Chapter 710: Chapter 613: Childhood Sweethearts

At noon, Yang Liu’er came to pick up Xiao Man to have lunch at a restaurant near the Lu Yang Clothing Company.

Xiao Man knew the restaurant; it was quite famous, and a meal there would cost a pretty penny. She joked, "It’s only been half a month since we last saw each other. Is all this fanfare necessary? You two just got back yesterday. If anything, I should be the one treating you to a welcome-home meal."

Yang Liu’er giggled. "It is a welcome-home meal, but we wouldn’t make you pay. All you have to do is show up ready to eat, and keep your eyes peeled!"

"What do you mean?"

"Lu Jianling’s boyfriend! They just reconnected yesterday, and he showed up first thing this morning. He’s been following Jianling everywhere, from the office to the workshop. The two of them have been talking nonstop; anyone who didn’t know better would think they’d been lovers for years. He insisted on treating us to lunch, so we’re going to see what he’s made of."

"Lu Jianling has a boyfriend? Since when? How come I had no idea?"

"Well, it’s not official yet, but I’m really hoping to make it happen."

"Did they just meet? Was it a set-up?"

"Well, it’s a little complicated. It’s a long story. You know our Jianling is a total workaholic—she practically treats the company dorm as her bedroom. She isn’t interested in any men. It’s not for a lack of trying to introduce her to some, but she’s like an insulator; there are never any sparks. Lu Jian Country is worried sick! I also want Jianling to have a happy marriage, so I was secretly trying to figure out a way to coax her into dating someone. Then, poof! This childhood friend suddenly pops up. They were so excited to see each other after all these years. He seems to look at Jianling a little differently, and she isn’t being cold and distant with him like she is with other men. She’s actually willing to get close to him. I’ve seen him, and he’s a real catch—impeccable looks and talent, and his character seems solid. Plus, he’s being so proactive, it’s obvious what his intentions are, so I thought... Ugh! Anyway, just help me take a look. It’s not every day Jianling shows interest in a guy. We have to help her lock this one down. Wouldn’t he make a wonderful husband for her!"

"Wow, you’re being a little intense. Are you trying to force a match?"

"Hahaha! Well, he’s the one who came to us! He even told me that he and Jianling were, you know—childhood sweethearts!"

"How old were they when they used to play together? It’s amazing that they could still recognize each other after twenty years!"

"See? It’s fate!" Yang Liu’er laughed again. "Jianling is turning twenty-six this year. When she was five or six, she went with Grandma Weiwei to a relative’s house in Xin City because Aunt Weiwei was gravely ill and on her deathbed. Grandma Weiwei felt sorry for her sister and wanted to stay to take care of her, so she and Jianling lived there for nearly half a year. At first, Jianling missed her older brother and would run to the door and cry every day. An older boy from next door saw her and was kind enough to play with her and keep her company... and that’s the story! They must have really hit it off and had a great time back then, because they both held on to that lovely memory. Of course, they couldn’t possibly recognize each other after twenty years, but they remembered each other’s names. That little boy, all grown up now, works at the airport. When we were going through security, I called out ’Jianling, Lu Jianling’ a few times. He didn’t say anything then, just glanced at her twice. Then, as soon as we were back, he came looking for her. The two of them confirmed their stories, and what do you know! It was really him!"

Xiao Man was amused by her friend’s conclusion and marveled at the wonders of fate.

"Since it’s a welcome-home meal, are Uncle Lu and the others here too?"

"No, my dad’s at home having lunch with Weiwei; running around would interfere with the kid’s schooling. Zhao Xian drove us home yesterday, so my dad already met him. He even told him to visit us at home often. And your Brother Lu went to a lecture at the university today, so he isn’t coming either."

"Brother Lu is so diligent, working that hard even in university. Oh, right, you’re graduating this year, so you don’t have to go to campus much these days. That’s so nice. I’m jealous of your freedom."

"Your Brother Lu is very modest these days. He’s too busy to attend all his classes, but he’s adamant about making up for any he misses. I asked him if he had his eye on some pretty girl at the university, but he just called me silly. He said he really cherishes this opportunity because the knowledge you can get from books is so comprehensive, so he has to study hard... Manman, you’re about to graduate soon too. Two years fly by in the blink of an eye."

