Vol V Chapter 45
As they walked towards the exit of Changsheng Gate, Xiao Lin and the others discussed taking the 220 bus because it was relatively faster. When they arrived at the snack shop under the seventh dormitory building opposite the Changsheng Gate cafeteria, Xu Zeng stopped and asked,""I'll go buy a bottle of water. Do you guys want water or drinks?”
" Ah Zeng," Xie Wenhao said righteously," whether we drink mineral water or soft drinks depends on you. We know you won't let us down, right?" Xiao Lin."
"Ah Zeng, I'll give you a chance to perform.”Xiao Lin joked.
"Come and get it yourself. If you only want to see mine, I'll give each of you a bottle of Nongfu Spring. Ruixu, what do you want to drink?”Xu Zeng deliberately ignored Xiao Lin and Xie Wenhao.
Zhao Ruixu also walked forward and took a bottle of mineral water from the fridge." I just want a bottle of Nongfu Spring. It's both thirsty and contains minerals."”
"Rui Xu is still the most honest. Unlike the two of you, he's not kind at all. Hurry up, I'm going to pay.”Xu Zeng pretended to reprimand Xiao Lin and Xie Wenhao, who were still burying their heads in the refrigerator and choosing drinks.
Zhao Ruixu, who had thought that Xiao Lin and Xie Wenhao would also take mineral water, stood at the side and watched as they each took a bottle of soda and hurriedly replaced it with soda, making everyone laugh.
"I see that the two of you have led Ruixu astray. I can't get too close to the two of you in the future.”Xu Zeng said as he paid.
After walking out of Changsheng Gate, the four of them looked at the passing cars and carefully crossed the road. They stood at the bus stop opposite the Third Bridge and waited for the No. 220 bus. After waiting for a while, the bus slowly drove over from not far away. After the bus stopped waiting, the people waiting for the bus got on the bus one by one. There were not many passengers in the bus. Perhaps because there were fewer students going out at noon, Xiao Lin walked in front and threw in four one-yuan coins.
Route 220 changed the interior design of the bus once again, increasing its capacity. Perhaps in order to maximize the benefits, it could only sacrifice the space for passengers. The seats were constantly reduced to make more space for people to stand, but not to increase the number of trains and vehicles. As the bus moved forward, it passed more and more stops. The passengers who got on the bus made the originally narrow space crowded, and the faces of the passengers who lost their personal space added vigilance and indifference.
Xiao Lin held the railing in one hand and his phone in the other. Xu Zeng, Xie Wenhao, and Zhao Ruixu were scattered. Xiao Lin raised his head and looked at them. He waved his hand at them with his phone and smiled helplessly. Xiao Lin turned his head to the window. His mind was filled with Yuan Yimeng. They should still be on the train. How was she feeling? What were they doing? Was he chatting with his friends, or was he looking out the window like himself? Xiao Lin hoped that she would think about her as much as he did.
The bus passed by the section where the subway was being built. It was bumpy, and Xiao Lin's gaze focused on the green trees by the side of the road. The trees moved back quickly. When they were about to reach Aixi Lake Bridge, Xiao Lin's vision immediately widened. Thinking back to the first time he took a taxi here, Xiao Lin still felt that the bridge was very imposing. After three years, when he saw it again, his heart was only calm. Xiao Lin hadn't been here for a long time. It was as if many beautiful things had just come and gone like a dream. He couldn't even see a shadow of them.
Just as Xiao Lin was deep in his thoughts, his phone vibrated and rang. Xiao Lin put down his hand that was holding the railing and grabbed the seat beside him. He saw that it was Zhao Yuanguang calling.
"Hey, Yuanguang, we're still on the bus. Are you kidding me? I know. Don't worry. Zeng and the others are behind us. I'll call you when they arrive. Bye.”Xiao Lin hung up the phone and looked for the three of them in the crowd. Xie Wenhao and Xu Zeng were standing together, and Zhao Ruixu was sitting in the back seat by the window.
Xu Zeng happened to look at Xiao Lin and shouted at him,""Xiao Lin, we'll get off at the next stop and walk from the People's Park.”Xiao Lin nodded.
Squeezing down the bus from the back door, Xiao Lin stood at the side and waited for Xu Zeng and the others to get off. "Yuanguang called just now and lied to me that he wanted to come over together.”Xiao Lin said after they all came down.
"Indeed, Yuanguang is the only one missing. He really should have come along. I don't know when the five of us can go out and play together. We're always short of people.”Zhao Ruixu said emotionally.
"How was the graduation trip? When the time came, everyone would save some money and go to Hainan together. It would be a memorable trip, right?”Xie Wenhao said as he took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He was about to pull out a few cigarettes before putting them back into his pocket." Forget it. It's better not to smoke in public."”
