Chapter 135

Chapter 135

At the celebration banquet for her admission to university, Old Liu appeared as Tang Qingqing's elder. Although everyone knew he was her master, he had never formally presented himself in such a solemn manner before.

Now, he was paying for Tang Qingqing’s admission banquet, which meant that their relationship was not just that of master and apprentice but also akin to grandfather and granddaughter. According to local customs, Tang Qingqing was expected to take care of Old Liu in his old age and see him through to his passing; otherwise, she would be seen as unrighteous, unfilial, and subject to public scorn.

For this banquet, Old Liu had invested most of the money he earned as a consultant over the past two years, refusing to let Tang Qingqing pay a single cent.

Old Liu declared firmly, "How could a student like you pay for such a banquet? That’s something only an incompetent family would do! You stay put and come up when it’s time to toast."

Tang Xingqiang and Tang Xingsheng also came over, insisting they were part of Tang Qingqing’s family and should contribute financially.

Though the amount wasn’t much, it was a heartfelt gesture.

Uncle Tang, without saying a word, directly handed over some money to Old Liu.

Then, despite his poor mobility, he hurried off.

Old Liu accepted Uncle Tang’s contribution but returned the hard-earned money from Tang Xingqiang and Tang Xingsheng, telling the two youngsters not to meddle in adult affairs.

It wouldn’t be right for two kids to pay for such an event unless they were representing their parents; otherwise, it would bring disgrace upon them.

The two children didn’t protest further, but instead used the money to buy a pen as a gift for Tang Qingqing.

Tang Qingqing felt both helpless and touched by these kind-hearted people, deepening her affection for this place.

Although the outside world was bustling and many dreamed of moving to the city, she felt a sense of belonging here.

After Tang Jianjun and his wife left, this feeling became even stronger.

Summer vacation passed quickly. During this period, Tang Qingqing and her master worked together to serve the people, assisting the police in solving numerous cases.

Their combined efforts not only increased efficiency but also honed their skills.

As the start of school approached, Old Liu and Wang Heizi accompanied Tang Qingqing to the capital.

In the past, Old Liu had traveled extensively, but now that he was older, he preferred staying home. Previously, Tang Qingqing had invited him to Yang City, but he declined out of disinterest.

However, the capital held a special significance for Chinese people, and as an elder, he wanted to send her off to university and see what it looked like.

Wang Heizi had several reasons for going to the capital: first, to see what the capital was like; second, to ensure Old Liu’s safety on the return journey; and third, to follow Zhai Hongyi’s advice to broaden his horizons.

According to Zhai Hongyi, society progresses or regresses; one must keep learning to understand future developments.

If one focuses solely on immediate surroundings, they will soon be left behind.

Wang Heizi also felt he had reached a plateau and was curious about Zhai Hongyi’s current endeavors, so he decided to visit the capital.

Li Gang and Hong Baoguo, as always, came to escort her to the capital. However, after delivering her, they would not accompany her further.

They would join Zhai Hongyi for a trip south after dropping her off.

Tang Qingqing was now heading to university, where she would be relatively safe, especially since she was attending the Police Academy.

After two nights on the train, they finally arrived in the capital on the third day.

Before leaving the train, Tang Qingqing spotted a familiar figure on the platform.

"Brother!"

Tang Qingqing waved, and Zhai Hongyi, who was looking around, waved back, making his way against the crowd toward the door.

Tang Qingqing walked ahead and saw Zhai Hongyi at the entrance. Zhai Hongyi reached out, grabbed her shoulder bag with one hand, and supported her arm with the other as they descended the stairs.

It was the height of summer, and both wore short sleeves. The direct contact between Zhai Hongyi’s large hand and Tang Qingqing’s skin felt like an electric shock. They paused momentarily, but before they could think more about it, Wang Heizi shouted from behind:

"Brother Yi! Finally got to see you! Qingqing, hurry down, don’t block the door."

They immediately reacted and quickly descended the stairs and left the exit.

Tang Qingqing felt a lingering warmth where she had been touched but didn’t have time to dwell on it as she rushed to support Old Liu.

Tang Qingqing and Zhai Hongyi supported Old Liu from either side. Despite his age, he still seemed a bit unsteady after the long journey.

"Old man, you’ve had a tough trip."

Old Liu waved his hand dismissively. "What’s a little hardship when I’ve been sitting all this time?"

Wang Heizi chimed in, "Old man, you’re being too modest. How many times did you complain along the way?"

Old Liu glared at him. "When did I ever complain? I’m thrilled our trains can run so fast!"

Everyone carried bags and packages, including clothes, bedding, and local specialties sent by family and villagers.

Without Li Gang and Hong Baoguo’s help, it would have been difficult to transport everything.

Zhai Hongyi took the largest bag from Tang Qingqing’s shoulder and tried to take the others, but she refused.

"These aren’t heavy; I can carry them."

Zhai Hongyi ignored her and took the items anyway.

