Switched Marriage: The Coddled Little Wife Chapter 809: Extra Story (Part 5)

He JianShe dished out rice for Xiao Long and Wang Tianxue, offering a warm smile. "It’s simple fare, so please don't be too critical."

Wang Tianxue began by tasting the shredded potatoes. They were sliced with impressive precision, and the balance of sourness was absolutely perfect.

A realization dawned on her as she reached for a piece of braised pork; the moment she tasted it, her eyes widened in surprise.

Nearby, Xiao Long was eating with gusto, unable to slow down.

"Brother He, if you claim your cooking is poor, then my own meals must be nothing but pig feed. This is truly incredible."

He JianShe looked genuinely taken aback. "Is it really? I’ve always held the opinion that my skills were mediocre. I’m just glad you find it palatable."

"It’s far beyond just edible," Wang Tianxue remarked, flashing a thumbs up. "It’s significantly better than anything I make."

Her praise was sincere. The braised pork was glazed in a rich, aromatic sauce that felt indulgent without being greasy.

The fish had been fried to a perfect golden crisp on the outside while remaining succulent within, all simmered in a spicy sauce that created a mouth-watering harmony of textures and heat.

Even the greens were stir-fried to maintain a fresh, crisp, and inviting quality.

The meal was nearly indistinguishable from the work of a professional chef.

"Were you part of the cooking unit during your time in the army?" she asked.

He JianShe gave a soft chuckle as he served more meat to Xiao Long and placed a piece of fish belly on Wang Tianxue’s plate. "Not at all. I just spent a long time living on my own and taught myself the basics."

"You have a natural talent for it."

Wang Tianxue felt thoroughly satisfied by the feast, though a hint of embarrassment crept in afterward.

She remembered that she had only offered Brother He a simple bowl of noodles for lunch earlier that day.

"Actually, Brother He, I’m moving into my new place next weekend. I’m hosting a small housewarming party for everyone. Will you be free to join?"

She hoped this would be a chance to repay his kindness with a proper meal.

"Of course," He JianShe replied readily. "I'll arrive early to assist you with the food preparations. Since you mentioned my cooking is decent, I might as well help."

Wang Tianxue waved her hands frantically. "I was just complimenting you, I didn't mean for you to work!"

"I understand, so it’s a plan then."

Given his firm and direct attitude, Wang Tianxue found she couldn't argue further.

As dusk settled outside, Wang Tianxue tried to help He JianShe with the cleaning, but he refused her assistance.

With that, she prepared to depart.

Noticing the late hour, He JianShe insisted on walking her and Xiao Long back to their residence.

Wang Tianxue's current rented courtyard was only a short distance from the police department's family housing.

Upon reaching her gate, He JianShe offered a wave and took his leave.

Xiao Long watched the tall man disappear into the distance, pulling at his mother’s sleeve. "Mom, are you sure we can't ask Uncle He to be my dad?"

Wang Tianxue pressed a palm to her forehead. "Hush now, you shouldn't say such things. It would be awkward if someone overheard."

"Fine," Xiao Long whispered, pouting slightly.

Wang Tianxue took one last look at the retreating figure. The man possessed a remarkably straight posture; even while cycling, his back remained perfectly upright, cutting a disciplined silhouette.

......

The weekend arrived quickly, and Wang Tianxue was up with the sun.

"Warming the pot," or the housewarming, traditionally involves the first meal cooked in a new residence.

Since her belongings had been moved in days prior, all that remained was to head over and start the feast.

She had invited her guests for noon. After a quick breakfast, she gathered Xiao Long to head to the market for supplies.

Before she could even step out, a masculine voice called out from the entrance, "I hope I’m not late?"

Startled, Wang Tianxue turned to find He JianShe standing at the gate, gripping his bicycle.

She blinked, wondering if she had misheard. This man was certainly—wasn't he being a bit too literal?

She had assumed his offer to come early was merely a polite gesture. Not only was he serious, but he had arrived incredibly early.

Xiao Long’s face lit up at the sight of He JianShe. He leaped off his own bike and began circling the man with excitement.

The reason was clear: He JianShe was dressed in his full police uniform today, complete with his peaked cap.

"Uncle He, you really are a policeman! Mom, look at him, he looks so cool..."

He JianShe patted the frame of his bike. "Would you like to ride on Uncle He’s bicycle?"

"Yes! Mom, can I please ride with Uncle He?"

Before Wang Tianxue could even give her consent, Xiao Long was already scrambling onto the bike.

With effortless strength, He JianShe lifted the boy and settled him onto the crossbar.

Being so close to He JianShe, Xiao Long looked up at the uniformed man, his face glowing with admiration.

Wang Tianxue watched He JianShe with a hint of suspicion.

He hadn't been wearing his uniform last weekend. It certainly didn't seem like a requirement for a casual weekend visit either.

He JianShe spoke up casually, "I had some business to attend to this morning. Since I just finished and was in the neighborhood, I decided to head over. I gave you my word that I’d help early, and I didn't want to break it. Shall we go get the groceries now?"

Wang Tianxue remained silent: "..."

With the way he was taking charge, he might as well be the head of the house.

The group finished their shopping and went straight to the new apartment.

Once inside, He JianShe moved with natural ease, hanging his hat and coat on the rack before rolling up his sleeves to enter the kitchen.

The orderly way he stowed his gear gave Wang Tianxue a strange feeling she couldn't quite place.

However, the sounds of activity from the kitchen pulled her back to reality.

He JianShe was technically a guest, and as the hostess, she couldn't simply let him do all the work.

He JianShe was perfectly down-to-earth, organizing the ingredients and discussing the menu with her effortlessly.

The chicken and ribs required immediate stewing, the fish needed scaling, and the vegetables needed to be prepped...

As they worked, the doorbell rang. Xiao Long rushed to answer it, finding Lin Chuxia, Qin Yang, and Old Master He arriving together.

They were joined by Su Wensong and an elderly woman whom Wang Tianxue didn't recognize.

Su Wensong was the first to speak upon seeing her. "Director Wang, I hope you don't mind me crashing your party?"

Wang Tianxue was acquainted with Su Wensong through her role at Xiyang; they had crossed paths in management meetings before.

However, their relationship had never been personal.

Knowing he was close with Lin Chuxia, she welcomed them warmly, as a guest is always a guest.

She busied herself ushering everyone in and making them comfortable.

After serving drinks, she hurried back toward the kitchen to continue the preparations.

Lin Chuxia followed to offer help. Upon entering the kitchen, she spotted the man expertly preparing the fish.

He JianShe looked up at the sound of footsteps and nodded. "Junior Sister."

Lin Chuxia smiled back. "Brother He." She then pulled Wang Tianxue aside and whispered, "What’s the story here? Why is he in your kitchen?" And so early, too.

Wang Tianxue was more preoccupied with Su Wensong’s group. She understood why he was there, but why had Granny Su come?

"I was going to ask you—are you sure Granny Su is here for a housewarming?"

"Well... I suppose so," Lin Chuxia replied, sounding uncertain.

She had been just as startled to find Su Wensong and Granny Su waiting downstairs earlier.

"Anyway, they say a crowded house brings good luck to a new home. Look at how lively it is; your future here is bound to be prosperous. But forget that—why is Brother He here acting like the head chef?"

She hadn't even been aware that Brother He knew his way around a stove.