They chatted all the way to the train station. The square was bustling with people, standing, squatting, and all kinds of hawkers selling food and mineral water. It was filled with noise. Xiao Lin, Xie Wenhao, and Zhao Ruixu weaved through the crowd and came to the ticket sales window. They took out their ID cards and successfully bought tickets. It was the train that Xu Zeng often took. It departed at 2:30 p.m. and arrived at Jiujiang City at 4:15 p.m., while Xu Zeng bought a ticket to Jiujiang County at 3:55 p.m. After buying the tickets, they looked at the time and saw that there were still more than 40 minutes left before they could board the train. Xiao Lin and the others were going to buy some snacks and a few poker cards to bring on the train.
Xiao Lin walked back along the road to the train station and went to the " Xin Wang " supermarket by the roadside. When he saw the glass window at the entrance of the supermarket selling Huang Shang Huang duck neck and chicken wings, he stopped and did not follow them in. Xiao Lin walked forward. The staff wearing white hats, masks, and gloves enthusiastically introduced the prices of different types of food to Xiao Lin.
Xiao Lin bought 50 yuan worth of chicken wings, 35 yuan worth of duck neck, and 8 yuan worth of two bags of lotus root slices. Carrying them in his hands, he walked into the supermarket to look for Xu Zeng and the others. Xie Wenhao was paying at the cashier. After paying, he stood outside the supermarket with Xiao Lin and waited for Xu Zeng and Zhao Ruixu to come out.
"Ah Zeng, hurry up. There are only twenty minutes left.”Xiao Lin looked at the time on his phone and shouted at Xu Zeng, who was still in the supermarket.
"I don't know if there's a telephone business hall nearby. My phone has been disconnected in one direction.”Xu Zeng walked out and said.
"Let's go over there and take a look." Zhao Ruixu pointed to the left side of the plaza.
Walking to the square, Xiao Lin glanced around and didn't see a business hall with a mobile phone. There were only food stores and restaurants around. Perhaps because of the high traffic at the train station, some stores selling expensive goods were rarely set up here, or there was no need for them to exist at all.
"Have you guys found it? I've looked around. There doesn't seem to be any mobile or mobile phone business halls around.”Xiao Lin shook his head when he saw them." Ah Zeng, how about this? I'll call our Brother Yu and ask him to charge it for you online. How much do you owe?”
"I owe about two hundred yuan. If possible, I'll just ask him to help me top up three hundred yuan.”Xu Zeng said.
Xiao Lin took out his phone and dialed Yang Yu's number." Hello, Brother Yu, are you in the dormitory? Are you playing on the computer now?"”Xiao Lin hurriedly said as soon as the call connected.
"Yes, what's the matter?" Yang Yu asked.
"Help Ah Zeng charge the phone bill. We haven't found a business hall nearby yet. I'll send you his number later. Remember to check it when the time comes.”Xiao Lin said.
"Send it over." Xiao Lin thanked him, hung up the phone, and sent Xu Zeng's number over. Within a few minutes, Xu Zeng received a notification on his phone that the payment was successful.
"President Lin, your Brother Yu is very efficient. He recharged it immediately.”Xu Zeng said as he read the message.
"Don't just say nice things. Remember to tip. It can't be lower than your status.”Xiao Lin said.
"Ah Zeng, let Brother Yu be the male lead in the next film.”Xie Wenhao suggested.
"Alright, it's settled then." Xu Zeng readily agreed.
The four of them lined up behind the others and passed through the security checkpoint. Xiao Lin slowly moved forward with his ID card and ticket in his hand. When it was his turn, the staff took the ID card from his hand and checked the ticket. Then, he stamped a stamp on the ticket and even let Xiao Lin go in. Xiao Lin put his ID card and ticket back into his pocket. When he entered, he stopped and asked another security officer to scan his body with a metal sensor rod. Xiao Lin was the first to enter, and he turned around to wait for Xu Zeng and the others.
They took the elevator in the lobby and went up. The LCD screen in front of them showed that the train that Xiao Lin and the others were going to take had already started to check in waiting room No. 2. The four of them rushed to the ticket gate. Fortunately, they had not stopped checking tickets. After checking their tickets, they walked down the aisle, but there was no one there. The four of them laughed and ran to the train they were going to take.
He jogged toward the carriage with his ticket in front of him. Through the window, he could see the passengers who were already seated and the passengers who were standing with their travel bags. Outside the train, only the uniformed staff stood at the door of each carriage. Xiao Lin and the others handed the tickets to the staff to check. After checking, they returned them to remind them to get on the train as soon as possible.
After entering the carriage, the train began to move forward slowly. Xiao Lin and the others found their seats and sat down. The carriage was not particularly noisy. People who were traveling together were talking softly. Those who went out alone were playing with their phones and listening to music with earphones. Soft tunes played in the carriage, making the journey less boring. The suitable temperature also made people feel very comfortable.
