novelraw Chapter 724: The Red Mole
Chapter 724: The Red Mole
The glacier white Bentley Continental GT glided through the streets of Yancheng, drawing numerous gazes as it passed.
The car drove out from the South Second Ring Road along the main thoroughfare, and after a few turns, the scenery on both sides of the road suddenly transformed. Tall buildings gradually receded, replaced by rows of bare locust trees, along with various snack shops, street stalls, used bookstores, and accessory stores.
The people coming and going on the streets were mostly young men and women, gathered in small groups, either chatting and laughing or playfully roughhousing. The air was filled with the youthful vitality unique to university students.
As familiar street scenes flashed by outside the window, the shyness and restraint on Zhang Yan's face gradually faded away without her noticing.
"Tang Song, this is outside Yanke University."
"Yeah, our school's commercial street." Tang Song turned his head slightly, looking at her eyes that had brightened again, and said softly, "You used to come here often, didn't you?"
Zhang Yan nodded gently, then somewhat shyly looked out the window.
How could she not have come here often?
She had secretly observed his schedule, knowing that every Wednesday afternoon he would always come to this street to buy food. So this street became a place she frequented.
She would calculate the timing, coming alone or dragging Feifei and others along, pretending to just be passing by. More often, she would sit in the small bookstore at the street corner, holding a book she couldn't really focus on, her gaze constantly fixed outside the window.Only when that familiar figure appeared would she quietly follow behind him, watching which vendor's grilled cold noodles he bought, which hand-pulled noodle shop he entered, then later go secretly try the same things herself.
It was as if this way, she could get a little closer to his world.
The car slowly parked in an empty spot by the roadside.
"Let's get out."
Zhang Yan quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and, imitating Tang Song, carefully pushed open the car door.
A rush of air filled with the cumin scent of grilled skewers and the sweet aroma of sugar-fried chestnuts flooded her nostrils.
She took a deep breath, raised her head to look at the overcast sky and bare treetops, and a brilliantly bright smile spread across her face.
This was the smell, completely unchanged.
Just then, a slender hand reached out in front of her.
Zhang Yan's breath caught.
She bit her lip, her heart pounding fiercely. Lowering her head, she tentatively, bit by bit, placed her slightly cool fingertips into his palm.
The warm touch instantly enveloped her small hand completely, the heat seeming to travel up her arm all the way to the depths of her heart. Her face flushed bright red all at once.
Was this considered her taking the initiative... to hold hands?
The two walked side by side on the sidewalk paved with gray-yellow fallen leaves, their footsteps making crunching, creaking sounds.
Students passing by couldn't help but cast admiring glances toward Tang Song.
He was nearly twenty centimeters taller than her. With her head lowered, she could only see the edge of his dark gray coat and the tips of her own shoes taking small steps to keep up.
A winter noon, overcast, without sunlight.
The light was soft, like a quiet landscape painting.
They were like countless ordinary university couples walking on this street, yet so completely different.
"What would you like to eat?"
Zhang Yan hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "...Hand-pulled noodles."
Among all her taste memories of Yancheng, the most profound was that bowl of steaming hot, authentic Anhui beef hand-pulled noodles covered with bright red chilies. The dried aroma of the chilies and the chewy texture of the noodles were flavors she could never replicate back in Yangcheng.
"Let's go. I haven't had it in a long time either."
Holding her hand, he led her familiarly into that not-very-spacious hand-pulled noodle shop.
It was noon, and the shop was filled with the atmosphere of cooking. Fortunately, there was one empty table left.
"Wide or thin noodles? Anything to add?"
"Small bowl, wide noodles, add a meatball." Zhang Yan answered quietly, as if reporting a secret.
Tang Song made an OK gesture, skillfully placed the order and paid, then sat back down opposite her.
He didn't look at his phone, just rested his elbows on the slightly greasy table, smiling as he examined the female classmate sitting across from him.
She wore a soft beige-white down jacket, her delicate, clean face tinged with a faint blush from shyness, making her appear so charmingly delicate.
So many years had passed, yet he could still see traces of her middle school self in her.
Back then, she had a neat student haircut, wrote characters neatly, always quiet, rather boring.
Tang Song was somewhat of a late bloomer.
During middle school, his world was filled entirely with "Naruto," "One Piece," and "Dragon Ball"... His daily life consisted of studying, playing, and reading comics. His biggest dream was to open a comic book store when he grew up and live in it forever.
