Chapter 35 "There are too many people outside, I'm shy."...
Zhu Xu arrived in Lincheng on the morning of the third day, and He Yanzhou went to pick her up.
Across the flow of people, she spotted the man standing in the arrival hall. He was still wearing a sharp suit, with a short black down jacket with a Harrington collar over it, which made his long, shapely legs, encased in trousers, stand out even more.
Zhu Xu's heart was pounding in his throat. He had been walking briskly, but upon seeing him, he slowed down and became shy and restrained.
Meeting his gaze from afar, his face was clean and refreshing, his sharply defined features carrying a faint smile, making him stand out in the bustling crowd.
He Yanzhou waited quietly for her to approach. "It's been so long, don't you recognize me?"
Zhu Xu smiled and said, "We know each other."
Have you had breakfast?
"have eaten."
"Let's go." He Yanzhou reached out and took her suitcase, turned and walked out. He heard her jog a few steps to catch up, and a soft hand slipped into his palm hanging by his side. He subconsciously gripped it tightly.
While waiting for the elevator to go to the underground parking lot, the two still did not speak. Squeezed among a few people, Zhu Xu looked up and saw his reflection in the elevator door.
The elevator doors opened, and Zhu Xu followed him inside. People filed in behind them, squeezing them into a corner, her back pressed against his chest. When they reached the basement level, the group rushed out, leaving only the two of them in the elevator car.
The elevator is going down.
The moment the elevator doors closed, Zhu Xu turned around and hugged his waist.
He Yanzhou was knocked against the elevator wall. Just as he was about to say something, she raised her head and sealed his lips with hers.
He Yanzhou relaxed, placed his palm on the back of her head, parted his lips and teeth, and returned her kiss.
The elevator ride to the next floor lasted only a dozen seconds at most, and although we were reluctant to leave, we had to part ways.
He Yanzhou looked at the person in his arms with a half-smile: "You didn't say anything just now, so I thought you weren't familiar with me."
"We're so close, we're practically inseparable." Zhu Xu looked at him and said, "There are too many people outside, I'm shy."
He Yanzhou raised his chin and pointed to the camera above: "There are a lot of people behind there too."
"Anyway, since I have my back to them, all they see is your face."
He Yanzhou smiled when he saw the sly look in her eyes. He stroked her soft hair and delicate cheeks, never expecting to feel this way when he was with her.
I used to think she was aloof and lacked warmth in her interactions with others, but now I just feel she's as soft as a sponge that you could squeeze water out of. I can't help but let my eyes sweep over her eyebrows, her high nose bridge, her upturned lips, and her white teeth.
"Do you miss me?" he asked softly.
"I've thought about it." She asked, "What about you?"
"I really want to."
He Yanzhou was never stingy with his words; he lightly kissed her lips and then put his arm around her as they walked out of the elevator.
He had an important meeting in the morning, and after dropping her off at Jiang Rao's place, he had to return immediately.
The morning light was bright outside, and the clouds in the azure sky transformed into smiling shapes.
Good weather is a rare treat in Lincheng.
Zhu Xu looked out the car window and surprisingly didn't dislike the city as much this time.
He Yanzhou opened a bottle of juice for her. She took it, tasted it, and found it to be a refreshing pineapple flavor. Looking at the bottle, which had "zero additives" printed on it, she asked, "Why do you have this kind of juice in your car?"
"Left by my little niece."
Zhu Xu remembered: "Is this the little girl who told you that you have to suck on the candy to make it sweeter for longer?"
He Yanzhou said, "You still remember."
"Of course." She didn't continue, after all, it was a very painful memory. She finally understood why she hated this city so much—it always inadvertently reminded her of those terrible past events.
However, there was warmth beside her, and his arm was pressed tightly against hers. It was as if everything was over.
Zhu Xu turned and smiled at him, picked up the juice and took a few more sips. It tasted refreshing and sweet, which she quite liked.
