Oh, to be young again! The rashness of youth is just so different from that of today.
Even if he were King Zhou, Nanxi wouldn’t be the calamitous Daji!
At twenty-two, he dismissed the typical impetuousness and mistakes as inconsequential, but now, at thirty-two, when he yearned for them, it was hard to regain!
Time is not as giving, and he did not coerce, only wished to retain a morsel of sense in the coming years, keeping him a human of flesh and blood!
When he parked at the Magazine Agency, Nanxi hadn’t appeared yet. Checking the time, she should be due any moment!
He took out a cigarette, about to light it, but remembered Nanxi’s earnest face when she warned him of how smoking could affect the quality of his sperm. In the end, he let out a bitter laugh and put the cigarette away!
Years of smoking habit was hard to quit!
However, it had been almost five days, yet half of the pack remained!
Compared to the past, this really was a significant reduction!
He waited for a few more minutes, observing the multitudes of people appearing from the entrance. He couldn’t take his eyes off them.
Desperate for a glimpse of her state of mind on her first day of work, at least before he showed up, after her friend left, a fleeting moment of her true emotions.
The real ones, solely her own!
Nanxi emerged, not alone though. A young man accompanied her!
The two walked together, not quite side by side, with Nanxi half a step behind. The man intentionally slowed to keep pace with her.
Then, at the entrance of the Magazine Agency, they came to a halt, exchanged some words and were about to part ways when the man stopped her. They shook hands!
She was smiling, her eyes glistening against the sundown, her beauty otherworldly!
A gentle breeze stirred up her long hair. Her hair was indeed very long, cascading down like a waterfall when loosened, feeling silky to the touch!
The sight of their interlocked hands made Lu Yinchu felt an discomfort just below his left chest!
He recognized the feeling. It was jealousy!
Nanxi quickly waved goodbye to Lin Pinzhi and as she turned around, her phone rang. It was Lu Yinchu!
"Turn left and walk fifty steps, I’m waiting for you!"
"..." Nanxi hung up the phone, glancing to her left.
Looking over the slender white poplars that front the Magazine Agency, her view was unobstructed, and she promptly spotted Lu Yinchu’s car!
Nanxi walked towards it, opened the door, and hopped in. She fastened her seatbelt, and informed him, "Let’s go!"
Lu Yinchu didn’t start the car right away!
She looked at him slightly bewildered, "What’s wrong?"
Lu Yinchu turned to her, straightening her tangled hair, speaking in a gentle voice, "Your hair is a mess!"
Nanxi blushed, "Oh! I see.."
Lu Yinchu declared that he would take her out for dinner that night. When he asked Nanxi what she felt like eating, Nanxi thought it over, "I’m up for anything!"
"How can you be so nonchalant? Nanxi, you’re too mellow, too good-natured. This is endearing when you’re among good people. But if the company is unsavory, you may get tricked and taken advantage of! Especially when you’re dealing with men, you’re prone to being coveted, without even realizing it yourself!"
"..." Nanxi blinked, "I’m not a picky eater. As long as it’s edible, I’m good. And what do you mean by ’being loved without knowing’? Lu Yinchu, we are just having a meal. Aren’t you taking this too far?"
"I wanted to make a broader point about some shortcomings of yours. Over time, you can gradually improve. This way, you wouldn’t have to struggle as much in your professional life!"
"I understand. But you’re blowing it out of proportion. I’m not outrageous with my choices to attract so much attention. I’ve lived twenty-two years with this personality without any mishaps!"
"Once a problem arises, it might be too late!"
Nanxi lost her patience, "Lu Yinchu, are you intentionally picking on me? I’ve endured a hard day at work and haven’t even had the chance to rest before getting scolded by you. Why, if I may ask...."
Lu Yinchu didn’t say a word, staring silently at the path ahead, took a deep breath and finally spoke, "...I’m sorry!"
Nanxi didn’t speak, and she ignored him completely!
"I was wrong just now. Don’t be upset anymore. It’s bad for your health!" He stretched out his hand towards Nanxi, but was swiftly brushed off ——
They maintained a chilly silence all the way till they reached the restaurant for dinner. Nanxi gave Lu Yinchu the cold shoulder the entire time!
Nonetheless, Nanxi didn’t neglect her appetite and continued eating her meal, oblivious to Lu Yinchu!
After the meal, it was already dark outside. As they exited the restaurant, Nanxi refused Lu Yinchu’s offer to walk her out. Instead, she opened the door herself and sat at the back.
Lu Yinchu was afraid; worrying that if he was too assertive now, Nanxi could get ticked off and refuse his ride home!
All he could do was be patient!
Lu Yinchu drove to the Lu family home. Initially, he planned to go back to Shuicheng Residential District that night. However, accounting for Nanxi’s present temper, he thought returning to Lu family home would be better!
Upon arriving, the Lu family dinner was over. Lu Qingtian was playing chess with the old man, Lu Wenming was away, said he would be visiting some old comrades and would be back later!
Lu Wenming was on leave from the Military District for two days but he wasn’t home much. Instead, he still visited his old comrades. Nanxi couldn’t help but feel sorry for her mother-in-law!
The old man asked Nanxi about her first-day work experience. Responding, Nanxi said she felt a little tired and would go upstairs to rest!
The old man cared for his granddaughter-in-law; waving his hand, he said, "Go rest. If you feel it is too stressful, I will call the Chief Editor of your magazine agency and ask him to arrange a more comfortable position for you..."
"No, no, no, Grandpa. My current work is quite good. I really enjoy it, perhaps I’m just not used to it yet. Anyway, I’ll go to bed early. Good night, Grandpa."
The old man nodded and expressed some concerns. Only after reassuring him did she ascend upstairs!
Lu Yinchu didn’t follow her immediately. Instead, he took over Lu Qingtian in the chess game, and the latter went upstairs to find Nanxi!
Seeing Nanxi hold a sleeping suit and a pillow as she came out of the bedroom, Lu Qingtian blinked, "Sister-in-law, what are you doing?"
Nanxi coughed lightly and responded, "Well, Qingtian, your brother has been restless in his sleep lately. He even kicked me off the bed last night, so I decided to sleep with you tonight!
Lu Qingtian: "..."(⊙o⊙).