Love is as vast as the Milky Way, impossible to cross.

With the crisp click of the combination lock, Huo Muchen pushed open the door and entered the living room.

Qin Xiang and Xu Xiaofan turned their heads almost simultaneously, their eyes both focused on Huo Muchen who had just entered the room.

Qin Xiang's eyes were filled with joy and longing as she looked at Huo Muchen, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

Xu Xiaofan, with a mixture of shyness and admiration, was captivated even just by looking at her from afar.

"You're back! I was so bored at home, but thankfully Xiaofan and Zixun came to see me."

Qin Xiang saw Huo Muchen and said in a slightly coquettish tone, her voice full of sweetness and affection.

As Huo Muchen drew closer, Xu Xiaofan stood up to greet him:

"Brother Mu Chen"

Huo Muchen merely glanced at her and then nodded slightly in response.

His gaze didn't linger on Xu Xiaofan but turned to Qin Xiang.

"Where is Zixun?"

Huo Muchen asked Qin Xiang,

"He just went out to make a phone call,"

Qin Xiang replied,

"Oh, I'll go find him. You two talk."

Huo Muchen had never liked Xu Xiaofan, so he didn't linger and turned to leave.

"Mr. Zhao, what brings you in? Please wait outside for a moment, it will be ready soon."

Liu Shiyin said with some surprise when she saw Zhao Zixun walk into the kitchen.

Zhao Zixun smiled and replied:

“I’m fine outside, and I don’t understand the things women talk about. Let me help you out.”

Liu Shiyin quickly waved her hand and said:

"That won't do. You're a guest, you should go outside. It's too smoky here."

Zhao Zixun, however, had already rolled up his sleeves, clearly not intending to leave.

He looked at Liu Shiyin, his eyes revealing a hint of determination and persistence, and said:

"Don't mention it, I'd be happy to help."

Seeing his earnest expression, Liu Shiyin knew that further words would be pointless, so she nodded and said softly:

"Alright then, since you insist, help me chop some scallions, but be careful not to cut your hand."

Zhao Zixun smiled as he took the cleaver and scallions and began to chop them carefully.

Although Zhao Zixun's movements were a bit clumsy, he put a lot of effort into chopping vegetables.

The cleaver in his hand flew up and down in rhythm with him, each cut appearing so deliberate.

"How about it?"

Zhao Zixun proudly showed Liu Shiyin the vegetables he had chopped, seemingly very satisfied with his work.

Upon hearing the sound, Liu Shiyin turned to look at Zhao Zixun, only to see the vegetables on the cutting board that were of varying lengths and sizes, and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

She wasn't mocking Zhao Zixun; she just found his earnestness and hard work endearing.

Seeing Liu Shiyin's smile, Zhao Zixun was somewhat puzzled, scratched his head, and asked:

"What's wrong? Did I cut it badly?"

Liu Shiyin smiled and shook her head, saying softly:

"No, you cut very carefully, but you still need some skill."

Zhao Zixun laughed after hearing Liu Shiyin's words.

"I never expected you to be so good at comforting people."

Zhao Zixun suddenly spoke in a serious tone, his eyes sparkling with sincerity and care.

Zhao Zixun continued:

"Also, you should smile more. You look really beautiful when you smile,"

Liu Shiyin was touched by his words and was momentarily dazed.

That smile just now felt like long-lost sunshine to her, warm yet unfamiliar.

Since she stepped into that cold prison at the age of 18, her life seemed to be soaked in endless tears for four years.

The ability to be happy, to rebel, and even to express emotions gradually becomes blurred with the passage of time.