chuckled. “To be honest, it doesn't matter to me how many negative points I end up with. Because I want to be with you, and Ill work hard toward that goal. I'm pretty much set for life. I'm just worried that if you wait too long, you won't give me a chance. “

Wu Nian lowered her gaze. Her long eyelashes hid the spark in her eyes. For a while, she went silent, not responding to Aaron.

Aaron chuckled lightly. “I guess God is really fair and just. I've always felt that I didn't score well in the health department, but I seem to handle relationships with ease. And now, it seems karma has come for me. It's okay though. You can hang up.”

Feeling bittersweet, Wu Nian responded, “Can we start as friends?”

Aaron grinned. “I am willing to be your knight.”

“Well... I have to get cooking now. So I'll talk to you later.”

"Okay."

Wu Nian looked at Liu Yan, who took the cue and ended the call. Then, with a smile, she gave her comment. “I think Aaron's a really nice guy. He's quite a gentleman and, from what I gather, I think he’s crazy about you.”

"He's a good friend. I'm just worried he'll get too serious about this, and I can't return his feelings if that happens. But, all in all, I think he’s just new to this. He doesn't seem like an irrational person,” Wu Nian deduced.

Liu Yan wanted to speak, but whatever advice she thought of ultimately fell short.

She knew Wu Nian had her own ideas and would not listen to her.

That night, Wu Nian made fish tofu soup, boiled fish with pickled greens, steamed fish head, stir- fried fish with green pepper, braised crucian carp, and steamed herring.

Gu Mingchen stayed for dinner. They talked about random subjects and avoided sensitive topics. Liu Yan and Shen Yiyan had to return to the country the morning after, so they left after dinner.

Wu Nian saw Gu Mingchen out.

“Do you need me to fetch you to the party tomorrow?” Gu Mingchen asked.

“No, I can drive.” Wu Nian rejected his offer.

“Alright. Drive safe, then,” Gu Mingchen urged her.

"Of course. You take care, too.” Wu Nian nodded respectfully.

Gu Mingchen glanced deeply into her eyes.

After they completed their task, they would return home for real. Then, she should be staying at his place in the long run. He looked forward to that. He could not wait to be by her side again. But, for now, they would have to part.

“Did Yanny call you?” Gu Mingchen asked.

Wu Nian shook her head. Speaking of Yanny, she was beginning to miss him.

“Kids. Their enthusiasm doesn't last long. Once you're not by his side, he'll forget about you in a jiffy. These things take time. When you are better acquainted with him, maybe in two or three years, he'll be able to remember you,” Gu Mingchen said while giving her a knowing look.

"Yes. Rest assured, Mr. Gu. I will take care of your children.”

“Hey, I don't doubt your abilities. That's why I'm taking you on the job. Well, Ill see you tomorrow, then,” Gu Mingchen said solemnly, his gaze never left her.

All he really wanted was to see her every day.

“See you tomorrow,” Wu Nian said.

“See you tomorrow,” he repeated, as though seeing her tomorrow was of high priority.