Chapter 249: Let me be your girlfriend!

After waking up in the morning, Lu Fan went to Tsinghua University.

Lu Yao was waiting at the school gate. Upon seeing her brother, she flew toward him like a happy little bird.

"Brother, why didn't you tell me yesterday? I could have shown you around!"

Lu Fan looked at his sister with doting eyes and said with a smile, "It was late after I finished my work. Isn't today the same?"

Unexpectedly, a voice came from behind: "Hello, Brother Fan, I'm Luo Xi!"

Lu Fan looked at the person who had arrived—a quite handsome young man. Could he be his sister's boyfriend?

Luo Xi took the initiative to explain: "Brother Fan, don't misunderstand. I'm Yaoyao's male best friend. We are both cadres in the Student Union!"

Lu Yao smiled and introduced him: "Brother, this is my buddy. He has a girlfriend, and the two of them are in a passionate, undying love!"

Luo Xi added: "Since Brother Fan has finally come to the capital, I must at least fulfill the duties of a host. Breakfast is on me!"

Lu Yao joked: "You stingy guy, lunch would show more sincerity!"

Luo Xi sighed and said: "The spirit is willing, but the wallet is weak!"

Lu Fan suggested: "Why don't you take me to the canteen to eat? I've admired it for a long time!"

"Brother Fan, that's definitely no problem!"

After entering the campus, Lu Fan felt very envious. Every piece of scenery seemed to have weathered the vicissitudes of history, accumulating a profound cultural heritage.

"Brother, this is the 'Shui Mu Tsinghua' (Water and Wood Tsinghua). Over there is the 'Lotus Pond Night Scene,' the original site of the essay *Moonlight over the Lotus Pond*..." Along the way, Lu Yao carefully introduced every piece of scenery to her brother; she knew how much her brother longed for university.

When they arrived at the Seventh Student Canteen, Lu Fan followed the two to buy food. Seeing the numerous windows, he felt the variety of dishes was so rich that he could eat for a long time without repeating. It was truly a blessing to study here!

Lu Yao helped her brother order a portion of spicy pot and some steamed buns. She bought herself tofu pudding and deep-fried dough sticks, while Luo Xi ordered beef crispy cakes and pulled noodles. The three of them ate with great delight!

When they were almost finished, Lu Fan's phone rang. Lu Yao took a secret peek and said in surprise: "Brother, is that a message from Sister Zimeng?"

Lu Fan nodded and said: "She took me to a bar to listen to music last night."

Lu Yao said with a smile: "Brother, is there something going on between you and Sister Zimeng? No wonder you ignored me when you came yesterday; so you were on a date!"

"What nonsense are you talking about? We're just ordinary friends!"

"Ordinary friends? Brother, don't be shy. I'm really looking forward to you finding me a sister-in-law! Hurry up and ask Sister Zimeng to come over. She's already asking what you're doing—that means she wants to see you. Your emotional intelligence is so low!" After saying this, Lu Yao tried to grab his phone to "pick up girls" on his behalf.

"Yaoyao, stop messing around!" Lu Fan hurriedly dodged away and replied to Li Zimeng, saying he was at the school visiting his sister.

Unexpectedly, Lu Yao's phone rang. Li Zimeng was calling to say she was coming to the school to see her.

Lu Yao naturally extended a warm invitation, and they agreed to meet at the Second School Gate.

The three continued to wander around the school. Luo Xi secretly imparted his "girl-chasing" experience to Lu Fan, suggesting that one must first win the other party over at all costs, and then one could handle them at will later! He encouraged Lu Fan to be bold, as he knew Lu Yao was worried sick about her brother's marriage prospects.

Feeling that the time was about right, the three headed to the Second School Gate to wait.

Lu Fan looked up at the three characters "Tsinghua Garden" and sighed, thinking about how many students had been haunted by dreams of this place. In any case, he wouldn't have the chance in this lifetime!

Before long, a taxi slowly stopped by the side of the road. Li Zimeng got out of the car, and when she saw the three standing not far away, a brilliant smile immediately appeared on her face.

