Chapter 53 Reuniting with Xu Xi Can We Exchange Contacts…

Chapter 53 A Chance Encounter with Xu Xi — And a Chance to Exchange Contact Information…

The moment she stepped into her grandparents' yard, Yu Kui instinctively headed for the orange trees; the fruit here was always far sweeter than anything she bought herself.

Her grandfather followed close behind, pointing out the best trees and holding her basket as she picked.

Yu Kui immediately devoured two, her eyes crinkling with delight from the sweetness. She snapped photos and sent them to Sun Shuya and Xie Xingzhi, showcasing her blissful moment.

Sun Shuya: "I want some too! Send me some."

Yu Kui: "Sure, I'll send some to both of you."

"Thanks, boss, love you~"

Xie Xingzhi: "Just arrived?"

"Yep," Yu Kui replied, "They have so many fruit trees here. I'll send you some oranges."

Xie Xingzhi: "It's too cold here; shipping might be difficult. You should enjoy them yourself."

Yu Kui rolled her eyes inwardly. "I've already decided to send them, so no more arguments."

Just then, Xie Xingzhi called. "I'm just worried they'll freeze on the way."

"Delivery services have insulated packaging. Just wait for them."

"Okay." Xie Xingzhi chuckled softly. "So, when are you coming back?"

"Back to school?"

"Mm."

"After the tenth day of the Lunar New Year," Yu Kui mused, "But it depends on flight availability. It shouldn't be too late."

"Let's have dinner together when you're back."

"Sounds good," Thinking of him spending the Lunar New Year alone, Yu Kui felt a pang of sympathy. "I'll call you when I return."

Yu Kui picked 50 jin (approximately 55 pounds) of oranges, sending half to Sun Shuya and half to Xie Xingzhi. After texting them the tracking numbers, she finally went inside for lunch.

Since their visits were rare, her grandparents had prepared a feast, and Yu Kui ate to her heart's content.

In the afternoon, the neighbors' children came over to play. They were overjoyed to see Yu Kui, running up to hug her. "Sister Kui Kui, you're back!"

Yu Kui hugged each of them in turn, then led them to watch TV in the living room.

"Sister Kui Kui, it's been so long since you last visited," little Dong Dong whined playfully. "We all missed you so much."

Yu Kui couldn't help but smile. "I missed you all too." She gently patted the child's head. "I'll take you out to buy some treats later."

"Yay!" The children cheered excitedly.

After the cartoons, Yu Kui took them to the shops in town, buying them their favorite snacks.

"Yu Kui?" As they passed the bakery on the corner, a soft voice called out, "You're back?"

Yu Kui turned, meeting the man's gentle gaze, and immediately recognized him. "Xu Xi?"

"Looks like you haven't forgotten me." Xu Xi walked over, glancing at his little nephew, who was clutching a cotton candy and shrinking back, looking guilty.

"When did you get back?" Xu Xi asked softly.

"This morning."

"Are you staying until after the Lunar New Year?"

"Mm." It had been quite some time since they last met, and her memory of him had faded slightly, but meeting his warm eyes felt like stepping back into that vibrant, green summer.

"Come sit in my shop. I'll treat you to some cake," Xu Xi said with a smile. "I just pulled a fresh batch of egg tarts from the oven."

"I want some! I want some!" The children, led by Dong Dong, immediately raised their hands. "Egg tarts are delicious!" Unable to refuse, Yu Kui followed him into the bakery.

"How have things been at school lately?" Xu Xi brought out a plate of egg tarts and sat opposite Yu Kui, asking with genuine concern.

"Pretty good, I settled in quickly." Yu Kui distributed the tarts to the children and then asked, "What about you? How's business?"

"Not bad," Xu Xi replied. "I recently launched an orange cake, using oranges from your grandpa's trees. It's been selling quite well."

Yu Kui nodded, leaning back into the sofa, eating and gazing out the window, feeling herself relax completely.

Seeing her so absorbed, Xu Xi remained silent, simply watching her.

When Yu Kui finally snapped out of her reverie, he said, "I saw videos of you hosting the New Year's gala at your university. You seem quite popular at school."

Yu Kui was surprised he'd noticed that. "You saw that video too?"

"Not just one video," Xu Xi corrected. "Many videos. You're incredibly talented—you even trended online. Many people in town saw it, and some even came specifically to ask your grandpa about it."

Yu Kui felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "I was wearing a dress and makeup that time. I didn't expect so much attention." After all, before her senior year, she had been quite unremarkable, and no one had ever paid much attention to her.

Xu Xi: "Now everyone has noticed."

His eyes held a clear smile. "You're even more impressive than we imagined, and you deserve all the admiration."

Yu Kui cleared her throat. "Thank you."

"As a reward, let me make you a grape juice."

Touched that he remembered her preference, Yu Kui quickly said, "Thank you."

"No need to be so polite," Xu Xi said from behind the counter. "You rarely visit, so make yourself at home."

He skillfully prepared the drink, and Yu Kui watched him quietly, feeling a sense of familiarity return.

