"Ahhh! This is absolutely divine! Xia Bing, how did you make this soup? It’s incredible!"

Though it looked like an ordinary vegetable soup, why was it so unbelievably delicious? Perfectly seasoned, it washed away all the summer heat’s irritation—truly heaven in a bowl!

"Thank you, but it’s just a simple vegetable soup. Nothing special. I’ll bring out the rest of the dishes. Please, enjoy."

Despite the praise, Xia Bing’s face showed no hint of joy. She really was an ice queen.

"Auntie," I whispered, "why is she even at our house?"

"She’s a poor thing—ran away from home. Shouldn’t we take her in?"

Seriously? Did she think Xia Bing was some stray kitten? We weren’t a charity! What about her worried family?

"Auntie, think carefully. You’re a teacher—you can’t encourage students to run away! We should send her home before her parents call the police."

"But... her cooking is amazing..."

That’s no reason to take her in! Even if her family abandoned her—which they haven’t—who’d pay her living costs?

"Let me ask if she wants to stay."

Watching Auntie’s wistful gaze, it was clear Xia Bing had already tempted her taste buds. Honestly, even I—a self-proclaimed food critic—was stunned. Eating her meals daily would be bliss... but the choice was hers alone.

"Last dish—stir-fried river shrimp. Dig in!"

Auntie immediately grabbed her chopsticks. Weren’t we supposed to *ask* Xia Bing something? Have some principles!

Fine. I’d do it. Peers might connect easier.

"*Ahem*... Xia Bing, why did you run away from home?"

"Run away?" She stared at me, puzzled, as if I’d mentioned a stranger.

"No. I never said I ran away."

Huh? Why did Auntie say that?

I shot Auntie a questioning look—only to find her utterly hypnotized by the shrimp.

Of course. Our airheaded aunt must’ve misunderstood.

"Oh! So you’re not running away... then why are you here?"

Xia Bing fell silent. Maybe she had secrets. Or maybe she was crafting a believable lie.

"My parents passed away years ago. I’ve been living with my older brother in this city. But he just got married... and can’t afford my meals anymore. Now I’m stuck in a cheap rental apartment, surviving on instant noodles. I tried finding work, but no one hires minors without diplomas. So I... offered myself as a live-in maid."

*Wow. Such a tragic backstory. How utterly—*

Wait. This isn’t some melodramatic novel! And her excuses had more holes than a sieve!

"Poor child!" Auntie gushed. "Stay with us! Yuchen’s also alone—they can keep each other company!"

"Hey! My parents are alive! They’re just traveling the world together! And ‘keep company’? Are you arranging a childhood marriage?!"

"Cute Teacher, I appreciate your kindness," Xia Bing said softly, "but I won’t trouble you. I’ll manage my own meals."

"Nonsense! We actually need a cook! It’s dangerous for a girl to job-hunt alone. We’ll cover your meals and pay a small salary. I promise—I won’t tell the school about your job."

Xia Bing’s cooking *was* exceptional. Wasting it after one meal would be criminal. Having her as our cook? I wouldn’t complain.

Xia Bing stayed quiet, head lowered. Understandable—adjusting to our scatterbrained homeroom teacher wouldn’t be easy.

"Don’t worry," I added. "My aunt’s... well, she’s basically a student herself. The most relatable teacher ever."

Auntie’s eyes welled up. "Yuchen! I’m an adult! That’s so mean!"

"*Heh... heh heh... HAHAHA!*" Xia Bing burst into laughter, a sound like wind chimes. "You two are hilarious! I’ll take the job. Please take care of me!"

Watching her rare smile under the starry blanket, I wondered: what kind of days awaited us? Honestly... I was looking forward to it.

"It’s late, Yuchen. Walk Xia Bing home. It’s unsafe for girls at night."

She didn’t refuse. I had things to say to my desk partner anyway.

Summer stars glittered, unobscured by clouds. The night air was cool, soothing after the day’s heat.

Strolling with a pretty girl at midnight? Thrilling. (Pity there wasn’t much to admire up top.)

"Um—" *x2*

"You first!" *x2*

This stalemate wouldn’t do. Someone had to speak.

"Xia Bing... please keep my relationship with my aunt a secret. I don’t want classmates knowing. I’m begging you."

"Of course. It benefits no one. Besides," she added lightly, "I’m just your family’s cook now."

*Phew.* I couldn’t afford rumors shaking up my class standing. No trouble from any angle.

"And what did *you* want to say?"

*Confession time? Is this a real-life dating sim route?* I braced myself.

"T-That is..." Her eyes darted left and right. *Was this... love?*

"Oh? Yuchen! Out so late?"

*Damn it!* Shen Yufeng? Why *now*? Did he live to ruin my life? Couldn’t he see I was busy?!

"Hi. You’re... what’s your name again?"

*YES!* Xia Bing’s finishing blow was perfect. I adored her.

"Tsk! After all this time, you forgot? Listen well! I’m Shen Yufeng—cooler than Andy Lau, handsomer than Wu Yanzu, the reincarnation of Pan An himself! Impressed yet?"

"Oh. You’re the guy whose face I stepped on during first-day roll call."

*I’m going to burst laughing!* Xia Bing, you’re a natural. Join my snark squad!

"Hmph! Well... facts are facts."

*Give it up, buddy. Your dignity’s already gone.*

"*Woof! Woof!*"

"Xiao Hei, quiet! Sorry—he’s acting weird today. He never barks at guests!"

*Finally admitting you’re a dumb dog, Shen?*

"N-No problem. I should go. Goodbye, Shen Yufeng... and Yuchen."

Before she could say what she’d meant to, Xia Bing vanished into the night.

"YOU! Why were you alone with her?! Why did she call you ‘Yuchen’?! What spell did you cast?!"

"*You* ruined it! Are you a clingy mantis shrimp?!"

We ended up brawling in the roadside square. Got home very, very late.