Mr. Gu’s Song Ci quickly gained popularity and opened its doors. On opening day, he received many gifts, and even some old friends flew to Hangzhou to try his cooking. Everyone who tasted his food praised Song Ci.
Soon, under Mr. Gu’s management, Song Ci not only became known in the private restaurant scene but also gained recognition on delivery platforms.
His sweet and sour ribs were a hit, with variations for those who loved spicy, sweet, or sour flavors, and each dish had a unique texture—crispy, soft, or tender. Every plate of sweet and sour ribs felt like a different experience.
Mr. Gu said, “Sichuan, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Huaiyang cuisines—each has its version of sweet and sour ribs, but each one is different. I make it according to my mood.”
If he felt a bit sour about something, the ribs that day would be tangier. If he was in a particularly good mood, the ribs would be sweet but not overwhelming.
In the end, Mr. Gu cooked according to his feelings, and his cooking was influenced by the ‘boss lady’ behind the scenes—Xiaoci.
Recently, Xiaoci had been frequently updating her light food blog, often revolving around Song Ci, a new rising private restaurant in Hangzhou.
Many foodies left comments:
Foodie A: “Isn’t this restaurant really owned by Song Xiaoci?”
Foodie B: “The food here is amazing! Thanks for the recommendation!”
Foodie C: “Wish they delivered to Xi’an, I can’t enjoy it here!!!”
Sometimes, she was really glad she had the courage to sit at a shared table that year.
One week before the six-month promise was due, Xiaoci went to Song Ci. She felt that several people in the restaurant today seemed familiar, though she couldn’t quite remember them. She just considered them regular customers (the foodie group was not happy about this! The friends and family group was also unhappy—“You call us foodies just because we ate your rice? At most we’ve eaten your ribs!”).
Mr. Gu, smiling, saw Xiaoci sneaking some fruit in the kitchen and affectionately patted her head. “Go ahead, no one’s upstairs today.”
The second floor of Song Ci was a large private room, only open to one reservation for lunch and one for dinner, and reservations were required.
As Xiaoci walked upstairs, she felt something was off about Mr. Gu today. He usually didn’t wear a white shirt while cooking, but today he was wearing one, and it made her feel a bit nostalgic.
When she opened the door to the second floor, there was no light—it was as if the power had gone out. Xiaoci was a little scared because it was so dark and made her feel unsafe.
But within seconds, all the phones downstairs turned on their flashlights. Glancing downstairs, she saw Mr. Gu, now dressed in a formal suit, carrying a plate of sweet and sour ribs, walking up the stairs step by step. With each step, small string lights lit up around Song Ci.
When Mr. Gu reached the top of the stairs and looked at Xiaoci, she suddenly noticed a light behind her and turned around.
In the room, there was a big TV playing a short video of her and Gu Nan. The candid angle was clear and warm.
The floor was decorated with electronic candles and flower petals arranged in the shape of a big heart. In the center, the letters “Marry Me” made Xiaoci’s eyes redden.
The song Meet by Stefanie Sun played in the background. That was her favorite song—not by Xue Zhi Qian or Jay Chou.
When she looked back at Mr. Gu, he was already on one knee, slowly speaking:
“From the first time we met when you brought me sweet and sour ribs, Song Xiaoci, I fell in love with you at first sight.”
“The second time we met, we accidentally wore matching outfits. Song Xiaoci, my heart skipped a beat. You’re such a beautiful girl, and I told myself I had to seize the opportunity.”
“On the third date, when I saw you in the snack street, looking cute, playful, and even frowning, I found myself loving every little expression of yours and wanting to treasure them.”
“When I took you and my friends out, I told them you were the girl I wanted to be with.”
“Later, when you cooked at my house before you left, watching you in the kitchen, I felt what it meant to be fulfilled and overflowing with happiness.”
“Song Xiaoci, the day you rejected me at the high-speed train station, I actually wanted to confess my feelings at the restaurant. I had everything prepared, but you turned me down. I thought, ‘It’s fine, I have the bento box. If you don’t feel the same, then maybe I’m just being overzealous.'”
“But when I later asked if you wanted to eat with me forever, I was a bit scared you might refuse. Thankfully, we ended up together. You, my little foodie, you can’t cook, which is perfect for me. I tied you down with a plate of sweet and sour ribs and kept you by my side.”
“So when you told me you wanted sweet and sour ribs, that was the most exciting moment of my life. I wished I had wings so I could fly straight to your side with your favorite dish.”
“Song Xiaoci, don’t cry. I’ll feel heartbroken. The first time I saw you cry was when I sent ribs to Hangzhou. It felt like my heart was being torn apart. I’m sorry for making you sad.”
“The happiest moment with you was the day after I delivered the ribs. When I woke up groggily and found you warming milk for me in the kitchen, that day will be etched in our memory forever. The first time meeting your parents, I was nervous, afraid they would stop us, but we’ve come this far without major arguments, and no great joy or sorrow. We’ve come this far with our love, and I want to stay by your side forever.”
“When I heard your parents say what they did, I felt relieved. Having conditions is better than having none.”
“So, I advanced my plans. Six months is plenty of time for me to grow, and once again, I apologize for making you worry. Song Xiaoci, this is the last week of our six-month promise, and I don’t want to wait any longer.”
Mr. Gu talked a lot about his feelings and things Xiaoci had never heard before. Then, he took out a small box with one hand.
“This is the key to the room next door. You always asked why no one lived there. It’s not because it wasn’t sold. I bought it the day I decided to move to Hangzhou.”
“I want to give you a home.”
“Song Xiaoci, will you marry me?”
At this moment, Xiaoci was already crying, her eyes red. She was so moved. Because of a plate of sweet and sour ribs, they had come together, and now they were walking toward a lifetime.
She took the plate of still-warm sweet and sour ribs from his hands and nodded firmly.
Mr. Gu then placed the key on the ground and took out a ring that he had prepared long ago.
“I will love only one person in my life.”
The two embraced tightly, holding each other.
After a while, Xiaoci finally calmed down, and in Mr. Gu’s embrace, she muttered.
“Didn’t we promise to never hide anything from each other?”
“I really haven’t hidden anything from you, this is your surprise proposal!”
“And the house? Didn’t I have your card when you bought it?”
“Can we not talk about this?”
“What do you think?”
“I… bought it on Taobao!”
And so, their simple life continued to be warm.
They didn’t seek great wealth, just peace and health.
Ivy: Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed it.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152