My Roommate Is a Dirty Talker (GL) - Chapter 52

Shen Mian agreed repeatedly, his voice brimming with barely concealed eagerness and joy. Yet Shen Weixiao still hadn’t seen her brother emerge from the kitchen. Just as she was about to go check on him, she heard the sizzle of ingredients hitting the hot wok, followed by the unmistakable aroma of spicy diced chicken.

Wow, that smells amazing! Shen Weixiao’s mouth watered uncontrollably as she practically sprinted toward the kitchen, her eyes shining with anticipation. But halfway there, her sister-in-law gently pulled her back.

Your brother knew you were coming home today. He’s been preparing the vegetables and chicken since morning, just waiting for you! Shen Weixiao’s sister-in-law had a warm, genuine smile that made her exceptionally approachable. After so many years together, the family’s harmonious bond remained their most cherished treasure.

Despite being firmly pressed onto the sofa by her sister-in-law, Shen Weixiao couldn’t resist glancing toward the kitchen. In moments, her sister-in-law was pulling out dried fruits, candies, and snacks from the cabinets, then rummaging through the refrigerator.

She remembered this ritual from every homecoming her family always insisted on showering her with treats they themselves rarely indulged in.

Weixiao, have some fruit to tide you over. You’ve lost so much weight in just six months! You’re all skin and bones now. Turning around, she noticed Shen Weixiao staring blankly into space. Impatiently, she urged, Why aren’t you eating? Don’t you like it? She poured another glass of juice.

Shen Weixiao finally stood up, embarrassed. Sister-in-law, please don’t fuss so much. I’m not a guest. Your kindness makes me feel awkward.

What’s there to be awkward about? You’ve been working so hard outside, look how thin you’ve gotten! Just relax at home and tell me what you want to eat. She then asked how long Shen Weixiao planned to stay. When she heard Shen Weixiao say she’d be leaving on the seventh day of the new year, her eyes widened in surprise. So soon!

After a moment’s thought, she realized she also had to go to work around that time. A sudden wave of sympathy washed over her, and she patted Shen Weixiao’s head. Ah, my poor sister. No more winter or summer vacations for you now. Sighing regretfully, she sat down beside Shen Weixiao and began asking about her work environment Are your bosses nice? Are your colleagues easy to get along with?

Her sister-in-law’s touch suddenly reminded Shen Weixiao of Shi Xuan. Though the pressure and sensation were different, the mere thought of that face, combined with her sister-in-law’s rambling instructions that she wasn’t even listening to, brought an involuntary smile to her face. She leaned against her sister-in-law’s shoulder.

Shen Mian emerged from the kitchen with the cooked dishes, spotting Shen Weixiao and calling out excitedly, Weixiao, don’t move! Be careful not to burn yourself! A large pot of fresh hotpot was placed on a pre-arranged mat, and Shen Weixiao quickly helped clear away the fruit and dried snacks.

Sulen, go to the kitchen and bring out those plates. Also, ladle some broth from the pot.

Sulen smiled and washed her hands first. The couple fussed over Shen Weixiao for a while before finally sitting down to eat. Before even taking a bite, they began scolding her for not taking care of herself properly. Are you being stingy with money? How did you get so thin?

Her brother always exaggerated. Shen Weixiao touched her chin, clearly feeling she was much rounder than when she was in school—all thanks to Shi Xuan’s excellent cooking.

Hmm, it’s time to remind them of her existence.

Hey, I have a roommate who’s an amazing cook! You know, the one I mentioned before, the one I share a room with. I’ve been eating her food so often, I’ve gotten really picky about flavors now!

Sulen paused, as if trying to recall something. Oh! You mean the girl you said was really pretty, the one from B City?

That’s her! Shen Weixiao quickly scrolled through her phone, pulling up a photo. Even a casual snapshot showed her friend’s radiant beauty. She’s so kind! She takes such good care of me!

Shen Mian chuckled. Even cooking costs money. You can’t just keep eating for free! Remember the old saying you need to learn to repay kindness.

I know, I know! Isn’t offering myself enough? Shen Weixiao thought to herself, then began chatting with her brother and sister-in-law about family matters. Since she was still wearing clothes from the previous year, Sulen suggested, Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the mall to buy a new outfit for the New Year.

Shen Weixiao waved her hand dismissively, a little embarrassed. I’m too old for that now! What’s the point of getting new clothes for the New Year? Ha ha, no thanks!

Sulen remained unconvinced, so Shen Mian chimed in, Your sister-in-law has some free time tomorrow. You two should go out and shop. Buy whatever you want! After all… I’ll end up paying for it anyway.

Shen Weixiao burst out laughing, and her heart warmed at the sight of her sister-in-law’s slight blush.

The days at home flew by, especially since Shen Weixiao had few friends and relatives in G City. Apart from visiting her childhood friend, she spent most of her time lounging around, being pampered and doted on.

Though it was only a few days, Shen Mian noticed something different about Shen Weixiao’s visit this time.

Normally, she would be out exploring from dawn till dusk. But according to Sulian, his sister seemed to be holed up in her room, secretly talking on the phone or laughing to herself.

I swear, Weixiao seems like she’s in love, Sulian, the experienced homemaker, declared with seventy percent certainty, her tone tinged with twenty percent speculation and ten percent genuine curiosity.

Shen Mian also sensed something was off, but as a brother, he lacked his sister-in-law’s keen intuition. After pondering for a moment, he suggested, Why don’t you ask her sometime? If I ask, she’ll just say, ‘What nonsense! If there was anything, she’d tell me.’ Women are always more perceptive and attentive than men.

The couple discussed it further, and Sulian agreed with his reasoning, volunteering to take on the task.

The night before Shen Weixiao’s departure, as she was packing, Ling Sulian suddenly appeared, startling her.

Weixiao, are you packing? Did you bring your charger? I’ll pack some fruit and local specialties for you tomorrow to share with your roommates.

Shen Weixiao smiled warmly and agreed. After neatly fitting everything into the suitcase Shi Xuan had bought her, she noticed her sister-in-law showed no signs of leaving. Sulen, aren’t you going to bed? she asked, pointing to the phone on the bed with a hint of confusion. It’s almost ten o’clock.

Unlike Shen Weixiao, a night owl, her brother and sister-in-law kept a strict routine, usually in bed by 930 PM. Sulian’s late visit, coupled with her unusual demeanor, made it clear she had something important to ask.

Just ask already, Shen Weixiao thought, amused by Sulian’s awkwardness. My bus leaves early tomorrow. I’m going to bed now, okay?