Chapter 56 I Don't Want You and Me to Suffer

Chapter 56 I Don't Want You and Me to Suffer

As I left the hospital, the sun was already high in the sky, and an enticing aroma wafted from the noodle shop across the street.

Lin Mianmian's stomach growled, and she scratched her head a little embarrassedly, looking at Xie Lin: "Shall we go get a bowl of noodles?"

Seeing the smile return to the girl beside him, Xie Lin's gloom vanished. He gently ruffled her hair and said softly, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

The two found a seat by the window, and the proprietress greeted them warmly: "Mianmian? Long time no see! What would you like to eat? The usual, beef noodles with an egg?"

"Mmm!" Lin Mianmian nodded vigorously, then looked at Xie Lin, "What do you want to eat? Their beef noodles and tomato noodles are super delicious."

“Just like you.” Xie Lin looked at her, a smile in his eyes.

The proprietress quickly served two steaming bowls of beef noodles. Red oil floated on the surface of the soup, sprinkled with bright green cilantro and scallions, and large chunks of beef lay on top of the noodles, emitting a fragrant aroma.

Lin Mianmian picked up her chopsticks, eagerly took a bite of noodles, blew on it, and put it in her mouth, her eyes squinting with satisfaction: "It tastes just like this! It's so delicious!"

Seeing how much she enjoyed her meal, Xie Lin picked up his chopsticks and took a bite.

The noodles were chewy and smooth, the beef was stewed until tender and flavorful, and the soup was rich and fragrant—a taste he had never experienced before.

Yet, a sense of indescribable guilt welled up in his heart.

He recalled that in the past, he had taken her to the most upscale restaurants, where Michelin three-star chefs would create menus tailored just for her.

Back then, he could casually rack up bills of tens of thousands of yuan without ever thinking much of it.

But now, all he can do is sit with her in this simple noodle shop, eating a bowl of beef noodles that costs a dozen yuan.

They couldn't even afford a decent drink and could only drink the cold boiled water provided free of charge by the noodle shop.

Looking at Lin Mianmian's carefree smile and watching her eat with relish, his fingertips tightened slightly. His heart felt heavy, as if something was blocking it.

"What's wrong? Is it not good?" Lin Mianmian noticed his silence, looked up at him with a puzzled expression.

Xie Lin snapped out of his daze, forced a smile, and shook his head: "Delicious."

But his voice had a slightly hoarse quality that was barely perceptible.

Lin Mianmian put down her chopsticks, looked at the guilt in his eyes, and instantly understood.

She reached out and took his hand, her fingertips gently stroking the back of his hand, her voice soft: "Xie Lin, are you overthinking things again?"

Xie Lin's Adam's apple bobbed, and he finally couldn't hold back, his voice low and hoarse: "Mianmian, I'm sorry. You've suffered because of me."

"I used to take you to eat all kinds of delicacies, but now I can only make you squeeze into a small noodle shop with me..."

"Fool." Lin Mianmian interrupted him, her eyes full of seriousness.

“Those delicacies may taste exquisite, but I’ve never felt particularly happy about them. It’s only now, sitting here with you in this little noodle shop, eating steaming hot beef noodles, that I feel like this is real life.”

She moved closer to him, whispered in his ear, "Xie Lin, for me, being with you makes even the simplest meal taste sweet."

"I don't care about those riches and honors. All I care about is you."

A warm breath brushed against his earlobe, carrying a faint fragrance.

Xie Lin felt a scalding sensation in his heart. He looked up at the girl before him. Her eyes sparkled, like they held a sky full of stars.

There was no trace of disdain within, only overflowing love and trust.

His eyes instantly reddened, and he pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice choked with emotion: "Thank you, Mianmian. Thank you for being willing to follow me."

Lin Mianmian leaned against him, gently patting his back, her voice so tender it could melt your heart, "Xie Lin, from now on, we'll walk this road together. Whether it's bitter or sweet, I'll be with you."

Xie Lin tightened his arms, holding her tightly in his embrace, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones. He knew he would never let go of those hands for the rest of his life.

The noodle shop was bustling with people, the sounds of talking and clattering bowls and chopsticks mingling together, and the air was filled with the aroma of noodles and the smell of cooking.

The proprietress walked by carrying two bowls of noodles. Seeing this scene, she couldn't help but smile and muttered, "This young couple is so loving."

After what seemed like an eternity, Xie Lin finally released her and reached out to wipe away the moisture from the corner of her eyes.

Her eyes were full of gentle smiles: "Okay, then from now on, we'll eat all the snacks in the alley together. I'll go with you to eat Aunt Zhang's jianbing guozi, and Uncle Li's sugar-roasted chestnuts, and we'll eat all the snacks you loved when you were little."

