Chapter 7: A Visit to the Supermarket

"Alright, Lu Qian, good night," Qin Miaoyu replied with a bright smile as she glanced back.

In truth, Qin Miaoyu was not very skilled in the kitchen. She had rarely cooked as a child, and in university, she always ate in the canteen. It was only after working for over a year that she occasionally tried her hand at cooking, and the results turned out decent.

As she ate her noodles, listening to Lu Qian's creative compliments from across the table, she felt her culinary skills were unworthy of such praise, yet she was genuinely happy.

After breakfast, Qin Miaoyu picked up her carefully packed paintings, ready to head out.

"Miaoyu, shall I come with you? Maybe you can show me around the neighborhood?"

"Of course."

First, Qin Miaoyu led Lu Qian to the parcel station.

The owner, Mrs. Xu, greeted her warmly. "Morning, Miaoyu. Sending off another painting?"

A gentle smile blossomed on Qin Miaoyu's face. "Good morning, Aunt Xu. Would you mind helping me with this now?"

"Certainly." Mrs. Xu set down her phone and began carefully packing Qin Miaoyu's painting. She then addressed Lu Qian, who was waiting behind, "Young man, please wait a moment. I'll finish packing for her before getting your package."

"Aunt Xu, I'm with Miaoyu."

Mrs. Xu paused, scrutinizing Lu Qian for a few moments before resuming her task.

"Miaoyu, this young man is tall and handsome—you have an eye for quality."

Faced with Mrs. Xu's teasing, Qin Miaoyu showed not a hint of embarrassment. "Aunt Xu, he's just a friend."

"Friends for now," Mrs. Xu joked, "but who knows what the future holds? You make a good match." She had noticed the way the young man looked at Qin Miaoyu just now—it was anything but ordinary.

After completing the shipping forms, Qin Miaoyu turned to see Lu Qian lost in thought, his head lowered.

She walked over and called his name, noticing that when Lu Qian looked up, his gaze was far more composed than usual.

She suddenly recalled their first meeting—he had looked just like this then, exuding a sense of maturity and steadiness. Yet, as they'd spent more time together lately, she tended to forget the four-year age gap between them.

But Lu Qian soon returned to his usual self, smiling as he asked, "Where to next?"

Qin Miaoyu considered for a moment. "Let's go to the supermarket. I need to pick up a few things. You might find something you want too."

When she placed some yogurt in the cart, Lu Qian pointed toward another section they'd passed earlier. "Don't you like that brand?"

This was the first preference Lu Qian had learned about her: she loved the premium yogurt from Shiyuan. Pricey, but otherwise perfect. He had found out years ago from her casual remarks, learning also that her mother only gave it to her as a reward for good behavior—she rarely got to drink it otherwise.

Qin Miaoyu glanced at the Shiyuan yogurt section, a hint of inscrutability in her eyes. "I don't like it now, and it's too expensive anyway."

She used to love it—her mother wielded it as a reward to coax her into behaving. Now, she disliked everything her mother had once dangled as a "lure," even if she still enjoyed the taste.

Lu Qian was taken aback by her latter words. "You were willing to transfer the Tianxiang Mountain Garden apartment to me for a marriage contract, but you think Shiyuan yogurt is expensive?"

Hearing the mention of that apartment, Qin Miaoyu felt a familiar discomfort. She reminded herself it was something she deserved, yet it always left her uneasy. At least now, the name didn't make her as sick as before.

"Getting that apartment was an accident. I would rather never have had it, so giving it to you doesn't bother me. Other than that place, all I have is my salary and some side income. For me, Shiyuan yogurt is a luxury."

Lu Qian fell silent. The Qin family was, by all accounts, well-off, but from what she said, it seemed she only used money she earned herself.

He realized his understanding of Qin Miaoyu was being upended.

He had always assumed her family was harmonious, that she was close to her parents. Even their marriage—he'd thought she simply wanted to avoid her family's arranged match.

Noticing his silence, Qin Miaoyu teased for once, "What, did you only agree to register our marriage because you thought I was rich thanks to that apartment?"

He was momentarily speechless at her sudden sharpness, then broke into laughter.

It reminded him of his first visit to the Qin family—she had been just like this before him, so different from her usual gentle demeanor.

Her annoyance grew at his inexplicable smile. "What's so funny?"

"Just remembering old times. Of course I didn't marry you for that reason. Wasn't it written clearly in our marriage agreement? I wanted your apartment, and you could help me deal with my family. Isn't that so?"

With that, Lu Qian took the shopping cart from her and strolled ahead at his leisure.

Qin Miaoyu felt at ease, trailing behind and browsing the shelves.

Lu Qian was about to steer the cart past the snack aisle towards the fresh food section—he was quite confident in his culinary skills and thought he could cook a couple of dishes for her to try.

But he immediately regretted it.

On his right, someone rounded the end of the snack aisle, carrying a basket. Upon spotting him, the man called out enthusiastically, "President Qi!"

Lu Qian turned, stiffening, and saw Qin Miaoyu behind him, her expression puzzled.

Laughing awkwardly, he said, "Miaoyu, the 'Qi' in my name is the same as President Qi's surname at the company. Since we're quite close, everyone jokes and calls me President Qi. I actually have something to discuss with him. Why don't you go check out the fresh food section? If you see anything you want, buy it—I'll cook for you at lunch and dinner."

With that, Lu Qian hurried off with the man carrying the basket.

Qin Miaoyu had no curiosity about their conversation. She was far more intrigued by Lu Qian's cooking skills—if he was offering so readily, he must be quite competent, perhaps as good as she was.

Still, she didn't want to trouble him too much and only chose some easy-to-make dishes for the cart.

Lu Qian soon returned, holding a few items he'd picked up along the way.

After paying at the supermarket, they took the escalator downstairs.

As they passed several jewelry stores on the first floor, Lu Qian suddenly suggested, "Shall we go in and pick out a pair of rings?"

Qin Miaoyu didn't see the need. "We're only married by agreement. Why bother buying real rings?"

"Wearing matching rings can save us a lot of trouble. Think about your manager—she didn't believe you were married because you never told your colleagues or wore a ring as proof."

Seeing her thoughtful expression, Lu Qian pressed his point.

"Plus, for our families—married couples usually have wedding rings. If they notice we're not wearing any, even if they believe us at first, doubts will creep in over time."