Xie Wenhao put his backpack on the rack above his head. Zhao Ruixu and another person exchanged seats. Originally, the four of them had consecutive numbers. Xu Zeng also changed to sit opposite Xiao Lin and the others. This way, they were facing each other around the folding table. Xie Wenhao took out some snacks and poker cards from his bag and placed them on the table before sitting down. "What cards are we playing? Fight the Landlord or something else? Ah Zeng, how do you play with the four of you?”
"In Shandong, the five of us play two decks of poker,'Protect the King'. Have you heard of it?”Xu Zeng said," Aren't there big and small kings in poker? If you caught the king, you would become an opponent of those who had not been caught.”
"Forget it, the rules are too simple. Moreover, there are only four of us. Xiao Lin, what do you think we should play?”Xie Wenhao patted Xiao Lin who was looking out of the window.
Xiao Lin was wondering why he hadn't heard the notification sound of the text message. Could it be that the train Yuan Yimeng and the others took was late? He took out his phone and saw that there was still no message from her. Could it be that she was unwilling or had forgotten?
"What? Playing poker? The three of you can play Fight the Landlord. I'll take a break and watch you guys play.”Xiao Lin leaned against the glass window and turned on his phone. He clicked on Yuan Yimeng's Weibo and refreshed it again, but the content was not updated. Xiao Lin knew every post she made. Even though Xiao Lin did not follow her, he always followed her. He wanted Yuan Yimeng to have a free space, a place where she did not have to worry about expressing her feelings. Therefore, Xiao Lin just watched and paid attention without making any comments.
As the train sped up, Xiao Lin put his phone back into his pocket and pretended to be interested in watching Xie Wenhao, Xu Zeng, and Zhao Ruixu play poker.
"Xiao Lin, do you think I should choose the landlord?”Xie Wenhao showed the cards in his hand to Xiao Lin.
"Yes." Xiao Lin casually glanced at it and said," Anyway, it's fine as long as the brothers have fun. There's no need to care so much about winning or losing."
"Xiao Lin, you can't encourage Wen Hao so casually. We're betting on chicken wings, and the loser won't be able to eat anything.”Xu Zeng said threateningly.
"Ah Zeng, look at your treacherous appearance. We don't even know who will win or lose.”Xie Wenhao said without backing down.
Xiao Lin smiled nonchalantly. Right now, he wasn't most concerned about the chicken wings." If you like it, then eat more."”He was about to say something when his long-awaited phone finally rang with the notification of a text message. Xiao Lin hurriedly took out his phone to take a look. The screen showed that it was from Yuan Yi Meng, and he was extremely excited.
"We're here. We just got off the train.”Xiao Lin immediately replied," Okay, Xiao Meng, I got it. It's good that you're here. Don't play too hard today. Go and have a good rest first. I'll call you later."”
"Who is it, Xiao Lin, to make you so excited?”Xie Wenhao said as he held the cards.
"I'm guessing it must be Xiao Lin's goddess, Yi Meng, am I right?”Xu Zeng said proudly.
"You guys love to gossip. Xiao Lin, ignore them. Wenhao, you've played your cards. I'm ready to win.”Zhao Ruixu winked at Xiao Lin." Just tell me. Don't let them know."”
Xiao Lin took the cards from Xie Wenhao's hand and said,""There's nothing mysterious about it. It's just Xiaomeng. She went to visit her roommates in Hubei and just arrived there. Wenhao, I'll help you play this game. You definitely can't lose. I can't stand seeing Ah Zeng so cocky. Straight, do you want it?”
Xiao Lin stopped after a few rounds. He let Xie Wenhao take it and stood up from his seat to go to the bathroom. Walking in the aisle, although the people sitting on both sides were different, most of them were quietly waiting for the train to arrive at the station. Some were even resting with their eyes closed, not paying attention to the passing scenes outside the window. Perhaps those scenes were the most common scenes in their lives.
And those who would rather stay in mobile games would never know that the unpolished scenery of nature was incomparable to the virtual network. Xiao Lin knew how many times he had not looked up at the mountains and looked down at the long river. It was not that the rapid pace of life made it difficult for people to stop, but that the impatient heart did not give you time to rest.
After returning to his seat, Xiao Linren's gaze drifted outside the glass window. He didn't feel like he was recalling the last time he went to Yunnan alone. Compared to that time, this trip to Jiujiang seemed more casual. He didn't care much about the destination of the trip. On the way to Yunnan, there were mountains on both sides, and not far away was another tunnel. There was only darkness outside the window, and the occasional change in time and space made the eyes tired.
