After getting to know each other briefly, Chu Hao talked about today's plans:
"The program team is afraid of stepping on landmines, so they left the task of planning activities to me. I thought of many plans last night and finally kept two. One is to go to a countryside B&B, watch movies together, and then cook. Of course, I'll do the cooking. I really want to show you my cooking skills. Or we could drive to the seaside, take in the scenery along the way, and not need to think about anything. Miss Qin can trust my driving skills. The first thing I did when I returned to China was get my driver's license in one go."
Qin Wei didn't say anything and just looked at him quietly.
Chu Hao hesitated:
"If Miss Qin isn't interested in either, I can modify the plans or... listen to your opinion."
Qin Wei rested her chin in her hand:
"Can I ask why?"
Chu Hao answered her:
"In my job, I often interact with celebrities. Your industry is glamorous but also tiring. I guessed you are very tired, so I don't want you to do anything that takes extra thought."
Qin Wei's mood changed slightly, imperceptible to others but clear to Su Yang—
Was she moved?
It seemed... finally someone cared about her feelings.
"Let's go to the supermarket,"
Qin Wei suddenly said.
Chu Hao looked puzzled again.
"Buy some ingredients and go to the B&B to watch movies together~
Driving around is boring. I'm not interested."
...
The three drove to the supermarket, bought what they needed, and at Qin Wei's request, she and Chu Hao paid separately, while Su Yang's share went into Qin Wei's bill.
Su Yang was especially touched by this.
"Remember to pay me back when we get home. You spent 325 yuan and 25 cents. Keep the change."
Su Yang was touched for one minute.
...
"This is for you."
Once in the car, Chu Hao handed the flowers he was holding to Qin Wei.
It was a bouquet of sunflowers.
"I've seen the variety shows you participated in and know these aren't your favorite. You like edible sunflowers. But before I knew your favorite flowers, sunflowers seemed the safest choice."
As Chu Hao drove towards the B&B, he asked Qin Wei,
"So may I ask, what flowers do you like, Miss Qin?"
Qin Wei fell silent again.
The atmosphere felt a little off.
Su Yang said,
"What about my flowers? I'm not picky."
"Um..."
Chu Hao hesitated, then said to Su Yang,
"I'm really sorry, I didn't consider this thoroughly and didn't prepare flowers for you in advance...
Uh... Miss Qin, don't feel obligated to answer..."
"Jasmine."
Qin Wei suddenly replied,
"I like jasmine, small and unobtrusive, with a fresh yet gentle fragrance. I used to plant a lot in my yard. Now I also have a pot at home. In a few months, it may bloom. Then I can sit on the balcony smelling the flowers and can pick some to make jasmine tea..."
Su Yang wondered:
"So it takes that long to say you like jasmine?"
Qin Wei shook her head, looking very hesitant:
"I just...have been busy these days, forgot if I watered the flowers and changed the fish tank water..."
Chu Hao smiled gently:
"It seems Miss Qin loves life. If there is a chance, I'd really like to see the jasmine you planted."
Qin Wei nodded:
"Okay, when the jasmine blooms, I'll post photos on Weibo."
Chu Hao: "..."
[Xiao Wang's Diary: Changing fish tank water is so troublesome. My sister even calls me stupid. I've decided to buy an automatic filtration system, for myself and the fish.]
...
When they arrived at the B&B, Chu Hao let Qin Wei and Su Yang rest while he rolled up his sleeves to wash vegetables. They offered to help, which he didn't refuse, having Su Yang help pick vegetables and Qin Wei pass him things.
"The water is cold. Don't wash vegetables—help me grab the seasonings!"
Chu Hao took the unwashed vegetables from her hand, rinsed them, then placed them on the cutting board to slice.
He had good knife skills, chopping briskly and evenly.
This wasn't just learned temporarily. Seeing him cook so adeptly, it was clear he had a lot of kitchen experience.
"No more help needed, I have Su Yang. Miss Qin, go watch TV."
Chu Hao glanced up to see Qin Wei intently watching him prep vegetables, so he smiled and said,
"Miss Qin? What's up?"
"How do you cut vegetables so well? Can you teach me?"
Qin Wei pinched a shredded bamboo shoot between her fingers, looking it over.
Chu Hao was a bit surprised:
"Miss Qin is interested in cooking?"
Qin Wei shook her head:
"Just wondering how to make the vegetables look more appealing when cut."
"Sure, I'll teach you."
Comments:
[Oh my god, the three of them cooking together looks so wonderful!]
[A married couple invited their celebrity neighbor!]
[Pfft, Qin Wei and Su Yang are just friends! Qin Wei joined this dating show while Su Yang came along, what does that say?]
[It says TV drama promo season is here! Allow me to shamelessly plug Star Burst!!!]
[I didn't know Chu Hao could cook so well. I used to think musicians were all quirky. That was my stereotype, I apologize.]
[Ah! Chu Hao is teaching Qin Wei to cut vegetables but is still mindful of boundaries, avoiding physical contact when they don't know each other well, right?]
[Wow, open your minds, this is clearly a family of three!]
[My goose is actually learning! And cutting quite nicely!]
...
The three divided up tasks and accomplished them quickly.
Chu Hao was head chef today, making simple but delicious food that Qin Wei and Su Yang approved of.
After the meal, they watched a movie together, chatting on and off, spending the afternoon leisurely and comfortably with time flying by.
"Why don't we eat dinner here too..."
Chu Hao suggested but Qin Wei politely declined:
"No, it takes nearly an hour to get back downtown from here. I have plans later, so I really can't, sorry. See you tomorrow!"
Chu Hao didn't insist. As they left, he gave her a parcel:
"I ordered this last night, arrived during the show. A small gift for you, as a friend. Hope you like it."
With that said, she couldn't refuse and just said "Thank you."
Qin Wei unwrapped it to find a plush strawberry bear inside.
"It's a strawberry bear! So cute! I love it!"
Qin Wei was very happy with the gift. She squeezed the strawberry bear's soft paws, then asked Chu Hao,
"What should I give you in return?"
Chu Hao pointed at the piano in the living room:
"I remember Miss Qin playing piano on the show. If possible, could you play a song you like for me as a return gift?"
"Sure."
Qin Wei readily agreed. She stuffed the strawberry bear into Su Yang's arms, then went to sit at the piano and casually played one of her current favorites, Moonlight Sonata.