He Yanzhou noticed her change in mood and teased her on purpose: "Looks like I'll have to buy two of these snacks from now on, one to appease the kids and one to appease you."
Zhu Xu forced a smile: "Thank you, President He."
He Yanzhou took her hand and said, "It's an honor." He added, "How many days will you be in Lincheng? I'll take you to visit my little niece when I have time."
“She must be very cute, but…” Zhu Xu paused, “Wasn’t this too abrupt?”
"Don't worry, my brother and sister-in-law live separately, so there's no need for them to feel pressured."
Once the car was on the ring road, we could see Jiang Rao's high-rise apartment from the bridge.
Zhu Xu put the half-finished juice into his bag and pointed to it, saying, "It's just around the corner."
He Yanzhou glanced out the window and asked, "Are you really planning to sell that apartment?"
"What's there to hesitate about? The company needs working capital, and I don't plan to come back to live here. It's better to cash out than leave it empty."
"actually……"
Zhu Xu squeezed his hand to stop him: "I can handle it." She said frankly: "I already feel very sorry. We don't plan to continue with the hotel banquet business. Zhao Siqiao has not withdrawn yet because he is waiting for the contract to expire. On the other hand, he also hopes that the current income can support us."
He Yanzhou didn't take it seriously: "So, you think you're using me?"
Zhu Xu nodded apologetically.
He Yanzhou smiled and said, "It doesn't count if I can profit from it."
A few words of comfort offered her some solace.
Zhu Xu couldn't help but think that, as if by magic, he didn't seem to be good at sweet talk, yet he could make her feel at ease with just a few words.
Before getting out of the car, she leaned down and kissed him: "Be careful on the road."
He Yanzhou leaned closer and patted her cheek as he did so: "I'll contact you later."
Zhu Xu and Jiang Rao arranged to meet at a real estate agency across the street. In fact, Jiang Rao had already negotiated the terms for the past two days, but the other party still wanted to negotiate the price.
Zhu Xu readily agreed and decisively lowered the price by 10,000 yuan, also giving away his home appliances and furniture as a gift.
She hadn't lived in that apartment for very long; after a thorough cleaning, it looked brand new. The other party was very satisfied and immediately signed the relevant documents; all that was left was to go through the procedures and make the payment.
It was only noon after the event, so Zhu Xu and Jiang Rao went to eat at a Chongqing hot pot restaurant they used to frequent, and then strolled around for a bit.
Zhu Xu bought a double-sided cashmere coat for Jiang Rao and himself. Passing by an underwear shop, he saw a beautiful silk nightgown displayed in the window and bought one on the spot.
Jiang Rao stirred her milk tea: "Want to try it?"
"Don't bother." She picked up the bag and took Jiang Rao's arm with her other hand: "Let's go for a walk on the third floor."
"I don't even dare to look at this style now. I have two layers of 'spare tires' around my stomach, and I hate myself when I look in the mirror."
Zhu Xu turned to look at her and said, "It's not that exaggerated. You've just gained a little weight since the last time I saw you, but you still look great." She teased her, "Are you pregnant with your third child?"
Jiang Rao yelled, "Quickly, spit it out!"
"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey." Zhu Xu obediently followed her example.
“One more one and it’ll kill me.” Jiang Rao couldn’t help but complain to her friend: “I have no self in my life now. It’s just my husband and kids. I have to maintain the status quo because no one can replace me. When my husband finally goes to work and my kids go to school, and I can finally take a break, the only thing that can comfort me is a cup of sweet milk tea and a lot of carbohydrates.”
Zhu Xu put his arm around her shoulder and said, "But raising children must be a very happy experience."
"Yes. The prerequisite is that you have a competent spouse and a good financial situation."
"What about Liu Chuang?"
Jiang Rao: "I'll barely pass."
Zhu Xu nodded.
Jiang Rao didn't want to spread too much negativity: "Let's not talk about this. How have you been lately?"
