Chapter 174: Heavenly Mother's Defensive Line Shakes

"I have winter clothes."

Heavenly Mother gestured repeatedly, "You should buy one for yourself."

A 200‑yuan piece of clothing, she still hasn't repaid the favor.

"No need to be courteous."

Xu Yuexin said, then turned to the clerk, "One large size for the men's style, and one medium size for the women's style."

Based on his observation, Heavenly Mother belongs to the tall and slender type, so a medium should fit.

Heavenly Mother wanted to stop, but the sales assistant had already brought the down jacket over, and Xu Yuexin had already paid.

These days state‑run stores don't have a return policy; once you pay, you can't send it back.

Heavenly Mother had to take the down jacket and found its feel unexpectedly light.

These days people get through winter mostly by wearing cotton padded coats; those with means will buy a Coat.

And the down jacket in her hands, whether compared to a cotton coat or a military Coat, is much lighter in weight.

No wonder it's a down jacket; in the hand it's as light as a feather.

Heavenly Mother thought, "I'll put the down jacket on and test the effect."

And indeed it's warm, far better than a cotton coat.

Truly you get what you pay for; a 200‑yuan piece of clothing feels different when worn.

"Look, how nice it is."

Xu Yuexin smoothed the clothing for Heavenly Mother, pointed at her in the mirror and said, "You still won't take it."

Just as he imagined, after putting on the down jacket, Heavenly Mother's face appeared even more delicate, her figure even taller, looking more refined than before.

Moreover, the down jacket is white; on Heavenly Mother it makes her face look pale and translucent, her aura floating like a celestial being.

Hearing his voice, Heavenly Mother also looked toward the mirror.

This down jacket outfit is indeed attractive, far better than a big cotton coat.

Heavenly Mother thought, just the fact that the down jacket was bought by Xu Yuexin at a high price makes her feel very embarrassed.

After Xu Yuexin also tried the down jacket, when the two walked toward another counter, Heavenly Mother insisted on buying him a high‑grade cashmere sweater and a finely‑crafted kid‑skin belt.

Carrying big and small bags, the two left the Baihuo Dalou at noon.

Xu Yuexin treated Heavenly Mother to a meal at Lao Mo, then they rode a motorcycle home together.

"Put the stuff inside."

Before getting on, Xu Yuexin opened the trunk and said to Heavenly Mother.

Heavenly Mother didn't think much, put the bag containing the down jacket and the high‑heel shoe box inside, tidied it neatly, then closed the trunk.

"Let's go."

After settling firmly on the rear seat, Heavenly Mother said to Xu Yuexin.

"Rumble—!"

Xu Yuexin floored the throttle, and the Harley motorcycle shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

Accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, the Harley is worth owning!

Heavenly Mother was originally holding the rear seat with a hand to stay steady; when the acceleration hit, she hurriedly clutched Xu Yuexin to avoid falling.

Feeling Heavenly Mother's embrace and the pressure of her graceful figure pressed against his back, Xu Yuexin smiled inwardly.

He originally had Heavenly Mother put the items in the trunk to get this experience now.

Of course, Xu Yuexin was still a bit unsatisfied; after merging onto Er Huan Lu, he revved again, pushing the speed to the limit.

Amid the exhaust's roar, a gale slammed into them; the Heavenly Mother on the rear seat was frightened pale, instantly hugging him tighter.

"Slow down."

Heavenly Mother, bracing against the wind, whispered to Xu Yuexin, "I'm a little scared."

"It's fine, we'll be there soon."

Xu Yuexin, outwardly soothing, said.

"Drive slower?"

"Joke."

If he slowed, how could he enjoy the benefit of Heavenly Mother's tight embrace from behind.

A moment later, the two arrived at the gate of Guogongfu, and Xu Yuexin reluctantly got out of the vehicle.

After parking, Xu Yuexin and Heavenly Mother walked toward the room she lives in, intending to sit inside for a while.

The room Xu Yuexin assigned to Heavenly Mother was the largest side room in Zhongyuan, about 30 square meters.

