Twisted Dough Twists

In the desolate room, even the air was filled with boredom.

Xu Mingyao curled up in the crisp blankets. The tablet, which could no longer distract her, was tossed aside.

She stared blankly ahead at the unremarkable window and walls, her mind entirely occupied by another person.

Ever since Tao Yaoyao got her current job, working overtime had become her daily routine.

She always came back late from work and left early in the morning.

Sometimes, she wouldn't even see her all day.

Anyone else might have thought she had never even come home.

Xu Mingyao hated this kind of life.

Tao Yaoyao left early and returned late every day, dedicating the vast majority of her time at home to sleep.

She no longer considerately asked for her opinion on everything, like she used to.

In the past, her thoughtfulness had almost been annoying.

But now, she barely said a few words to her all day.

There were even times when she forgot to say goodbye before leaving the house.

Xu Mingyao shrank her shoulders under the covers, feeling a bit wronged.

In truth, from Tao Yaoyao's everyday tone and behavior, Xu Mingyao could tell that her attitude towards her hadn't changed.

She hadn't chosen to give her the cold shoulder in return for her constant silent treatment.

She was just too tired.

The heavy workload left her with no energy to treat her the way she used to.

But, but...

Xu Mingyao still felt aggrieved.

Before Tao Yaoyao found a job, her world only revolved around her.

She would gently ask for her opinion and seek her permission for everything she did.

But now she had a job.

Her world was suddenly filled with many other things she needed to care about and handle.

In her world, she was no longer at the most important center, but was instead left all alone on the sidelines.

Xu Mingyao's slender eyebrows pressed down in sorrow, and her red lips pursed tightly in grievance.

Even though every time Tao Yaoyao approached her with a soft voice, she would put on a cold face, acting aloof as if trying to push her away.

But, but...

...

Xu Mingyao's slender body shrank further into the blanket, looking like a pitiful little ball.

She sniffled, a hint of moisture welling up in the corners of her reddened eyes.

Xu Mingyao felt very wronged.

And feeling wronged was the only thing she was willing to admit.

As for the other emotion hidden beneath her grievance, she would rather die than admit it.

That was fear.

Xu Mingyao wasn't an idiot.

Even though she refused to admit it, not even daring to cast a single glance toward the truth.

But facts were facts.

It was glaringly obvious.

No matter how reluctant Xu Mingyao was to face and acknowledge it, basic human intelligence made her realize it clearly.

In this world, besides Tao Yaoyao, there was probably no one else left who cared about her.

So, when the only light source that provided warmth beside her began to flicker,

the fear of darkness and cold would immediately wrap around her like a lingering disease.

Even though she hadn't noticed any signs of the lamp breaking or shattering.

Just a sudden, momentary dimming or flickering was enough to leave her terrified for a good while.

"Beep, beep."

Two faint mechanical beeps came from outside the bedroom door, yet they smashed through Xu Mingyao's calm state like a giant boulder.

Her dull eyes instantly lit up, and her body reacted immediately. Like a happy puppy subconsciously wagging its tail, she quickly propped herself up on her arms, twisting her body and turning her head toward the bedroom door.

But very quickly.

Xu Mingyao realized she was losing her composure.

How could she show that she cared about her so much?

So embarrassing!

At this thought, Xu Mingyao immediately lay back down on the bed, turning her back to the bedroom door.

To cover up her flustered mood, she grabbed the tablet next to her, randomly opened an app, and started scrolling through it absentmindedly.

Glancing at the time in the upper left corner of the screen, Xu Mingyao was surprised to find that Tao Yaoyao had returned quite early today.

Although it was already nine o'clock at night.

Compared to her usual late returns at eleven or twelve, or even in the early hours of the morning, this was considered early.

A series of light footsteps sounded outside the bedroom door, followed closely by the splashing sound of the shower.

Since Tao Yaoyao started working, taking a shower had become almost the first thing she did every night when she got home.

Xu Mingyao didn't find this strange.

Tao Yaoyao was inherently a very clean person.

Plus, the weather outside was really hot right now.

Even though she didn't go out much, on her occasional trips outside, she could truly feel that this summer was much hotter than previous years.

She had been busy outside all day, so coming back to take a shower was perfectly normal.

However, compared to usual, she took a bit longer in the shower tonight.

Calculating the time, it had probably been nearly half an hour.

Finally, the splashing water in the bathroom stopped.

After a good while, Xu Mingyao finally heard footsteps approaching her.

"Knock, knock."

After two soft knocks, the bedroom door made a faint sound as it was pushed open, followed by a soft voice.

"Sister Yaoyao, I bought some button mushrooms and shrimp paste."

"And some chicken thigh meat."

"We won't order takeout today."

"I'll cook for you."

"Oh."

The response Tao Yaoyao received was an extremely indifferent oh.

Xu Mingyao remained lying on her side in bed, with her back to Tao Yaoyao, her cold attitude as if she were treating a servant.

But in reality, treating her this way made Xu Mingyao feel terrible too.

Then should she show kindness to Tao Yaoyao?

How would that be any different from admitting defeat?

Xu Mingyao didn't know when giving Tao Yaoyao the cold shoulder had seemingly become her way of maintaining her dignity.

She didn't want things to be this way, but she was too ashamed to make a change.

So she just kept fighting with herself, twisted up like a painful knot.

Tao Yaoyao was completely unaware of the painful struggle inside Xu Mingyao's heart.

She was already used to her coldness. Seeing that she had given a response, she turned and left, dragging her exceptionally exhausted body toward the kitchen.

Tao Yaoyao closed the door and left.

Leaving Xu Mingyao alone once again in the small bedroom.

But this time, Xu Mingyao didn't feel lonely or bored.

Because she was in this house.

She was right beside her.

So Xu Mingyao felt at ease.

Very at ease...

...

"Ah!"

A painful scream pierced the tranquility of the room.

Hearing this familiar voice, Xu Mingyao acted like a frightened rabbit, instantly springing up from the bed and rushing into the kitchen without even bothering to put on her shoes.