As soon as he got home, Xu Lin smelled a delicious aroma. After putting down his school bag, he heard his mom's voice.
"Xu Lin, are you back? Help me wash two plates."
"I'll do it." Just as Xu Lin was about to go over, Ji Yun walked straight into the kitchen.
When Li Yuan saw a beautiful girl in a school uniform come in, she was stunned for a moment, then smiled.
"Ji Yun, you're here. Try some of the crispy fried meat I made."
"Auntie, let me wash the plates first."
"No need, Xu Lin, come wash the plates!"
Xu Lin entered the kitchen and saw someone holding a piece of golden, crispy meat. He swallowed.
"Give me one."
"Wash the dishes first."
"By the way, Mom, why did you decide to make crispy fried meat today?"
"Old man Qin downstairs gave me a big piece of pork today. He won it from Old Yu in a chess game, but he doesn't know how to cook it, so he gave it to me."
"More than 3 pounds of pork. I couldn't just take it without doing something, so I made a few dishes and invited him over for a meal."
"Uncle Qin... I can't believe Aunt Qin passed away so suddenly, at just over 50. Life can change in an instant."
"Yes, that's why you need to marry a healthy girl who can take care of you. Looking at how lazy you are, I can't rest easy if no one takes care of you after I'm gone."
"Stop saying such things, Mom!"
Xu Lin glared at his mother, and seeing his expression, Li Yuan quickly stopped talking.
"Mom, this weekend, I'll go with you and Dad for a health check-up. You both have the day off."
"No need to spend that money!"
"Auntie, it's good to get a check-up occasionally. As you and Uncle get older, health issues can arise more easily."
Ji Yun, standing by, took Li Yuan's hand. Li Yuan, seeing the concern from both children, reluctantly nodded.
"We'll see, I'll ask your dad."
"I'll pay, Dad will definitely agree."
"You always use that trick to get him to agree."
After washing and drying the plates and utensils, Xu Lin reached out for the crispy meat, only to be interrupted by Li Yuan.
"Your hands are still wet, go dry them first."
"Okay."
"I'll give you one."
Just as he was heading to the bathroom, Ji Yun called out to him. He turned to see Ji Yun holding out a piece of crispy meat.
"My sweetheart… Ji Yun cares for me the most."
Halfway through his sentence, Xu Lin saw Ji Yun's murderous glare and quickly stopped. His mom, however, had a knowing smile on her face.
He opened his mouth and took a bite. The aroma filled his mouth, but as a chef, his instincts kicked in.
It was a bit salty. Not overly so, but it might be too much for some. The seasoning was good, and the frying was excellent.
"A bit salty."
"Really?" Li Yuan looked at Ji Yun.
"Just a little."
Ji Yun said this, but Xu Lin knew she ate very lightly. However, she never criticized others' cooking.
"That's perfect. Old man Qin has a heavy palate. He even said my pickles weren't salty enough."
"What about us?"
"I made steamed fish for Ji Yun."
"Thank you, Auntie. I don't mind a bit of salt."
"You love fish, don't you?"
"Mom? What about me? I eat light too." Xu Lin pointed at himself.
"You'll eat whatever's there! Now go do your homework. The kitchen is mine, get out!"
"You really are my mom."
They left the kitchen, and Xu Lin led Ji Yun to his room.
"You didn't come over just to do homework, did you?" Xu Lin asked, turning on his computer.
"I think my idea is feasible."
"But the important thing is to turn your idea into a concrete plan. Here."
Xu Lin handed her a notebook, opened to a blank document.
"Assume you've received the investment. How would you run it? How will you make it work? Writing it down is the first step."
"Look up anything you don't understand. Even if you don't end up starting a business, you'll learn a lot."
Xu Lin's words made Ji Yun nod. She took a deep breath and started working.
Xu Lin turned to his old desktop computer and began typing. Both focused on their tasks.
He could give Ji Yun tips, like the business strategies from his previous life.
But foundational frameworks can change, and if needed, money can pave the way.
Besides, since Ji Yun has this idea, she should put in the effort. As she said, she found something she wants to do.
After half an hour, just as Xu Lin finished an introduction, his mom knocked on the door and peeked in after waiting 4 or 5 seconds.
"Dinner's ready, Old man Qin is here."
"Okay."
"Xu Lin, am I a bit dumb?"
Ji Yun put down the notebook, looking at the chaotic sentences, scratching her head.
"It's okay, take your time. Talk to Chu Fengyi tonight, get her advice too."
"Okay."
"I'll change clothes, step out for a bit."
"Why do I have to leave? You're a guy."
Ji Yun laughed, looking Xu Lin up and down, making him a bit embarrassed.
But then Xu Lin smiled mischievously and took off his school jacket.
Underneath was a thick coat, which he also removed, revealing a blue shirt.
Xu Lin looked at Ji Yun, slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Normally, Ji Yun would have closed her eyes.
But after learning new things yesterday, she swallowed and observed him closely.
Xu Lin moved closer, and Ji Yun, sitting on the bed, backed up until she hit the wall.
He leaned in for a wall slam, moving closer to her face. But before he could get too close, he felt a hand on his chest.
Ji Yun's hand was on his chest, and Xu Lin took the opportunity to unbutton the remaining buttons, revealing his four-pack abs.
Ji Yun seemed stunned, her hand sliding down and gently poking them, making Xu Lin burst out laughing.
"That tickles! Look all you want, but don't touch!"
"Didn't expect you to… Sorry, sorry. But now I know your weakness."
"Then what's your weakness, class monitor?" Xu Lin teased, lifting her chin.
"My weakness is probably you."
Ji Yun cupped his face, her eyes sparkling with warmth and determination.