Chapter 23: As Natural as Eating and Drinking

Han Jiayi immediately spotted Bai Renzong standing at the second-floor landing. Her first reaction was to glare at him, then she urged, “What are you staring at? Come down and eat.”

“Is there any for me?” Bai Renzong asked, somewhat surprised.

“We’ve already started cooking, and making food for one or two people isn’t much different,” Han Jiayi muttered.

“Thanks, then,” Bai Renzong replied, heading to the living room, where he discovered pineapple fried rice.

Golden pineapple chunks mixed with eggs, ham, peas, carrots, and shrimp—brightly colored, fragrant, and appetizing. Just seeing the bowl of fried rice whetted Bai Renzong’s appetite.

But—

“Pineapple again?” Bai Renzong remarked curiously.

“I bought half a pineapple this morning, but it was too sour. I didn’t want to waste it…” Han Jiayi pouted quietly, scooping a bowl of fried rice for Bai Renzong and then pouring the rest into another bowl. The two sat face to face at the dining table.

Bai Renzong took a bite. Although the pineapple was quite tart, mixed with the other ingredients it was pleasant enough.

He realized this was much like the logic in some Japanese anime where people sprinkle salt on watermelon: since the fried rice was savory, it made the pineapple taste even sweeter. It was a clever way to handle overly sour pineapple.

“This is really good…” Bai Renzong said, intrigued, “Such a smart trick—have you thought about sharing it with others?”

“Oh—!” Han Jiayi replied with a sweet smile, “What an honor, finally catching your eye. It’s rare for you to compliment me.”

“I always praise you,” Bai Renzong said, puzzled. “Whether it’s movies or restaurants, I always do, right? In the movies, I said the second female lead’s performance was outstanding, even more striking than the main actress. And at the restaurant, I mentioned the environment, price, and cuisine were all excellent. I think my reviews are fair. Why do you feel like I’m criticizing you?”

“Because, because, it’s just…” Han Jiayi’s face flushed as she stammered. She was never quick with words; even though her thoughts were clear, when it came to arguing, her mind turned to mush.

But clarity after the fact was useless. She couldn’t very well say, “I’ve just now thought of what to retort, could you repeat what you said earlier?”

She struggled for a while but couldn’t get anything out. Bai Renzong filled the silence, “Is it that I spend too much time on negative comments?”

“Yes, yes!” Han Jiayi snapped back to attention, stamping her foot in irritation. “Exactly! Every time, you gloss over the good points, but go on and on about the flaws! Who does that?!”

“That does make sense…” Bai Renzong mused, resting his chin in his hand. “I’ll improve in the future.”

“That’s more like it…” Han Jiayi muttered, digging into her fried rice.

“I’m serious,” Bai Renzong continued, “Have you considered sharing your way of dealing with overly sour pineapple online? Maybe start your own channel, upload tips like these—it would definitely be popular.”

“I don’t know…” Han Jiayi replied, somewhat evasively. “Maybe someday when I have time.”

After they finished eating, Bai Renzong took the plates and said, “I’ll wash the dishes.”

Han Jiayi didn’t object, handing him the plates and stretching, the hem of her shirt revealing a beautiful curve of her abdomen and a cute navel. “Then I’ll go take a shower first…”

When Bai Renzong emerged from his own shower, Han Jiayi was lying sideways on the sofa in the living room, watching TV.

Her posture made her legs seem even longer, the graceful lines almost a test of his self-control.

It wasn’t just the length—her curves were exquisite: not merely slender, her thighs had just the right amount of softness, while her calves were finely shaped, and her ankles delicate. Not modeling those legs was practically a waste.

But just as he was admiring Han Jiayi’s legs, a ghostly figure suddenly appeared on the TV screen.

“Ye—!” Bai Renzong jumped in fright, then complained angrily, “Jump scares are the cheapest trick! Any horror film relying on that is garbage! What I respect are those that use atmosphere and visuals to frighten. Those are true horror films!”

“Hmph… such a coward,” Han Jiayi giggled behind her hand. “If you can’t handle it, don’t force yourself. Go hide in your room. Don’t tell me you’ll be too scared to sleep tonight?”

“No way. Cheap jump scares like this could never keep me awake,” Bai Renzong retorted. “Only movies like ‘The Grudge’ or ‘Dead Silence,’ those that use atmosphere to build terror, have that power…”

“Oh?” Han Jiayi cocked an eyebrow, teasing him. “So you’ll actually lose sleep over them? Hmph! Watching horror movies is as easy for me as eating or drinking. ‘The Grudge,’ ‘Dead Silence,’ right? Let’s watch them now.”

“Go ahead, take your time,” Bai Renzong rolled his eyes, retreating to his room to edit videos.

In a few days, he’d be attending a wine event. He planned to shoot some footage to use as material, maybe make a video from it, so he wanted to speed up releasing the current episode about the “A5 Wagyu Beef.”

He focused intently, oblivious to the passage of time, until around eleven at night, when someone knocked on his door.

“Sigh…” Bai Renzong suppressed his annoyance, paused his editing, and went to open the door.

Naturally, it was Han Jiayi—only the two of them lived here.

“Um, well…” Han Jiayi’s gaze wandered as she smoothed her soft hair, hesitating to speak.

“If you have something to say, just say it,” Bai Renzong frowned. “I’m halfway through editing, adding background music.”

“I just wanted to ask…” Han Jiayi smiled gently, her eyes soft as she looked at him. “Do you want a late-night snack?”

“No, I’m full,” Bai Renzong replied, starting to close the door.

“Hey, wait!” Han Jiayi raised her hand to block his door, pleading, “Really not? It’s really tasty, you know?”

“I’m not hungry, so no matter what…” Bai Renzong said impatiently, then suddenly realized something.

“You…” He stared at Han Jiayi, “Did you get scared after watching the horror movies? Want me to go downstairs with you?”

“No—way!” Han Jiayi laughed breezily, waving her hand. “I’ve watched more horror movies than you’ve even heard of! How could these scare me? I just wanted a snack, and thought I’d ask if you wanted one too.”

Bai Renzong eyed her sideways, while Han Jiayi wore a sweet, innocent smile.

Truthfully, Bai Renzong saw right through her. He was tempted to tease her: Watching horror movies is as easy as eating and drinking, huh?

But after a moment’s thought, he decided against it—she’d agreed to accompany him to the wine exhibition, which was a big favor. He should be decent.

“Sigh.” Bai Renzong sighed, deciding to spare her dignity. “Alright, I’ll eat.”

“Come on down, it’ll be ready soon!” Han Jiayi said happily, visibly relieved.

As easy as eating and drinking? Bai Renzong pursed his lips and shook his head.