Chapter 483: Xiao Xiao Is My Lucky Star

Chapter 483 Xiaoxiao, My Lucky Charm

Ye Xiaoxiao caught a hint of something unusual in Ye Changyuan's expression.

"Are you seeing someone?"

Xiaoxiao asked bluntly, making Changyuan blush instantly.

He hesitated awkwardly before replying, "Not really."

Xiaoxiao smiled knowingly. "So it's coming soon?"

Changyuan scratched his head sheepishly. "I'll tell you more when I get back."

After Changyuan left, Xiaoxiao pondered.

He had only been to the island once—who would he have met there? Had something happened later that she didn’t know about?

Well, since Changyuan was still on the island, she figured she’d wait for him to return and ask for details.

Changyuan had only gone out to run an errand and came back soon after.

"Changyuan, who’s the girl you’re interested in?" Xiao Xiao cornered him to ask.

"It’s Teacher Xu Li."

Unable to withstand Xiao Xiao’s persistent questioning, Changyuan confessed.

Xiao Xiao asked, "How did you two meet? Wasn’t it just that one time?"

Changyuan admitted shyly, "Xu Li’s hometown is in Jinhai. We ended up on the same route when we were traveling back last time, and I thought she was really nice."

Though Xiao Xiao hadn’t met Xu Li many times, she knew the woman was educated and easygoing. If Changyuan liked her, it could be a good catch.

"Have you two talked about the future? Will Teacher Xu Li keep teaching on the island?"

Changyuan sighed. "Her family keeps pressuring her to return home. If a new teacher arrives on the island, she’ll probably leave this year."

Xiao Xiao understood the island’s tough living conditions and respected Xu Li’s choice. Her family had good reasons for wanting her to leave.

But Xiaoxiao was happiest for Changyuan—he hardly ever got to meet women in the military, so finding someone he liked was even rarer.

"Changyuan, you’d better not let her slip away."

She patted his shoulder encouragingly.

Changyuan hesitated. "We haven’t made it official yet, so don’t tell anyone—not even Lu Hanchuan."

If things didn’t work out, it might embarrass her.

Xiao Xiao nodded. "I understand. I’ll wait for your good news."

Changyuan could only stay for one night before leaving again—he was short on time after returning from home, and he had to hurry back to the military.

When he departed, Xu Li went to walk him to the dock, so Xiao Xiao stayed behind.

After the last time they went home together, Xu Li and Ye Changyuan had met a few more times. Strangely enough, even though they barely knew each other, they kept bumping into one another.

Maybe it was just meant to be, so now they both had feelings for each other.

Xu Li was an independent, strong-willed girl, able to accept Ye Changyuan’s profession despite coming to such a harsh place to teach.

The only awkward part was that she’d had a run-in with Regiment Commander Lu before, which made her hesitant to visit Xiao Xiao’s home now.

It was all a misunderstanding, and Xu Li admitted she’d jumped the gun without knowing the full story.

But bringing it up now or apologizing would just make things weird.

"I made Xiao Xiao some tiger-head shoes. Wonder if she’ll like ’em," Xu Li now brought up proactively with Ye Changyuan.

Ye Changyuan, unaware of what had happened before, said, "She’ll love ’em. Xiao Xiao’s super easy to get along with."

Xu Li hesitated for a moment. "Then I’ll swing by and drop them off sometime."

Ye Changyuan glanced at her. "When are you heading back to Jinhai?"

Xu Li: "I’ll visit home when I get the chance soon, but I won’t return to Jinhai permanently until the second half of the year."

As he boarded the ship, Ye Changyuan said reluctantly, "See you in Jinhai next time, then."

Xu Li: "Okay."

Xu Li didn’t leave until Ye Changyuan’s ship was out of sight.

...

Xu Li finally got around to delivering the tiger-head shoes she’d promised Xiao Xiao.

"These are adorable!"

Xiao Xiao marveled at the beautifully crafted tiger-head shoes, totally impressed by Xu Li’s sewing skills.

Guess everyone’s better than her at something.

"Just whipped these up. Hope they’re okay," Xu Li said modestly.

Xiao Xiao held them in her hands, admiring them. "These are amazing! I’m totally keeping these safe."

Xu Li: "Made a pair for Teacher Kong too. They’re just for fun—don’t go framing them or anything."

"No way, these are gorgeous! Teacher Kong’s gonna love ’em," Xiao Xiao gushed.

They chatted easily, and Xiao Xiao didn’t bring up Ye Changyuan at all.

Xu Li figured Ye Changyuan hadn’t brought her up to his family.

Good—no reason to stress.

Truth was, Xiao Xiao was just playing it cool.

Once Xu Li was gone, Xiao Xiao tucked the tiger-head shoes away in her room.

When Lu Hanchuan got home and saw them, he asked, "Who made these? Auntie Zhao?"

Ye Xiaoxiao shook her head. "Take a guess?"

Xiao Xiao was certain he wouldn’t guess correctly, and indeed, after guessing a few wrong names, none were correct.

Ye Xiaoxiao said, "It was Teacher Xu Li."

Lu Hanchuan arched an eyebrow at Xiao Xiao in surprise.

He hadn’t expected any connection between their family and Xu Li.

As for the unpleasantness during their last meeting, Lu Hanchuan had completely forgotten about it.

Ye Xiaoxiao teased, drawing out the mystery. "I’ll keep it a secret for now. I’ll tell you when the time is right."

"So mysterious," Lu Hanchuan chuckled indulgently, shaking his head. He drew Xiao Xiao close and sat her down, then began rubbing her lower back.

As he worked, he said, "My parents might visit the island in a couple of days."

Ye Xiaoxiao tilted her head. "Is there something going on?"

Lu Hanchuan’s parents were usually busier than them, barely seen even when at home.

Their sudden plan to visit the island made Xiao Xiao slightly anxious.

"No, they’re just coming to visit."

Lu Hanchuan added, "They likely won’t stay long."

They might even leave the same day.

Ye Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. "Just let us know in advance so we can prepare."

Lu Hanchuan stroked her hair. "No need to prepare anything. They’re family."

Besides, with Xiao Xiao heavily pregnant, everyone just wanted her to stay comfortable.

"Alright."

Ye Xiaoxiao relaxed and stretched out comfortably.

"Do I look fat?" she suddenly turned to ask Lu Hanchuan.

His gaze swept over her, then he pinched the softness of her cheeks. "Where? You’ve actually lost weight in your face."

Ye Xiaoxiao pouted. Lu Hanchuan moved his hand to her belly, gently stroking over her sweater. "Let me see if the baby’s been moving around today."

Ever since the baby started kicking, Lu Hanchuan asked about it constantly—it was starting to wear on Xiao Xiao.

She teased, "Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?"

Lu Hanchuan replied, "I’ll be happy with either."

Ye Xiaoxiao leaned in. "Aren’t you curious to know if it’s a boy or a girl?"

Some said traditional Chinese medicine couldn’t accurately determine the baby’s gender, but for skilled practitioners, they’re right over 95% of the time.

Lu Hanchuan shook his head. "I love a good surprise."

Besides, boy or girl, it didn’t matter to him—he just hoped the delivery would go smoothly for Xiao Xiao.

Ye Xiaoxiao lightly batted his hand away. "Then you’ll have to wait for the surprise."

Lu Hanchuan wasn’t familiar with the phrase "blind box," but he assumed it meant something like a lucky charm. He pulled Xiao Xiao closer and praised, "You’re my good luck charm, Xiao Xiao."