Chapter 6: Susanna's Home

Chapter 7: Susannah’s Home

Chatting as they walked, Su Feng soon followed Susannah to the apartment building where she lived.

“We’re here…” Susannah’s cheeks actually flushed pink as she smiled shyly, then said to Su Feng, “Su Feng, um… this is my home.”

Su Feng naturally noticed her blush, but he wasn’t foolish enough to comment on it. He certainly wasn’t that inexperienced.

“What’s wrong? Am I not allowed in your home? Or do you have some secret there?” Su Feng glanced at Susannah and teased her in a joking tone.

“Oh, come on, it’s nothing like that! You’re just teasing me!” Susannah wrinkled her nose and replied with an adorably indignant voice.

Su Feng chuckled and said nothing more. And so, in this lighthearted mood, the two of them entered Susannah’s apartment.

…

To be fair, Susannah’s home was remarkably clean. Isn’t there a saying, after all, that if a girl’s home is too tidy, it’s an unusual sign?

Yet Susannah’s place was spotless, and Su Feng couldn’t help but think that she was definitely not like other girls.

Yes, that was exactly what Su Feng thought.

“Why are you staring like that?” Susannah turned to look at Su Feng, somewhat surprised.

“Staring? Not at all. I just think your place is incredibly clean. Unusually clean, in fact,” Su Feng replied with a smile.

Actually, there was nothing wrong with what Su Feng said. Most girls’ rooms really were a mess—he’d seen enough to know.

“Su Feng, don’t you dare compare me to those lazy girls who can’t even pick up after themselves, do you hear me?” Susannah, realizing the implication in his words, shot him a fierce look, her eyes suddenly unfriendly.

Su Feng could only give a wry smile. Why was this woman suddenly so sensitive? This was going to be tricky.

“I swear, I didn’t mean it. Honestly, I, Su Feng, can swear on a lamp, I didn’t have any such thought.” He raised his hands in a mock oath, his tone playful.

“You’d better not,” Susannah replied. “Anyway, I imagine you must be hungry by now. So, I’ll go make us something to eat. As a guest, you should just sit here and not move.”

She tied on her apron as she spoke.

“All right, then, as the dinner guest, I’ll just sit here and behave,” Su Feng replied good-naturedly, choosing to ignore any hint of trouble.

“Actually, why don’t you come over and watch me cook?” Susannah suggested with a smile. “I’ve heard that watching a woman cook is a pretty entertaining thing. What do you think?”

She wasn’t wrong—watching a woman cook could indeed be a pleasant experience, but if a woman turned it into a show, it became something else entirely. Still, Su Feng didn’t want to offend this beauty who loved to show off; otherwise, he might go hungry tonight—and that was not an outcome he desired.

“All right, since you make it sound so fun, I’ll come watch. In fact, I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, but never had the chance. Now, if you’ll be my teacher, I’d be delighted.” He looked at Susannah with a playful, conspiratorial glance, though he managed not to drool.

“Just look at you! I can’t imagine someone like you, a Chinese guy, actually made it to play basketball in the NBA. It’s really a miracle!” Susannah shook her head at him, pursing her lips in mock exasperation.

“Why? What about someone like me? Is there a problem?” Su Feng was genuinely puzzled. After all, hadn’t the NBA chosen him?

“Su Feng, actually…” She hesitated, glancing away. “Su Feng, can I be honest with you?”

Looking at the Susannah before him, Su Feng almost wondered if she was the same woman he knew. Still, he wouldn’t voice such thoughts. Instead, he said, “This isn’t like you at all. If you have something to say, just say it! I’m listening.”

“Su Feng, please don’t take this the wrong way, but in my heart, I feel that Chinese people aren’t really suited to basketball. And even less so to playing in the NBA. Really, I don’t mean any offense—this isn’t prejudice, just my honest opinion. I hope you won’t be upset, but that’s how I feel,” Susannah said, her tone and gaze utterly serious as she watched Su Feng closely for his reaction.

“Chinese people aren’t suited to basketball?” Su Feng asked.

“That’s right…” Susannah nodded.

“And… Chinese people aren’t suited to the NBA either?” he pressed.

“I still have to say yes…” Susannah replied with another nod.

“Of course.” Su Feng feigned a few dramatic coughs as an opening, “But Susannah, have you forgotten? China has Yao Ming, who made quite a name for himself in the NBA. Did you forget about Yao Ming? Or is it that you don’t know who he is?”

“Of course I know Yao Ming!” Susannah’s cheeks reddened at his question, her embarrassment obvious. Yao Ming was famous even in America, with plenty of fans—and Susannah herself was a devoted fan. She blushed and protested, “But Su Feng, you have to realize, China has only produced one Yao Ming. Do you really think you can become the next one? I honestly don’t think that’s possible! So, as your friend, I’m telling you this not to discourage you, but just as a reminder. Take my words to heart, Su Feng, and think carefully.”

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