The room was originally used to store some temporarily unneeded furniture and clutter; Xu Yuexin tidied it up before Heavenly Mother arrived.

As for the tidied state... it can only be described as so‑so, just enough for a person to stand inside.

However, when Heavenly Mother took out the key and opened the door, Xu Yuexin's eyes lit up instantly.

The previously somewhat messy room was arranged neatly by her, even the tabletop was wiped spotless.

It seems Heavenly Mother is a woman who loves cleanliness and values tidiness.

Xu Yuexin mused.

Inside the room, Xu Yuexin and Heavenly Mother together placed the down jacket and high‑heels into her suitcase.

"What time is tomorrow's train ticket?"

After finishing the chores, Xu Yuexin sat on the bedside and asked Heavenly Mother.

"In the morning."

Heavenly Mother also sat down, but not next to Xu Yuexin; instead she kept a distance.

"I'll take you there."

"No… no need, it's too close."

Tian Xianma's eyes flickered away; she was still lost in the series of events that happened with Xu Yuexin this morning and hadn't come to her senses.

Before setting out, Tian Xianma never imagined she would end up like this with Xu Yuexin.

First they held hands, then embraced, then Xu Yuexin kissed her cheek, and finally she even initiated an embrace with Xu Yuexin…

Tian Xianma felt very shy about it, and her mind was a mess.

"There's too much luggage."

Xu Yuexin said, "You can't handle it all by yourself."

"Don't end up like when you came, losing luggage again."

Tian Xianma glanced at the big and small bundles on the ground and fell silent for a moment.

Two suitcases and two large parcels—one girl really can't carry them all.

Most of them were clothes and supplies that Xu Yuexin had bought for her.

"Then… I'll trouble you with it."

After hesitating for a moment, Tian Xianma said, then added, "I'm leaving; you should live well from now on."

"As long as you don't mess around, you'll be very happy."

"No need to trouble you with worries."

Xu Yuexin chuckled, "I know how I should live."

"When you come to Jingcheng later, remember to tell me."

Tian Xianma gave Xu Yuexin a troubled glance: judging by his demeanor, he seemed unwilling to separate from her.

That really is difficult.

Tian Xianma sighed silently.

"You bought me so many things; I'll write you an IOU."

After a moment of resolve, Tian Xianma furrowed her brows and said, "All together it should be 450 yuan, right?"

"How much is your annual salary?"

Xu Yuexin didn't answer immediately, but asked back.

"It's also 450. Rest assured, I'll save up and pay it back slowly."

Tian Xianma said firmly.

"Don't, don't starve yourself thin trying to save money."

Xu Yuexin placed his large hand over Tian Xianma's and said, "That would hurt my heart."

"Then you don't need to worry about it."

"Why shouldn't I take care of it? We've already kissed; I have to be responsible for you."

Xu Yuexin chuckled, "We should be responsible young men, right?"

"If you're truly responsible, you shouldn't do those…"

Tian Xianma looked at him plaintively and said, "Isn't normal interaction fine?"

She tried to dissuade Xu Yuexin, but hearing that seemed to energize him.

"You're beautiful and have a good figure; I'm tall and well‑shaped, so when we're together something should happen—that's normal."

"If nothing happens, that would be abnormal, right?"

"Don't speak recklessly."

Tian Xianma's face flushed, and she quickly stopped him.

He could be so brazenly self‑righteous.

Tian Xianma thought gloomily, feeling even more vexed and confused.

"Sigh, think whatever you want."

Tian Xianma sighed, cast her melancholy gaze out the window, and said, "Anyway, I'm returning to Wuhan tomorrow."

"If you don't want to write an IOU, that's okay; I know your family is here, so I'll just mail you money each month to your address."

"Don't, the mailing fees are expensive, and buying stamps also costs money."

Xu Yuexin smiled and stopped her, "If you truly want to repay, just wait until the next time you come to Jingcheng and hand it to me in person."

Since Tian Xianma insists on repaying, let's go along with her for now.

It's a good excuse to create another meeting.

"I might not know when I'll come next time."

Tian Xianma shook her head and said.

"It could also be that I go to Wuhan, haha."

