Seriously, sir? You can even pursue a professor?

Two bowls of beef noodles were quickly served. The bone broth was rich, creamy white, and the beef slices were cut to the perfect thickness. Fresh cilantro and scallions were sprinkled on top, and the steam carrying a rich aroma wafted over.

Tang Zheng handed over a pair of chopsticks, "Try it, Aunt Ruan."

Ruan Hongzhuang took the chopsticks, picked up a strand of noodles, blew on it gently, and put it in her mouth. The chewy noodles were coated with the fresh and mellow soup, and the taste was just right. Her eyebrows and eyes unconsciously curved slightly, and she picked up another strand and put it in her mouth.

Seeing her expression, Tang Zheng knew she liked it, so he pushed the plate of braised beef towards her, "Try this braised beef again, it tastes very good too."

"Um."

As the sun gradually set outside the window, it cast a warm glow that fell on Ruan Hongzhuang's slightly lowered eyelashes, creating a soft, diffused light and shadow.

Tang Zheng looked away, picked up a noodle, blew on it, and took a big bite.

It seems even more delicious than I remember.

The two ate their noodles in silence, and time slowly passed.

Ruan Hongzhuang gently placed her chopsticks on the rim of the bowl and looked up.

"Are you full, Aunt Ruan?"

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at the empty bowl of noodles in front of him and pushed her half-full bowl of noodles over to him.

Tang Zheng picked up his chopsticks and quickly finished the remaining noodles in the bowl. Then he picked up the bowl again and drank the remaining noodle soup in one gulp.

"Hmm..." Tang Zheng put down the bowl, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

Even the most exquisite delicacies can't compare to the satisfaction of a bowl of beef noodles.

"If you're still not full, order another bowl," Ruan Hongzhuang said, seeing that he seemed to want more.

"I'm full, I'm a little stuffed." He wasn't really hungry, he was just craving this bowl of beef noodles.

"Let's go, Aunt Ruan."

The noise in the noodle shop was gradually left behind by the two. As they left, Yuanyuan leaned on the counter and waved her little hand vigorously at them.

Goodbye, brother! Goodbye, sister!

"goodbye."

Stepping out of the store, a gentle summer evening breeze wafted by, carrying the lingering warmth of the daytime, making the heat less oppressive and the atmosphere more pleasant.

"Let's go to the night market up ahead, Aunt Ruan. It'll help us digest our food," Tang Zheng suggested, pointing to the direction from which a commotion could be faintly heard in the distance.

That's a famous night market street in the old town. During the day it's just an ordinary street, but in the evening it's filled with all sorts of stalls, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced in that direction and said, "Okay."

As you walk through a narrow alley, a bustling scene unfolds before you. On both sides of a not-so-wide street, stalls stand side by side, each adorned with bright light bulbs or colorful lanterns. The air is filled with the smoky aroma of barbecue, the sizzling sound of grilled squid, pop songs playing from cheap stereos, the sweet scent of fruit, and the hustle and bustle of the crowd, creating a vibrant and lively picture of everyday life.

Tang Zheng naturally walked on the outer side, slightly blocking the crowded flow of people.

"Aunt Ruan, have you ever eaten that?" He pointed to a stall a few meters away.

Ruan Hongzhuang looked in the direction he pointed. Beside a simple cart, the stall owner was skillfully winding a large ball of fluffy, cloud-like pinkish-white sugar threads with a bamboo skewer, while two little girls stood around with longing eyes.

"no."

Aunt Ruan's parents were nearly forty years old when she was born, so they doted on her and were very strict with her in some ways, rarely letting her eat food from outside.

"Do you know what that's called?" Tang Zheng asked.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at him sideways, her tone flat, "I'm not stupid."

Even if you haven't eaten pork, you've surely seen pigs run.

"Aunt Ruan, wait for me a moment." Tang Zheng said, and without waiting for Ruan Hongzhuang's reply, he quickly walked towards the stall.

A moment later, he returned carrying a large, cloud-like pink and white cotton candy, and handed it to Ruan Hongzhuang, saying, "Try it."

"You can have it." Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at the cotton candy; it was something only children ate.

"I have a toothache recently, so I can't eat sweets," Tang Zheng said, taking Ruan Hongzhuang's hand and stuffing the cotton candy into it.

"Let's go, Aunt Ruan, let's continue our stroll." Tang Zheng turned around and walked slowly forward.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at the back of his head, then looked down at the soft cotton candy in her hand, and took a small bite.

The sugar strands melt in your mouth, sweet with a hint of strawberry flavor.

Just then, Tang Zheng suddenly turned to look at her, his expression somewhat mischievous, "Is it delicious, Aunt Ruan?"

Ruan Hongzhuang paused slightly, her beautiful eyes looking at his cheeky face.

"It doesn't taste good." She said in a flat tone.

