Chapter 102: Light Rain
“You should eat too; don’t just stare at me.” Wen Yan placed a piece of freshly cooked tripe into Pei Zhouye’s bowl. Looking at the nearly untouched food in front of the man, he couldn’t help but frown. “If you keep only giving me food, I won’t eat hot pot with you next time.”
A flicker of a smile passed through Pei Zhouye’s eyes as he obediently picked up the tripe and ate it. “Alright, I’ll listen to you. We’ll eat together.” He knew Wen Yan’s temper; he looked soft, but he was exceptionally stubborn about these small things. He could only follow his lead.
The red oil in the pot bubbled continuously, and the rising steam fogged up Wen Yan’s glasses. He took them off and lightly wiped them with a tissue. Seeing this, Pei Zhouye reached out and turned the exhaust fan next to them up a notch. “This way it won’t be so smoky.”
Wen Yan put his glasses back on. Watching Pei Zhouye skillfully skim the chili away from his bowl, he felt a warm glow inside. In the past, when he ate hot pot with Gu Yulan, he was always the one taking care of the other. Gu Yulan never noticed small things like his fear of spice or the steam stinging his eyes. But Pei Zhouye remembered his preferences and habits clearly; even details Wen Yan hadn’t noticed himself were kept in Pei Zhouye’s heart.
“What are you thinking about?” Pei Zhouye noticed his distraction and asked softly.
“Nothing.” Wen Yan shook his head and put a piece of tofu in his mouth. “I just think this hot pot is really delicious—even better than the last time I came with my lab-mates.”
“Then we’ll come often whenever you want to eat it,” Pei Zhouye said with a smile, swishing another slice of fatty beef for him. “Careful, it’s hot.”
They chatted as they ate. Wen Yan mentioned the problems he encountered while organizing his PPT, such as how to design the data charts to be clearer and how to structure the report’s logic to be smoother. Although Pei Zhouye didn’t understand the technical knowledge, he could always provide suggestions from an observer’s perspective, such as marking key data in different colors so the audience could see the critical information at a glance.
“How do you know so much?” Wen Yan was a bit surprised. He thought Pei Zhouye only knew how to handle company business, not that he would have such insights into these details.
“When I held project meetings in the past, I heard so many reports from subordinates that I eventually learned how to make them more intuitive,” Pei Zhouye explained nonchalantly. In truth, he had specifically researched academic report techniques, fearing he wouldn’t be able to help when Wen Yan asked.
After finishing the hot pot, a light rain began to fall outside. Pei Zhouye took off his coat and draped it over Wen Yan’s shoulders, then shielded him in his arms as they walked carefully toward the parking lot. Raindrops hit Pei Zhouye’s shoulders, quickly soaking a patch of his clothes, but he didn’t care at all. He only thought of getting Wen Yan to the car quickly so he wouldn’t catch a cold.
Once inside the car, Wen Yan looked at Pei Zhouye’s wet shoulders with a bit of guilt. “It’s my fault. I took too long to eat, that’s why we got caught in the rain.”
“It has nothing to do with you; I just didn’t check the weather forecast.” Pei Zhouye ruffled his hair with a laugh. “Don’t worry, I have a strong constitution; I won’t get a cold.” He started the car and turned on the heater. “Keep the coat on so you don’t get chilled.”
Wen Yan nodded, wrapping Pei Zhouye’s coat tighter around himself. The coat carried the faint scent of cedar from Pei Zhouye’s body mixed with the freshness of the rain, making him feel exceptionally safe.
Back at the apartment, Pei Zhouye immediately went to shower, while Wen Yan put the wet clothes into the washing machine. Watching the shirts spin in the washer, Wen Yan thought of how Pei Zhouye had shielded him in his arms just now. His heart felt full—warm and soft.
When Pei Zhouye came out after his shower, he saw Wen Yan sitting on the sofa with the professional book he had bought earlier, though he wasn’t really reading. “What is it? Still thinking about the hot pot?” Pei Zhouye walked over and sat beside him, feeling his forehead. “You didn’t catch a cold, did you?”
“No.” Wen Yan shook his head and set the book aside. “I was just thinking about whether I should consult Professor Zhang again about the report when I go to the institute to get my books tomorrow.”
“You definitely should,” Pei Zhouye said. “Professor Zhang is very experienced; he’ll surely give you plenty of good advice. I’ll go with you tomorrow. I also want to say thank you to him for taking such good care of you.”
