After buying gifts, Shen Lang and Zhao Zikang got back a bit past six. Li Liusu had just finished making dinner at Shen Lang's place. Zhao Zikang decided to stay over for the night and have Shen Lang drive him back the next day.
In Shen Lang's small home, Zhao Zikang, as the guest, sat on a small stool, curiously and enviously watching the couple bustle around in the kitchen. He couldn't help but smile with a sense of auntie-like approval.
Being into photography, Zhao Zikang often noticed how Li Liusu's eyes would always rest on Shen Lang whenever she had a moment, her feelings of dependence almost pouring out. He had to admit, this girl had a perfect personality: patient, gentle, and giving off a soft and kind vibe.
In today's reality, it was rare to see girls their age who were so familiar with household chores. Maybe this was what a real couple looked like. Who wouldn't want a girlfriend who only had eyes for them?
However, thinking about Shen Lang's two-timing ways made Zhao Zikang worried for Li Liusu. How was Shen Lang going to handle things with these two? If Li Liusu found out about Shen Lang's other girlfriend, she would be devastated.
Empathy is strong with Zhao Zikang. Just imagining this pure girl crying made his heart ache.
"Dinner time, dinner time." Shen Lang brought over a pot of spicy fish, and Zhao Zikang quickly cleared the table.
Shen Lang wiped his hands and nodded towards Zhao Zikang. "Want some beer?"
"Nah, don't bother going downstairs," Zhao Zikang replied.
"No need, I've got some in the fridge." Shen Lang called to Li Liusu to bring two bottles of cold beer from the kitchen and handed one to Zhao Zikang.
"I remember you not being much of a drinker. Why do you have beer now?" Zhao Zikang asked.
"Blame your sister-in-law for that," Shen Lang joked, looking at Li Liusu. "During the hot weather, she kept buying me beer and now I've got a bit of a habit."
Li Liusu blushed, feeling both surprised and happy at the affectionate nickname.
"Got it," Zhao Zikang regretted asking, feeling he had just invited more PDA. He turned to Li Liusu, asking, "So, where are you from, sister-in-law?"
"I'm from Ganshu!" Li Liusu answered nervously but seriously, treating this as an important first meeting with Shen Lang's friend.
"Ganshu, huh," Zhao Zikang mumbled, thinking if he ever broke up with Li Qianqian, he might visit Ganshu to find a gentle girl like Li Liusu.
"So, sister-in-law, how did Shen Lang win you over?" Zhao Zikang asked, feeling less nervous as Li Liusu seemed shy too.
Li Liusu glanced at Shen Lang and replied, "Actually, I was the one who pursued him."
"Seriously?" Zhao Zikang nearly choked on his food. "You chased after Shen Lang?"
Li Liusu nodded, her face as red as a flower.
"Why would you do that?" Zhao Zikang was shocked. Shen Lang looked good now, but he wasn't that amazing.
Li Liusu had such a sweet and simple personality, with stunning looks and a great figure. Zhao Zikang thought she could easily pair with a famous actor. Why was she with Shen Lang, and even the one who made the first move?
Shen Lang laughed, "Just eat, Zikang. If you keep asking, you might not sleep tonight."
"Damn!" Zhao Zikang clinked glasses with Shen Lang, feeling bittersweet. "Bro, you've got it all. Can't you think about your friends' feelings?"
After dinner, Shen Lang gave Li Liusu a new down jacket. "It's getting cold. Try this on later, and happy Valentine's Day."
Li Liusu was surprised. "Didn't you already give me a Valentine's gift yesterday?"
"Can't I give you another one?" Shen Lang blushed, embarrassed about yesterday's gift. "If I want to, every day can be Valentine's Day."
"But..."
"No buts," Shen Lang gently pushed her towards the door. "It's late, go wash up and rest. We'll talk tomorrow."
"But I haven't washed the dishes yet," Li Liusu protested.
"I'll do it. Go rest," Shen Lang insisted, pushing her out the door. Turning to Zhao Zikang, he said, "See? Women are so much trouble. I suggest you stay single."
"Come on, be nicer to her. She's so sweet and simple," Zhao Zikang couldn't help but interject.
"Nice? This isn't a romance novel," Shen Lang scoffed. "Zikang, when dealing with girls, don't be too accommodating. If you always give in, you'll lower your own status and control. Girls might start seeing you as clingy and grow to resent you. Then, a breakup is just a matter of time."