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Chapter 358: 164 Old Friend (The Second Watch)

Ming Jing smelled so nice.

Wu Jiaqi walked over and saw Ming Jing, somewhat surprised, not expecting her to appear at her doorstep.

Seeing Tao Xingxing not letting go of Ming Jing, she said bemusedly: “Xingxing, you silly girl, let Ms. Zhu come in first, why block the door?”

“No way, I just finished my exam today, saw your message, and came to see you because I was worried.” Ming Jing said with a gentle smile.

“Ming Jing, you’re too kind. I shouldn’t have doubted you.” Tao Xingxing released Ming Jing and ushered her into the house.

Ming Jing was carrying a basket of fruit which she handed to Wu Jiaqi.

“Hello, Auntie.”

“It’s nice of you to come, but why bring gifts? Next time, don’t spend any more money.”

“It’s only appropriate.”

“Go play with Xingxing in her room. I’m making dumplings for lunch.”

“Auntie, let me help you.” Ming Jing went straight to the kitchen, washed her hands, and came out.

Picking up the dumpling wrapper, she filled it and, with a pinch of her fingers, a tiny, beautiful dumpling was formed.

Set together, they looked exactly like the ones Wu Jiaqi made in terms of size and technique.

Everyone’s dumpling-making methods are different, some flat, some round, some crescent-shaped, some ear-shaped, some ingot-shaped, but Wu Jiaqi’s are small fan-shaped dumplings.

And Ming Jing’s dumplings were no different from hers.

Wu Jiaqi exclaimed, “Ms. Zhu, you’re amazing.”

“Auntie, just call me Ming Jing.”

Wu Jiaqi smiled, “Alright, Ming Jing.”

Tao Xingxing moved closer to Ming Jing and picked up a dumpling wrapper, trying to imitate Ming Jing’s dumpling-making, but she couldn’t do it well; either the filling was spilling or the wrapper was breaking. Her dumpling looked embarrassingly ugly.

“You’re good at eating and having fun, but nothing else. Look at Ming Jing, she’s smart, talented, and sensible. If you were half as good as her, I’d be grateful.” Wu Jiaqi scolded with an indulgent tone.

“There’s only one Ming Jing in the world. If everyone learned from her, how could we be ourselves? If you like Ming Jing, let her be your daughter instead.”

“What nonsense are you talking? I don’t have that kind of fortune to have Ms. Ming Jing as my daughter.”

Ming Jing smiled, “I’ll teach you how.”

Ming Jing patiently taught Tao Xingxing how to wrap dumplings, speaking in a soft and gentle voice like a spring drizzle, very heartwarming.

Wu Jiaqi glanced at Ming Jing, thinking that this Ms. Zhu was even more outstanding than the rumors said. Her parents were very fortunate.

With Ming Jing’s help, Tao Xingxing finally made a decent-looking dumpling. She proudly bragged, “Mom, look, I did it!”

Wu Jiaqi laughed and shook her head.

Ming Jing quickly made another one, casually asking, “People from the Southern Region don’t eat dumplings, Auntie, are you originally from the North?”

Wu Jiaqi paused, saying, “Yes, I’m from the North. I came to Jiangzhou for university, and have been here ever since. Even after all these years, I haven’t changed my taste. What about you, Ming Jing? Are you a native of Jiangzhou? Your dumpling-making skills are quite proficient.”

“I once had a friend who loved eating dumplings. So, I specifically learned how to make them from a chef. He liked the small fan-shaped ones because, he said, they look like a beauty’s lips.”

The rolling pin in Wu Jiaqi’s hand suddenly stopped.

Ming Jing looked up at Wu Jiaqi; her clear and beautiful eyes mirrored Wu Jiaqi’s figure.

“Auntie, what’s wrong?”

“No…nothing.” Wu Jiaqi rolled out the dough again, her eyes downcast. “Is your friend also from Jiangzhou? There aren’t many locals here who like dumplings.”

Ming Jing softly said, “He has passed away.”

“Plip.” The rolling pin fell to the ground. Wu Jiaqi squatted down hurriedly to pick it up.Ming Jing squinted her eyes and stared at Wu Jiaqi’s frail figure squatting on the ground.

Tao Xingxing didn’t know what had happened. She was always blunt and didn’t notice anything. She proudly showed off the little figurine she had made from dough.

At that moment, there was a sound at the door. Tao Xingxing immediately flew over like a butterfly, excitedly shouting, “Dad is back.”

“My little Xingxing.” Tao Qian smiled and touched Tao Xingxing’s hair, looking incredibly gentle and loving.

