underground love affair
The next day's schedule was a bit rushed. Before seven o'clock, the phone rang. It turned out that the tour guide had asked the hotel to provide a wake-up call service.
Jian Jianan was half-asleep, and before he even opened his eyes, his parents arranged for him to change into a new set of clothes.
The dress had slightly inflated puff sleeves and a white lace collar. Su Qinxuan also braided Jianan's hair and tied a white bow on it, making her look even more youthful and lovely.
As for herself, she was wearing a dress with a very Hong Kong style, with slightly padded shoulders, a slightly large version, and ankle length, but she tied a belt in the middle to show her waistline so that she didn't look bloated.
Jian Jiabei and his father Jian Yangping wore parent-child outfits, all in white shirts and jeans. They were also very fashionable, simple yet not simplistic. The little ingenious cuts on the shirts added a lot of color to the overall look.
The family went out like this, and after breakfast, they got on the bus and waited for other group members who had not boarded the bus.
"Hey, where did you buy these clothes? I wanted to ask you yesterday, but I didn't get the chance. Anyway, you guys looked really good in them yesterday, so I couldn't resist and came to ask you today."
Everyone in the tour group was either rich or noble. The member who was speaking was also from a prominent family. She was the wife of a businessman who came from the north to the south to invest and build a factory. She was wearing clothes that were currently popular in the mainland and had good taste.
"These are all designed by my wife." Su Qinxuan felt very proud after hearing other people's praise. These are all clothes designed and made by Jian Yangping for the family. They are unique and there is no other place like them!
"Oh, really? So that's how it is." Mrs. Chen thought that they were bought from some store. After finding out the name of the store, she also wanted to buy a few pieces. The design was really good and the maker was very careful.
She praised the man profusely: "Your husband's craftsmanship is very good. There is no mistake in cutting these pieces of cloth. He must have learned it from making clothes for children since they were young." Su Qinxuan did not deny it after hearing it. She just sat in her seat and smiled without saying anything. Mrs. Chen thought she was shy.
This conversation caught the attention of the others on the bus. People were simple and honest at this time, especially the group members, who were all in a small space, so it was easy for them to get to know each other. Mrs. Chen was almost finished when the others started talking at once. Some of the more impatient ones even started to feel the fabric of Su Qinxuan's clothes.
"This material is good, it doesn't look like Dacron at all. You can tell it's sweat-absorbent and waterproof just by touching it. It will definitely be very cool to wear in the summer!" This is a professional. You can tell at a glance that like Jian Yangping, he often makes clothes for his children at home.
"I think it's mainly due to the design. When they just came out of the hotel and got on our bus, I thought they had taken the wrong bus. They looked like local Hong Kong people, all very fashionable." This is not to disparage Hong Kong, but the social atmosphere in the mainland and Hong Kong is different, and people like different things. You can easily tell them apart from various aspects when you stand together.
Jian Jianan couldn't help but glance at his father when he heard this. Jian Yangping's skills were now more and more advanced. His face was expressionless, and he showed no emotion when he heard the praise. Jian Jianan couldn't easily find out what he was thinking.
Su Qinxuan also joined the group members' chat. The ladies were all talking about their upcoming itinerary, which good places to go, and which fun places to have. Su Qinxuan had a shopping mission entrusted to her, so she listened carefully and no longer paid attention to what her husband and children were doing.
The first stop today is Fanghua Street, a very busy street full of clothing stores and various snack bars. It is one of the favorite places for locals.
Jian Jianan got out of the car and followed the main group. It was free time again. The streets of Fanghua were filled with fashionable women, all wearing silhouetted suits similar to their mother, Su Qinxuan, or slightly exaggerated dresses with puffed shoulders and puff sleeves. The four of them didn't stand out among the crowd at all; their clothing, their mannerisms, and their demeanor blended seamlessly into the crowd.
From childhood to adulthood, Jian Jianan has heard countless compliments about her family's clothes. Since she started elementary school, girls in her class have expressed envy of the clothes she wears.
The next day, the little girl's parents approached Su Qinxuan to ask for advice on how to make clothes. Of course, it was Jian Yangping who finally asked Su Qinxuan to pass the dress-making tips on to the classmate's parents.
