"Yuxin... could you at least leave me some space?"
Ye Feng looked at the once spacious sofa, now reduced to barely enough room for half his butt, and didn't know what to say.
"Mmm... it's because you were avoiding me earlier, brother."
Su Yuxin eventually moved back, giving Ye Feng enough space to sit comfortably.
"Alright, I won't disturb you anymore. I'll focus on the lesson."
Now that's a good student with a thirst for knowledge.
Seeing that Su Yuxin had finally stopped bothering him, Ye Feng began the day's lesson without further interruptions. The class went smoothly, and before long, it was time for lunch.
"Yuxin, did you understand this problem? You missed it on the last quiz, so make sure you get it this time."
"Huh? Oh... I... I got it."
Su Yuxin leaned in to take a closer look and nodded thoughtfully.
It seems I can't make mistakes on this type of problem on purpose anymore. I'll have to try a different approach next time.
"Alright, it's about time for lunch. Yuxin, what would you like to eat? Should we go out to a restaurant or something?"
"Huh? A restaurant?"
Su Yuxin looked up, blinking her eyes as if deep in thought. But then she caught sight of the kitchen area in Ye Feng's living room and suddenly realized something.
"Yeah, though I'm not sure what kind of food suits your taste. We'll have to go downstairs and see what's available."
"Actually... I don't want to go out to eat."
"Not going out? Should I order takeout then?"
"No, that's not it..."
Su Yuxin shook her head and reached out to hold Ye Feng's hands. Under his puzzled gaze, she looked up with a pitiful expression, her golden hair and adorable face adding an extra layer of cuteness to her plea.
"My request might be a bit much, but I really, really want to try food made by you, brother."
"Food made by me?"
Ye Feng hadn't expected Su Yuxin to ask for his cooking. While his culinary skills weren't exactly top-notch, by his own standards, they were passable. However, for someone like Su Yuxin, who had likely tasted all kinds of gourmet dishes, he worried his cooking might disappoint.
"This... maybe it's better not to. My skills..."
"Not at all!"
Before Ye Feng could finish dismissing himself, Su Yuxin cut him off, passionately showering him with encouragement.
"Everyone has their own strengths, just like you, brother. When it comes to teaching, you're the best teacher I've ever had! So please don't underestimate yourself. No one is born perfect. What matters to me isn't the taste of the food, but the fact that it's made by you, brother!"
"......"
"Alright, alright, I'll do it. Yuxin, you're really flattering me here. My cooking really isn't that great."
"Hehe~"
Seeing that Ye Feng had been convinced, Su Yuxin flashed a triumphant smile. As Ye Feng stood up and headed toward the kitchen, she naturally followed him.
"Brother, what are you planning to make?"
Ye Feng rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and turned to Su Yuxin. "With my skill level, I can only manage some home-cooked dishes. Yuxin, is there anything specific you'd like?"
"Not really. I'll love anything you make."
"You're giving me way too much credit. How about I make some fish-flavored eggplant and green pepper stir-fried pork?"
"Wow~ That sounds so appetizing! I'm going to eat two whole bowls of rice later~"
Ye Feng couldn't help but laugh at Su Yuxin's exaggerated enthusiasm. Who knew she was such a cheerleader?
"Well, I hope my cooking doesn't disappoint. I'll need to prep the ingredients first. Yuxin, why don't you go back to the sofa? The kitchen might get smoky, and I don't want you to get uncomfortable."
"It's fine. Sometimes when my mom cooks at home, I watch her too."
"Yuxin's mom? I don't think I've met her yet."
"Hehe, my mom loves hanging out with her friends playing cards, so she's usually only home in the evenings. But she knows about you, brother."
"Really? Did Mr. Su tell her?"
"No, it was me. My mom even said you're a great teacher."
"Ah... you're too kind."
As they chatted, Su Yuxin watched Ye Feng wash and chop the ingredients with ease. Suddenly, she spoke up again.
"Brother, do you need any help? I often help my mom when she cooks."
"No need, this is a small meal, so I can handle it. But I appreciate the offer."
"Okay then."
Su Yuxin didn't disturb Ye Feng as he worked, but she occasionally chimed in to keep the conversation going.
"Brother, are you used to living alone?"
"Of course. When you live alone for a long time, you just get used to it."
"Do you like living alone?"
"Well... there are pros and cons. Having someone around can make life less lonely, but living alone is quieter. I think I prefer... sometimes having two people isn't bad either."
Hearing Ye Feng's tone turn somewhat reflective, Su Yuxin thought he might be hinting at feeling lonely, so she quickly pressed further.
"So, brother, do you prefer living with someone else?"
"I'm not sure. It really depends on who that person is."
Is brother hinting at me? I must be his favorite student! Someone like Mu Cheng, with her strange temper, would never win his favor.
Oh, brother, I'd love to live with you too, but it's not possible right now. At least not until we... get... married...
"Yuxin? Yuxin!"
"Ah!"
Su Yuxin snapped out of her thoughts at Ye Feng's call, her body trembling slightly as she replied.
"Yes, brother?"
"Could you turn on the rice cooker for me? Just press the button, and it'll start cooking automatically."
"Oh... sure!"
Blushing, Su Yuxin walked over to the rice cooker. After pressing the start button, she fanned her face with her hands, trying to calm her racing heart.