Chapter 218: Heavenly Fairy Mother, Soft All Over

"Mm‑hm, you know this place well, just take me straight there."

In Heavenly Fairy Mother's eyes, anyone willing to spend effort hunting down waltz records must be an expert.

"Which kind of record are you looking for?"

Xu Yuexin led Heavenly Fairy Mother along the roadside stalls deeper inside and asked, "Classical music or pop music?"

"Classical, I want to try choreographing with classical music."

Heavenly Fairy Mother said.

"Alright, got it."

Xu Yuexin kept leading Heavenly Fairy Mother further in, passing by stalls of all kinds.

Panjiayuan's vendors sold everything: everyday secondhand goods, old items, records, old books…

Some even sold animal bones.

As they walked deeper, Heavenly Fairy Mother's eyes were drawn to the assorted goods, some overwhelming to behold.

When she saw a huge animal skull at the neighboring stall, she couldn't help but exclaim.

"What a huge head."

"Is this an elephant's head?"

Xu Yuexin followed her gaze and indeed saw a skull on the ground as big as a small table—calling it spectacular would be an understatement.

"Let's go."

Xu Yuexin took Heavenly Fairy Mother's jade hand and said, "Aren't we still supposed to buy records?"

Heavenly Fairy Mother had intended to linger, but after he took her hand she left reluctantly, glancing back a few times at the massive skull.

"What animal is this, anyway? It's so big."

"Fake."

Xu Yuexin, seeing they were already far, lowered his voice and said, "It must be glued together."

"Huh?"

Heavenly Fairy Mother widened her eyes in surprise.

Fake animal bones—this stuff is nothing if not commonplace.

No matter how realistic the fake is, as long as it can deceive people, it's fine.

Even if it doesn't fool anyone, it's okay; the cost of faking is low, just the price of glue.

After a while, Xu Yuexin brought Heavenly Fairy Mother to the stall where he had bought records last time and asked the stall owner what records were available.

"We have everything like 'Blue Danube,' 'Voices of Spring,' 'Heroic Symphony,' etc.; which one do you want?"

"Give me a copy of 'Blue Danube,' 'Adriana by the Water's Edge,' and 'Swan Lake.'"

Xu Yuexin rattled off the list of names.

"Alright, that's nine coins in total."

The stall owner picked up the three records, wrapped them in cloth and asked, "Anything else you want?"

He was accustomed to Xu Yuexin's practiced dealings.

Meanwhile, several customers nearby who were browsing records turned to look at Xu Yuexin, their gazes lingering on him for a moment.

These days, being able to name so many classical pieces in one go—what an expert.

"Do you have any songs you want to hear?"

Xu Yuexin looked at Heavenly Fairy Mother and said.

"One more, please, 'Moonlight Sonata.'"

Heavenly Fairy Mother said after careful thought.

Records aren't cheap; each costs three coins.

She has to spend on the pieces she wants to hear most.

"Okay, four records, twelve coins."

The stall owner rummaged through the pile of records that resembled a small mountain, finally selecting one to hand to Xu Yuexin.

"I'll pay."

Heavenly Fairy Mother quickly pulled banknotes from her pocket and handed them to the stall owner.

Seeing this, Xu Yuexin didn't rush to pay; he simply placed the records into his Shoulder Bag and packed them.

"You don't have a phonograph there, do you?"

After packing the records, Xu Yuexin asked Heavenly Fairy Mother.

"No, I'll check with my friends behind me to see who has one at home; then I'll bring the records and use her machine."

"That's mutual help, I suppose."

Heavenly Fairy Mother shook her head and said.

"Can't we just listen at my place?"

Xu Yuexin replied as if nonchalant.

"But I have to go back later."

Heavenly Fairy Mother reminded him, then laughed, "Do I have to take the train every week to Jing and come to your house just to listen to music?"

"Who said you have to go back?"

"I've already found you a suitable job; why would you go back?"

Xu Yuexin said with a faint air of dominance.

Huh? Heavenly Fairy Mother froze in place, replaying Xu Yuexin's words in her mind.

He actually… found a job for himself in the art field, where positions are extremely scarce? Heavenly Fairy Mother was struck by overwhelming happiness, her heart pounding wildly.