It was only at this time that Jian Jianan began to face up to the matter. The fashion in Shenzhen was different from that in Hong Kong. In the past, people all wore the same uniforms, the same Zhongshan suits, which made them look gray. Especially after get off work, it was very difficult to recognize relatives at a glance among so many people wearing the same clothes.
When they were in Hainan Island, Jian Jianan and his brother would sometimes pick up their father from get off work. There would be a huge crowd of people, and everyone was wearing the same clothes, and the place looked lifeless. If their father hadn't recognized them and waved to them, they would have had to wait for a long time.
But now the times have changed. After the promulgation of the reform and opening-up policy, people's dressing habits have also changed and gradually become bolder. Jian Jianan discovered this year that many young girls and young wives who love beauty have secretly put on beautiful dresses that can show off their body curves.
However, these clothes are still different from those in Hong Kong. The cutting style and fabric material are very different.
For example, while mainland China is still relatively conservative, people are hesitant to wear revealing clothing like camisoles. However, Jian Jianan walked along Fanghua Street for only ten minutes and passed many young women wearing small camisole dresses and tops. Most remarkably, few people paid them any attention, as if these outfits were normal and commonplace.
Moreover, the colors are also rich, Jian Jianan observed. Unlike the fabrics they often use to make clothes, which are only dark colors such as blue, black, and white.
The people here don't care about being low-key and reserved when it comes to dressing. They show their youth and vitality. There is no color that they don't wear, red, blue, black, white, purple, and green.
Jian Jianan was almost dazzled by the sight, and when she turned around, she found that her father was just as fascinated as she was, even more so. Jian Yangping stared at the clothes others were wearing. Each piece of clothing, of which he could only see the two-dimensional surface, became three-dimensional in his mind and was disassembled into a 3D cutting diagram.
He had never known there were so many ways to tailor. He must write them down carefully and then go home to make them for his wife and daughter, he thought happily.
Jian Yangping had an outstanding memory when he was a technician. In addition, he had been making clothes for more than ten years, so he had a thorough understanding of the techniques. He could tell how the clothes were cut after just a few glances.
Father and daughter strolled slowly back and forth, looking around. Mother Su Qinxuan and brother Jian Jiabei hurried forward, having to slow down and wait for them. The street was packed with shops, and Su Qinxuan was naturally anxious to complete the shopping errands entrusted to her. Brother Jian Jiabei was simply eager to visit the sports equipment store ahead; he had always been interested in these sports-related items. Jian Jianan and his father suppressed their thoughts and hurried forward, following their mother.
But the clothes they saw left a deep impression on them.
The next day's schedule was very tight and rushed. Jian Jianan felt like a special forces soldier in training. After a day, he was almost exhausted.
The tour guide's itinerary was actually very reasonable, but with so many places to visit and so close together, they spent almost the entire day walking around.
By the time we had dinner in the evening, it was only seven o'clock, and Jian Jianan's eyelids were about to fight each other shut.
Cai Chengyu and Jian Jianan had been glued to each other today, and seeing her like this, she couldn't help but laugh. She first reached out to feel the temperature on Jian Jianan's forehead, confirming that she didn't have a fever or other symptoms of discomfort, and then teased her, "Nannan, what's wrong with you? It's only seven o'clock in the evening, and you're so tired? Do you still want to go out and play later?"
Before going to bed yesterday, my parents said that we had some free time on the schedule for tonight, and they would go out for a walk around the hotel after dinner, which would be a good opportunity to visit Victoria Park which we didn’t go to yesterday.
Jian Jianan's eyes were vacant, staring at a certain point in the void, unable to focus, and he muttered, "No, I'm not going, this is too tiring..."
His brother Jian Jiabei said sarcastically, "Are you tired already? I didn't even walk that many steps. Don't you spend most of your time in the car? How come you can't even walk this short distance? I think you should exercise more when you get home. How about this, when we get home, I'll take you with me on my morning run every day!"
Jian Jianan immediately recovered to full health. With his last bit of strength, he suddenly jumped up and pushed Jian Jiabei: "Brother, please don't hurt me. I didn't offend you today!"
