Chapter 113: Tacit Understanding

Although Han Jiayi neither accepted nor rejected, the atmosphere between them had grown peculiarly delicate.

After that conversation, they both understood without words: Bai Renzong knew Han Jiayi was merely waiting for the Michelin review, and Han Jiayi knew Bai Renzong knew she was waiting for the Michelin review.

In other words, both were very clear that the other harbored feelings for them, and the only barrier to dating was breaking through that thin veil of hesitation.

Regarding this, Bai Renzong felt both amused and helpless.

On one hand, he thought Han Jiayi’s pride was unnecessary—they could start dating first and then aim for the Michelin second star. On the other, he understood her resolve, for he had once held the same idea: to confess only when their incomes were roughly equal.

Ah, these two were truly made for each other, he mused, glancing at Han Jiayi’s adorable face in the rearview mirror on the way home.

Suddenly, Han Jiayi shot him a glance through the mirror, and their eyes met in an instant.

She quickly pressed her lips together, suppressing a smile. “Focus on driving! Honestly, why are you so happy? It’s just a boyfriend! How many men have confessed to you before? What’s there to be so thrilled about?”

Yet, she couldn’t help but bite her lip and smile softly. “He likes me!”

“Tsk…” Bai Renzong propped his chin on his hand, watching the scenery outside with a smile he wouldn’t show. “This Han Mumu… so happy, yet too shy to just start dating despite the Michelin stuff… Truly adorably foolish.”

Though tacitly understood, Bai Renzong reminded himself not to relax until the very last moment.

He planned silently: starting tomorrow, intensify the review of Yijiaxuan’s set meals—one set at noon, two desserts at three.

To avoid gaining weight, his exercise routine must keep pace. Increase boxing practice from twice to thrice a week—better to get back in action sooner and protect Han Mumu earlier.

Come on, me!

Once home, Han Jiayi changed her shoes by the door, smiling, “Let’s play games together later?”

“Yeah,” Bai Renzong nodded, secretly pleased at her softer tone.

“Well, you go shower first. I’ll remove my makeup,” Han Jiayi said, turning with a gentle smile.

After they each showered, they met in Bai Renzong’s room as usual and logged into “Aftermath Survival.”

“Hehe…” Suddenly, Han Jiayi burst into laughter for no reason.

Bai Renzong’s face remained stoic, but inside he chuckled quietly: Silly, so cute.

“Don’t run off,” Bai Renzong warned, “there are many dense woods here, and zombies hide well.”

He spoke to me so gently now, Han Jiayi thought with a secret smile, trying to keep a straight face. “So, what are we doing today? We’ve already scavenged all of Lakeside Town.”

“Going to Knox County,” Bai Renzong explained. “It’s a mod map with several large wealthy districts—the houses are especially beautiful, with many decorations not found in the base game. We’ll bring some back to spruce up our place.”

“Great, great!” Han Jiayi beamed. “Wait for me—I’ll make some food. How many days are we going?”

“About three days,” Bai Renzong replied. “Just make two pies each; too many will spoil easily.”

“All right.” Han Jiayi smiled. “Beef, then potatoes, and some radish… into the oven.”

Watching her so happily bustling about, Bai Renzong struggled to keep from laughing aloud, quickly turning his face aside and clearing his throat. How joyful life would be once they were really together.

“Done!” Han Jiayi turned toward him with a grin. “Shall we go? I’m already in the car.”

“Mm,” Bai Renzong replied, his expression returning to normal.

Unconsciously, it was already half past eleven when they reluctantly quit the game.

“That’s enough for today, right? Let’s call it here,” Bai Renzong said with a smile. “Good night, get some rest.”

“Mm-hmm!” Han Jiayi nodded eagerly. “You too, okay? Good night.”

With that, she hurried downstairs with quick little steps.

Lying on his bed, Bai Renzong stared at the white ceiling, lost in thought.

“I’m finally getting out of singledom…” he thought. “After more than twenty years! Finally! And my girlfriend is so cute and beautiful! All those lonely years were worth it!”

After the rush of excitement, he began planning their future: once dating, he’d show off to friends, then inform his parents, and then…

“zzz…”

Meanwhile, Han Jiayi was rolling on her bed, clutching a teddy bear.

“What the heck, that clueless straight guy! Doesn’t even know how to confess romantically!” she muttered happily to herself. “Any other girl would’ve refused him by now. Lucky me, I’m so kind…”

Then she remembered a crucial detail: What if the Michelin review doesn’t pass?

“Ugh, don’t jinx it…” she patted her mouth, then brightened. “Wait, I never said I’d wait for the Michelin review to finish before dating. I just said I needed a few days to think. If it fails, it fails. I’ll just say, ‘I’ve thought it over,’ and that’s that.”

After a moment’s silence, she rolled around on the bed clutching the bear, letting out a small scream: “Han Mumu, when did you get this shameless? You’ve even learned to sophisticate just to date someone!”