Really? Thank you so much.

Which unit is it?

Tian Xianma said gratefully, then asked cautiously.

Tian Xianma thought that the job Xu Yuexin found for her should be in a suburban area like Tong County or Changping.

Because she knew that jobs in the urban area were indeed too hard to find.

"It's at the place where you're currently furthering your studies, the Jingcheng Dance Academy."

Xu Yuexin said briskly, "From now on you'll be an Assistant Teacher for Assistant Professor Liu."

Tian Xianma was once again struck by happiness.

Heavens, it's such a good unit as a Dance Academy!

One should know that the place has a strong dance atmosphere, the school's vibe is very upward‑moving, and it's a place she has dreamed of going to.

Tian Xianma could hardly believe that one day her beautiful dream could actually come true.

"Don't just stand there; remember to bring the documents tomorrow and report to Assistant Professor Liu."

Xu Yuexin patted Tian Xianma's shoulder and said, "This time I asked Assistant Professor Liu to find you a job, so later remember to respect him."

"Mm‑mm, don't worry, I've always respected her."

Tian Xianma quickly replied, "Should I go thank her again later?"

"No need; you just need to be diligent in your post later, and the assistant teacher duties are plenty."

Xu Yuexin said, "Only by doing the current tasks well can there be a chance for further development."

"Alright, I will work hard."

"Thank you for doing me a great favor."

"If it weren't for you, I couldn't stay in Jingcheng."

Tian Xianma thanked Xu Yuexin again, a hint of embarrassment in her beautiful eyes.

"Fine, let's go back and listen to some music."

Xu Yuexin nodded and walked with Tian Xianma toward Guogongfu.

On the way, the two passed a high‑end fashion boutique.

Tian Xianma suggested they go in for a look, and she picked out a finely crafted shirt for him, as well as a tie.

"You're tall and broad‑shouldered; you'll definitely look good in this shirt."

Tian Xianma held the shirt up in front of Xu Yuexin and gestured, "Go try it on quickly."

"By the way, don't forget the tie."

When Xu Yuexin walked toward the fitting room with the shirt, Tian Xianma slipped the tie into his hand.

"No need, I usually don't wear a tie."

Xu Yuexin returned the tie to her, took the shirt, and entered the fitting room.

A short while later, he emerged from inside wearing the brand‑new shirt and looked at himself in the mirror.

"I was right, it looks so dashing,"

Tian Xianma stared earnestly at Xu Yuexin in the mirror, her face slightly flushed as she praised him.

After speaking, she took twenty yuan from her Shoulder Bag and handed it to the clerk.

"Sorry to make you spend money."

When they left the shop, Xu Yuexin said to Tian Xianma,

"Just a small token."

Tian Xianma gazed at Xu Yuexin a bit dreamily, shook her head and said,

Xu Yuexin was already tall and well‑built, and in this shirt he looked exceedingly handsome, radiating heroic vigor.

Tian Xianma's eyes now barely left his figure.

"Really want to thank me?"

"Then give me a kiss."

Xu Yuexin walked along the road, slightly raising the corner of his mouth as he said to the Tian Xianma beside him,

Tian Xianma was startled, quickly looked around, and after realizing no one had heard, she exhaled a sigh and her delicate face flushed.

"Don't speak carelessly; we're out in public."

Oh... so it's okay at home, right?

Xu Yuexin again reached a corporate‑level understanding, flashing a knowing smile.

Back at Guogongfu, Xu Yuexin led the red‑lacquered gate, clasping Tian Xianma's shoulder with both hands.

"You just said we were out in public."

"Now you can kiss me."

"..."

Tian Xianma hadn't expected him to still be thinking of that, and she was instantly mortified.

"Then you... close your eyes."

Tian Xianma thought for a moment and said,

Xu Yuexin nodded and closed his eyes as Tian Xianma instructed.

At that moment, he clearly felt a warm breath drawing close to him.

Soon, Xu Yuexin's cheek sensed two soft, moist touches.

When Xu Yuexin opened his eyes, he saw Tian Xianma's face flushed bright red, shyly turning her head to the side.

"All kissed, let's go listen to a record."