Li Zimeng walked quickly toward Lu Yao, and the two held hands, looking every bit like best friends.

Li Zimeng also knew Luo Xi, and the two greeted each other warmly, which showed she often came to the school to hang out with Lu Yao.

Lu Fan was just about to discuss where to go, but unexpectedly, Lu Yao pushed Li Zimeng toward her brother and said ambiguously: "Sister Zimeng, Luo Xi and I have a Student Union activity today, so we can't accompany you. My brother is unfamiliar with the roads in the capital, so I'll leave it to you to take him around!" After saying this, she winked at Luo Xi, and the two fled!

Lu Fan felt a bit embarrassed, but Li Zimeng said generously: "Yaoyao has entrusted you to me, so I have to be responsible for you. Tell me, where do you want to go?"

After thinking for a moment, Lu Fan said: "How about we go to a shopping mall? I want to buy a couple of outfits."

Li Zimeng laughed: "You really should buy some clothes. Let's go to the China World Mall. We can have lunch there when we get tired of shopping."

Lu Fan couldn't help but ask: "Is it expensive? I only have an average budget!"

"Don't worry, they have everything at all price points. I'll help you choose!"

Since there was a subway station nearby, the two took the subway to the China World Mall.

"Lu Fan, what kind of clothes do you want to buy?"

"Let me think... a set of sportswear, a suit, a down jacket, and maybe a windbreaker!"

"How old are you? Don't wear a windbreaker; it makes you look old-fashioned."

"Hey, I can't help it. Everyone in my unit, old and young, wears windbreakers. Especially our Secretary Li Mingzhou—he's never without one. I have to fit in."

Li Zimeng laughed so hard she couldn't stand straight and said: "Why are you copying him? Anyway, I have to be the one to vet your clothes. You have to look handsome!"

"Look at you. I rely on Secretary Li for my livelihood, so shouldn't I try to curry favor? Of course, I have to follow his lead!"

"Lu Fan, stop talking, you're going to kill me with laughter!"

About forty minutes later, the two arrived at the China World Mall. Lu Fan's impression was—it's huge!

Walking into the men's clothing section, he still couldn't see the end of it.

Li Zimeng took Lu Fan from shop to shop. Whenever she saw an outfit that caught her eye, she immediately made Lu Fan go in to try it on.

An hour later, Lu Fan started to lose heart and didn't want to buy anymore. But seeing Li Zimeng's enthusiastic appearance, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and keep shopping.

Growing up, Lu Fan had only been to a shopping mall a few times, and the malls in Yingjiang and Ningyang couldn't compare to this at all.

Two hours later, Li Zimeng finally made a move, picking out a suit and a down jacket.

Lu Fan hurriedly paid, completing two items on his list. Fortunately, it added up to over three thousand, which was acceptable.

After shopping for another half hour, they finally settled on the windbreaker and sportswear. Li Zimeng even insisted on buying Lu Fan two pairs of trousers.

After one round, he had spent seven or eight thousand. Lu Fan felt a genuine sting in his heart, feeling as if he had bought all the clothes he would need for a lifetime!

Li Zimeng smiled and comforted him: "You're already a Deputy Division Level leader; you have to pay attention to your image! Isn't there a saying: 'Respect the clothes before the person, respect the appearance before the soul'? Your image must come before your ability, otherwise your ability is easily underestimated. There are too many people who judge others by their appearance!"

"Alright, I'll listen to you! To show my gratitude, let me treat you to a meal!"

"Looking at how pained you are, let me treat you instead!"

"That won't do. How could I eat for free?"

"Fine, fine, you treat. I didn't expect you to be such a male chauvinist. Be careful, or I'll eat you into poverty!"

The North District had eight full floors of food. Li Zimeng asked: "Lu Fan, what do you like to eat?"

"Except for fatty meat, anything is fine. It mainly depends on you."

"Then let's find a Qinchuan cuisine restaurant!"