On the other hand, the trip to Jiujiang only changed the weather. The dark clouds gathered in the sky, and it was even gloomier than when they set off. The glass window was filled with water vapor, and raindrops slowly began to drip down. First, one or two drops of water hit the glass, and then the water droplets gathered together and flowed down the water marks. The rain was getting heavier and heavier, and the glass seemed to be being washed. The hills and trees in the distance were surrounded by mist, and wisps of smoke were emitted. It was as if they were covered by a veil, making them even more mysterious.
Time passed faster than he had imagined. He dropped Xu Zeng off at the previous Lushan Station and arrived at Jiujiang Station not long after. Xiao Lin, Xie Wenhao, and Zhao Ruixu walked out of the platform. It was still raining outside. When they were still on the train, they had discussed that they would go shopping for a while and wait for Xu Zeng to come over from Jiujiang County before going for dinner together. However, they did not expect the rain to be so heavy. It was unlikely for them to go shopping. The three of them only brought one umbrella, and the other one was taken away by Xu Zeng.
"Why don't we go eat first? It's almost four-thirty now. How about having supper with Ah Zeng tonight? What do you think? Let's not take pictures yet, Wenhao.”Xiao Lin said," Ruixu, have you been to Jiujiang before?”
"I've been here before. I heard from my parents that when I was one year old, they carried me and climbed Mount Lu together.”Zhao Ruixu was chatting on WeChat as he said," I'm going to ask a friend of mine from Jiujiang College if there are any food stalls or food streets nearby.”He pressed the voice message and said into the phone," We just left the train station. Is there a plaza here? Which bus can we take to get there?”
"Ruixu, just ask your classmate the name of the nearest square. We'll call a taxi there.”Zhao Ruixu nodded and sent another voice message.
Zhao Ruixu put the phone to his ear and said to Xiao Lin,""Liansheng Plaza is not far from here. Why don't we go there first?”
"Wait a minute, Ruixu, help me take a few photos with Xiao Lin first.”Xie Wenhao placed his phone in Zhao Ruixu's hands." Xiao Lin, come here. Ruixu, take a few more photos."”Xie Wenhao pulled Xiao Lin along and asked Zhao Ruixu to take a few photos of their backs.
"Alright, alright." Zhao Ruixu scrolled through the photos for Xiao Lin and the others to see." Let's go."”He waved at a taxi not far away and asked the driver to drive the car over." Sir, go to Liansheng Plaza and dial the meter."”
Sitting in the taxi, Xiao Lin looked at Jiujiang's downtown area in the rain. There were not many cars on the spacious streets, and there were very few pedestrians passing by the shops, probably because of the rain. The whole city was quiet. Unlike the impetuous Nanchang City, rainy days were indeed a calm weather.
Zhao Ruixu was talking to the driver while Xie Wenhao was playing with his phone. Xiao Lin didn't interrupt Zhao Ruixu and the others 'conversation. He leaned against the window and listened to the rain quietly. His thoughts drifted to another city. He wondered if it was also raining in the city of Wu Han. Would it be so friendly and peaceful to accommodate outsiders?
"This is Liansheng Plaza. That's the shopping center.”The driver slowly parked the taxi by the roadside.
Zhao Ruixu sat in the front row and paid." Thank you, Master.”Xie Wenhao got out of the car first and opened the umbrella. Xiao Lin got out of the car and squeezed under the umbrella. Zhao Ruixu also hid under the umbrella.
"My classmate said that there's a famous Chongqing Hotpot City nearby. How about the three of us eat hotpot tonight? It's my treat." Zhao Ruixu asked the shop owner by the roadside. The shop owner enthusiastically pointed the way for Xiao Lin and the others, and they arrived not long after.
The decoration outside the hotpot restaurant was very ordinary. There were five wooden words "Chongqing Hotpot City" hanging on the tall door. Two middle-aged aunties dressed in the same uniform stood at the door. When they saw Xiao Lin and the others walking over, one of the waiters quickly took the umbrella from Xie Wenhao's hand and helped put it into a plastic bag to return it to Xie Wenhao. The other auntie also welcomed Xiao Lin and the others with a smile and led them in.
The interior of the hotpot restaurant was especially cozy. The tables and stools were all made of wood, and the soft lighting made it feel like home. The interior space was very large and three-dimensional, like a large auditorium. The vertical height was seven to eight meters, making Xiao Lin think of the school library hall. It was very imposing. The fragrance that filled the air was also very enjoyable, making the customers even more appetizing.
Xiao Lin and the others found a table and sat down. Xie Wenhao sighed and said,"This hotpot restaurant is really high-end, grand, and classy, right, Xiao Lin?”
Xiao Lin nodded in agreement." The design is indeed very unique. Wenhao, take your time to admire it. I'm going to the bathroom."”Xiao Lin asked the waiter beside him and walked in the direction she pointed. When he walked in, he realized that the washroom was the only modern facility in the hotpot city, but it did not go against the overall beauty at all because it was arranged at the corner.
