Chapter 92: A Visit to Datang Garden

Not far from Nan’an University of Technology lay Datang Garden, a residential community comprised of older, five-story apartment buildings. Despite their age, the excellent location ensured every unit was occupied.

The commercial street at the community’s entrance teemed with far more activity than Lin Duo’s own neighborhood. Narrow sidewalks overflowed with various vegetable and fruit stalls, requiring pedestrians to navigate carefully. A misstep could easily lead to an unfortunate “accident” with unscrupulous vendors.

Yuan Dingchu resided on the fifth floor of a typical residential building within the community. The stairwell was far from pleasant, emitting an unpleasant odor, and some residents brazenly parked their electric scooters in the common areas.

Lin Duo ascended the stairs with the careful precision of someone navigating a minefield. She paused to steady her breathing, then pulled a small mirror from her shoulder bag to tidy her hair. Only then, after a deep breath, did she press the doorbell.

Moments later, the door swung open. A pretty lady stood smiling in the doorway, her expression welcoming.

“Come in quickly,” she urged. “I’ve been waiting for you. Lunch is almost ready, so let’s eat together first!”

Lin Duo, feeling a little reserved, changed into the slippers offered and stepped inside. The room was indeed small, even more compact than the fruit shop, yet it was impeccably clean.

Bright light streamed in from a large balcony, lifting her spirits somewhat. However, the floorboards were quite old, emitting an occasional ‘creak, creak’ as she walked, which made Lin Duo feel a little uneasy.

Yuan Dingchu, wrapped in an apron, was busy in the kitchen. He peeked out, a look of pleasant surprise on his face.

“Xiaoduo, you’re here? Have a seat for a bit and chat with Xiaoxi. The food will be ready soon.”

Somewhat reserved, Lin Duo settled onto the sofa. The lady beside her was the first to introduce herself.

“My name is Tang Ruoxi,” she began, “and those close to me call me Xiaoxi. But it’s probably better if you call me ‘Jiejie.’ You know, girls really change as they grow up! A year ago, you looked like a tiny loli, but now you’re quite the beautiful young lady!”

“Not at all,” Lin Duo demurred. “I’m only 164 centimeters. I feel much shorter than Jiejie.”

While Lin Duo’s current height wasn’t short among her classmates, she was still half a head shorter than Tang Ruoxi.

Tang Ruoxi skillfully ruffled Lin Duo’s hair. “Oh, I actually think I’m too tall! It’s not always easy for tall girls to find boyfriends. Your height is just perfect!”

Lin Duo wasn’t particularly fond of having her head patted by older women, but as a guest, she endured it. “By the way, Jiejie, how did you and Gege meet?”

“Well, it’s quite simple, really. We were both in the student union. Working together for so long, feelings naturally developed, didn’t they? Love isn’t always that complicated; sometimes, it just happens naturally.” As she spoke, Tang Ruoxi gently took Lin Duo’s small hand, examining it closely. “Your hands are so delicate. You could be a hand model! Now, tell Jiejie honestly, have you ever had a boyfriend?”

“No, not really…” Lin Duo automatically filtered out a certain scoundrel from her memory.

“Really?” Tang Ruoxi’s large eyes narrowed slightly. “But you must have a boy you like, right? You’re already sixteen. What girl at this age doesn’t have a crush?”

“Mmm… that…”

In truth, the first image that flashed into Lin Duo’s mind was Yuan Dingchu. Compared to boys her own age, a mature, steady, tall, and handsome man would certainly score higher. However, it wouldn’t be appropriate to say such a thing in front of his girlfriend.

Moreover, Lin Duo wasn’t so despicable as to try and poach him. She merely harbored this admiration in her heart, simply hoping for more opportunities to interact with this ‘Gege.’

After chatting for a while longer, Yuan Dingchu brought the prepared dishes out of the kitchen one by one, arranging them on the small dining table. Finally, they happily began their meal.

It was clear that Tang Ruoxi had taken a liking to this pretty and well-behaved younger girl, continuously adding food to Lin Duo’s bowl. Fortunately, Lin Duo wasn’t picky and ate everything.

During the meal, Yuan Dingchu naturally discussed work and life matters primarily with Tang Ruoxi, such as how certain colleagues were doing or when they might expect a raise. Lin Duo mostly listened in silence, only speaking when directly addressed.

When Yuan Dingchu mentioned he would be working late next week, Tang Ruoxi looked displeased. “Ever since you became a full-time employee, you’re always working overtime. Even on weekends, you’re not free, constantly drawing blueprints. It’s been ages since you took me out shopping.”

“Sigh, our industry has a low base salary; it all depends on project commissions. How can I earn more if I don’t take on more projects?” Yuan Dingchu could only offer a wry smile. “We’ve graduated now; we’re no longer students. We have to work hard to support ourselves. Look, the rent isn’t cheap, and with all our monthly expenses, how can we manage without earning more?”

Tang Ruoxi pouted, temporarily sidestepping the topic.

After lunch, Lin Duo quietly made a suggestion. “Um, Gege, I’ve organized some problems I don’t quite understand into a notebook. Could I ask you about them now?”

“Of course, I’ll be right there after I clear the dishes.” Yuan Dingchu readily agreed and disappeared into the kitchen.

However, it wasn’t long before his phone rang. Yuan Dingchu saw the number on the screen, a look of impatience crossing his face, but his tone was respectful when he answered.

“Manager, you said… mm… mm… Understood… I’ll immediately…”

Hanging up the phone, Yuan Dingchu poked his head out of the kitchen, looking helpless. “The client suddenly changed their mind and wants the goods delivered by 8 PM tonight. I have to revise the blueprints immediately and send them over.”

“Um, Xiaoduo, I’m really sorry, but I probably won’t have any time today.”

Though disappointment clouded Lin Duo’s face, she nodded obediently. “Gege, you have your own work. I was the one bothering you. Shall I just head home then?”

“Wait! That’s too rude!” To their surprise, Tang Ruoxi couldn’t stand by, stepping in to speak for Lin Duo. “She traveled all this way just to eat lunch and then go straight back?”

“Uh, what should we do then?”

“Mmm… how about this! Xiaoduo, would you like to go shopping with Jiejie?”

“Shopping?” Lin Duo hesitated. After all, she and Tang Ruoxi had only just met; being alone together might feel a bit awkward.

Tang Ruoxi, however, had made up her mind. “My boyfriend is too busy and has no time, but girls always need to shop, right? So, how about you, my little sister, keep me company? Is that okay?”

“Then… alright!”

And so, Lin Duo slung her small shoulder bag on and followed Tang Ruoxi out to the commercial street beyond the community. Due to the intense sun, Tang Ruoxi had brought a parasol, conveniently shielding the slender Lin Duo beneath it as well.

She didn’t forget to offer a reminder. “The summer sun here is really fierce. You’ll get tanned if you’re not careful, so always bring a parasol when you go out, or remember to apply sunscreen!”

“Got it, Jiejie!” In truth, Lin Duo’s skin had always been fair, whether due to genetics or her infrequent outings.

It seemed Tang Ruoxi had a very good impression of Lin Duo, constantly showing concern for her personal affairs. When she learned Lin Duo attended Nanli Affiliated High School, her eyes lit up.

“Nan’an University of Technology is actually not far from here. How about I take you for a stroll around the campus first?”

Lin Duo had never explored a university campus before and was genuinely curious, so she followed Tang Ruoxi along the way.

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