“Congratulations to the host, favorability value +65, +65, +65.” In a short span, her favorability score had soared by over a thousand—faster than cooking for a thousand people! Xu Ying was practically giddy, her cheeks cupped in her hands, her eyes sparkling with delight as she gazed at Huo Chen.
“Congratulations to the host, favorability value +70.” Xu Ying was even happier now, oblivious to the bright red tips of Huo Chen’s ears. He dared not speak, his face a deeper crimson than a monkey’s backside.
“Why aren’t you eating? Hurry up and eat. I made all of this for you,” Xu Ying said, smiling at him.
“Congratulations to the host, favorability value +75.”
Xu Ying’s joy grew. Could it be that she was getting extra points just for praising him? The thought made her eyes twinkle. She gazed at Huo Chen, blinking. “Huo Chen, you’re so powerful. You’ve saved me three times! We must be incredibly destined.”
Huo Chen’s eyes flickered. Destined, indeed. He ate, using the food to hide his mounting shyness. It was delicious.
“Congratulations to the host, favorability value +80.”
Oh my god, this was incredible!
“Huo Chen, you’re so handsome, and your figure is amazing. You’re every girl’s dream husband, and you’re so kind! I wonder what kind of person will be lucky enough to marry you. You’re so strong, too. Your wife would be so happy; she wouldn’t have to do anything but wait for you in bed.”
“Host, I suspect you are not serious.”
“Shut up!”
“”
The more Xu Ying talked, the more excited she became, lavishing him with compliments from head to toe. Huo Chen had initially been pleased, but then Xu Ying uttered those last words—”wait for you in bed.” Was that what she meant? For a moment, Huo Chen felt light-headed, his head spinning.
“Huo Chen, why are you bleeding from your nose?” Xu Ying exclaimed, rushing to get a towel. “Here, wipe it.”
Huo Chen took the towel, but the blood continued to flow. Xu Ying gently lifted his chin. “Raise your head, and I’ll get some cold water.” She hurried to the water tank, scooped out a basin of cold water, soaked another towel, and pressed it to Huo Chen’s forehead. During this, her soft, white fingers brushed his face. A jolt went through Huo Chen’s entire body. He tried to stand, but Xu Ying was directly in front of him, and a soft touch brushed his cheek.
“What are you doing!” Xu Ying’s face flushed instantly.
Huo Chen’s own face turned an even deeper shade of red, his body growing hotter. The memory of that soft touch overwhelmed him. “I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I… I… I’ll take responsibility for you,” he stammered, then stood up and fled, towel still pressed to his nose.
Xu Ying clenched the towel, fuming. Dead man! Jerk! Men were all big pigs. She had no intention of marrying in this life; she didn’t need anyone to take responsibility for her. The thought of Huo Chen taking advantage and then running off made her teeth itch with anger.
“Host, I don’t think he did it on purpose. It’s because you were so beautiful and alluring, and you were teasing him. You didn’t see him blushing? He’s an innocent man, and his nosebleeds came from being teased by you.”
“Really?” Xu Ying was a little skeptical. She thought of Huo Chen’s awkwardness and couldn’t help but laugh. He was twenty-two, yet still so innocent. Compared to the young men of the future, he was far behind.
Huo Chen, towel pressed to his nostrils, looked utterly mortified as he rushed away from Xu Ying’s home. Wu Qingsong, passing by the restaurant, spotted Huo Chen’s bike and wondered if he’d gone to Xu Ying’s for a private meal. He immediately followed, only to find Huo Chen, face streaked with blood, halfway to his own house. Wu Qingsong’s careless demeanor vanished, replaced by panic. “Brother Chen, what happened? Were you caught and beaten? Did they find out about our previous deal?”
“No, it’s a nosebleed!” Huo Chen replied, his face still flushed.
Wu Qingsong relaxed. “A nosebleed for no reason? You just came from Xu Ying’s house… what were you two doing? You don’t mean…” Wu Qingsong drew out his words suggestively.
Huo Chen glared at him. “Shut up! Have you finished what I asked you to do?”
This time, Xu Shengwu had returned with a bounty of goods from other provinces, including some electronic equipment. The rest was easy to sell, but the electronics were proving tricky. However, if they sold this order, they could earn at least 5,000 yuan. He recalled his grandma’s words about getting married and felt the same way, needing to renovate his family home first.
“It’s done. The goods will be out tomorrow,” Wu Qingsong confirmed, his face growing serious. “Brother Chen, after this order, I’ll pay off my old debts. I’ll also have a few hundred yuan saved. I want to marry Sister-in-law Lancao, but I’m afraid to tell her.”
Huo Chen rolled his eyes. “You’re a grown man, what are you afraid of? If you like her, just say it. Besides, you’ve been taking care of her and her children all these years; how could she not have feelings for you?” Women, he mused, were made of water. Treat them well, and feelings would blossom. A sudden realization brightened Huo Chen’s heart.
Wu Qingsong nodded. What a coincidence! He just realized that Sister-in-law Lancao’s next-door neighbors were Xu Ying’s family. If things worked out, they would be even closer. The thought filled Wu Qingsong with renewed energy.
“Brother Chen, are you going back tonight? We’ll be paid tomorrow. The deposit’s already been made,” Wu Qingsong asked.
Huo Chen considered. “I’m not going back tonight. I’ll stay in town. When is Shengwu coming?”
“Tomorrow. That kid will probably leave right after he gets the money,” Wu Qingsong grumbled, annoyed by Shengwu’s easy life while he did all the hard work of finding buyers.
Huo Chen nodded, resolving to be kinder to Wu Qingsong in the future. Wu Qingsong turned and mounted his bike, and the two walked towards the alley. All the goods were currently piled up at home, hidden underground.
The buyer Wu Qingsong had contacted was reliable. After paying the balance, he immediately took the goods. In business, it was always good to deal with quick, decisive people. After the transaction, Huo Chen suggested they all go for dinner. So, the group chatted and laughed their way to the restaurant.
Xu Ying was just having breakfast when she spotted Huo Chen. She waved enthusiastically. “Huo Chen, you’re in the county again!”
Huo Chen’s face lit up upon seeing her. “Yes. Let’s have breakfast. Zhou Kun, order whatever you want.”
Xu Ying paused, a bun halfway to her mouth, her heart suddenly pounding. Zhou Kun. That name sounded incredibly familiar.