Chapter 20 [VIP]
Regardless of personality and judging solely by appearance, Wen Zhiyu is an extremely indifferent person. Yet, when this same person lowers his eyelids and stares intently at Han Shu, he appears utterly genuine.
It truly proves the saying, "People with beautiful eyes look at dogs with deep affection."
Han Shu is a little bit hooked.
Their eyes met, and she kept blinking.
Wen Zhiyu belatedly realized his mistake and his eyelids shot up. "The 'like' I'm talking about is the kind of 'like' I like when I say 'like,' not the kind of 'like' I like between men and women!"
“I know,” Han Shu said, “but you make it sound so true!”
Wen Zhiyu choked up.
Han Shu tilted his head back and said, "This is the first time someone has told me they like me to my face. Why don't you say it again?"
Seeing the mushroom-headed man with his almond-shaped eyes and bright smile, Wen Zhiyu realized that his heart was beating out of sync.
The one who's angry must be the one who's angry!
I'm angry at Han Shu for taking advantage of me, and also angry at myself for always doing things that I change my mind and end up contradicting myself.
What do we do now?
Why does nothing ever go according to plan when I'm with Mushroom Head? Why is he always so passive? The boss is the one paying, so why is he completely helpless and even inexplicably said things like, "I like her!"
He reached into his pocket with one hand to hide his guilty conscience, "Where is your husband?"
"..." Han Shu's smile vanished instantly, bursting the bubble and returning to the reality of role-playing, he said viciously, "He never said that, what a dog of a man."
Then he added, "You're not even as good as me."
Wen Zhiyu wanted to ask him why he was comparing himself to her husband, but he forced himself to hold back. He needed to reclaim his own territory and couldn't let her control him with a single sentence anymore.
"Are there any other conditions?" He asked in a nonchalant tone, revealing seven parts ease, two parts strategic planning, and one part eagerness that he believed he had concealed well.
Unfortunately, through the fabric of the suit, Han Shu could clearly see the man's hand, hidden in his pocket, first clench into a fist, then loosen and move a few fingers around before clenching again.
"How is it?" Wen Zhiyu pressed.
Han Shu said, half amused and half helpless, "Let me think about it, don't rush me."
She really needs to sort out her complicated thoughts.
But why isn't this person leaving?
Han Shu sighed, "Can you stop standing here like a telephone pole?"
Wen Zhiyu reluctantly sat back down, but the two burning gazes remained fixed on him.
At that moment, the young woman pushed open the door and entered, saying, "The surgery is over. I'll take you to the observation room to see her in ten minutes."
Han Shu immediately went to greet him, "Is everything alright?"
"It's all good, but he hasn't woken up yet. We can take him home once the anesthesia has completely worn off."
Take it home? Take it home to whose home? To that person who won't even look at the cat? You expect him to take care of it?
Han Shu asked, "Does it have to be taken home? Or can we choose to have it hospitalized?"
"If you're worried about not being well taken care of, you can be hospitalized." The young woman pointed to the front desk. "There are post-operative precautions here; you can review them and make a decision."
“No need, we need to be hospitalized.” Han Shu pointed to the cardboard box behind him. “Perhaps we could foster the two kittens?”
"Yes, but since Da Mi just had surgery, she must be isolated from them. Usually, post-operative hospitalization lasts about five days, and the cost is 60 per day, not including food and medication."
"Okay." Han Shu picked up his backpack. "Then let me settle the bill with you in advance."
Wen Zhiyu caught up in two steps, "I'll go."
Han Shu stopped him, "Houhai is too far from here, I can only come here once a day at most. So I'll pay for it, just ask Teacher Wen to come and visit often."
Wen Zhiyu hesitated, "You—"
Han Shufei glared at him, "We poor people aren't as rich as you, but we can still afford this little bit of money, okay!"
Wen Zhiyu scratched his chin. "Visiting someone in the hospital, is that considered a new condition?"
"..."
That spoils the mood.
It's really annoying when everything you do has a purpose.
Han Shu ignored him and went to the front desk on her own.
Around this time, the store became busier with people and cats and dogs. While I was paying, a Samoyed and a dachshund wagged their tails and rubbed against me. The owner smiled apologetically, but Han Shu waved his hand to indicate that it was alright.
