Deliberately Approaching
Chapter 80 Old Habits Changed

Chapter 80: Chapter 80 Old Habits Changed

Li Zishen took after his father in temperament, feeling love and hatred distinctly, always striving for perfection.

The biggest difference was his extreme self-discipline, rarely erupting in rage, often keeping his joy or anger hidden, leaving people unsure of his mood.

He was even more protective when it came to defending his own people.

For instance, when Second Uncle Lai stirred up trouble behind his back, causing several relatives to speak ill of Tang Xiaowan, Li Zishen appeared calm on the surface but silently used stocks to suppress them, quietly handling the situation.

If the same incident had occurred to his father, he would have been furious, making it widely known.

At 6:30 in the evening, in the sunroom.

Tang Xiaowan was stunned by everything in front of her.

During the two days since her return to Jin City, she had been preoccupied with buying a house, completely forgetting about the sunroom.

At this moment, the afterglow of the setting sun just passed through the glass, casting its warmth on the dark grey sofa. Tang Xiaowan, with her arm under her head, closed her eyes, basking in its warmth.

"Wow, this is fantastic!"

"Miss, do you not want to move out now?"

Cheng Shi’s comment snapped her back to reality.

Tang Xiaowan gave him a white look, stretched lazily, got up, and went to the planting area.

Each section was of equal size, delineated with green bricks, and even had fertile soil laid down—though varying in shades of darkness and light.

"Wow, this is quite thoughtful. Different vegetables have different needs; not bad at all."

Tang Xiaowan squatted down and grabbed a handful of soil.

"Miss, if you like it, I can set up a similar section for you tomorrow over there, though it might be a bit smaller."

Cheng Shi’s voice was loud and clear.

Seeing Tang Xiaowan sillily grinning at the soil as if she hadn’t heard him, he grew anxious.

So, he added, with furrowed brows, "Miss, I think we can even plant vegetables on the rooftop of that building. Maybe you could try it out?"

His voice was even louder this time.

Tang Xiaowan quickly stood up, glanced around to make sure no one was present, and huffed angrily, "What are you doing, making such a racket? Afraid he won’t hear you or what? Can’t you stop with the constant nagging?"

"Miss, you..."

"What do you mean, ’you’? Come on, let’s go."

"Yes, Miss."

They left the sunroom one after the other.

Along the way, Tang Xiaowan originally wanted to sneak a peek into the kitchen to see how the cooking was coming along but was interrupted by Cheng Shi.

His reason was that it would spoil the surprise.

Tang Xiaowan figured it made sense and so obediently went to the dining room to wait.

If it hadn’t been for Li Zishen’s sudden whim to personally shop for ingredients and cook, by this time the delicious food would have already been eaten.

As Tang Xiaowan passed the time sipping tea and nibbling on snacks, Nanny Chen came over with a plate of stir-fried water caltrop and shredded radish.

"Xiao Wan, are you getting impatient? Have some of these to fill your stomach."

"Wow, you added so many chilis?"

"Try it, while it’s hot."

Since Li Zihan was dining out with employees that evening, Tang Xiaowan didn’t need to wait for anyone else and immediately started eating with her chopsticks.

The chilis picked from Mei Garden were incredibly spicy!

Whether it was the water caltrop or the shredded radish, the flavor was exceptional after stir-frying them with the chili.

"Uncle Cai’s cooking skills are amazing, so delicious!"

"It was made by Young Master Zishen."

Tang Xiaowan: "?"

Nanny Chen continued with a smile, "The young master said that the beef was time-consuming and he was worried you might get impatient. So he stir-fried two side dishes for you to snack on first."

Cheng Shi: "..."

The miss might be developing feelings, right?

Yeah, it’s just that Miss has seen a lot of grand scenes in the past, and she’s easily moved by such simple affection and romance.

Mr. Li really lives up to his reputation as a businessman, sharp as ever!

"Xiao Wan, eat slowly. I’m going to check the kitchen, maybe the beef and sea bass are ready by now. Oh right, there’s also your favorite braised pig’s trotter."

Tang Xiaowan’s eyes lit up: "Wow, pig’s trotter!"

"Don’t rush, I’ll be right back."

After Nanny Chen left, Cheng Shi cleared his throat and took two steps closer to Tang Xiaowan: "Miss, if it’s all right with you, I would like to go check the car."

"Sure, go ahead, but don’t forget to eat."

"Got it."

The house rule at Li Garden is that anyone living on the first floor is entitled to have meals served to their room, such as Nanny Chen, Uncle Cai, as well as Bai Long and Chen Xin.

Although Cheng Shi is relatively new, being Tang Xiaowan’s personal bodyguard grants him the same privilege.

Ten minutes later, Li Zishen arrived at the dining room.

Following him were four young men, each carrying a tray: tomato beef, steamed sea bass, braised pig’s trotter, and snow fungus duck soup.

With the two appetizers Nanny Chen brought over earlier, it made an even six dishes.

In Jin City, there is a saying that five dishes and one soup signify a harmonious and smooth family life; it’s the standard for family meals.

For larger gatherings, it’s eight dishes and one soup.

"Why prepare so much?"

Li Zishen poured a bowl of soup and gently placed it down, "No reason, I just wanted you to know that I can make more than just fish. I can also braise pig’s trotters."

"I really see you in a new light. Make sure you eat some too later."

"This..." Li Zishen paused, then looked at Nanny Chen, "Half a bowl of rice."

Nanny Chen nodded and hurriedly served the rice.

She felt both relieved and happy that Li Zishen’s 15-year-old habit had finally been changed by someone. She wouldn’t have to worry about him suffering like his father did, going to the office with an empty stomach.

Yet at that moment, Tang Xiaowan sneaked a glance at Li Zishen, feeling a bit like she had asked too much of him and said something she shouldn’t have.

She had merely misspoken without any intention.

"Zishen, actually you..."

"Here, try the pig’s trotter you love first."

Li Zishen, unbeknownst to when, had already put on gloves and placed the whole pig’s trotter on Tang Xiaowan’s plate.

Not cut into small pieces, just meant to be gnawed on directly.

This was Tang Xiaowan’s favorite way to eat pig’s trotter; although it lacked any semblance of ladylike grace, she found it immensely satisfying.

"It melts in the mouth, so tender!"

"I was rushed today and used a pressure cooker. I’ll make it for you in a clay pot on Sunday when we have more time—it might taste even better."

"How about Saturday, then?"

Tang Xiaowan was enjoying the trotter so much that she carelessly suggested another day.

"Forgot? We’re going to Bie Yuan on Saturday."

"Oh, it slipped my mind."

So frustrating, she didn’t even take it to heart!

Sigh, thankfully I prepared a gift; I was afraid you’d forget.

You better not back out, or I’ll die of exasperation!

"Xiao Wan, you’re not planning to bail at the last minute, are you?"

"How could I? Am I that sort of person?"

"Mhm, you do seem to fit the description, highly suspicious."

Right as Li Zishen finished speaking, Tang Xiaowan placed a pig’s trotter on his plate, using the same oil-stained gloves she had been wearing, not a fresh pair.

"Here’s a super-sized one for you, to offer Buddha a borrowed flower."

Of course, Li Zishen wasn’t the type to mind such things. It was just that his mind was still stuck on whether or not to go.