Renault laughed heartily, "Haha, shower time, playtime, mealtime, hungry, thirsty, drink up, now shower time!" 

In the bathroom, the steam still lingered in the air from the recent bath that Wanqing Mu had taken. Renault stepped in, feeling an odd excitement stir within him. 

After a long, hot shower, Renault casually grabbed a set of pajamas, purposefully choosing one that matched Wanqing’s, like a couple’s outfit. 

Renault walked into the living room, finding Wanqing quietly standing by the window, gazing outside. 

Wanqing was silent, but as she turned to face Renault, her eyes widened in surprise at his matching attire.

"Why are you wearing clothes similar to mine?" she asked, confused.

Renault chuckled, "What? Don't I look good in this?"

Standing at six feet, Renault had a lean, muscular build. His sharp features, with star-like eyes and a strong jawline, gave him an air of masculine charm. 

He fit the mold of Wanqing’s ideal, though she had initially resisted the idea of sharing a meal with him. When she first met him, she thought he was just another greasy middle-aged man, but now he seemed more like an older brother figure, a trusted client.

"What were you thinking about just now?" Renault asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Nothing much," Wanqing responded, "Just thinking how lucky I am to be indoors. It’s cold out there, and who knows how many people are suffering tonight, freezing and hungry in the bitter cold."

She shot a thoughtful glance at Renault, a smile tugging at her lips. 

Renault pulled out a chair for her and motioned for her to sit down. "Why are you lost in thought again? Come sit down!" 

Wanqing smiled faintly and sat down, her voice playful, "Thank you, Renault, for your warm hospitality! Hehe!"

"Hey, why are you calling me 'Renault' all of a sudden? Isn't that a bit too formal?" Renault suggested with a mischievous grin.

Wanqing blinked, puzzled. "What should I call you then?"

"How about... how about 'Big Brother Renault'? How does that sound?" Renault teased.

Wanqing thought about it for a moment, then smirked, "Sure! But only if you agree to call me 'Wanqing' without being too formal."

Renault raised his glass, pouring a bit of red wine and handing one to Wanqing. "Come on, Wanqing, let's have a toast!"

Wanqing hesitated for a moment, but then picked up the glass. "I don't usually drink, but tonight I’ll make an exception—just one drink."

She raised her glass to clink it with Renault’s. "To you, Big Brother Renault. Thanks for everything!" 

Renault quickly protested, "Hey, we don't need to drink the whole glass in one go. Let's take it slow."

Wanqing nodded and took a small sip, while Renault downed his drink in one gulp, enjoying the burn of the alcohol.

Outside, the wild winds howled, rattling the windows as the cozy villa was slowly enveloped by a chilling night. 

Across the neighborhood, most of the villas were dark, with their occupants likely fast asleep, trying to keep warm during the freezing cold. 

In the city's dormitories, chaotic noises echoed through the night—shouts, screams, all punctuated by occasional bursts of silence. 

The entire city was beginning to succumb to a storm of panic, the cold wave wreaking havoc as it swept through, spreading confusion and fear. 

People roamed the streets in search of shelter, their cries for help blending into the howling winds. Some succumbed to the cold, collapsing in deserted alleys, hoping for some sort of salvation. 

Gradually, the once-bustling city grew eerily silent, as though everyone had vanished. 

For Renault and Wanqing, inside the warmth of the villa, there was no sense of fatigue. They sipped their drinks, the conversation growing more relaxed and intimate as the hours passed. 

Renault eventually learned that Wanqing had lost both her parents and was raised by her older brother, who worked tirelessly to support her. 

The siblings had been each other's lifeline, with her brother dropping out of school early to work and put Wanqing through school. It had been a hard life, full of sacrifices.

Wanqing had been determined to study hard and make a better life for herself, staying away from romantic relationships and focusing solely on her academics. Despite being pursued by several suitors, some from prestigious universities, she had never allowed herself to be distracted.

As she recounted her life, Wanqing was curious about Renault’s family background and the complex stories that came with it. There was a shared sense of empathy between them, as if their lives had quietly converged in the storm.

Their conversation stretched on until the early morning light began to creep in. By then, both were finally feeling drowsy.

"Shall we call it a night?" Renault suggested, standing up.

Wanqing, flustered, asked quickly, "Which room should I sleep in?"

Renault chuckled mischievously, "Does it matter? You can sleep anywhere you like! But if you ask me, I suggest the second floor—it has the best view, and we’ll be closer in case anything happens."

Wanqing blushed, nervous at his playful tone, but knew there was no hidden agenda. She agreed with a simple nod.

As Renault went upstairs to the second floor, he checked the boiler and stoked the fire, making sure the rooms were warm and comfortable.

Once everything was set, Renault lay down in bed, finally succumbing to sleep.

...

*Knock, knock, knock!*

Renault was woken by a series of knocks on his door.

"Renault, are you awake?"

It was Wanqing, sounding slightly anxious.

Renault checked the clock—it was already noon. He hurried out of bed and opened the door.

"What’s going on, Wanqing?"

"Renault, I started the boiler and everything’s set up. I’m getting hungry, though," she said, flashing a smile.

Renault was both surprised and pleased. "Did you make lunch?"

Wanqing paused, then replied, "Well, I started making something, but I could use some help. How about we cook together?"

Renault grinned, "Sounds great! Let’s make a hot pot!"

Wanqing’s eyes lit up in surprise. "A hot pot? Do we even have the ingredients for that?"

Renault laughed, "I checked the fridge earlier. There are some vegetables and meat. It may not be much, but it'll be perfect for a hot pot. And we can make the broth and seasoning ourselves. How does that sound?"

Wanqing’s enthusiasm grew. "Yes! Let’s do it!"

They headed downstairs, and after some teamwork and effort, a hearty hot pot meal was set up on the table.

Renault grabbed a beer, while Wanqing opted for a non-alcoholic drink.

"Here’s to hot pot! Cheers!"