"Sister Kui Kui, I want more egg tarts."

As Yu Kui reached for one, Xu Xi intervened, "No more for them. They still need to eat dinner."

"But I'm still hungry," Dong Dong grumbled. "Uncle Xu is mean."

"What did you say?" Xu Xi feigned surprise, "Say that again?"

Dong Dong: "..."

A moment later, Xu Xi handed the juice to Yu Kui. "Try it. Is it sweet enough?"

Yu Kui took a sip—it was exactly to her liking. Her eyes curved into a slight smile. "It's perfect."

"As long as you like it," Xu Xi leaned against the counter, looking down at her. "It's been years since I left school. Tell me more about the interesting things happening there."

Yu Kui recounted some amusing anecdotes. As she shared her experiences at school, Xu Xi maintained a smile, as if he were reliving those moments with her.

"Next year, I'm thinking of joining the debate club," Yu Kui sighed softly. "But I have no debate experience, so I'm not sure how difficult it will be."

"What's there to be afraid of?" Xu Xi said. "You'll definitely do great."

"I appreciate the good wishes," Yu Kui glanced at the darkening sky outside. "It's getting late. I should head home for dinner."

"I'll walk with you," Xu Xi stood up as well. "I need to take these little ones home anyway."

The two of them led the children down the road, and acquaintances they passed greeted them. "So Yu Kui is back! You look exactly like you do in the videos."

Only then did Yu Kui realize she had truly become famous in town; before, hardly anyone recognized her when she returned.

"That's right," Xu Xi answered on her behalf. "She just got back today, and she was first in her final exams too."

"Oh my, she's truly outstanding! She'll definitely land a great job in the future!"

Yu Kui: "..."

"You don't have to mention my grades," Yu Kui said, a mix of amusement and embarrassment. "It makes me feel awkward."

"I'm just telling the truth. You've always been exceptional."

After seeing the children home, Xu Xi turned to Yu Kui. "Could I have your contact information? Last summer, I didn't get a chance to ask before you left, and I've always regretted it."

Yu Kui paused for a moment, then quickly nodded. "Of course."

They exchanged phone numbers and WeChat IDs. Xu Xi immediately checked Yu Kui's Moments, noticing her frequent landscape photos, and complimented her photography skills.

"I learned it from online bloggers. My skills are still very amateur."

"You're already much better than me," Xu Xi seized the opportunity to ask. "Could I trouble you to help me take some photos of the cakes at the shop over the next few days? With the Lunar New Year approaching, the shop is planning its last promotion."

Yu Kui, realizing she had nothing much planned, agreed. "Is it okay if I come in the afternoon? I like to sleep in during the mornings."

"Of course," Xu Xi said, a little amused. "I'm the one asking for help, so I'll work around your schedule."

After they parted ways, Yu Kui went home and told her mom about helping out at the cake shop. Yu Kui's mom was delighted. "That's my girl! So talented! Even that trendy cake shop wants your help."

Yu Kui blushed. "It's just taking photos. It's not that hard."

"But it's still a skill of yours, darling," Yu Kui's mom ruffled her hair. "Mom is so proud of you."

That night, before going to bed, Xie Xingzhi called and asked how her day had been.

Yu Kui gave him the highlights. "What about you? Is work busy?"

"Pretty busy," Xie Xingzhi said, looking out at the dark night. "I just started handling tasks here and I'm still getting the hang of it."

"Have you had dinner yet?"

Xie Xingzhi hesitated for a few seconds. "I'll grab something soon."

"Are you still at the office?"

"Yeah, there's still some work left."

Yu Kui was at a loss for words. "Send me your address. I'll order takeout for you."

Xie Xingzhi fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Yu Kui, why are you so good to me?"

Yu Kui froze, unable to tell him that she knew about his future fate and desperately wanted to change his life, which was why she paid him so much attention.

"Because you're my friend," Yu Kui said, trying to sound casual. "Isn't it natural for me to care about you?"

"Is that so?" Xie Xingzhi chuckled softly. "It's really nice to have a friend like you."

Yu Kui smiled too. "Just send me your address."

"Don't worry about me so much," Xie Xingzhi said quietly. "I'll be done soon."

"Really?" Yu Kui wasn't sure what his specific job entailed and felt uneasy. "Then hurry up. Don't overwork yourself and ruin your health."

"Okay," Xie Xingzhi's tone softened. "You go to sleep first. I'll call you tomorrow."

After hanging up, Xie Xingzhi turned back to his computer and continued working. Some time later, Sun Zhaoyang came in from outside. "Brother Xie, I've already slept and woken up. Why are you still here?"

"Since you're up, come help out," Xie Xingzhi glanced at him. "Wake the others up too."

"Got it," Sun Zhaoyang said immediately. "I'll have someone buy some food. You can't skip meals. If your health fails, how will you ever get married?"

Xie Xingzhi shot him a cold glare. Sun Zhaoyang shivered and quickly made himself scarce, thinking, "Better not provoke him."