Chapter 141: Da Yizi

After listening to his son's opinion, Xu Qiang rested his hand on his chin, thought seriously for a moment, and nodded.

"You're right; this really is a hidden risk."

"When next spring arrives and this year's Reward is distributed, we can make a fuss about it."

After his son went to university, his horizons indeed expanded.

He can pinpoint the crux of problems and also has foresight.

Xu Qiang thought to himself as he spoke.

……

The New Year progressed step by step, and soon it was New Year's Eve, the thirtieth day.

Xu Yuexin, early in the morning, put up the couplets together with his father, then went with his daughter‑in‑law to Da Yizi's house to make the New Year's Eve dinner for her.

He thought that if he didn't step in, Da Yizi might end up eating plain boiled noodles with clear water on New Year's Eve.

Chen Qiaoqiao was cooking in the kitchen, while Xu Yuexin and Da Yizi selected vegetables together in the living room.

"When the new year comes, I still have to go to Xiangjiang once."

Xu Yuexin sat on a small stool, peeled a cabbage, and said to Da Yizi in front of him, "Come with me."

The 20‑times short position on the yen is still hanging in Xiangjiang; even though the settlement date hasn't arrived, he still has to go check the situation.

"What about Qiaoqiao?"

Da Yizi asked.

"She must be busy with school matters, so she might not have time."

Xu Yuexin replied, "Better if you come with me."

Da Yizi understood Xu Yuexin's meaning, blushed, and said nothing.

If they continue to pair up, the two will truly be indistinguishable from a married couple.

"You should still persuade her; let's try to go together, the three of us."

After repeated hesitation, Da Yizi said,

"I've already tried."

Xu Yuexin said calmly, and peeled another cabbage.

Near noon, the two prepared lunch and the New Year's Eve dinner for Da Yizi, then returned to Keyuan Community.

The whole family sat together around the table and finished lunch.

When the evening New Year's Eve dinner arrived, Xu Yuexin took out a bottle of red wine he had brought back from Xiangjiang, opened it, and drank it together with his parents, daughter‑in‑law, and sister.

……

On the morning of the first day of the new year, the Xu Family set out together, planning to go out for a walk.

"How about we invite your sister?"

Before departure, Xu Yuexin suggested to Chen Qiaoqiao,

During the big holiday, leaving Da Yizi alone would be too pitiful.

"Yeah, she would probably feel lonely by herself."

Chen Qiaoqiao agreed.

"You wait a moment."

After reaching agreement with his daughter‑in‑law, Xu Yuexin said to his parents who were at the doorway, then turned and walked into the bedroom with his daughter‑in‑law to call Da Yizi.

"Sister, Xin Ge, my parents‑in‑law and I plan to go around Wangfujing as a family; come with us."

"Ah? I haven't gotten up yet."

"No problem, just get up quickly; we'll meet at the Wangfujing subway station."

Chen Qiaoqiao said, then hung up.

"Let's go."

Xu Yuexin said, and left the bedroom with his daughter‑in‑law, informing his parents that Da Yizi wanted to come along to shop.

"Qiaoqiao sister is coming? Great, more people, more fun."

Wu Yan welcomed, "Where shall we meet?"

"First go to Wangfujing, then I'll wait for her at the subway exit."

Xu Yuexin made the arrangement, saying.

"Alright, it's up to you. You're tall and big, not easy to get pushed aside."

Wu Yan said with a smile.

Xu Yuexin understood why his mother said that.

These days there's no online shopping; Wangfujing on the first day of the new year is bound to be a sea of people, and if you're not careful you could disappear in the crowd.

He is the only one in the family who has the ability to go forward without sticking to the group.

The family set out from Keyuan Community, took a vehicle to Wangfujing, and by then the streets were already bustling with crowds.

It's still this generation that gets up early; on holidays in later eras, before nine o'clock the streets are practically empty.

"We're going to Baihuo Dalou; when you get Qiaoqiao, remember to look for us there."

Wu Yan instructed.

Nowadays, whenever Jingcity people mention the department store, they must be referring to this North Beijing department store in Wangfujing, so no further explanation is needed.

"Got it, Mom."

Xu Yuexin nodded, split from his family, and plunged into the crowd, heading toward the subway station.