Jian Jiabei laughed: "Why, if you haven't offended me, I can't say anything about you? Then I haven't offended you in normal times, so why do you always target me?"
Jian Jianan wanted to say something, but his brother had already been called away by his parents to help, so he didn't say anything and continued to sit in the back with sister Cai Chengyu in a daze.
They are now in a restaurant, not a food stall, but an elegantly decorated restaurant similar to the Nanbei Hotel. This is also a classic Cantonese restaurant with a great reputation in Hong Kong. After all, the one-day group consists of tourists from Guangdong, and the tour guide is worried that they will not be accustomed to other cuisines, so most of the group dishes arranged are light-flavored Cantonese dishes.
At this time, most people were busy in the front. Some were greeting and socializing, some were chatting with the restaurant staff, and some went directly to the lobby in front of the restaurant to look at the signature dishes, thinking about what delicious food they would taste later.
Jian Jianan and Cai Chengyu were sitting at the back, away from the crowd. Cai Chengyu originally wanted to chat with Jian Jianan. Although she had only been with this little girl for less than two days, she had been deeply attracted to Jian Jianan. She felt that this little girl was innocent, cute and knowledgeable, and it was always a pleasure to talk to her.
But now seeing that Jian Jianan was so tired that her eyes were about to close, if she didn't have to eat later, she would have exhausted all her strength and lay down on the chair to rest with her eyes closed. Cai Chengyu thought about it and decided not to disturb her. He sat there in silence with Jian Jianan, just looking into the distance with sweet eyes, not knowing what he was thinking.
But unexpectedly, what Jian Jianan said next shocked both of them at the same time.
"Are you and Gao Liuqi secretly dating?"
As soon as we got on the bus today, the tour guide asked all the group members to introduce themselves. Jian Jianan has an excellent memory and he was able to match everyone's name with their face after just one hearing. Gao Liuqi and Gao Chunlai, mother and son, each have their own characteristics and left a deep impression on Jian Jianan.
Cai Chengyu had never expected Jian Jianan to say this, and was so frightened that she almost stuttered, "You, you, you, you, what are you talking about? Why, why do you feel this way?"
Jian Jianan was also frightened by herself. She had originally made up her mind to go through the eight-day journey peacefully, not wanting to add to the turmoil. But perhaps because she was too tired, her defenses had dropped, and out of curiosity and with the person involved right next to her, she blurted out the answer.
After being disturbed by this, Jian Jianan lost her sleepiness. She woke up a little and said helplessly: "I'm sorry, I was wrong. You can ignore what I said above."
Unexpectedly, Cai Chengyu stuttered for a while, as if he had finally made up his mind, and then he told the truth frankly: "Yes, that's right, I am indeed in a private relationship with him."
Jian Jianan wanted to cover his ears. Oh my God, is this something I can hear? Please don’t tell me, I don’t want to get involved in your affairs!
But she didn't expect that the speed at which she covered her ears was not as fast as Cai Chengyu's speed at speaking. Cai Chengyu glanced around to make sure that no one was nearby and could hear them, and then he told Jian Jianan completely frankly: "Gao Liuqi is actually a very nice person. He and I went to the same high school and were in the same class. We were in the same class almost from elementary school to high school. I didn't have any feelings for him before, but after entering high school, I suddenly found that he had quite some advantages, and then..."
She felt embarrassed, and Jian Jianan knew what she hadn't finished saying, "And then you two started dating."
Cai Chengyu nodded shyly. Even if she was very natural and open with Jian Jianan during the day, she still felt a little embarrassed when talking about love.
Jian Jianan continued to ask: "But, but how could you..."
Cai Chengyu naturally asked, "How could it be that? How could they be in love?"
Jian Jianan nodded. He really didn't understand how these two people could get together. Cai Chengyu's mother Cai Duoyan and Gao Liuqi's mother Gao Chunlai were obviously a pair of enemies. Even though he was just a member who happened to be in the same tour group with them, he could clearly see this fact in less than two days.
