Chapter 37 (First Update)
Luo Yan had little experience in gift-giving.
She didn't know Zhou Weifang well, so after careful consideration, she decided to go to the store to pick out two more basic books for him.
Just as I was about to go out, it started to snow lightly.
Luo Yan leaned against the door frame, her left foot outside the threshold and her right foot inside, looking rather hesitant.
Liu Yinfeng returned from outside and, seeing her daughter hesitating, asked, "What's wrong?"
Luo Yan: "I'm wondering whether I should go out."
Liu Yinfeng: "The snow isn't going to be too heavy, let's go for a walk."
Others are afraid their children won't be home, but she wishes her daughter could be out and about from morning till night.
Luo Yan observed the weather, then finally got on her bicycle and rode off.
It turns out her bike tends to veer off course in rainy or snowy weather, and the handlebars become completely unresponsive. But today, after it was just repaired, things are different; it made it to the bookstore without any problems.
It was the coldest season in Beijing, and there weren't many places to go outdoors. People didn't want to spend too much money, so they were suddenly filled with a thirst for knowledge.
The originally spacious staircase was now narrowed by people reading, leaving only a narrow passageway. Luo Yan walked carefully, only breathing a sigh of relief when she reached the third floor.
The third floor is filled with professional books, which are so dry that most people are unwilling to use them to pass the time.
However, Luo Yan became a frequent visitor after starting university, searching for what she wanted on each bookshelf and occasionally pulling out a book to flip through a couple of pages.
After wandering around for a while, she found a few suitable books, but couldn't decide which one was better. She stood aside with her arms crossed, analyzing the situation.
When Zhou Xiuhe saw her, this was roughly the situation.
He recognized her at a glance as the girl he had seen at the restaurant yesterday. He hesitated whether to go up and say hello, but was afraid of causing unnecessary trouble. After thinking about it, he decided to just smile as a greeting.
Luo Yan's eyes were looking straight ahead, but her mind was elsewhere. She didn't even notice that the other person was smiling at her, let alone react.
This left Zhou Xiuhe quite embarrassed, unsure whether he should laugh again.
After hesitating for a moment, Luo Yan had already decided which book to buy. Her eyes gradually focused, and when she looked closely, she saw someone two meters away. A polite smile appeared on her lips.
It seemed they recognized him. Zhou Xiuhe took two steps forward: "What a coincidence, thank you for yesterday."
Luo Yan: "You thanked me yesterday, no need to be polite."
She was good at making polite remarks, but completely bad at communicating with almost complete strangers. Her hands, which were originally hanging naturally at her sides, clenched into fists.
Zhou Xiuhe rarely spoke to girls, afraid they would think he was frivolous, so he said, "Then I won't bother you anymore, goodbye."
Luo Yan also said "Goodbye," and her tense shoulders slumped down.
She went back to find the book she wanted to give to Zhou Weifang, took it out and held it in her arms, then went around to a deeper part of the room, intending to find two books that could help her improve her studies during the winter break.
Transportation-related majors are considered unpopular across the country, and among all the schools in Beijing, only Jiaotong University offers them.
Naturally, there weren't many books on the shelves; you could see them all just by looking around from the aisle.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Luo Yan saw Zhou Xiuhe here again.
She put on a socially appropriate expression beforehand, while silently praying: Don't look at me, don't look at me, don't look at me.
But the place is only so big, how could Zhou Xiuhe not notice that there was another person next to him? His eyes naturally drifted over, and a hint of surprise flashed through his mind, but he quickly thought it made sense: after all, they met yesterday at Zhang Dasao's restaurant, which is most popular among students of the school.
Luo Yan actually wanted to avoid further small talk and fix her gaze on the book, but the stares from others were too obvious, so she had no choice but to smile again.
Zhou Xiuhe had already guessed that she was an alumna, and after thinking for a moment, he struck up a conversation: "Do you also lose?"
Luo Yan thought that given his previous state, it was only natural that he wouldn't remember her, so she said, "Yes, I'm in transportation management."
Zhou Xiuhe wasn't stupid; judging from her words, he felt she seemed to know him, and asked, "Have we met in class before?"
There's nothing I can't say, Luo Yan: "I saw him when I was taking the advanced mathematics exam."
No wonder I had no impression of her.
Zhou Xiuhe thought to himself, "Has everyone already introduced themselves?" He then explained, "I had a fever that day, so I don't remember things very clearly."
Luo Yan answered too quickly: "I know."
She added, "I was right next to you when you were talking to Jin Hong."
Was anyone around at the time? Zhou Xiuhe pondered unconsciously, but his brows were furrowed as if he were looking at nothing, and his mind remained blank no matter how hard he tried.
He decided to skip that part and said, "Let me reintroduce myself, my name is Zhou Xiuhe."
"My name is Luo Yan."
Luo Yan? Zhou Xiuhe silently repeated it to himself, feeling he should add a few words afterward, before blurting out a pointless question: "Are you here to buy books too?"
Luo Yan could answer these silly questions fluently, but her mouth seemed to be out of control, and her eyes tended to droop slightly when she spoke.
