Chapter 91: Mutual Appreciation

n an enticing manner, "This drama marks a turning point in your acting career. Before we didn't know each other; from now on, I won’t miss any important moment of yours.What a heartfelt declaration of...Chapter 91: Mutual Admiration and Understanding

Yan Luoxi knew that some people could grow up in luxury and be doted on, which was due to their fortunate birth into a good family. However, no one would be nice to someone for no reason unless that person is your parent or sibling.

Ran Xu faced Yan Luoxi with eyes as wary as if she were guarding against a thief; it seemed to evoke his melancholy, and when he looked at her, there was a mist in his eyes, as if casting a faint silver glow wherever they passed. "I’ve said before that you resemble my sister, and I can't help but feel drawn to you, wanting to be with you."

Yan Luoxi's heart softened; she couldn’t bear seeing others sad. Seeing Ran Xu like this, she didn’t have the heart to remain stubbornly confrontational and could only bow her head and softly say, "But I already have a boyfriend!"

Ran Xu helplessly smiled, "I know you have a boyfriend, but your feelings for him are as thin as a needle’s point. I don’t want to do anything inappropriate with you; can we just be good friends"

"Sure." Yan Luoxi readily agreed but then hesitated again, suspicion arising in her mind. "Do you bring every friend home like this"

"No," Ran Xu responded and turned to walk towards the kitchen, clearly no longer interested in this topic.

Yan Luoxi’s eyes darted around; she made a face at his back as he walked away. Seeing that Ran Xu had entered the kitchen, she followed him inside. She saw meat, fish, eggs, and various vegetables on the countertop and immediately turned her expression sour. "I only agreed to have dinner with you, not cook for you! I hate dealing with these fish and meats—they’re slimy and so annoying… I don’t like cooking at all, especially hating it…"

She could be delightedly washing the dishes and preparing meals for Zhou Guangtao, but she had no interest in doing so for Ran Xu.

"Who said you have to cook" Ran Xu looked amused as he watched Yan Luoxi suddenly blow up. "I’ll make it for you; is that okay now"

"Can you cook" Yan Luoxi was surprised, her eyes widening.

Ran Xu remained silent for a moment before his voice quivered slightly as he spoke again. "I wasn't born to be an actor; I'm not the kind of rich kid who grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth. My dad passed away very early on, and my mom remarried. I was raised by my grandmother and some kind-hearted people..." His expression was forlorn, as if recalling painful past experiences.

So his background is similar to mine, Yan Luoxi's eyes held a glimmer of understanding. She looked at Ran Xu with sorrow and感慨, immediately feeling a sense of mutual sympathy towards him, making the distance between them seem to close instantly.

"What about your sister then" Yan Luoxi asked cautiously.

Ran Xu was clearly taken aback for a moment before he smiled and said, "My sister... she's with me, of course. She has always been by my side, taking care of me..." His voice dropped low as if he had difficulty continuing further.

Yan Luoxi realized that she was truly a bad woman; knowing it was a deep wound for the other person but still prying to ease her own suspicions.

She changed the subject, flipping through the ingredients on the prep counter and asked, "What dishes can you make Do you need any help from me"

Ran Xu rolled up his shirt sleeves, turned on the faucet, and began washing the fish and meat he had bought. Not hesitating, he instructed Yan Luoxi, "Since you don't like cooking, then take care of rinsing out the bowls, plates, chopsticks, and cups from inside the cabinets. I haven't eaten at home in a long time!"

Yan Luoxi nodded in agreement, putting on the apron Ran Xu handed her, and began washing dishes by the sink.

Ran Xu's knife skills were very proficient; his movements accurate and quick as if he had everything planned out. While busily working away, he chatted with Yan Luoxi.

The hustle and bustle momentarily made Yan Luoxi feel a sense of nostalgia, recalling an instance from her very young childhood when her parents occasionally had peaceful moments together in the kitchen, sharing sweet and beautiful times.

This feeling was so pleasant. Cooking together with someone who listens to you and smiles at you under the kitchen lights evokes a warm yet bittersweet sentiment, as if Ran Xu were truly a family member or brother.

In real life, Yan Luoxi didn't have many male friends, and she had no experience interacting with a celebrity like Ran Xu who carries an air of mystery. However, Ran Xu was very amiable to her, showed no airs of being a star, and was adept at finding topics to talk about, such as interesting people he met or new experiences while filming.

Unaccustomed to such things, Yan Luoxi was captivated by what he said. She listened with great interest, and by the time they finished cooking and eating, their relationship had become quite close.

Afraid she looked undignified after burping twice following her meal, Yan Luoxi complained to Ran Xu who was clearing the table: "Your food is too delicious; it made me full."

"Since my cooking is so good, why don't you come more often" A smile appeared in Ran Xu's eyes.

"No way! What if I get too fat and my boyfriend doesn't like me anymore" After drinking three glasses of red wine during the meal, she felt a bit dizzy.

"Then I'll want you," said Ran Xu with a firm voice that wasn’t loud.

Yan Luoxi began to feel uneasy as her gaze wandered around the wall behind Ran Xu. "I... I'm tired and want to go home."

Ran Xu smiled understandingly. "No need to rush, have a cup of tea first to sober up, then I'll take you home."

Yan Luoxi checked the time; it was 9 PM. Thinking about her usually cold and empty home, she frowned and gritted her teeth before agreeing, "Alright, I’ll be home at 9:30."

Ran Xu helplessly shook his head, "Seeing how determined you are, one might think you're planning to stay here overnight. Turns out it's just an extra half hour."

"Um..." Yan Luoxi hesitated; she didn't particularly enjoy the way Ran Xu teased her like this. She couldn’t keep reminding him that she had a boyfriend, so instead, she silently sipped tea while sitting on the sofa.

Ran Xu helplessly shook his head again and went inside to retrieve his laptop from it. He then asked Yan Luoxi, "What's your online handle My work is very unstable, I can't see you often in person, but I frequently go online at the shooting location. We could chat online."

Was their friendship really so fragile that they had to seize every moment

Although Yan Luoxi was slightly doubtful, she still told Ran Xu her online handle.

When dropping off Yan Luoxi at home, she still felt a bit dizzy and wanted to ask Ran Xu what kind of alcohol he had served. She had only drunk two cups of tea-infused liquor, yet it hadn’t worn off.

Yan Luoxi opened the door to her apartment, but instead of finding the dark and cold living room she expected, it was brightly lit. Zhou Guangtao was sitting on the sofa watching some absurd variety show that clearly wasn't to his taste.

"Brother Guangtao, why are you back so early today" Yan Luoxi exclaimed in delight. If she had known Zhou Guangtao would be back this early, she wouldn’t have gone over for dinner at Ran Xu’s house.ring were old ladies So why did a son of your mom's friend show up" Li An pressed on relentlessly, not letting go of any detail.Seeing the sinister smile playing around Li An’s lips, Yan Luoxi shudder...