After the accident at the last architecture competition, Lin Xiaocui wrote an emergency report analyzing that the explosion was caused by high-frequency vibration blasting, and that there was nothing wrong with the building itself. She said that as long as this problem was solved, the design drawings could be turned into a real building.
Originally, the intention was simply to clarify things and salvage Lin Ye and Luo Chunlei's image in the industry. Unexpectedly, an international design company saw the model before it was demolished and took a great liking to it, so they contacted the newspaper.
Lin Xiaocui speaks English and started chatting with a manager in the company named Tom.
“Okay, don’t worry, I can get more photos. If you’re satisfied, I can introduce you to the designer.”
At this time, Lin Xiaocui had no awareness of copyright. Tom said that once the model photos were approved by the higher-ups, a contract would be signed with the designer, so she secretly took many photos for him without Lin Ye's knowledge.
This time, she didn't see Luo Chunlei when she arrived, but she casually asked him about it when she left.
Lin Ye, fearing she might misunderstand, quickly explained:
"Han Xue came to him with two museum tickets, saying there was some kind of exhibition, and Chun Lei went along to learn. Don't misunderstand."
Lin Xiaocui was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this, and quickly clarified:
"Brother, you're so dense. Chunlei and I aren't dating, why are you worried about misunderstandings? It's fine that he can date other girls, isn't it?"
"Huh?" Lin Ye looked up from his work, staring at her blankly.
"Weren't you and Chunlei always very close?"
"We are very close friends, we are childhood sweethearts, but not every pair of childhood sweethearts has to become lovers!"
As Lin Xiaocui spoke, she gave him a look that suggested he was out of touch with reality.
Lin Ye could only shake his head, indicating that he no longer understood today's young people.
After leaving the courtyard, Lin Xiaocui remembered that a teacher wanted to see her, so she turned into Tsinghua University.
This was her first time back since graduating from school, and the beautiful scenery by the lake was still as captivating as ever. She picked up her camera and started taking pictures.
The willow branches drooped low, like the flowing hair of a sleeping beauty. To find a better angle, she stepped onto a rock by the lake.
Just then, a gust of wind blew by, lifting the ends of her hair and obscuring her eyes. She tried to smooth it with her hand, but her foot slipped...
Just as she and her camera were about to fall into the lake, a large hand grabbed her waist and pulled her off the rock.
"Ah~" Before Lin Xiaocui could react, the man had already released her.
She stood still, still shaken, and then realized that the person in front of her was Han Lei.
"How come it's you?" Lin Xiaocui blushed and said with a hint of surprise.
Han Lei's eyes darkened, and he took a step back, saying with a wronged expression:
"Otherwise, who do you think it is? Did you come to the school looking for Chunlei?"
Luo Chunlei is studying architecture, which takes five years to graduate. It's normal for his girlfriend to come to the school to visit him.
Just that one touch, that slender waist in his arms, and he had some wicked thoughts: how wonderful it would be if Lin Xiaocui were his woman.
However, as a teacher, he knew he wouldn't make such a moral mistake.
"Teacher Han, you're joking. I'm here to see you. As for Chunlei, he's just a good friend of mine," Lin Xiaocui replied politely.
In her eyes, Han Lei was Luo Chunlei's teacher, and a rather strict one at that, so she naturally had to be respectful to him.
Han Lei, however, scratched his forehead with his fingers, showing no sign of acting like a teacher, and laughed:
"I'm sorry, I saw you two together before, it was a misunderstanding on my part. You've already graduated, right?"
Han Lei excitedly started the conversation.
At first, Lin Xiaocui responded politely because Han Lei had just saved her.
Gradually, she was drawn in by Han Lei's relaxed words and completely unwinded. The two chatted happily by the lake.
Han Lei, as expected of a teacher, spoke with meticulous logic and a keen understanding of various topics. He seemed very interested in the economic principles Lin Xiaocui mentioned and could even recount many historical anecdotes, making Lin Xiaocui, who studied finance, feel somewhat inferior.
Two hours passed, and the setting sun dyed the lake water orange. Only then did Lin Xiaocui raise her hand to check the time.
"Did I interrupt your trip to see the teacher?" Han Lei said, being very tactful.
Lin Xiaocui quickly denied it: "It's okay, it was just a spur-of-the-moment idea."
It's okay if she doesn't go; she had a pleasant chat with Han Lei and felt very relaxed, unable to stop smiling.
"Gurgle~" Her stomach rumbled at an inopportune moment.
It seems we'll have to meet again someday.
Just as she was about to say she was leaving, Han Lei's eyes lit up, and he said:
"I know a new Western restaurant has opened, and you need foreign exchange certificates to go there. I happen to have some on hand. Would you do me the honor of coming with me?"
Such places are lavishly decorated and mostly frequented by foreigners; most Chinese people would be hesitant to go.
“Great! I’ve never been to a restaurant that only accepts foreign exchange certificates before!” Lin Xiaocui readily agreed.
Han Lei, who had been a little cautious, immediately relaxed.
Lin Xiaocui, like Luo Chunlei, came from the countryside, but she was noticeably more outgoing and lively than him.
I sensed a fearless wildness about her.
Being with her gives me new insights into many things, and makes me feel more vibrant.
The two walked and talked, and arrived at the restaurant entrance twenty minutes later.
They exchanged a smile and a glance, then walked into the restaurant, pretending to be relaxed.
Despite being amazed by the luxurious interior, the two remained outwardly calm.
Guided by the waiter, the two chose a window seat and then casually ordered their food.
Although I was shocked by the price, I pretended to be calm and ordered steak and bread.
After the waiter left, the two looked at each other and chuckled softly.
“Capitalist life is indeed luxurious!” Lin Xiaocui said, sticking out her tongue.
That steak, labeled as 60 grams, cost 20 yuan, and the bread was 2 yuan each.
At the farmers' market, twenty yuan can buy several kilograms of beef.
"The United States became a global superpower by selling these industrial products, making the whole world pay for them," Han Lei whispered.
"There are some things that we are indeed lagging behind in. Take electricity for example. In the West, every household had electricity decades ago. In my hometown, we only got electricity last year, and it is still very unstable with frequent power outages."
Lin Xiaocui said this naturally, without avoiding mentioning these things because she came from the countryside.
Just as a country doesn't need to feel inferior to developed countries, she doesn't need to feel inferior because she doesn't live in a town.
She has moved beyond living a timid life under the wings of others, and has become increasingly strong, able to live openly and honestly.
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