C42 Who's the Outsider?(last part)

"How about we buy some fish and make fish soup?" Gu Zhiwei asked, tilting her head to gauge his opinion.

Bo Yandong, his voice tinged with warmth, snapped back to reality and replied, "Sounds good."

At the checkout, Gu Zhiwei casually grabbed two boxes of condoms from the shelf next to the cashier. Amidst a pile of groceries, the small boxes stood out conspicuously.

Bo Yandong caught a glimpse of them, and his breath hitched.

With a light scratch to his palm, Gu Zhiwei teased in a whisper meant only for them, "We'll need these later."

Bo Yandong averted his gaze as his fingertips began to stiffen.

Amused, Gu Zhiwei watched him and took out her phone to pay. Bo Yandong interjected, "I'll take care of it."

Gu Zhiwei considered for a moment, then accepted his offer.

By the time they got home, night had fallen.

As they entered, Gu Zhinan was in the living room. Sensing their arrival, he asked keenly, "Sister, has the big brother come over again?"

"Yes," she replied.

Gu Zhiwei affectionately stroked his head, "Mr. Yandong helped me out, so I'm making dinner to thank him."

She retrieved a pair of new slippers from the shoe cabinet and handed them to Bo Yandong, "These are for you." They were his size, chosen with care.

Bo Yandong, bag in hand, headed for the kitchen, with Gu Zhiwei chuckling as she followed. Soon, the kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of fish soup, tantalizing and rich.

Bo Yandong watched in silent astonishment. He had assumed her offer to cook was just polite conversation, not expecting her culinary talents to be so impressive.

When the food was served, Gu Zhinan couldn't contain his excitement. "Sister, it's been so long since I've had your cooking."

Ms. Zhang guided him to the dining table and provided him with utensils designed for the visually impaired.

Bo Yandong and Gu Zhiwei sat down opposite each other. The man swallowed hard, gazing at the spread before them. After a pause, he murmured a heartfelt, "Thank you."

Gu Zhiwei's lips curved into a slight smile, and she remained silent, letting the moment speak for itself.

Bo Yandong savored a piece of fish, and in an instant, he was transfixed.

For the first time since his mother's death, he tasted something that brought back the flavors of his memories.

He couldn't resist giving Gu Zhiwei another glance.

What other surprises did she hold that he had yet to uncover?

After the meal, Bo Yandong rose to take his leave.

Gu Zhiwei escorted him to the elevator, waving goodbye with a smile, "See you tomorrow."

As the elevator doors slid open, Bo Yandong remained still.

He gazed at Gu Zhiwei, seemingly expecting her to make a move.

Gu Zhiwei hesitated for a moment before realizing what he was anticipating, and a chuckle escaped her.

She licked her lips, stepped closer, rose on her toes, cradled his face, and tenderly kissed his lips. "See you tomorrow, Yandong."

His lips slightly upturned, he departed contentedly.

...

The following morning, Bo Yandong's car was still there, waiting below.

Gu Zhiwei climbed in and greeted him with a warm morning kiss.

Bo Yandong noticed her reddened eyes. "Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"

"It was okay," Gu Zhiwei replied with a yawn, resting on his shoulder and closing her eyes for a few more moments of sleep. "Though it's a shame I didn't dream of you."

Bo Yandong watched her eyelashes quiver and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

His touch was the epitome of tenderness.

The ride was quiet and wordless.

They reached Beiverlim University with fifteen minutes to spare before her class.

Bo Yandong was reluctant to wake her, but recalling the previous day's gossip, he furrowed his brow and gently nudged the woman on his shoulder. "We've arrived."

Gu Zhiwei's eyes fluttered open, hazy with sleep. She stretched, yawned, and as she did, tears gathered, moistening her long, curled lashes.