If Gao Chunlai and Cai Duoyan were in the same space, no, they don't even need to be in the same space, but just stood a little close, they would have a quarrel. Then at this time, their children would need to persuade each other's mothers to calm down again and again, so as to put an end to the quarrel, as if the two people were born with incompatible auras.
How could the children of these two arch-enemies fall in love with each other? Jian Jianan suddenly thought of a world-famous novel, "Romeo and Juliet". Although Cai Chengyu and Gao Liuqi's situations were not as serious as Romeo and Juliet, the situations of the two couples were quite similar.
Cai Chengyu couldn't answer this question either. It seemed like she had never thought about it before. After a moment of contemplation, she said to Jian Jianan solemnly, "Actually, I don't know why, but if I could find a reason, it wouldn't be considered love. Love has no reason."
Jian Jianan actually agrees with this point of view. Love comes from nowhere, but it is deep and lasting. Not everything in the world needs a reason. Love is the thing that needs the least reason.
Jian Jianan thought about it and decided to persuade Cai Chengyu, "Have you thought about it? Your mother and his mother are in such a situation. What if your affair is exposed one day? Have you thought about what to do in the future?"
Cai Chengyu shook his head in a nonchalant manner. "I haven't thought about it yet. Let's take it one step at a time. If water comes, we can block it with earth. If soldiers come, we can fight them with soldiers. Are we just going to wait here and drown? I'm afraid I can't change the way my mother and his mother are. But Gao Liuqi and I can make some changes. Whether it's persuading the two mothers to be more open-minded and solve the problem from within, or solving it privately from the outside, no matter what, as long as the two of us are willing to be together after the college entrance examination, no matter how many difficulties there are, I will solve them with him."
Cai Chengyu knew the situation of her own mother and her boyfriend's mother. Ever since she started dating Gao Liuqi, she never dared to tell anyone else about their relationship, for fear that if one of them was accidentally exposed, it might even trigger a world war.
But Jian Jianan is different. First of all, she is a stranger to Cai Duoyan. They only travel together for a short eight days because of an opportunity. After these eight days, no one knows where Jian Jianan will go. The two of them will be scattered in two different corners of the world by then. She doesn't have to worry that they will tell this matter if they meet.
Moreover, looking at Jian Jianan's personality, Cai Chengyu felt that she was not the kind of person who talked too much. So, Cai Chengyu, who had not confided in anyone for a long time, told Jian Jianan the whole story of her relationship with Gao Liuqi.
Jian Jianan was a qualified listener. She nodded as she listened and gave her own reactions from time to time.
"So that's how it is?"
"So, you two knew each other when you were very young, but there was never any chemistry between you. You only decided to date after you grew up?"
"It sounds like it would be wonderful."
Jian Jianan felt that Cai Chengyu was the perfect girl. She was open and courageous in love, and she told everything to her friend whom she had only known for a few days. However, seeing her new friend smiling sweetly, Jian Jianan was inexplicably worried that Gao Liuqi was not worthy of her love.
Gao Liuqi stayed with Gao Chunlai all day long, looking submissive. He did whatever his mother said, and Jian Jianan had no doubt about it. If Gao Chunlai wanted to go east, Gao Liuqi would definitely not go west.
Cai Chengyu had just said he was willing to overcome all odds and work hard behind the scenes for their relationship, but what about Gao Liuqi? Given Gao Liuqi's cowardly nature and his refusal to disobey his mother, if their affair was exposed, would Gao Liuqi still be willing to work hard for Cai Chengyu? Wouldn't he even dare to think about resisting Gao Chun?
But listening to Cai Chengyu chattering about the sweet moments when they met, Jian Jianan thought about it and didn't say it out loud. She buried her worries deep in her heart and just hoped that there would be no trouble during the eight-day journey, and that Gao Liuqi would be worthy of Cai Chengyu's love.
Cai Chengyu talked about his happy things for a while, and when he saw that Jian Jianan hadn't spoken for a long time, he said embarrassedly, "Look at me, I've been talking about my own things all the time and haven't paid attention to your situation. You might not want to listen. I'm really sorry. I don't usually have anyone to confide in, so I caught you and told you everything."
