*****
As the night fell, Mr. Xián escorted Zǐ Chén home in his luxury car, the soft leather seats and smooth ride a testament to the vehicle's high-end quality. As they pulled up to Zǐ Chén's house, Mr. Xián turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, opening the door for Zǐ Chén.
Zǐ Chén smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Mr. Xián. "Thanks for the ride," he said, stepping out of the car.
As Zǐ Chén's mother opened the door, her expression was a mix of relief and worry. "Zǐ Chén, where have you been?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "I was worried sick about you. You didn't come home last night, and I didn't know what to think."
Zǐ Chén felt a pang of guilt, realizing he hadn't thought about how his absence might affect his mother. "I'm sorry, Ma," he said, feeling a sense of regret. "I didn't mean to worry you. I was with Mr. Xián, and we...we just lost track of time."
His mother looked at Mr. Xián, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And who is Mr. Xián?" she asked, her tone a bit more cautious.
Zǐ Chén smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "He's...a friend, Ma," he said. "Someone I've been getting to know recently."
Mr. Xián stepped forward, his smile charming. "I'm glad to meet you, Mrs...?" he said, his voice smooth.
Zǐ Chén's mother smiled warmly at Mr. Xián. "I'm Mrs. Chen," she said, her eyes lighting up with recognition. "And I remember you now. You're the one who helped Zǐ Chén when that customer was causing trouble at his workplace."
Mr. Xián's expression softened, and he nodded. "Yes, that's right," he said. "I'm glad I could help."
Mrs. Chen's face creased with gratitude. "Thank you so much for looking out for my son," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I was worried sick about him that day."
Zǐ Chén watched, feeling a sense of warmth as he saw the exchange between his mother and Mr. Xián. He felt grateful that Mr. Xián had been there for him, and now his mother seemed to appreciate him too.
Mrs. Chen smiled warmly at Mr. Xián. "Why don't you come in and join us for dinner?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hospitality. "I've prepared some simple dishes, but I'd love for you to stay and eat with us."
Mr. Xián's face lit up with a smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Chen," he said, his voice polite. "I'd be delighted to join you for dinner."
Zǐ Chén's eyes widened slightly, surprised by his mother's invitation. But he was happy to see Mr. Xián accepting, and he followed his mother and Mr. Xián into the house.
As they sat down to eat, Mrs. Chen bustled around the table, serving dishes and pouring tea. The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, and Zǐ Chén's stomach growled in anticipation.
As they ate together, Mrs. Chen looked at Mr. Xián with a warm smile. "How is the food?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Does it taste good to you?"
Mr. Xián took a sip of his tea, his expression thoughtful. "The food is delicious, Mrs. Chen," he said, his voice sincere. "You have a wonderful talent for cooking."
Mrs. Chen beamed with pride, happy to hear that her cooking was appreciated. "Thank you, Mr. Xián," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'm glad you like it."
Zǐ Chén watched, feeling a sense of warmth as he saw his mother and Mr. Xián interacting. He was happy to see them getting along, and he enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the dinner table.
*****
Mrs. Chen chuckled as she served Mr. Xián another dish. "I have to cook healthy food for my son," she said, shaking her head with a smile. "He's so clumsy and can't even cook for himself. I worry about him taking care of himself when I'm not around."
Zǐ Chén's face turned bright red as he heard his mother's words. "Maaaa..." he said, his voice trailing off in embarrassment. "Stop it, Ma."
Mrs. Chen just laughed, clearly enjoying her son's reaction. "What?" she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm just telling the truth. You're a bit clumsy."
Mr. Xián chuckled, clearly entertained by the exchange between Zǐ Chén and his mother. "I think it's cute," he said, his voice teasing.
Zǐ Chén shot Mr. Xián a look, feeling even more embarrassed now that he was being teased by both his mother and Mr. Xián.
Mr. Xián's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I'm sure he'll learn to take care of himself eventually," he said, his voice gentle. "But it's nice that you care so much about him."
Zǐ Chén felt a flush rise to his cheeks as he listened to his mother's words. He knew she was just joking about his clumsiness, but it still made him feel a bit self-conscious.
Mrs. Chen patted Zǐ Chén's hand affectionately. "Don't worry, son," she said. "I'm just teasing you. But seriously, Mr. Xián, it's hard being a single parent. I want to make sure my son is well taken care of."
*****
Mrs. Chen's eyes sparkled with mischief as she gazed at Zǐ Chén and Mr. Xián. "You two look so cute together," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "I can just imagine the two of you as a couple."
Zǐ Chén's face turned bright red as he heard his mother's words. "Maaa..." he said, his voice mortified. "We're both men."
Mr. Xián's face also flushed, and he looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment.
Mrs. Chen just laughed, clearly enjoying the reaction she got from the two men. "Oh, I'm just teasing," she said, her voice playful. "But you two do look good together."
Zǐ Chén and Mr. Xián exchanged a look, both of them still looking a bit flustered.
*****
After they ate,
The night wore on, Mrs. Chen glanced at the clock and frowned. "It's getting late, Mr. Xián," she said, her voice concerned. "Why don't you stay here for the night? It's too late to drive home."
Zǐ Chén shook his head before Mr. Xián could respond. "Maaa, he's a busy person," he said. "He has a lot to do tomorrow."
Mr. Xián smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yes, Mrs. Chen," he said. "Maybe next time I'll sleep here. But thank you for the offer."
Mrs. Chen smiled, seeming to accept Mr. Xián's decision. "Alright, alright," she said. "But you have to promise me you'll come back soon."
Mr. Xián nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I promise, Mrs. Chen," he said. "I'll come back soon."
As they said their goodbyes, Zǐ Chén walked Mr. Xián out to his car, feeling a sense of relief that the evening was coming to a close.