Shining-like-the-stars-Epilogue

Even abroad, Xu Yunting still called, sometimes visiting, laughing over the leek pancakes I made for him. “Best in the world. I came back for more.”

That day, he stepped into my home only to find Yu Sen on a ladder, fixing the broken lamp.

Tension crackled.

Xu cleared his throat. “Honestly, Xing, I’m just here for the pancakes.”

Inside Yu Sen’s head:

“Freeloader. Useless.”

Xu continued, “I’ve been craving ever since.”

Yu Sen sneered inside:

“Eat. Eat until your mouth stinks. She’ll never kiss you back.”
“Add garlic, tofu, crawfish, pancakes…….eat until you reek.”

A smirk tugged his lips, victory glinting. I jabbed him with my elbow. “He’s a guest. Behave.”

His grin widened. “Yes, ma’am. But remember I’m the host here.”

With that, he bounded forward, apron tied, ladling congee like a proud husband ,delighted, unashamed, eternally impossible.