Tian Xianma said in a voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz.

She never could have dreamed that she would one day take the initiative to kiss Xu Yuexin!

"That's you kissing me; I haven't kissed you yet."

Xu Yuexin said without any discussion.

After speaking, he lifted his large hand to support Tian Xianma's chin, forcing her to turn her face toward him.

Then, Xu Yuexin pressed his lips to Tian Xianma's cherry lips…

"Ah…"

Tian Xianma hadn't had time to push Xu Yuexin away, and he firmly seized her mouth, leaving her only able to emit a muffled sound.

Xu Yuexin's large hand slipped down from Tian Xianma's shoulder, and, through her sheer dress and flesh‑colored stockings, began to gently caress her rounded hips.

"A dancer's body… the feel is just wonderful!" Xu Yuexin sighed with unusual pleasure as his hand roamed.

…

After a long while, Xu Yuexin finally ended the embrace and assault on Tian Xianma, releasing her.

Tian Xianma flushed and panted for a moment before calming down.

"Next time, no kissing in the courtyard."

Still feeling the lingering heat on her face, Tian Xianma lodged a complaint to Xu Yuexin.

But before she could finish, she fell into embarrassment herself, stammering, "It's just… too embarrassing!"

"A wall that high—what's there to fear?"

Xu Yuexin placed his hand on Tian Xianma's shoulder and said, "Go listen to the record quickly."

"Hmm…"

Tian Xianma covered her burning cheek with her hand and, following Xu Yuexin, walked toward the main courtyard.

Entering the bedroom, Xu Yuexin, just as last time, set the record, connected the Phonograph Power Supply, and sat beside Tian Xianma to listen attentively to the music.

This time, he played "Adina by the Water's Edge".

Soon, the room filled with calm, graceful, and soothing music.

Tian Xianma listened earnestly, and, just like before, soon became completely absorbed.

Xu Yuexin, however, remained relatively unaffected, not too immersed.

Because back in high school before his transmigration, the school bell was the climax of "Adina by the Water's Edge"...

That made Xu Yuexin reminisce a bit about his senior year.

Soon the piece ended, yet Tian Xianma remained immersed in the music, unable to reflect for a long time. "I feel this piece seems to be trying to express something," she said.

She gazed at Xu Yuexin with a dreamy look and asked, "What kind of story do you think lies behind this?"

Ha, ask that? That's the moment for him to show off his flair.

Xu Yuexin turned to Tian Xianma, feeling a spark of joy inside.

"'Adina by the Water's Edge' is a 1976 piece that tells a Greek myth," he said.

Xu Yuexin spoke at length, narrating to Tian Xianma, "In ancient Greece there was a king who loved carving; one day he sculpted a beautiful maiden statue."

"Because the statue was too perfect, the king fell in love with his own creation after finishing it."

"Consequently, he lost appetite and sleep, hoping the maiden statue could become a real person."

"The king's sincere feelings eventually moved the God of Love."

"The God of Love granted the statue life, turning her into a true beautiful maiden, and they lived happily together."

"So that's how it is,"

Tian Xianma listened intently beside him, and when Xu Yuexin finished, she nodded and said, "How romantic."

"By the way, how did you know the background of this story?"

"I read books; I usually enjoy some cutting‑edge literary magazines."

Xu Yuexin wore a scholarly expression and said, though he wouldn't admit to Tian Xianma that he actually learned it from short videos before his transmigration.

His tactic worked well; Tian Xianma immediately showed admiration.

"I see, where do you keep those magazines? I'd like to read them too."

Xu Yuexin felt a sudden thump in his chest at the question.

"Those books are at my parents' place, not at my own home."

"Oh, okay, next time you go there, could you bring some back for me?"

Tian Xianma took him at his word and continued to make requests.

These days, there aren't many books on the market introducing foreign literature.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to emulate Xu Yuexin, Tian Xianma made such a request.

Fortunately, Xu Yuexin's mental fortitude remained strong, showing no abnormality.

"You want to read them, right? Fine, I'll bring the books back next time."

Xu Yuexin answered in one breath, "Let's change the song."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin went up to swap the record, still classical music.

Tian Xianma, beside him, listened entranced, her gaze fixed on the phonograph.