She put away the bank card, squatted down, and asked while enduring the storm of fur, "What's wrong with these two little ones?"
Seeing that she really liked the puppy, the owner was relieved. "They both have interdigital dermatitis, come and get some medicine."
"Poor little things!" Han Shu ruffled their furry heads and couldn't help but smile.
Small animals are like angels, able to make people forget all their unhappiness.
Samoyeds are more outgoing. When they see that humans like them, they rub against them while wagging their tails wildly, and even slap their faces.
Han Shu laughed and dodged, but caught a glimpse of a beautiful figure out of the corner of his eye.
Looking to the side,
Six or seven meters is a limit, but it is by no means the upper limit for the Wenzhiyu stage.
First came a Schnauzer. Wen Zhiyu raised his right leg high to dodge it, and then strode over the dog's head. The human in front of him disappeared, leaving him stunned on the spot.
Immediately afterwards, three Bichon Frises on a leash approached. As a breed that loves humans very much, their three tails wagging wildly behind their backs, and their six round front paws were about to grab onto the two trouser legs of the suit jacket. Wen Zhiyu, who was half-surrounded, took small steps back, retreating to the left, then to the right, then back to the left again, and back to the right again.
As the Schnauzer looked around, it noticed that the mysteriously vanished human had returned. Happily, it lowered its head, its black nose twitching from side to side, and sniffed the side of the man's white sneakers intently.
Wen Zhiyu was shocked. Before the owners of the dogs, who were reeling in the leash and warning them, jumped into the air—whoosh—
"Start now"
"Balabalabala!"
While humming a half-dead tune, Han Shu forgot that it was the special ringtone he had set for his mother, and just stared blankly with his mouth agape.
"Duluduludulu!"
This was the first time she had ever seen someone jump so high, their head almost piercing the ceiling.
Wen Zhiyu jumped over the excited dogs and landed smoothly. She nimbly dodged the leashes lying haphazardly in the dog owners' hands, dodged the Samoyed's tail which was like a weapon, and squeezed into the narrow gap between Han Shu and the front desk.
He stopped, straightened his collar (which was slightly disheveled from his impressive performance), smoothed out the wrinkles by tugging at the hem of his shirt, then put his hands in his pockets, gave a cool, aloof look around, and let out a long sigh.
"E on baby!"
Han Shu looked up at the upside-down face that she could no longer find handsome, and asked with difficulty, "Are you afraid of dogs?"
"I'm not afraid." Wen Zhiyu coughed lightly as he accepted the gazes of the crowd and explained, "I just don't like contact with hairy creatures."
"..."
"Yeah! Oh!"
In the silence, Wen Zhiyu asked, "Aren't you going to answer the phone?"
Han Shu: !!!
It seemed like one of the pet parents was laughing.
His companion's comical dance moves came first, followed by his own silly ringtone. Han Shu felt like his face was being ripped off and rubbed against the ground.
She pulled out her phone at lightning speed and ran outside. Only when the cool air was blocked by the glass door and the heat wave rolled in, pressing against every inch of her skin, did she feel safe enough to let her face turn bright red.
How embarrassing and awkward!
But stay calm! Nobody knows her, and they'll never see each other again after today!
After mentally preparing himself, Han Shu answered the phone, his voice still a little unnatural, "Hello, Mom, what's wrong?"
"Give me your location on Hainan Island."
Han Shu pricked up his ears and, amidst the noise, precisely picked up the words "passenger," "current ground temperature," and "luggage." His expression suddenly changed. "Where are you?"
"Nanjing Airport, Hainan Island," Xu Ying said. "Locate it immediately."
"Mom!!!" Like the scorching sun burning Han Shu's skin, anger surged through his veins, igniting his entire body. "What are you doing?!"
Xu Ying said calmly, "You're not replying to WeChat messages, are you pretending you didn't see them? This state-owned enterprise is very good, and they happen to have a job opening that matches your major. You must attend the interview the day after tomorrow."
Han Shu said weakly, "Mom, I'm 25 years old now, not 15 or 5. Whether I find a job, what kind of job I find, and how I live are all my own business."
"Your father and I will take care of you until you get married."
