Egg and Bamboo Shoot Noodles
1033 Words
"I have something today; I've already made arrangements with Mr. Smith from T&Y."
"Alright, then, come see us when you have time. I heard from Enoch that you hired a new housekeeper. How is she?"
Thinking of breakfast's delicious buns and porridge, Eugene instinctively said: "No need to worry; she's doing well."
"Alright then, don't work too hard; take care of yourself."
"Okay."
It was already past nine when Eugene finished work and got home. Like yesterday, the new young maid ran out to greet him when she heard the sound.
Today, Eugene had grown accustomed to her presence, naturally handing her his suit jacket. After a moment's thought, he added: "Make me some late-night snacks."
"CEO, what... would you like for a late-night snack?"
Eugene regretted asking as soon as he finished speaking, as he didn't usually eat late-night snacks: "Whatever you think is best."
"Oh." Nina watched him walk away coldly, feeling frustrated. Had she done something wrong again?
After some thought, she made a bowl of egg and bamboo shoot vermicelli noodles, something her mother used to make for her as a child. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a bowl of egg and bamboo shoot noodles always satisfies one.
A bowl of thin noodles was cheap and convenient for low-income families. When times were tough, and there was barely anything to eat, just some dried bamboo shoots and vermicelli could make a heartwarming meal.
To Nina, this was the taste of home.
Besides eggs and bamboo shoots, she also added some shrimp to give the noodles more depth of flavor.
"CEO, your late-night snack is ready. Would you like me to bring it to you?"
"No need, I'll come out."
"Alright." Nina noticed he was wearing glasses, making him look less intimidating than usual.
Eugene took off his glasses, leaned back in his chair, and tiredly pinched the bridge of his nose. People saw him as a tireless workaholic, not knowing he never let anyone see his exhaustion.
Sitting in the dining room, Eugene looked at the steaming bowl of what appeared to be rice noodles and frowned: "What is this? Rice noodles?"
"Huh? These are glass noodles. Haven't you had them before?" Nina panicked, wondering if the CEO's family didn't eat glass noodles. She tried to salvage the situation: "Would you like to try them? They're... they're quite good."
Nina watched as he slowly picked up his chopsticks, seemingly hesitant. Her heart was in her throat - oh no, would she be fired?
Eugene finally picked up a small strand of noodles, put it in his mouth, tasted it, and then glanced at the petite maid watching him with terrified eyes: "Why are you staring at me like that?"
"Oh! I was just wondering if you needed anything else.
"No. Come back to clean up after I'm done eating. The dishes must be washed the same day, not left until tomorrow."
"Yes, CEO."
Nina quickly retreated to her kitchen, patting her chest in relief - that had scared her!
Once she left, Eugene began eating heartily. It was delicious, even better than the Michelin-starred restaurant he'd visited with Mr. Smith today. He hadn't expected this tiny, timid girl to have such talent.
Though the ingredients were just ordinary things from the refrigerator, they became something special in her hands. The shrimp were perfectly springy, the egg flowers were silky smooth, and the bamboo shoots had infused their fragrance into the broth, carrying the taste of sunshine.
Most importantly, the glass noodles were cooked perfectly - tender enough to bite through quickly but not mushy, still maintaining their bounce. The thin noodles absorbed all the flavors of the ingredients and, combined with their natural fragrance, became incredibly appetizing.
Eugene finished the entire large bowl, even drinking half the soup, before reluctantly putting down his chopsticks.
He should have continued working, but feeling quite full after eating, he closed his laptop and went to watch TV in the living room.
Nina was secretly watching him from the kitchen. Seeing he had finished, she quietly came out to clear the table and wash the dishes.
After washing up, she noticed the CEO watching TV with a serious expression, as if he were in an important meeting.
She wondered if asking about tomorrow's breakfast would disturb him. What should she do—wait until he finished watching TV? That might work since she needed to stay up until he went upstairs anyway, in case he needed anything.
Just as Nina had decided to retreat to the kitchen, Eugene asked her, "Did you need something?"
"Nothing much; I wanted to ask what you'd like for breakfast tomorrow.
"Just make the same as today from now on." He turned off the TV and went upstairs directly.
Nina checked the downstairs doors and windows, turned off the lights, and returned to her room.
After showering, she lay exhausted on her bed, today's events jumbling around in her mind—Professor Yu's face appeared one moment, and the CEO's the next. She hadn't been afraid of Professor Yu before, but after today's events, she was even more scared of him than the CEO.
...
The Ye Household.
Wearing her pajamas, Doris Ye knocked on Roger Ye's door: "Brother, it's me. Are you asleep?"
"Not yet, come in."
Doris Ye looked at his desk piled with books and materials: "Still studying so late?"
"Preparing for tomorrow's graduate student lecture."
"Brother, Mom, and Dad sent you abroad for a Ph.D., not to become a mere teacher. You're turning down such a big company to teach instead - I don't understand what you're thinking."
"Everyone has their path. I love teaching, just like how Doris loves acting."
"Fine." Doris Ye crossed her arms, rolling her eyes, "Brother, are you moving out? Even though it's a bit far from school, we have drivers to take you daily. It's not so bad. Look at me; I still go to school every day."
"Yes, the apartment's renovation is finished. I'll be moving in these next few days."
"But why? Tell me honestly, is it because Mom keeps pressuring you about marriage? She lectures me, too, but I still like living at home!"
- Writer