Wen Yan nodded and leaned into Pei Zhouye’s embrace. They sat on the sofa watching the rain outside gradually lessen. Occasionally, a few rumbles of thunder could be heard, but they didn’t find it frightening at all.
“Pei Zhouye,” Wen Yan suddenly spoke. “Do you think it will rain when we go to Switzerland too?”
“Probably not. I checked the weather in Switzerland; it’s supposed to be sunny lately.” Pei Zhouye leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Even if it does rain, it doesn’t matter. We can stay in the hotel, watch the rain, and organize your report together. That sounds nice too.”
Wen Yan smiled and nodded, full of anticipation. He imagined himself and Pei Zhouye in a Swiss hotel, the sound of rain outside as they sat together—him organizing the report, Pei Zhouye handling work, occasionally looking up to share a glance. Just thinking about it brought him happiness.
Late at night, Wen Yan lay in bed and soon fell asleep. Pei Zhouye watched his sleeping face, lightly patting his back with a heart full of tenderness. He knew that tomorrow was a new day with much to do, but as long as he was with Wen Yan, any hardship was worth it.
The next morning, the rain had stopped. Wen Yan was woken by the sound of birds chirping outside. He opened his eyes to see Pei Zhouye sitting by the bed, holding a folded set of clothes. “Awake? Hurry and wash up. We’ll go to the institute after breakfast.”
Wen Yan nodded and got up to wash. After breakfast, they packed their things and drove to the research institute. As the car pulled into the parking lot, Wen Yan saw Professor Zhang already waiting at the entrance.
“Professor Zhang, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting,” Wen Yan said hurriedly as he got out of the car, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“It’s fine, I just arrived myself,” Professor Zhang said with a smile, handing a book to Wen Yan. “These are the monographs I found for you. They contain a lot of the latest research on cell differentiation. They’ll definitely be helpful for your report.”
Wen Yan took the books, moved by the gesture. “Thank you, Professor Zhang. You’ve done so much for me; I really don’t know how to thank you.”
“Why be so polite with me?” Professor Zhang waved a hand. “You’re the student I value most; of course I want you to get better and better. Come, let’s go inside and chat. I’ll tell you more about the report.”
The three of them entered the institute and went to Professor Zhang’s office. Professor Zhang took out the report framework Wen Yan had organized yesterday and gave him suggestions page by page—where data needed to be supplemented, where the logic needed adjustment. He was very detailed. Pei Zhouye sat to the side, listening quietly and occasionally handing Wen Yan a pen or paper without interrupting their exchange.
Before they knew it, noon arrived. Professor Zhang checked the time and said with a smile, “It’s getting late. Let’s go have lunch; my treat.”
“No, Professor Zhang, let it be my treat,” Wen Yan said hurriedly. “Thank you for taking such good care of me; I haven’t properly thanked you yet.”
“Why be polite with me?” Professor Zhang patted his shoulder. “Let’s go. There’s a good home-style restaurant nearby; let’s go try it.”
They went to the restaurant and ordered a few dishes. During the meal, Professor Zhang chatted with Wen Yan about the seminar in Switzerland, reminding him to exchange ideas with other scholars once he got there. He told him not to be afraid of asking questions or making mistakes. “Academic research progresses through continuous exchange and trial and error. You must be brave and believe in your abilities.”
Wen Yan nodded, taking the professor’s words to heart. Pei Zhouye sat beside them, constantly placing food for both Wen Yan and the professor, occasionally chatting with Professor Zhang about company business. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
After lunch, they returned to the institute. Professor Zhang gave Wen Yan some more materials to take home. “These are materials I organized in the past. They contain a lot of my own insights and experiences. Read them carefully; you’ll definitely gain something.”
“Thank you, Professor Zhang.” Wen Yan took the materials and carefully placed them in his bag. “I will definitely study them well.”
Coming out of the institute, Wen Yan looked at the books and materials in his hands with deep gratitude. “Professor Zhang is truly too kind. He not only recommended me for the seminar but also helped me organize so many materials and even gave me so many suggestions for the report.”
“He is indeed a good man,” Pei Zhouye said with a smile. “We should visit him often in the future to repay him.”
Wen Yan nodded and leaned into Pei Zhouye’s embrace. As they sat in the car watching the sunlight grow stronger, their hearts were full of anticipation. They knew the day they would leave for Switzerland was drawing closer, and their future was drawing closer as well.
