Chapter 10 - You are not counted as ‘other people’ (1)
Cong Rong saw Wen Shaoqing’s expression, slowed down, and tried to explain, "Actually... Did you recall I had a toothache some time ago? I’ve been drinking porridge for a long time, plus I can't cook, so I have tasted almost every takeaway from nearby, and I’m so tired of them. It’s rare to taste home-cooked food again, that’s why. Hope you don't mind.”
Speaking of a toothache, Wen Shaoqing suddenly remembered something. He put down his chopsticks and said solemnly: "We have known each other for a few years already. Shouldn't we be more harmonious than regular neighbors?"
Cong Rong put down her chopsticks. "We just met once in the past and lost contact ever since. The number of times we met can be counted with one hand. In fact, we are not familiar with each other at all."
Wen Shaoqing concluded, "then why are you always avoiding me?"
Women are never born to speak what they feel, and Cong Rong subconsciously retorted, "I didn’t avoid you."
Wen Shaoqing continued "because you knew that I’m aware that you like me? I’m unmarried and you also. I don't think there is any awkwardness between us regarding this matter..."
What Wen Shaoqing said was like a knife stabbing into Cong Rong's softest part of her belly, and she immediately retaliated, "Shut up! Don't mention it!"
Only now Cong Rong realized that this was a Feast at Swan Goose Gate.
Wen Shaoqing ignored her anger and started speaking nonsense in a professional tone, "generally speaking, patients will go through five psychological stages after knowing their illness, just like you accepting the fact that you love me."
Cong Rong blushed, "I don't love you!"
Wen Shaoqing raised his eyebrows and concluded, "The first stage, the denial period when patients refuse to accept reality."
Cong Rong was anxious, "You bullshit!"
Wen Shaoqing was very satisfied with her response. "The second stage, the angry period, mainly manifested as exasperation, venting emotions to those close to him."
Cong Rong raised her hands, "well, I take back what I just said."
Wen Shaoqing nodded, "The period of compromise. The patients who accepted the fact that he or she is ill will become kind."
"..." Cong Rong covered her face and couldn't say a word.
Wen Shaoqing continued, "yes, fourth is the depression period. The patient will have a strong sense of loss, with reactions such as sadness, depression, and silence."
Cong Rong took a deep breath, raised her head and looked at Wen Shaoqing listlessly, and stood up. "Whatever you say, I'm full and tired. I'll leave first."
Wen Shaoqing looked at her and continued to sum up: "In the final stage, the patient basically accepted the facts and liked to be alone."
Cong Rong turned to stare at him, "are you done?!"
"Several patients will momentarily recover to the second phase of being angry."
A feeling of powerlessness was felt in Cong Rong’s heart. She had always been clever at work and had a silver tongue. When she went to school, she was also the main force in the school debate competition, with a sharp mind and brilliant arguments. She was responsive and logical but why is she at a loss of words with a professional butcher?
Wen Shaoqing was right on one point, she had to calm down so that he wouldn't be interested to flirt with her. Whether it was Rang Yi Rang or Wen Shaoqing, this holds true for both of them.
After thinking about it, Cong Rong quickly returned to the table and picked up chopsticks to continue eating.
In the following time, no matter what Wen Shaoqing said, she no longer retaliated and she smiled and remained silent throughout.
Wen Shaoqing also knew that the stag at bay is a dangerous foe, and he finished his meal without persisting.
The plate spicy pork ribs with hot peppers were eaten up by Cong Rong, someone who "doesn't eat spicy food." After gulping down a whole glass of water, she still felt spicy as she stuck out her tongue for relief.
Wen Shaoqing looked at her then looked at Rang Yi Rang. He couldn’t help to smile and teased her. He turned to Rang Yi Rang and said "Rang Yi Rang, stick out your tongue."
Rang Yi Rang stuck out its tongue immediately, Wen Shaoqing looked at it, then looked at Cong Rong, and laughed, "you resemble each other."
Cong Rong turned her face and rolled her eyes. She has lost her mien as a calm and ruthless lawyer. Seeing that Wen Shaoqing got up to pick up the chopsticks to bring it to the sink, she quickly stopped him, "I'll wash it. You treated me to a meal and it's right that I wash the dishes for you."
When Cong Rong was doing the dishes in the kitchen, Wen Shaoqing washed and cut some fruits. Cong Rong thought he was making fruit trays. But he took out a tray-like thing from the cabinet, plugged it in, and poured the yogurt into a cup. He then placed the washed fruits into the yogurt, sprinkled some raisins and nuts, and poured it into the tray.
Cong Rong stopped and looked over, "What is this?"
Wen Shaoqing spread the yogurt with a shovel, "Have you seen this before? It's an ice whipping machine."
Cong Rong's eyes lit up, "Fried yogurt, I always wanted to try it, but in winter they don’t sell it."
Wen Shaoqing waited for a few seconds, and the yogurt quickly agglomerated. He sprinkled some sesame seeds into it. "In the future, instead of buying fruit yogurt, you can make it yourself."
Cong Rong absently replied, "Oh."
Wen Shaoqing debunked her slowly, "I bet your ‘Oh’ means I shall continue explaining it to you but you would never try it on your own’?"
"Uh..." Cong Rong coughed lightly, "I don't like fruits."
"Generally speaking, most people who say they don't like fruit are too lazy to wash or cut them."
Cong Rong was dumbfounded, what a trenchant man!
