Volume 1, Chapter 24: Life Under the Same Roof

The nanny hired by Li Xiulan, known as Auntie Zhou, was a true professional. No sooner had she entered the house than she set to work, her movements in washing and chopping vegetables fluid and efficient.

Lin Chen hovered nearby, watching her every move with unblinking attention.

Auntie Zhou eventually suppressed her annoyance and said, "Sir, if you don't trust me, you can ask the cleaning agency for a replacement. There is no need to stand here and watch me work the whole time!"

What kind of era was this? It was just cooking; did he really think she would hide the meat and take it home with her?

Lin Chen quickly explained, "Auntie Zhou, you’ve misunderstood! I’m not monitoring you, it’s just..." He scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "I want to learn how to cook. As you can see, my wife’s health is poor. If I can learn to cook, I can make meals for her myself in the future."

Professional as a nanny might be, how could it compare to the sincerity of a home-cooked meal made by oneself?

Auntie Zhou was taken aback, then burst into a smile. "I’ve been a nanny for many years, and this is the first time I’ve seen a husband so doting on his wife. If you want to learn, then watch closely!" She added, "If there is anything you don’t understand, just ask. Don’t be shy."

In the past, even if employers wanted to learn, it was always the wife learning to cook for the husband. Seeing someone as young as Lin Chen who cared so deeply for his wife was truly a rarity.

Lin Chen breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, Auntie Zhou! I won’t hold back then. When is the best time to put these vegetables in the pan? How much salt should I usually add? Also, my wife is physically weak; is it better for her to eat light? Will something too nourishing be bad for her?"

He fired off a barrage of questions. Since Auntie Zhou rarely met a man who cared so much for his wife, she took a liking to him and offered her guidance with endless patience.

In the bedroom, Xu Mi felt a bit more energetic after taking her medication. She began to hear the steady sound of voices coming from the kitchen, though they were intermittent and unclear. Curious and unable to stay lying down for another afternoon, she slowly shifted herself up and moved toward the door, steadying herself against the wall.

Because she had been bedridden for so long, her leg muscles had atrophied, and her body was weak; she was already panting after just a few steps. Just as she was about to exit the bedroom, she tripped over a stool and collapsed to the floor with a loud thud.

When Lin Chen heard the commotion and rushed out, he found Xu Mi sprawled on the ground.

"Honey, what happened?!" Lin Chen’s eyes flared with alarm. He rushed over and scooped her up, his eyes turning red with heartache. "Why didn't you call me if you wanted to get up? You just had to say something; why did you try to climb out of bed by yourself?"

Xu Mi, already feeling embarrassed from the fall, felt even worse after his scolding, and tears welled up in her eyes immediately. She sobbed, "I... I didn't want to be a bother to you in everything."

Lin Chen froze, then reproached himself, "Don't cry, honey. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have blamed you. You’re already in pain from the fall, and I scolded you—I’m a fool!"

He should have realized sooner. Xu Mi suffered from depression; even though she had improved quite a bit, she still needed constant care. His words just now must have plunged her back into internal conflict.

Filled with regret, Lin Chen placed Xu Mi into her wheelchair and crouched before her, gently wiping away her tears. He said softly, "I’m sorry, dear. I was just so worried about you that I spoke too harshly. You don’t need to worry about being a burden to me. I’m your husband; there is nothing I want more than for you to rely on me. How could I ever find you troublesome?"

He took her hand and asked with concern, "Where did you hurt yourself? Let your husband see; I’ll blow on it for you."

His deliberately softened tone made Xu Mi burst into a giggle. She still had glistening tears on her face, but the smile made her look breathtakingly beautiful. Lin Chen was stunned.

Xu Mi, having calmed down, teased him, "I’m old enough to be your mother, why are you coaxing me like a child?"

Lin Chen snapped out of his daze and sighed in relief. "I'm not coaxing a child, I'm coaxing my wife. Besides, no matter how old you are, you’re still my treasure. Wives are meant to be pampered, after all!"

Having spent the better part of the day together, Lin Chen was growing more comfortable, and his sweet talk flowed effortlessly. Xu Mi’s face turned crimson, and she gave him a playful punch. "You’re annoying, there’s someone else here!"

No sooner had she spoken than Auntie Zhou’s voice drifted from the kitchen: "You can pretend I’m not here." She added with a mutter, "Though you’ll have to reimburse me for my blood-sugar medication. If I have to watch you two like this every day, I’ll die from all this sweetness!"

Xu Mi was so shy she couldn't lift her head, her ears burning red, yet she couldn't help but steal a glance at Lin Chen. He happened to be looking at her too; their eyes met, and both began to laugh, as if they had been caught doing something wrong.

Auntie Zhou was efficient, and in less than an hour, four dishes and a soup were on the table. "I’ll be heading off now," she said while untying her apron. "Just leave the dishes in the kitchen after you eat; I’ll wash them when I come back tomorrow."

The job was easy—just coming over to cook three meals a day and tidying up a bit—and the pay was generous. Most importantly, the employers were a newlywed couple who seemed easy to get along with; Auntie Zhou was very satisfied.

Xu Mi couldn't help but say, "Auntie Zhou, why don't you stay and eat with us?"

"No need!" Auntie Zhou laughed mischievously. "You two are so lovey-dovey, why would I want to stay and be a third wheel? Do you want my blood sugar to go even higher?"

Xu Mi blushed again and shot a glance at Lin Chen. "This is all your fault!"

Lin Chen immediately took the blame. "Yes, yes, it’s my fault. Please don't be angry, my lady! Let me get you a bowl of soup before it gets cold."

"I want to eat the fish, too."

"No problem, I’ll pick out the bones for you."

"I want shrimp, too."

"Alright, I’ll peel them for you."

"I also want..."

Listening to their exchange, Auntie Zhou headed for the door with a smile. It was an incredibly sweet meal, and their relationship had grown much closer. At the very least, Xu Mi wasn't blushing at every little thing anymore.

After dinner, even though Auntie Zhou had said she would wash the dishes the next day, Lin Chen habitually gathered them into the sink and rolled up his sleeves to wash them. Xu Mi sat at the kitchen doorway in her wheelchair, watching him. Although Lin Chen hadn't known how to cook, he had done plenty of chores at home, and he tackled the scrubbing and cleaning with practiced ease.

Xu Mi watched him, lost in thought. She had once believed she would never step into marriage. She never expected that, through a twist of fate, she would not only be married but to Lin Chen, who was nearly twenty years her junior—and the son of her former best friend, at that.

As Xu Mi thought about the past, her face flushed again. Is this what they call "an old cow eating young grass"? She wondered what kind of awkward scene it would be when she finally met his parents...

Just then, Lin Chen looked up and said, "Honey, I’m done with the dishes. Do you want to go for a walk in the park?"