"It's going pretty well." Zhu Xu hesitated for a moment before sharing about his work first: "I'm back to my old profession, and I'm quite passionate about it. Although operations aren't going smoothly yet, we'll take it one step at a time."
"I'm so happy for you!" Jiang Rao asked, "How many days are you staying this time?"
"Three days."
“Then you’ll be able to attend the class reunion tomorrow night.” Seeing that Zhu Xu was about to decline, she quickly raised her hand and pressed it to her lips: “You have to go. It’s an order.”
The two spent the afternoon strolling around the mall. Jiang Rao wanted Zhu Xu to stay at her place, but Zhu Xu politely declined. Firstly, it wouldn't be convenient, secondly, his suitcase was still in He Yanzhou's car, and thirdly, the two hadn't seen each other for a long time, so he prioritized his girlfriend over his friend for the time being.
We agreed on the location and time for tomorrow's gathering, and parted ways at the mall entrance.
It was already 4:30 in the afternoon, and Zhu Xu was planning to wander around a bit more when He Yanzhou called to ask where she was.
Zhu Xu sent his location and bought a cup of coffee from a street vendor while waiting.
Winter days are short, and the sky gradually darkens.
As the last rays of the setting sun disappeared below the horizon, the temperature plummeted.
Zhu Xu's hands and feet were cold, and as she was considering whether to go inside the mall to wait, a black Bentley pulled up beside her.
He Yanzhou sat on the other side of the back seat and leaned over to open the car door for her.
Zhu Xu quickly slipped inside, and the warm air hit him.
"Why are you just waiting outside like an idiot?" He Yanzhou said, leaning over to turn the air vent towards her.
"Actually, it wasn't long, and I'm not cold."
He Yanzhou glanced at her sideways and asked, "Aren't you cold?"
"yes."
He mouthed two words: "Stubborn."
Zhu Xu smiled, pursing her lips. Considering that Zheng Zhi was still driving, she secretly slipped her cold hand under the hem of He Yanzhou's suit and pressed it against his waist.
He Yanzhou gradually sensed the coldness emanating from her, but did not stop her. He opened his palm, gesturing for her to offer her the other hand.
Zhu Xu turned slightly towards him, clenched his fist and placed it in his palm. Soon, warmth spread throughout his body, slowly driving away the uncontrollable trembling.
The hand resting on his waist, through the fine fabric of his shirt, revealed his firm muscles. Her fingertips unconsciously traced the lines of those muscles, but He Yanzhou pressed her down through his suit, glancing at her and telling her not to move.
Zhu Xu became more obedient, but before long, the feeling of restraint on the back of his hand was not so obvious, and he couldn't wait to scratch his waist again, and pinched it with moderate force.
He Yanzhou felt ticklish on his waist and reflexively twisted: "Was that on purpose?" Seeing that she wanted to pull her hand away, he grabbed it: "Pull out your shirt so you can touch it?"
The car was silent until she got in, and the two didn't exchange many words. His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough. Zhu Xu subconsciously glanced at the rearview mirror and saw Zheng Zhi staring intently at the road ahead, his eyes firm and focused.
Her face continued to heat up.
"Is this building finished?" She pointed to a building outside, paused, then realized she was in an even more awkward situation. She turned back to He Yanzhou, lowering her voice in a show of weakness, "...Where do we go now?"
Seeing her face growing increasingly flushed, He Yanzhou found it somewhat amusing. This woman had a sneaky, cunning air about her; she was timid yet wild at heart, shy of public displays of affection, but her underhanded actions were quite numerous. In public, she was gentle and reserved, but when alone with him, she was passionate and unrestrained.
He Yanzhou couldn't contain his excitement and resisted the urge to tease her again.
"Let's eat." He cleared his throat. "I've invited a few friends over; I'll take you to meet them."
Zhu Xu said, "Isn't it too casual of me to go over like this? Do I need to tidy up a bit?"