(From this perspective, he indeed shared common ground with "otaku" like Xiao Jing and Xu Qing.)
He truly started paying attention to this female deskmate one day in seventh grade.
That noon, his parents weren't home, so he bought fried pancakes and returned to the classroom holding a comic book, when he happened to see her through the window—she also hadn't gone home.
She sat alone at her desk, holding a plastic bag containing half a plain steamed bun.
He personally watched as she sprinkled the powder from an instant noodle seasoning packet onto the bun, taking small bites and washing it down with sips of cold water.
In that moment, even though he was still immature, filled with the passion and justice of shonen manga, he guessed her family circumstances weren't great.
So, that boy immersed in the world of comics began to play the role of the "protagonist."
He would occasionally bring her some snacks;
when riding his electric scooter to school and seeing her on the way, he would insist on giving her a ride;
when he saw bad students in class bullying her, he would imitate the comics and step forward...
Back then, he firmly believed he was the protagonist from the comics, and protecting the weak was his righteous mission.
Looking back now, for that sensitive and lonely Zhang Yan who was living with relatives at the time, he was probably truly the only light in her world, the only protagonist.
Hence, this heavy yet pure crush that spanned over ten years.
Every time he recalled this hidden thread from their youth, Tang Song would feel endless emotions and infinite tenderness well up inside him.
She seemed to notice his unusual gaze, somewhat embarrassed, she lowered her head, her slender fingers unconsciously playing with the collarbone-length hair framing her cheeks.
But she still couldn't help occasionally stealing glances up at him.
She had missed him so much.
"One large, one small, two wide noodles, with meatballs and braised pork, ready!"
From behind the counter, the owner shouted loudly.
Zhang Yan instinctively started to get up to fetch them.
But Tang Song directly pressed her shoulder down. "Sit, I'll get it."
After speaking, he strode to the counter, picked up both bowls of steaming, fragrant hand-pulled noodles, one in each hand, and steadily walked back.
He gently placed the small bowl in front of Zhang Yan.
Then, with a snap, he expertly opened a pair of disposable chopsticks, carefully rubbing them together to remove any potential splinters before handing them to her.
Zhang Yan bit her lower lip, a soft tremor flickering in her eyes. Saying "thank you," she took the chopsticks.
She lowered her head, looking at the three pieces of beef in her bowl, stewed until tender and flavorful.
After hesitating a moment, she still carefully used the tips of her chopsticks to pick up two of the pieces and placed them into Tang Song's bowl.
Only then did she pick up the remaining, smallest piece, blew on it, put it in her mouth, and said happily in a small voice, "Mmm... really delicious."
Her actions were very natural, as if she had practiced them countless times in her heart, in her dreams.
Tang Song looked at the two extra pieces of beef in his bowl, then at Zhang Yan across from him, who seemed perfectly content after just one small bite of meat. An indescribable stirring emotion surged in his heart.
He suddenly stood up, picked up the bowl of noodles in front of Zhang Yan.
Under her astonished gaze, he strode back to the counter.
"Boss, add some beef."
"Ah?" The boss was taken aback, waving his hand somewhat awkwardly. "Handsome, sorry, the beef in this noodle broth isn't sold separately, and there's no set price for it."
Without another word, Tang Song directly pulled out his phone, aimed it at the QR code on the wall—beep.
"Alipay received—200 yuan."
The crisp electronic sound rang out in the noisy little shop.
Tang Song put down his phone, looked at the boss, and said succinctly, "One scoop."
"Hey! Sure thing!" The boss instantly beamed, grabbed a large iron ladle, scooped a heaping portion of tender, fragrant beef from the old broth pot stewing with beef, and piled it all onto that bowl of wide noodles.
For a moment, the bright red chunks of meat almost completely covered all the noodles underneath.
Tang Song carried this "deluxe top-tier version" bowl of hand-pulled noodles back and placed it in front of Zhang Yan again.
Looking at her wide, rounded almond eyes, he smiled and said, "Eat up."
Zhang Yan looked at him, then at the mountain-like pile of beef in her bowl, pressed her lips together firmly, and said nothing.
She just silently lowered her head, picked up her chopsticks, picked up a piece of meat, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Inside the small hand-pulled noodle shop, the place was bustling, filled with the lively atmosphere of cooking.
Students at the next table were discussing games and novels.
From behind the counter came the owner's shouts of "One spicy, one not spicy!"