Zhou Xiuhe said awkwardly, "Then, you buy it."
Luo Yan lowered her head even further.
She found the scene so amusing that she was afraid she would burst out laughing, so she just nodded.
Zhou Xiuhe felt ashamed, his face burning with embarrassment. He thought he should just go back to school and politely say goodbye one last time.
With him gone, Luo Yan could finally choose her books properly.
However, she had already looked at these two rows of shelves many times and couldn't find anything new, so she could only hold onto her only find and queue up to pay.
The cashier recognized her and greeted her warmly, "Haven't seen you for a few days, is school on holiday?"
Luo Yan: "Release them."
They were very busy, so they could only ask such a question, and Luo Yan didn't need to rack her brains for something to talk about.
She put the new book in her bag, went downstairs and found that it was still snowing. After a slight hesitation, she decided to go to the car dealership first.
Seeing her arrive through the snow, Zhou Weifang put down what she was doing and said, "Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"
He handed her some tissues: "Wipe it off."
As he said these words, Luo Yan seemed to see her brother's shadow in him, thinking that perhaps she had become like him because of her company.
She took off her hat, brushed back the few damp strands of hair, and said, "No need for tea, I just came to give you this."
Zhou Weifang glanced at the words on the cover: "It's the same if your brother brings it over when he goes to work, it's the middle of winter."
He wasn't usually that particular about his work; he wiped his hands on his pants a couple of times, took the book, and said, "Is this new?"
Luo Yan: "Hmm, let's not look at the last one yet, we'll talk about this one..."
Which word could she use that wouldn't sound like she was implying someone had a poor foundation? She couldn't find a suitable one right away, so she simply glossed over it.
Zhou Weifang wasn't oblivious: "Just by feeling the thickness, I can tell it's simpler than your 'Principles' book."
Luo Yan said gently, "You'll understand it eventually."
She had completed her task and couldn't wait to go home.
Zhou Weifang wasn't about to let her leave so easily. He glanced at the price tag on the back of the book and said, "Wait a minute, take the money before you go."
Luo Yan retreated hastily, hiding her hands behind her waist, making her refusal very clear.
Zhou Weifang: "It's necessary."
Since no one stipulated it was mandatory, Luo Yan decided that the best course of action was to flee.
But Zhou Weifang grabbed the back seat of her bike: "Don't ride out and make me fall."
Luo Yan never carries passengers when she rides her bike, fearing some kind of danger. After he said that, she didn't dare to move and bit her lip.
If she were a child, her tears would have started falling in three seconds.
Zhou Weifang said helplessly, "Then let's change the terms. You can sit here for a while and leave when the snow stops."
Luo Yan muttered, "The snow wasn't heavy."
Zhou Weifang: "Who was it that used to forbid people from going out whenever it snowed?"
Luo Yan: "That's because you don't dress properly."
He complained that wearing an extra cotton coat would make him jump around, and he didn't care about minor ailments. One year, he even developed a fever of 40 degrees Celsius, and he and his companion had to get IV drips together at the hospital.
Zhou Weifang also remembered, and awkwardly touched his nose: "Now I know the importance of keeping warm."
Luo Yan looked him up and down and couldn't help but let out a soft "ha!"
Zhou Weifang wasn't dressed warmly, explaining, "I'm not cold while I'm working."
Hmph, keep acting recklessly because you're young. Just wait and see when you're old.
But Luo Yan felt that if she insisted on going home after all this, it would seem like she was being inconsistent with her words and actions.
She said, "Then I'll wait for the snow to stop."
Zhou Weifang handed her a stool, gesturing for her to sit closer to the stove.
People instinctively move closer to heat sources. Luo Yan rubbed her hands together and sat down, her eyes wandering around somewhat boredly.
Seeing this, Zhou Weifang stepped onto the stairs and leaned most of his body into the attic.
Luo Yan craned her neck curiously and watched as he carried down a stack of books; her eyes lit up.
Zhou Weifang: "I only have these miscellaneous books here."
Luo Yan: "I also enjoy reading miscellaneous books."
I just don't usually have time for it.
Zhou Weifang put the books on the table: "Then you can choose whichever you like and take it home."
They poured her water and gave her some food, saying, "The cup is new."
Luo Yan had already turned a page and gave a perfunctory "uh-huh" twice.
Zhou Weifang couldn't help but laugh, then turned around and glared at his two apprentices who were peeking out at them.
Well, not everyone can see the master's good mood.
The apprentices shrank back, but couldn't suppress their curiosity and whispered among themselves.
Eldest disciple: "If this weren't my master's wife, I'd cut off my head and let you use it as a chair."
The apprentice said, "You're not in a relationship, so what do you know? It's obvious you're not.
Both sides had their own reasons, and they couldn't control their voices for a moment.
Zhou Weifang tapped them on the back of the head: "Are you bored?"
I dare not be idle, I dare not be idle.
The apprentices awkwardly went about their own work, but when it was almost lunchtime, they were quite perceptive and said, "Master, let's go eat first."
This reminded Zhou Weifang, who turned to where Luo Yan was sitting.
