After getting the invitation message, Viana actually came to the side house.
Beforehand, she asked Ellie to help her get ready. Afterward, Ellie advised her to use a wheelchair instead of crutches to make it more comfortable for her to move around.
Viana smiled in embarrassment. She remembered that she almost fell in front of the man when she tried to walk with the crutches yesterday.
Finally, Viana agreed with Ellie. Ellie accompanied her to the bamboo fence in the yard of the next house. After that, Ellie left, and Viana went in alone.
This was the first time Viana had been to the house next door. Previously, she had only seen a small part of the yard from behind the tall, dense trees beside her house. The yard was clean and well-maintained, just like hers. It was just quiet and a little gloomy...
Viana continued to roll her wheelchair and finally reached the doorway of the house. She nervously knocked on the door and called the man's name.
"Rian..."
Viana called softly. After two calls, the door opened. Viana looked back at the face of the man she had just met yesterday.
Hearing Viana's voice, Alen immediately came to open the door. He had almost forgotten that he was using a pseudonym on Viana. So he was a little late.
Alen smiled warmly and made his face even more handsome. "You've come? Come on in."
Viana was dumbfounded for a few seconds, then nodded stiffly. Alen was already helping her push her wheelchair inside.
"It's still early; did you have breakfast?" Alen asked gently. "If not, let's have breakfast together."
Viana gave a small nod. She had come in a hurry after reading that little letter this morning, so she hadn't had time to eat breakfast.
On the way to the dining room, Viana looked around the house that Rian lived in. The inside of the house was almost the same as hers, except with more furniture and storage boxes. Given that this house was used by a member of intelligence, surely every piece of content was very important and secret.
Viana arrived at the dining table and saw that there were already several dishes on the table. Alen went to get a basin of water and helped Viana wash her hands, then left again and returned with two glasses of hot tea.
Viana looked at the menu on the table. "This... did you cook it yourself?"
Alen nodded honestly. "Yes. Normally, I always cook a little for myself. However, since I invited you this morning, I cooked more than usual. Give it a try; you might like it."
Actually, Alen could cook because he was used to living alone while sometimes going on missions. He lived in different environments and could not always depend on others. This is what makes Alen accustomed to being independent in everything.
Viana and Alen ate together. Viana took a chicken soup that looked clear and delicious. Sure enough, as soon as she tasted it, Viana immediately liked it. The chicken was tender and cooked just right. The soup was savory, not too oily, and tasted good.
Alen noticed Viana's reaction and smiled. "How does it taste? Did you like it?"
Viana nodded happily. "Your cooking is very delicious. I think I've tasted the same flavor before, but I can't remember where."
Seeing Viana's expression change to one of confusion, Alen vaguely guessed it must have been when Viana was still living in the mansion. The Harvey family was very wealthy. It must be very easy to eat better food than this.
"If you like it, I'll cook it more often for you and deliver it to the house next door. Is Ellie's cooking not to your taste?"
Viana answered honestly. "Ellie always follows my wishes when it comes to food. Her cooking skills are good. But somehow, after eating your food today, my appetite has increased."
Alen chuckled softly. "No problem then. I'll make it for you often in the future."
Viana smiled and felt warm inside. This was the first time she had eaten together with Alen and eaten food he cooked himself. His cooking was so good. Viana was amazed to find a man who could cook this well.
Just like that, Viana and Rian became closer after that day. Sometimes Rian would come to visit her house early in the morning while delivering breakfast, then sometimes Rian would take her for a walk around the house. Rian would also explain things, making Viana learn something new about nature and how to survive.
Viana admired Rian more and more. Apart from being independent, Rian was also knowledgeable and intelligent. If Viana had any questions, Rian would always be able to explain and make her understand. Viana thought, maybe because of Rian's vast experience, coupled with his natural talent, Rian could become like this.
It was amazing.
In the morning, Viana would sometimes find Rian exercising in the side yard. Secretly, Viana also had her own curious side; she would subconsciously peek through the cracks in the trees and watch him exercise from afar.
The sight was incredible and could always make her heart skip a beat.
Perhaps due to growing up with military training, Rian's body had been highly trained since young. His figure was tall, and his chest was broad. His arms were strong and sturdy. His face was handsome with sharp and beautiful features. His skin was wheat-colored and healthy.
Viana wondered, how could this man be so perfect in her eyes?
In that month, there were also several times when Viana did not see Rian at the side house. Sometimes Rian would disappear for a few days or a week. Viana didn't know where Rian had gone. The house next door would feel very quiet until Rian returned to greet her again.
It had been almost two months since Viana had recognized Rian.
After living in this house for more than half a year, Viana's physique had almost fully recovered. Several times she tried to practice walking with Ellie, but Viana was so nervous that she repeatedly fell. Ellie was also unskilled in guiding Viana, and her body was not sturdy enough to support Viana when she was about to fall. Finally, Alen, who had returned and happened to be watching her, couldn't stand it and helped Viana personally.
"Be careful!"
Viana almost slipped when her eyes saw Rian coming into her yard. Fortunately, Rian ran quickly and held both her arms, supporting her firmly.
Ellie saw Rian and was surprised.
Viana was equally surprised and felt nervous. "You... you're back?"
Alen nodded. "I came back yesterday."
Viana looked at Rian's hand that had not let go of her arm. Her mind raced for a moment before saying to Ellie. "Ellie, you can do something else first. I'm going to practice walking with Rian. I'm sure he's more experienced in this."
After saying that, Viana was a little incredulous—where did such confidence come from for her!