Until the piece ended, Tian Xianma rose reluctantly, her expression still seeming to savor it.

A moment later, she finally looked at Xu Yuexin.

"I have to go back and prepare my personal information; I have to report tomorrow."

Xu Yuexin swiftly pulled Tian Xianma's graceful body into his arms.

"One more kiss before you go."

Annoying.

Tian Xianma first turned her face away shyly, then unexpectedly leaned back in and gave Xu Yuexin a peck on the cheek, "Alright, can you let me go now?"

No, you have to kiss me back.

After saying that, Xu Yuexin kissed Tian Xianma's cherry lips again, and his large hand slipped into her skirt, repeatedly sliding along her beautiful legs tightly wrapped in flesh‑colored stockings…

Only after making Tian Xianma once again limp and soft all over did Xu Yuexin finally stop.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll come to the school to find you."

"I'll accompany you to check in together."

Xu Yuexin released Tian Xianma, smoothed out her wrinkled hem and collar, and said to her.

"Hmm… my dorm is in Building 6."

Tian Xianma breathed lightly, her voice soft.

After Xu Yuexin's recent teasing, Tian Xianma really didn't have the strength to speak now.

The next morning, Xu Yuexin arrived at the foot of Tian Xianma's dormitory building and went with her to the female Assistant Professor's office.

In the early morning Dance Academy, girls who had risen early for classes and practice could be seen everywhere.

One after another, youthful, beautiful bodies passed by Xu Yuexin, making his eyes unable to take it all in.

Ahem, can't stare indiscriminately.

In front of Tian Xianma, one must maintain the image of a gentleman.

After glancing sideways at a tall passing girl, Xu Yuexin thought to himself.

"Where did my eyes go?"

Just as he was about to withdraw his gaze, Tian Xianma gave a dissatisfied reminder and launched a reprimand at Xu Yuexin.

"Ouch…"

Xu Yuexin's arm was tightly squeezed by her, and he let out a gasp of pain.

"I only glanced."

Xu Yuexin, with a look of grievance, defended himself.

"Right, each glance counts."

Tian Xianma huffed angrily.

Alright, this time I'm caught by her.

The two continued toward the administration building, and when they reached the front of the female Assistant Professor's office, they happened to catch her opening the door.

"Hey, why did you come in person?"

"I happened to be free, so I came along with Xiaoli."

"Hello, teacher, have you had breakfast…"

The three greeted each other warmly and friendly.

After a short while, Tian Xianma finished the paperwork and was about to stay in the office to work, when the female Assistant Professor spoke up.

"Your further study hasn't finished yet; go attend class first, and if there's no class, take a rest."

"It's not too late to take a post after your further study ends."

"It's fine, I rested yesterday."

Tian Xianma quickly replied.

Being new, diligence is more important than anything.

"Really, no need; I haven't had much to do here lately."

The female Assistant Professor insisted, saying she must grant Tian Xianma a day off.

"If you have anything, feel free to find me anytime."

Seeing this, Tian Xianma could only say.

Of course, before leaving, she still helped the female Assistant Professor tidy up the lesson plans, then left the office to chase after the already‑departed Xu Yuexin.

"Why aren't you working over there?"

Xu Yuexin had already reached the academy entrance when he saw Tian Xianma catch up, a bit surprised.

"The teacher insists I finish my further‑study period before taking a post."

"I couldn't argue with her, so I had to agree."

"She does look after you, though."

"She can't leave without giving you a heads‑up beforehand."

Tian Xianma smiled faintly.

The further‑study courses are finished, so these past few days Tian Xianma doesn't need to attend class or work.

Xu Yuexin, as in the previous two days, continued taking her home to listen to the gramophone.

After a few days, the two had listened through all the records.

At this point, it was time for Tian Xianma to report to her unit.

Guogongfu is far from the Dance Academy, and as a Temporary Worker, Tian Xianma hasn't been assigned a dorm, so she needs to rent a place near the school.

When Tian Xianma calculated the rent, her brows immediately knit.

As a Temporary Worker, she earns 30 yuan a month, while a single room near the school now rents for 10 yuan a month.