The sounds of slurping noodles rose and fell, mingling with the rich aroma of spices and chilies.
In the winter, it created a warm yet noisy scene of human life.
Amidst all this clamor, Zhang Yan seemed to form her own quiet little world.
Under his gaze, her cheeks slightly flushed, she ate with exceptional seriousness.
Just then.
"Ding ling ling—" A phone ringtone suddenly sounded.
Tang Song put down his chopsticks, pulled out his phone, and glanced at it.
[Qing Ning]
He immediately stood up. "Zhang Yan, you keep eating, I'm going out to take this call."
In that moment, even though he was still immature, filled with the passion and justice of shonen manga, he guessed her family circumstances weren't great.
Zhang Yan nodded obediently, watching his figure quickly exit the small shop and stand on the steps below to answer the call.
The moment he connected, joy instantly danced in his eyes and brows as he spoke softly into the phone.
He stood on that street corner so familiar to her, slowly overlapping with the figure from her memories.
Zhang Yan couldn't help but pull her phone from her down jacket pocket and, through the glass window, secretly took a photo of his figure.
"Click—"
"Buzz buzz—" Along with her pressing the shutter, her phone also vibrated.
Immediately after, she saw a group message from the "Romantic Scenes Trio" chat.
[Cheng Xiaoyue: "@Zhang Yan, arrived? Landed safely?"]
A warmth spread through Zhang Yan's heart, and she quickly replied, "Arrived, arrived. I'm already with my friend, perfectly safe."
[Lin Feifei: [Little Cutie Flower Shop.map]]
[Lin Feifei: "Yanyan, this is my flower shop. Free tonight? Come hang out, I'll show you the new multi-headed miniature roses I've been cultivating."]
Zhang Yan looked up, secretly glanced at Tang Song still on the phone outside the window.
Her cheeks flushed hot again as she replied, "Tomorrow. I just arrived today and still have some very important things to take care of."
Yes, there was still one tremendously important matter unresolved.
Where was she going to stay tonight?
Tang Song still hadn't mentioned it, and she didn't dare ask.
What if... what if it really was his home? Then what should she do?
The conversation in the group continued.
[Cheng Xiaoyue: "Alright, tomorrow then. I actually want to visit Feifei's flower shop too. It's a two-story building with a small terrace, really beautiful. We can even have a barbecue at night. The three of us can finally gather together in Yancheng again."]
[Lin Feifei: "(Throwing flowers.gif) Awesome. I'll bring out my treasured good wine, we won't return until we're drunk."]
Seeing her friends' enthusiastic invitations, Zhang Yan reined in her own wandering thoughts.
She replied with an "OK" sticker.
Then put away her phone and refocused on the steaming bowl of beef hand-pulled noodles in front of her.
Though, a small sense of anticipation had now taken root in her heart.
She was actually someone who really enjoyed making friends. Throughout university, after graduation, and at work, she had always had friendly companions like "Lulu" and "Li Chao" around her.
She had shared these stories with Tang Song on QQ before.
He just didn't know it was her.
...
After finishing lunch, they returned to the car.
Without waiting for his reminder, Zhang Yan immediately deftly fastened her seatbelt herself.
Tang Song smiled and said, "You must be exhausted from catching an early morning flight. Plus, eating noodles at noon makes people sleepy. Let's go back and rest for a while."
Hearing the word "back," Zhang Yan's body instantly tensed.
She opened her mouth, wanting to ask "back where," but after a glance at Tang Song's completely natural profile, she swallowed her words and closed her mouth.
The car started, slowly crunching over the fallen leaves on the street, and drove toward the city center along the main road.
"We'll visit your alma mater, Agricultural University, this afternoon. I'll take you shopping tonight." He glanced at the phone in Zhang Yan's hand. "We can also get you a new phone while we're at it. Your Sister Wen Ruan specifically mentioned to me that your phone's memory is almost full and it needs replacing."
Zhang Yan let out an embarrassed "Ah," immediately stuffing her phone deeper into her down jacket pocket, and nodded obediently. "Oh, okay."
The phone she was using now was a Redmi Note10 bought two years ago for 1400 yuan, 8GB+128GB. The memory had indeed long been filled with various work apps.
But since she didn't play games and usually used it sparingly, she had been making do.
Yet having Tang Song point it out now made her feel utterly ashamed.
The street scenes outside became increasingly bustling, with many brand-new tall buildings that looked different from Zhang Yan's memories.
