Chapter 10
The nervous feeling about returning to Northville and possibly facing Carter Lockwood again faded away amidst Ethan’s endless chatter about his
plans.
Life back in Northville seemed to go smoothly.
The interview went well, and I received notice to start work next week.
I also rented an apartment near the company.
However, after disappearing for two days, Ethan became my neighbor again.
I was taking out the trash when I saw workers moving fumiture in and out next door.
Glancing over, I spotted the tall, long–legged Ethan standing inside, directing the workers on furniture placement.
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to surprise you, but you caught me.”
Ethan naturally bent down and took the trash bag from my hand.
“I missed your cooking, so I came to be your neighbor and mooch meals again.”
I was indeed somewhat pleasantly surprised by his appearance.
Living in an unfamiliar place, having him as a neighbor gave me an added sense of security.
“Then I’ll make a few dishes later to celebrate your move.”
For convenience, we ultimately decided to have Hot Pot at home.
As the spicy broth boiled, Ethan scooped up a freshly cooked piece of beef and placed it in my bowl.
After just one bite, I couldn’t help but grab my drink and take several big gulps to cool the spice.
“Oh, you can’t handle spicy food? I heard you say you love Hot Pot, so I thought…”
“It’s fine, maybe I’m just not used to it after not having it for so long.”
How long had it been since I’d eaten Hot Pot? I could barely remember.
Hot Pot used to be my favorite.
When Grandma was around, she would eat with me. She’d have the clear broth, while I’d have the spicy one.
Once, Carter Lockwood was working late at a meeting, and the meal I’d brought him had gone cold.
It started snowing lightly outside, so I suggested we go out to eat.
I took him for Hot Pot.
Mr. Lockwood always preferred mild flavors, so I specially ordered a Half–and–Half Pot.
But he frowned throughout the entire meal.
On the drive home, he said, “Let’s not eat that again. The smell lingers all over you afterward.”
I hadn’t eaten Spicy Hot Pot since then.
When you don’t eat something for too long, even your taste buds become unaccustomed to it.
But soon enough, I was eating with gusto, sweat beading on my forehead, rediscovering the joy of Hot Pot I once knew.
After dinner, Ethan cleared the table, cleaned the kitchen, and opened the windows to air out the room.
As he left, he took the trash bag with him.
Published By EasyNovelHub With Authority Of Aurora Phoenix
