Chapter 47: Gifts (3) The youth of Wuling, in the eastern Golden Market, ride white horses with silver saddles through the spring breeze.

Faced with Cheng Chen’s question, Fang Yu was at a bit of a loss himself. Xia Churan was a clingy girl; she had just texted to say she’d be there soon.
“Forget it, we’ll just say we’re off to fix the machines. It’s not like we’re actually a couple.”
Cheng Chen grinned, all carefree.
“Heh, things between me and Li Jing are just about the same, you know. We’ve already kissed.”
“Damn it, can’t you keep your hands to yourself?” Fang Yu shot him a look, exasperated by his friend’s recklessness.
“I can’t help it. Li Jing said she liked me the moment she saw me. Besides, the girl’s pretty cute.”
“Then you’re not coming. You can look after the shop by yourself!” Fang Yu snapped, losing patience.
“No way! Free food is still food. I get nauseous just thinking about another meal of gutter oil.”
After bickering for ages, Cheng Chen finally gave in. Fang Yu took the opportunity to inform the students who came by that “Green Dew” would be closed the day after tomorrow. It was a good chance to deposit the recent takings, too.

On the night of the 23rd, in their rented courtyard, Fang Yu tallied up their profits—just over thirty thousand. They had finally recouped their initial costs.
“Damn, this is real money. If I’d started this years ago, I wouldn’t still be penniless at thirty-five.” He muttered, gazing at the heap of notes scattered across his bed.

September 24th. For once, the four of them slept well into the morning. They’d all been exhausted lately, especially at night—Lu Zhen’s snoring could compete with the frogs in the fields.

“Hey, you even got a present for Qin Lu?” Cheng Chen spotted the gift box in his hand as they set out.
“Of course. What’s a birthday without a gift?”
“A watch? That brand isn’t cheap,” Lu Zhen observed with a hint of envy.
“You two got matching ones, didn’t you? I saw Fang Yu already wearing his,” Zhao Bin pointed out.
“Fang Yu, since our business is doing well, maybe you should get each of us one too,” Cheng Chen joked, sidling up to him.
“No problem. It’s nothing if I wear a Patek Philippe. Real style is when all my brothers have one too.” With over thirty grand in his pocket, Fang Yu was swept up in ambition.
“What’s a Patek Philippe? Is it as good as a gold Rolex?” Cheng Chen was lost when it came to these things.

As the four bantered, their grueling bus ride became more bearable. Once in the city, Fang Yu deposited the money into his newly opened account, bought a bouquet of roses at a flower shop, and reserved a private room at a restaurant. Finally, with three boys in tow, he headed to the same cultural mall where he’d bought the watch.

“Hey, are you going to confess today? Planning not to come back tonight?” Cheng Chen waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“Shut up. It’s her birthday. I have to make a gesture.”
At 4:30 in the afternoon, Qin Lu called first.
“Hello, Fang Yu, are you coming over today?” Her tone was tentative.
“Of course. I’m already at the entrance. I was just going to call you from downstairs.”
Her voice immediately brightened.
“That’s so quick! Wait a moment, I’ll wash my face and come right down.”
The other three, very self-aware, headed off to a nearby drink shop, leaving Fang Yu alone under the shade, holding a bouquet of 99 roses.

“Look, isn’t that Fang Yu? Their foreign languages team beat the computer science team in the freshman tournament.”
“He’s not even from our school, right? I heard he’s a first-year ringer.”
“Yeah, and look at that bouquet—must’ve cost a fortune. Who’s the girl?”
“I heard her name’s Qin Lu. Didn’t Hua Chen from the school team try to chase her?”

Under the curious and envious gaze of a group of girls, Fang Yu felt a little embarrassed. It had been a long time since he’d attracted this much attention.

About ten minutes later, Qin Lu stood dazed at the bottom of the dormitory stairs, equally stunned by the ostentatious bouquet in his hands.
“Is... is this for me?” she asked shyly, lowering her head.
“Of course. Happy birthday.” He grinned as he handed it over.
“Thank you. It smells wonderful.” What girl doesn’t love flowers and romance? Even the well-behaved, sensible Qin Lu couldn’t help but glow with pride.

He, meanwhile, couldn’t take his eyes off her. Clearly, she’d dressed up for the occasion, wearing new clothes and a touch of lip gloss. Her peach-pink cheeks were as fresh as a lotus in bloom—utterly radiant.

They stood there, lost for words, for several minutes. Finally, Fang Yu broke the spell, ruffling her dark hair with a laugh.
“Isn’t it heavy? Take it upstairs—you don’t have to bring it to dinner.”
“Okay. Wait for me a moment.” Qin Lu, beaming, hugged the flowers and dashed upstairs.

A few minutes later, three other girls came down with her, giggling among themselves—clearly her roommates.

“Your boyfriend treats you so well, Lu Lu. He helped with the freshman tournament, and now a huge bouquet of flowers.”
“Yeah! Why so quiet, Qin Lu? Don’t be shy.”
Their teasing made Qin Lu’s cheeks burn even redder. She just hung her head in silence, until Fang Yu took a few steps forward and naturally took her hand.
“All right, all right, Lu Lu’s a bit shy. Let’s not tease her. I’ve booked the restaurant, so let’s get going.”
“Hey? I thought I was treating you guys. Why’d you book it?” Qin Lu pouted.
“A treat is a treat, no matter who pays. Besides, I invited two friends, too. The more, the merrier.” With that, he called Cheng Chen on his phone.

“So it’s Cheng Chen and the others?” Qin Lu knew all too well—those two blockheads were inseparable.

When the other three showed up from the supermarket, each holding an ice pop, the girls eyed Cheng Chen as if they could devour him on the spot.
“Wow, he’s so handsome. Lu Lu, is that your boyfriend’s classmate?”
Qin Lu seemed to accept the “boyfriend” label, nodding with a smile.
“Yep. Cheng Chen was the heartthrob at our high school, so don’t miss your chance.”

Poor Cheng Chen was immediately surrounded, glancing helplessly at Lu Zhen and Zhao Bin for rescue.
“Come on, help me out here!”
Lu Zhen jumped back.
“No way. That one’s even bigger than me. Let Zhao Bin go.”
In the end, Fang Yu stepped in to save him.
“All right, beauties. Let’s head to the restaurant and catch up there.”
These freshmen girls weren’t exactly wolves and tigers; besides, Qin Lu’s birthday was the main event. They let Cheng Chen go, and the group split into two cabs, heading for the city center.