Walking back from the bathroom, Zhao Ruixu called out to Xiao Lin," Come over and take a look at the menu. Order some side dishes that you like. There's a fish at the bottom of the pot. Is that okay?"”
"The fish is pretty good. It should be fish from the Yangtze River. Wenhao, did you order?”Xiao Lin sat down and looked at the menu that Zhao Ruixu pushed over.
"I've ordered it. Tell me, I'll write it.”Xie Wenhao held a pen in his hand and placed it on the menu. Xiao Lin added two servings of deep-fried ice cream, one serving of fried dough sticks, and a plate of seaweed.
"Wenhao, give it to me. I'll go and pay the bill first.”Zhao Ruixu stood up and took the paper from Xie Wenhao's hands. He looked at it and said," Why isn't there anything to drink? Do we want to drink soft drinks or white wine? You guys can choose."”
"Take a bottle of white wine and eat a big meal. Without drinking, the atmosphere will be lacking. It's fine for three people to drink a bottle.”Xiao Lin said.
The base ingredients were quickly served by the waiter. A pot full of fish meat looked so tempting. The side dishes were also served immediately. The entire table was filled. It was a rather sumptuous meal. Zhao Ruixu paid the bill and came over with a bottle of " Rice Fragrance " in his hand.
"Wait a minute. I'll take a photo and send it to my mom.”Zhao Ruixu took out his phone and took a photo before calling his mother." Hello, Mom, I'm in Jiujiang. Did you see the photo I just sent you? I was having dinner with two of my university buddies at a hotpot restaurant in Jiujiang. You know them, Xiao Lin and Xie Wenhao, who were guests at our house last time. Don't worry, we're not staying in a hotel. We're staying at another brother's house. You're cooking, right? Mom, you go ahead. Bye.”
"Xiao Lin, bring your cup over as well.”Zhao Ruixu placed the three glasses together and opened the bottle. After pouring each glass, he balanced them and returned them to Xiao Lin and Xie Wenhao.
"Xiao Lin, Wenhao, eat some food first. There's so much fish. You must finish it and not waste it.”Zhao Ruixu said as he picked up a piece of fish meat to eat. He quickly nodded and praised," This fish meat is really fresh. Try it."”
After eating for a while, Xiao Lin gently raised his wine glass and said,""Ruixu, Wenhao, let's have a drink together. We brothers have to thank Ruixu for treating us to this feast.”After drinking a mouthful, Xiao Lin asked Zhao Ruixu to say a few words.
Zhao Ruixu put down his chopsticks and said,"Actually, there's nothing to be happy about. I just want to say that as long as the brothers are happy, eat happily, have fun, and have a drink.”They clinked their glasses again.
"Ruixu is right. At that time, Xiao Lin asked me if I wanted to come along. I didn't think about anything and just hoped that we could play together.”Xie Wenhao continued.
"Ever since I was young, I've had the best time drinking. One time was at the university graduation banquet with a group of high school brothers, and the other time was when we drank and threw up. When it came to drinking, the most important thing was not to look at the mood or the type of wine, but who was drinking with you. Although you had many friends, it was hard to find a confidant.”As Xiao Lin spoke, he thought of Xu Jia, and he couldn't help but feel a little sad." Let's not talk about it. Just take a sip. It's because we're gathered here today."”
"Seriously, this is our first time traveling. The last time you went to Beijing, Xiao Lin told me several times, but I had to practice driving at home during the summer vacation and prepare for the computer science exam.”Zhao Ruixu shook his head.
"It's been so long. Let's not talk about it. Looking forward to the future, there will be many opportunities in the future.”Xiao Lin persuaded," Isn't there still the graduation trip that we agreed on? At that time, no one could be missing. All five of them had to be present. Besides, it was normal to have regrets. Whose youth was perfect? It was precisely because of regrets that made an imperfect youth seem more real and perfect. Cheers to our incomplete yet perfect youth.”
At this moment, Xie Wenhao's face had already turned red." Let me say a few words. My university has both of you, and my girlfriend Xin Yi. I feel very fortunate and grateful. Until Xinyi went to Japan. Although it was a pity that they couldn't be together forever, he still hoped that she would live well.”
Xiao Lin and Zhao Ruixu quietly listened to Xie Wenhao's story and comforted the three of them to take a sip. "Xiao Lin, tell me about you." Zhao Ruixu looked at Xiao Lin and said.
Xiao Lin smiled bitterly and said," My college life, my studies, and my life were not that peaceful. Everything was smooth sailing. All in all, there were more lucky things. I met Bai Bingying in the second semester of my freshman year. I was very grateful to her for accompanying me for such a long time. She has always been very supportive of me and should be the girl who understands me the most in my university. I have many beautiful memories with her.”