Jian Jianan smiled and said, "No, I'm not unwilling to listen. On the contrary, I find it quite interesting to listen to these things." This was a world she had never been exposed to before. Listening to Cai Chengyu's stories was very novel and allowed her to see a corner of the world.
But Jian Jianan was very curious. Cai Chengyu and Gao Liuqi were now in their second year of high school and would be their third year in the second half of the year. How did they find the time to date?
You have to know that she is only in the first year of high school, but she feels overwhelmed. She has to balance her studies with all the matters of the North-South Group every day. She wishes she could learn the art of splitting herself into two, so that one person can study in school and the other can follow her mother and listen to her instructions.
Cai Chengyu and Gao Liuqi are studying in a very famous old high school in Guangzhou. In such an environment, the learning tasks must be more difficult, and the prevention of premature love must be stricter. Cai Chengyu and Gao Liuqi can actually secretly date in such a high-pressure environment. They are really talented in some aspects.
After hearing Jian Jianan's sentimental words, Cai Chengyu suddenly burst out laughing: "Hahaha! What are you thinking about! We are in a relationship, but we are not stuck together all day long. We also have our own studies and lives!"
She smiled sweetly, as if she had thought of something good. "Just an accidental glance, or a casual word, are all secret codes that only the two of us know. I'm very satisfied with this, and my spiritual world is very fulfilled." She glanced at Jian Jianan, "You're still young, you don't understand this!"
Jian Jianan's head was filled with black lines. Yes, she is still young, but what you said is so mysterious. What do you mean by "satisfied with just one look"? It's normal that she doesn't understand!
Cai Chengyu finally asked the question that concerned him the most: "By the way, you haven't told me yet, how did you know that Gao Liuqi and I were in a relationship? We both thought we hid it very well, so how did you find out?"
Jian Jianan laughed. "Sister, you finally remembered to ask the most important question, right?" It was obvious that she had been holding back her feelings for too long and was eager to find someone to confide in.
Jian Jianan had an expression that indicated that the secret could not be revealed, and he refused to tell her.
"Just tell me! Nannannannan, just tell me! Knowing yourself and your enemy will ensure victory in every battle. Tell me where you made a mistake so I can remedy it in time and avoid exposing myself in the future."
He is truly a top student. He reviews every incident after it happens and tries to do better and better. If he applies this spirit to his studies, he will definitely be able to get into a good university!
Finally, under Cai Chengyu's repeated questioning, Jian Jianan said honestly: "Your eyes, expressions, and movements are actually quite obvious."
Cai Chengyu became even more interested after hearing this, and hurriedly urged Jian Jianan to continue: "And then what, then what, go on! The eyes? The expression? It sounds magical!" She has always been careful to keep a distance from Gao Liuqi, so as not to be seen in front of outsiders. Who knew that Jian Jianan would find out the secret that the two of them had been hiding in just two days?
Jian Jianan explained to her in detail: "It's like this. I actually noticed that you two were deliberately avoiding direct contact. You often acted as if you didn't know each other. If one of you accidentally made eye contact and there was someone else nearby, you would quickly avoid their gaze."
Cai Chengyu nodded, they were indeed like that.
Jian Jianan continued, "But, doing this will only make things more obvious. Your mothers might not be aware of what you're doing and think it's just a disgusting act of dislike for each other. However, other people who are farther away can see it."
"For example, I saw it more than once on the bus yesterday. You exchanged glances with Gao Liuqi and then quickly looked away. But not only didn't you show any disgust, you actually lowered your head and smiled. And Gao Liuqi, he was quite far away, so I couldn't see his expression clearly, but he immediately turned his head to look out the window. Was he also secretly smiling?"
There was an aura between the young couple that no one else had, and Jian Jianan was keenly aware of this aura.
It’s hard to describe what it is, but it’s sticky and once you enter it, it feels like you’ve entered a little world that belongs to them.
Oh, it’s really too disgusting to watch.
Cai Chengyu seemed to be thinking about something: "It seems that the secret was revealed by the eyes. I have to find a chance to talk to Gao Liuqi about this problem. This loophole must be plugged in time. It is not too late to mend the fold before the sheep are lost." She clenched her fist and hurried to see where Gao Liuqi was.
