After dinner, Zhao ii was on the balcony, sorting through the New Year gifts others had sent over.
Shi Yang walked in and asked, "What are you busy with?"
Zhao ii turned around and looked up at him, "I’m going to Xu Xu’s house tomorrow, and I want to pick sothing nice to bring over."
"Xu Xu?" Shi Yang asked in surprise, "When did you two get in touch?"
Zhao ii said, "On New Year’s Eve, he sent a New Year ssage, so I called him back and we arranged for to visit his ho tomorrow."
Shi Yang let out an "oh", watching Zhao ii rummage through the pile of New Year goods. He couldn’t help but say, "Everything sent over is good stuff, do you really need to be so selective?"
There was naturally a hint of jealousy in his voice.
Without turning her head, Zhao ii said, "Of course I do. Like these candied walnuts, you love eating them, and I love drinking the blueberry juice, so I’m not giving those to him. We’ll take them all back to the provincial capital when we leave, keep them for ourselves."
Shi Yang: "..."
Since starting university, Zhao ii never visited Xu Xu’s house.
Xu Xu’s school was far away, and he usually stayed back to work part-ti and earn his tuition fees during the sumr vacation, only returning ho for a few days during the New Year.
Zhao ii previously used to spend New Year in the provincial capital, so they never had the chance to et and catch up.
When Zhao ii knocked on the door, it was Mrs. Xu who opened it.
Zhao ii sweetly called out, "Auntie, Happy New Year."
Mrs. Xu was pleasantly surprised, "Oh! ii, quick, co inside, don’t stand at the door!"
Xu Xu ca out from the kitchen upon hearing the noise, and when the two saw each other, they were both taken aback. They hadn’t seen each other in two years, and both had changed quite a bit.
Xu Xu had cut his hair short and neat, his fine hair naturally had a fluffy look even without blow-drying. The slightly longer hair on top was curled into big waves, and the short layers just perfectly frad his refined facial features. What surprised Zhao ii the most was that Xu Xu was wearing a pair of black-rimd glasses.
As Zhao ii changed her shoes and entered the room, she handed over the New Year gifts to Xu Xu and asked, "When did you beco nearsighted?"
Xu Xu replied with a smile, "Actually, I beca slightly nearsighted around the ti of the college entrance exams, but I didn’t really care much back then. But it’s not too bad, the prescription isn’t high."
Mrs. Xu warmly took Zhao ii’s hand and said, "Oh, ii, you’re getting prettier and prettier."
Zhao ii slightly lifted her eyelids and smiled obediently, "Auntie, if you keep complinting , I’ll get embarrassed."
Zhao ii looked at Xu Xu wearing an apron and asked, "What were you doing in the kitchen just now?"
Xu Xu said, "I wanted you to try my cooking."
Zhao ii was surprised, "When did you learn?"
Zhao ii followed Xu Xu to the kitchen.
On the cutting board were piles of cut cauliflower, and in a big basin on the side, there were strips of mushrooms.
Xu Xu said, "I used to deliver food for a small restaurant near the school, and in my free ti learned a couple of dishes from the head chef. I’ll fry cauliflower and mushrooms for you, they’re really delicious."
With practiced hands, Xu Xu poured oil into a hot pan. The cauliflower and mushrooms, covered in batter, were tossed into the oil for frying. In no ti, they turned golden brown in a bowl. After passing through the oil once more, Xu Xu picked up a piece with chopsticks and brought it to Zhao ii’s mouth, "Try it."
Zhao ii opened her mouth to bite it, but Xu Xu quickly pulled back his hand, blowing on it, "Fresh out of the pan, be careful, it’s hot!"
Zhao ii took a bite; it was crispy outside and tender inside, with an especially great taste.
Xu Xu eagerly asked her, "Is it good?"
Zhao ii chewed and swallowed, nodding repeatedly, "It’s so delicious!"
Xu Xu bead, a satisfied expression on his face, "I knew you’d love it. I’ll fry so more for you to take back."
Zhao ii agreed with a smile.
Xu Xu suddenly said, "I’m planning to go abroad for graduate studies after college. With my major, if I don’t have a high enough degree, it won’t be easy to find a job in the field I want."
Zhao ii’s eyes widened, "You’re planning to go abroad?"
Xu Xu nodded, "I’ve already shortlisted three universities, all offering scholarships. As long as I’m admitted, all my tuition and fees are covered, plus I’ll receive a living stipend. Once I graduate, I can directly work for foreign companies."
Zhao ii first expressed envy, "That’s great! When you co back from studying abroad, you’ll be soone who’s tasted the ink of foreign lands." Pausing, she thought for a mont and seed a bit reluctant, "But then you’ll be even farther away when you go abroad, it’ll be hard to see you."
Xu Xu smiled and gave her so food, "There’s still two years. I’m just starting to prepare now."
He then shifted the topic and asked, "I keep talking about , what about you? How are things going? Are you and your brother planning to settle in the provincial capital?"
Zhao ii nodded, "Yes, my brother moved the company to the provincial capital. After I graduate from university, I also plan to find a job there."
Xu Xu lowered his eyes as he scooped out the fried cauliflower from the pot, "Is your brother still treating you well?"
Zhao ii smiled sweetly, "Of course! By the way, what about you? Do you have a girlfriend?"
Xu Xu replied, "No, I don’t."
Zhao ii didn’t believe it, "How could that be? You’re so handso and such a good student; there must be a line of girls who like you."
Xu Xu gave a wry smile, "It’s not as exaggerated as you say. There aren’t many girls in our science and engineering institute to begin with. Besides, I really don’t have the ti. When I get a break, I have to work various part-ti jobs, and now with the preparation for going abroad, I spend every day at the library morizing words and practicing listening. Moreover, even if I did have a relationship, in two years, I’ll be going abroad, and frankly, it’s not worth the effort for an uncertain outco."
Zhao ii, just like she used to, patted Xu Xu on the shoulder, "Keep at it for two more years, and once you achieve success, all your hard work will pay off."
Xu Xu looked at Zhao ii, shrugged in agreent. From childhood until now, only Zhao ii understood his true feelings and could always hit the nail on the head.
The corners of Xu Xu’s mouth curved up into a pleasant smile, grateful for choosing to be lifelong friends with Zhao ii.
After the al, Zhao ii didn’t rush to leave. Instead, she stayed to happily share her everyday life and experiences with Xu Xu. Despite being apart for two years, there was no barrier or distance between them. The synergy and lively atmosphere as they chatted and laughed made it seem like they had never been apart.
Indulged in their conversation, they lost track of ti, until Mrs. Xu reminded them, "It’s almost half-past eight, ii, do you need to call ho and let them know?"
Only then did they notice the ti, and Zhao ii quickly stood up, "Oh my, we lost track of ti while chatting, isn’t it too late now!"
Xu Xu stood up as well, "I’ll walk you ho."
Mrs. Xu packed a big bag of fried cauliflower and mushrooms for Zhao ii and specially boxed up so old-brand cakes that Xu Xu had brought back during his holiday.
Mrs. Xu handed the things to Xu Xu to carry, and gave Zhao ii a red envelope, saying, "This is a New Year red envelope from Auntie, you must accept it."
Zhao ii accepted it with a smile, formally gave her thanks for the New Year, and then went downstairs with Xu Xu.
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