Chapter 47: What Gift Should I Give?

So now, he didn't have much money on him, just five or six thousand yuan. But in this era, that was more than enough. His father’s annual salary used to be less than that.

Liang Jiyong didn’t rush to join the others; he planned to buy gifts for Su Wanqing and the others before heading up. What to give?

He had to buy something for Su Wanqing, Di Yutong, and Jiang Lan. As for Wei Min and Xiaoya, if he gave them gifts, not only would Chen Puer and Fang Zhan have their thoughts, but Fang Zhan would also feel awkward—since Chen Puer had given gifts to all the girls, if Liang Jiyong also gave gifts and Fang Zhan didn’t, it wouldn’t seem right.

Although Fang Zhan’s family was well-off, spending a thousand or so on gifts wasn’t easy. So, it was better to take care of his own three women first.

Liang Jiyong felt a bit apologetic—how had he unknowingly become a scoundrel? He was actually quite upright.

In the end, Liang Jiyong chose a sporty watch for Di Yutong, the latest imported model, priced at 688 yuan—not cheap by any means.

For Jiang Lan, he selected a sapphire bracelet. It wasn’t particularly precious because there were ones priced in the thousands or even tens of thousands, which he couldn’t afford. Plus, if he bought something too expensive, Su Wanqing and Di Yutong would surely start overthinking.

And Liang Jiyong didn’t intend to give gifts secretly.

This sapphire bracelet cost 520 yuan. He wasn’t sure if it was meant to imply “I love you.”

As for Su Wanqing, Liang Jiyong planned to find a small portable music player he had seen a classmate use last time. He intended to buy one for her.

She loved music, and although she was busy with studies, listening to music occasionally would help her relax.

Su Wanqing’s grades were steadily improving. In the last monthly exam, she scored 580. Though it was only about ten points higher than before, last year’s university entrance cutoff for liberal arts at Peking University was 590!

With half a year left, perhaps Su Wanqing had a chance at the country’s top university.

Liang Jiyong found the music player counter. There were four or five brands, but except for Sony, the others were unfamiliar to him—likely brands long forgotten by history.

Though Liang Jiyong was a staunch patriot, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t buy Japanese-made products. Patriotism wasn’t shown this way unless in special times. Otherwise, buying was about value and quality.

The device was finely crafted and palm-sized, much more convenient than a tape recorder.

One music player cost 998 yuan, about a thousand, and nothing in the store was discounted.

Liang Jiyong didn’t mind the price.

But choosing was difficult. Should he pick the ocean blue or the silver white? He felt Su Wanqing would like both.

Still, he had to pick one.

After a moment of hesitation, he reached out for the ocean blue player.

Just as he did, another slender hand reached out beside his.

Their hands brushed and both instinctively withdrew.

Turning his head, Liang Jiyong was stunned.

The girl wearing a blue hat and a high-neck wool sweater looked at him with the same surprised and delighted expression, as if she smelled a special scent of books again.

“It’s you, what a coincidence!”

“Such a coincidence, Liang Jiyong!”

This girl was the one he had met three times before at the bookstore when buying books—the girl who had also picked the same item as him twice.

It must be fate, meeting three times and twice choosing the same thing.

Earlier, because she wore a hat and wool sweater, he hadn’t recognized her.

He had a beige trench coat draped over his arm and carried a shoulder bag.

“Ladies first!” Liang Jiyong smiled, gesturing for her to take the ocean blue music player.

“No need, you already let me have it once!” The girl shook her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, either from the cold or shyness.

“No problem, I was also debating whether to choose ocean blue or silver white!”

“Well then, thank you, Liang Jiyong!” she said.

“You’re welcome. You know my name, but I don’t know yours. Isn’t that unfair?” Although there were no ulterior motives, not knowing her name after three encounters felt like a loss.

She smiled softly. “You haven’t told me your name either. How about we agree that if we meet again, I’ll tell you my name?”

