Chapter 71: The First Shopping Adventure
Watching Dragon brother walk away, Hu Yu Ying took a deep breath and then slowly got up from the grassy lawn.
Gave her b*tt a quick pat, stretched a lazy stretch into the bright sunshine, and oh, the joy! Everything looked so cheerful when she was in this mood.
And just then.
Her mobile phone in her pocket chimed.
She glanced at the caller ID—her deskmate Wang Rui. She answered the call and heard Wang Rui’s anxious voice: “Qing Xue, what’s wrong with you?”
Wow, isn’t that a weird question!
You called me, so shouldn’t you be the one asking if I’m okay? Shouldn’t it be you calling me because you have a problem?
So she asked, “I’m fine, what’s up?”
“Fine?” Wang Rui’s voice sounded a bit doubtful but she still went on, “High Quan just called me, said you were upset, even secretly crying, and asked me to comfort you.”
“What? Why would I be upset? And do I look like someone who secretly cries?” Qing Xue was speechless.
This isn’t the first time either: “High Quan must be crazy, right?”
“I don’t know,” Wang Rui honestly replied. “From what High Quan said, it seems like Ye Liang Chen told him.”
“From now on, I’m not answering their calls anymore. So annoying,” Qing Xue grumbled in annoyance.
After what happened last night, Qing Xue had finally managed to get her mood back on track. But now, remembering it all, her feelings started to get stirred up again—couldn’t shake it off easily.
No choice. Such things, they’re really hard to put down. For a while at least, she wouldn’t be able to relax about it.
Then she recounted last night’s events to Wang Rui again. Wang Rui was shocked upon hearing it, probably thinking, “This is next level.”
Because they’re in the same class.
Wang Rui knew that Ye Liang Chen’s recent exam scores took a nosedive, but she never expected Ye Liang Chen to blame it on Qing Xue being in love…
And Qing Xue? She wasn’t even dating anyone—her desk partner. They’ve been practically inseparable at school—if Qing Xue had a boyfriend, wouldn’t she have known?
Deciding immediately, Qing Xue resolutely vowed: no more answering High Quan’s calls.
……
Back home, Dragon Bro took a shower and changed into fresh clothes.
He had promised Hu Yu Ying that today he’d take her to enjoy some delicious food and have a fun shopping spree. Gotta look good for dates with girls, after all.
Glancing at the clock, Hu Yu Ying remembered she finished her part-time job right at noon yesterday.
Just in time for lunch.
Without hesitation, Dragon Bro headed out early.
Before leaving, he stopped at the bank to withdraw some cash.
Lately, based on the insights he gained from reading novels, he wasn’t earning much big money, but steady small amounts added up.
His wallet was pretty thick.
“Just gotta keep going, wait till graduation—get a smartphone then.”
Looking at the bank withdrawal notification on his keypad phone, Dragon Bro muttered silently.
Now we’re in the internet age, but people still aren’t big on mobile payments yet.
Soon, with the development of the network era, mobile payment will be the trend.
A smartphone is essential.
Pouch secured, Dragon Bro headed toward Nan Feng Plaza.
Meanwhile, on the fourth floor of Nan Feng Plaza’s restroom.
Hu Yu Ying had finished her part-time job an hour early.
She hadn’t forgotten today’s plan—to go shopping and eat with Dragon Bro.
So she wrapped up early, giving herself some time to get ready.
She’d never really prepared herself before. Not because she was lazy, but because there was no need.
Before meeting Dragon Bro, her life had been pretty dull.
School, home, Saturday morning part-time work, then back home in the afternoon, and in the evening heading to the vegetable market.
The evening market had many vegetables on discount, so it was cheap.
But today was different. It was Dragon Bro’s first invite—so, she wanted to freshen herself up…
Last night she washed her old canvas sneakers that hadn’t been worn in a long time, and changed into some rarely-worn clothes. They still looked simple, but way better than the uniform everyone was tired of.
Looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, Hu Yu Ying took a deep breath, nervously adjusted her outfit, then stepped out of the bathroom and headed outside.
Stepping into the sunlight, she squinted slightly, raising her head to block out the warm yet dazzling rays.
She took out her phone, looking at Dragon Bro’s penguin profile, wanting to contact him but unsure how to start.
Not long after, some kids chased each other inside the mall, laughing and playing.
Passing by Hu Yu Ying, one kid wobbled—she hurried forward: “Slow down.”
Instantly quick-witted, he didn’t fall, but was caught by the other kids.
They all giggled and went chasing others again.
Watching the children’s playful antics, Hu Yu Ying couldn’t help but smile too. When she was in the village before, she often played with her friends—tag, blind man’s bluff, hide-and-seek.
Seeing the kids run farther and farther, Hu Yu Ying prepared to go back into the building’s shadow and wait for Dragon Bro.
But just as she took a step, she suddenly felt something was off under her foot.
She looked down, hurriedly squatted to check her shoe.
The sole was peeling, and as she walked, it separated from the heel…
“Oh no, what do I do now?”
“Hu Yu Ying.” A voice called from behind her.
She quickly stood up and turned around.
Dragon Bro was dressed in a white short sleeve shirt and black casual pants, looking so handsome and confident.
“Dragon… Dragon Bro,” Hu Yu Ying called shyly, glancing at her shoe. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she didn’t dare move.
Watching Dragon Bro walking over, Hu Yu Ying tightly clenched her clothes with trembling hands, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Are you hot? Want to go inside the mall to cool off?” Seeing her face flushed red, Dragon Bro said both amused and concerned.
Hu Yu Ying shook her head quickly, actually not feeling that hot…
Dragon Bro pushed open the mall curtain, glanced back at Hu Yu Ying: “Come on, what are you standing there like a half-wit for?”
“Oh.” Hu Yu Ying pursed her lips, silently wiping her shoe on the ground, slowly moving beside him.
Then she looked up at Dragon Bro, but found him inspecting her foot. Awkwardly, she turned sideways, not daring to let him see.
Clutching her clothes tightly, suddenly feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable, her face turning red again, she softly whispered: “Dragon Bro, I… I don’t want to shop anymore today.”
Her voice was so quiet, like a feather brushing past her ear, hearable only in silence.
Looking down, it was obvious Dragon Bro was quite interested. If she said that, she was worried it might spoil his mood. But, but…
Hu Yu Ying felt embarrassed for the first time, especially in front of Dragon Bro. She didn’t want him to see her vulnerable side…
