In a cozy and harmonious atmosphere, they shared food and chatted about light-hearted matters. Joyful laughter echoed among the bites, filling the room with happiness.
Xu Feng Yang sat at the dining table with a rarely seen smile on his face lately. The wooden table was adorned with a row of simple yet delicious dishes. A fragrant vegetable soup with aromatic spices, colorful stir-fried vegetables, and soft white rice delighted both the eyes and the palate.
Xu Feng Yang felt a pleasant sense of comfort. He hadn't experienced such feelings since his father's death and all the events he went through. He couldn't explain where this feeling came from, whether it was because he could momentarily escape from all his troubles, the delicious food he was enjoying, or Lee Taemin's company that made him feel at ease while conversing.
'Ding~. Congratulations, the target's affection level has increased by 10%.'
Observing how Xu Feng Yang relished the dishes he prepared, the notification from System 001 echoed, indicating that Xu Feng Yang was enjoying the food he cooked. Lee Taemin quickly added more vegetables to Xu Feng Yang's bowl. It seemed like the saying that goes, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," was indeed true. A bright smile adorned Lee Taemin's face.
Xu Feng Yang gazed at Lee Taemin, who was smiling. In his eyes, Lee Taemin's smile became even more beautiful, along with the comforting feeling that enveloped his heart.
'Ding~. Congratulations, the target's affection level has increased by 15%.'
Lee Taemin looked at Xu Feng Yang with a little surprise. It appeared that Xu Feng Yang really enjoyed the food he made. He had never received such high marks just because of his cooking. Could Xu Feng Yang actually be a food lover? If that was the case, perhaps he could make delicious food for him after getting his paycheck.
Seeing Lee Taemin staring at him, Xu Feng Yang asked, "What's wrong?"
Lee Taemin quickly replied, "Nothing, I'm just happy to see you enjoying my cooking."
Xu Feng Yang smiled and said, "You really have a talent for cooking, Taemin."
Lee Taemin blushed and said, "Thank you, Feng Yang."
After finishing dinner, Lee Taemin and Xu Feng Yang immediately moved to clean up the dining utensils. It was then that Lee Taemin noticed the clothes Xu Feng Yang was wearing. The clothes were already very worn-out and tattered, considering Xu Feng Yang had been wearing them since they first met last night.
Xu Feng Yang didn't have any other clothes to wear. There were some tears, bloodstains, and dirt on the clothes. They had become too worn-out and unfit to wear anymore. Seeing Xu Feng Yang's situation, Lee Taemin felt guilty and sorry for him. He had forgotten to lend him some clothes.
"He really needs new clothes," Lee Taemin murmured in his heart.
Lee Taemin then decided to lend his own clothes to Xu Feng Yang, but he realized that his clothes were too small for him. However, Lee Taemin had another idea.
"He might fit into Feng Yi's clothes that are still here," Lee Taemin thought.
"Wait a moment, Feng Yang," Lee Taemin said as he hurriedly went to the wardrobe where he kept Feng Yi's clothes.
Xu Feng Yang nodded, wondering what Lee Taemin was doing. Shortly after, Lee Taemin returned with some of Feng Yi's clothes that were still wearable.
"Sorry, they might not fit you perfectly, but at least they're better than what you're wearing now," Lee Taemin said as he handed the clothes to Xu Feng Yang.
Lee Taemin then gave several of Feng Yi's clothes and bathing essentials to Xu Feng Yang. Although the clothes were different from Xu Feng Yang's style, at least he had decent clothes to wear.
Xu Feng Yang looked at the clothes given by Lee Taemin with a bit of suspicion. Something felt odd to him. Didn't Lee Taemin say he lived alone? Where did these clothes come from? These clothes didn't seem to match Lee Taemin's dressing style that Xu Feng Yang had seen yesterday and today. The sizes also didn't fit Lee Taemin's body.
With curiosity, Xu Feng Yang asked cautiously, "Taemin, where did all this come from? Didn't you say you live alone?"
Lee Taemin was slightly taken aback by the question but then replied, "Actually, these are Feng Yi's dominant clothes. I do live alone, and he never comes back. And I don't expect him to come back."
"...I'm sorry," Xu Feng Yang hesitated for a moment, realizing that he asked a question he probably shouldn't have. Considering the submissive connotation that was perceived as weaker and lower compared to dominant, and seeing the fading bruises on Lee Taemin's face, he could guess who did it. Living in darkness had exposed him to unpleasant sights before.
"It's okay, you don't need to apologize. You can take a bath first, I'll rest for a bit," said Lee Taemin as he walked into the bedroom. He lay down on the bed, thinking about his meager income as a waiter.
Lee Taemin: "System, do you think there's any other job I could do? My salary is too little."
System 001: "Didn't you say you can sing? There are many cafes and eateries here. You can try applying as a singer or sing on the streets."
Lee Taemin: "That's a good idea. Tomorrow, I'll give it a try."
Xu Feng Yang continued to hide from the people who were trying to kill him. He decided to stay temporarily hidden inside Lee Taemin's house for a few more days until he felt safe enough to come out. However, since Lee Taemin didn't know what was really happening, of course, he had to come up with a more plausible reason to conceal his presence.
Xu Feng Yang walked up to Lee Taemin, "I'm sorry, I'm causing you trouble again. But it seems my wounds haven't healed yet, and I'm still in pain. Maybe I can't find a job and pay you right now. But I'll do household chores or anything else if you need me to."
Lee Taemin gently agreed, "Don't worry, Feng Yang. You can rest at home until your wounds are fully healed. You can help me with house cleaning, laundry, or other things you're capable of."
After saying that, suddenly the system's voice protested in Lee Taemin's mind.
001: "Why are you asking the target to do household chores?"
Lee Taemin: "Why can't I give him some household chores?"
001: "What if his affection level decreases?"
Lee Taemin: "Don't worry. Besides, if I'm too nice to him, he'll get suspicious."