An Yiqing softly called out, puzzled about who would be calling her on this day.
At that moment, an excited man’s voice came through the receiver.
"Xiao Qing, happy New Year! Guess who it is?"
This extremely familiar voice stunned An Yiqing for a moment, and a joyful light burst in her eyes.
"Haozi! It’s really you! How have you been lately? Aren’t you about to take your graduation exams next semester? Have you gotten fatter since I’ve been gone?" An Yiqing teased in a gentle smile, her words filled with familiarity and affection.
"Not at all! You have no idea, I’ve been so bored without you these past six months, I’ve actually lost a lot of weight. After the graduation exams, I’m definitely coming to Xuandu City, and then we’ll feast all over the place! Haha!"
This naively thick-voiced man was Xia Hao, more precisely, still a boy. Xia Hao was from Qingning City, and he went to the same high school as An Yiqing.
In high school, An Yiqing was mature and indifferent, finding it difficult to relate to her classmates who were vain and competitive. However, her classmate Xia Hao had always been curious about this girl who seemed so aloof.
An Yiqing loved good food and would go out to find delicious tastes every time the school was on holiday. Meanwhile, Xia Hao’s parents were the owners of a moderately famous chain of restaurants in Qingning City. Once, An Yiqing happened upon the Xia Family’s restaurant and encountered Xia Hao, who was begrudgingly helping out. Both food lovers, they hit it off immediately and became friends.
For familial reasons, Xia Hao had always been a bit plump, but not overweight. He had a naive appearance and straightforward personality. He was also very honest and couldn’t say enough good things about his good friend An Yiqing.
Originally they were classmates and were supposed to graduate together after the graduation exams. But during their senior year, something happened in Xia Hao’s family, forcing him to take a year off from school. However, before he left, An Yiqing and Xia Hao made a pact that he would come to Xuandu City the following year, ensuring that their food-loving duo wouldn’t break up.
Having received a call from an old friend on New Year’s Eve, An Yiqing was simply overjoyed. She had not been able to call Xia Hao for so long, firstly because the seniors were strictly monitored and their cell phones were confiscated, and also because An Yiqing didn’t want to disturb him, knowing how precious every minute of the senior year could be for rest.
So, taking advantage of the New Year’s festivities, An Yiqing chatted on the phone with Xia Hao for quite a while.
"Haozi, study hard, and after you graduate, I’ll be waiting for you in Xuandu City. Then, I’ll take you through all the alleys to taste every delicious food I’ve ever had," An Yiqing said, her smile curving at the thought of their friendship during those high school years.
"Alright, Xiao Qing, I’ve heard about your achievements, truly impressive. Haha, I never imagined I’d have such an awesome friend," Xia Hao laughed heartily three times, his tone filled with pride, "Xiao Qing, wait for me. When I come to Xuandu City, I definitely want to see this General Gu with my own eyes! Hehe, that’s it for now, my parents are calling me, goodbye!"
After hanging up, An Yiqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry a little. How had Xia Hao found out about Gu Yelin? Could gossip really travel that fast?
Shaking her head in resignation and listening to the loud firecracker sounds outside, An Yiqing turned to leave.
Just then, her cell phone rang again, it was Gu Yelin.
Seeing the familiar name on the screen, An Yiqing’s heart softened, and the happiness in her brow bloomed like a splendid tapestry.
"Ah Lin, happy New Year, remember to give me a red envelope!" she picked up the call, speaking in a coy voice.
"Ah Lin, happy New Year, remember to give me a red envelope!" she repeated.