Wang Ning’an was highly capable at work, but when it came to verbal sparring, he had never been able to beat Wang Cheng. He could only set his work aside. The more he ate his younger brother’s cooking, the less he tired of it. Wang Cheng seemed able to produce something different at almost every meal, to the point that Wang Ning’an no longer wanted to order takeout.
“I’m done. Tell me.” Wang Ning’an finished the bowl in a few quick bites, pulled out a tissue, and wiped his mouth.
Wang Cheng moved the bowl aside and told him about the woman he had encountered on his way home from work. He knew she had been lying and was definitely not Eldest Brother’s girlfriend, but she had to know him somehow. Otherwise, she would never have found her way here.
Wang Ning’an fell silent.
“Eldest Brother, do you know her or not?” Wang Cheng pressed. He was genuinely curious.
“It’s all in the past. If you want to know, there’s no harm in telling you.” Wang Ning’an did not hide it from him. “She’s my ex-girlfriend. We started dating after I graduated from university. Later, she was the one who ended it. I never saw her again after that, and we never stayed in contact.”
“Then how does she know you live here?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she asked around. There’s nothing particularly strange about that.” Wang Ning’an spoke calmly, not surprised in the slightest.
Wang Cheng thought that made sense. Even Chu Yifeng had heard of Eldest Brother’s reputation at Shenghui Group’s branch. It would not be difficult for a woman to ask around about him.
“Stay out of this. If you run into her again, just ignore her. She and I stopped having anything to do with each other a long time ago. Whatever reason she has for looking for me, I doubt it’s anything good.” They had been separated for more than a year, and Wang Ning’an was a rational person by nature. Whatever feelings he once had were long gone. She was only a passerby now, perhaps not even that.
“All right.” An ex-girlfriend suddenly coming back to find her ex-boyfriend probably meant she wanted to reconcile. Eldest Brother was so outstanding that the woman had to be regretting her decision. Thinking about it that way, Wang Cheng immediately lost any favorable impression of her.
“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you too,” Wang Ning’an suddenly said.
“What is it?”
“In a few days, I may be transferred to Shenghui Group’s headquarters. I’ll have to move to the capital. You may be living here by yourself after that.”
Wang Cheng blinked. Chu Yifeng had actually called it.
“What is it?” Wang Ning’an asked when he saw him staring blankly.
“Nothing. I just think you’re getting promoted really fast. I’ve only been here a little over a month and you’re already leaving. When are you planning to go?”
“Once the transfer order comes through. It should only be a few days.”
“Oh. Then you have to take care of yourself. If you’re going to the capital, I can’t go with you, so I won’t be able to manage your meals. You can’t go back to eating frozen food three meals a day like before. Eat less takeout too. I’ve heard it isn’t very hygienic, and the news is always talking about recycled gutter oil. Eldest Brother, why don’t you hire a housekeeper who can cook once you get there? You earn plenty, and our family isn’t short of that little bit of money. If something is worth spending on, then spend it.” Wang Cheng began lecturing him almost unconsciously.
“I said you were turning into an old mother, and now you really are nagging like one.” This time Wang Ning’an truly did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Wang Cheng laughed. “So it’s a good thing you’re getting transferred. I’ve only taken care of you for a little over a month and I already nag like Mom. If this keeps up, I’m really going to evolve into her. I don’t want to be your mother. You’ve never even called me Mom once.”
“Get out, get out. I surrender.” Wang Ning’an could not take his mouth anymore and hurriedly chased him away.
“Fine. Go to bed early.” Wang Cheng carried the bowl out of the study and closed the door behind him.
In the kitchen, Wang Cheng put the bowl in the sink. His eyes landed on the more than half a pot of congee still left. He had accidentally made too much. It would still be edible the next day, but it definitely would not taste as good as when freshly cooked. He had originally planned to save it for tomorrow, but then he remembered his conversation with Eldest Brother and finally understood what Chu Yifeng had meant before. It seemed he really did need to stay on good terms with this neighbor.
Wang Cheng filled a thermos with most of the remaining congee and, without telling Eldest Brother, carried it next door.