Chapter 35: Girlfriend, Also a Fangirl

When Chen Qiaoqiao took the bus to Wudaokou Station, Xu Yuexin was crouching under the wall with Wang Youle, discussing his plan to open a restaurant.

Xu Yuexin was holding a bag in his hand, which contained the Hunan smoked chicken that Wang Youle had given him.

"Isn't the newspaper emphasizing that practice yields true knowledge?"

Wang Youle held a small twig the length of a chopstick, gesturing on the ground, "I plan to first find a restaurant, become an apprentice to the chef to learn the craft, and also understand how the entire back kitchen operates."

"That way, I can personally control the stove to save costs, and also prevent the restaurant from being swindled by chefs once it grows large."

"What do you think?"

From his childhood friend's words, Xu Yuexin could see that he had done some research on opening a restaurant.

Opening a restaurant, a crucial lesson is managing the chefs; from buying ingredients to firing up the wok, there are countless tricks, and a moment's lapse can turn you into a chef's laborer.

"You've thought it through comprehensively."

Xu Yuexin affirmed, "Have you considered which cuisine to focus on?"

"I plan to learn Tan Family Cuisine."

"I ate it once as a child; it was delicious, and making it could surely bring great wealth."

Wang Youle, a bit excited, tapped the ground with the twig.

Xu Yuexin coldly splashed a bucket of cold water on him.

"How much do you think a table of authentic Tan Family Cuisine would cost?"

"At such a high price, how many people could afford it?"

Xu Yuexin had heard of Tan Family Cuisine; it belongs to Official Cuisine, a very high‑end grade, not a suitable choice for a mass‑market startup.

Only in later times do some upscale Private House Cuisines feature it as a flagship, catering to the Rich Circle.

In this day and age, how many rich people are there on the streets? Wang Youle blinked, silent under the question.

Indeed, some things may be excellent but are too lofty for the masses, and may not be suitable for the market.

"Then what do you think… which cuisine should I learn?"

Wang Youle asked timidly.

The previous question made Wang Youle realize that Xu Yuexin's insights on many matters were far superior to his.

In short, asking Xu Yuexin for advice is the right move.

"Learn Sichuan cuisine. After mastering it, don't open a shop in the city; set up by the roadside and run a driver‑service business."

Xu Yuexin pointed him in the right direction, "I'll teach you another dish."

"Cut a whole chicken into pieces, stir‑fry with potatoes, green peppers, red chilies, and then add belt noodles."

"If you cook it this way, it's guaranteed to be popular."

Wang Youle, hearing the recipe, rested his chin on one hand and thought for a moment.

"Not bad, Old Xu, you actually came up with such an awesome dish."

After some thought, Wang Youle slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Drivers expend a lot of energy behind the wheel, so they'll definitely like this hearty, filling meat dish."

"By the way, what's this dish called?"

"It's called Big Plate Chicken. Learn a few more dishes later and use it as your flagship."

"I'll strive to open the shop within half a year; after that I'll rely on the dish you taught me, Old Xu."

The two childhood friends chatted enthusiastically until Wang Youle's mother called him home to move some things.

Xu Yuexin also planned to turn back home, when a voice from ahead called, "Brother Xin, hurry and help me carry something," from Chen Qiaoqiao.

Xu Yuexin looked up and saw Chen Qiaoqiao wearing a white silk floral dress, carrying two large bags of items toward him.

Under the bright early‑summer sun, Chen Qiaoqiao's face flushed red from the heat, a thin layer of sweat beading on her forehead.

A few strands of hair escaped the main bunch and stuck to her forehead; the way she breathed left Xu Yuexin feeling pained.

"Carrying so many things?"

Xu Yuexin stepped forward, took the bags from Chen Qiaoqiao, and said.

Only then could Chen Qiaoqiao free her hands, pull out a white handkerchief and wipe the fragrant sweat from her forehead.

"I have manuscript paper for your writing, and some floral perfume," Chen Qiaoqiao said with a slight breathy voice.

Xu Yuexin was momentarily dazed by her breathy voice, but quickly returned to reality.

"Go up and speak, have some water."

Xu Yuexin led Chen Qiaoqiao into the Faculty Building and back to his own home.

Everyone at home was at school or work; no one else was in the house.

Xu Yuexin put the items away, fetched a soda and a straw for Chen Qiaoqiao, and after opening the bottle cap, gave her a washed apple.

Chen Qiaoqiao sipped through the straw with cherry‑red lips, taking small sips, her fragrant cheeks slightly puffed, and the redness on her face gradually faded.

"Have you read the June Issue of People's Literature?"

After recovering a bit, Chen Qiaoqiao immediately chatted with Xu Yuexin about the novel, "The novel on the first page is called The Horse Herder, and it's wonderful."

"By the way, the author's name is Chunyu, which is a lot like yours."

Are you sure it's just similar? Could there be a possibility…

"Wait a moment."

Xu Yuexin got up, returned to the bedroom, took out the June Sample Issue that People's Literature had mailed him two days earlier, and placed it on the table in front of Chen Qiaoqiao.

"This is…"

Chen Qiaoqiao noticed that the June Issue Xu Yuexin produced had a different cover from the one she bought, and immediately realized something, "Did People's Literature send this to you?"

"Did you also write The Horse Herder?"

Chen Qiaoqiao was surprised; it hadn't been that long.

To think she could consecutively produce top‑tier works like Flower Wreath Under the High Mountain and The Horse Herder.

Brimming with talent, prolific in creation…

In Qiao Qiao's mind, Xu Yuexin's image has become even more dazzling.

"Smart."

Xu Yuexin patted Qiao Qiao's head and said, deliberately ruffling her silky, smooth black hair, "I'll take you to a ranch to live a lifetime under an assumed name, okay?"

Hehe, as long as it's you, anywhere you go is fine.

"With your talent, if you just write books for me to read every day, I won't feel bored."

Qiao Qiao smiled sweetly, a hint of shyness, and said, "By the way, I want to know, what mood were you in when you wrote this novel?"

Usually, whenever Xu Yuexin messed up Qiao Qiao's hair, she would mildly protest as usual.

But now, admiration for Xu Yuexin and a strong interest in the work outweigh everything else, and Qiao Qiao can't attend to anything else.

"That, it's a long story."

Xu Yuexin said slowly, "A few days ago, I received a Letter from an Educated Youth. He had voluntarily moved his household registration to the countryside back then, and now he can't return."

"In the Letter, he expressed great distress to me."

"I realized after reading the Letter that there are many Educated Youth like him. Many of them are now extremely confused, full of doubt about life."

"I hope they can draw strength from Xu Lingjun, sweat the soil beneath their feet, while extracting nutrients from it, and strive to give back to it."

"That Educated Youth is a reader of People's Literature; I believe that after reading this novel, his mindset will change."

"Absorb, give back…"

Qiao Qiao, hearing those two words, couldn't help but murmur.

Xu Yuexin did not disturb Qiao Qiao, quietly waiting for her to finish thinking.

"I have another question."

After contemplating Xu Yuexin's words, Qiao Qiao asked again, "Setting Xu Lingjun's choice as staying or going abroad—what considerations underlie that?"

"That's a plot arrangement reflecting the changes in our current social situation."

Speaking of that, Xu Lingjun's tone grew deep, "The national borders are opening outward, and the number of people yearning for the dazzling world abroad will increase day by day."

"I think, when someday emigrating permanently or studying abroad without returning becomes an option for many people, especially intellectuals, Xu Lingjun's choice will highlight its social value even more."

(End of chapter)