“Deal!” Liang Jiyong shrugged and took the silver white music player.

Then he prepared to pick out some cassette tapes.

The girl also planned to choose tapes, so they walked together.

“Are you choosing English tapes?”

“Yes, but not from textbooks—songs. Do you have any recommendations for classic piano pieces?”

The bookish girl blinked and asked casually, “Is this a Christmas gift for a girl?”

Liang Jiyong smiled and nodded.

The girl felt an inexplicable sadness, recalling the two beautiful girls she had met last time at the bookstore, and one named Wanqing who seemed to be his girlfriend.

But the sadness soon faded. They were like two droplets of water in a vast sea of people—chance encounters destined to drift apart.

“‘Für Elise,’ ‘Serenade,’ ‘Moonlight Sonata’—all should be suitable for your girlfriend. My favorite, ‘Scarborough Fair,’ is also nice.”

After selecting three tapes, Liang Jiyong waved goodbye.

“My pen name is Qing Zhi. If we never meet again, I hope I won’t become an anonymous figure in your memories. Want to guess what the two characters mean?”

Liang Jiyong thought and guessed, “You like blue—the sea and sky blend in one color. Blue sky means Qing Tian, so Qing is the first character, and Zhi is for gardenia!”

“Why would you guess the gardenia ‘Zhi’?” she asked, clearly pleased.

“You have a very special scent. I can smell gardenia and the fragrance of books!”

Qing Zhi smiled and waved at Liang Jiyong, but the sadness seemed to return.

“To return the pearl with tears falling, wishing we had met before marriage!” Perhaps this was her inner voice. In this vast world, meeting someone who understands you is rare. She had met such a person, but at the wrong time.

Liang Jiyong watched Qing Zhi’s figure disappear, feeling a slight regret but nothing more.

He had Su Wanqing, Di Yutong, and Jiang Lan—his hands were full. He was no Casanova with the skill to charm all.

Still, the girl named Qing Zhi would remain a special memory. She shared a similar temperament with Su Wanqing but was different.

Su Wanqing always had a transcendent aura, as if a utopia was her true world.

This girl exuded scholarly charm and the scent of gardenia, like an elegant book in the midst of the mundane world.

Who could be worthy of such a girl? He hoped she wouldn’t be worn down by the world.

Liang Jiyong sent his blessings and went to find Su Wanqing and the others.

By then, they were already seated in the restaurant on the eighteenth floor. They criticized Liang Jiyong for standing them up.

In the end, everyone agreed that Liang Jiyong would pay for the meal.

He had no objection; he could afford one meal.

The restaurant was a hot pot place. The local Changjiang cuisine tended to be spicy; only Chen Puer couldn’t handle much chili since he was from Zhejiang Province, where flavors were milder.

But with a half-and-half hot pot, he politely accommodated the ladies’ preferences.

“What are you carrying there?” Wei Min asked.

“Christmas gifts for the single ladies. No gifts for you and Xiaoya!” Liang Jiyong smiled, handing the three gifts to Su Wanqing, Di Yutong, and Jiang Lan.

“Bracelets, watches, music players—Liang Jiyong, that’s too much! Xiaoya and I strongly protest!” Wei Min exclaimed.

“Protests won’t work. If you dump Fang Zhan and become single again, I’ll pick one out for you right away. Though I’m not as generous as Puer, you can max out my card!”

“Oh? I’m curious—how much money do you have on that card?”

“About three thousand,” Liang Jiyong replied.

“That won’t do. I think Fang Zhan’s worth at least four thousand!” Wei Min cleverly shot back.

Liang Jiyong chuckled. Fang Zhan turned to Chen Puer and said, “Don’t you think this guy is asking for a beating?”

Chen Puer nodded, “A bit, but I guess the two of us together still can’t beat him!”

Fang Zhan sighed, “Forget it. Let’s change tactics—tonight, only order the expensive stuff. Start with two bottles of Moutai to calm our nerves—at least thirty years old!”

“In this place, even ten-year-old stuff is good,” Liang Jiyong said confidently.

Nowadays, a bottle of Moutai cost just over a hundred yuan.

“No drinking tonight—you’re driving!” Wei Min reminded him.

Liang Jiyong nodded quickly, “Right, you have to drive home tonight. Drunk driving is dangerous; be safe!”

He wondered if Fang Zhan and Wei Min caught the double meaning in his words; they both rolled their eyes at him.

At this moment, Su Wanqing and Di Yutong were examining the gifts Liang Jiyong gave them. Jiang Lan quietly said, “Thank you!”

Jiang Lan’s thanks were not only for the gift but also for the fact that Liang Jiyong gave presents to her and the other two girlfriends together. At least in his heart, she wasn’t insignificant.

Liang Jiyong smiled but said nothing.

Jiang Lan then took out a small box from her bag containing a simple bracelet—a blue cord threaded with several unusual purple beads.

“This was originally for my dad, but here’s a little something for you, a single man’s perk. These are lucky beads—wishing you success in next year’s exams and welcome as our junior at school!”

“Thank you!” Liang Jiyong expressed his gratitude.

He knew Jiang Lan must have specially made this for him, perhaps intending to give it privately, but now he had a legitimate reason to accept it.

“A single man’s gift...” Di Yutong and Su Wanqing also handed Liang Jiyong two small boxes.

Di Yutong’s gift was also a watch, a silver-gray Plum Blossom brand—the best domestic model currently.

Liang Jiyong guessed it cost two or three thousand yuan.

“That’s extravagant!” he said.

“It was a gift from a business partner to my dad, normal social interaction. I’m giving it to you as a Christmas and birthday gift. We’re in debt now, so I can’t buy you a birthday present!” she explained.

“Thanks, and please thank Uncle Chen for me!”

“No need. My dad said to visit him when you have time, but I see you’re all busy.”

Liang Jiyong smiled; he really had no free time lately.

Su Wanqing gave Liang Jiyong a Parker pen, seemingly engraved with the phrase: “Wishing you success in the exams!”

“This pen is nice. Jiyong, Wanqing, I wish you both success next year. Let’s toast—with tea instead of wine,” Chen Puer said.

“Thank you!” Liang Jiyong and Su Wanqing expressed their gratitude.

“There are four great joys in life; success in exams is one. What are the other three? I only remember the wedding night,” Fang Zhan asked after putting down his teacup.

“Shame on you for not studying!” Wei Min scolded.

“We’re foreign language majors. I read foreign books—there’s nothing about this in them!” Fang Zhan protested.

“Ha! You’re just making excuses in a fancy way. The other two are ‘long drought meets sweet rain’ and ‘meeting an old friend in a foreign land.’ I once read a joke in a magazine that added two characters to turn the four joys into four sorrows. Want to try?”

This joke was well-known thirty years later, but back then, without the internet, information spread slowly.

“Long drought meets sweet rain, meeting an old friend in a foreign land, success in exams, wedding night! Add two characters to make four sorrows. Let me think,” Fang Zhan said, and others began guessing.

“I have one!” Di Yutong was the first to speak; all eyes turned to her.

“Wedding night, someone else!” she said.

Liang Jiyong laughed and nodded, “Close. Someone else’s wedding isn’t so sad, but not too happy either. People get married every day! Keep trying!”

“Success in exams, cheating!” Chen Puer said.

Liang Jiyong shook his head, “If cheating, then no success. That doesn’t fit!”

“Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, enemy!” Jiang Lan added.

Liang Jiyong nodded. “See, you’re smart. That’s plausible. Meeting a familiar accent but then realizing it’s an enemy or foe, grabbing a knife and charging—that’s quite tragic!”

“Long drought meets sweet rain, a cup!” Chen Puer tried again.

Liang Jiyong nodded again. “Almost, but that’s too much. One drop would be more tragic!”