"I am an adult, fully capable of taking responsibility for myself, and I don't need anyone to tell me what to do!"
"You're an adult, right? Is quitting your job without a word the behavior of an adult? Is leaving your parents after an argument without a word the behavior of an adult? You've wasted more than half a month doing nothing, is this what you call being an adult?"
Han Shu frantically grabbed his hair, "How do you know I didn't do anything? Even if it were true, so what? Is it wrong to take a break?"
Xu Ying paused for a moment, then asked, "So tell me, what did you do?"
There are some things Han Shu has wanted to say for a long time.
During her time on Hainan Island, she accumulated many interesting stories and met many interesting people. When asked about it now, she eagerly showed her mother the candy her teacher had given her, just like a kindergarten child leaving school.
"I took surfing lessons, rescued three cats (one big and two small), experienced my first typhoon, and found my first place to rent an apartment on my own. I also met people from different industries and places, explored the old streets of the city, watched countless sunrises and sunsets at different beaches, and—"
That's it?
Two words, and at noon when the temperature was close to forty degrees Celsius, Han Shu felt a chill run through his body as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
Xu Ying said casually, "A waste of time."
"..." Han Shu couldn't say a word.
"Since there's nothing important, send your location right now, or pack your things and come to the airport."
Han Shu rubbed her eyes vigorously, but instead of relieving the soreness, her eyes became increasingly wet. She bit her lip, trying to keep her voice normal, "Did you come with my dad?"
"Hmm, should I have your dad tell you?"
"No need." Han Shu wiped away the tears that rolled down her cheeks. "I have something to do here. I'll call you back later."
After saying that, she hung up before Xu Ying could react, then slowly slid down the steps and started crying, much to her dismay.
Through her blurry vision, she opened a travel app, searched for Yunhai Bay GL Hotel, selected a sea-view room for 3889 yuan, filled in her parents' identity information, and paid without hesitation.
Han Shu opened WeChat and shared his location with Xu Ying.
[Invincible Strong Cabbage: Give me your name to check in, you and Dad can rest first.]
After sending the message, she noticed that there were 21 unread messages next to Ling Lin's name. She opened them and understood.
[Linbao: Minor Heat, are you there? Urgent!]
[Linbao: I'm not available to call right now, please reply to this message as soon as you see it.]
...
A string of exclamation marks followed.
[Linbao: Aunt Xu just came to my company and asked if I knew where you were. I insisted I didn't know, but she wouldn't believe me and wouldn't leave until I told her. I really had no choice.]
[Linbao: I only said you were on Hainan Island. Auntie should contact you when she arrives. Sorry, Xiaoshu...]
Han Shu sniffled and replied that he was fine.
Ms. Xu is the kind of person who will not give up until she achieves her goal; how could Ling Lin possibly be her match?
Looking up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, with the help of evaporation, my eyes finally recovered from their dryness.
Han Shu got up, dusted off the back of her skirt, and turned to enter the pet hospital.
Among a group of happy furry friends, Wen Zhiyu was still huddled in a corner. When she saw her, it was as if she had seen a savior. "The cat is awake, and the doctor told us to go over."
"Okay." Han Shu quickly followed.
Inside the cage, the cat, dressed in a spayed suit and wearing an Elizabethan collar, was able to move. Upon seeing Han Shu, it struggled to sit up, its eyes visibly red, looking utterly aggrieved.
Han Shu's heart was broken. He reached his fingers through the gap in the railing and touched her head. "Mi, it's okay now!"
Big Mimi made a lot of whimpering noises.
Even without understanding cat language, Han Shu could tell she was complaining and whining. He patted her white gloves and comforted her gently for a while. Just as Da Mi was about to calm down, Wen Zhiyu leaned over and glanced at her—
Despite her physical disability, Da Mi's determination to avenge her enemies remained undiminished. She swung her cat fist at that annoying face.
"Bang!!!" The railing made a loud noise.
Wen Zhiyu: ...
You really hold a grudge, don't you?
He came over out of curiosity, and after he finished looking around, he didn't linger and slipped away.
Now Han Shu had no choice but to start comforting her again, pointing out the location of her baby to reassure her. Only after Da Mi calmed down did he leave, turning back every few steps.