"It's nothing, just trying something new." Tang Zheng looked at her, smiled, and then turned to sing, "Saying one thing but meaning another, your heartfelt promise..."

Although the sound wasn't loud, it was just enough to clearly reach Ruan Hongzhuang's ears.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at his infuriating back of the head, raised her hand, and slapped him.

"Aunt Ruan, why did you hit me?" The singing stopped abruptly, and Tang Zheng turned to look at her, his tone displeased.

"There are mosquitoes," Ruan Hongzhuang said casually.

Tang Zheng: "..."

"Thank you."

The two continued strolling leisurely.

"Wait a minute, Aunt Ruan, your shoelace is untied."

Ruan Hongzhuang looked down and was about to hand over the cotton candy when she saw Tang Zheng squatting down in front of her, picking up the loose shoelaces and skillfully tying them.

Ruan Hongzhuang looked at him, and a scene of her mother tying her shoelaces when she was a child inexplicably surfaced in her mind.

Soon, a pretty bow was created. Tang Zheng stood up and said, "Let's go, Aunt Ruan."

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at him, said nothing, and continued walking forward.

A few minutes later...

Tang Zheng glanced at the cotton candy in Ruan Hongzhuang's hand, which was already showing signs of melting.

That proud and arrogant self-esteem!

"It'll melt if you don't eat it soon, Aunt Ruan," he reminded her.

Ruan Hongzhuang didn't say anything, but simply handed the cotton candy to him.

Tang Zheng glanced at the cotton candy, didn't refuse, and reached out to take it. "Aunt Ruan, do you believe I can eat it in one bite?"

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at him but didn't say anything.

The next second, Tang Zheng, with lightning speed, rolled the cotton candy into a small ball and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Impressive, right?" Tang Zheng said, his cheeks puffed out, his words somewhat indistinct.

Looking at his comical appearance, Ruan Hongzhuang almost laughed. "Didn't you have a toothache?"

"I took painkillers, didn't expect that, did you?" Tang Zheng said smugly.

Ruan Hongzhuang turned her head to look at the stall next to her and ignored him.

The stall owner was a young woman, and her stall displayed various accessories for women.

"Just browsing, beautiful lady," the girl greeted Ruan Hongzhuang warmly as she looked over.

Ruan Hongzhuang turned around, preparing to continue walking forward, when she saw Tang Zheng already standing in front of the stall, pointing to an adorable deer antler headband and asking, "How much is this?"

"This 20 will definitely look good on your girlfriend," the female stall owner said to Tang Zheng with a smile.

"This is my sister, not my girlfriend," Tang Zheng explained.

*Smack.* I got hit on the back of the head.

"My child is quite naughty; I'm sorry you had to see that."

Snap! I got hit on the back of the head again.

The girl glanced at Ruan Hongzhuang, a little scared. "If you hit him, you can't hit me, right?"

"Can you make it cheaper?"

The girl was about to say no, but looking at Ruan Hongzhuang next to her, who had a cold face and was excessively beautiful, she said, "I can give you a two-yuan discount."

"Thank you, boss! I wish you booming business and great fortune."

As Tang Zheng spoke, he took out his wallet from his pocket, paid the money, took the headband, and said to Ruan Hongzhuang beside him, "Let's go."

He actually wanted to add a younger sister after "Let's go", but ultimately gave up the idea.

They've already flirted with disaster twice; it would be impolite to push the boundaries any further.

The girl watched the two figures leave, a hint of regret appearing in her eyes.

She originally wanted to ask Tang Zheng for his contact information, but after thinking it over, she gave up.

If she, with her small frame, were to enter the house, her sister-in-law would probably whip her like a top.

"Aunt Ruan, do you think my sister will like it?" Tang Zheng asked Ruan Hongzhuang beside him, fiddling with the deer antler headband in his hand.

"Um."

No matter what Tang Zheng gives her, Tang Rui will like it very much.

"Aunt Ruan, could you help me try it on? I'll see if it looks good. If not, I'll go get a different one," Tang Zheng said, stretching the headband open and preparing to put it on Ruan Hongzhuang's head.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at him, "Try it yourself."

"How can I, a man, try this on? Aunt Ruan, you're beautiful and kind-hearted, please help me." Tang Zheng said, and before Ruan Hongzhuang could refuse, he put the headband on her head.

Ruan Hongzhuang raised her hand to take it off, but he grabbed her wrist. "Don't take it off, Aunt Ruan. Let me see."

Tang Zheng took a half step back and looked at her. The light brown branches of the antler headband accentuated her jet-black ponytail, and a small pearl pendant hung by her temple, swaying slightly as she raised her chin...

Tang Zheng subconsciously recalled a line from a female character in a future wildly popular game.

Whose little deer is this?

"Aunt Ruan and you two look quite compatible, she's so cute." Tang Zheng nodded and commented, "This one is for you, Aunt Ruan. I'll go buy one for my sister. Wait for me a moment, I'll be right back."

