Lawless Gangster

Extra: Chapter 81 - Part 5-6

05

After Qi Xiu Yuan had taken off his cast, the ranges of movements that his hand and feet could make were still limited. If for example, his arms were raised too high or he stood up for a long period of time, he would feel rather uncomfortable.

He rarely went out and Xiao Li was responsible for shopping and cooking.

In many aspects, Xiao Li was extremely good at taking care of people, but his cooking skills were beyond what Qi Xiu Yuan had expected.

He was an expert at making congee, boiled noodles and a few common fried dishes.

"I learned how to make it when I was younger," Xiao Li explained. "At that time, my family was very poor and I couldn't afford any high-grade dishes. Then, when I was joined the gang, I rarely entered the kitchen and Xiao Yang became better at cooking instead."

"I can also do it." Qi Xiu Yuan said, not convinced of Xiao Yang's skill.

On that same day, he pestered Xiao Li to buy some ingredients then later made a ruckus in the kitchen for the whole morning. He also strictly prohibited Xiao Li to assist him in any manner.

At noon, Xiao Li became speechless when he looked at the table of dishes with oily stuffed prawns, braised chicken wings, stir-friend shiitake mushrooms, octopus stew, and a pot of seaweed soup.

"Is it delicious?" Qi Xiu Yuan was beaming with a bright smile as he watched Xiao Li tried everything.

"It's very delicious." Xiao Li praised him.

"In the future, I'll make it for you every day." Qi Xiu Yuan immediately added with a serious manner as if it was a promise.

When Xiao Li gave him a glance and did not refute the obvious meaning in his words then also answered rather solemnly with an, "OK", the two caught each other's' gaze and smiled.

The two have a habit of being frugal and cherishing food—so, although there were a bit more food that could be consume, the amount was measure to be exactly the same for lunch and dinner. Unfortunately, Qi Xiu Yuan's wounded leg began to ache with pain again that evening which caused his appetite to decrease.

"How long has it been swollen?" Xiao Li asked, boiling the Sichuan pepper in hot water while helping him apply a hot compress.

"It's a bit swollen in the afternoon," Qi Xiu Yuan said.

"You've been standing in the kitchen for too long. I'll give you a hot compress first, and if it's still swollen tomorrow, we can go to the hospital." With that said, he watched as Qi Xiu Yuan's knee become red because of the hot towel and laughed. ""I thought you only made five dishes at noon but there was also a plate of pig's trotters."

"If you want to eat it, just eat it." Qi Xiu Yuan laughed then deliberately lowered his voice, "There are many places on my body that also taste delicious. For example, over here there is... ouch, ouch, ouch—"

Xiao Li knew that he did not have good words to say as he pressed down hard on his knee. Qi Xiu Yuan's cries of pain were acted out rather pitifully, to the point that he did not dare to play any more dirty and obscene tricks on him.

06

Qi Xiu Yuan is a bit envious.

He loves to go outside together with Xiao Li. When they first came here, they had gone out to purchase a mobile phone together and went into an old and shabby shop that doesn't require an ID for a sim card; they bought clothes together and also went to the supermarket to buy some necessities together. Since Qi Xiu Yuan walked slowly, Xiao Li also walked slowly and chatted with him nonstop. They seemed like a husband and wife who have lived their entire lifetime together.

He loves it when Xiao Li asked for his opinion when they bought things. He loves it when Xiao Li protected him from being hit by children who ran around left and right as they shopped. He loves it when Xiao Li was not particular about his clothing choices and whatever he told him to. But now, Xiao Li refused to go out together with him.

"Xiao Li, let's go buy some grocery tomorrow?"

"Aunt Li has already made an appointment with me."

"Xiao Li, it's not really hot anymore. Let's go buy some long-sleeved shirts?"

"What a coincidence, Aunt Li wanted to take me to a clothing shop tomorrow so I'll get it for both of us since we wear the same size anyways"

"Xiao Li, take a walk with me."

"Your swelling just lessened. Just take a few steps around the room. I'll have to help Aunt Li carry grocery."

.....

Qi Xiu Yuan was in a sulky mood, but Xiao Li was completely unaware of it. He had gone out for more than an hour only to return with a bag of spare ribs.

Qi Xiu Yuan looked at him with pity in his eyes but Xiao Li did not notice and went straight to the kitchen to stew the ribs. After a while, the aroma spread to the living room and Qi Xiu praised him.

"It tastes so good." He yelled toward the kitchen. "Didn't you say you only knew how to make some stir fried?"

Xiao Li let the ribs stew in the pot and leaned against the kitchen door, "I asked Aunt Li."

"Why?" Qi Xiu Yuan was very hurt. "I'm obviously a close and available chef. Why did you go so far?"

"Come on, I don't dare to ask you. I'm afraid you'll charge me for tuition." Xiao Li doesn't know what he himself was thinking as his face went red.

Qi Xiu Yuan couldn't help but to feel a bit annoyed so he stood up with the intention of getting what he deserve. But, Xiao Li walked over and pushed him back down on the sofa.

"Don't move around, do you want the injury on your legs to worsen?" He sighed. "Behave and stay here. Eat more spare ribs, soak up some sunlight on the balcony for a while, and wait for your injury to get better. Afterwards, if want me to go anywhere with you, I will go no matter what."

As it turned out, he knew how to please Qi Xiu Yuan while at the same time, reflect on his own childish desire to monopolize him.

"Xiao Li, actually I—"

"Huh? Aunt Li and Uncle Wang are calling me downstairs. I'm going head out first so watch the fire in the kitchen."

Qi Xiu Yuan wanted to cry but there were no tears left.