At the entrance. Wen Zhiyu was already standing by the motorcycle, his red hiking backpack slung back over his shoulder, helmet in hand, waiting for Han Shu. Seeing her slowly inching closer, he grew anxious. They seemed so close to reaching an agreement; what if they dragged it out any longer and the deal fell through?
He strode forward and shoved the helmet into her hands, asking, "Have you made up your mind?"
Han Shu was startled and, after regaining his composure, said, "I'm sorry, I can't agree."
Wen Zhiyu's expression darkened. "The reason."
Han Shu wanted to explain but didn't know where to begin, so he rubbed his temples and said, "I have a lot of things to do."
"..." Wen Zhiyu realized she was being perfunctory, frowned, and asked suspiciously, "What could you possibly want?"
As the last note faded, he watched in disbelief as the girl's eyelashes trembled and two streams of tears gushed out like a faucet.
Wen Zhiyu was stunned. "No, you—"
Han Shu rubbed his nose hard with the back of his hand. "Why can't I have things to do? Is your business the only thing that matters? Does the whole world revolve around you? Just because you say you want to play games, does that mean I have to play with you? Why should I!"
He'll pay me!
Before Wen Zhiyu could even open his mouth to explain, a new wave of attacks came crashing down like a storm.
"I want to learn to surf, and I want to live in Houhai. If playing games with you takes up a lot of time every day, I could be doing something more meaningful with that time!"
But he pays!
Wen Zhiyu wanted to explain, but his mouth was blocked again as soon as he opened it a crack.
"I wasn't planning on taking your money! I was thinking of asking if you could come to Houhai to find me, and I could play with you for free in my free time, but I don't want to do that anymore." Han Shu sniffed. "Playing games is what you want to do, but in my free time I want to do what I want to do. I want to study hard, I want to have fun around Houhai, and I want to learn how to skateboard!"
Free of charge? How could it be free of charge?
Wen Zhiyu was utterly confused, "Why—"
Han Shu stomped his foot angrily, "These are all my business! Even if you think it's a waste of time and a waste of time, I'm going to do them!"
After saying that, she threw the helmet back and turned to leave.
Wen Zhiyu caught it hastily, completely dumbfounded. "Hey! Where are you going?"
Han Shu didn't turn around, and roared, "This has nothing to do with you, goodbye!"
This will be the hottest time of the year.
Han Shu walked quickly, crying as she went, and soon she was drenched in sweat. She glanced back to make sure Wen Zhiyu wasn't following, then stopped and called a car using a ride-hailing app.
While waiting for the bus, she first contacted the girl she had just added on WeChat to inquire about the price of Dami's sterilization. After receiving the answer, she transferred the money to Wen Zhiyu. It was Wen Zhiyu who had offered to sterilize Dami, and since she had refused, she wanted to refuse completely. She didn't want to take advantage of anyone.
Just then, the taxi arrived, and Han Shu gave the last few digits of his phone number before getting in.
Seeing that she was covered in sweat, the driver asked, "Is the air conditioning temperature okay?"
"Sure," Han Shu replied with a smile.
It would take at least half an hour to get back to Houhai from here. Han Shu fastened his seatbelt and stared blankly at the scenery outside the window. Perhaps it was the slight bumps of the vehicle, or perhaps it was the quiet of the enclosed cabin, but his boiling emotions gradually calmed down.
Han Shu dug out a cruise trip she'd been wanting to take for a long time, but hadn't been able to because of the price. It was a five-day, four-night trip, departing from Hainan Island, stopping at three surrounding small islands, and returning to Hainan Island. The current price was over 8,000 yuan per person for a sea-view double room, or 17,000 yuan for two people. She filled in her parents' information, paid without hesitation, and then shared the information in the family group chat.
【Invincible Strong Cabbage: [Positioning]】
[Invincible Strong Cabbage: Tomorrow at noon, go to this pier to board the ship.]
She thought for a moment, then added another sentence.
[Invincible Strong Cabbage: The order can't be refunded. If you don't go, consider the money and my good intentions wasted.]
Han Shu's parents are always busy with work, and in her memory, they haven't had a break in a long time, let alone a trip. This rare opportunity for them to relax and unwind is a way for her to show her filial piety.
