Tense days passed in a simple manner.

In these days, Chen Yuan used his ability to see the lifespan countdown to save only one dog and half a person.

It's strange. In those urban novels he reads, the protagonists always reap generous rewards after using their golden fingers, one thing leading to another, either making money, expanding their social circles, or the eternal theme of internet novels—picking up girls.

But what about him? He bought a discounted Boston lobster and even shared half of it with someone else.

He saved the beloved dog of his form teacher's daughter, but didn't even get a "You're not bad, kid" as thanks... Old Mo, you big dummy!

As for girls...

"Today, it's probably her last supper."

After school on Friday, Chen Yuan stood downstairs in the old apartment building for a while, hesitant to go upstairs.

Xia Xinyu was no longer lost in confusion.

But what about him?

Honestly, he even had a wicked thought.

Of course, not while it's still hot.

Anyone who says "while it's still hot" should be banished to Ningguta.

Instead, since he couldn't prevent her death, why should he bear the psychological burden?

She had indeed blessed him with a few days of comfort, making him several meals without asking for a penny in bride price, and even washing all his clothes except for his underwear.

Even his socks were hand-washed.

After witnessing the scene where clothespins were needed to secure the socks while drying, lest they be blown away by the wind, Chen Yuan's worldview of washed and dried socks being as sharp-edged as salted fish was completely shattered.

Even his deskmate, He Sijiao, said, "Why do I feel like you're acting more 'chen tou' (mature/stable) lately? Did your mom come to take care of you?"

He clearly wanted a girlfriend who would call him "Daddy," but instead, he got a young mother.

Just as he was standing downstairs feeling conflicted, a WeChat message came through.

Xia Xinyu: Why aren't you coming upstairs?

Because they had been communicating a lot these past few days, he had added her on WeChat.

"..." Chen Yuan slowly raised his head. A single-ponytail girl standing on the kitchen balcony was curiously staring at him.

Still his own balcony.

If the story had unfolded with him passing by the balcony and getting hit on the head by Xia Xinyu's clothesline, and he was angrily preparing to demand compensation, only to see that breathtaking and graceful girl, perhaps the tone of the story wouldn't be so depressing.

He slightly raised his hand to Xia Xinyu as a gesture, and Chen Yuan entered the apartment.

When he reached the fifth floor, Xia Xinyu had already opened the door and was standing there: "Just finished cooking. You came back at the perfect time."

"Yeah."

Xia Xinyu's greeting had already started a conversation. He could just say something about the company (school) and the topic could continue.

But his "Yeah" locked down any further conversation.

Although she was smiling, Xia Xinyu could clearly see that Chen Yuan was a little absent-minded.

Could he have guessed that she was going to commit suicide after making him dinner today?

Was it that obvious?

Or was it simply impossible to gloss over?

Indeed, after he rescued her from the sealed gas chamber that day, he didn't ask a single question about suicide. She hadn't explained anything from beginning to end, as if the whole thing had never happened.

The real problem still existed. Attempting to gloss over it with an unwillingness to touch the wound was naturally impossible.

He... must have discovered something.

"I bought wine today, but not beer... just two bottles of low-alcohol fruit wine. Want to have a drink?"

Holding a bottle of Rio on each side of her face, Xia Xinyu tried to liven up the atmosphere.

"Okay, a small sip."

Chen Yuan still gave a simple answer and sat down at the table.

On the table were dishes like salt and pepper shrimp, sweet and sour spareribs, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, hot and sour shredded potatoes, and a bowl of chicken soup with pork stomach, which had been skimmed of excess oil, but was still golden in color, looked particularly nourishing for the stomach, and was filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs.

Although the portions of the dishes weren't large, they were more than enough for two people.

Moreover, they were all substantial dishes.

"Why haven't you accepted the WeChat transfer I sent you?" Chen Yuan had transferred her three hundred yuan for buying groceries, but she hadn't accepted it and still managed to make this complete meal.

This girl must have given him all her last Hado.

"I told you, this meal is on me. Don't be polite," Xia Xinyu said quite seriously. "I've eaten so many meals from you for free... I can't let you spend any more money this time."

Boston lobster, eel and sliced beef double combo rice, three pounds of black pork ribs—Chen Yuan had satisfied all his cravings for expensive foods this past week.

He wasn't the child of some wealthy family either. It would be too stingy to let him pay for her last meal.

Xia Xinyu had 165.6 yuan left in her living expenses for this month. Thinking that she was going to die anyway, she even withdrew the money she had earned from grabbing red envelopes in QQ.

Originally, after choosing the first four dishes, she had a little over 100 yuan left, which was quite comfortable, but in the end, that half a native chicken and a little over half a pound of pork stomach completely wiped her out.

It's okay, it's okay.

If she died, this money would never enter the market, which would be a waste.

She had also thought about transferring the remaining money to someone else before dying...

But wouldn't that leave a lifetime of trauma for the other person?

"Then thank you very much."

Since she insisted on not accepting it, Chen Yuan didn't try to persuade her further, and lowered his head, picking up his chopsticks to eat.

He doesn't seem to be in a very good mood today...

Although he's been smiling and his tone is very gentle.

But through these past few days of getting to know him, Xia Xinyu knew that Chen Yuan's normal state should be a weary face with a high tolerance for humor, his tone of voice subtly carrying a hint of dark humor, mixed with a bit of nonchalant banter...

It's not that this polite, courteous, and friendly attitude is bad, but it just seems a little strange on him.

While secretly glancing at him, Xia Xinyu weakly opened a can of champagne-flavored Rio and placed it next to him, then continued to observe him.

"Thank you."

Chen Yuan said thank you again, then continued to eat his food and drink his cocktail in silence.

Although it might be a bit offensive to say this, Xia Xinyu really felt that this boy, who looked like he equally despised everyone, normally wouldn't say thank you more than three times a year.

But in these few short minutes... twice?

"How's the taste of the food?" Xia Xinyu asked curiously, tilting her head.

"Delicious, delicious." Chen Yuan nodded, then picked up a salt and pepper shrimp with its back already cut open and put it in his mouth. Then, he asked her in confusion, "Why aren't you eating?"

"...Mm, eating."

Forcing a smile, Xia Xinyu opened her can of white peach and elderflower-flavored Rio, took the initiative to clink glasses with Chen Yuan, and each took a sip. Then, the two of them synchronously lowered their heads to eat.

Chen Yuan even personally served Xia Xinyu a bowl of chicken soup with pork stomach, and she also put the best piece of spareribs into his bowl.

The two of them peacefully and harmoniously shared this rich dinner...

Until Xia Xinyu suddenly stood up, slammed her hands on the small wooden table, and said seriously in anger, "Seriously, I spent the whole afternoon making these dishes, and that's all the reaction I get?"

Raising his head with an otter-like slowness, Chen Yuan revealed a clear gaze: "Huh?"