The street was truly packed! Xu Yuexin, thanks to his tall and big stature, managed to carve a path through the crowd and reach the subway entrance.

Normally it would take five minutes to walk there, but today it took at least twenty minutes.

He waited a while at the subway entrance and saw Da Yizi walking up from below.

Da Yizi today wore a beige cashmere Coat, had little deer‑skin short boots that Xu Yuexin bought for her, a genuine leather Shoulder Bag on her shoulder, and was dressed with great quality, highlighting her tall figure and noble aura.

"Why did you think of taking the subway?"

After meeting Da Yizi, Xu Yuexin asked.

"I was afraid the bus would get stuck outside Wangfujing, so I thought of taking the subway."

Da Yizi said, "What about you, why did you think of inviting me to come together?"

"This is not to let you be lonely."

"Calling you out to make things lively."

"Thank you."

Da Yizi slightly curled her lips and said, "During the New Year, you still thought of me."

"All 365 days of the year, there's not a day I don't think of you."

"Cheeky, don't let anyone hear."

"They're shopping at Baihuo Dalou, they can't hear."

"Let's go to Baihuo Dalou right away, stay close to me."

After Xu Yuexin finished speaking, he started clearing the way ahead, and Da Yizi followed closely, staying step by step with him.

After a moment, the two arrived at Baihuo Dalou; at the entrance, a massive crowd flowing in and out collided like a river mouth meeting the sea.

When entering, Xu Yuexin kept Da Yizi protected behind him, ensuring no one could push her.

Walking into Baihuo Dalou, Xu Yuexin and Da Yizi met their parents on the third floor.

"Uncle and aunt, hello."

"Hey, hello."

"This young lady is really handsome."

Wu Yan, seeing Chen Yixue, immediately greeted enthusiastically, "Let's go, let's look at clothes."

Compared with the entrance, the interior of Baihuo Dalou was more spacious, not as crowded, allowing the family to stroll leisurely between the counters and shop for clothes.

Wu Yan bought Xu Yanran a spring trench Coat, chose a skirt for Qiao Qiao, and bought a sweater for Xu Yuexin.

"Mom, I'll pay."

When it came time to pay, Xu Yuexin stepped forward without hesitation and took out cash from his pocket.

"Let me pay then."

Xu Yuexin took out his wallet, counted the money, and said, "You already buy enough things for the family."

"It's fine, Dad, you can pay later."

Xu Yuexin insisted, handing the money to the clerk.

After receiving change, Wu Yan planned to buy a rice cooker for the family, because she heard this thing cooks rice especially well.

The family walked to the appliance section, where Wu Yan selected two rice cookers.

"There's no rice cooker over there, right?"

Wu Yan asked Xu Yuexin.

"Not yet; we'll buy one ourselves in a couple of days."

"We can buy it together."

"Old man, go pay."

Fine, that's how Xu Yuexin and Qiao Qiao received New Year's gifts from their parents.

A brand‑new rice cooker.

While browsing, Qiao Qiao and Xu Yanran and Chen Yixue, the three girls, bought some more miscellaneous items.

Qiao Qiao bought a bag of hair clips each for her sister and sister‑in‑law, and Chen Yixue bought two headbands to give to her and Xu Yanran.

Xu Yanran also wanted to give a return gift, but Qiao Qiao declined, "You're still in school; let's talk about it later."

"Sister‑in‑law, you're also in school."

Xu Yanran's childish words made everyone laugh.

"You have me as sister‑in‑law."

Xu Yuexin smiled, took Qiao Qiao's hand, and said to his younger sister, "Try the headband and see if it fits?"

Xu Yanran, following her brother's suggestion, put on the headband, and it was indeed quite cute.

After shopping, the group returned to their home in Keyuan Community, ate snacks while chatting, and let Chen Yixue stay for lunch.

After the meal, Xu Yuexin rode a bike to take Da Yizi back to Unity Lake, and the two watched TV together.

"Let's sit a while longer?"

When the TV program ended and Xu Yuexin was about to leave, Da Yizi volunteered, saying,

Da Yizi volunteered to stay behind?

This is the first time ever.

Xu Yuexin thought to himself.

(End of chapter)