Chapter 8, Sincere and Heartfelt

Then everyone has different preferences, right? Qian Haining said helplessly, "How did others respond before?"

Lv Pin sighed silently, realizing that Qian Haining must have found her home address from the files she left at the school—an address that Yang Huan had hastily filled in during her enrollment. It was the old residence of the Yang family, located near the school. Lv Pin quickly rode her bike out, and when she found Qian Haining, he was eating ramen at a roadside noodle shop. Upon seeing her, Qian Haining immediately took out money to settle the bill. Lv Pin helplessly waved her hand and said, "Hurry up and eat, it took seven hours on a slow train to get here from the school. If you starve, I won't take responsibility."

It seems that the most difficult step between men and women is taking each other's hand, because when ten fingers are intertwined, the hearts are also close together— even someone as rough and careless as Yang Huan would smile and say, "This is called a meeting of hearts."

It should sell for over a thousand if it goes out for one or two hundred here, "Lv Pin smiled, "You can buy one later to show your respect to your parents; it is beneficial for the elderly.

Is there a standard answer to this kind of question? It is simply impossible to answer

Later, the Yang family moved to the city. On weekends, Yang Huan took Lu Pin home for dinner, and Yang's parents treated her exceptionally well, praising her to the skies. She and Yang Huan were doing homework in the room, with a double-headed desk lamp, each occupying one side. Lu Pin couldn't help but wonder, if Yang's parents saw more outstanding girls at school, would they still praise her like this? When she looked up, she caught Yang Huan's intense gaze, which appeared particularly fiery under the cool, pale beam of light. She and Yang Huan were doing homework in the room, with a double-headed desk lamp, each occupying one side. Lu Pin couldn't help but wonder, if Yang's parents saw more outstanding girls at school, would they still praise her like this? When she looked up, she caught Yang Huan's intense gaze, which appeared particularly fiery under the cool, pale beam of light.

"Time is not an issue," replied Qian Haining confidently. When Lu Pin mentioned last time that he was young, he also had this fearless demeanor: "Age is not a gap! Do you care about the printing date of the banknotes when you receive your salary?"

Teacher Zhou said that you want to engage in practical aerospace projects and are unwilling to stay at the school to teach and write papers—however, it is too difficult for you to participate in the CE program now. You wouldn't be using this as an excuse to avoid me, would you? Qian Haining suddenly realized and hurriedly said, "Hey, don't! If it's because of me, then... if I go back, Yuan Yuan will definitely kill me. Just pretend I never said anything. Teacher Zhou, it’s not easy for you to help me smooth things over and get back to T University, so just act like I never said anything!"

At that time, the words spoken in front of Yang Huan were quite bold, but in practice, reality is indeed somewhat cruel; love is merely a luxury.

I have self-awareness; although I am not unattractive enough to be unable to marry, I am also not at the level of being someone who inspires love at first sight

So what? I heard that his American wife later wanted a divorce because their son died. Do you know that in America, men often end up losing everything in a divorce... On another note, Accountant Yang's family has always treated Director Lu's daughter quite well. I suspect that the incident may not have been caused by Director Lu's daughter. Just look at how shrewd Accountant Yang is... On another note, Accountant Yang's family has always treated Director Lu's daughter quite well. I suspect that the incident may not have been caused by Director Lu's daughter. Just look at how shrewd Accountant Yang is...

Lu Pin, feeling quite helpless, leaned against the back of the sofa chair, watching his mother, Baozi Niang, busily preparing to kill the bream in the kitchen. He couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Before he had the chance to reflect, his phone rang. To his surprise, the caller ID showed it was Qian Haining: "Hello, hello, hello, Lu Pin, this is Qian Haining."

Qian Haining obediently lowered his head to continue eating noodles, occasionally glancing up to steal a look at Lu Pin's expression. Just as he was about to find a topic to discuss, he overheard a loud voice from another shop, where a man with a shoehorn-shaped face was chatting with the shopkeeper: "I just picked up a student from the city today. Do you know who he is looking for?"

