"Thank you, just put it there. Go and chat with Lacey and the others in the living room," Rick said as he took the leek, peeling it while suggesting Carol go chat in the living room.

Carol didn't move, just stood watching him peel the leek.

Rick looked at her curiously, "Go on, why are you still standing here?"

She smiled shyly, "No, it's too bright. Tell me if you need anything, brother."

"No need; I can manage on my own. I've been cooking for many years," Rick's straightforward personality showed.

Watching him work methodically, Carol thought how tough Lacey's brother must be. Running such a big company and still taking the time to look after his sister, he indeed was a career-driven and family-oriented good man.

She smiled like an aunt, "Let me help you; I'm not lazy. I also take care of my grandmother at home."

The reason Carol and Lacey became best friends wasn't because of their similar backgrounds but because they both had only one relative. Lacey had only her brother, and her grandmother raised Carol.

Carol's parents divorced when she was very young, and neither wanted custody of her. Even though her grandmother kept her, her mother didn't take care of her and hadn't returned to the country for over a decade since marrying a foreigner. Her grandmother had tried contacting her daughter multiple times but to no avail and had essentially given up on her.

Rick was somewhat aware of this, as Carol was his sister's best friend, but he didn't inquire much. Now that she was in the kitchen helping him, he was more than happy, feeling a bit of a family atmosphere.

Carol went to get an apron and put it on, then turned and pointed to her back.

Rick understood and helped her tie the apron. Carol, 1.7 meters tall and slim but well-proportioned, had a lovely figure, especially the natural scent of roses that emanated from her.

He stood behind her, greedily inhaling her scent, his hands freezing in place.

"Rick, is it done?" Carol felt the stillness behind her and asked in confusion.

"Uh, yes," he quickly moved his face away, pinching his guilty nose. The narrow space of the kitchen made it easy to make mistakes.

Their harmonious cooperation brought a warm feeling to the kitchen for the first time.

In the living room, the handsome Jax was telling funny stories to Lacey, making her giggle continuously.

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Suddenly, he paused with his teacup in mid-air, staring intently at her, "I've fallen for a girl. She has big, captivating eyes and likes to wear butterfly hair clips. Every smile and frown of hers is so enchanting..."

At that moment, Lacey stiffened, her eyes wide, fearing he was about to do something inappropriate. But then she realized he was telling her his story.

But wait! That sounds like me! Is he about to confess his feelings? Lacey's heart pounded, her cheeks and neck flushing red.

"She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I met her at the Huashang University Culture and Art Festival, where she performed a solo dance. I still remember its name, 'Beautiful for You'! I wonder which lucky person has won her heart," he said passionately, seemingly lost in his feelings.

Silly, husband! That's me! Who else could it be beautiful for but you? Lacey thought joyfully, surprised her dance had touched his heart.

He broke his gaze, took a sip of water, and meditated.

Unable to hold back, Lacey asked, "What happened then? Did you see her again?"

"No, I never returned to Huashang University, nor did I look for her. I'm afraid I'm not worthy of her," he shook his head.

Lacey's spirits sank upon hearing this. She thought he recognized her but didn't know the dancing girl was her. Her hopes dashed, she sighed.

To Jax, her sigh seemed one of regret, but it was her sense of failure because he liked her on stage but not in real life.

"Jax, am I silly! I, a girl, have fallen for this dancing girl," he said, revealing his characteristic cunning smile.

Lacey was taken aback. What? Does a girl like me? Is Jax out of his mind? She was confused and slow to react.

Seeing her dumbfounded look, Jax laughed and explained, "That was a private message from a fan. I was just like you, asking what happened in the end, whether she met her. Turns out she's a girl. That twist had me stunned at the time."

"Interesting, right? I made it into a joke to tell you. You thought I was the one who liked the dancing girl," he laughed heartily.

After understanding his explanation, Lacey still didn't laugh; instead, she got angry. "Very funny, don't tell it again!" she said before running to the kitchen.

Jax scratched his head, wondering if his joke hadn't been funny or if he'd upset her.

"Carol, could you cut the meat?" Rick instructed.

"Sure thing!" she cheerfully replied.

It was then she noticed someone at the door, "Lacey! What are you doing in the kitchen?"

"You two are really in sync!" Lacey replied, her eyes moving enviously between them.

Rick also looked over, teasing her while preparing the vegetables, "Shouldn't you be keeping Jax company instead of causing trouble here?"

Lacey, already unhappy, retorted, "Oh, so it's fine for Carol, but I'm causing trouble!"

"What can you do? Carol has been a great help, picking vegetables and cutting meat, saving me a lot of effort. Dinner will be ready soon," Rick said, pleased with Carol's help.

"Carol, you're in danger! Don't fall into my brother's trap, or you'll get stuck at home as a housewife!" Lacey joked.

Carol blushed and playfully punched her, "Stop talking nonsense!"

"No, Lacey's right! Carol will be a good wife and mother," Rick said seriously.

"See, that's what my brother thinks. Haha..." Lacey laughed, shaking with mirth.

This straightforward man, daring to say anything without considering my feelings! Carol was too angry to speak.

After this episode, Lacey's mood improved, and Jax, seizing the moment, called her back. He magically produced a box of music-themed lollipops, and they ate and sang together, bringing the house back to life.

"Dinner's ready!" Rick announced, serving the last dish of squirrel-shaped mandarin fish.