---- Warmth flowed through Thalia''s heart, and her eyes grew hot. She looked at Asher. "You haven''t eaten yet. I''ll make some instant noodles for you. Eat something before you sleep." The man gazed at her tenderly. "Sounds good." Manon quickly said, "Thalia, you shouldn''t have to do that yourself, Let me handle it." Thalia looked at Manon with a smile, her almond eyes twinkling, "T''d rather do it myself." Manon immediately understood the meaning behind Thalia''s look.


    Her face broke into a knowing smile, with an expression that said "I totally get it." "Alright then, you cook the noodles, and I''ll handle the stove. You probably don''t know how to use a propane stove." "Perfect." Thalia prepared the instant noodles and brought them to the table. "Come eat." Matt discreetly nced at Asher. ---- Noodles prepared by the CEO''s wife-was he allowed to eat them? Would the CEO fire him if he ate from this bowl?


    Matt''s internal thoughts: I''m touched, but I don''t dare touch it. Asher cast a subtle nce at him, seemingly guessing his thoughts. "Go ahead and eat." With Asher''s permission, Matt finally dared to sit down. He picked up his chopsticks and smiled at Thalia. "Thank you, Ms. Winters." Asher sat down but handed his chopsticks to Thalia. "Lia, you haven''t had breakfast either, have you? You eat first." Manon stood nearby, wearing a doting smile. Thalia shook her head. "I''m not hungry yet.


    You eat first. Ill eatter." Across the table, Matt was enjoying his meal, slurping the noodles with appreciation. "This is delicious!" Asher looked at Thalia again. Thalia smiled helplessly. "I just woke up and don''t have an appetite yet. Please eat." ---- Only then did Asher begin to eat. It had been a long time since he''d eaten noodles made by Thalia. He had missed this. It tasted just the same. Asher and Matt had brought luggage and backpacks.


    They had driven as far as the county town, where the paved road tured into muddy paths unsuitable for driving. Matt had selected a few changes of clothes to put in his backpack and carried them the rest of the way. After the meal, they showered and changed into clean clothes before going to sleep. The rescue team distributed relief supplies to the vige residents and cleared the roads blocked by mud, rocks, and debris. The vige''s power lines were also repaired.