Xu Yuexin said, "Give me your address, and I'll come find you then."

"You're still in university; there shouldn't be any reason to go to Wuhan, right?"

"Just to have fun, is that not okay?"

Xu Yuexin let out a long sigh, relaxed, and said, "The heavens and earth are vast; I can roam as I please."

"Alright."

Tian Xianma said, "Our opera house is in Jiang'an Qu, right next to Shi Er Zhong, easy to find."

"Hmm, are you from Wuhan?"

"No, I'm from the Northeast."

Tian Xianma replied honestly, "I was later assigned to Wuhan."

"I see."

"Do you miss home?"

"I do. But my hometown is so far away that I might not even be able to go back once a year."

"By the way, are you from Jingcheng?"

"No, my parents' generation moved here."

"Oh… I heard from your wife that your father is a senior intellectual?"

While the two were chatting, Tian Xianma unintentionally revealed a subconscious interest in Xu Yuexin.

"Hmm, he used to be a professor at Qinghua, then was transferred elsewhere."

"A professor at Qinghua? Impressive."

"Don't they usually live in this courtyard?"

"Well, generally it's just my wife and me living here."

"Your parents really dote on you…"

Tian Xianma said with a sigh.

The big courtyard of the Four Halls Layout covers, roughly, more than two mu.

They let Xu Yuexin and his wife live here directly, while the old couple don't live here.

"My parents do indeed dote on me, but I bought the house myself."

Xu Yuexin said calmly, "I just bought it last year."

"You bought it yourself? That must have cost a lot."

Tian Xianma slightly widened her beautiful eyes and said.

"To have bought a house at such a young age, that's really something."

"I just don't know what he earned so much money from."

"Hmm, it cost several hundred thousand." "That expensive…"

Tian Xianma praised, "But the money was well spent; living here is truly comfortable."

Tian Xianma was sincere; a courtyard as spacious, exquisitely decorated, and antique as this is practically a paradise on earth for its residents.

At the same time, Tian Xianma really wants to know what industry Xu Yuexin works in, to afford such a large courtyard.

However, the politeness and cultivation ingrained in her bones tell her she shouldn't casually inquire about others' means of making money.

"Living comfortably, right? I'll keep a room for you."

"Please feel free to stay often in the future."

Xu Yuexin wrapped his arm around Tian Xianma's fragrant shoulder.

Tian Xianma quickly pushed him away: "Stop it, this is your home."

Tian Xianma had been in a daze, admiring Xu Yuexin's ability, until now she became slightly clear‑headed.

"As long as it's not my home, that's fine, right?"

"That won't do either."

Tian Xianma shook her head firmly, "I will remember your kindness, but we truly cannot develop further."

Xu Yuexin gave a slight smile, did not continue to embrace, but met her beautiful eyes with his own.

"Girls in your troupe spend a lot on expenses."

"Is that so?"

Xu Yuexin asked with a hint.

"Hmm, yes, what's up?"

Tian Xianma admitted.

The girls in the troupe burn money; that's an undisputed fact.

Like the girls in their troupe, many would rather save on food than buy beautiful dresses and shoes.

When they first start working, everyone basically spends their monthly salary, and later they either rely on climbing ranks for higher pay or marry a well‑off husband to support consumption.

"I can see you have feelings for me, and I can afford your expenses."

Xu Yuexin said openly, "As long as it's something you can imagine, I can afford it, and I'm willing to pay for you."

"So you shouldn't avoid it."

This…

"Does he always speak so directly?" Tian Xianma was at a loss, not knowing how to answer.

"We have no emotional foundation…"

Tian Xianma tried to argue, "And we're too far apart, unrealistic."

No emotional foundation?

Hehe, doesn't that mean…

Xu Yuexin raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled lightly.

"Fine, you admit you have feelings for me, just haven't spent enough time together."

"As for distance, that's never been an issue. With money and affection, even mountains and seas can be leveled."

"Besides, who knows if you'll come here later?"

Xu Yuexin's eyes held a smile, but his tone was very serious.

Before the reform and opening up, there was basically no concept of resigning or job‑hopping domestically; only inter‑department transfers within public institutions, which were very difficult.

