Learning to use chopsticks with wisdom

Enraged and embarrassed, he shouted, "Damn it!" and then reached out to grab his chopsticks, lunging forward to snatch some food.

Xiao, watching the two's antics, was so taken aback that she started coughing uncontrollably.

Yu frowned slightly, poured a cup of tea, and brought it to Xiao’s lips. She took a few sips, caught her breath, and then suddenly burst into cheerful laughter.

Her laughter, clear as the tinkling of bells, echoed through the elegantly classical suite, filling it at once with a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Just moments ago, Xiao had popped a favorite dish into her mouth when she happened to glance back and saw Ai and Hui competing for food.

Ai was just about to get her chopsticks on a dish when Hui suddenly thrust his own chopsticks in. By all rights, he should have succeeded in snatching it away.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know how to use chopsticks at all. He gripped them tightly with all five fingers, holding them as if wielding a knife.

The result of his reckless charge was that the food was flung through the air, only to land, with perfect precision, right on Ai’s plate.

Hui, a little embarrassed, still clutched his chopsticks, and with his free hand, awkwardly rubbed his nose.

Feigning indifference, he said, "What are you laughing at? I just saw her struggling, so I thought I'd help her out!"

Ai, catching his expression, deliberately teased him, "Oh yes! Thank you so much! As a token of my gratitude, how about I ask the waiter to bring you a fork? What do you think?"

She couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle as she spoke—her demeanor showed not a trace of genuine gratitude.

Hui was so furious that both his hands clenched into fists, his anger soaring to the limit. Had anyone fanned the flames at that moment, the place might have burned to ashes under his wrath.

At that moment, Xiao interjected once again, "Come now! How can you use a knife and fork in a Chinese restaurant? Let me show you."

She stood up from her seat, walked over to Hui, took the chopsticks from his hand, and demonstrated how to hold them.

With a smile, she said, "See? Just like this! Come, you try." She handed the chopsticks back to Hui, who stared at her in a daze.

He felt enchanted, as if an angel had descended before him. Was this what people meant when they spoke of timely help in a snowstorm?

Hui grinned, took the chopsticks, and followed Xiao’s instructions: holding the chopsticks between his thumb and index finger, the remaining fingers supporting from below.

Using his thumb and index finger to maneuver the chopsticks, he picked up a dish in front of him. A miracle! Hui actually managed to pick up the food and place it successfully in his bowl.

Ai stared in astonishment—Hui’s ability to learn was truly remarkable!

Hui looked at his own hands, then raised his head in delight and exclaimed to Xiao, "Look! I did it!"

Xiao, one hand resting on her hip, watched Hui’s jubilant face with amusement. He really was simple to the core—yet somehow endearing.

She squinted her eyes and laughed along, her happiness infectious in the cozy warmth of the private room.

Perhaps happiness really was just that simple! Yu, watching Xiao’s bright laughter over such a small matter, couldn’t help but smile faintly himself.

In that instant, the ice in his heart melted for her, flowing away like spring water. He gazed at her with deep affection, as if time itself had paused to savor the moment.

The meal unfolded in perfect harmony, leaving everyone refreshed in body and spirit. It truly was a delightful meal! They left the restaurant together.

As the sun set in the west, the evening glow painted the sky in shades of red. Their shadows stretched beneath the streetlamps. Xiao and Meng got into her brother's car.

––– Side Note –––

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