Growing Fond of You, Mr Nian

“Dangerous ones?” Jiang Yuning was briefly caught off guard before replying, “There are many. Sometimes, an explosion may occur while conducting research. Other times, while developing new equipment, they may get out of control. There are just too many.”

Nian Xi lowered her lashes in silence.

Jiang Yuning grew anxious, “Xixi, are you worried that my job is too dangerous? It isn’t all that dangerous—it’s fine as long as I am careful. Besides, when we get married, I will buy a really expensive life insurance policy. If something happens to me, you’ll receive a large sum from insurance—enough for you to enjoy the rest of your life and swap out boyfriends as many times as you wish…”

His voice grew weaker as he spoke.

Nian Xi smiled helplessly. “Are you sure that I can change boyfriends as many times as I wish?”

“… Yes,” Jiang Yuning said gloomily. “I want you to be happy, even if I’m not there. Even if I end up in agony, I don’t mind bearing all the pain by myself.”

Nian Xi couldn’t take it anymore and squeezed his cheeks hard, “Idiot! If you want me to be happy, then don’t leave me—only you can give me happiness. If you aren’t here anymore, the only thing left for me is pain and sorrow. Besides, have you ever disliked how dangerous my job is?”

“I have never thought about it,” Jiang Yuning shook his head. “I cannot stop you from doing the things you like. Even if I am afraid of losing you, I can’t possibly stop liking you just because your job is dangerous. I’m looking for someone I love, not just someone suitable for marriage.”

Nian Xi’s heart pounded, “How unusual for you to say something like that… you almost don’t seem like yourself.”

“It’s Uncle Han who said that,” Jiang Yuning said a little abashedly. “In the past… my parents always tried to introduce partners to Uncle Han, but he wasn’t willing to meet them. He said that he doesn’t want to find someone suitable for marriage, but someone that he loves.”

Nian Xi was reminded of Uncle Han’s face that was still handsome despite all his wrinkles, and lost her smile, “So he’s single till now?”

“I’m not sure, I’m not interested in his affairs,” said Jiang Yuning as he shook his head. “But Xixi, why did you suddenly ask about my job? You’ve been acting weird ever since you went to the study with your father.”

Nian Xi was surprised, “How did you become so sharp now?”

“Of course I will pay attention to everything about you since I like you.” Jiang Yuning’s face looked troubled, “It’s alright if your father still doesn’t like me—I will work harder to improve his impression of me.”

“He doesn’t dislike you, don’t overthink it.” Nian Xi took his hand. “Let’s go home.”

Home…

Jiang Yuning happily restarted the car.

And they made their way home.

The Saturday after the Lantern Festival, Fang Qi and Cheng Jing went over together to visit her. They brought some dishes with them for dinner, as well as some fresh turbot and shrimp that they bought on their way.

Jiang Yuning went on to steam the fresh seafood in the kitchen.

Cheng Jing watched his back smilingly, “Professor Jiang is a good man who takes care of his family, but are you sure that you don’t need me to help?”

“Just have a seat, you guys are our guests.” Nian Xi continued with a proud smile on her face, “I want you guys to have a taste of how good my boyfriend’s cooking is.”

Fang Qi raised her eyebrows a few times, “When do you intend to marry Professor Jiang? We need to start preparing your wedding gifts.”

“Around the end of this year.” Nian Xi got straight to the point.

“Wow, so it has really been decided.” Cheng Jing was happy for her.

“Yes, I think that it’s about time,” Nian Xi nodded. She then suddenly raised her voice towards the kitchen, “I’m just waiting for him to propose to me.”

Since it was an open concept kitchen, as noisy as the ventilator was, Jiang Yuning’s heard her voice; his whole body shook.