Chapter 18.3 - Sour Plum 乌梅
Shen Xifan helplessly said, “I’d love to yell at you, but you’re like our god, I can’t afford to offend you. It’s good I saw you outside today, otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the chance.”
He lowered his head, “Shen Xifan, if you want to vent, just do it. I’m feeling depressed right now, so I don’t care if you hurt me.”
Shen Xifan was secretly surprised. When did the once lively young master turn into this? It seemed that Zhongyu’s blow really had an impact on him. With that thought, she obediently closed her mouth and handed him half a bag of preserved plums. “Do you want some?”
Ling Yufan glanced at them, “You, a grown-up, still eat preserved plums? How childish!” He took two and tossed them into his mouth. “Not bad, I suppose it’s okay to eat occasionally.”
What a stubborn young master, Shen Xifan patted his shoulder. “Forget it, I won’t hold grudges about the past. Let’s go, I’ll treat you to something.”
Shang Futang was a century-old establishment, specializing in medicinal cuisine. Shen Xifan introduced, “I love their chilled osmanthus and preserved plum soup, refreshing and delicious, a perfect blend of sweet and sour.”
Two small tea bowls were served, and the fragrance wafted. She took a sip and said, “Preserved plums, they help with coughing, diarrhea, and thirst. With the humid weather now, a bowl of this is the best. Don’t be shy, I’m treating!”
Ling Yufan remained silent. Shen Xifan, unable to stand the silence, said, “Don’t be too depressed. Business is like a battlefield, there are victories and defeats. Well, I’m not really good at comforting people, but once you figure things out, it’s over. Life is still beautiful.”
“What have you figured out?” He suddenly asked, raising his head.
“What can someone like me, about to join the ranks of older unmarried women, figure out? Probably just relationship stuff,” Shen Xifan met his probing gaze and realized she had said too much. “Hey, don’t try to dig it out of me. Drink your soup. I still need to go home.”
He blinked, acting mysteriously. “Shen Xifan, actually, one of your recommendation letters was written by me.”
“I don’t think I ever asked you for that. You really have too much time on your hands!”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t speak ill of you. But if I had written it today, I would have listed more of your good qualities. Anyway, thanks for today, Shen Xifan. Actually, you’re better off not being a manager. Your indifferent attitude really irritates me!”
“Ling Yufan, can you keep it down? The other customers are looking at you.”
“They’re looking because I’m handsome, okay?”
“Self-centered!”
The night had fallen, and the city’s scattered lights gently unfolded.
As she squeezed the bag of preserved plums and got off the bus, Shen Xifan immediately spotted He Suye carrying his bag, stepping off a bus just behind hers. It seemed they missed each other by one bus, but they both arrived home at the same time.
What a funny coincidence.
He Suye immediately noticed the large bag of preserved plums. He frowned slightly, “Little girl, why are you eating things randomly again? I gave you a prescription for preserved plums, not preserved ume!”
Shen Xifan smiled and handed him the bag, “Do you want one? By the way, this preserved ume is good for stopping coughs, relieving diarrhea, and quenching thirst.”
He Suye’s hand hesitated, looking at her with suspicion, then smiled gently. “It’s been a while. You’ve grown a lot, little girl. I guess you can treat yourself now!”
She felt embarrassed. “Not at all, just a neighborhood doctor. Don’t flatter me, Dr. He, I can’t take it.”
He Suye narrowed his eyes. “Looks like you’re in a good mood.”
Shen Xifan nodded heavily. “Yes, I just had some osmanthus and preserved ume soup. It really refreshed me!”
“Where can I get that? I always feel it’s not authentic when I make it myself. The sweetness is always lacking.”
“You can make it? Maybe I’ll try it sometime!”
“Little girl, I’m asking where I can get it.”
“Hehe, I’ll take you next time, but you’re treating me!”
He Suye looked at Shen Xifan walking ahead, her ponytail bouncing with each step. He smiled softly, and his little dimple deepened on the right side of his face. “I’d be happy to…”
His voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.
In an instant, the lights on all the roads in the community lit up at once. The night air was as cool as water.
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