“Dad, my good friend is here. Let me introduce her to you.” Tao Xingxing pulled Tao Qian to Ming Jing.

“Ming Jing, my good friend, this is my dad, a great cardiovascular surgeon.”

Tao Xingxing looked at Ming Jing, then at Tao Qian, feeling proud to have such an outstanding friend and father.

“Ms. Zhu?” Tao Qian said in surprise.

This Ms. Zhu had been quite famous recently. Her daughter at home talked about her every day, and the nurses at the hospital also mentioned her often. Even when he was making rounds, he could hear patients discussing her.

After work, in the elevator, two nurses were still discussing whether Ming Jing and Qu Feitai were hiding something. Who would have thought he’d meet her face to face the moment he returned home?

“Uncle Tao, just call me Ming Jing.”

This girl was truly lovely like ice and jade; refined and elegant.

Tao Qian smiled and nodded, “I’ve heard Xingxing talk about you a lot. Today, I finally met you in person. Your reputation is well-deserved.”

“Uncle is too kind,” Ming Jing replied modestly.

While the two were talking, Wu Jiaqi picked up the rolling pin and walked towards the kitchen. She stood in front of the faucet, the sound of the water constantly flowing.

“I’ll wrap the remaining dumplings. Xingxing, you take Ming Jing to your room to play. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

Tao Xingxing didn’t hesitate to take Ming Jing to her room.

“Jiaqi? What’s wrong?” A pair of large, gentle hands landed on her shoulder, accompanied by a tender voice.

Wu Jiaqi suddenly came to her senses. She saw a man with a warm and gentle face, at this moment, his eyes filled with concern as they looked at her.

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking about what present to give Xingxing for her birthday.” Wu Jiaqi dried the rolling pin with a towel and returned to the table to roll more dumpling wrappers.

Tao Qian washed his hands and came out, wrapping dumplings as he spoke, “Xingxing likes Molly dolls. The anniversary edition she wants is sold out in China, but I have a colleague going abroad on a business trip. I’ve already asked him to buy one for me. When it arrives, we’ll say it’s your birthday present for Xingxing.”

“Spending thousands on a doll, you’re really spoiling her. And if I take credit for your efforts, what about you?”

“I have another gift prepared for her, something else she likes.”

Wu Jiaqi pursed her lips and looked down, “You’ve spoiled this child.”

“She’s my daughter, who else would I pamper? Girls should be raised with material wealth so they won’t be easily led astray by boys when they grow up,” Tao Qian sighed.

“Children will grow up eventually, and the time we can spend with them is limited.”

Tao Qian placed the wrapped dumplings aside, laughing, “After all these years, you still love eating dumplings, especially shepherd’s purse and pork ones. But Ms. Zhu should be vegetarian. There’s some chives left in the fridge. Why don’t you make some chive and egg dumplings instead?”

Wu Jiaqi slapped her forehead, “I almost forgot if you hadn’t reminded me.”

Tao Xingxing’s room was decorated in a dreamy princess style, extravagant and flashy. The pink sheets, pink walls, pink curtains…

The dazzling array of dresses in the wardrobe, limited edition Molly dolls lined up in a glass cabinet… It was quite an achievement to collect so many editions. Tao Xingxing proudly introduced the origins of these dolls to Ming Jing, who learned they were mostly birthday gifts or rewards for her academic achievements from her parents.

The other side of the wardrobe was filled with Qu Feitai’s albums, figurines, and framed art photos.

Looking at Tao Xingxing, Ming Jing thought that only a girl raised in such a loving environment could grow up to be so innocent and lively.

Upon seeing Qu Feitai’s photos, Tao Xingxing’s face suddenly turned serious. She placed her hands on her hips in front of Ming Jing, “Tell me, what’s going on between you and Qu Feitai?”

Ming Jing shook her head while smiling, “Nothing.”

“Liar! I’ve watched the show back and forth with a magnifying glass more than a dozen times. You clearly knew Qu Feitai long before. And you’re still trying to deceive me? Are we still good friends?” Tao Xingxing said, biting her lip angrily.

Helplessly, Ming Jing said, “Before recording the show, we did meet a few times, but there’s nothing more to it. Don’t overthink it.”

In the next moment, Tao Xingxing’s face lit up with a smile, “So, I was right! You two really did know each other before, and you were even pretending to be strangers on the show. It must have been hard to hold back, right? We’re best girlfriends, and you also know Qu Feitai. Ah, Ming Jing, you’re truly my good sister. I never thought I’d have some connection to Qu Feitai one day.”