"Mmm!" Lin Mianmian nodded vigorously, picked up her chopsticks, took the biggest piece of beef, and held it to his mouth. "Eat quickly, the noodles are getting cold."

"After we finish eating, let's go to the supermarket to buy some vegetables. I'll make you braised pork tomorrow."

Xie Lin opened his mouth and took a bite. The aroma of the beef melted in his mouth. This time, he tasted the flavor of happiness.

After finishing their noodles, the two walked out of the noodle shop hand in hand.

Looking at the smiling girl beside him, Xie Lin suddenly felt that giving up all that wealth and glory was really not a pity at all.

With her around, even the simplest meals taste like the best of the world.

The road ahead may be full of thorns, there may be countless difficulties and obstacles, and the Xie family may continue to press forward.

But he wasn't afraid.

Because she was by his side.

They will hold hands, face the wind and rain together, walk through the years together, and turn their simple lives into the warmest of human moments. (Supermarket warm light)

As I left the noodle shop, the afternoon sun felt warm and comforting.

Lin Mianmian held Xie Lin's hand and skipped towards the supermarket next door: "I'll make braised pork for you tonight. I need to buy some pork belly, star anise, and cinnamon, and also some green vegetables."

Xie Lin let her pull him along, his gaze fixed on her swaying hair, a smile never fading from his lips.

When he used to go to the supermarket, his maid would push the cart behind him, and he only needed to give a casual order, and everything he wanted would be put on the cart.

But now, as he squeezed into the bustling supermarket with Lin Mianmian, listening to the sounds of bargaining and children playing, he found it much more lively and warm than those luxurious shopping malls.

The supermarket wasn't big, but the shelves were packed full.

Lin Mianmian headed straight for the fresh food section, standing on tiptoe to reach the pork belly hanging on the top shelf. Xie Lin saw this, reached out and gently scooped up the piece of meat with alternating layers of fat and lean meat.

"How about this piece?" Xie Lin waved the meat in front of her, his eyes filled with a hint of flattery.

Lin Mianmian leaned closer to smell it and nodded in satisfaction: "You're an expert! This piece will definitely smell delicious when stewed."

She then dragged him to weigh tofu. The auntie selling tofu had watched her grow up. Seeing a handsome young man with her, she smiled and teased, "Mianmian, is this your boyfriend? He's really good-looking."

Lin Mianmian's face flushed instantly, and she secretly pinched Xie Lin's arm. Xie Lin, however, replied generously, "Hello, Auntie, I'm her boyfriend. Please take good care of me in the future."

The aunt laughed even harder and insisted on giving him an extra half piece of tofu.

She stuffed it into his hand: "Young man, you have a sweet tongue. Take it! Go back and show off your skills to Mianmian."

The two then picked out some vegetables and seasonings. Lin Mianmian pushed the shopping cart, walking and stopping frequently. When she saw the yogurt on the shelf, her eyes lit up. She reached out and took two cartons, but hesitated and put them back.

Xie Lin noticed her subtle movement and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Why aren't you buying it? Don't you like this flavor?"

"It's a bit expensive," Lin Mianmian muttered softly. "We need to be more careful with our money now."

These words were like a fine needle, gently pricking Xie Lin's heart.

He remembered how he used to buy her things by the case, never letting her have such concerns.

He didn't say anything, but bent down and put the two boxes of yogurt back into the shopping cart, and also took an extra box of strawberry flavor.

"I must earn more money so that Mianmian can live a good life," Xie Lin thought to himself.

"Buy it if you like it. We have enough money." Xie Lin ruffled her hair and said gently, "Don't ever make yourself suffer again."

Looking at the seriousness in his eyes, Lin Mianmian felt a lump in her throat, tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek, which made the children next to her exclaim "Wow!"

When it was time to pay, the cashier scanned the items, and Xie Lin took out his wallet to pay.

Looking at the numbers on the receipt, he suddenly realized that this kind of frugal lifestyle had a unique charm.

As they left the supermarket, both of them were carrying bulging plastic bags. The setting sun cast long shadows on them.

Lin Mianmian hummed a little tune, her steps light and quick. Xie Lin looked at her profile and suddenly realized that this was the life he wanted.

There's no scheming and infighting in wealthy families, no endless social engagements, just the mundane routines of daily life and the passing years with those around you.

"We're home!" Lin Mianmian turned to him and smiled, her eyes crinkling like they were filled with starlight.

Xie Lin gripped the plastic bag in his hand and the person beside him tightly, and softly replied, "Okay, let's go home."

A gentle evening breeze blew by, carrying the aroma of food and the warmth of their fingertips touching, a warmth that could melt anyone's heart.