In recent years, the situation has changed. Some bold people, when unable to secure a transfer, resign from their original posts and jump to another unit.

Beijing and Shanghai, the two big cities, have since begun to siphon talent from across the nation.

For example, a few years later the actors of the Dream of Red Mansions troupe, most of them chose to stay in Jingcheng after filming ended to seek development opportunities.

First‑rate dancers like Tian Xianma also have many who stay in Jingcheng. Moreover, she is originally from Northeast, so coming to Jingcheng is closer to home.

"You said coming to Jingcheng..."

Hearing Xu Yuexin's words, Tian Xianma fell into contemplation.

If it is for performances or tourism that she comes to Jingcheng, then she truly does not know when the next time will be.

But if it is to switch jobs for personal development, then it's hard to say.

During the days she has stayed in Jingcheng, Tian Xianma indeed realized that the number of artistic groups here is far larger, offering more opportunities to exchange and improve with peers, which is very beneficial for personal development.

Should she seek an opportunity to come to Jingcheng...?

Tian Xianma is a bit indecisive.

The Song and Dance Theater where Tian Xianma currently works has been quite good to her; after less than two years on the job, they exceptionally assigned her a house.

Although it's only a ten‑something square‑meter single room, even that is something many colleagues cannot envy.

According to regulations, once she leaves the unit, the house must be returned, which is a considerable loss.

Moreover, she heard that many units in Jingcheng are overcrowded, housing is insufficient, and even solving dormitory issues is difficult.

Even if the unit can be resolved, a bad situation would still force her to rent a place herself.

So, truly leaving a place where one has taken root and drifting in Jingcheng like floating duckweed?

After much weighing, Tian Xianma still cannot decide.

During this time, Xu Yuexin observed all of Tian Xianma's thoughtful expressions and could probably guess what she was thinking.

"After you return to Wuhan, I will have time to come see you."

"Whenever you want to develop here, just let me know."

"Rest assured, as long as you come over, you won't have to worry about housing or anything; I will take care of it for you."

Xu Yuexin said bluntly, "In any case, the living conditions will only be better than they were in Wuhan."

"You just need to focus on developing your career."

Hearing Xu Yuexin's words, Tian Xianma felt a sudden thump in her heart.

Even though she knows she shouldn't accept Xu Yuexin's favors, her heart feels warm at this moment.

"Whether I come or not, we'll talk about it later."

Tian Xianma, with a wavering expression, said, then turned her face again to avoid Xu Yuexin's gaze.

Knowing how to balance tension and relaxation, Xu Yuexin did not press her.

"Take your time to think; when you have an answer, send me a Telegram."

"Anyway, I can always prepare the conditions for you on my side."

Xu Yuexin said in a gentle tone.

Tian Xianma is an elegant white swan.

Pressuring her too tightly will only scare her away.

Seeing Xu Yuexin's stance, Tian Xianma's previously tense emotions gradually eased.

Why has he become unhurried now?

Perhaps he truly cares for me, rather than simply wanting to possess me?

Tian Xianma guessed, and even began to feel embarrassed about her earlier overcautiousness.

As a dancer, Tian Xianma is very persistent in pursuing her career.

To devote more time to dance practice, Tian Xianma can forgo romance and avoid anything that might distract her.

If Xu Yuexin can truly provide her with superior conditions, allowing her to devote herself wholly to her career.

Then, for her, it would indeed be a highly tempting option.

Tian Xianma thought hesitantly, a look of confusion appearing in her eyes.

"Lili, don't think so much for now."

At that moment, Xu Yuexin's sentence pulled Tian Xianma back to reality, "Let's talk about something else."

"Mm-hmm, okay."

Tian Xianma, who had been racking her brain, immediately nodded upon hearing it, "Shall we talk about your school matters?"

"At school I just attend classes and hardly take part in activities."

"And you? Which dance school did you graduate from?"

"I... I have been learning at the Song and Dance Theater since childhood, never attended a dance school."

Tian Xianma said apologetically.

"I see, then your talent is great, surpassing so many formally trained peers."