Qian Haining's palm was warm just right, when suddenly a pot lid fell with a clang in the kitchen, and Lv Pin quickly withdrew her hand. This time, Qian Haining did not insist, only smiling at her. Lv Pin felt a deep disdain for herself; after all, she was almost thirty, why was she still so shy? Whether one sticks out their head or withdraws it, it is still the same, so why be so hesitant?

Are you at home today

For example... ... '' Qian Haining pondered with a苦着脸 for a while, '' I think you are quite serious in your work.''

After having a meal, Qian Haining went to visit the Gypsum Museum, where Lü Pink acted as a guide, explaining how fibrous gypsum ore is mined from dozens of meters deep underground, how it is refined and ground into gypsum powder, and the numerous processes it undergoes before finally becoming exquisite gypsum sculptures and pillows. The last exhibition hall was filled with finished gypsum products. Being a museum, it naturally exuded a touch of cultural atmosphere. In a glass display case, there was a crystal-clear gypsum pillow, with a small inscription of a poem on the display board: "Transparent inside and out, not carved; colder than spring snow, whiter than jade." The quality of the gypsum was exceptional, milky white and translucent, resembling transparent jade. Qian Haining couldn't help but exclaim, "How much does one of these cost?"

This time, Yang Huan replaced his response with further action. In his cramped room, his enthusiasm could not be contained in time, spiraling out of control. At that moment, Yang Huan had no skill to speak of, only a raw, vigorous energy that caused her excruciating pain, as if she were being torn into several pieces. Fearing that Yang's parents, who were watching television outside, would discover them, she gritted her teeth and dared not make a sound. That night, she slept in the guest room, and Yang Huan, emboldened, sneaked in to snuggle under her covers, holding and kissing her. Only after the deed was done did he remember to ask if it hurt. The commotion continued until just before dawn, and after returning to school, she spent several weeks wondering how Yang Huan dealt with the sheets. As a result, it seemed that ever since then, Yang's parents had become particularly keen on weekend trips. Blushing, she looked at the square box packaging in the drawer and asked Yang Huan, "What did your mother say?" Yang Huan smiled proudly and replied, "My mom said, 'Filial son, filial son, all the money earned is used to honor the son. Your dad and I have never spent this much before!'" It seemed that ever since then, Yang's parents had become particularly keen on weekend trips.

Qian Haining straightened his back and imitated Lu Pin's usual serious expression, "Qian Haining, do not think that a head full of enthusiasm can replace actual observation and analysis. Just because others have successfully completed the experiment of proving A from X, it does not mean you can skip verification and directly proceed from X + Y to B in the experiment! The results of the experiment will change with many factors, and repeated verification is not only a responsibility to the experimental data but also a responsibility to yourself"

Who made them so formidable, that they went all the way to the United States!

Isn't Director Lü's daughter paired with Accountant Yang's son

Lv Pin recalled his own somewhat pedantic demeanor at that time, and tilted his head to glance at Qian Haining: "Why do you only remember me criticizing you?"

She pinched her fingertips, as if there was still some warmth lingering, what a pity... To speak realistically, Qian Haining is certainly better than those bookworms with vacant stares or middle-aged divorced men. Missing this opportunity may mean there won't be another one, moreover... At this age, being able to attract a younger and charming younger brother does bring a bit of vanity.

In any case, he is insisting on one thing, that he must go to her house for a simple meal. Lu Pin secretly resents this, thinking, a simple meal, a simple meal, how is this at all convenient?

In the meantime, Lü Pin estimated that Qian Haining should also be aware of her rejection of T University. It is uncertain whether this child has gained some understanding. "Do you have any questions that you do not quite understand? If so, just send me an email."

Hasn't Accountant Yang moved away for many years now

Qian Haining then buried his head and began to wolf down his food. Perhaps feeling that his image was not good, he looked up and smiled at her. Lv Pin forced a smile, calculating that it would be best to resolve the matter here. As she hesitated, unsure of how to make Qian Haining retreat without hurting his delicate feelings, he raised his chopsticks and pointed outside: "Look, that uncle with the shoehorn face just pulled me over. The local customs here are quite fierce; he clearly pulled me to the wrong place and still argued with me..."

No, I..." Qian Haining mumbled for a while, and Lv Pin did not respond. She had plenty of patience; as for men, if you let them stew for a couple of days, their fervor would pass, and then it would be goodbye. There are hardly any men who truly cling on; they are all adults, after all. Who among them would be unable to live without the other?