Jian Jianan was extremely helpless. She had realized that although Cai Chengyu appeared calm and self-aware in front of outsiders, she was actually an impatient person who would do whatever she thought of.
Jian Jianan quickly turned her face back and said, "I haven't finished yet! Sister Xiaoyu, don't be so anxious. Besides your eyes and expressions, if you want to hide this matter, you should also pay attention to your own little movements."
"For example, just now at lunch, you almost fell, and Gao Liuqi subconsciously walked over to you from such a distance to help you up."
Jian Jianan originally thought that after hearing what he said, Cai Chengyu would be a little flustered and try to reduce these little movements, but unexpectedly, Cai Chengyu smiled and looked very proud: "So that's how it is, then he does care about me."
She looks like a girl who is simply blinded by love. Although she is a top student, she seems to be no different from an ordinary person when it comes to love.
Jian Jianan thought about it again and again and finally advised her: "I think Sister Xiaoyu, you should prepare in advance, otherwise it will be difficult to deal with it without preparation when the truth is revealed. No matter how well you hide it, there is still a chance of being discovered. At least from now on, you and Gao Liuqi should think about the possibilities of the future."
Cai Chengyu didn't care at all. She waved her hand nonchalantly and said, "Hey, it's okay. I don't really like him. I was just playing around. And we kept it a secret so well, how could we be discovered?"
In her opinion, there will always be a way out when the time comes, and she will deal with it when the time comes.
But she really didn't expect that she had kept it secret so well, and she happened to meet Jian Jianan, who had such good observation and associative abilities.
Cai Chengyu looked at Jian Jianan with interest. "If I remember correctly, you're only in the first year of high school, about a year younger than me. Yet, your observation skills are several times better than mine. How did you develop that ability?"
Jian Jianan said modestly, "Because of my family, I'm exposed to some business matters on a daily basis. My parents taught me by example, and I learned it over time. It's not a skill that's worth mentioning."
Cai Chengyu immediately retorted, "Why can't I be praised? I think this skill is amazing. You're so accurate in judging people and situations. When you're out in society, you'll be able to do things with accuracy. If a bad guy shows up around you, you'll definitely be the first to know!"
Cai Chengyu knew a little about Jian Jianan's family situation. Su Qinxuan and Jian Yangping were relatively low-key. They didn't often appear in public, nor did they publicize how famous and outstanding they were as a couple.
But the businesses under their names, including the Nanbei Hotel, which was owned by the Nanbei Group, and the Jinhuiju Teahouses spread throughout Guangdong Province, were very famous. All they had to do to introduce themselves to others was, "This is the owner of Jinhuiju."
The family will suddenly realize, "So it's you! No wonder, I often go to your teahouse for dinner, and I have to say your food is just perfect!"
Everyone has a general understanding of the family situations of the members of the First Group. We don’t know the more detailed information, but we have a general idea of where they work and what kind of work they are engaged in.
Therefore, Cai Chengyu knew the situation of Jian Jianan's family. Thinking of this, Cai Chengyu poked Jian Jianan's shoulder and asked him softly, "Are you going to take over the family business in the future? What about your brother? What about him?"
Cai Chengyu is an only child and does not have this worry, but it is not uncommon for uncles and aunts around her to have several children. Sometimes she can hear her mother talking about several children fighting for the family property. She just saw that Jian Jianan and his brother seemed to have a good relationship, so she was a little worried about how the two of them would get along in the future.
Jian Jianan chuckled and said with a smile, "My brother doesn't have such an idea at all! It would be better if he had such an idea. He devotes himself to physical exercise and various simple sports. I'm a little used to him taking so much time out for exercise every day. How can his academic performance be so good? It must be that his skills are a little off!"
Cai Chengyu felt relieved when he heard this, "That's good, that's good!"
While the two were chatting, Su Qinxuan called out, "Dinner is ready! Two beautiful ladies!"
Jian Jianan agreed happily: "We'll be there right away!" She and Cai Chengyu looked at each other and laughed together.
Jian Jianan thought to himself that it was really pleasant to chat with Sister Xiaoyu, and he really hoped that her secret love affair would have a good ending.
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