Chapter Six: He Leaned In Slowly

After Chen Liao and Fang Qing left Qin Yanzhou’s courtyard, both wore displeased expressions.

Once they were out of sight, Fang Qing confronted Chen Liao directly. “What exactly is going on between you and that Qiao Luo?”

Chen Liao's heart skipped a beat, and he hurried to explain, “What could possibly be going on? She’s just someone from my hometown. I merely went over to greet her…”

Fang Qing’s anger flared up. “Just from the same hometown! What kind of greeting was that? Do you think Qiao Luo is attractive, so you purposely went over to her?”

Hearing this, an image of Qiao Luo Chen Liao had just seen flashed vividly in his mind. She was completely different from the Qiao Luo he had known before…

Seeing Chen Liao remain silent, Fang Qing stamped her foot in frustration. “Chen Liao! Are you even listening to me?”

Snapping back to attention, Chen Liao quickly adjusted his tone to something softer. “I’m listening.”

Taking Fang Qing’s hand gently, he wore a tender expression. “It’s just that your suspicion seems utterly absurd to me, and I was trying to figure out how to explain.”

Fang Qing snorted coldly. “Well then, answer me! Do you think Qiao Luo is pretty?”

Her heart was uneasy; after all, Qiao Luo was undeniably beautiful, and men naturally tended to like young and pretty women. She feared Chen Liao might feel the same.

Chen Liao knew her thoughts immediately and softened his voice to soothe her. “Qingqing, how could Qiao Luo be as beautiful as you? She isn’t even one ten-thousandth as lovely!”

Fang Qing’s expression lightened a bit.

Chen Liao continued patiently coaxing her, and only after a long while did her anger fully dissipate.

Still, she warned him firmly, “You better be careful! If I catch you playing around, you won’t like what happens!”

Chen Liao promised he wouldn’t, but his eyes darkened slightly.

Indeed, Fang Qing came from a good family; his future promotions might depend on her family’s connections. Yet being coddled every day like royalty was wearing on him.

But what choice did he have? Fang Qing was his best option, and although she was spoiled, she was genuinely kind to him at times.

After dropping Fang Qing off at her dormitory, Chen Liao found himself thinking again about Qiao Luo’s appearance.

Compared to a few years ago, Qiao Luo seemed to have blossomed. Her once delicate features had become even more radiant. More importantly, when they were engaged years ago, Chen Liao had secretly observed her. Back then, she was pale and thin. Though delicate, she appeared timid and withdrawn—he truly had no interest.

His engagement was only because their grandfathers had arranged it; he had no way to refuse.

But now, Qiao Luo was confident and graceful, as if she were a completely different person.

Chen Liao wondered what had happened to cause such a transformation. After all, Qiao Luo’s stepmother, Lin Xiuzhi, had married into the Qiao family from his hometown, Peach Blossom Village, so he knew something of Qiao Luo’s previous hardships.

And he knew her only protector, her grandfather, was no longer alive…

Meanwhile, Qin Yanzhou, having said a few words, wheeled his chair back inside.

Qiao Luo felt a bit concerned.

Was he angry now, perhaps because Chen Liao had come looking for her?

Lost in thought, Qin Yanzhou soon returned, holding a tin box.

“Here,” Qin Yanzhou said softly as he faced her.

“What’s this?” Qiao Luo asked curiously, shaking it gently. “Seems like there’s nothing inside.”

Qin Yanzhou chuckled at her. “Why don’t you open it and see?”

Qiao Luo turned the box over in her hands, then handed it back with an innocent look. “I can’t open it.”

Qin Yanzhou laughed softly. “Alright, I’ll help you.”

He knew she was teasing him, but he enjoyed it.

Easily opening the box, Qiao Luo’s eyes lit up.

Inside the small tin were two sections: one held a thick stack of ration coupons, and the other contained various tickets—not only grain, meat, and cloth coupons but even rarer ones like bicycle and radio tickets. Qiao Luo even spotted a television coupon.

“You have this too?” She pulled out the TV coupon, her round eyes wide with surprise. “If you have it, why haven’t you bought one?”

Qin Yanzhou explained patiently, “I’m rarely home, so a TV isn’t very useful to me. But now that you’re here, I’m giving all these to you. You can buy the TV and bring it back; it’ll be a nice way to pass the time.”

Touched inside, Qiao Luo couldn’t help but tease. “We’re not even married yet, and you’re already giving me all this. Aren’t you afraid I’ll run off with the money?”

Qin Yanzhou looked at her charming smile and couldn’t resist pinching her cheek. “Where would you want to run off to?”

His voice lowered a notch. “You won’t be leaving my grasp this lifetime.”

Qiao Luo didn’t catch it clearly and looked puzzled. “Huh? What did you say?”

Qin Yanzhou smiled faintly, reaching out to stroke her hair. “I’m heading to the army soon. Go buy the TV; the supply and marketing cooperative here should still have some in stock.”

He hesitated, a bit worried. “You know how to get to the cooperative, right?”

Qiao Luo smiled wryly and cupped his face. “Qin Yanzhou, don’t forget, I came here all alone from my hometown! Don’t underestimate me!”

Feeling the warmth of her palm, Qin Yanzhou’s face flushed uncontrollably.

He averted his gaze, trying to sound casual. “What if I did underestimate you?”

Qiao Luo tilted her head innocently. “Then I’d just… walk away all flat and sad?”

Qin Yanzhou laughed at her antics. Covering her hand with his, he gently placed it on her lap. “If you see anything you like, just buy it. You’ve got the money and tickets—I’m not going to make you scrimp. When it runs out, there’ll be more.”

Qiao Luo’s eyes sparkled. “Qin Yanzhou, you’re so good to me! I’m so lucky to have met you!”

The system inside her mind clamored for credit: “This is the perfect husband I carefully chose for you! Aren’t you going to thank me?”

Qiao Luo retorted, “Shut up!”

Qin Yanzhou’s eyelids drooped slightly. “Meeting you is my fortune.”

The system continued nagging, “Isn’t it his luck? Without me, he’d never have a wife or children this lifetime…”

Qiao Luo was nearly exasperated. “Stop talking already…”

The words slipped out, and she instantly felt her heart skip a beat.

Qin Yanzhou was momentarily stunned. “What?”

Quickly covering herself, Qiao Luo said, “I mean… words are just words, right?”

She had expected him to blush again, but to her surprise, he nodded earnestly. “Some things don’t need to be said…”

He leaned in slowly until their noses touched.

Qiao Luo's pupils trembled.