"Not really... actually I also wish to study at a professional dance institute, otherwise my theoretical knowledge and literacy would soon hit a bottleneck..."

Tian Xianma said with regret.

"You want to enter a dance institute to study, right? Fine, I've recorded Tian Xianma's wish."

Xu Yuexin thought to himself upon hearing it.

The next morning, Xu Yuexin escorted Tian Xianma to the train station, carrying her luggage all the way to the platform.

After the train departed, Xu Yuexin and Tian Xianma waved goodbye, their eyes filled with reluctance.

"See you later."

"Hmm... see you later."

After a brief hesitation, Tian Xianma solemnly nodded.

The train puffed thick smoke, carrying Xu Yuexin's longing southward.

When the train's tail vanished on the rails at the horizon's end, Xu Yuexin left the platform, stepping into the morning light to return home.

In the bedroom of the Guogong Mansion Main Hall, Xu Yuexin opened a drawer and took out a stack of small slips of paper.

These were business cards he had received when he was awarded by People's Literature, and among them were many famous figures from the Jingcheng literary and art circles.

Xu Yuexin wanted to see if there were any teachers from the dance world, hoping to find a learning opportunity for Tian Xianma.

One, two…

He kept picking up business cards and putting them aside.

Finally, when he turned to the middle, Xu Yuexin found a business card from a Jingcheng Dance Academy teacher.

The female teacher is an Assistant Professor at the Dance Academy, and Xu Yuexin still retains an impression of her.

In his impression she is a kind and amiable female comrade; perhaps after chatting with her, he could secure an opportunity for Tian Xianma.

Xu Yuexin thought, and wrote a Letter to her using the address on the business card, expressing hope for a chance to visit.

Soon, Xu Yuexin received a reply Letter from the female Assistant Professor, who gladly agreed.

What would be best to bring to someone's house…

After reading the reply, Xu Yuexin pondered.

After some thought, his gaze finally settled on the bookshelf.

He decided to bring a complete set of his own works, signing his name and a dedication in each volume.

That's far better than giving food or drink as a gift.

Xu Yuexin made his decision, taking several books off the shelf one after another, contemplating the dedication text.

…

A few days later, Xu Yuexin rode a motorcycle to Haiding District Wanshou Road.

This is the address of the Jingcheng Dance Academy, and the female Assistant Professor lives in the Jia Su Yuan near the school.

When he arrived at the Jia Su Yuan, Xu Yuexin opened the trunk, lifted a large stack of books, and reported his name to the guard who opened the door.

The female Assistant Professor had evidently informed the guard in advance, so he was not asked to register and was allowed in.

Arriving at the female Assistant Professor's door, Xu Yuexin knocked, and the door opened quickly.

"Hey, hello, comrade Yuexin, come in, have a seat…"

The female Assistant Professor was very warm to Xu Yuexin, inviting him in, then pouring tea, then offering candies, each bite a masterpiece.

Xu Yuexin felt embarrassed by her enthusiasm.

"These are the complete collection of my works, which I bring today; I hope you won't mock them."

"What a hefty gift."

The female Assistant Professor's mouth twitched upward as she said, picking up one of the books and opening its cover.

"And a signature?"

Seeing Xu Yuexin's name on the cover, the female Assistant Professor smiled brightly, "Thank you so much, I've always wanted a book with your own handwritten signature."

"Today that dream is fulfilled."

"Not that much, not that much."

Xu Yuexin modestly waved his hand and began to explain his purpose to the female Assistant Professor, "I'm here today to trouble you, mainly to ask you about something."

"Go ahead, don't be too formal."

"May I ask what your Dance Academy's admission policy is?"

"Oh… you're asking about admissions."

The female Assistant Professor set the book down, nodded seriously, and fell into contemplation.

Upon hearing Xu Yuexin's question, the female Assistant Professor understood that he surely had an acquaintance who wanted to enter the Jingcheng Dance Academy to study, so he came to her to ask if there was a way in.

Xu Yuexin, seeing the female Assistant Professor not answer, was not anxious, leaned back on the chair and waited quietly for her reply.

(End of Chapter)