Chapter 236 - 186: Warmth and an IQ Trade-off (2)

These were slices of freshly killed and deboned grass carp.

’What time did her dad even get up?’

"Dad, when I come home for vacation, I’ll cook for you too. I can debone a fish, too."

It’s a wonderful feeling when your hard work is noticed by someone you cherish.

Ni Guangli smiled so wide his wrinkles seemed to disappear. "You don’t know how to do that! Now, hurry and eat. You need to head out soon."

Ni Bingyan was momentarily speechless.

’What do you mean I don’t know how? I’m an expert at it!’

’It’s just that all my skills went to feeding some other man who can’t even handle spicy food!’

’Just thinking about it is so frustrating!’

’I have to make it up to my poor dad and cook a few meals for him later!’

’Otherwise, I’ll feel so guilty!’

After breakfast, Ni Bingyan put the insulated container in her car, came back to scoop up the still-sleeping Wangcai, and then set off, full of energy.

Ni Guangli stood at the door. Only after the dusty rear of her car vanished into the greenery did he sigh and head back inside.

The sky was still dark, but he couldn’t get back to sleep.

After packing his things and locking up, Ni Guangli also left for the airport.

By the time the sun was up, the elderly Sang couple came knocking, only to find Ni Bingyan’s house empty. There wasn’t even the sound of a dog barking.

They couldn’t reach Ni Guangli on his phone either.

"What’s going on with Old Ni? Didn’t we agree yesterday that we’d go to the crosstalk show together today?"

Shui Sulan was a little displeased that Ni Guangli had stood them up.

"He probably had an emergency. Since he’s not home, let’s go on ahead."

Sang Jingwen loved crosstalk and didn’t want to miss this rare show.

Besides, for businesspeople like them, it was perfectly normal for something to come up suddenly, forcing them to cancel plans.

Ni Guangli had been preoccupied with plans for the charity foundation since last night. Plus, he’d woken up so early—at an hour no sane person would think to call someone. Later, he couldn’t make calls on the plane, so the matter completely slipped his mind.

When he got off the plane, his young apprentice came to pick him up. The apprentice started chattering, "You came back early without giving me a heads-up, only calling once you landed! Goodness, Master, if you’d just let me know the time in advance, I wouldn’t have had to rush so much! I nearly drove off the side of the road, it was such a disaster! Well, at least you had a nice, comfy wait at the airport, right?" It was only then that Ni Guangli remembered his appointment with the Sang couple!

’Oops!’

’I can’t have my future in-laws thinking I’m unreliable!’

Ni Guangli quickly pulled out his phone to call and explain.

The Sang couple was at the theater, cheerfully enjoying the crosstalk show. When the phone rang, Sang Jingwen quickly answered it.

"Ah, Jingwen, my friend! Something urgent came up at home. I had to rush back to Rongcheng City and didn’t even have time to let you and Su Lan know. I’m so sorry for standing you up. Next time you’re in Rongcheng City, or I’m back in Beijing, let’s get together then!"

Sang Jingwen was very understanding and not at all upset. "Not a problem, not a problem at all. Is everything okay? Do you need any help?"

"Oh, no, no, I’m fine!"

The kids weren’t even officially a couple yet. Even if Ni Guangli had been in trouble, he wouldn’t have asked for help—plus, he wasn’t actually facing any problems.

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before hanging up.

Just then, a crosstalk act ended and the performers exited the stage. Shui Sulan leaned over and asked, "Who was that?"

"That was Old Ni. He said something urgent came up at home, so he left without a proper goodbye."

"Oh, I see. No wonder he left in such a rush."

The couple exchanged a few more words on the matter. They both felt that Ni Guangli was a decent man. Aside from being a bit careless at times and having a rather unpolished, worldly air about him, he had no major faults.

Just then, one of Sang Jingwen’s favorite performers came on stage, and his attention was immediately captivated.

Shui Sulan, however, was lost in thought. ’My future in-law is so careless, and with no wife to help him... Looks like I’ll be the one who has to worry more about the kids in the future. Oh, dear...’

**

The morning shoot went very smoothly.

The scene was set in a rooftop garden, which at this time of year was a riot of gorgeous, blooming flowers. As the sun leaped up from behind the mountains, everyone held their breath. Only Gu Feng and Wen Qing remained in character, professionally delivering their lines.

"See? A new day is here. All the unpleasantness is now in the past!"

Wen Qing’s smile was radiant, her words brimming with vibrant, positive energy!

Gu Feng gazed at her, his eyes filled with deep affection.

’So sweet, so sweet, so sweet!’

’When this drama airs, the shippers are going to go wild!’

’This screenwriter is a genius!’

’This "Wen Gu" couple is so shippable!’

The cast and crew had been preparing for this scene since two in the morning. Everyone, from the staff to the actors, was exhausted. The director took pity on them, giving everyone a half-day break before filming resumed in the afternoon.