Lan Hui smiled and shook her head. “No. If you could be swayed, it would only mean we’re not compatible, and I’d end it in time.”
Hearing the word “break up,” Peng Kai immediately frowned.
Lan Hui continued, “Brother Kai, in my eyes, a good relationship means loving yourself first, so you can love the other person well. So don’t think I don’t like you—I actually really like you, even love you.”
“But a relationship isn’t about giving up everything. It’s about making the two of you better and happier. If being together causes suspicion and exhaustion, then what’s the point?”
“Brother Kai, I hope you don’t stay so tense. Enjoy the present. If one day I stop loving you, I’ll tell you directly—no hiding, no dragging it out.”
“And I hope you do the same. If something’s wrong or if you like someone else, tell me openly. I won’t cling. We can part peacefully.”
“No deception. No betrayal.”
Peng Kai sighed. “Isn’t loving someone about giving up everything, risking it all for her?”
Lan Hui shook her head.
“No, no, no—that’s not a healthy love. That’s extreme, and I don’t like that either. Like I said, a good love makes you happy and better. Brother Kai, just be happy with me—don’t overthink.”
Peng Kai fell silent.
Lan Hui didn’t want to continue this topic. She felt Peng Kai was too insecure about love, scarred from past hurt and abandonment.
That kind of shadow wouldn’t be lifted quickly, only slowly eased through long-term influence.
“Brother Kai, haven’t you eaten today? Sitting alone on the sofa for so long, you definitely haven’t,” she said.
“I’ll go make some dumplings. A few days ago, I made some with celery and pork filling—you can try and see if you like them.”
Peng Kai was surprised. “You made more? You’ve been working so hard at the shop lately—you should rest more.”
Lan Hui smiled.
“Compared to you, that’s nothing. You’ve been running around non-stop, that’s the real hardship. I thought if I made more and froze them, you could have hot dumplings when you get hungry late at night.”
Peng Kai felt deeply moved.
She had silently done so much for him, yet he selfishly thought she didn’t like him.
If she didn’t care, she could have been a careless manager or just let the cleaning lady do everything.
“Fufu, thank you.”
Lan Hui pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“Thank what? You handed over your paycheck card, so of course this little housekeeper has to take good care of your meals and rest. A man should be cherished by his woman.”
Peng Kai laughed, feeling his bottled-up frustration melt away. “I’ll help you cook the dumplings—we’ll eat together.”
“That’s more like it.” Lan Hui’s smile grew wider as she pulled him by the hand toward the kitchen.
“Fufu, I applied for the transfer today. The Product Department Manager will be my new mentor—and he’s a man!” Peng Kai emphasized the last part.
He transferred departments? And on his own initiative? That basically severed ties with Gu Shinan!
Lan Hui’s eyes curved happily. She was so pleased. He was practically a model boyfriend—she quickly walked over and stood on tiptoe to plant a big kiss on his cheek.
“A reward. Keep it up.”
Peng Kai touched his still-warm cheek, smiling happily.
So she wasn’t indifferent after all.
She was thrilled he transferred departments and smiled like a silly girl.
He scooped her up in a big embrace and pretended to kiss her again.
Lan Hui hurriedly stopped him. “No, no—I’m boiling water right now. Can’t be distracted, it’s dangerous.”
Peng Kai had to let go. He was afraid he’d lose control otherwise—and he’d be the one suffering later.
He had to hold back, wait for the right moment.
No rush.
“Fufu, when are you free?”
Lan Hui tilted her head. “What’s up? Brother Kai wants to take me on a date?”
Peng Kai was a bit embarrassed. “No, I was thinking we need to buy some toiletries. We can go shopping together.”
He added apologetically, “Sorry, Fufu, I’ve been busy lately. I probably can’t take you on dates for a while.”
Lan Hui didn’t mind at all, happily adding water to the pot. “As long as I’m with Brother Kai, every day feels like a date.”
Peng Kai truly adored his understanding girlfriend. Her sweet words were like honey, lifting his spirits and warming his heart.
After thinking a moment, Lan Hui said, “Brother Kai, I’m free after work tomorrow. How about you?”
Peng Kai nodded. “I’ll definitely make time. We’ll go to the mall together.”
“Then it’s settled.” Lan Hui confirmed with a decisive nod.
“Good.” Peng Kai’s face softened with warmth.
***
The next day at 5:30 PM, Peng Kai left work just on time and drove to pick up his girlfriend.
Lan Hui arrived five minutes early and waited by the roadside. When Peng Kai’s car pulled up, she immediately got in.
“Fufu, let’s eat out tonight,” Peng Kai said. “After shopping, it’ll be past eight, and we won’t have time to cook.”
Lan Hui had no objection. “Sounds good.”
“What do you want to eat?” Peng Kai asked while driving.
“In this cold weather, let’s go for all-you-can-eat barbecue. I saw a popular place at the mall last time. It should be good.” Lan Hui’s eyes sparkled with a smile.
“Okay, whatever you want.” Peng Kai smiled. Then he asked, “By the way, Fufu, what kind of car do you like?”
Lan Hui tilted her head. “Why suddenly ask that?”
Peng Kai explained honestly, “My uncle wants to get me a new car. He said the one I have now isn’t very safe.”
“I want to know your preference and buy according to what you like. I’m planning to give this car to Xiao Pang so he can use it when helping people with repairs.”
Lan Hui understood. Peng Kai’s status had changed; being the Chen Clan Heir was dazzling. Driving an ordinary car made him vulnerable to malicious attackers.
“What kind of car does your uncle want to get you?”
Peng Kai said, “He’s used to driving a Rolls-Royce and thinks it’s the best.”
Lan Hui nodded. “Then listen to him—get the Rolls-Royce. Safety first. He’s been driving one for years and knows what’s best.”
Peng Kai agreed, “Okay, Rolls-Royce it is.”
After dinner, it was past seven. The mall’s supermarket was still open. Peng Kai pushed a large cart, strolling behind Lan Hui.
Lan Hui bought a full set of toiletries, then went to the women’s section for sanitary napkins and panty liners.
Tissues, laundry detergent, dish soap, coffee beans…
“Brother Kai, do you need to buy anything?” Lan Hui asked.
Peng Kai shook his head. “Nothing urgent.” He had planned to buy new clothes for the season, but after recognizing his lineage, his mom had prepared a whole wardrobe for him.
He couldn’t possibly wear them all.
“Let’s go to the seasoning aisle for soy sauce, and buy a couple of steaks. That should be enough.”
“Okay.” Peng Kai nodded.
Passing by the liquor section, Peng Kai saw a lot of red wine on the shelves and quickly stopped.
“Fufu, let’s buy a bottle of red wine to take home.”
Hearing this, Lan Hui recalled the night at the city hotel. There was no extra room, so they stayed together.
He lost control and wanted her, but she was scared of pain and drank red wine afterward to calm down.