“It’s okay, you’re beautiful right now.” He always had a high opinion of her appearance: “You don’t need to feel any pressure. We’re just a few close friends. After all, you’re a married woman, so you have to explain things to me.”
Zhu Xu felt a little thrill and gently squeezed his hand to indicate his agreement.
The restaurant is a Hong Kong-style restaurant located on the 43rd floor of Longhu Building in the city center. Its nostalgic style, combined with the bustling city view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, creates a visual impact that is both ancient and modern.
When they arrived, there were already four or five men sitting in the private room. They were all good-looking and dressed much like He Yanzhou.
Zhu Xu had never met his friends. The two spent more time together in Beidao. In fact, most of He Yanzhou's social circle was in Lincheng.
He took her hand and introduced her to everyone. She nodded and greeted them, shaking hands with each person who offered her a hand.
Despite being a gathering of friends, no business was discussed at all during the meal. Everyone chatted about this and that, talking about all sorts of irrelevant topics. Zhu Xu found it interesting and would occasionally answer questions posed by others. At these times, He Yanzhou would always stop everything and turn to listen attentively to what she was saying.
The only female member of the family was seated on the other side of the Zhu family compound. Apart from eating, they also chatted.
The meal ended in a relaxed atmosphere.
They said their goodbyes and took the elevator to the first floor. As the elevator doors opened, He Yanzhou shielded Zhu Xu and brushed past others when he suddenly heard a slightly hoarse voice: "Yanzhou?"
He Yanzhou stopped in his tracks, turned around, and was surprised: "Senior Liang?"
"What a coincidence." The other person smiled and followed them out.
He Yanzhou shook hands with him: "I didn't expect to meet you here."
“I opened an outdoor hiking club upstairs.” He was wearing a black windbreaker and cargo pants, with a baseball cap on his head. Under the brim, his features were rugged and handsome, and his skin was healthy, with a rough look that came from years of sun and wind exposure.
He Yanzhou nodded knowingly, never expecting that he would turn his hobby into a profession.
"Want to come up and have a seat?" the other person invited.
He Yanzhou hesitated for a moment, then turned to ask Zhu Xu for his opinion. Suddenly, he thought of something and said to the person opposite him in an ambiguous tone, "My savior."
The other person was clearly taken aback, glancing at Zhu Xu for a brief, friendly look. Seeing the two behaving intimately, they exclaimed, "Congratulations."
He Yanzhou shook his head and smiled faintly.
The man extended his hand to Zhu Xu: "Liang Zhi."
"Zhu Xu." Zhu Xu handed over his hand. Unable to understand their conversation, he could only offer a polite smile.
He Yanzhou explained to her, "This is a senior I met when we were in school. I once hiked with him through the Southern Taihang Mountains."
"The Taihang Mountains?" Zhu Xu could hardly believe it. "It sounds incredibly impressive."
He Yanzhou joked, "Your reaction is similar to mine back then."
That year, he was young, a time of unbridled freedom and high spirits. He set off from Shuangdi with his senior, walking along the cliff face, climbing rapidly, and wading through canyons. The sensory stimulation thrilled him and deeply shocked him. For the first time, he acknowledged that humans are as insignificant as ants in the face of nature.
Halfway through the journey that day, a light rain suddenly began to fall in the mountains. The weather was unpredictable, and the sudden change caught everyone off guard.
The ground beneath their feet was naturally sharp and slippery, making it difficult to traverse. A slight misstep could lead to a fall off the cliff and an accident. They had to proceed with extreme caution until evening before finally reaching their first foothold.
He Yanzhou later reflected that if he were his current age, he would definitely have many concerns and would not easily take risks.
...
They politely declined the invitation, chatted for a while by the elevator, and then prepared to say goodbye. So many years had passed, and their contact information had changed several times; had it not been for this encounter, those distant memories would likely have remained buried in the past.
