Xu Nuo's question reminded Park Su of how his inner demons had resurfaced upon seeing Sun Muyang, causing him to revert to his past life.
He hadn't even spoken to Sun Muyang before succumbing to that state. Reflecting on it, he felt a bit ashamed of his lack of resilience. But since he hadn't spoken to Sun Muyang, Xu Nuo probably didn't know about their past.
Having experienced his previous life, Park Su had already avenged his grudge against Sun Muyang. As for Cheng Mingxu, he hadn't had the power to confront him in his past life, and he hadn't met him in this one.
Although Sun Muyang had used him, it was during a time when Park Su had willingly allowed it, so he didn't hold it against him.
Now that he was with Xu Nuo, he didn't mind telling Sun Muyang, clarifying things to avoid any future complications.
But thinking about inviting him for dinner made me feel uneasy. Food is scarce in the apocalypse, and while I don't mind sharing with good friends, inviting a past enemy for a meal is another matter.
So, he directly said to Xu Nuo, "Let's not invite him. We can make our relationship known to him in another way without wasting food on him."
Xu Nuo noticed that mentioning Sun Muyang no longer triggered strong emotional responses from Park Su, indicating he had moved past those old grievances, which put Xu Nuo at ease.
As for the connection between Sun Muyang and Park Su's inner demons, Xu Nuo believed that Park Su would confide in him when he was ready. He didn't want to force Park Su to disclose anything, so he simply nodded and said, "Then rest well. In a couple of days, we'll invite our friends for dinner. You need to look better than you do now; otherwise, they might think I mistreated you and disapprove of our relationship."
Park Su obediently finished his congee, wiped his mouth, and said, "They can't disapprove. You've never mistreated me, and I really like you. You've made me such delicious congee, and I like you even more.
I have to ask, did you fall for me at first sight? Your cooking is so good, yet you still appreciate my food."
Seeing Park Su's smug expression, Xu Nuo couldn't help but laugh. Taking the bowl, he said, "They say that after eating rich and fatty foods, people crave simple, light dishes. No matter how good my cooking is, eating alone is dull.
Meals are better with company, which is why I enjoy eating with you. You cook with such care and dedication. As for love at first sight, that's not the case. My feelings for you grew over time. At first, I just thought you were silly, spending so much on my spatial ring. I could have made thousands with that cost. If making too many didn't disrupt social order, I'd have sold you more at that price. But who knew the apocalypse would hit a month after we met, making the ring invaluable and your money worthless? In hindsight, you had better foresight than I did."
Park Su blushed at Xu Nuo's teasing, "Others might not know my little secret, but I think you've figured it out, so why tease me?"
Xu Nuo smiled as he stood up, "I did figure out a bit, but I'll wait for you to tell me the full story when you're ready. For now, get some rest. I'll put the congee away and reheat it for you when you wake up."
Xu Nuo's gentle care felt like the best thing in the world to Park Su. He lay down and took another nap, feeling much better afterward.
At dinner, he came downstairs, knowing Xu Nuo had sensed his awakening and thought some activity would be good for him.
Xu Nuo had reheated the congee and set it out for him. Ge Qing and Lu Shang, seeing Park Su looking weak, couldn't help but tease, "So you got a boyfriend out of your illness, and such a considerate one at that.
But he's a bit stingy, making a whole pot of congee and not sharing a bit with us. You're not going to share any with us, are you?"
Park Su blushed at the teasing but defended Xu Nuo, "This is the first time I've had his cooking, so I can't just share it with other men. You have Lu Shang to cook for you, and he's good. Why crave someone else's cooking? Aren't you worried your man will get jealous?"
Ge Qing pouted, "Not all men are as possessive as you and your husband. How do you know Lu Shang's cooking is good? Because I shared it with you. But now you're being stingy with us?"
Ge Qing's use of "husband" greatly pleased Xu Nuo. He smirked and said, "There's still plenty left in the pot. Once Park Su finishes, you can have the rest."
Ge Qing immediately perked up, sitting up straight, "Sure, I don't mind eating leftovers. Park Su, hurry up. I'm curious about the master's cooking skills."
Park Su felt a twinge of jealousy at Xu Nuo's generosity. He poked at his congee with his chopsticks and said, "I've decided to eat it all. I won't leave any for you."
Ge Qing, unfazed, shrugged, "You should check how much your man made before making such bold claims."
Park Su retorted, "I don't care how much he made. If I can't finish it today, I'll eat it tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after. I won't share the first meal he made for me with anyone else.
You and Lu Shang flaunted your love in front of us every day. Now that I've finally confirmed my relationship with him, I won't miss the chance to show off, nor will I let you two freeloaders benefit."
Ge Qing shrugged, "Don't be so stingy. Your husband won't stop cooking for you. Besides, now that your relationship is official, you'll have plenty of chances to show off.
Lovers only have eyes for each other. I bet we'll be eating your dog food more often than you ate ours. So, don't be so petty!"
Park Su pondered Ge Qing's words, though he was intentionally withholding the food. Ge Qing had always boasted about his man's cooking and flaunted their love.
Xu Nuo, seeing Park Su's serious expression, couldn't help but laugh. He patted Park Su's shoulder, "I made extra at noon, worried you wouldn't get enough. But then I realized your stomach can't handle too much, so I only served you one bowl.
Even tonight, you can only have two bowls at most. Wasting food isn't good, especially in this heat. Using the solar generator so openly at S Base is too conspicuous.
So, let's share it with them. Consider it a celebration of our first day together."
Park Su, always listening to Xu Nuo, nodded. He wasn't really upset with Ge Qing. Since Xu Nuo said so, he agreed. Ge Qing, seeing Park Su's submissive demeanor, whispered to Lu Shang, "These two seem to have it easier than us. It's obvious who's on top without needing a fight."
Though Ge Qing's voice was low, everyone in the room had enhanced hearing. Park Su knew that in terms of fighting, height, or looks, he was definitely the bottom next to Xu Nuo.
Xu Nuo, however, quickly retorted, "So, who won the fight to be on top?"
Ge Qing's face turned red instantly. Xu Nuo, raising an eyebrow, said to Park Su, "No need to answer. I already know. As friends, we shouldn't be stingy. Maybe they've only had congee for days and are too embarrassed to say."
Park Su, catching on, gave Ge Qing a knowing look.
Ge Qing, embarrassed and angry, said, "Forget it. No need to say such things. I'm going to rest."
He pinched Lu Shang's arm and hurried upstairs. Lu Shang sighed helplessly, looking at the two of them.
In terms of verbal sparring, I can't even compete with Ge Qing, let alone these two. If it comes to strength, I'm not their match either, so I might as well save myself the trouble.
It's better to go upstairs and console my spouse, who is thin-skinned and might be thinking of a counterattack after being teased.
Watching Ge Qing, usually sharp-tongued, retreat upstairs blushing, Park Su excitedly sat beside Xu Nuo and said, "I can't believe how skilled you are at arguing. You even left him speechless.
Do you think he'll stay upstairs? That means all the food you made will be mine, right?"