Lv Pin wished he could transfer his thoughts and give Yuan Yuan a good beating, but instead, he transformed his face into a kind and amiable expression, smiling as he said: "Qian Haining, you are still young and cannot see many things clearly"

I know, is there something going on

Professor Zhou asked Lv Pin to quickly send over a new CV. He also intends to conduct a thorough investigation into how many acquaintances are on the personnel list for Phase I of the CE detection program and the anticipated Phase II, and then provide introductions to Lv Pin

Qian Haining stared at her blankly, as if he were stunned, remaining silent for a long time. Lu Pin extended his hand again: "Look at my hands, I remember... before I graduated from T University, I even taught you how to assemble a telescope, right?" Qian Haining unconsciously took a step back, and Lu Pin stepped forward, "Do they look like a pair of murderous hands?"

Yang Huan looked at her in surprise, and she asked again: "What do you like about me?"

The trophy fell from Yang Huan's hands as he embraced her against the tree trunk: "What’s wrong? Are you afraid that you can’t match up to me after realizing how amazing I am today? Don’t worry, even when we become wealthy, I won’t forget my humble wife!" After saying this, he lowered his head and kissed her... The intoxicating feeling of wine surged in—this was their first genuine kiss since the fertilization event. Later, he taught her that this was called a French kiss, as for whether there were Italian or Russian styles... they did not have the chance to explore.

Qian Haining, it is not your fault, "Lü Pin explained slowly, "My greatest wish, in the past, present, and future, has always been to engage in aerospace. Recently, too many things have happened, and my mind has been a bit chaotic; I almost forgot what I wanted to do. I apologize. It is not that there is anything wrong with you, but rather... you... and my vision for the future are not aligned in the same direction.

Certainly, ability and influence are also factors that cannot be overlooked. Lu Pin believes that she has not yet reached this level of cultivation. Professor Zhou has traversed various fields of celestial mechanics, which has led to his current high-level macro discourse. And what about Lu Pin? The road ahead is long.

You can't say anything? Then I must have some qualities that made you... in just a few days

How can one be certain about such matters? Accountant Yang's son is quite tough; at the age of eleven or twelve, he got into a fight and ended up with a head injury from a brick... However, speaking of toughness, none can compare to Director Lü's daughter. She has always been quiet, yet she managed to suffocate her own brother to death in the mine with a single move!

Qian Haining opened his mouth, hesitating to speak.

Shh..." Lv Pin quickly stopped Qian Haining, "Mind your own business, what you have is our family's old address!"

Do not speak carelessly; the situation is still unclear. If this reaches Director Lu's wife's ears, oh... Director Lu's wife is truly to be pitied

Qian Haining pouted and said, "What is there to discuss about this?"

Lu Pin was taken aback, and Qian Haining hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "No, no, no, I didn't mean to ask that."

Lv Pin looked incredulous: "Have I ever been this serious before?"

Indeed, no matter how much she insisted that he was just a classmate passing by, Baozi's mother still enthusiastically prepared a large table of dishes, including pigeon soup, stir-fried yellow beef, garlic spinach... and also the pan-fried bream that Lu Pin loved the most. Qian Haining was very cooperative, helping out throughout the entire process from washing vegetables to finishing the meal. Baozi's mother was very keenly concerned about Qian Haining's career and relationships, or rather, his finances and ex-girlfriend, among other aspects. Lu Pin felt that Qian Haining had come prepared, answering without a hitch, perfectly aligning with Baozi's mother's expectations. Because—after the meal, when Qian Haining was about to help wash the dishes and was sent to the living room by Baozi's mother, she secretly told Lu Pin: "He's quite good, why should you feel embarrassed? He's just a bit younger, I'm not the kind of person who is unreasonable!"

Which one

Lv Pin recalled his thoughts and smiled awkwardly: "When did you say you switched majors?"

"Because you never encouraged me," Qian Haining said with a laugh, "But at that time, everyone else encouraged me. I knew that you all actually looked down on me, thinking that I must have been kicked in the head by a donkey to study celestial mechanics. You didn't dare to say it to my face, and every time I was excited, thinking I was making rapid progress, others would just brush me off. Only you never went easy on me."

