Chapter 1179: Chapter 1179: Extra Story of the Eel 16

Lu Yuwen smiled gently, “Alright, next time you treat me.”

Su Man bit her chopsticks and thought for a moment, “… Do you prefer Chinese food or Western food? I’ll ask my friends later which restaurant is good.”

She wasn’t very particular about food. Usually, she just ate whatever was made at home. If she were to invite someone for a meal, she wouldn’t know which restaurant to choose.

Lu Yuwen said, “I’m fine with anything. What about you? Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

“None.” Su Man shook her head and answered honestly, “As long as it’s delicious, I love it.”

Lu Yuwen chuckled, slightly lifting his chin to signal her to look at his plate, and asked, “Do you like pasta?”

“Ah, this is really good!” Su Man quickly complimented, “I don’t know how you made it. This is honestly the best pasta I’ve ever had! My parents are used to eating Chinese food, so Aunt Zhang never makes these. Sometimes when I want a change in taste, I can’t get one…”

As she spoke, she paused, afraid of miscommunication. She awkwardly explained, “I-I don’t mean to ask you to make it again. I’m really sorry for today. Our family should’ve treated you properly… but instead, it feels like we’ve turned you into a chef in our house…”

Even saying this didn’t feel quite right.

Su Man pressed her lips together, a hint of regret showed on her face, her voice lowered, carrying a mix of frustration and self-criticism:

“I’m not very good at expressing myself. People around me often say I tend to offend others with my words. Please don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Lu Yuwen smiled at her, his gaze gentle, “I think you’re great just the way you are—straightforward, no need to beat around the bush. Talking with you feels very relaxing.”

Su Man froze, “… Really?”

Lu Yuwen smiled, “Do I look like someone who’d lie?”

Su Man’s face flushed slightly.

It was the first time since childhood that she received such a compliment.

Lu Yuwen lowered his head and casually ate his pasta while chatting, “Today I went out to replace my ID card. By the time I got back, it was past lunch hours. I ordered some takeout, but it wasn’t very good, so I borrowed your kitchen…”

“It’s fine. Use it anytime you want.” Su Man said sincerely, “It worked out for me—I got to enjoy a delicious meal. Did you learn this before? It’s seriously so good!”

Lu Yuwen looked up at her, his eyes filled with gentle amusement, “I only know a little. Since I work in this field, I don’t need to cook personally, but it’s still necessary to learn some basics. If you like it, I can make it for you again next time.”

Su Man’s face turned even redder upon hearing that. She hurriedly swallowed the food in her mouth and coughed twice from choking, awkwardly saying, “How could I trouble you…”

Lu Yuwen raised a hand and gently pushed the glass of water on the table toward her, keeping his movements subtle. He naturally switched the topic:

“You seem to be in better spirits now. When I first came back, you didn’t look very happy.”

“Huh?” Su Man looked up upon hearing this, staring blankly at Lu Yuwen, “Was it… that obvious?”

Lu Yuwen smiled, “Does your current response count as a confession without me pressing further?”

His teasing tone made Su Man laugh too, her laughter mixed with a hint of embarrassment. She explained, “It’s just that today felt particularly unlucky… so my mood was a bit affected…”

Thinking back to her day, her face unconsciously showed a sense of melancholy.

“It seems like I can’t accomplish anything. My dad is hospitalized, and I really want to take care of him, but in the hospital, I can’t do anything worthwhile—just watching the caregivers work while I play on my phone… My best friend finally had a chance to attend an awards ceremony, and we agreed I’d cheer him on, but by the time I got to the venue, the event was already over… And then there’s the matter of being a police officer. Everyone assumes I’m not cut out for it and thinks I’ll fail… Honestly, sometimes I think maybe they’re right, that I’m not good enough…”

She pressed her lips together and murmured quietly, “Maybe my parents are correct. I should just stick with being a traffic officer…”

“If it’s something you truly love, you need to fight for it.” Lu Yuwen said warmly, gazing at her, “Most things in life aren’t something people are born knowing how to do.”