Xiao Lin was deep in thought," The Yuan Yimeng after that appeared when I was in a difficult relationship. She made me finally let go of my relationship with Bingying. As for Xiaomeng, he was already used to thinking about her, just like how he missed a family member. I only hope that she is the last girl I like in university. She changed a stage of my life. As long as I recall my university life, I will definitely be inseparable from her.”
"At this moment, I thought of a lyric." Zhao Ruixu interjected with emotion," I love what I love without regrets."”
"Classic. Take a deep sip of this line from Ruixu.”As Xiao Lin spoke, he raised his wine glass. The three of them clinked their glasses. After drinking this mouthful, there wasn't much left in the wine glass. Xiao Lin felt that he was starting to have a reaction. His head was a little dizzy, but he still knew how much he could drink.
"I wonder if Ah Zeng wants to come over. Don't wait until we're done eating.”Xie Wenhao said," I'll give him a call.”He picked up his phone and dialed a number. After a while, he put it down." No one picked up. She should still be in class."”
"It's okay. We'll help him bring something back after eating.”Zhao Ruixu picked up an extra bowl of instant noodles and said," It's also a form of consolation for Ah Zeng."”
"I feel that among us brothers, Ah Zeng will have the best future. He majored in radio and television editing and directing, and he has already made several movies, and he can already earn money through part-time work. Yuanguang was preparing to go abroad. I study Japanese, but sometimes I don't even know where the exit to the future is.”Xie Wenhao sighed.
"Ah Zeng is indeed a role model for us to learn from at this stage, but I also believe that our other brothers are not bad. They are either very powerful now or on the road to becoming stronger. For our beautiful future, drink it all.”Xiao Lin said excitedly.
"Right, Xiao Lin is right. We will all succeed and have a bright future.”Zhao Ruixu picked up his wine glass and said.
The rain outside was a little light when they came out of Chongqing Hotpot City. The three of them had almost finished drinking. They held umbrellas in their hands and walked in the light rain. The raindrops that fell on his arms were cool, and the water droplets on his forehead absorbed his body temperature, making him feel cool. Walking along the road, they found the Liansheng Plaza shopping center that the taxi driver had pointed out. They walked to the opposite side and waited for the green light to light up. The three of them quickened their pace and walked across the pedestrian crossing.
Liansheng Shopping Center was a very modern building. The bright and clean shopping environment made people feel very happy. As soon as they walked in, they immediately felt the aura of jewelry. The first floor was filled with gold, silver, jade ornaments, rings, jade bracelets, silver locks...
The second and third floors were all for fashionable women's clothing. Xiao Lin and the others took the elevator to the fourth floor, which was for casual men's clothing. Due to the rainy weather, there was not much traffic in the shopping center. Xiao Lin and the other two were among the few customers. When they walked to each store, they would be warmly received by the sales staff.
"Hey, Ah Zeng, where are you? We're already in the city. We're at Liansheng Shopping Center. Do you know where it is? In any case, you can just take a taxi here. The driver will definitely know. We're on the fourth floor. We'll talk when we get there." After more than an hour, Xu Zeng finally called Xie Wenhao back. "Ah Zeng called just now. He said that he has arrived in Jiujiang City. We can wait for him here.”
Xiao Lin and Xie Wenhao were resting on the sofa in the store, while Zhao Ruixu was excitedly trying out a few clothes he liked.
Fifteen minutes later, Xu Zeng called Xie Wenhao again." Ah Zeng, have you gone up to the fourth floor? I'll come and pick you up." Xie Wenhao stood up and said to Zhao Ruixu, who was still trying on clothes in the mirror," Ruixu, you guys stay here. I'll go to the elevator to pick up Ah Zeng."”Zhao Ruixu turned around and looked at Xie Wenhao.
"I'll go over together and wash my face." Xiao Lin also stood up.
The two of them walked to the elevator and saw Xu Zeng standing there with a bag on his back. When he saw Xiao Lin and the others, he walked up with a smile.
"Wenhao, have you eaten?”Xu Zeng asked.
"Not yet. I'm starving. How can you only come now? Ruixu has already fainted on the sofa in the store.”Xiao Lin said," Prepare to repent.”
"It's my fault. I'll take you guys out for a big meal later to make up for it. Where is Ruixu? He had stored so much energy, yet he was still starving.”Xu Zeng said with a smile.
Xie Wenhao looked at Xu Zeng in surprise and said,""Don't tell me you really didn't eat. Fortunately, we left you a packet of instant noodles. Are you touched?”
"You guys are too kind. I was worried that you would be hungry on the way, but you actually lied to me and only left me a packet of instant noodles.”Xu Zeng pretended to be angry.
"Wenhao, you go with Ah Zeng first. I'll come over later.”Xiao Lin walked towards the washroom.
