Pet Romance

Shen Qian heard a screeching of brakes followed by the commotion of people. She was cutting fish at the time, looked up, and asked the boss, “What’s that noise?” “Must be a car accident. Let’s not get involved. You can take the alley later; it’ll be chaotic over there.” Shen Qian nodded; there was no need to join the crowd. She made a bowl of rather unappetizing yellow croaker noodles. The boss frowned but, not wanting to discourage Shen Qian, simply said, “It’s okay.” Shen Qian thought, ‘Okay is good enough; let’s make do.’ Just as she was about to leave with her noodles, her phone rang. She smiled; she had turned it off earlier, and now, as soon as she turned it back on, You Ran called, probably out of his mind. She picked up. “Where are you?” came a displeased voice from the other end, trying to hide his impatience and anxiety. Shen Qian chuckled and for the first time called him, “Honey, come home for dinner.” You Ran’s voice softened noticeably. “I’m at home.” “What about my mom?” “She’s at the hospital; I came out to find you and checked at home.” Shen Qian fell silent for a moment. “Wait for me to come back; stay put.” She hung up before You Ran could reply, turned to the boss, and said, “Boss, I’ll come back to learn from you next time; I’ll make it as good as my husband’s.” “Alright,” the boss smiled. Shen Qian took a tricycle to Jiangxia Community. She worried the noodles would get soggy and that You Ran would wait too long. However, before she reached Jiangxia, she saw You Ran already waiting at the entrance. Getting off the tricycle, she paid, walked up to You Ran, took his hand, and said, “Honey, come home; your wife will cook for you.”