“Forget it,” she sighed, fixing her hair with a playful hum. “Anyway, he likes me and won’t laugh at me. He’s probably eager to start dating sooner and will definitely give me an out. Hmm…”

Muttering to herself, Han Jiayi took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and lay down to sleep.

Two minutes later, she flopped her head onto the pillow and pounded the teddy bear. “Nope, too excited to sleep!”

The next morning.

“Old Bai,” Han Jiayi softly called, pushing open Bai Renzong’s door. “Breakfast time.”

“Mm?” Bai Renzong sat up and glanced at her, then closed his eyes and sat fully upright. “Got it, coming right away…”

“Hehe,” Han Jiayi smiled, pleased at his newfound obedience.

After washing up, they sat face to face at the dining table, eating breakfast.

Though everything looked the same as yesterday, their attitudes had completely changed.

“How is it? Does it suit your taste?” Han Jiayi asked, pointing at the steaming bowl of hot dry noodles.

“It could be spicier, that’s fine,” Bai Renzong said. “Also, I prefer it a bit drier.”

“Got it. Next time I’ll add more chili oil and sesame paste,” Han Jiayi said sweetly.

Bai Renzong nodded. This girl was becoming even more lovable.

Just then, his phone erupted with a hellish ringtone.

Seeing the caller’s profile picture, Bai Renzong’s heart sank. “Oh no! It’s my mom!”

“Son! Are you busy this month?” Yang Jie laughed delightedly on the other end. “Mom has a dancing friend…”

“I’m not going on blind dates!” Bai Renzong said firmly, while Han Jiayi gave him a knowing glance and gestured toward herself.

Snapping back, Bai Renzong continued, “I’m already on a blind date with a girl! Stop introducing other girls to me!”

“Oh, don’t lie to your mom,” Yang Jie sighed heavily. “If you were actively dating other girls, your mother wouldn’t be this worried. Do you know how much I worry about your life decisions? I can’t even sleep at night!”

“It’s true, okay?!” Bai Renzong retorted angrily, then looked at Han Jiayi, silently asking what to do.

“Auntie, it’s true,” Han Jiayi spoke up.

“My mom doesn’t believe it! Don’t think I don’t know you’re using a voice changer!” Yang Jie said firmly.

“Huh!?” Bai Renzong raised an eyebrow. This old lady usually didn’t even know what an app was, yet now she casually dropped terms like ‘voice changer’?

He looked at Han Jiayi helplessly.

“Then do a video call!” Han Jiayi whispered urgently. “Let your mom see me, and then it’ll be clear.”

“Oh, okay!” Bai Renzong agreed, switching the call to video.

“Mom, look closely!” Bai Renzong said irritably, turning the camera toward Han Jiayi.

“Hello, Auntie,” Han Jiayi smiled politely, greeting Yang Jie with grace.

On the other side, Yang Jie’s face lit up. “Oh my! Look at this girl, so beautiful!”

“Thank you, Auntie. You’re very beautiful too,” Han Jiayi replied warmly.

But then Yang Jie’s expression changed. “Be honest, how much did this kid pay you to act?”

“It’s true, Auntie,” Han Jiayi chuckled. “We just went out for dinner and a movie yesterday.”

“Good to hear… That brat is finally wise,” Yang Jie smiled, then glanced around. “Where are you two now?”

“At home,” Han Jiayi explained. “We rent the same place together—he lives upstairs, I live downstairs.”

“Oh, I see,” Yang Jie said suddenly, then scolded, “That brat, didn’t even tell me he moved!”

Bai Renzong rolled his eyes and turned the phone back to himself. “Now do you believe me? Stop setting me up on blind dates!”

“Fine, fine,” Yang Jie said impatiently. “You better lock down that girl soon, then you can be mean to your mom all you want!”

Soon, soon! Don’t rush me! Bai Renzong rolled his eyes again in his heart.

After hanging up, he turned to Han Jiayi, clasped his hands, and bowed his head. “I’m forever grateful! I’ll repay you for this.”

With Han Jiayi as his shield, he was confident his mom wouldn’t set him up again anytime soon.

And when that time came… they would truly be dating.

“Whatever, it’s no big deal,” Han Jiayi said, fixing her hair with a hint of satisfaction. “Hmph, now his mom won’t arrange all those weird blind dates for him, and she seems to have a pretty good impression of me. Visiting will be much easier from now on…”

(With deepest thanks to the great bookworm, Maruko’s Hanawa, and Youqin’s Siwang for their generous support; thanks also to Youqin’s Siwang, Baohui, Qiyue’s Dance, Don’t Take My Candy, Ducao Xuanjiang, and An Yanxin for their two monthly tickets; and gratitude to Jiangjun Zaishang, Mo Shang Xiansen, Meng Zhong Tianzi Gege, and Qingfeng Xiyang.)

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