At lunchtime, there were four or five dishes on the table, all of which looked and smelled delicious.

Lin Suxin greeted him warmly, and Bian Wenbai gestured for him not to be shy.

Wei Zixian thanked her, his gaze sweeping over the steamed sea bass, braised prawns, and braised pork ribs... Suddenly, he put down his chopsticks and looked at Lin Suxin:

"Auntie, this oyster sauce lettuce smells amazing, and the color is so vibrant green. I've recently become interested in cooking, but I'm always having trouble cooking vegetables. May I ask how you blanch this lettuce to keep it so crisp?"

This question really bothered Lin Suxin.

She immediately became interested, put down her chopsticks, and began to explain in detail the heat and time for blanching vegetables, the trick of adding a little oil and salt to the water, and even shared the brand of oyster sauce she uses at home.

Wei Zixian listened very attentively, nodding from time to time, asking for details, and even trying to take notes on his phone.

This humble and eager-to-learn attitude greatly pleased Lin Suxin.

The conversation expanded from one dish to the secrets of other home-style cooking.

Bian Wenbo listened at first, but later somehow joined the discussion, saying that he had cooked when he was young and that his braised pork was his specialty.

Wei Zixian expressed his admiration at the right moment: "Uncle can cook too? That's amazing. Making braised pork is not easy."

Bian Wenbo's mouth was opened a little, and although he didn't talk non-stop, he did say a few more words about his "cooking tips" from back then.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was warm and harmonious, and the initial awkwardness quietly melted away in the lively atmosphere.

Halfway through the meal, Wei Zixian stood up, slightly apologetic: "Uncle, Aunt, Zhizhi, I'm going to the restroom."

As he left, he glanced at Bian Zhizhi very quickly, his eyes filled with questioning and a hint of cunning.

With just one glance, Bian Zhizhi knew what he wanted to do, so she asked to sound him out.

After he left, Lin Suxin couldn't help but smile at her daughter and say, "This child isn't as aloof as I imagined. She's quite down-to-earth."

Bian Wenbai didn't speak, but his expression clearly softened.

After a while, Wei Zixian returned. He didn't sit down immediately, but walked to Bian Zhizhi's side, bowed slightly, and tentatively asked with embarrassment:

"Sister, I see there's still a fish in the kitchen that hasn't been cleaned yet. The fish that Auntie makes is so delicious."

"Could I... try making sauerkraut fish? I learned from a master chef a while ago, and I'd like to ask for your guidance."

Lin Suxin was taken aback, and quickly waved her hand: "You are a guest, how can I let you do it..."

"Let him give it a try, Mom." Bian Zhizhi guessed that this guy's so-called "learning" was probably just some emergency private training he received after learning that he was going to visit today.

Bian Wenbai asked with curiosity, "Oh? You can make sauerkraut fish? Then go ahead and give it a try. We'll prepare anything you need."

"Thank you, Uncle! No need to trouble yourself, I've already checked the ingredients, they're all in the kitchen."

As he spoke, he skillfully rolled up his shirt sleeves, turned around, and went into the kitchen, his movements showing no sign of unfamiliarity.

Lin Suxin and Bian Wenbai exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.

Bian Zhizhi also went in, ostensibly to "help," but in reality to "supervise."

In the kitchen, Wei Zixian sliced ​​fish, marinated it, stir-fried sauerkraut seasoning, cooked soup, and added fish slices... His movements were swift and skillful, and his wok-tossing motion even had a touch of professionalism.

Bian Zhizhi leaned against the door and watched. She knew how busy he was and that he probably hadn't been in the kitchen much in his life, but he had practiced countless times in private for this meal and to make a good impression on her parents.

Twenty minutes later, a fragrant and visually appealing dish of pickled fish was served.

The fish slices were tender and smooth, the pickled cabbage was refreshing, and the soup was rich and slightly spicy. The taste was surprisingly authentic.

Bian Wenbai took a bite, and his eyes showed genuine appreciation: "Not bad! This skill is almost on par with that of a noodle shop."