After exchanging phone numbers, the man suddenly smiled at Zhu Xu and said, "I owe you a thank you."
Zhu Xu was stunned for a moment, confirming that she had never seen this person before, and couldn't help but look at He Yanzhou questioningly. He Yanzhou gazed at her gently, said nothing, and only raised his hand to pat the top of her head.
The temperature dropped to its lowest point at night, and a biting north wind blew.
Zhu Xu nestled in He Yanzhou's arms, standing at the entrance of the building, waiting for Zheng Zhi to drive the car over.
She looked up and asked, "Is hiking difficult?"
He Yanzhou replied, "Generally speaking, one needs sufficient physical strength and endurance."
How long have you been gone?
He Yanzhou couldn't quite remember, so he took out his phone, searched for keywords, and showed it to her: The entire traverse of the Southern Taihang Mountains is about 70 kilometers long, with a cumulative elevation gain of 3,000 meters, and under normal circumstances, it takes three days to complete...
"It doesn't seem simple," Zhu Xu asked. "Have you traveled many routes?"
"The only time. And I didn't even finish the journey."
"Why?"
He answered briefly: "I encountered a landslide and was almost buried under the rubble. Of the three people I met along the way, one died and two were seriously injured. Only my senior and I escaped."
Although he stated the matter in a calm tone, Zhu Xu was still shocked: "...That was truly fortunate."
He Yanzhou glanced down at her: "It's because, not long after we set off the next day, I realized I had left my wallet at our lodging."
"So, you escaped because you went back to get your wallets?"
He Yanzhou gave a soft "hmm".
Zhu Xu sighed softly: "It's fate's arrangement. We should thank that wallet."
"Yes," He Yanzhou replied. A gust of wind blew by, and he instinctively pulled the person in his arms tighter.
He Yanzhou didn't tell her that he had always kept the amulet she had given him in that wallet.
Later, the road ahead was blocked, and the rescue team that rushed down the mountain did their best to rescue the people buried under the rubble.
They wanted to help, but were stopped.
He Yanzhou stared in that direction, still feeling lingering fear. He opened his wallet and saw the amulet, and a strange feeling welled up in his chest.
He pulled it out and handed it to Liang Zhi: "My savior."
"You invited him?"
He Yanzhou said, "It was a gift from someone else."
"girlfriend?"
He Yanzhou shook his head; he had already separated from Sun Ning by then.
It wasn't that he couldn't forget the person who gave him the amulet; it was just that the feelings that had been abruptly severed became a regret, so much so that she held a place in his heart without him realizing it. And as he carried the amulet with him for a long time, he got used to it.
Suddenly, I remembered her short hair flying in the wind under the scorching sun.
She ran towards the palace, turning back halfway to wave her arm vigorously at him, her voice crisp and clear: "May you be safe."
It wasn't until that moment that He Yanzhou understood the weight of those four words.
...
Zheng Zhi parked his car at the bottom of the steps and honked the horn to remind them.
He Yanzhou lowered his head and kissed Zhu Xu deeply on the temple, then embraced her as they walked down the steps.
Zhu Xu was still puzzled and didn't know where to start asking, but he did develop a strong interest in hiking. "If you have the chance in the future, take me on one too."
"I'm not going."
Zhu Xu said, "My physical strength is not that bad, I won't hold you back."
“It’s very dangerous.” He still refused.
Zhu Xu said, "Only by daring to take on challenges can life be more wonderful."
He chuckled softly and said calmly, "True courage is about protecting yourself, not about challenging danger."
"...Whose famous quote is this?"
"Sheriff Labrador."
"..." Zhu Xu vaguely remembered that Jiang Rao's son liked this cartoon character the most. He couldn't imagine him sitting in front of the screen in a suit, watching cartoons intently: "You wouldn't... such a niche hobby."
He Yanzhou had actually watched two episodes with his little niece, but he deliberately didn't explain, asking, "Do you want to watch it together?"
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