When Xiao Lin came out after washing his face, he bumped into Xu Zeng, Xie Wenhao, and Zhao Ruixu. Zhao Ruixu was carrying two plastic bags in his hands as he chatted with Xie Wenhao.
"Xiao Lin, let me show you the two t-shirts I just bought.”When Zhao Ruixu saw Xiao Lin, he took out a shirt from his pocket and handed it to Xiao Lin.
Xiao Lin took it and looked at the design. It was very trendy and the texture was relatively soft." I think it's quite good. It feels very comfortable to touch. Ruixu really has good taste.”Xiao Lin praised as he put the clothes back into the bag.
"That's right. Ruixu finally didn't let the sales lady down. In the end, he even added her on WeChat.”Xie Wenhao patted Zhao Ruixu on the shoulder.
" Ruixu, that's not bad. I originally wanted Wenhao to come and meet a romantic relationship, but I didn't expect you to snatch it away. However, Wenhao, don't be discouraged. There's still better things to come. There will be a lady from Jiujiang that belongs to you.”Xu Zeng encouraged Xie Wenhao.
"Don't make fun of me. Tell me, where are we going next?”Zhao Ruixu wasn't angry." Xiao Lin, what do you think?”
"Whatever, I'll listen to Master's arrangement. Ah Zeng, tell me, what are you taking us to now?”Xiao Lin and Xu Zeng stood side by side.
"If you listen to my arrangements, let me see where we can go to play.”Xu Zeng thought for a moment." How about this? Let's play pool together. How about that?" Everyone knows it, right?" Xiao Lin and the others agreed and walked out of the shopping center together.
They called a taxi at the gate and asked the driver if he knew where they could play billiards. The driver said that he knew a place nearby, so Xiao Lin and the others got into the taxi. Sure enough, as the driver had said, they arrived at a " Glorious Billiard Club " in about ten minutes. Xu Zeng paid the money, thanked the driver, and got out of the car.
They walked in from the neon sign. The spacious hall was surrounded by white walls that looked even more spacious under the white light. There were 15 billiard tables under the light, but only a few people were swinging their clubs around the tables. When the manager at the cashier saw Xiao Lin and the others come in, he quickly stood up and asked Xiao Lin how many tables he wanted and told him how much it cost per hour. Xu Zeng did not hesitate and asked the manager to prepare two tables.
"Let's play like this. I'll play a round with Xiao Lin first, and after that, the two who win will regroup and start a round. What do you guys think?" Xie Wenhao walked to the billiard table and put his backpack on the high stool.
"Wenhao, wait a moment. The three of you play a round of dialing numbers first. I want to give Xiaomeng a call. Are you staying at your place?" Xiao Lin looked at the time on his phone. It was already half-past seven.
"Xiao Lin, you value your lover over your friends and ignore us. You're not loyal enough.”Xu Zeng scolded Xiao Lin.
"Xu Zeng, look at what you're saying. I'll let all of you talk to Xiaomeng later, but the premise is to control the time. Xiaomeng and the others went over today, so they should be quite tired.”Xiao Lin was about to call Yuan Yimeng.
"That's more like it. That's not a problem. I'll agree to it.”Xu Zeng said as he picked up the cue stick and started the game with the white cue ball." I'm so touched by your heartache.”
"Ah Zeng, I say, why are you blindly joining in? Can you focus on playing? Whoever loses will buy breakfast tomorrow. How about that? Ruixu, it's your turn." Xie Wenhao said to Xu Zeng as he put away his cue after finishing his shot.
Xiao Lin walked to the window alone and looked out at the pitter-patter of raindrops in the night sky. He then dialed Yuan Yimeng's number. He picked up his phone and pressed it against his ear, looking forward to hearing her voice.
"Hello, Xiaomeng, it's me." As soon as the call was connected, Xiao Lin said impatiently," Are you still playing outside?”
"No, I'm already on my way back to the hotel.”Yuan Yimeng said excitedly.
"Have you guys had dinner? Is the place far?" Xiao Lin asked with concern.
"I'm so full now. I've eaten a lot of specialty snacks here. I won't be hungry.”Yuan Yimeng's friend's laughter could be heard from the other end of the phone." It should take about fifteen minutes for us to walk back, right, Xiuxiu?"”
"Where do you live? Is the accommodation good?" Xiao Lin was worried that it would be unsafe for the two girls to stay outside.
"I told you, I'm staying in a hotel in the campus of the University of China.”Yuan Yimeng said unhappily.
Had he said it before? Impossible. Why didn't he have any impression of it? It shouldn't be like that. But no matter what, it was his fault. He should have asked her earlier, Xiao Lin thought.
"Yes, I remember now. I'm sorry, Xiaomeng, I forgot.”Xiao Lin quickly changed the topic." Xiaomeng, did you guys have fun today? Where did they go? Did you visit the Yellow Crane Tower?"