While accompanying Qian Haining in the living room watching television, feeling utterly bored and switching channels, the sports channel was broadcasting snooker, the movie channel was showing a red-themed film, and the music channel was playing the same song. No matter how much I switched, I couldn't find anything I wanted to watch. Just as I was about to ask Qian Haining what he wanted to see, a hand suddenly grasped mine from behind.

Perhaps it is out of consideration for his son, who is infatuated with Director Lu's daughter as if possessed by a ghost! If it were not for Director Lu's daughter, how could even her mother say such things...

Lu Pin retracted his smile, and a beam of the afternoon sun was reflected from a corner of the glass cabinet, glaringly piercing his eyes. Lu Pin slightly tilted his head and heard Qian Haining say: "You have to give me a chance to get along with you before deciding whether I am suitable or not. Graduates have a three-month internship period to find a job. Last time before you left, you promised me that everything would be fine, so why have you changed your mind so quickly? They say a woman's heart is as deep as the ocean, but yours is too profound, almost reaching the depth of the Malacca Trench."

Professor Zhou once again discussed her retirement plans, mentioning that she has been reflecting on her experiences from the beginning of her career over the past year. She spoke of the uneven development of science and engineering disciplines in the country—engineering fields yield immediate results upon investment, while scientific research takes longer to translate into practical outcomes, leading to a decline in recent years. Professor Zhou intends to write a popular science book on astronomy, emulating the popular science methods of Europe and America, abandoning the didactic approach of textbooks, and instead advancing through elements of interest and suspense, unraveling the history of astronomical development. Lu Pin listened with both admiration and embarrassment; she admired that Professor Zhou had reached the stage of authoring significant works, while feeling embarrassed about her uncertain future, wondering how she could possess such foresight as Professor Zhou. Moreover, she recalled her desperate efforts to join the CE exploration program, which were partly motivated by the perception that pure theoretical research was undervalued in the country. She thought about avoiding pure theoretical research to engage in aerospace applications, questioning how she could have the same visionary insight as Professor Zhou, who uses practical means to change the status quo.

Teacher Zhou has spoken with me, and Yuan Yuan advised me to ask you face to face for clarification. I have already arrived at the mine, and after getting off the train, I intended to go directly to your home. However, the motorcycle taxi driver took me to the wrong place and then left me without assistance

"Then what do you like about me?" Lu Pinwei smiled, "We aren't even friends; how much do you really know about me? I have only been at T University for less than a month since the meeting, and you not only spoke to Professor Zhou but also traveled such a long distance to come to the mining site—what exactly do you like about me?"

The National Day holiday is just around the corner, and with tickets booked to return home, being taken care of by the Baozi mother, indulging in eating and sleeping while gaining weight, life is quite pleasant. Lv Pin estimated the time and thought, wasn't it said during the summer vacation that Chen Shimei would return for the New Year? Why hasn't the Baozi mother mentioned it these past two days? Lv Pin knows the Baozi mother's character all too well; Chen Shimei's casual remarks of 'maybe' or 'possibly' would, in her eyes, transform into certainties. Even when faced with the harsh reality, she would continue to believe in Chen Shimei's far-fetched explanations and look forward to the next 'maybe' and 'possibly.' Therefore, if Chen Shimei mentioned that there would be follow-up regarding returning home for the New Year, the Baozi mother would certainly present it as a treasure, convincing her that as long as one perseveres, even if the sky is filled with dark clouds, they will surely see the moon resembling a white jade plate.

Upon returning to school, Lu Pin's first action was to call Professor Zhou and have an open-hearted discussion about her plans—she wanted to dedicate her life to theoretical research in higher education. No matter how she thought about it, she still felt unwilling to accept the situation, so she decided to lay everything out with Professor Zhou. There is a saying in academia: students become famous through their teachers, and teachers become famous through their students, but ultimately, it is still the teachers who rely on their students for fame. Understanding this, Lu Pin felt reassured; it would be best if she could find a way out through Professor Zhou. If that path did not work, she could seek help from former classmates or senior students. At worst, she would only lose face, which was not a matter of life and death. What was there to be afraid of? Even if she reached a dead end, the worst outcome would be spending two years at a third-rate school, waiting for the restrictions to expire, and then finding a way to apply to schools in North America, taking the route of exporting and then importing back!