Back at the apartment, Wen Yan spread the books and materials from Professor Zhang across his desk and began reading seriously. Pei Zhouye sat beside him, handling company emails, occasionally pouring Wen Yan a glass of water or handing him a piece of fruit.
In the afternoon, Wen Yan finished the monograph Professor Zhang had given him, and the content proved to be incredibly beneficial. He took out his notebook to record the key points and began modifying the report framework based on his own research results. Seeing how serious he was, Pei Zhouye didn’t disturb him, simply staying by his side.
Unknowingly, evening arrived, and Wen Yan finally finished modifying the report framework. He stretched and leaned back in his chair, looking at the PPT on his screen with a sense of accomplishment. “Pei Zhouye, I’ve finished the framework. Can you help me take a look?”
Pei Zhouye walked over and looked at the screen, smiling. “It’s much better than before. The logic is clearer, and the key points are more prominent. However, some details still need perfecting—for example, the data charts here could have their colors adjusted to make them more intuitive.”
Wen Yan nodded and began modifying the data charts according to Pei Zhouye’s suggestions. Pei Zhouye stayed by his side, handing him materials or offering small tips. They worked together in perfect harmony and soon finished the details of the report.
“Finally finished!” Wen Yan stretched and leaned into Pei Zhouye’s embrace. “I’m exhausted, but looking at the organized report gives me such a sense of achievement.”
“You’ve worked hard.” Pei Zhouye leaned down and kissed his forehead. “What do you want to eat tonight? I’ll take you for something delicious as a reward.”
Wen Yan thought for a moment and smiled. “I want to eat your braised pork belly. The braised pork belly you make is even better than the ones in restaurants.”
“No problem,” Pei Zhouye agreed with a laugh. “Rest on the sofa for a bit while I go buy groceries. I’ll make it for you when I get back.”
Wen Yan nodded, watching Pei Zhouye pick up his coat and leave the apartment. He leaned on the sofa watching the sunset, his heart full of happiness. He knew that with Pei Zhouye by his side, whether it was organizing a report or going to Switzerland for a seminar, it would all be a beautiful memory.
Pei Zhouye soon returned from his shopping. He went into the kitchen and began working. Wen Yan sat in the living room watching Pei Zhouye’s busy figure, occasionally going over to help him with seasonings or to chat for a bit.
Dinner was ready soon—four dishes and a soup, including Wen Yan’s favorite braised pork belly. The pork belly was a bright, glossy red, radiating an enticing aroma. It looked delicious. “Hurry and try it; see if it’s good.” Pei Zhouye pushed the dish toward Wen Yan, his eyes full of expectation.
Wen Yan took a bite. The meat was tender and practically melted in his mouth, savory without being overly greasy. “Delicious! Even better than last time!” Wen Yan said with a smile, taking another piece.
Seeing his happy expression, the corners of Pei Zhouye’s mouth couldn’t help but lift. They chatted as they ate. Wen Yan mentioned he would send the report to Professor Zhang tomorrow for him to look over, while Pei Zhouye said he would go to the company tomorrow to handle the last batch of documents. The day after, he could help Wen Yan pack for Switzerland.
After dinner, Wen Yan took the initiative to wash the dishes while Pei Zhouye sat in the living room reading the professional books he had bought. After the dishes were done, Wen Yan went to the living room and leaned into Pei Zhouye’s embrace. They read together, occasionally exchanging thoughts.
Late at night, they lay in bed. Wen Yan leaned into Pei Zhouye’s arms and soon fell asleep. Pei Zhouye watched his sleeping face, lightly patting his back with a heart full of tenderness. He knew that tomorrow was a new day and the trip to Switzerland was getting closer. He was already looking forward to their days there.
The next morning, Wen Yan sent the organized report to Professor Zhang and soon received a reply. In the email, Professor Zhang said the report was excellently done—clear logic, prominent key points—and encouraged him to perform well at the seminar without being nervous.
Reading the email, Wen Yan’s heart was full of emotion. He showed the email to Pei Zhouye, who said with a smile, “I knew you could do it. Come, let’s go to the company. Once I handle my business, we’ll come back this afternoon to pack.”
Wen Yan nodded and went to the company with Pei Zhouye. At the office, Pei Zhouye handled his files while Wen Yan sat in the office reading the materials from Professor Zhang, occasionally helping Pei Zhouye organize some simple documents.
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