It had been two days since Mei Jin came to stay, and Wan Ru's back wound was also gradually recovering.
But what made her gloomy was that for the past two days, Chen Jiancheng hadn't shown any intention of visiting her.
"Chen Jiancheng isn't going to visit me, Mei Jin!" Wan Ru lay on the bed, feeling dejected.
"Who gave you permission to call my uncle by his full name?" Mei Jin tapped her head with a pillow.
"It looks like Mei Jin's path to becoming his youngest aunt is still very long."
She pretended to sob.
"Do you want to see him?" Mei Jin smiled smugly.
"Yes!" Wan Ru answered in a loud voice.
"Call me 'Sister'!"
"Oh, my dear sister!" Wan Ru hugged Mei Jin's arm and rubbed against her.
Half an hour later, Chen Jiancheng was sitting properly in Wan Ru's living room.
"This is so delicious, thank you, Uncle!" Mei Jin held a few pieces of fried chicken, speaking in a wheedling tone.
Wan Ru sat to one side, constantly smiling to herself and secretly glancing at Chen Jiancheng.
The reason was that Mei Jin had said she wanted fried chicken, so she'd "tormented" her uncle into buying and bringing it over.
As a result, Chen Jiancheng bought fried chicken for Mei Jin, but also a portion of hot porridge. He said that since Wan Ru was injured, she shouldn't eat chicken, so he bought the porridge for her.
Wan Ru was overjoyed; even though it was a very simple gesture, it showed that he thought of her.
She ate, beaming with happiness.
Chen Jiancheng sat with his legs crossed, watching TV, looking like a weary father taking care of two small children.
"Uncle! Tomorrow, please come and take Wan Ru for her follow-up appointment!" Mei Jin spoke up.
Chen Jiancheng remained silent, not answering, so she continued.
"I have classes at school tomorrow, so I'm relying on you, Uncle."
"I also have to go to work tomorrow."
He said coldly.
"Then you should take the day off!"
"Then why don't *you* take the day off?"
Wan Ru listened silently to the friendly banter between the uncle and niece.
Mei Jin was also momentarily stunned by his words for a few seconds, but then she regained her composure and continued.
"Alright then, I'll tell Dad that Uncle told me to skip school."
Wan Ru burst out laughing at Mei Jin's words.
Chen Jiancheng shot her a look, and she quickly suppressed her smile, obediently eating her porridge.
He turned to glare at his niece.
"Very clever!"
"You flatter me. So it's decided then. I have class at 8 AM, so Uncle, please come early and you can drop me off too!"
Chen Jiancheng remained silent.
Mei Jin turned and winked at Wan Ru.
Wan Ru happily smiled as she looked at Chen Jiancheng, who was watching TV; his face didn't show any sign of annoyance.
She secretly rejoiced.
The next morning, Chen Jiancheng drove the two girls, dropping one off at school and the other at the hospital.
The doctor who examined Wan Ru said her wound was stable; she just needed to be careful not to exert strong force and to mind her daily activities.
After hearing the instructions, they both returned. On the way back, Wan Ru invited Chen Jiancheng to take a short walk.
He didn't object much and agreed with her.
"Are you off for the whole day today, Uncle?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you reply to my message last night?"
"I was too tired and fell asleep."
"You're a chairman, do you really have to work so hard?"
"Do you think a chairman just stays home and takes you out to play?"
"But why do you always work late? Don't you do anything when you go to the office in the morning?"
Chen Jiancheng sighed helplessly. If he didn't have so many worries, he'd finish his eight hours at the office like anyone else; who would want to work all day?
"Well, there's nothing to do in the evening, so I just handle tomorrow's matters while I'm at it!" He casually made up an excuse for her.
"Who said there's nothing to do in the evening?" Wan Ru turned to question him.
Chen Jiancheng looked at her, puzzled.
"You could text me and talk in the evening."
He looked at her for a moment, then gave a faint smile but didn't answer further.
"Shall I take you home?" He asked her gently.
She smiled playfully.
"Take me to *your* house!"
Seeing that he didn't answer but only smirked, she felt a sense of ease in her heart.
The two strolled along a tree-lined path, the refreshing scenery softening her heart.
"Thank you. When I get my salary, I'll treat you to a meal."
"Mm-hmm."
"But I know how to cook. Would you like to try my cooking?" She looked at him expectantly.
"If you're treating, I don't mind."
Exactly what she wanted, she beamed.
She continued, feigning a pitiful tone.
"I guess I'll just have to cook for you myself. My salary isn't much, so please don't look down on me for being poor!"
"I won't. Your sincerity is enough."
"So, whenever you're free, let me know in advance!"
"Mm-hmm."
After Chen Jiancheng took Li Wanru home, he returned to work at his company.
Although there was nothing particularly special about their conversation, she felt very happy.
At least Chen Jiancheng was more comfortable with her now. She no longer felt him treating her stiffly, as he had when she was merely his niece's friend.
The handsome man would eventually be hers.
She went back inside to research dishes she planned to cook for Chen Jiancheng.
This meal would be a huge step forward if she played her cards right.