Jiang Baizhou's father, Jiang Yuyang, is an archaeology professor who spends most of his time in some sparsely populated mountains or research institutes. He rarely returns, usually only coming back during holidays. Yu Hui was a dancer in her youth, but she's retired now, and they are often separated, maintaining a cordial relationship, neither too good nor too bad.
Despite this, Cen Jin is envious; she has almost forgotten what it feels like to have a father.
When she was twelve, her father died while capturing a criminal. For her, that memory is painful and distressing, a scar that Ms. Qin can't move past. So gradually, the word "father" became taboo at home. She doesn't mention it, and Ms. Qin wouldn't bring it up either, though she often sees Ms. Qin holding her father's portrait, silently shedding tears.
As her thoughts drift away, with a hint of sorrow in her eyes, suddenly a piece of chocolate appears before her. Cen Jin, lost in her thoughts, opens her eyes wide, and they become spirited. She looks up at the handsome figure standing in front of her, confused: "Wh... why?"
Jiang Baizhou, with a sideways posture and slightly tilted head, gazes down at her: "Eat something to settle your stomach if you're hungry."
"I'm not hungry..."
"Just take it."
Before Cen Jin could finish her perplexed response, Jiang Baizhou commands and interrupts her, a flash of displeasure crosses his dark eyes.
Perhaps it was the strong aura in his two words, Cen Jin instinctively raises her hand to take the chocolate. Upon examining it, she realizes it's a brand she usually likes, looking at him in surprise: "You don't like sweets, so why did you buy this?"
Cen Jin understands Jiang Baizhou's likes to some extent. He never touches chocolate or candy, and for snacks, he only eats the hazelnut crisps personally made by her family's Ms. Qin.
She is the opposite; she loves sweets and often suffers the consequences of eating too much candy as a child. Whenever she feels bad or sad, she eats candy. For her, sweets are the cure for all pain.
"Given by someone else." Jiang Baizhou narrows his eyes slightly, shifts his gaze away, and sits back down on the sofa.
Cen Jin, half-believing him, looks at the chocolate in her hand, unable to help but ask another question: "Did a girl give it to you?"
Somewhere inside her, she feels a tug, as if anticipating something. Her simple, graceful, oval face inadvertently shows a hint of nervousness. Her eyes seem a bit unsure, as if she's also afraid of something.
Jiang Baizhou visibly pauses, his sharp eyes scan her, but Cen Jin smiles and responds: "If a girl gave it to you, is it bad if I eat it? I'm not hungry anyway, and it's almost time for dinner..."
"A guy."
"What?"
"A guy gave it."
"Oh, in that case, I won't be polite and eat it?" Cen Jin suddenly feels relieved, a soft smile blooms on her face, her tone lightens, though she tries hard to keep calm, appearing very composed.
"Eat."
Jiang Baizhou sits beside her, glancing at her. A soft smile flashes in his eyes, difficult to capture.
Soon, Ms. Yu Fei and Ms. Qin Xuesu call them to eat. Cen Jin goes over to help set the dishes and cutlery. After setting the table, she notices Jiang Baizhou still sitting in the living room, with no intention to move, so she calls out: "Jiang Baizhou, come for dinner!"
Jiang Baizhou's gaze has been upon her. After hearing her call, his stern expression shows some warmth as he calmly gets up and, in a leisurely manner, walks into the dining room.