Switched Marriage: The Coddled Little Wife Chapter 806: Extra (2)

It was no surprise that the child possessed such a cheerful disposition; with a mother so resolute supporting him, he had been shielded from life's harsher trials and tribulations.

Meanwhile, Wang Tianxue stepped into the kitchen, stealing a quick glance back at He JianShe, who remained outside.

Confirming that he was indeed waiting, she began searching for a kettle with some urgency.

Although the majority of the cleaning was finished, she had not yet ignited the stove.

Fortunately, the utilities—water, gas, and electricity—were all functional.

She located a kettle, gave it a thorough scrubbing, and filled it with cold water to boil.

While waiting for the water to heat, she peered outside once more.

Her hesitation wasn't born of a lack of hospitality, but rather the fact that the residence was still in disarray. Usually, in these circumstances, a guest would take the hint after a few polite exchanges and depart tactfully, wouldn't they?

Wang Tianxue reflected on what she knew of Brother He. Having spent his life in the army, he was likely part of a community of blunt, straightforward men, far removed from the complex social maneuverings of outsiders.

She gave her head a small shake, feeling that she was being somewhat petty.

After all, Brother He was Chuxia’s senior. He was only assisting her because of Chuxia; she shouldn't treat him like a complete stranger.

Once the water reached a boil, Wang Tianxue poured a steaming cup.

“Brother He, I apologize. There is no tea in the house yet, so please make do with this plain water.”

He JianShe accepted the cup with a smile. “It is no problem at all. I was actually feeling quite thirsty.”

The water was scalding, having just come off the stove.

He JianShe blew gently on the surface, taking a cautious sip before holding the cup, waiting for the temperature to drop.

A sudden, heavy silence settled between them. Fiddling with her hair, Wang Tianxue looked around the room, desperate to find a topic of conversation.

“Um... I am truly sorry for consuming so much of your time. By helping me out, you haven't been able to attend to your own errands, have you?”

He JianShe paused to consider this before nodding. “That is true.”

Wang Tianxue was momentarily stunned again.

Was this man truly so blunt?

In most social circles, people would offer a polite denial. Instead, he simply admitted she was a drain on his time. She found herself at a loss for words.

Before she could formulate a reply, He JianShe continued, “I don’t have many things left to purchase, though the assigned apartment is missing several kitchen necessities. I intended to buy what I need to get the kitchen running. I noticed there are many details to consider when shopping for such things, and since I didn't quite understand them, I didn't want to buy anything recklessly.”

Relieved to have a proper subject to discuss, Wang Tianxue replied, “Those matters are simple enough to handle; it mostly depends on your personal daily habits.”

“I’ve been in the army for a long time, so I don't really have many specific habits. How about this—could I trouble you to give me some advice later? If that is too much of a burden, I could just buy whatever you choose for yourself. To be honest, I spent half the day wandering that market, and as a man, I really had no idea where to even begin.”

Wang Tianxue looked at the unsorted furniture, debating whether to decline, when He JianShe spoke again, “Think of it as me helping you once, and then you helping me in return. That way, we won't have to keep thanking one another.”

Presented with that logic, Wang Tianxue felt it would be rude to refuse.

“Alright then,” she agreed.

A bright smile broke across He JianShe’s face. “Excellent. I am free today, so we can go this afternoon. In the meantime, I will help you finish tidying up here. Some of these items are quite heavy, and they might be difficult for a woman to move alone. If you truly feel indebted, just treat me to lunch. It doesn't need to be anything special; I’m not a picky eater, as long as it fills the stomach.”

Wang Tianxue: “...”

Understood, you are definitely not picky.

In truth, the larger furniture pieces had been purchased and positioned during her last visit.

The only remaining large item was the cabinet from today, but they made quick work of putting it in its place.

The rest of the small tasks were things Wang Tianxue could manage on her own without He JianShe’s assistance.

However, since she had committed to helping him shop later that afternoon, she couldn't very well chase him out.

Fortunately, He JianShe seemed perfectly at ease. Once the heavy lifting was done, he selected a book from the shelf and asked if he might read it.

Naturally, Wang Tianxue had no reason to say no.

As He JianShe read quietly in the living room, Wang Tianxue began to feel more relaxed.

She soon finished organizing the kitchen, but realized there were no fresh groceries available. She only had some noodles and a few eggs she had brought during her previous cleaning session to ensure she wouldn't have to leave for food constantly.

Since it was getting late and she didn't want to head out to the market yet, and seeing as He JianShe wasn't standing on ceremony, Wang Tianxue decided to simply prepare two bowls of noodles.

As she cooked, she felt a trace of nervousness, unaware that the man who appeared to be reading was actually listening intently to every sound coming from the kitchen.

The moment he heard her footsteps, he looked up.

He saw her emerging with a large, steaming bowl of noodles.

He JianShe moved quickly to take the bowl from her.

But Wang Tianxue held on, saying, “Don’t touch it yet, it’s very hot. Brother He, I’m sorry, but this is all I have in the house. Please make do with this.”

He JianShe looked down at the fragrant scallion oil noodles, topped with two poached eggs, and smiled broadly. “This is wonderful; it smells delicious. To tell you the truth, I haven't even eaten breakfast yet.”

This caught Wang Tianxue by surprise. “Why haven't you had breakfast?”

He JianShe looked slightly sheepish. “The unit’s canteen doesn't serve meals on the weekend, and I don't have any cookware yet. That is why I had planned to go shopping today.”

Looking at his tall, sturdy frame, she realized he must have a significant appetite and was likely starving by now.

“Then... will this one bowl be enough? If not, please start eating and I will go cook another.”

“There is no need,” He JianShe said, stopping her. “This large bowl is more than enough, especially with the two eggs. Is your bowl still in the kitchen? Bring it out so we can eat together; noodles aren't good once they get soggy.”

Without waiting for her response, He JianShe stepped into the kitchen and retrieved the second bowl himself.

It was a smaller portion with only one poached egg. Interestingly, the egg in his bowl was perfectly shaped, while the one in hers had broken slightly.

He cast a look at Wang Tianxue that held a sliver of playful amusement.

Wang Tianxue, still worrying if he had enough to eat, completely missed the expression in his eyes.

With the food served, she stopped overthinking, picked up her chopsticks, and began to eat.

He JianShe ate with the rapid efficiency typical of a soldier. Before long, more than half of his large portion had vanished.

Noticing that the woman across from him was still taking small, slow bites, he consciously checked his speed and slowed down.

Finally, as Wang Tianxue set her chopsticks down, He JianShe finished the last of his broth.

Patting his stomach with satisfaction, he remarked, “It has been a long time since I've had a meal this tasty. Tianxue, you are a very talented cook.” He then paused before adding, “May I call you Tianxue? I noticed the juniors use that name, and I believe even my father calls you that.”

Wang Tianxue saw no harm in it. “Of course, you may.”

He JianShe smiled again, stood up, and reached for her empty bowl. “I’ll take care of the dishes.”