Considering daily food expenses, plus occasional shoes, a skirt, and so on…

"Hmm, financially I can't say I'm just a little short; I can only say it's completely insufficient."

Xu Yuexin and Tian Xianma talked about life after work, and seeing her worried expression, he roughly guessed the reason.

"It's that you don't have enough money, right."

"Uh, I saved some money from my previous job, I can still manage."

"But that would be living off old savings."

"How about this: I'm planning to buy a house near your school, and then it can be for you to live in."

"Huh? Buying a house? That would be a huge expense."

Tian Xianma quickly waved her hand and said, "You really don't need to spend so much on me."

"Ha, the house is ultimately still under my name, so it can't be called spending for you."

Xu Yuexin reassured Tian Xianma, "Alright, it's settled. You don't have to rush to rent; once I find a good house and buy it, you can move in directly."

Buying a house in Haiding would give Tian Xianma a place to settle, and it could appreciate, which for Xu Yuexin is a pleasure he can't refuse.

……

The next day, Xu Yuexin took Tian Xianma with him to look at houses around Haiding Wanshou.

In later times, this area became a piece of land worth a fortune, and the Jingcheng Dance Academy was right there.

Of course, at present, the Wanshou area still seemed desolate; apart from various schools and the Jia Su Yuan, there were no other facilities.

After arriving, Xu Yuexin went straight to a guard at the Jia Su Yuan and handed him a cigarette.

"Hey buddy, may I ask if anyone here is selling a house?"

"Selling a house? No, all the houses here are public property. If you want to buy, you can ask across the street; they still have a few private houses."

"Got it, thanks."

Xu Yuexin nodded and walked in the direction the guard pointed.

Tian Xianma followed him closely and asked him a question.

"How much do the houses here cost?"

"I don't know, who cares."

Xu Yuexin, unfazed, headed straight to the Jia Su Yuan entrance on the opposite side of the road.

"Kid, I heard everything you said over there."

This time, before he could speak, the Security Officer at the gate pavilion proactively asked, "You're looking to buy a house, right?"

"Exactly, does anyone here have a house for sale?"

While speaking, Xu Yuexin handed him a big front gate.

"There are two units, both private houses."

The Security Officer took the cigarette and tucked it behind his ear.

Nowadays, Jia Su Yuan houses come from two sources: one built after the liberation, all public housing.

The other built before the liberation, with some units never renovated, still retaining private ownership.

For example, the Sha Zhu family in the Affection‑Full Four‑Courtyard House are private houses, because they lived there before the liberation.

Correspondingly, the Yi Zhonghai family is most likely public housing, as he probably received it through his steel‑mill worker status.

"Alright, could you take me to see them?"

Xu Yuexin asked, then handed the Security Officer a pack of cigarettes.

The Security Officer nodded and took the cigarettes.

"No problem, but we'll have to wait until after the noon shift."

"Okay, I'll come find you at noon."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin left the Jia Su Yuan with Tian Xianma, planning to return at noon.

From East Second Ring to Wanshou is a stretch of road; he didn't intend to go all the way back again.

The two went to the Dance Academy library and sat for a while; Tian Xianma read inside, while Xu Yuexin watched the girls coming and going.

The girls at the Dance Academy truly have no shortcomings.

Not just their looks and figures, but the poise and temperament cultivated by years of dance make them unforgettable at a glance.

Near noon, the two ate lunch in the cafeteria and then went to the Jia Su Yuan to view houses.

Arriving at the Jia Su Yuan gate, Xu Yuexin saw the Security Officer waiting for him.

"Go up, these two units have occupants year‑round."

The Security Officer spoke to Xu Yuexin and Tian Xianma, and they entered the Jia Su Yuan together.

It was a row of pre‑founding western‑style villas, currently inhabited by leaders of nearby state‑owned factories and senior university scholars.

Because the residents are prominent, the Jia Su Yuan is well maintained: stone‑paved roads, shady trees, and even the small fountain after the gate are kept in excellent condition.

Each house's windows are fitted with the latest fashionable, expensive blue glass, giving a very cosmopolitan feel.

Seeing the house before her, Tian Xianma felt a sudden shock in her heart.

The price here must be very high, right? (End of chapter)