"Soo Soo and I have decided to visit Yellow Crane Tower tomorrow. Our task today is to try as many snacks as possible on the streets of this city. We ate delicious skewers, spicy oyster, duck necks that were different from our school, huge lobsters, and milky lotus roots.”Yuan Yimeng happily described the snacks that they had eaten to Xiao Lin." You must try them when you come to Wuhuan in the future. I really didn't lie to you."”
Xiao Lin smiled knowingly. It seemed that he had also tasted those snacks, and he was even happier for the honest Yuan Yimeng on the other end of the phone. "As long as it's recommended by you, I'll definitely try it.”Xiao Lin said softly, as if he was telling himself.
"What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly. In short, it's not wrong for you to believe me.”Yuan Yimeng said.
"Xiaomeng, is the weather okay in Hubei? It's not raining, right?" Xiao Lin asked.
"It's cloudy today. According to the weather forecast, it shouldn't rain. Is it raining in our school?"
"Maybe I'm here too. I'm not too sure, I'm in another city.”Xiao Lin deliberately paused." I came to Jiujiang with Ah Zeng, Wenhao, and Ruixu. It was raining heavily in Jiujiang.”
"It's raining. Why are you still going over? Why are you going to Jiujiang?" Yuan Yimeng asked curiously.
"That's because Ah Zeng is teaching in Jiujiang, and the three of us went there to play.”Xiao Lin looked at Xu Zeng and the others who were playing pool and explained to Yuan Yimeng. At this moment, he saw Xu Zeng gesturing to him to answer the phone." Xiaomeng, Ah Zeng and the others are at the side. They want to talk to you. Is that okay?"”
Xiao Lin walked over to the pool table with his phone." Ah Zeng, control the time."”Xiao Lin handed over the phone and whispered to Xu Zeng.
Xu Zeng took the phone and said to Yuan Yimeng on the other end of the phone,""Hello, Yi Meng, it's Ah Zeng. I heard from Xiao Lin that you guys went to play in Wu Han. Xiao Lin has been talking about you all day, and now he doesn't want me to talk much, afraid that I'll snatch you from him. Haha, what a joke. We're in Jiujiang now and we're playing pool. Since you like to play pool, let Xiao Lin take you out to play when there's a chance in the future. Then I'll give my phone to Ruixu. I hope you have a good time in Wuhan1.”Xu Zeng passed the phone to Zhao Ruixu.
"Yi Meng, I think we should go out and broaden our horizons when we are young. We can't always stay in one place. I'm also planning to go with my friends on October 1st for National Day. Do you have any classmates there? I went out with your roommate. You two girls should pay more attention to your safety outside. Fortunately, the security in Wu Han is still okay. It's not particularly chaotic. I also wish you all a good time. Wenhao, here you go.”
"I am Wenhao, Yi Meng. Actually, I was going to go to Wu Han. Last time, my girlfriend Xin Yi and I chose between Xi'an and Wu Han, but in the end, we went to Xi'an. It's a pity that we didn't go to Wu Han. I heard that there are a lot of famous snacks in the city.”Xie Wenhao took out his phone and looked at it. He turned his head and said softly to Xiao Lin," Xiao Lin, look, Bai Bingying is calling you. Do you want to pick up?"”
Xiao Lin shook his head." Let's call Xiaomeng first. I'll call her back later.”
"Yi Meng, when it comes to snacks, they must be especially tempting. You guys must have a good meal. I'm so envious of you. In that case, thank you so much. I'll give it to Xiao Lin.”
"Hey, Xiaomeng, are you guys almost at the hotel?”Xiao Lin asked.
"I just walked through the door and was about to take the elevator upstairs.”Yuan Yimeng said.
"You and Soo Soo should rest well. Don't sleep too late and take good care of yourself outside, understand? Bye bye." After the call, Xiao Lin heaved a sigh of relief. He felt much better.
Just as he was about to put his phone away, Xiao Lin hesitated for a moment. In the end, he decided to send Bai Bingying a text message, telling her that he was in Jiujiang and asking her what was the matter. Bai Bingying replied that she was fine and just wanted to ask where Xiao Lin was.
Based on his understanding of her, Xiao Lin knew that something must have happened to her. However, she refused to tell him. If Xiao Lin continued to ask, she would still tell him. At this moment, Xiao Lin would rather believe that she was really fine and just wanted to know where he was.
After the four of them finished playing pool, it was past three in the morning. They called a taxi and returned to Xu Zeng's house. They were so sleepy that they did not take a shower or brush their teeth. They only washed their feet briefly and then fell asleep in bed in a daze. Xiao Lin only knew that someone was sleeping next to him. He didn't know if it was Xie Wenhao, Zhao Ruixu, or Xu Zeng. He couldn't open his eyes at all and fell asleep.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。