Volume 1, Chapter 16: If You Won't Eat It, Give It to Me

“Auntie, Comrade Wenbo hasn’t returned yet. Should I take his meal to him?” Su Wan, pressed to sit beside Huo Xiaohan, found an excuse to leave.

Huo Xiaohan’s dark, sharp eyes instantly grew cold, as if they had been tempered with ice.

To find a partner within three months and climb the social ladder, she was truly unscrupulous.

Yesterday, she likely struck out with Meng Xinhao; today, she had set her sights on the principal’s son.

Dr. Song was four years younger than him and was reportedly about to get married soon.

“No need, Wenbo’s hospital has a cafeteria,” Secretary Yang said, thinking little Wan was really diligent and sensible. She waved her hand and pulled Su Wan back to her seat.

“Xiao Huo, try the braised pork that Xiao Wan made,” Principal Song said, deliberately placing a large piece in Huo Xiaohan’s bowl.

Huo Xiaohan silently bit into it. The meat was tender, fragrant, and sweet, melting instantly. Though its appearance hinted at decent quality, its taste far exceeded his expectations.

The flavor amazed him; in his twenty-six years, he had seldom tasted braised pork so delicious.

The impact made him raise his brow and glance at Su Wan, who was turned slightly, chatting with Secretary Yang.

His cold, hard eyes were full of deep curiosity and astonishment.

This was completely at odds with the lazy and gluttonous image he had of her.

“How is it? Not bad, right?” Principal Song watched Huo Xiaohan’s expression closely.

“Yeah, pretty good,” Huo Xiaohan nodded, honestly expressing his thoughts as he ate the remaining pork.

“If you like it, come again next time. I’ll have Xiao Wan make more,” Principal Song said, enjoying a piece himself before asking, “You’ve been corresponding with your match for over half a year. Why aren’t you compatible?”

“Age,” Huo Xiaohan paused before bluntly replying, “And other aspects don’t fit either.”

Secretary Yang, who had been teaching Su Wan about the new society where everyone was equal and even maids could dine at the same table, asked curiously, “What does the girl look like?”

Huo Xiaohan pursed his lips, hesitated, then with a deep, swirling gaze, answered simply and coldly, “Pretty.”

Su Wan had spent the entire morning in a smoky kitchen and hadn’t much appetite. She only served herself a bowl of tomato and egg soup, sipping it attentively and occasionally picking at a cool cucumber slice.

After all, she wasn’t the one who had been writing letters for half a year with him.

Principal Song and Secretary Yang nodded. The performing arts troupe and drama group had many beautiful women. For a family like the Huo’s and considering Huo Xiaohan’s position, being pretty was the least noteworthy trait. The conversation then shifted.

Seeing Su Wan only picking vegetarian dishes and not touching the eggs, Secretary Yang, feeling sorry, picked up a piece of braised pork to put into her bowl.

Su Wan quickly moved her bowl away and shook her head repeatedly. “Auntie, I don’t eat meat.”

She truly didn’t want it; just the sight made her feel slightly nauseous.

“Eat more to nourish your body. That way, you can study hard and get into a good university,” Secretary Yang said with earnest concern, placing the pork in Su Wan’s bowl again.

Though reluctant, Su Wan’s eyes reddened slightly—perhaps because she sensed a stranger’s kindness and care.

She had been at the Huo residence for two days, and no one had ever offered her food or spoken to her first. The cold, indifferent attitude toward her was clear as day.

Only Uncle Huo and Nurse Wu spoke to her.

Meeting Huo Xiaohan, she had no interest in making connections. They were unrelated people and would never cross paths again.

She only wanted to finish high school smoothly, get into college, and secure a stable job.

“Thank you, Auntie,” Su Wan said sincerely, her voice soft and sweet, charming as honey.

Seeing her eyes moist and bright red, Secretary Yang felt even more sympathy for the girl who must have suffered a lot. She placed another piece of braised pork in Su Wan’s bowl. “Eat more. You’ve just arrived in Beiping. If you face any difficulties, talk to your uncle or aunt. When Wenbo gets married, we’ll invite you to the wedding banquet.”

“Auntie, I’ll definitely help out then,” Su Wan smiled, her brows curved, lips blooming with a charming dimpled smile—fresh, clear, and sweet.

Like a mountain spring, stirring a pure white ripple in one’s heart.

Huo Xiaohan’s dark, profound gaze locked on her. His long, rough fingers toyed with his chopsticks, uncertain whether her words were sincere.

“Xiao Huo, once the date is set, we’ll inform you. You must come,” Principal Song reminded him. “You should hurry too. With your status, you’re a prized catch for any single lady…”

Before he could finish, a knock came at the door—someone had brought the tickets that Principal Song and Secretary Yang had asked to exchange.

Secretary Yang put down her chopsticks and opened the door herself, while Principal Song went inside to get the tickets.

Neighbors and colleagues, upon hearing the good news, naturally chatted and offered congratulations.

At the table, only Su Wan and Huo Xiaohan remained.

After finishing her tomato egg soup and reluctantly eating the lean meat, Su Wan frowned, lowering her head to lightly poke at the remaining fatty pork with her chopsticks.

In this era, fat was scarce. Secretary Yang had placed two pieces of pork belly in her bowl, but Su Wan felt nauseous just looking at the fat.

Yet she couldn’t waste it—that was shameful.

Just as Su Wan pinched her nose, preparing to swallow it like medicine, Huo Xiaohan pushed his bowl forward, his voice low: “If you don’t want it, give it to me.”

Only then did Su Wan look up and softly remind him, “But I’ve already bitten it.”

After all, it wasn’t proper to offer food one had bitten to a stranger.

Huo Xiaohan didn’t look at her. His side profile was cold and deep. He didn’t change his gesture pushing the bowl.

Without hesitation, while Principal Song and Secretary Yang were still chatting at the door, Su Wan quickly placed the two fatty pieces into his bowl.

She didn’t forget to whisper a thanks: “Thank you, Captain Huo.”

Her voice was delicate and gentle, like a spring breeze brushing softly against one’s ear.

Huo Xiaohan straightened his back and expressionlessly ate the two pieces of fatty pork.

Secretary Yang looked back just in time to see Su Wan placing the pork into Huo Xiaohan’s bowl, her mouth agape in surprise.

Her first thought was whether these two knew each other, but on second thought, if they were acquainted, they wouldn’t be so distant.

That was...

Back at the table, Secretary Yang kept a close eye on their expressions.

After eating, Su Wan got up to help refill soup and rice. When Huo Xiaohan’s bowl was empty, he also stood to serve himself more rice.

From start to finish, they exchanged no words or glances.

They truly seemed unrelated. Yet, the more so, the more Secretary Yang suspected there was more to the story. At her workplace, she had seen many couples fall for each other unexpectedly.

After the meal, Huo Xiaohan stood and took his leave, bidding farewell to Principal Song.

Secretary Yang took out some money and sent Su Wan downstairs to buy some jelly and watermelon, also to see Huo Xiaohan off.