"Yeah."

They chatted until, before they knew it, they had arrived at the restaurant. After parking the car, Xiao Man followed Yang Liu’er inside. A server led them to a private dining room where three people were already seated around a table, drinking tea. Xiao Man saw Zhao Xian sitting next to Lu Jianling, and the other woman was Luo Chunxiang.

Lu Jianling introduced Zhao Xian and Xiao Man. Just as Yang Liu’er had described, Zhao Xian was quite a fine man, with impeccable looks and a good bearing. He seemed to have a calm and steady personality and was about the same age as Lu Jianling. Xiao Man found herself hoping they would fall for each other and become a couple, writing their own beautiful love story. After all, it was truly rare for childhood friends to reunite and recognize one another after twenty years apart.

Luo Chunxiang greeted Xiao Man with a smile. Her complexion was rosy, her laughter was hearty, and she carried herself with an air of energy, poise, and confidence—a far cry from her previously timid and withdrawn demeanor. After recovering her health, she had joined the Lu Yang Clothing Company, starting as a piece-rate worker in the workshop. Diligent, hardworking, meticulous, and responsible, she ensured every piece she produced was up to standard. She earned a high salary and bonuses every month, and Yang Liu’er mentioned that she had now been promoted to a workshop team leader.

Yang Liu’er explained, "I was talking with Sister Chunxiang when it was time for lunch, so I had Jianling and Zhao Xian give her a ride over. We all have to go back to the company after we eat anyway."

Xiao Man smiled and nodded, thinking to herself, ’Yang Liu’er was abroad during the New Year. Luo Chunxiang must know everything that happened with the Bai Family. Now that they’ve seen each other, Yang Liu’er must have heard all the details. Judging by the fact that her mood hasn’t been affected in the slightest, it means she’s truly and completely purged Bai Junfan from her heart, without a single trace remaining.’

After lunch, Yang Liu’er drove Xiao Man back to the hospital. Lu Jianling and Zhao Xian took two small cases out of the car, smiling as they explained they were just some small gifts they hoped she would like. They also invited Xiao Man over for dinner on Sunday.

Xiao Man thanked them but politely declined, making the excuse that she had to work on a project with her advisor on Sunday and probably wouldn’t have time.

Sure enough, in the car, Yang Liu’er chuckled and explained that Uncle Lu and Lu Jian Country were having Zhao Xian over for a formal dinner on Sunday. Although everyone’s hopes were high, they didn’t know how things would ultimately turn out, so it was probably for the best that Xiao Man wouldn’t be there.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jianling and Zhao Xian truly seemed to be a match made in heaven. Once they clicked, their relationship progressed at lightning speed. Singularly focused and with a common goal, they headed straight for marriage registration. Although Uncle Lu and Lu Jian Country had been secretly worrying about Lu Jianling’s future and thought highly of Zhao Xian, they were still shocked when the couple suddenly announced they were about to get their marriage license.

Upon reflection, however, it was understandable. Zhao Xian’s parents had divorced, remarried, and had other children, so they’d long since stopped being part of his life. After the grandparents who raised him passed away, he was essentially on his own. Having finally found Lu Jianling, who gave him a sense of belonging, he was desperate to start a family of his own.

At Lu Jian Country’s insistence, Zhao Xian and Lu Jianling agreed they had been a bit hasty. They let her father, brother, and sister-in-law handle the arrangements. First, they held an engagement banquet, then they began selecting a marital home and shopping for wedding necessities. Zhao Xian had housing assigned to him from his work unit, and Lu Jianling, at Yang Liu’er’s urging, had also purchased several properties. In the end, they settled on an apartment gifted by the Lu Family—a spacious unit of over two hundred square meters, conveniently located between the Lu family home and the clothing company.

Only after they had finished renovating and furnishing their new home did they go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register their marriage. Finally, they just had to wait for October to arrive—for the auspicious date selected by an expert at Uncle Lu’s request—to hold the wedding for the young couple.

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