Qian Haining mumbled for half a day, and in the end, he finally confessed: "I have arrived at the oil mine"

He took the address of Accountant Yang's house, and only upon arrival did he say he was looking for Director Lv's daughter, insisting on blaming me for his mistake in taking the wrong address

I remember you told me a phrase

Indeed, and later on, every time Yuan Yuan would use this imperial sword of yours to teach me a lesson

Qian Haining's eyes widened in surprise, and as Lu Pin was about to move closer, Qian Haining suddenly reached out to block her hands: "Don't say anything, I just don't believe you. Yuan Yuan has told me before that you look particularly fierce, but in fact, you have a very soft heart. She also said that no matter how poorly you portray yourself, you are actually very good."

He completely disregarded what he had just heard and even put on a facade of being very familiar with Lu Pin. Lu Pin was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and after freeing his hands from the other's grasp, he frowned and said, "How long have you known me?"

People often say that alcohol reveals the truth. Lü Pin tentatively asked, "Yang Huan, do you really like me?"

"One should not judge a person solely by their appearance," Lü Pin pursed her lips, a faint smile still lingering at the corners of her mouth. "You see, I can barely be considered a lady by looks alone. Could you ever imagine that I would personally kill my brother? He died in the mine, succumbing to high temperatures and asphyxiation. But I was fortunate; first, there was no evidence, and second, I was not yet sixteen at the time. Not only was I not convicted, but my record remains spotless."

Lv Pinxin was overjoyed and updated her Chinese and English CV overnight. The next day, she reviewed it several times before sending it to Professor Zhou. The days of waiting were extremely difficult to endure, and the wives of the college leaders began introducing her to potential boyfriends. In such a small city, her mere possession of a doctor's degree was enough to intimidate people. Therefore, those brave enough to go on a blind date with her were either clueless individuals in their thirties who had become academically challenged or middle-aged divorcees. Occasionally, encountering someone without baggage was akin to winning the lottery.

Lv Pin was fuming as he held his phone. Hai Ning was not a child anymore, yet he was still playing this innocent young man act. However, since they were both from the same school and would be mingling in the same circle in the future, Lv Pin felt it was rather inappropriate to leave him stranded at the train station and tell him to buy a ticket and go back. After much inner turmoil, he reluctantly asked, "Is there any iconic building near you?"

Qian Haining turned his face aside and pouted in protest: "You are urging me to go back again"

Thinking of this, Lu Pin's face also flushed with heat, "I am not just caught up in the moment," Qian Haining frowned, "In fact, we have known each other for a long time."

Is this answer considered acceptable? Lu Pin is truly difficult to measure; she has yet to think of a way to deal with Qian Haining, who has dismantled all her calculations. She said she would send him back, and he replied that he wanted to stay here to visit the plaster museum; she offered to book a hotel for him, and he said he didn't bring any money; she insisted it was her treat, and he remarked that it was inappropriate for a man to use a woman's money... Moreover, it feels quite awkward to be in such an undefined relationship... Dead Yuan Yuan, I remember this younger brother was quite innocent at first; how did he become like this after learning from her for two years? She said she would send him back, and he replied that he wanted to stay here to visit the plaster museum; she offered to book a hotel for him, and he said he didn't bring any money; she insisted it was her treat, and he remarked that it was inappropriate for a man to use a woman's money... Moreover, it feels quite awkward to be in such an undefined relationship... Dead Yuan Yuan, I remember this younger brother was quite innocent at first; how did he become like this after learning from her for two years?

How can this be considered? Many people do not take their work seriously, and there are also those who enjoy it

Lv Pin's smile contained a hint of sarcasm: "Did you hear that?"

Lv Pin pressed her lips tightly together, quietly listening to him finish speaking, before saying: "Last time... in front of you, I didn't know how to express myself..." She tugged at the corners of her mouth and smiled helplessly, saying, "I thought Teacher Zhou would explain it to you clearly enough."

