The End of the World: Chaos

Yang Yi was busy in the kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans breaking the quietness of the afternoon. The sunlight shone through the curtains and fell on him, making him feel slightly warm, but this daily triviality made him feel more at ease.

Just as he was immersed in his busyness, a gentle knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He asked casually, "Who's outside?"

"It's me, Ruth." A clear voice came from outside the door, like the sound of wind chimes in the morning, so pleasant to the ears.

Hearing this, Yang Yi immediately stopped what he was doing, wiped the oil off his hands, walked quickly to the door, and opened it. Ruth was dressed in a fresh campus style, with a neat uniform that highlighted her youthful vitality. She had a sunny smile on her face, which looked gentle and brilliant.

"Why did you come back so early?" Yang Yi asked with a little surprise.

Ruth pouted, looking helpless: "The school has no assignments, the teacher had something urgent to do, and all classes were cancelled."

"Oh, I see." Yang Yi nodded, feeling relieved. "So what are your plans for today?"

Ruth shook her wrist to indicate that she had no special plans. "I just want to rest at home. If I can help you, I'd be happy to do that."

"Just take a rest. No need to come and help me." Yang Yi apologized. "I'm busy preparing lunch. You can eat later."

Ruth's eyes sparkled with anticipation: "I'm really looking forward to the food you cook!" After that, she walked towards the kitchen, happily expressing her willingness to help.

"Okay, then you wash the vegetables." Yang Yi raised his eyes and assigned her an easy task.

Ruth responded cheerfully, hurriedly went to get the washing tools, and began to concentrate on washing the carrots beside her. While washing the vegetables, she turned to Yang Yi and said, "How have you been feeling these days? Are you fully engaged in your research?"

"Well, my original intention was to continue in-depth research, but after some thought, it seems that progress is slow." Yang Yi sighed as he cut the bacon, and the fragrance gradually diffused in the air.

Ruth asked curiously, "Why is this so? Is there a problem that needs to be solved?"

"In fact, I was like groping in the dark yesterday and didn't find any breakthrough." While Yang Yi was busy, he cut the washed carrots into cubes and put them into the pot, and the aroma filled the air.

Ruth listened carefully, her eyes determined: "You are a smart person, you will definitely find a solution."

"I hope so too." Yang Yi smiled slightly, but he was sad in his heart, "Sometimes, things don't all depend on hard work."

Ruth raised her head and looked directly at Yang Yi, as if she wanted to convey some strength: "No matter what, I will be by your side. If you need me, just let me know."

"Thank you, Ruth." Yang Yi was deeply moved by her words, and the burden in his heart seemed to be lightened a lot.

"So when do you plan to restart your research?" Ruth asked cautiously, as if worried about disturbing him.

Yang Yi put the fried ingredients into the rice and thought seriously: "Maybe I should wait until I have a clearer understanding of the current situation. Curiosity is valuable, but reason is more important."

Ruth nodded silently, continuing to focus on the work in her hands without interrupting. The kitchen was quiet again, with only the sound of ingredients tumbling in the pot and the aroma of rice gradually spreading.

Soon, Ruth finished washing the vegetables and turned around to see the steaming white rice in the pot. She couldn't help but ask softly, "Can we start eating?"

"Wait a little longer." Yang Yi looked into the pot. Although life was dull, everything seemed extra warm when he was with Ruth. Yang Yi knew that as long as he had such a good friend by his side, any confusion would be solved.

"I'll go sit in the living room for a while and wait for you to serve the meal!" Ruth looked excited and walked out of the kitchen briskly and returned to the living room.

The kitchen was filled with tempting aromas, and Yang Yi felt more relaxed. He thought over and over again about his previous research and decided to himself: "Maybe I really need to adjust my thinking..."

"I smell the scent!" Ruth shouted happily.

"It's almost done, be patient." Yang Yi responded and continued to check the situation in the pot. At this time, the phone rang, it was Xika calling.

"Hello, Xika, what can I do for you?" Yang Yi answered the phone with a gentle tone.

"I'm in some trouble. Could you please come and help me?" Xika's voice was anxious, and he seemed a little uneasy.

"Why is it so urgent?" Yang Yi asked hurriedly, feeling uneasy.

"Some classmates are making trouble in class, and I don't know what to do." Sika's voice sounded particularly urgent.

"Don't worry, I'll be there right away." Yang Yi said, hung up the phone, turned around and said to Ruth, "Ruth, I need to go out for a while. Xika has encountered some trouble.

Although Ruth was a little disappointed, she still nodded in understanding: "Go, Xika really needs you."

Yang Yi gave her an encouraging smile, but he felt a little guilty. He didn't want Ruth to eat alone, so he told her, "Please prepare the meal first, and we will eat together when I come back."