Lin Suxin was even more delighted: "Little Wei, I never expected you to have this skill! How did you slice the fish so thinly? Not a single piece broke!"

Wei Zixian blushed slightly at the praise, her ears turning a little red, but her voice remained steady: "Uncle and Auntie, you flatter me. It's Auntie's ingredients that are so good; I was just copying her. Please eat as much as you like and see where I can improve."

This move completely won over the Bian family parents.

The atmosphere had changed by the end of the meal.

Bian Wenbai began to ask Wei Zixian about matters that were not confidential in the company. Lin Suxin warmly served him food and reminded him to take care of his health no matter how busy he was with work.

After lunch, they drank tea together for a while. When it was almost time, Wei Zixian and Bian Zhizhi got up to say goodbye.

Lin Suxin saw her to the door, and while Wei Zixian was putting on her shoes, she took her daughter's hand and whispered, her eyes filled with genuine joy: "This child, she's put her heart into it. She's serious about you."

Bian Wenbai was also standing inside the door. He nodded to Wei Zixian, his tone much gentler than when he arrived: "Come visit often when you have time."

"Of course, Uncle and Aunt, please wait a moment. I'm sorry to bother you today." Wei Zixian bowed slightly again.

Only after the door closed did he straighten up and turn to look at Bian Zhizhi.

That composed demeanor vanished instantly, his eyes brightened, he grabbed her hand, and asked impatiently, his voice brimming with excitement:

"Zhizhi, did I pass? Uncle and Auntie... don't hate me, right?"

Bian Zhizhi couldn't help but laugh at his nervous and praise-seeking appearance, and pinched his cheek: "Exceptional performance. Chef Wei has done a great job today."

Wei Zixian immediately grinned, leaned over and quickly pecked her lips, then hugged her and rested his chin on the top of her head.

"Hey Zhizhi, now, can I legitimately cling to you every day?"

Bian Zhizhi hugged him back and whispered, "Granted."

The next day, Monday, the black sedan was parked outside the studio's courtyard.

Just as Bian Zhizhi was about to push open the door, Wei Zixian got out first, went around to the passenger side to open the car door for her, and kept his hand on the roof to protect her.

"I can go in by myself. Aren't you busy at your company?" she said.

"How could I be busy giving you this?" Wei Zixian took her commuter bag from her hand, and took her hand with his other hand, their fingers intertwined. "I'll take a look at your newly set up exhibition area. I heard from Xiaolu last time that it was finished."

The two walked side by side, their posture intimate. Just as they entered the courtyard, they came face to face with Chang Xiting, who was hurrying out from inside.

He was wearing a light brown trench coat, looking travel-worn, and his face showed his exhaustion. But when he saw Bian Zhizhi and Wei Zixian holding hands with her, his exhaustion froze and turned into stiffness.

"Zhizhi." He spoke first, his gaze lingering for a moment on their clasped hands before quickly shifting to her face, forcing a smile.

"Good morning. I happen to have something to discuss with you regarding the follow-up to the Suzhou intangible cultural heritage cooperation project we mentioned before. There are some unforeseen circumstances that need to be decided as soon as possible..."

The reason remains respectable: it concerns work.

Before Bian Zhizhi could speak, Wei Zixian had already taken a half step forward, still holding her hand, and looked at Chang Xiting: "Mr. Chang, good morning. We meet again."

The word "again" was pronounced smoothly, but it seemed particularly meaningful in the current context.

Chang Xiting's gaze darkened slightly, and he nodded: "President Wei."

"The project Mr. Chang mentioned, Zhizhi told me about, and I'm also paying close attention to it."

Since this involves the development of Zhizhi Studio, I'm also very concerned. I wonder what specific issue requires such an urgent face-to-face discussion?

He tilted his head slightly, looking at Bian Zhizhi, his gaze instantly shifting to one of self-righteousness: "Can I listen in too? I guess I'm... considered 'family member' now, so I have the right to show concern, right?"

This question was cleverly phrased, positioning the speaker as someone who shares interests with Bian Zhizhi, thus highlighting their relationship while preventing Chang Xiting from politely declining on the grounds of personal matters or business secrets.

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