[Noodle Shop Management + Childhood Sweethearts] Well-Behaved, Honest Younger Cousin vs. Rebellious Older Cousin
After her father died, Afu was taken in by her aunt, as no one else wanted her.
Her aunt's family ran a small noodle shop on the second floor. To keep her aunt from thinking she was a burden, Afu got up early every day to help out.
Her aunt said, "What can a little thing like you do with those skinny arms and legs? I've got a job for you: keep an eye on that little rascal every day and make sure he studies obediently. That's all."
The little rascal was her aunt's son, Afu's older cousin.
So every day, Afu kept her eyes on her cousin without looking away for even a moment. Whenever he took his eyes off his books, she reported him to her aunt, and he got a beating with the rolling pin.
Every day, her cousin wailed, "Afu! Afu! Keep tattling to my mother, and you're done for!!!"
Later, Afu's mother earned the appreciation of her employer, who gave her aunt fifty taels of silver so that Afu could come live with her.
Her cousin shouted through his tears and snot, "Afu! Afu! If you dare leave, you're done for!!!"
Afu left. The next time she saw her cousin, he had become the top graduate in the imperial examinations, dressed in a red robe and riding a horse, looking every bit the dignified victor.
Afu wished him well in her heart and turned to leave.
When she returned to her room, however, she found the red-robed man, who had just been basking in glory, sitting there waiting for her.
He watched her walk right into his trap, entirely at his leisure. His eyes narrowed, revealing a sharp canine tooth.
"Did I ever tell you that if you dared to leave, you were done for?"
Afu paused. "Cousin, you're climbing over the wall again."
Reader's Guide:
1. Three-year age gap, one-on-one romance, both leads' first relationship
2. Everyday-life story, with a relatively slow burn
Theme: Come on, let's say it together: cousins! Made for each other!