"Zimeng, you don't need to consider me. I'm really fine with anything. It's better to eat something different!"

"Alright, then let's have this 'Crouching Beef'! I've been here before, and the taste is quite good."

The two walked in, and after finding a seat, Li Zimeng skillfully ordered some signature dishes and specialties.

Based on his observations over the past two days, Lu Fan felt that the family background of the girl across from him couldn't be simple; many things couldn't be hidden.

After the dishes were served, Li Zimeng introduced them: "This is a must-order: nine-second beef. You just need to swish it for nine seconds and it's ready to eat. It's very tender in the mouth and has a bit of a bouncy texture."

Lu Fan took a bite, and it was indeed tender and delicious. Moreover, the soup base was very fragrant. The shop's slogan was "One cow, one pot of soup!"

While eating, Lu Fan tentatively asked: "Zimeng, when do you plan to find a boyfriend?"

"Fate is destined by heaven. I believe that in this world, there is always someone who will travel across mountains and rivers to come before you, just to meet you in this lifetime!"

"What if the distance is unreachable?"

"How far could it be? Transportation is so developed now; you can get anywhere in a 'whoosh'! Besides, my job is optional. If someone is willing to support me, I'd be happy to be free!"

"But you're in the Ministry of Education!"

"Compared to being with the one I love, these things are worthless!"

"Alright, you're awesome!"

Li Zimeng said seriously: "Lu Fan, I'm speaking from the heart!"

After the meal, Li Zimeng said excitedly: "I accompanied you to shop just now, now it's your turn to accompany me. I need to add a couple of outfits too!"

Lu Fan had to agree with a smile, but he was definitely bitter in his heart.

An hour later, he finally realized that accompanying a woman shopping was simply a nightmare. His face revealed a sense of complete helplessness and bitterness; they didn't know what fatigue was at all!

After shopping for two hours, Li Zimeng finally bought a padded jacket, and Lu Fan hurriedly ran to pay.

Li Zimeng didn't stop him; instead, she was full of smiles. This was the first time she had accepted a man's kindness!

After the day was over, Lu Fan had spent over ten thousand yuan and sighed at how high the expenses were! The house in Yingjiang hadn't been settled yet, and there were only a mere three or four hundred thousand in his bank card!

After eating in the afternoon, both were tired, so they went their separate ways home.

Upon returning home, Li Zimeng looked happy, and Li Mingzhou hurriedly asked: "Any progress?"

"Dad, you're just dying to marry me off!"

"Dad is just concerned about you!"

"Then let me tell you, there's no progress at all. Your soldier is a coward!"

"Sigh, I'll have to adjust him properly when he gets back. His ability is limited!"

Li Zimeng said with a strange expression: "You have strong ability? Then find me a stepmother and let me see. I'll say it first: I'll definitely support you!"

"This child, how did you drag me into this?"

"Dad, I know you value emotions. I'm grown up now; you don't need to have any concerns!"

"Mengmeng, do you know why I think highly of Lu Fan and am trying my best to cultivate him?"

"Why?"

"It's because he values emotions. Don't look at his low background or his lack of high cultural level; a person who values emotions and knows how to be grateful won't go wrong!"

The next day at noon, Lu Fan and Li Mingzhou met at the airport to return to Yingjiang.

When boarding the plane, Lu Fan received a message from Li Zimeng: Have a safe trip!

Lu Fan replied: I had a very happy time in the capital this time. Can I ask you something?

After waiting for a long while, the message didn't come through. The plane took off, and Lu Fan turned off his phone.

After arriving in Yingjiang and the plane landed, Lu Fan turned on his phone, and the message arrived immediately.

Li Zimeng replied: I'm willing!

Lu Fan smiled and replied: I haven't even said what I wanted to ask!

Li Zimeng: I know what you want to ask!

Just as he got into the Municipal Committee Office car, another message came. Lu Fan looked at the content and giggled uncontrollably!

"Let me be your girlfriend!"

At the age of forty, I wish myself a happy birthday! ===== CHAPTER 250 =====