The next morning, Yi Ming woke up with a mess of bedhead. He saw that Jiang Wei had already bought breakfast.
Two small pork dumplings, a steamer of piping hot xiaolongbao, with a carton of lactose-free milk on the side.
Yi Ming knew the milk was for him. Jiang Wei didn't like drinking milk, she only liked yogurt. Yi Ming practically lived on milk, but unfortunately was lactose intolerant. He'd have to run to the bathroom every time half an hour after drinking milk.
Yi Ming was in a great mood this early in the morning. Wearing loose floral shorts and a bare upper body, he sauntered casually over to the dining chair. As he picked up his chopsticks about to grab a xiaolongbao, his ear was suddenly painfully pinched— "Oww, gently, gently! Are you trying to do your husband in?"
Yi Ming's pretense of being in pain was extremely unconvincing. Jiang Wei flatly said while tugging his ear, "Go brush your teeth."
"No, I'll brush after eating. Besides, with such delicious food in front of me, it's hard for me to restrain myself."
Yi Ming's words were loaded with meaning. He gave a roguish smile and cocked his chin at Jiang Wei.
Jiang Wei was taken aback, understanding his teasing. Her little ear instantly turned red.
"You!"
Jiang Wei expressionlessly turned to leave, but Yi Ming reached out and grabbed her hand. His tone suddenly turned gentle and obedient, "Alright, don't be angry. I'm going to brush my teeth now."
Yi Ming tottered off, still giving Jiang Wei a cheeky salute on his way out—the "yes sir" gesture.
After brushing his teeth and coming back, Yi Ming saw Jiang Wei sitting upright at the table waiting for him.
"Why didn't you start eating?"
"Waiting for you."
"Jiang Wei," Yi Ming sat down and picked up his chopsticks, hesitating for a moment. He chuckled, "Don't you feel...really good?"
"What's really good?"
Jiang Wei didn't understand his implication. She raised her eyebrows slightly, gazing calmly at him.
"Right now, this moment."
Yi Ming's eyes contained a hint of light, as if he had stolen the stars. He smiled gently, his eyes full of warmth.
"You're sitting across from me, waiting for me to eat. We're so natural, just like a married couple who's been together for years..." Yi Ming said softly. Jiang Wei was slightly stunned to hear this, her heart just beginning to melt from his words. Before she realized it, an obnoxious voice suddenly shattered the atmosphere:
"It'd be even better if you weren't wearing such an ugly pajama. Look at this pattern, look at this mustard color...tsk tsk, tomorrow I'm off work, I'll take you shopping for clothes..."
Before Yi Ming could finish, Jiang Wei grabbed a pillow from the sofa and flung it at him.
"Eat your food, don't talk."
Jiang Wei glared at him.
He could ruin even the best mood.
In Yi Ming's face, others saw only "handsome". Only Jiang Wei saw "punchable"—he'd be uncomfortable all over if he didn't get hit once a day.
After breakfast, Yi Ming cleaned up and got ready to go to school, while Jiang Wei changed into athletic wear and prepared to take Xiao Shi out for a walk.
"I'm leaving now. Don't you want to give me a goodbye hug?"
Yi Ming's 6-foot tall frame stood stiffly by the door like a Utility pole. He spread his long arms wide, asking for a hug. Jiang Wei maintained a calm expression as she cradled Xiao Shi and ducked under his arms out the door.
"You're so heartless."
Yi Ming pouted unhappily.
Jiang Wei ignored him and went downstairs. She gently placed Xiao Shi on the ground and tidied up his leash.
"Well, I'm off."
Yi Ming smiled and waved at her. They were going in opposite directions.
"Mm."
Jiang Wei nodded. She lowered her head to look at the ground, then suddenly lifted it again.
"Yi Ming?"
Hearing his name, Yi Ming looked up.
"What, you changed your mind?" He gave an obnoxious grin and walked over with open arms again.
"What do you want for lunch? I'm going to the mall."
"Going to the mall again?" Yi Ming faltered and stopped moving.
"Mhm."
"I love anything you make, not picky."
Yi Ming was overjoyed. He was willing to eat grass and dirt as long as he could be by her side.
"Okay."
Jiang Wei nodded.
Yi Ming had just turned to leave when Jiang Wei spoke again.
"Yi Ming, light blue...is that okay?"
"What?"
"It's nothing. Hurry to school, you'll be late..."
Yi Ming: "..."
Jiang Wei is a little strange today!