Toki leaned against the door frame, seeming unfazed by her presence. He remained calm, asking, "Moving out?".
Lin Mian nodded and forced a smile, "Yes, what a coincidence, Dr. Shi. We're actually next-door neighbors."
Afraid that Toki might think she was trying to get close to him, Lin Mian explained unnecessarily, "This is our company's employee dormitory. I just applied for it this afternoon, randomly assigned. It's really a coincidence."
Toki snorted, "Your company has good benefits."
Lin Mian fell silent in frustration.
For some reason, she always sensed a strange sarcasm in his tone.
She turned to take out the trash, but the man stopped her from behind, saying, "Wait."
"What is it?" Lin Mian subconsciously turned around.
"I have something to give back to you."
Toki turned back and came out after a few seconds, reaching out his hand towards her. Between the distinct knuckles of his fingers hung a pair of white underwear with small floral prints.
When Lin Mian saw this, her mind went blank for a moment.
Her face instantly turned as red as blood!
He actually kept this!
In the morning rush to change clothes, she had put away all of her other pajamas, forgetting the underwear left in the bathroom. She didn't expect him to pick it up and even openly return it to her...
Lin Mian was extremely embarrassed, quickly reaching out to take the underwear, folding it into a ball in her hand and stuffing it into her pocket.
"Is there...anything else?"
"Nothing."
Toki casually withdrew his hand, as if lingering with a few more touches, leaving a somewhat unsatisfied taste.
Blushing, Lin Mian carried the trash and hurried away.
The centralized trash bin was in the hallway, and when she returned after dumping the trash, not only was Toki's door still open, but there was also a tall figure standing at her door, chatting with Toki across the corridor.
"Master, why are you here?" Lin Mian blurted out.
Qin Li shook the large plastic bag in his hand, smiling with warmth in his eyes. "You just moved in, lacking everything. I bought some daily necessities and some vegetables and food for your fridge."
Lin Mian was touched and didn't know what to say.
"Master, I am already grateful for your help in getting me this dormitory. How can I let you spend more money? This gift is too heavy."
"It's just a small matter, really nothing. I've already bought it; you can't possibly make me take it back, can you?"
Qin Li winked, his smile mischievous.
Of course, Lin Mian couldn't make him leave. She quickly opened the door and invited him in.
"You come in and have a seat first. Otherwise, I'll treat you to a meal. You've helped me so much, I have to show my gratitude, or else I'd feel really awkward."
Feeling a bit guilty, Lin Mian was anxious about how to repay such a big favor.
"Alright, but there's no need to eat out. I bought a lot of ingredients, and you can also treat me to some homely dishes. I'd love to taste your cooking."
Qin Li shook the bag, which contained plenty of vegetables and meat, enough for several meals.
He knew the young girl was in dire financial straits and didn't have much money.
He didn't mind footing the bill for this meal.
Lin Mian gladly agreed, saying, "Okay, then I'll show off my cooking skills."
The two of them chatted happily at the doorway, completely forgetting about the watchful observer across the hall.
With a quick glance, Qin Li noticed Toki leaning against the door frame, arms crossed and expressionless, staring at them like a resentful gatekeeper.
Considering that he was the landlord of this property, Qin Li touched his nose and blurted out a question:
"Do you want to join us?"
Lin Mian panicked instantly. Before she could signal to Toki, she heard the man nonchalantly agree.
Lin Mian: "..."
Qin Li: "..."
He really didn't see himself as an outsider.
The groceries Qin Li bought were comprehensive, with not only vegetables and meat but also various spices all prepared.
Carrying a pile of ingredients, Lin Mian walked into the kitchen and started cooking with clangs and clatters. During the process, Qin Li tried to help and was stubbornly pushed out by her in resistance.
It was agreed that she would handle the cooking from start to finish.
Seeing how stubborn she was, Qin Li had to compromise and leave.
"This girl looks soft on the outside, but she's quite stubborn."
Qin Li strolled back to the living room and sighed to Toki on the sofa.
Lin Mian was used to Toki's attitude and couldn't help but sneak a glance in the direction of the kitchen. A subtle smile played on Toki's lips. No matter how stubborn she was, she always ended up submitting to him in bed.
Lin Mian showcased her cooking skills by making several dishes, a fish soup, and two side dishes, which she then brought to the table. The table was filled with a variety of delicious dishes, tempting everyone's taste buds.
"Mian Mian, your cooking skills are amazing. Whoever marries you will be very lucky," Qin Li praised her repeatedly, surprised by her culinary talent.
Lin Mian shyly smiled, "It's just home-cooked dishes. I've been doing it since I was young, so I've become quite skillful."
She wasn't exaggerating. Her father had been paralyzed for years and needed nutritious meals, and her mother was picky, so Lin Mian had honed her cooking skills from a young age and could make just about anything.
"We are fortunate to taste your cooking. Let's eat," Qin Li happily invited them to dig in.
Lin Mian's gaze followed Qin Li's hand gesture and saw Toki leisurely rising from the sofa and walking over to the dining table to sit down.
He happened to sit across from her, and she could see his exquisitely handsome face with just a glance.
Whether intentional or not, he was definitely making his presence known.
Lin Mian could only keep her head down, eating quietly, and thinking about when she could finish her meal and send him away...
The next moment,
A foot suddenly brushed up against her lower leg, teasing and tickling without a sound.
"Clang-"
Lin Mian dropped her spoon onto the table in surprise.