Han Qingshan was shocked by his own thoughts. Once again, he was losing control over himself, and it was impossible for him to hold back. He was even walking towards Jiang Yingyue when he noticed what was happening.
He did not stop in his tracks, but pushed down his urges and went to help her set the table. He did not answer his mother, but he took three plates, and three pairs of chopsticks alongside three cups.
Jiang Yingyue brewed some tea and said nothing since she was a guest at Han Qingshan's place. She was not the one to decide whether or not he should have his mother eating over.
Also, when she said that she would be all alone, even Jiang Yingyue's heart turned soft. Even her parents, who were poor, were able to spend their time together. Although she was not home at the moment due to staying with Han Qingshan, she knew they would spend their time together.
After she finished preparing the food, Jiang Yingyue placed the plates and bowls on the table, and both Han Qingshan and Yan Meilin were excited to see the dishes that were placed on the table.
Jiang Yingyue was proud when she saw their amazement, and a soft smile flitted across her lips.
Sitting down, somehow Jiang Yingyue ended up sitting in the middle of Han Qingshan and Yan Meilin. Both of them looked at her, and she could not help but feel uncomfortable when she felt how the two pairs of eyes were glancing at her all the time.
Food was being scooped into their plates, and they started eating slowly, no one spoke, but the atmosphere was rather awkward and stiff.
"My dear, you are a wonderful cook!" Yan Meilin said after tasting the different dishes, her eyes glowing with excitement.
"Thank you, madam," she said humbly, hoping that the conversation would end there, but Yan Meilin was not done.
"Why don't you move in here with Qingshan?" she continued. "If you live here I would be much more at ease. If you were to stay by Qingshan's side, I would be relieved to know that he would be eating proper food every day, and someone would be here to ensure that he does not work too hard."
Jiang Yingyue felt that her eyes were widening all the time from shock. She had never expected such a request, but as she thought about it, she was quite interested.
Although it would be dangerous for her, and her identity might be exposed, it would be beneficial for her parents.
Her parents had never adjusted to life in the capital. They had to give up everything they had before, for the sake of low paying jobs and night shifts at work.
Not only was their job hard and their lives exhausting, but they had also constantly lived with the fear of being exposed and with the worry of being sent to prison.
If she could live with Han Qingshan, she would be able to send her father and mother back to their old village. Although it would take time for them to settle again, it would be a much more enjoyable life for them.
Not to mention if they sold the house, then they would have quite some savings to live off from. And if she had a job, she would be able to help provide for them.
However, all of this depended on Han Qingshan. Her life would depend on whether or not she would have a good relationship with him, and she had to be careful of her gender being exposed.
But somehow, she did not feel any dislike about the thought of living together with Han Qingshan. In fact, she felt quite excited about it, and she was more than willing.
Yan Meilin noticed that she was not against the idea, and her lips curled into a cunning smile. Then she looked at Han Qingshan, who was looking at Jiang Yingyue, he was clearly deep in thought.
Han Qingshan suddenly broke into a low hoarse laughter as he reached out his hand and gently rubbed Jiang Yingyue's head. "You should move in," he agreed, his voice carrying with it conviction and warmth.
"I am very happy having you living with me," Han Qingshan continued, his words were so gentle that Jiang Yingyue felt her heart melt.
"It is sad being alone, and all I eat is restaurant food; the condo is cold and soulless, but when you are here, it feels much more like home."
Hearing her son speaking like this, Yan Meilin's eyes widened in surprise. She had never expected that he would be so honest and straightforward, trying to coax the other into moving in.
"I feel that it would be much easier for you too," Han Qingshan said. "You will be able to go with me to University in the morning, and we can go to work together afterward, not to mention when work is over, I can take you back home."
"As long as you cook me meals most of the time, I will provide you with groceries, and I will not charge you for rent or transport fees."
Han Qingshan knew that Jiang Yingyue was easiest to move when it came to food and money. He also knew that she was using a fake ID right now, and so were her parents, so she should want them to return to their original identities for safety, and also for their future.
Although he knew this, he could not say it straight away, so he tried beating around the bush instead.
The offer was truly great, and Jiang Yingyue could not help but wonder if it was worth it. Her brows were furrowed, and she was torn between the risk of being noticed, and the urge to live with him.