Staring at her solemnly, Zhong Minhe asked, Why did you agree so quickly?

Long Xiaoxi answered, Because Ive never had a boyfriend all these years. I didnt want to give others the chance to hurt me, but youre different. I have known you since I was four years old. I know you very well. Brother Minhe, youre a meticulous and mature person. Im very touched to hear that youve been carrying a torch for me ever since we were children. Hence, Im willing to give you a chance because youre the only person in this world apart from my parents who dotes on me and loves me wholeheartedly. Since I have you, I ought to cherish you and give you a chance.

Zhong Minhe felt bittersweet after hearing her words. Ill never hurt you, Xiaoxi.

Long Xiaoxi smiled and said, Were so strange. How are we not feeling awkward at all? Do you still have work to do in the afternoon?

No. The temperatures are getting chilly. Would you like to come over to my place?

Sure. I dont even know where you live now and how youve been. I mustnt miss the chance to find out.

He smiled at her and said, I initially thought that youve changed a lot. However, youre still the same old Xiaoxi I know.

Yes, my mother has always said that Im a leopard who can never change my sports.

He burst into laughter, feeling thrilled to see her.

He could not take his eyes off her at all, and it seemed like he could never get enough of her.

Since he could not drive or ride a bike, he could only get to and from work on foot. However, his workplace was only a stones throw away from his home and required just a short, ten-minute walk.

Long Xiaoxi walked together with him, side by side.

They chatted with each other along the way.

She found out that he did not live with his family and was instead living by himself. He had a part-time maid who would visit his home to clean and tidy up the place regularly. He had never cooked before and would either order takeout or have his meals in the studio with his colleagues.

He lived in a two-bedroom apartment that was neat and had beautiful decor. It felt just like home.

After scanning her surroundings, Long Xiaoxi said, This is a nice place. I really like it.

Zhong Minhe said, Its indeed a nice place, but it lacks a mistress who can cook.

Long Xiaoxi teased, What a shame, I cant cook. I do know how to eat though.

Zhong Minhe smiled and said, Who are you kidding? I heard from Uncle and Auntie that you handle all the household chores when you were living overseas.

Seems like I cant hide anything from you. Would you like to try the food that I make?

My pleasure.

Long Xiaoxi took a look around the kitchen to see that it was well equipped with crockery, pots, and pans. However, the refrigerator was empty. Shall we go to the grocery store to buy some ingredients?

Alright.

Zhong Minhe recalled the happiest time of his life when Long Xiaoxi accompanied him when they were children. Although he had lost his arms, she was still willing to befriend him and help him out whenever he could.

He was extremely surprised to see her today.

Zhong Minhe could not help but grin widely from ear to ear. Shopping with her leisurely at the supermarket was something that he had always yearned to do.

After cooking, eating, and chatting with him for a long while, she decided that it was time to go home. Hence, he hailed a taxi and sent her back to Wei Ni Estate in the evening.

Would you like to go inside for a while?

Nah. Send my regards to Uncle and Auntie.

She nodded with a smile and said, Alright, the temperature is freezing. Hurry and get back inside the taxi. Im going back in too.

Go ahead, Ill leave after watching you go in.

Long Xiaoxi refused. She opened the car door for him and closed it after he got inside. She then waved him goodbye and watched the car vanish out of sight gradually before going back home.

Her father had given her a massive number of missed calls. Long Xiaoxi entered and said to Long Tianze, Daddy, are you going to send your bodyguards to abduct me if I had come home any later?

No, I would have gone to look for you myself.

Long Xiaoxi sat down beside him and said, I went to look for Brother Minhe and we went to the supermarket to get some groceries, whip up a meal, and had dinner together.

Minhe changed a lot too. Were you shocked to see him?

A little. However, I was more taken aback by what he said to me.

What did he say?

Long Xiaoxi leaned back against the couch and said, Brother Minhe said that he had been carrying a torch for me ever since we were children and that he had been waiting for me to come home. He asked for me to give him a chance.

What!?! Really? Long Tianze asked in disbelief.

Of course. Ive agreed to give him a chance.

Mei Yangyang said in approval, Apart from his missing arms, Minhe is a really good catch. Hes a hardworking and grateful child. Hes Xiaoxis childhood friend, and its only right that Xiaoxi gives him a chance. Besides, I can guarantee that hell dote on Xiaoxi and treat her very well.

How smart of Mommy. Brother Minhe has become handsome and now has an alluring voice.

Long Tianze conceded, I dont have any objections as long as youre happy. Daddy and Mommy have always respected your decisions. You just returned home from abroad and you two should really interact more with each other. Just like your mother said, Minhe is a great kid. Hes trustworthy and reliable.

Long Xiaoxi draped her arms around his neck and gave him a peck on his cheek. Daddy, I actually missed you the most when I was abroad.

Beaming with joy, Long Tianze said, You missed me and yet you didnt come home to visit me at all. You didnt send me any photos or videos of you at all. I wished I could bring you home.

I was wrong. I wont do it again.

Long Tianze teased, Look how upset your mother looks. Shes angry that you missed me the most.

Long Xiaoxi let go of Long Tianze and pecked Mei Yangyang. I missed you and Brother so much too, Mommy. I really missed all of you. However, I forced myself not to think about you guys because I would get tempted to come home.

Long Tianze patted her hand and said, Your hands have become thinner too. My baby is all grown up.

They continued to chat until ten oclock at night.

Lying down on the soft and spacious bed, Long Xiaoxi closed her eyes and opened them again. She stared blankly at the ceiling for a long time.

She lay in bed for an entire night without sleeping.

It began snowing at one oclock in the morning.

She wrapped the blanket tightly around herself and leaned against the headboard.