Chapter 6: Qiao Qiao

"Next time you have something heavy, tell me, and I'll go carry it for you."

When we reached the foot of the Faculty Building, Xu Yuexin asked Qiao Qiao with concern, "Look at your hand, those streaks of red marks."

In his previous life, as a typesetter, Xu Yuexin rarely socialized, and after graduation he only had a few failed blind dates with the opposite sex.

Now to meet a girl like Qiao Qiao, whose résumé is outstanding, gentle and beautiful, it's hard to say his feelings aren't genuine.

Of course, having lived two lives, Xu Yuexin is much more mature in temperament now, and can be relaxed and natural when interacting with Qiao Qiao.

"No, it's too tiring to go back and forth."

Qiao Qiao said with sympathy, waving her hand as she watched Xu Yuexin go upstairs.

The lover's recent concern made Qiao Qiao's heart pound wildly and finally settle.

At first, when faced with Xu Yuexin's resolute stance, she was truly flustered.

Now, Qiao Qiao's mood feels like a shift from the valley to the summit, as if the sunlight above her head has become brighter.

Inside the Faculty Building, after Xu Yuexin returned home he set the food on the table, picked up the other bag containing clothes and shoes, and went to his room to try them on.

They must fit well; these days state‑owned stores don't have a return policy.

After entering his room, Xu Yuexin opened the bag, changed into the shirt, and slipped on the leather shoes.

Hey, not too big nor too small, just right.

I only mentioned my clothing size and shoe size to Qiao Qiao once while cutting in line, and she actually remembered it ever since—what a thoughtful girl.

The shirt is indeed made of high‑quality material, known in later times as polyester. The shoes are a three‑piece style, made from three pieces of leather, originally issued by the army to officers above the deputy regiment level, later supplied to civilians in very limited numbers.

Both are currently the most fashionable and most expensive fabrics, which ordinary people can't afford to wear.

A snow‑white shirt, shining leather shoes, paired with his tall stature and handsome, sharply defined features—no need to be modest, even on screen he wouldn't look bad.

Xu Yuexin looked at himself in the full‑length mirror and felt very satisfied with his appearance.

After trying on the clothes, Xu Yuexin left the bedroom, exchanged a few words with Wu Yan in the kitchen, and trotted down the stairs.

These days leather shoes are made of solid material; calfskin feels comfortable on the foot.

Downstairs, Qiao Qiao was waiting eagerly; seeing Xu Yuexin emerge wearing the clothes and shoes she gave him gave her a special sense of achievement.

Qiao Qiao's principle is that if she loves a man, she will replace his entire wardrobe with clothes she bought.

"Let's go eat."

Xu Yuexin waved his hand and said to the approaching Qiao Qiao, "Eat Lao Mo."

Because relations with the old Russian country soured, the Moscow Restaurant was renamed the Exhibition Hall Restaurant, but everyone still calls it by its original name out of habit.

Besides, actually renaming it to "Lao Zhan" still feels odd.

After speaking, Xu Yuexin took Qiao Qiao's hand and walked forward.

Qiao Qiao's small hand was white, tender, and smooth; holding it felt soft, and Xu Yuexin sensed what it means to be as supple as bone‑free.

Qiao Qiao felt like a little deer colliding wildly.

Counting it up, since parting at the platform the two have had no physical contact, and the only time they met again both sets of parents were present.

Placing her small hand again in Xu Yuexin's large hand, Qiao Qiao's breathing became rapid.

"Eh? Weren't we supposed to take the bus?"

Realizing they had left the bus stop, Qiao Qiao asked puzzledly.

"The bus is crowded, let's take a taxi," Xu Yuexin replied, leading Qiao Qiao to the nearby Dispatch Point.

"Huh? Can we take a taxi?"

Qiao Qiao said in surprise.

"As long as you pay, you can sit anywhere."

Xu Yuexin didn't find Qiao Qiao's reaction unusual. In the past, taking a taxi had little to do with ordinary people because taxis were few and mainly used for official receptions.

The change began in spring this year; major cities such as Jingcheng and Qingdao increased taxi fleets, and two months later, the southern Guangdong capital Yang City established the nation's first privately operated taxi company.

The difference from modern taxis is that now you must go to a Dispatch Point rather than hail one on the street.

Upon arriving at the Dispatch Point, Xu Yuexin asked the dispatcher for a car, and was assigned a black Hu Hai Brand taxi.

After getting in, Xu Yuexin told the driver to go to Lao Mo, and the small car promptly rolled out of the Dispatch Point with a steady clunk.

In the back seat, Qiao Qiao stroked the genuine leather seat, feeling an unreal sensation.

She had never ridden in a small car from childhood through adulthood, even during her internship at sea, where she worked head‑down every day with no chance to ride a car.

Thanks to Xu Yuexin today, she sat once and found it far more comfortable than taking the bus.

On a crowded bus there are no seats, and now with the temperature rising there's also a smell. Unlike a small car, you can enjoy ample personal space, with perfume scattered inside—truly delightful.

From the driver's seat, the driver looked through the rearview mirror at the young Xu Yuexin and thought, this kid isn't ordinary.

Usually those who can afford a taxi are successful out‑of‑town businessmen or mid‑to‑high‑level city officials, all of whom are not young.

The young man who is willing to bring a companion in a taxi today must have a big background.

The driver thought to himself, of course he ultimately didn't inquire further.

Having often served high‑profile clients, he knows the rule not to pry without cause.

The taxi slowly stopped at the Moscow Restaurant entrance, Xu Yuexin paid a fare of 2.6 yuan, and Qiao Qiao winced in sympathy.

"Next time just avoid taxis; they're too expensive."

After getting out, Qiao Qiao said with a pained expression.

Xu Yuexin didn't answer directly, but asked, "Which is more comfortable, this or the bus?"

"Then it's the taxi."

Following the pragmatic spirit encouraged above, Qiao Qiao answered honestly, "But… aren't you resigning to pursue creation?"

"Submitting works isn't a quick thing; after getting income shouldn't we… save a bit?"

"I've already succeeded in submitting."

Xu Yuexin lightly pinched Chen Qiaoqiao's pink, delicate, translucent cheek, slightly raised the corner of his mouth and said, "Today I'm just here to celebrate."

Chen Qiaoqiao's expression changed dramatically in an instant.

"Your manuscript got accepted? That's great!"

Chen Qiaoqiao sincerely felt happy for her boyfriend's success, let out a light sigh and said, "I've been looking forward to this day."

Upon hearing the good news, Chen Qiaoqiao greatly admired Xu Yuexin, thinking that his ability to get his submission accepted in such a short time truly showed his literary talent.

At the same time, she decided that as soon as she got home she would tell her mother the news, to see whether her mother would feel embarrassed to oppose her being together with Xu Yuexin.

(End of chapter)