Exiting the station, Zhai Hongyi led Tang Qingqing and the group to a jeep, opened the trunk, and loaded the luggage inside. Some items that wouldn’t fit were tied to the roof.

"Brother, is this the car you bought?" Wang Heizi circled the car, touching various parts, clearly envious.

Zhai Hongyi had mentioned in his letters that he had purchased a used car. Buying a car was no easy feat, even if it was second-hand. Especially for individuals, it required connections and usually had to be registered under a collective unit.

Zhai Hongyi had previously suggested that Tang Qingqing come to the capital early so he could teach her how to drive.

Learning to drive now wasn't easy, but if she could learn it, it would be an additional skill.

Zhai Hongyi said, "Don’t think that there aren’t many cars in our country right now and they’re especially expensive. Even if you have money, you might not be able to buy one. In the future, private cars will definitely become a trend, just like abroad. Therefore, you should start learning now; it’s a necessary skill."

Such remarks were hard for many people to believe at the time. Forget buying a car; even getting a ride once could make someone happy for days.

But Zhai Hongyi was very certain. If Tang Qingqing didn’t know what kind of person Zhai Hongyi was, she would have suspected whether he also had another set of memories.

Tang Qingqing hesitated for a while but decided to stay at home for a bit longer before coming over.

This skill wasn’t that urgent. She could always find time to learn after coming to the capital. She wanted to stay at home for a while longer.

Zhai Hongyi looked at Tang Qingqing: "There are still a few days until school starts. I’ll teach you how to drive these few days. Learn to drive early, and when you want to go out and play in the future, having a car will be convenient."

Tang Qingqing shook her head: "As a student, why would I need to drive? It’s a waste of gas. Taking the bus is fine."

Old Liu couldn’t help but frown and said, "That’s true. As a student, you shouldn’t be too ostentatious; it wouldn’t look good if it got out."

A girl from the countryside driving herself around—this would invite all sorts of gossip if it got out.

Even if no one thought anything untoward, being too high-profile wasn’t appropriate.

Zhai Hongyi said, "Knowing how to drive isn’t bad. What if something happens and I’m not in the capital? Knowing how to drive will be much more convenient."

"Girl, then you should go and learn. Having an extra skill is always good."

Tang Qingqing agreed. During the summer vacation, she had read related books and understood the regulations and basic operations. Learning should be easier for her.

Zhai Hongyi drove everyone to the place he had prepared. When they reached the entrance, everyone let out exclamations.

Old Liu looked at the two large lions at the gate and sighed, "I never thought I’d live in such a house. The previous owner must have been of high status."

Zhai Hongyi opened the door and led everyone inside, saying:

"The previous owner here was a prince, so it was built with great care."

"I can now live in a place where a prince lived."

"What’s wrong with that? Now it’s the people who are in charge. Rest up these next few days, and later I’ll take you to see where the emperor used to stay."

Old Liu immediately became cheerful, walking into the large house with his hands behind his back.

This large house wasn’t particularly spacious, but as Zhai Hongyi said, it was extremely exquisite and beautiful, and very comfortable. Just stepping inside made one feel good.

The house was well-maintained and didn’t resemble some courtyard houses that had been torn down and rebuilt, losing their original appearance.

Zhai Hongyi had had it cleaned up beforehand. Although it wasn’t brand new, it had a charm that new things lacked.

Zhai Hongyi led them to their respective rooms. The bedding and other items were all laid out. Tang Qingqing’s room even had a complete set of skincare and cosmetics.

Tang Qingqing was surprised. "Brother, why did you buy cosmetics?"

Zhai Hongyi had sent Tang Qingqing skincare products before, all imported high-end goods.

"You’re a grown girl now. Since you’re in college, you can dress up a bit."

Tang Qingqing laughed. "Brother, I don’t need these. Please don’t spend money on them next time. These haven’t been opened; can they be returned?"

When Zhai Hongyi sent her skincare products before, there were so many bottles and jars. Without instructions, she wouldn’t know how to use them.

Tang Qingqing wasn’t particularly interested in dressing up. She only remembered to apply face cream during dry winters.

She didn’t take many protective measures when under the sun, and being tanned didn’t bother her much.

However, since Zhai Hongyi had kindly sent her so many things, she decided to use them. Loving beauty was everyone’s nature, and since the items were already sent and couldn’t be returned, she might as well use them.

"Why return them? I brought them back conveniently. There are plenty of these things in the south, unlike other places where foreign goods are hard to find. Give them a try. If you don’t like them, I won’t bring them next time."

"Brother, you’ve been so good to me; I don’t know how to repay you."

Tang Qingqing touched a lipstick tube. Although she didn’t know the brand, it didn’t seem cheap.

Price wasn’t the key; Zhai Hongyi’s thoughtfulness was rare. This made her wonder how to repay him, as she couldn’t do much for him now.

Wang Heizi poked his head out of the window, grinning mischievously: "Isn’t this simple? Marry him!"