She quietly looked out the window, carefully memorizing the changes in this city.
The car slowly entered the underground parking garage of Yanjing Tiancheng.
After getting out, Tang Song carried the luggage while Zhang Yan, holding the bouquet of roses, obediently followed him into the magnificent entrance lobby.
They entered the elevator.
Zhang Yan looked at the name on the screen and the continuously jumping floor numbers.
Suddenly, her mouth went dry.
This... was Yanjing Tiancheng? His home!
With each floor the elevator ascended, her heartbeat accelerated.
It felt like it was about to leap out of her chest. Her whole body began to feel hot, flushed.
"Ding—" The elevator stopped smoothly on the 20th floor.
"We're here."
The two arrived in front of that solemn, pitch-black armored door. Zhang Yan kept her head lowered, tightly clutching the flowers, silent.
Tang Song input the code while casually saying, "The door lock code is my birthday. Come in, these are your slippers."
Zhang Yan walked in, saw the luxury residence more opulent than a five-star hotel, and stood somewhat awkwardly in the entryway, obediently changing into slippers.
The sound of suitcase wheels echoed through the spacious large flat.
Zhang Yan kept her head down, completely uninterested in the decor or the view, just closely following behind Tang Song.
"Click—" Another door opening sound.
Tang Song placed her suitcase in the master bedroom, then turned and said, "Alright, put your clothes in the closet in the walk-in wardrobe later. The walk-in is over here."
Zhang Yan's watery almond eyes finally lifted, timidly asking, "Wh-which room will I be staying in?"
"Of course, in my room."
"Th-then..." Zhang Yan's voice trembled. "What about you?"
Tang Song leaned forward slightly, closer to her, and said with amusement, "I'll naturally be sleeping in there too."
"Ah?!" Zhang Yan gasped softly, her body jolting violently, her cheeks instantly burning hot.
What she had originally imagined was that even if she stayed at his place, she would definitely be in a guest room.
She never, ever expected that Tang Song would... would directly... want to sleep together with her!
This completely exceeded her wildest, most daring imagination.
Zhang Yan stammered, flustered, taking half a step back: "T-Tang Song... Is it... not good for me to stay here?"
"Why wouldn't it be good?"
"N-not appropriate..."
"Do you dislike me?"
"N-no! Absolutely not!" She shook her head like a rattle-drum.
"Then listen to me." Tang Song reached out, gently ruffling her collarbone-length hair, and smiled. "The heating is strong inside, take off your down jacket, you'll get too hot wearing it."
Under Tang Song's gentle yet unyielding gaze, all of Zhang Yan's words of refusal got stuck in her throat.
Silently, she lowered her head, like a robot following a command, and obediently took off her bulky down jacket.
Seeing his female deskmate in this resigned, shy, and fearful state, an indescribable feeling welled up in Tang Song's heart.
He couldn't help but recall again that "future" without the system, which he had glimpsed through the [Dream System] back in his final year of high school.
In 2028, the year he turned 30.
Liu Qingning, through her own efforts, had long since achieved an annual salary of millions, obtained a household registration and property in the Imperial Capital, becoming a shining existence.
Meanwhile, he had been laid off by a small company in Yancheng.
Unable to secure a high position yet unwilling to settle for a low one, battered by repeated setbacks, all his edges had been worn smooth by life.
Due to deeply ingrained inferiority and an escapist mentality, he didn't dare accept the kindness offered by his Bai Yueguang.
And in that timeline, Zhang Yan's mother should have already passed away from cancer.
She had lost her closest connection in this world.
Having passed the civil service exam for a hometown institution and finally achieved a stable life, she had, through relatives back home, tentatively proposed a blind date with him.
Although he ultimately refused.
The more he learned about Zhang Yan, the more he understood just how much courage she, so extremely introverted, must have mustered to take that step.
If... if things had really developed according to that script, how would the gears of fate have turned then?
Perhaps, someday, at some street corner, she would once again gather her courage, collect the seven Dragon Balls, and appear before him.
If that happened, would they end up together?
Even if they did get together, would he, in the depths of some midnight dream, reminisce even more painfully about the already unreachable Bai Yueguang?
Ultimately, causing this pure girl before him to become the cinnabar mole on his heart.
Fortunately, he had changed fate.
The mist of the dream had long since dispersed.
The wind of reality had blown that lost red leaf back into his palm.
This time, he would treasure it properly.