Switching back to his mobile banking app, Han Shu looked at his bank account balance and couldn't help but laugh. After deducting the 20,000 yuan he had set aside for emergencies and the tuition he had prepared for surfing lessons, he only had about a thousand yuan left.
Rent a place? Rent a chili pepper.
Han Shu put away her phone and continued staring at the breathtaking sea view outside the window, but her mood still couldn't improve.
Upon arriving in Houhai, she first went to her guesthouse to pack her things and check out, then headed straight to Jielang. If she passed the interview, she could get free room and board, which would save her a lot of money.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Han Shu struggled to drag his suitcase for almost a kilometer on the stone road before finally arriving at the club. Only then did he learn from a young man that Chun Jing had gone out on a date with her boyfriend, and that he could help her contact him if needed.
Thinking back to the scene that morning, the couple must have not seen each other for quite a while, so Han Shu was naturally embarrassed to disturb them. After thanking them, he dragged his suitcase and left.
A person, in an unfamiliar city, has nowhere else to go except restaurants and beverage shops.
Han Shu found a restaurant and casually ordered some snacks and a beer. The sun was setting and the sky was getting dark. The indoor lights were turned on to resemble candlelight. The snacks on the table remained untouched, only the beer was half-finished.
It's past nine o'clock.
Han Shu picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp, deciding to try his luck again.
As evening fell, a gentle sea breeze dispelled the daytime heat. Villagers and tourists strolled in small groups, some cooling off in front of shops, others walking hand in hand, creating a relaxed and carefree atmosphere. Han Shu, however, struggled to control his suitcase amidst the violent jolts, awkwardly weaving through the crowd.
Rounding the corner, Jielang was right ahead. However, from a distance, Han Shu could see that the entrance was dark, appearing like a desolate wilderness under the flashing LED lights of the bar next door. She stopped, too exhausted even to sigh.
But no matter what, I have to find a place to stay tonight.
Han Shu took out his phone, intending to check if there were any cheaper rooms nearby, but his attention was drawn to a message on the lock screen.
【. :[position]】
【。：Waiting for you here.】
Han Shu opened the message; it was sent two hours earlier, and the location was clearly the Jielang Club, thirty meters away. Incredulous, she looked ahead again and noticed a motorcycle parked on the roadside near the entrance.
Wenzhiyu?
Han Shu quickened her pace, getting closer and closer, and the man's figure gradually became clearer.
Wen Zhiyu was sitting on the steps at the entrance of the club. After hearing the sound of wheels hitting the stone pavement, he glanced at it casually, then paused and bent his knees to stand up.
The unpleasant atmosphere of the afternoon's parting hadn't faded when Han Shu asked blankly, "You're waiting for me?"
"Hmm." Wen Zhiyu didn't seem to notice anything amiss, still keeping one hand in his pocket, his gaze lingering on the suitcase. "What's going on? Don't you have anywhere to stay?"
Han Shu tightened his grip on the lever, asking instead of answering, "Is there something you need?"
Wen Zhiyu turned around, untied the rope from the back of the motorcycle, unloaded a large cardboard box, tore off the tape, and held it in front of her. "Here you go, open it and take a look."
Han Shu, unaware of what was going on, lifted the lid—
Inside was a stack of skateboards.
There are double-kick, longboard, bigboard, smallboard, and even land surfboards.
Han Shu was completely stunned.
Wen Zhiyu coughed lightly, "I didn't know which one you wanted to learn, so I bought one of each. I apologize for my inappropriate wording this afternoon."
Han Shu remained crouched, touched the sandpaper surface that had been glued on, and asked blankly, "Why did you give me a skateboard?"
“You said you wanted to learn before, but your husband disagreed,” Wen Zhiyu said. “You’re right, free time is for doing what you want to do. I shouldn’t disregard your feelings because of my own needs.”
Han Shu slowly straightened up, looking into his eyes, which reflected the lamplight, as if he were looking at the sea in the night sky, sparkling with starlight.
"Just like learning to skateboard, I hope you'll be free to do whatever you want in the future." Wen Zhiyu paused, his gaze drifting back to the suitcase, and frowned as he asked, "Don't you... have a place to stay?"
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