Karl placed Naily’s things on the small table opposite the entrance, then went to the kitchen to pour two cups of hot tea, handing one to Naily before leaning against the wall and saying “Oh?” lazily. He slowly sipped his tea, looking at Naily with a seemingly meaningful tone: “One person living doesn’t need much.”
Naily gave him a sidelong glance, not pursuing the comment. Holding the mug to her lips, she asked: “How was your first day of university?”
Karl seriously considered for a moment, then briefly answered: “More interesting than expected. But some classmates are troublesome.”
Naily laughed helplessly. Karl spread his hands with an utterly innocent expression.
Karl exposed a childlike expression of being criticized, slightly lowering his eyes, and said somewhat aggrieved: “I don’t like seeing other people…” He stole a glance at Nelly as she stuffed salad, fruits, and semi-finished products into the refrigerator, casually adding, “You can come often to supervise me.”
He deliberately paused for a moment before slowly saying: “Or you could live with me.”
Nelly tried to glare at him fiercely, then softened her tone, “In others’ eyes… we’ve only known each other for just over a month, it’s too fast.”
Facing Karl’s immediately brightened eyes, Nelly quickly added: “In any case, it’s not the right time yet…” She lightly coughed, “I’ll try to come see you more often, and prepare dinner now.”
With that, Nelly turned around and went to wash her hands and prepare to cook wonton.
Karl came up from behind, half-embracing her and rolling up her sleeves, then contentedly wrapping his arms around her waist, sticking close to her as she moved.
Covering the pot, Nelly turned back and gave Karl a white look: “Go get two clean bowls.”
The black-haired young man obediently said “Oh” and made to let go, but in a moment of Nelly’s distraction, he leaned in and pecked her cheek.
By the time Nelly turned back in embarrassed anger, the person had already leisurely drifted to the cabinet, with a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
The water in the pot boiled, bubbling, and Nelly was about to take out the box of wontons when a hand reached out to take it. Karl’s tone was calm: “Be careful, it’s hot. I’ll do it.”
