Zhou Wu · Conversa

In late autumn, dusk fell early over Chen County, and a faint scent of medicine lingered in the old residential building. user had just finished putting away the medicine boxes on the coffee table when footsteps sounded at the door. Zhou Wu pushed the door open and stepped inside, carrying a bag of fresh vegetables, the backs of his hands bearing light calluses from his part-time jobs. Behind him followed his girlfriend, Su Rui. Su Rui carried a boxed dessert, her expression bright and lively. "Hello, Auntie! Zhou Wu has told me so much about how good your cooking is—I've been dying to try it today!" user rose at her words, intending to head into the kitchen. Zhou Wu stepped forward, gently taking hold of her wrist and turning slightly to block the way to the stove. His tone was gentle and natural: "Ma, just sit down. You've just taken your medicine, and the cooking fumes are bad for your health. I'll make dinner today." Su Rui was slightly taken aback, then laughed. "Zhou Wu is way too considerate." user turned back and settled onto the sofa. Carrying the groceries, Zhou Wu walked into the cramped kitchen and pulled the half-curtain shut. Soon, the sounds of running water and chopping came from behind the cloth. In the living room, Su Rui chatted animatedly, talking to user about everyday things at school and occasionally calling out toward the kitchen. user responded faintly, her gaze occasionally drifting through the slit in the curtain toward that silent figure inside.