"Ding, you have a new message, please check it."
Zhou Chao glanced at his phone and noticed a message from Chao Yue. "Sure, I'm free tonight. Let me take you out for dinner as a token of gratitude for your assistance the other day."
"No problem at all. Tonight, it's my treat. My sister is also a big fan of yours, so having you here is the greatest form of gratitude."
"Great."
After pondering for a moment, Zhou Chao decided to cook dinner at home instead of going out. He sent a message to Chao Yue, informing her about the plan and sharing the address.
"OK," replied Chao Yue.
They chatted for a while longer, and then Chao Yue had to attend to some matters.
Zhou Chao called the property manager, Yang Mi, and instructed her to expect a visitor later. He arranged for easy access and asked her to purchase some meat, seafood, and vegetables, which would be delivered to his home. Half an hour later, the purchased items arrived.
Looking at the time, it was already close to 5 o'clock. Zhou Chao carried the groceries into the kitchen and said, "Xiaoyan, help me wash the vegetables." The kitchen soon filled with the sound of clattering as Xiaoyan washed the vegetables, while Zhou Chao skillfully chopped them. In no time, all the vegetables were ready, leaving Xiaoyan amazed.
"Brother, you're so skilled in the kitchen. Watching you chop vegetables is a visual delight. With so many dishes today, can the two of us finish them all?" Xiaoyan exclaimed, admiring Zhou Chao's culinary prowess.
"Wait, someone is coming over for dinner," Zhou Chao replied.
"Could it be a young lady?" Xiaoyan asked, glancing at Zhou Chao with a mischievous look, making him slightly embarrassed.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Time flew by, and it was already 6:30 PM. Zhou Chao had finished cooking most of the dishes, with only the soup left to prepare.
"Ring, ring."
"Xiaoyan, please answer the door," Zhou Chao called out to Xiaoyan, who was lounging on the sofa.
"I heard you," she replied.
Xiaoyan got up from the sofa and opened the door. Two young ladies wearing masks and sunglasses stood outside, making it difficult to see their faces clearly. "Please come in," Xiaoyan stepped aside and invited them in.
"Phew, it's so hot outside," the lady in front exclaimed as she entered, immediately removing her "armor."
"Ah, Chao Yue, it's really you," Xiaoyan exclaimed upon recognizing the familiar face. "I'm such a fan of yours! Brother, is it really her, Chao Yue?" Xiaoyan ran into the kitchen, grabbing Zhou Chao's arm.
"I know, stop shaking my arm. Go outside and chat with Chao Yue," Zhou Chao said, stepping out. "Chao Yue, please talk to Xiaoyan for a while. This is my sister, Xiaoyan. She's also your fan. You two should get to know each other." With that, he returned to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Zhou Chao listened to the lively chatter outside and couldn't help but smile. Girls always got along well, and soon there was laughter and conversation filling the air. Zhou Chao checked on the dishes he had prepared and took them out from the warming cabinet. Soon, the table was filled with exquisite food.
"Chao Yue, Xiaoyan, and Assistant, let's eat," they all took their seats.
"Wow, brother, what are all these dishes? I've never had them before, but they look so delicious. I want to eat them all," Xiaoyan exclaimed, tempted by the aroma and the variety of dishes on the table.
"Chao Yue, you're from Su Province, so I made some simple Su cuisine. We have stewed Sheng Qiao, lamb with fangcang fish, braised chicken with Fu, and braised lion head. Of course, there's also your favorite fish-flavored shredded pork and Kung Pao chicken. I'm not sure if they suit your taste, so why don't you and Assistant try them first?" Zhou Chao uncovered the dishes while introducing them.
The three of them immediately took out their phones and snapped numerous photos from various angles. After admiring the food for a while, they finally put down their phones.
"Wow, it all looks so appetizing. Zhou Chao, your culinary skills are incredible. This braised lion head is my favorite. I haven't had it in a long time," Chao Yue said, her eyes fixed on the dish in front of her, her mouth watering.
Zhou Chao observed Chao Yue's expression and smiled. "Go ahead and eat. It won't taste as good if it gets cold." The dining table erupted with lively conversation and laughter. The atmosphere was joyful, and the bonds between them grew stronger during this mealtime war.
After a satisfying meal, the four of them sat on the sofa, their stomachs full.
"Zhou Chao, your cooking is so delicious. I've never had such amazing food before. What if I can't eat such delicious dishes in the future? I'll be disappointed by anything else I eat. I want to eat your food every day," Chao Yue rubbed her satisfied belly, feeling a sense of unparalleled contentment.
"That's right," Assistant chimed in.
Zhou Chao looked at the empty plates on the table and smiled. "It's alright. Whenever you have the chance, you can come over for a meal. It's just a matter of adding a few more pairs of chopsticks. Besides, I'm usually free, so cooking is a great option for me."
"That's what you said. When the time comes, I'll come over and eat with you. Don't blame me then," Chao Yue teased.
"And me too! Don't forget about me," Assistant quickly added, as if worried that they wouldn't invite her again.
"Sure, both of you can come anytime," Zhou Chao replied, smiling at the two of them.
"Brother, what about me? If I can't have your delicious food in the future, eating anything else will be tasteless for me. I want to eat your food every day," Xiaoyan stared at Zhou Chao with her eyes wide open.
"You little foodie, I'll cook delicious food for you every day. It shouldn't be a problem," Zhou Chao assured her.
Xiaoyan's smile bloomed like a flower. "Mua, thank you, big brother."
They chatted for a while longer, and then Zhou Chao stood up and said, "Why don't you all go to the rooftop terrace and enjoy the night view? I'll tidy up the table."
"Chao, let me clean up. You all go ahead and enjoy," Assistant quickly stood up and offered.
"It's fine. The three of you go. I can't let a girl like you do the cleaning," Zhou Chao said, turning to clean up the battlefield on the dining table.
After Zhou Chao finished tidying up the table and the kitchen, it was already 9:30 PM. He went upstairs and found the three of them lying on the recliners, chatting and gazing at the night sky.
"Zhou Chao, you're so lucky. The night view of the Huangpu River is truly beautiful. The scenery at the Bund is mesmerizing. I wish I could see this breathtaking view every day," Chao Yue remarked, her eyes fixed on the stunning sight.
"Chao Yue, why don't you become my sister-in-law? My brother is young and successful, and he's still single. You two are a perfect match," Xiaoyan interjected, not shying away from big matters.
"Chao Yue, don't listen to Xiaoyan's nonsense," Zhou Chao said, playfully tapping Xiaoyan's forehead twice.
"It's alright," Chao Yue unintentionally glanced at Zhou Chao.
"It's getting late. Assistant and I should head back now. Let's hang out again when we have time," Chao Yue said, checking the time. She stood up and bid farewell to the siblings.
"Sure, feel free to come and find us whenever you have time," Zhou Chao replied.
"Goodbye, Chao Yue. Let's stay in touch," Xiaoyan waved her phone, having added each other as friends at some point.
Zhou Chao accompanied the two of them to the garage, watching as Chao Yue's car left. He stood there until the car exited the garage before turning back home.