"Little Chen, let's buy some gastrodia elata. Gastrodia elata chicken soup is something Little Lan will definitely love when she comes over."
"This pumpkin looks good, let's get one."
"The fish is very fresh, we should get one."
"The ribs look meaty, let's get two."
In the bustling market, Lin Jichen followed behind Gu Qiuxue like a lord, not even needing to carry the groceries, just strolling around leisurely.
In contrast, Gu Qiuxue's hands were full of groceries.
It wasn't that he didn't want to help, but his hand had just come out of a cast and was still healing, so he couldn't carry heavy things.
Even if he wanted to help, Gu Qiuxue wouldn't let him. His only job was to scan and pay.
At an old lady's stall, the old lady beamed when she saw Gu Qiuxue.
"Xiaoxue, buying groceries again? What do you want today? Oh my, is this the boyfriend you mentioned? I wanted to introduce my grandson to you, but now I see why you weren't interested. You have such an excellent boyfriend, my grandson doesn't compare. You two are a perfect match."
Hearing this, Gu Qiuxue's face turned bright red.
She wanted to explain, but was afraid the old lady would start pushing her grandson again if she knew they were just siblings.
Lin Jichen, playing along, stepped forward and said, "Hello, Grandma. Yes, I'm her boyfriend. With such a kind grandma, your grandson will surely find an even better girlfriend. I wish you a long and happy life with many grandchildren."
The old lady couldn't stop smiling, praising Lin Jichen for his good looks and sweet words.
Not only did she pack the freshest vegetables for him, but she also refused to take any money.
It took a lot of persuasion from Lin Jichen before she finally accepted the payment, and they left with Gu Qiuxue.
On the way, Lin Jichen grinned at Gu Qiuxue and asked, "Sis, do you often tell people I'm your boyfriend?"
Gu Qiuxue's face, which had just calmed down, turned red again.
"I... I don't... Even if I did, it's just to avoid people trying to set me up. Don't get the wrong idea..."
Seeing Gu Qiuxue's flustered explanation, Lin Jichen laughed and said, "I see, I get it, Sis. But why are you blushing? I won't laugh at you."
Gu Qiuxue, both shy and annoyed, pretended to put down the groceries and lightly pinched Lin Jichen's ear, playfully scolding, "You little rascal, if you keep talking nonsense, I... I won't let you have dinner!"
After thinking hard, Gu Qiuxue finally came up with what she thought was a very intimidating threat.
"Alright, alright, I won't say it again. I won't dare," Lin Jichen apologized, playing along.
Only then did Gu Qiuxue let go of his ear, secretly rubbing it to make sure she hadn't hurt him.
They continued shopping in the market, looking like a sweet and loving couple, chatting and laughing.
After they finished shopping, they realized they had bought too much.
"Sis, you bought so much, but there are only three of us."
Gu Qiuxue thought for a moment and said, "We can invite Tang Tang and Xiaowei to join us."
"That works. Tang Tang should be out of school by now."
Just as Lin Jichen finished speaking, he saw Qin Xiaowei bringing Tang Tang, who had just finished school, to the market.
Qin Xiaowei was watching cooking videos on her phone as she walked, clearly planning to learn and shop at the same time.
Tang Tang, on the other hand, looked like a wilted eggplant, dragging her feet as if heading to her doom.
While other kids were excited to go home on Fridays, it was a different story for Niu Naitang.
Seeing them, Gu Qiuxue immediately went over with a smile, persuading Qin Xiaowei to give up on shopping and join them for dinner instead.
Qin Xiaowei gratefully accepted and walked back with Gu Qiuxue.
Lin Jichen followed behind with Tang Tang.
Tang Tang, relieved, hugged Lin Jichen's leg and thanked him profusely.
"Brother Lin, you came just in time."
Lin Jichen chuckled, "What's wrong?"
Niu Naitang pouted, "If you hadn't come, Auntie would have cooked dinner herself."
Lin Jichen couldn't help but laugh, "No worries. Next time your aunt wants to cook, just message me, and I'll invite you over for dinner."
"Yay! Brother Lin, you're the best! When I grow up, I'll marry you!"
Niu Naitang's innocent words left Lin Jichen speechless.
By the time she grows up, he would be nearing forty.
Wait, with the world merging and the Cultivation World in play, age might not be an issue...
Lin Jichen quickly dismissed the thought. What was he thinking!
This novel is available on "pawread.com".
When the four of them returned to the neighborhood, they saw Ren Lan arriving as well.
Ren Lan was carrying a small suitcase and a few boxes of supplements.
"Little Lan, you're here."
"Yes, Sister Qiuxue, Sister Xiaowei, long time no see. Come here for a hug~"
Seeing her two friends, Ren Lan was overjoyed, and the three women started chatting non-stop, as if they were long-lost besties.
"Little Lan, you didn't have to bring gifts," Gu Qiuxue noticed the supplements in Ren Lan's hand and scolded her gently.
"My mom asked me to bring them. Isn't Little Lin's hand injured?"
"It's already healed. You shouldn't have gone to the trouble."
"It's no trouble, just a little nutrition."
Ren Lan smiled and then curiously asked Lin Jichen, "Little Lin, with your hand injured, how have you been eating and bathing?"
Lin Jichen blushed, while Gu Qiuxue pretended not to hear, her face even redder.
How did he bathe? Thinking about that day made Lin Jichen's heart itch.
Unfortunately, he had been stuck in the game for two days due to Leng Feiyan's special training, and by the time he came out, his hand had healed.
Lin Jichen could no longer enjoy his sister's help with bathing, which he found a bit regrettable.
He thickened his skin and lied, "I only hurt one hand, the other one is fine. Bathing and eating are no big deal."
"Haha, true enough," Ren Lan believed him without question.
Qin Xiaowei looked at Lin Jichen's hand in surprise, "Xiao Lin, how did you get hurt?"
"Oh, it's nothing serious," Lin Jichen briefly explained what happened, and Qin Xiaowei felt guilty.
"It's all my fault. I should have taken you home that day, or at least called a cab."
"It's fine, it's just a minor injury. Look, I'm perfectly fine now. Don't worry, Sister Xiaowei. I can even carry Tang Tang."
Lin Jichen tried to pick up Niu Naitang to prove his point, but the three women stopped him simultaneously, and even Tang Tang moved away as if avoiding a bad guy.
Lin Jichen felt awkward, suddenly feeling abandoned (facepalm)...
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas