Chapter 3: Revisiting Old Places
Hello, how exaggerated! Xiaoqing was filled with joy and humbly said with a hint of pride.
Li Xiaoqing was startled, and with her other hand, she tried to pry his fingers away. When she realized it was Chen Yuxing, she stopped her actions, filled with suspicion, and followed him out of the store
A girl carries a snow-white backpack on her back, with long hair cascading down her tank top, gently tied with a silver ribbon. She wears a bright yellow cultural shirt on her upper body, tight-fitting jeans on her lower body, and a pair of white Nike sneakers. Her left hand lightly rests on her lower back, while her right hand extends with her index finger, gently tracing the two characters "story".
Chen Yuxing, carrying an inexplicable sense of regret and his backpack, left the inn to join the throngs exploring the ancient city. After wandering for several hours, Chen Yuxing, who was not accustomed to exercise, grew tired. He gulped down some mineral water to soothe his parched throat, his eyes scanning the bustling crowd in search of a place to rest. A middle-aged couple stood up from a stone bench, and he hurriedly ran a couple of steps to sit down. Finally, he took a long breath, stretched his legs in enjoyment, and took a big swig of water, swirling it in his mouth before swallowing it down.
The waiter handed the access card to Li Xiaoqing
I lament that there is no scenery that matches you to serve as a backdrop. Chen Yuxing was in a class in university with no girls, commonly referred to as a "monk class." During the four years, he had little interaction with girls, which should have resulted in a lack of experience in socializing with them. However, he learned on his own and was quite adept at pleasing Li Xiaoqing.
The girl holds a small Guanyin pendant in her hand, measuring less than 1 centimeter in width and approximately 2 centimeters in length. Its color is a vibrant green, making it truly charming, especially appealing to girls.
I have no purpose, you may do as you please
At this moment, Chen Yuxing realized that her T-shirt had a large red heart and a capital black "I" printed on the chest
He helped her open the door and handed her the door card
Alright. If you need any assistance, please find me.
The chubby boss has not changed much; it is just that his already bald head now has not a single hair left. He is still wearing a white shirt printed with the name and logo of his store. His second encounter with Li Xiaoqing is related to this plump boss.
Chen Yuxing truly does not have any particular place he wishes to visit. His trip to the ancient city this time is merely for the purpose of relaxation, and it does not matter where he goes or what he sees.
Miss, you are quite something, aren't you? I've never seen bargaining done quite like this. Slashed and slashed again, seven hundred, take it if you want it
Xiaoqing took the drink with some helplessness, but she did not feel much aversion to Chen Yuxing's familiar behavior
I will help you
At this moment, Li Xiaoqing also understood that she had almost been deceived just now, and she expressed her heartfelt gratitude by saying: "Thank you!"
The overweight boss pretended that he had lost a pound of fat on his body and said painfully
The girl seemed to really like this pendant and was flattered by the compliments from the chubby boss, making her feel elated. After hesitating for a moment, she proposed a new price
Chen Yuxing awkwardly left the small restaurant under the puzzled gaze of the short, dark, and plump waitress. When Zixing returned to his room, he deliberately paused in front of the door for a while, quietly listening to the sounds from room 208. There was not a single sound coming from the room, indicating that the girl named Li Xiaoqing had clearly left the inn to go out for a stroll.
She secretly glanced at Chen Yuxing
Chen Yuxing stood next to the girl who had her back to him and asked, "Excuse me, may I ask if this is the Little Town Story Inn?"
Thank you!" Saying this, he waved his hand and walked into the room
Chen Yuxing was indeed not asking knowingly to get closer to the girl; her hand was blocking the word "Inn" below. He was not sure if this was the inn he had reserved.
This is not his hometown; this timid feeling and the anticipated goal both point to one person. That gentle and charming yet passionate girl—Li Xiaoqing
At that time in that year, he arrived punctually in front of the × × Jewelry and Gem Store located by the square. He sat on the stone bench facing the jewelry store, watching the chubby owner warmly greet his customers with a beaming smile
The inns in the ancient city of Sifang are quite famous! There are probably over 2,000 inns of various sizes in the ancient city! It can be said that the inns are the soul of the ancient city, embodying its characteristics and stories. Some say that if you visit the ancient city and do not stay in an inn, it is as if you have not truly visited the ancient city at all, which is not an exaggeration in the slightest
( Reality ... ... )
This is Chen Yuxing's subconscious action to avoid suspicion; he does not want the girl to doubt that he is intentionally getting close to her or maliciously stalking her. Chen Yuxing is being overly cautious; a straightforward girl like Li Xiaoqing is not as complicated as he thinks.
Xiaoqing, I left my wallet in the room and I don't have that much money on me. Let's come back to buy it in the afternoon
The overweight boss was clearly anxious, shouting at the two individuals. Upon seeing them walk away, he muttered a few curses under his breath. This also signified the failure of the business deal.
As time passes and the path lengthens, the shy Xiaoqing becomes increasingly lively
This is her second time thanking Chen Yuxing. Then she scrunched up her little nose and clenched her small fist, saying angrily: "This damn fatso, how dare he deceive me"
Are you thirsty
I have a bit of research on gemstones; that item is the lowest quality of dyed soft jade, not worth ten yuan. It is best not to buy such seemingly valuable items in this kind of tourist area, as it is easy to be deceived. Chen Yuxing struck a very arrogant pose and said this with a hint of pretentiousness
( Memories from five years ago ... ... )
"We should take a look at the small souvenirs," she replied cautiously, fearing that Chen Yuxing would stop her from shopping
"Could you let go of my hand?" Li Xiaoqing said, her cheeks slightly flushed, in a soft voice
Hey, miss, don't go. I sold it for 300 yuan.
The girl, while speaking, lifted her backpack and walked towards the doorway. The little yellow dog, lying by the stone toad at the entrance, wagged its hairless tail vigorously at Xiaoqing.
I have not entered yet
Chen Yuxing, lost in memories, gently inscribed the two characters "story". The corners of his mouth curled slightly upwards, and a hint of warmth emanated from deep within his eyes.
( Memories from five years ago ... ... )
Chen Yuxing had a very pure heart. When he saw her flustered and anxious demeanor, he felt a sense of discomfort in his heart. As a novice in matters of the heart, Chen Yuxing was still oblivious; he had already fallen in love with Li Xiaoqing the moment they first met outside the inn.
Xiao Qing did not open the drink, but silently followed Chen Yuxing's side, resembling a submissive little wife.
Yes, you are here to stay at the hotel, and so am I
"Where are you going?" Chen Yuxing asked
Yes, I am alone and feeling quite bored at home. I see you are traveling alone as well, right
Chen Yuxing was reluctant to let go of her small hand, as the soft, smooth, and delicate sensation made him linger
In the morning, Chen Yuxing was aimlessly wandering around the Square City.
Li Xiaoqing took the door card and gave a slight smile to Chen Yuxing, who felt as if an electric current was passing through his body
Heaven and Earth have a conscience," Chen Yuxing said sincerely, placing his right hand over his heart
Room 208, turn left after going up to the second floor
He stood silently for a few seconds in front of room 208, then collected his fluctuating emotions and pushed the door open to enter room 207
Chen Yuxing awkwardly released his hand, playfully rubbed his palms together, and made a sound of "hmph" from his mouth, not knowing what he had just said
Chen Yuxing flatteringly took the camera, striking a standard photographer's pose. He exaggeratedly murmured, "What a pity"
Li Xiaoqing handed the access card to Chen Yuxing, and shyly stuck out her little tongue once again
Xiao Qing's crescent-shaped eyes resembled a crescent moon even more, and the corners of her mouth were completely raised, revealing a row of pristine white teeth. Chen Yuxing took the opportunity to snap a few photos.
Chen Yuxing quickly left the stone bench that had provided him with comfort for a few seconds and hurriedly ran into the jewelry store
The fat boss became anxious upon hearing this, his eyes widened as if a piece of flesh had been ripped from his heart.
The small yellow dog in front of the inn has shown signs of aging, yet it still faithfully greets and sees off the guests for its owner, its completely bald tail wagging vigorously at Chen Yuxing. Upon entering the inn, he requested room 207
Chen Yuxing nodded slightly and took out a bottle of iced black tea from his backpack, handing it to Li Xiaoqing
The airplane safely landed at Sifang Airport. Chen Yuxing packed his backpack and walked off the plane with the crowd. He felt a sense of trepidation upon nearing his hometown, while deep within his consciousness, he also harbored a sense of anticipation
In the moment the girl turned around, Chen Yuxing was stunned. He was captivated by the girl's pure and innocent, naive and romantic expression, and it took quite a while for his soul to return to his body.
Chen Yuxing walked under the plaque, extending his right index finger to gently trace the two characters "story", as if he had returned to that sunny day five years ago
The Ancient Town Small Town Story Inn is located on Wuyi Street in the Sifang Ancient Town. It is a typical Naxi courtyard, featuring a simple, clean, hygienic, comfortable, and elegant decor, while being distanced from the nightly revelry of Sifang Street in the center of the ancient town
Chen Yuxing stood in a daze for a moment before walking into the inn. The girl was in the process of checking in, and Chen Yuxing stood beside her, waiting, casting a sidelong glance at the identification card placed on the counter.
This is truly a genuine A-grade jadeite. Look at how rich the luster is. I only offered you an 20% discount because I found you, a young lady, to be fresh and charming. It is 800, not a cent less.
However, relying on his more than one year of study in "Mineralogy" as part of his geology major, as well as the professional knowledge he acquired from several years of hands-on experience in the mineral laboratory, Chen Yuxing found it effortless to identify the authenticity of gemstones. He immediately recognized that this was a counterfeit, and moreover, it was a fake that could not even be colored with genuine jadeite. It would not cost more than ten yuan at a street stall
The first meeting between Chen Yuxing and Li Xiaoqing took place under this black plaque
She turned around and gave Chen Yuxing a sidelong glance with a smile, then stuck out her little tongue and smiled shyly.
Taking advantage of the girl's hesitation, Chen Yuxing grasped her hand with one hand while using the other to shove a pendant into the chubby boss's hand, and then walked out of the store.
Chen Yuxing slightly slowed his pace to follow Xiaoqing. The two of them seamlessly strolled together through Sifang City.
"You are traveling alone." In order to break the awkward atmosphere between the two, Chen Yuxing said awkwardly
The entrance to the Little Town Story Inn is situated within an archway that is just over 1 meter wide and nearly 3 meters deep. On the ancient brown wooden door hang two door rings, each with a diameter of 10 centimeters, which produce a resounding "bang bang" when knocked. On either side of the door are two stone pedestals, each topped with a stone toad. A yellow dog has long been lying in the archway; whenever a guest walks by, it energetically wags its tail, which has lost half its fur. A black plaque is vertically hung on the left side of the door, inscribed in Yan style with the words "Little Town Story," while the words "Inn" are written in smaller characters at the bottom of the plaque.
The girl appears to be around twenty years old, with a fair and delicate complexion, a pair of watery eyes, light-colored eyebrows, a well-defined nose, and soft red lips. The tranquil depth of her eyes seems to hold an unfathomable ocean, captivating and humbling those who gaze upon her, making them hesitant to intrude. Coupled with her vibrant youthful attire, she resembles a brand-new Lamborghini parked in this ancient Naxi courtyard, strikingly enchanting.
Chen Yuxing's room is 207, directly opposite room 208. After completing the check-in procedures, he walked to the second floor and saw Li Xiaoqing fiddling with the access card at the door, but she could not open it.
I will also take a few pictures for you. Xiaoqing took the camera and urged Chen Yuxing to pose.
The next morning, Chen Yuxing got up early and went to the self-service dining area of the inn for breakfast. In the small dining area of about ten square meters, Chen Yuxing had the longest breakfast he had ever taken, yet he did not wait for the girl from room 208 to arrive.
"What are you saying?" A bunch of cartoon-like question marks appeared above Xiaoqing's head
"Bad guy, take a picture of me." Xiaoqing took out a digital camera
He has somewhat tousled black hair, large black eyes, a high nose bridge, and a slight upward curve at the corners of his mouth, giving off a somewhat mischievous vibe. Standing at 1.75 meters tall, he is considered of average build in the north, yet seems to stand out in the south. His physique is well-proportioned and muscular, showcasing significant potential as a "fashionable man"
This is the first encounter between Chen Yuxing and Li Xiaoqing
In the next moment, his right hand, which was twisting the cap of the mineral water bottle, came to a halt, and his eyes fixed straight ahead. Opposite him was a jewelry store, its wide-open entrance revealing a familiar and vibrant backdrop where a plump middle-aged man was haggling.
Li Xiaoqing, 21 years old, two years younger than me, Chen Yuxing thought to himself
I am very foolish
Chen Yuxing stepped out of the airport, and until he boarded the airport shuttle, he remained in a daze, as if he had traveled back to that early spring five years ago, where the girl he had missed day and night was waiting for his arrival ahead on his journey. After nearly 50 minutes of travel, the airport shuttle stopped at the parking lot of the Sifang Blue Sky Hotel. He got off the shuttle and took a taxi directly to the inn he had reserved.
The plump boss, with foam at his mouth, boasted extravagantly as he vigorously promoted the jade in his hand, while not forgetting to compliment the girl at the right moment
On the second day, Chen Yuxing got up on time at that time of the year. A night of torment had left his eyes slightly darkened. He paid no attention to this, hurriedly washed up and had breakfast, shouldered the backpack he had carried at that time of the year, and set off on the journey to find his first love
I will take three hundred