She remained seated, her expression changing as if she had seen something interesting.
No wonder Luo Hong said that his sister becomes completely oblivious to everything else once she starts reading.
Zhou Weifang first lifted the curtain to peek outside before going over to ask, "Shall we eat here for lunch?"
Luo Yanteng stood up abruptly: "I'll eat at home."
Her eyes were wide open, as if she was afraid someone would force her to stay.
Zhou Weifang hadn't really thought that way, and said, "There's snow on the road, ride slowly."
Luo Yan breathed a barely audible sigh of relief and put down the book in her hand.
Zhou Weifang: "Take it back and take a look."
Luo Yan read half of it, but couldn't wait to finish it, so she said, "I'll have my brother bring it over tomorrow."
Zhou Weifang: "It's okay, take whatever you want to see."
Forget it, once I start watching, I can't stop.
Luo Yan: "I still have winter break homework."
Of all things, her studies are the most important.
Zhou Weifang was not surprised at all and helped her lift the curtain: "I will read the book, but I'm quite busy these days, so I probably won't have time."
Making money is definitely his top priority right now. Luo Yan said, "Anyway, you can always come to me if you don't understand anything."
She was very attentive to other people's studies, and this concern made Zhou Weifang almost mistakenly believe that they were good friends.
Fortunately, he was still quite self-aware, and after she left, he sighed inexplicably.
Luo Yan had no reason to worry, and happily went home to eat a big bowl of rice.
Liu Yinfeng had to go out, so she told her, "Mom is going to the Grand Theater this afternoon to see a play and then going to eat wontons with your Aunt Hanghang. Just make some fried rice for dinner."
Luo Yan responded loudly, and ended up reading extracurricular books all afternoon, almost forgetting the time.
When Luo Hong got home from get off work, he opened the door and saw that only his younger sister was home. He asked, "Where's Mom?"
"Going out to play," Luo Yan said, holding her book without moving. "I'll finish reading the last few pages of fried rice."
Luo Hong was so hungry he could eat half a cow: "It's up to you."
He was generous in his cooking, oil sizzling everywhere, and he even opened a can of luncheon meat.
Luo Xinmin smelled the aroma before even entering the house and asked, "Is there some good news today?" as he stepped over the threshold.
Luo Yan replied, "When the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king."
What does that mean? Luo Xinmin went into the kitchen and asked, "Where's your mother?"
Luo Hong: "Let's go out and have some fun."
"Oh, I see," Luo Xinmin said. "Add more chili peppers."
Well, there are two monkeys in the house.
Luo Yan finally figured out who her brother resembled, shook her head, and turned the page.
Luo Hong thought she was reviewing her lessons for the next semester, but he realized something was wrong during dinner: "This isn't a textbook either."
Luo Yan: "I didn't tell you that either."
Luo Hong had been making assumptions. He leaned closer to read a few lines and said, "After you're done reading, let me see it too."
Luo Yan: "I told Zhou Weifang I would return it to him tomorrow."
With whom? Luo Hong hissed again, "You went to the store today?"
Luo Yan: "Yes, he didn't charge me for repairing his car, so I went to the bookstore and picked out a copy of 'Accounting Level 1' for him."
The title of this book is very introductory.
Luo Hong thought it was something his sister would do, but scratching his face, he felt something was off.
Luo Xinmin felt that his daughter was open and honest, as if nothing had happened, and praised her, "Yanyan is very good at reciprocating now."
They did interact, but it felt like they were going back and forth a bit too frequently.
However, when you look at it logically, there's absolutely no problem, which makes Luo Hong think that he's just being too paranoid.
He thought: That strange feeling must be an illusion.
He added, "It's okay, I'll give it to him after I've read it."
Anyway, they're so close they're practically inseparable, so they can do whatever they want without Luo Yan having to consider or agree.
She nodded nonchalantly, but her expression changed the next second: "This is the first volume!!"
Luo Hong gloated, "Didn't you notice when you borrowed it?"
Luo Yan couldn't smile; her face was long and sullen. "I knew something was wrong. The further we go, the less it seems like there's going to be an ending."
Luo Hongle laughed and said, "Alright, I'll ask around tomorrow if there's a second volume."
Luo Yan: "I have to spend another day reading the second semester. When will I be able to start my homework?"
Luo Hong teased her, "Okay, then whether it's true or not, I'll tell you it's not, so as not to take up your time."
Luo Yan's many weaknesses were in her brother's hands, and she kicked him angrily: "You'll pay for this sooner or later."
If she can't see the ending, she won't have a peaceful New Year.
She didn't wait until morning or evening; she just started using her feet.
Luo Hong: "Is this how you ask someone for a favor?"
Luo Yan raised her chin: "I'll go myself! It's not like I don't know the way."
Wow, that's quite a backbone.
Luo Hong waved his hand: "Go away, go away."
Luo Yan was so angry that she tried to pry his fingers off, and the two siblings almost overturned the table.
Thankfully, there was only one bowl of fried rice per person. Luo Xinmin carried his bowl a little further away, wondering when his wife would be back.
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