Chapter 24 Let Me Think Again

Cheng Youqing was just about to speak when Shen Qingyi pulled her aside.

“Wait until we’re back in the room to talk,” Shen Qingyi whispered.

Cheng Youqing understood. “Alright, I’ll wait for you in your room.”

As she left the backyard, she glanced at Lu Yan again.

Lu Yan was very tall; when he sat on a low stool, his knees nearly reached his chin, yet he seemed perfectly at ease, eating his meal with a good-natured air.

As Cheng Youqing turned back, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Shen Qingyi returned to the table. The family of three ate quietly, and as usual, Lu Yan collected the dishes afterward.

Shen Qingyi let An’an play in the yard and went to the room herself.

“Qingyi, I think Lu Yan is quite decent. Life with him could be good. Why not reconsider?” Cheng Youqing advised sincerely.

Shen Qingyi looked at the tape recorder and cassettes on the table, recalling how An’an was with him. Her heart wavered uncontrollably, but when she thought of her father, she said, “I still want to go to Pengcheng. My father was truly wronged.”

Cheng Youqing was silent for a while. “My father wants to ask you himself about your plans over there. He’s home every afternoon after work. Go see him when you have time.”

“Alright.”

After speaking, Cheng Youqing’s gaze fell on the tape recorder. “Is that the one Lu Yan bought for you?”

Shen Qingyi nodded. “Yes, and he also made a radio with An’an.”

Cheng Youqing laughed. “See? Only someone like Lu Yan would do something like that. Most men wouldn’t bother with making a radio. Really, you should think this over carefully.

Look at me and Wang An—we’ve been seeing each other for years, and I’ve never received a single gift from him. Every time, I end up knitting him a sweater or bringing him a dish when I visit.”

Shen Qingyi smiled. “He just has a small salary and comes from the countryside. Isn’t it mainly his looks that you like?”

Cheng Youqing gave a sheepish laugh. “But speaking of looks, who can compare to Lu Yan? If I were you, I’d settle down with him. You said it yourself, what happened before was a misunderstanding. He even fought with Lu Fan for your sake. Your father’s case has been over for a while; there’s no need to rush things. Life is long—once you miss out, you might never find another. And don’t tell me you don’t like him.”

Shen Qingyi didn’t deny it. “I’ll think about it.”

Cheng Youqing took her hand and patted it gently. “That’s right, don’t be so stubborn. And stop worrying that Lu Yan has someone else in his heart. So what if he does? Like my mother says, as long as he hands over his wages and comes home by the rules, it’s fine. Even if he had something with Chen Haixia, his position wouldn’t allow it. He’s not foolish—if there was any problem with his conduct, not only you, even my father could have him reported.”

Shen Qingyi looked up at Cheng Youqing, deeply moved, but after a moment’s thought, she said, “Isn’t that too selfish? Like you said, life is long. Sometimes when I see how he is with An’an, all my grievances melt away, and I don’t want to treat him like that.”

Cheng Youqing was exasperated. “Alright, do as you see fit. I just don’t believe that after knowing Lu Yan, you’ll ever look at any other man.”

Shen Qingyi fell silent again.

Cheng Youqing then took a packet of peach crisps from her bag and placed it on the table. “These are for An’an. I have to go now.”

Shen Qingyi finally stood up. “Wait!”

She went to a cabinet and took out a rectangular box. “Xia Xiyun brought this shampoo back from Hong Kong for me. It’s really good. I haven’t finished the last bottle yet—it’ll last another two months.”

Cheng Youqing took the shampoo, smiling. “Xia Xiyue was here again?”

“Yes, he came this morning. Took the things and left,” Shen Qingyi replied.

“That guy is really resilient. So much gossip, and none of it drove him away. Truly worthy of being Xiyun’s younger brother. Those two siblings are natural-born entrepreneurs—making money is more important than saving face. Even with Lu Yan here, he still dares to come,” Cheng Youqing teased.

Shen Qingyi was understanding. “That just means he has a clear conscience. He does mind Wang Chunlian calling him a kept man, though.”

“Haha!” Shen Qingyi couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s only twenty-one, and already he’s picked up that title.”

Shen Qingyi’s laughter faded. “Just recently, Wang Chunlian called him a kept man in front of everyone. I thought he’d send someone else this week, but he came himself again. Luckily, he’s been abroad and has an open mind, or he’d have been shamed into hiding.”

“Alright then, I’ll take the shampoo and stop disturbing your little family. Think carefully about what I said.” Cheng Youqing put the shampoo in her bag and left.

When Shen Qingyi returned to the kitchen, Lu Yan was already washing the dishes, and An’an was wiping the little table. Shen Qingyi, feeling at ease, sat down on the rattan chair, reclining and thinking that this life wasn’t so bad after all.

Before long, Lu Yan finished washing up and came over to her side, speaking gently. “I heard Cheng Youqing mention the border permit just now. Who needs to apply for one?”

Shen Qingyi looked back in surprise; this was the first time Lu Yan had asked about her private affairs. “A friend wants to go to Pengcheng and asked me to speak to Cheng Youqing’s father.”

Lu Yan studied her calm expression thoughtfully but didn’t ask further. Instead, he said, “If there’s any problem, you can tell me. We can figure it out together.”

“We?” Shen Qingyi was touched by that word, and Cheng Youqing’s words echoed in her mind again.

“Alright.”

A hint of a smile played at Lu Yan’s lips. He took An’an to the main room and played with him until dusk before returning home.

The next morning, after heading to work, Lu Yan went to Wang Zhifang’s office. Wang Zhifang felt nervous again, but tried to appear calm. “Have you moved in with your wife yet?”

Lu Yan smiled. “Soon.”

Wang Zhifang was finally reassured. “Anything else?”

“The logistics department’s Wang Qingshan wants to purchase a batch of special materials and needs the engineering department to verify them. The application was sent to you days ago. Do you want to review it? Yes or no, just give a word.”

Wang Zhifang looked at Lu Yan with surprise. “How are you involved with him?” This guy was never one to meddle in others’ business.

“He’s my wife’s neighbor.”

Wang Zhifang nodded knowingly. “I’ll take a look in a bit.” Then, with a gratified smile, he added, “If you set your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t handle.”

“As for Wang Xuemei, I’d like to apply to send someone to investigate her case.” Lu Yan produced a form from his pocket and handed it over. “Here’s my application.”

Wang Zhifang frowned. “Fine, fine! Now go prepare for the Shanghai experts’ seminar project.” After showing he was helpless against him, he started searching for Wang Qingshan’s application.

Lu Yan left, satisfied.

At lunchtime, Lu Yan and Su Yang went to the cafeteria together. After getting their food, they sat down to eat, but soon there was a commotion. Many people gathered around, holding their bowls.

Lu Yan, never one for excitement, remained seated and didn’t budge.