“Success in exams, going mad! Like Fan Jin when he passed the exam—if untreated, that’s a real tragedy!” Su Wanqing explained.

Though different from his own answer, it was indeed more tragic.

“My answer is the same name—seeing your name on the list only to find it’s a false hope. But I feel going mad is more tragic, happiness turning to sorrow.”

“There’s one left—wedding night. Three characters okay?” Fang Zhan asked.

“Three characters? Go ahead!” Liang Jiyong encouraged.

“Immediate wind!” Fang Zhan said.

Wei Min immediately pinched Fang Zhan—too risqué!

“Going crazy immediately? Maybe the groom was just too happy!” Xiaoya joked.

Chen Puer leaned over and whispered something in Xiaoya’s ear. Her face flushed red, and she bowed her head shyly.

Jiang Lan, used to open conversations among girls in the dorm, knew what “immediate wind” meant.

Di Yutong had heard it before, but Su Wanqing hadn’t.

Judging by Xiaoya’s expression, it wasn’t a good thing, so she didn’t ask.

Di Yutong whispered to Su Wanqing, making her blush.

Liang Jiyong felt the topic should end here before it spoils the mood.

“You’re seriously off track. The last one is: wedding night, impotence! This topic ends here!”

Impotence on the wedding night—that’s truly tragic. Seeing a beautiful bride but powerless is heartbreaking.

While eating and chatting, Chen Puer asked about the earlier car collision downstairs.

“Who was with Lu Bin?”

Before Liang Jiyong could ask, Di Yutong said, “The person with Lu Bin is just as bad, maybe worse!”

Their impression of Lu Bin was already negative, so this was as low as it could go.

“I don’t know who he is, but definitely not a good person!” Jiang Lan said.

Su Wanqing said nothing but naturally agreed. The three had come to this conclusion together on their way up.

“His name is Pei Haitao,” Liang Jiyong said, though he knew more but refrained from sharing, mindful not to reveal information beyond his current identity.

“Pei Haitao? I’ve met him once. He’s the son of Secretary Pei Chengwen from Pingzhou and works at the Changjiang Urban Planning and Design Institute. But I feel he’s all ambition and no talent—birds of a feather flock together!” Fang Zhan commented.

Lu Bin gave them the impression of arrogance, big ambitions but little ability, and bad character.

“This guy came to Yunzhou, sure to cause trouble with Lu Bin. Nothing good will come of it!” Wei Min, who had also heard of Pei Haitao, didn’t like him either.

“None of our business. Keep a respectful distance,” Liang Jiyong said.

“He’s probably here for the Yunzhou New City planning!” Chen Puer added.

“Yunzhou New City?” Liang Jiyong recalled there was no such project in Yunzhou, just expansions of the old city.

As for Ji Yun, Liang Jiyong couldn’t judge him as good or bad.

He was bold, decisive, and efficient.

During his tenure governing Yunzhou, there was massive construction.

Though the city’s appearance changed dramatically, even refreshingly, his actions created jobs and increased government revenue in the short term.

But it was somewhat shortsighted, or simply a political achievement project.

Under his leadership, urban development accelerated, taxes grew, etc.

But his successors made no achievements.

Ji Yun bore some responsibility but wasn’t entirely to blame. Perhaps he had further plans, or his successors lacked courage and ability.

In any case, Ji Yun was a controversial figure in Yunzhou.

Now, Ji Yun had been promoted from Executive Deputy Mayor to full Mayor, thanks to Chen Puer.

Without Chen Puer’s help, Ji Yun’s promotion would have taken at least six more months.

Because Ji Yun was promoted early, he proposed the Yunzhou New City plan.

Liang Jiyong was sure this plan was Ji Yun’s idea—it fit his style.

Ji Yun was an expert in urban development.

He knew the drawbacks of expanding the old city.

But without the financial means to build a new city, it was his only option.

“Jiyong, do you think the Yunzhou New City is worth investing in?” Chen Puer seemed interested.

[End of text.]