Brother Yu!
Brother Yu! Brother Yu!
Xiao Hua and the lot probably noticed something between Tan Jiao and me, so their teasing became even more intense. They shouted my name while looking at Tan Jiao to attract the attention of the other customers as well. Even though Tan Jiao looked calm, her ears were slightly red.
Who told you guys to tease her?
They immediately settled down.
She kept her head down.
Some more food came, but everything seemed bland and tasteless. I wanted to look at her, yet I had to keep a distance. The two of us were probably the quietest people in the whole barbeque shop.
Unexpectedly, I received a call from my university professor at that moment.
Professor Chen was the vice dean when I was studying for my masters degree, and he treated me very well. I had some financial troubles back then, so he brought me along to do research work and shared the revenue with me. He helped me through a difficult period in my life. I had always been grateful to him, but I rarely called him after that incident.
A few months ago, I heard that something had happened at his parents place. Apparently, a fire had broken out, and several of his family members died. I tried several times to call him after hearing the news, but I could not reach him at all. People said that he left the university after that incident and brought his only daughter back to Yunnan.
That was why at this moment, I felt somewhat uneasy. Professor Chen? How have you been?
The professors voice seemed a lot older and duller. Wu Yu, Ive been well. I only heard a few days ago that you had left the school and gave up on your work. How have you been?
Im alright. Living my life the way I want to.
Professor Chen let out a chuckle and said, Living the way you want to? Hehe thats good, thats good.
I was somewhat taken aback by that comment.
Beside me, Xiao Hua had already come close to me to eavesdrop. Professor? Brother Yu even knows a professor? Must be some professor teaching at the special forces academy.
I ignored Xiao Hua and continued my conversation while looking past Xiao Hua toward Tan Jiao. She was holding a chicken wing, with her eyes wide open looking over in my direction. When our gaze met, she quickly turned away.
Then professor Chen asked, Wu Yu, where are you now?
Im in Yunnan.
Thats great. Im also in Yunnan. Li Xian, my hometown.
I never expected us to be staying so close to each other. In fact, Li Xian was just on the outskirts of Dali city. Professor, I dont live far. Ill come to see you tomorrow.
Professor Chen seemed pretty happy about that. That would be good if you could come. I also have something to ask of you.
Do tell.
When youre here, come see Ruying as well. It would be wonderful if you could stay with her for a few days. You should know that she liked you previously. After what happened to our family, her health has been deteriorating, and she has become more antisocial, unwilling to go out or make friends. I just dont want to see her ruin herself like this. So, could you come give her some guidance? I mean, she listened to you in the past.
The name Chen Ruying now felt like a name I interacted with in my previous life. It had been so long, yet the image of her face soon surfaced in my mind. She was professor Chens only daughter, and to the poor students, she was the well-known princess in our school. She would come to the professors lab often and would always follow me around. Back then, she would always wear white dresses, looking innocent and cute. Almost all the teachers and students in the school liked her.
It was not that I never knew that she liked me, but she was not my type. Even though the professor had tried several times to fix her up with me, I always kept my distance from her. After some time, the professor understood my intentions and never brought it up again. Ruying still tried to cling to me though for some time, but my busy schedule ultimately proved too much even for her.