But when he returned with Ling Yuchen, he was stunned.
The moment he stepped through the door, he subconsciously scanned the room, searching for Qiao Xinyue's figure.
To his surprise, he saw her sitting and chatting animatedly with a very handsome man.
Seeing this, he stood frozen at the doorway, losing the courage to go in. The smile on his face, which had not yet faded, became incredibly stiff.
He saw that Qiao Xinyue's eyes were full of him, sparkling, and her face beamed with admiration – a smile he had never seen before.
He could tell that she liked that person, very, very much, so much that she couldn't see anyone else.
His heart ached sharply, his breath hitched, and his face turned instantly pale.
Qiao Xinyue glanced at him only for a fleeting moment as he entered, and then acted as if she hadn't seen him.
The others, however, were not paying much attention.
Father Wen and Mother Wen rose to greet Ling Yuchen, their faces beaming with a hint of deference.
Ling Yuchen shook their hands and exchanged pleasantries before politely inviting them to sit.
Xia Wantang had been observing Han Xiao's reaction with a pang of guilt.
But she couldn't help it. If Wen Yan had come and she hadn't informed Qiao Xinyue, Qiao Xinyue would have been deeply disappointed.
Besides, Qiao Xinyue only admired Wen Yan; it was like a fan’s adoration, not that kind of romantic love.
She really wanted to explain, but she couldn't leave at the moment, as she needed to entertain Wen Xuanxuan's parents with Ling Yuchen.
After standing dumbfounded for a while, Han Xiao quietly turned and entered the kitchen.
His arrival eased Ouma's burden.
Even without Han Xiao, she could have managed alone, but it was better to have an extra pair of hands.
Ouma took charge of the cooking, and various dishes sizzled in the pans.
Han Xiao stood by, handing water and plates, washing and chopping vegetables – a very capable assistant.
However, from beginning to end, his face lacked a smile. Usually talkative, he was eerily quiet.
Even Ouma, who was busy and distracted, noticed. "Little Han, what's wrong?" she asked.
Han Xiao forced a smile and said nonchalantly, "Ouma, I'm fine."
Ouma couldn't afford to stop and ask further, and as she got busier, she forgot about it.
For over a dozen people, sixteen dishes were prepared, along with several cold appetizers and marinated dishes, bringing the total to nearly twenty plates.
Meanwhile, Wen Xuanxuan's move was almost complete.
She didn't have much of her own, but Father and Mother Wen had purchased a lot of new furniture for her, which is why a moving company was needed.
Everything was chosen according to Wen Xuanxuan's preferences, so many of the existing furniture pieces needed to be replaced.
Of course, Ling Yuchen's opinion had been sought for all of this.
Ling Yuchen, naturally, didn't care how they decorated or furnished.
When he bought this entire floor, it was merely for peace and quiet.
If Wen Xuanxuan's arrival could make Xia Wantang happy, then it was worth it.
At the dining table, everyone took their seats, except for Qiao Xinyue, who showed no intention of eating.
Wen Yan pulled out the chair next to him and said to her, "Xinyue, sit here."
Qiao Xinyue shook her head and refused, "My mother is in the kitchen, and I'll help her later."
After all, she was considered a helper in the Ling family. How could she sit and eat with the hosts when guests were present?
Only then did Wen Yan and the others realize that she was the daughter of the Ling family's housekeeper.
They had initially thought she was a university student living there and that her family should be well-off.
However, the Wen family did not look down on Qiao Xinyue because of this; instead, they found her to be very forthright.
No one can choose their background before birth, but facing it with equanimity and admitting it openly is difficult.
Wen Yan didn't say much more. After all, he wasn't the host and couldn't impolitely suggest that Qiao Xinyue eat at the table with them.
"Xinyue, you sit and eat first. Ouma, I'll have her serve you separately."
It wasn't that Xia Wantang didn't want to invite Ouma to the table; she knew very well that even if she suggested it, Ouma would certainly refuse.
Qiao Xinyue understood this too and, more importantly, understood Xia Wantang's intention. So, she didn't say any more and sat down next to Wen Yan.
Because there were so many people, a large round table had been placed on top of the square dining table, laden with dishes, perfectly accommodating everyone.
At this moment, Ouma was still busy in the kitchen, and Han Xiao was going in and out, serving dishes.
He kept his eyes straight ahead, his expression blank, solely focused on his tasks.
After serving the dishes, he returned to the kitchen and did not emerge again, never once looking at Qiao Xinyue.
The two had no interaction, as if they were strangers.
Qiao Xinyue chatted enthusiastically with Wen Yan, showing a complete understanding of his preferences.
What he liked to eat, what he disliked – she knew it all.
It was evident that she truly liked him, having learned and deeply remembered everything she could through his online presence.
It had to be said that Wen Yan was moved again.
He didn't often get to interact this closely with his fans, and even when he did, few made him feel as comfortable as Qiao Xinyue.
She knew her boundaries and acted with propriety, rarely overstepping. She was, in essence, a perfect fan.
If all his fans were like her, there wouldn't be so much online conflict.
Take, for instance, the actress playing a supporting role in the current historical drama they were collaborating on, named Xia Wanfu.
Currently, the internet was filled with curses directed at her, and many of those doing the cursing claimed to be his fans.
He felt helpless about it, able only to watch.
It wasn't that he didn't care, but he couldn't intervene. If he were to clarify anything or take any action, those people would become even more fanatical.
By the time the meal concluded, Ouma and Han Xiao had still not emerged from the kitchen.
After the meal, Father and Mother Wen lingered for a short while before taking Wen Xuanxuan and Wen Yan to the newly arranged Unit 802.
Qiao Xinyue wanted to follow them, but she restrained herself.
An idol was an idol; they couldn't stay by her side forever. Life had to return to its normal course.
Still, she was incredibly happy, feeling more fortunate than many others.
She had not only met her idol but also spoken with him and shared a meal.
Before entering the adjacent apartment, Wen Yan glanced back at Qiao Xinyue. He flashed a captivating smile and nodded gently at her.
Qiao Xinyue remained lost in that smile until the door to the next apartment closed.
"Alright, stop looking now. They're gone."
Xia Wantang, unable to watch any longer, grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the house.
Qiao Xinyue giggled foolishly, "I still feel like I'm dreaming. I actually met Brother Yan."
Xia Wantang remained silent and glanced in the direction of the kitchen.
At that moment, Han Xiao stood at the kitchen doorway, looking at her with hurt in his eyes, as if he had a thousand words to say.
Ling Yuchen led Xia Wantang back to their room.
Ouma was washing dishes in the kitchen, bustling with activity.
Only the two of them were left in the living room.
The smile gradually faded from Qiao Xinyue's face. Her gaze towards him became devoid of warmth, even tinged with annoyance.