After making the worst possible plans, she felt much more at ease, and Professor Zhou also engaged her in a deep discussion about his thoughts. According to Professor Zhou, he believed she was indeed suitable for research in the field of aerospace, but considering gender, he felt that girls should prioritize stability, and so on. As Lü Pin listened, she began to roll her eyes internally, because Professor Zhou started discussing Qian Haining with her, promoting him as if he were selling melons—no wonder Professor Zhou had sent her several postdoctoral application materials in her email a couple of days ago; it turned out that Qian Haining had been encouraging him from behind the scenes! Lü Pin immediately assured Professor Zhou with great conviction, "I am a brick of the motherland, wherever I am needed, I will move there; what is stability, and what are men?"

I am not small; you are just trying to scare me—was I too direct last time?" He scratched his head, "I also want to wait a bit longer, afraid that I might scare you, but I couldn't hold back for a moment and...

How did others respond in the past? It was almost without thought, as many things would suddenly come to mind. When did she start asking Yang Huan these questions? In what location, and how did Yang Huan respond? ... I recall that after entering university, a multitude of vibrant and diverse girls suddenly appeared, all beautiful and talented, with impeccable family backgrounds ... Among them were even Yang Huan's admirers. She began to feel anxious; during her time in the mining school, she was not the most beautiful, but she was the top student—upon entering T University, her only advantage seemed utterly inadequate. I recall that after entering university, a multitude of vibrant and diverse girls suddenly appeared, all beautiful and talented, with impeccable family backgrounds ... Among them were even Yang Huan's admirers. She began to feel anxious; during her time in the mining school, she was not the most beautiful, but she was the top student—upon entering T University, her only advantage seemed utterly inadequate.

What? Lu Pin took two steps back, "I have no impression at all."

What?

List one or two

Lv Pin is at a loss for words. Why is it that men nowadays seem to be so immature? Or is it that, at the same age, women are always somewhat more mature?

There is a mobile service center, and also... there is a barbershop, oh, across from me is a large food stall

Thus, it can be said that this is retribution. When Director Lü first joined the factory, he was quite a clean and handsome young man. At that time, the number of university students in the factory could be counted on one hand! Who would have known he was a Chen Shimei? In the past, this would have warranted a beheading!

I witnessed Xinran and Yang Huan partnering in mixed doubles at the city-wide college badminton tournament. Their cooperation was seamless, and they advanced from the school's qualifying rounds all the way to the finals, ultimately securing the third-place trophy and prize money. Yang Huan generously treated the entire class to a meal in a private room on the third floor of Wuyuan cafeteria, with everyone toasting him and Xinran, while Lu Pin was left like a discarded item in the corner. Yang Huan, slightly intoxicated, held the trophy on the way back to the dormitory, grinning as he said, "Just make do for now, wait for me, one day I will bring back the championship trophy to cook instant noodles for you!" Yang Huan generously treated the entire class to a meal in a private room on the third floor of Wuyuan cafeteria, with everyone toasting him and Xinran, while Lu Pin was left like a discarded item in the corner. Yang Huan, slightly intoxicated, held the trophy on the way back to the dormitory, grinning as he said, "Just make do for now, wait for me, one day I will bring back the championship trophy to cook instant noodles for you!"

Lu Pin attempted to withdraw, while Qian Haining increased her strength, exhibiting a mix of probing, hesitation, and a hint of warmth that brushed past her fingertips

What is the relationship between this student and Director Lv's daughter? Could it be that Director Lv's daughter is dating him as her boyfriend outside?

Quite a lot of ... ...

I haven't really guided you much, have I? I just threw a pile of books at you and let you read them on your own

Hmm," Qian Haining nodded directly, "Don't you remember? Teacher Zhou said my foundation is too weak and asked you to guide me when you have time.

Qian Haining had just swallowed a mouthful of noodles, his cheeks bulging and not yet able to swallow, his eyes wide open as he stared at Lv Pin. Lv Pin's expression was indifferent, revealing no emotions. Qian Haining seemed to understand something, took out ten yuan and tossed it on the table: "Boss, the bill please!" Lv Pin leisurely followed him out, still silent. Qian Haining stole a glance at her face, timidly asking: "What... what is wrong with you?"