As Tang Zheng spoke, he turned and ran towards the stall.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at his retreating figure, took off the deer antler headband from her head, and looked at him.

I've heard so many compliments, but this seems to be the first time I've ever heard the word "cute."

"What's up, handsome?" the girl asked with a smile as Tang Zheng ran back. Did the handsome guy come to ask for her contact information? Then she…

"How much is this?" Tang Zheng asked, pointing to an equally adorable panda headband.

"It's eighteen too, I'll give you a two-dollar discount." The girl said, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes. So she wasn't here to ask for his contact information.

"Thank you, and congratulations on your fortune!" Tang Zheng paid and prepared to leave.

"Wait a minute," the girl said, mustering her courage.

"What's wrong?" Tang Zheng stopped and asked her.

"Um... could I leave you my contact information?" she asked, blushing.

With a face like that and a figure like that, she'd accept being whipped like a top.

"Sorry, I have a girlfriend." Tang Zheng said, running towards Ruan Hongzhuang who was not far away.

The girl watched Tang Zheng's departing figure, then covered her face with her hands, sobbing, "Waaah, I finally managed to be brave for once, and you made me lose so badly."

Tang Zheng returned to Ruan Hongzhuang's side, glanced at the headband in her hand, and said, "Why did you take it off? It was so cute."

Ruan Hongzhuang handed him the headband, saying, "Give it to your sister, I don't want it."

This is something only children wear.

"I've already bought it for her." Tang Zheng picked up the panda headband in his hand and gestured. "Hey, there's a ring toss game over there, let's go take a look." Tang Zheng said, and walked over.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at his departing figure, then at the hairband in her hand, and followed him.

The ring toss stall was packed full of plush toys, figurines, cartoon water bottles...

A middle-aged stall owner, fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan, called out: "Five yuan for ten rings! Ring whatever you get, and if you're lucky, you'll get a giant plush toy!"

"Give me ten laps, boss."

"Okay."

Tang Zheng took the ring toss game, turned to look at Ruan Hongzhuang beside him, and asked, "Would you like to try, Aunt Ruan?"

Aunt Ruan refused.

"Is there anything you want, Aunt Ruan?"

"no."

Tang Zheng turned his head, his gaze sweeping across the stall, finally landing on the half-human-sized brown deer doll at the far end. Its antlers were raised, and its round eyes were soft and cute, matching the headband in Ruan Hongzhuang's hand perfectly.

Tang Zheng took a ring toss and threw it at the doll; unsurprisingly, he missed.

Then the second, the third...

"Ten more laps, boss."

"Alright, young man, try your best, you'll definitely get it." The shopkeeper smiled; he loved young couples like this the most.

In no time, Tang Zheng had used up all the rings in his hand for the fourth time.

"Ten more, boss."

This is the last time; if I don't succeed, I'm leaving.

"Okay!" The boss was grinning from ear to ear.

Tang Zheng took the ring toss game and suddenly reached out his hand to Ruan Hongzhuang, "Aunt Ruan, can I borrow some luck?"

"No, I won't lend it." Aunt Ruan said decisively.

Tang Zheng: "..."

"Don't be so stingy, just lend me a little."

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at him. "Is it possible that your technique is lacking?"

"Then you come here." Tang Zheng handed the ring to her.

"No, I'm not coming." Ruan Hongzhuang refused calmly. Did she have the skills?

"Then lend me some luck." Tang Zheng stretched out his hand again.

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at it, then raised her hand and gently patted his hand.

"Good luck, Aunt Ruan." Tang Zheng raised his hand and threw all ten rings at the doll.

The ten rings traced uneven arcs in the air, most of them grazing the deer before landing on the ground.

It seems Aunt Ruan's luck isn't very good either.

However, just before his gaze shifted away, one of the green plastic rings, in an almost comical, bouncy motion, bumped into a tall metal ornament next to it, then bounced high into the air before landing squarely on the tip of one of the deer doll's protruding antlers.

"I won! Aunt Ruan, you're my lucky star!"

The boss next to him watched this scene and smirked.

loss.

Tang Zheng turned to look at her, raised his hand, and said, "Come on, Aunt Ruan, let's give each other a high five to celebrate."

Ruan Hongzhuang made no move.

Tang Zheng took her hand and touched it to his own.

"Well done! We're the best!"

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at him; he looked rather simple-minded.

The boss walked over and handed the doll to Tang Zheng, "You're so lucky, play with it a little longer, handsome."

"No, thank you." Tang Zheng knew when to stop, took the doll, and handed it to Ruan Hongzhuang. "Here you go, Aunt Ruan."

Ruan Hongzhuang glanced at the doll, "You can keep it." With that, she turned and left.

Only children want this kind of thing.

Tang Zheng watched her leave, then chased after her while still holding the doll.

You're refusing to accept it, right?

Then he'll have to deliver it to his door.