The system beeped in Xu Ying’s mind: “Congratulations to the host, the favorability value is +90 and the extra favorability value is +55…” Her eyes clouded with confusion. Even with such a significant increase in favorability, what did the “extra” points signify? Why was Huo Chen so unique? Why was his favorability rising so dramatically?
“System, you say it’s extra favorability. Can you explain why?” she asked.
“The system is currently unable to detect…” the system replied, its voice fading. Frustrated, Xu Ying simply shut it down.
Huo Chen, a little embarrassed to eat alone, mumbled, “You eat too!” Xu Ying, snapping out of her thoughts, sat down at the table. The awkward silence evaporated the moment Xu Ying tasted the duck. It was heavenly! If the restaurant could serve this spicy braised food, their sales would surely double. The thought of making more money instantly brightened Xu Ying’s eyes. Huo Chen didn’t understand her sudden burst of joy, but seeing her radiant, he felt as if he were tasting honey.
The large pot of duck vanished quickly between them. Huo Chen wiped his mouth, washed his hands, and then headed home. After he left, Xu Ying tidied the kitchen and table, then washed up and went to bed.
The next morning, Dong Wenqiang arrived at the restaurant early, as if fearing Xu Ying would change her mind. He immediately sought her out. “You said you’d introduce me to someone. Can that person truly help me return to the city?”
Xu Ying nodded. “There’s someone in that girl’s family who can help . If you can earn her sincerity, she can definitely help you. But whether she’s willing to help you or not is up to you. I can only help you two meet.”
Dong Wenqiang’s heart hammered, but he feigned calmness. Having a chance was better than having none. “Will that person come at noon?”
“Yes, I asked her to come at noon. You should behave well, but don’t act too anxious. If you scare her away, you won’t even have a chance.”
Returning to the city was the fervent dream of every educated youth, a fate no one could escape. After the educated youths returned to the city in her previous life, Xu Ying had heard countless stories of the schemes hatched at the Educated Youth Institute. Many, unable to endure the hardships, had married into the village, but once the college entrance examination resumed, offering a path back to the city, many abandoned their spouses and children. These people, desperate to return, resorted to all manner of deceit.
With several years still to go before the college entrance examination, the hope of returning to the city felt distant. So, when someone whispered of a way back, no matter the conditions, people were willing to grasp at it. In those years, many resorted to sordid acts for a city quota, some girls even selling their bodies. But returning to the city wasn’t easy. Many were deceived, losing everything, yet remaining stranded in the village. Perhaps the villagers were unaware of these dark dealings, but the educated youths at the Institute were accustomed to such desperate measures.
This opportunity was too vital for Dong Wenqiang. He immediately shed his indifferent, money-grubbing demeanor, transforming into a gentleman, a handsome young man. Witnessing this, Xu Ying once again marveled at the sheer shamlesness of the Dong family’s genes.
At noon, Gu Fuying arrived at the restaurant with her cousin, Gu Funing. Xu Ying had always thought the Gu family possessed a certain charm, but upon seeing Gu Funing, she realized the world was indeed a normal place. Gu Funing’s skin was not fair but a yellowish-black, her eyes were single-lidded, and she squinted when she smiled. She wasn’t ugly, but she wasn’t particularly attractive either—just an ordinary girl.
However, Gu Funing possessed a volatile temper. Her father , a government official, wielded some power, and her mother was a cadre at a non-staple food factory, ensuring the family lived well. Their children, spoiled by mother Gu, were all arrogant and domineering. Gu Funing, several years older than Gu Fuying, had remained unmarried due to her excessively high standards. Aunt Gu desired a powerful match, someone who could elevate their family, but Gu Funing yearned for a fair-skinned, handsome man. Those who were well-off were rarely attractive, and those who were attractive were often poor. Thus, after three or four years of blind dates, she remained alone.
Gu Funing frowned as she entered the bustling restaurant, filled with people. “This is the restaurant you were talking about? Is the food here delicious? Why are there so many people? It stinks.” She usually frequented the pristine, reputable State-Owned Restaurant No. 1. This was her first time in such a crowded establishment, filled with steel factory workers fresh from their shifts, the scent of oil clinging to the air.
Gu Funing clearly stood out, daintily covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she navigated the throngs. Suddenly, a worker, covered in black dust, approached her, startling Gu Funing into a shriek. As she recoiled several steps, Gu Fuying subtly extended her leg. Gu Funing stumbled backward, crying out, “Ah!”
“Cousin!” Gu Fuying exclaimed, feigning worry.
Suddenly, a hand emerged from the crowd, and a faint, refreshing fragrance wafted into Gu Funing’s nostrils. Dong Wenqiang, wearing glasses and looking impeccably elegant, caught her. For a moment, they seemed isolated from the bustling crowd, their eyes locked, seeing only each other. Gu Funing was a little heavy, and Dong Wenqiang struggled to support her with one hand. He quickly exerted more strength, pulling her upright. Due to the force of inertia, Gu Funing tumbled directly into Dong Wenqiang’s arms.
The girl’s heart fluttered. Feeling his chest against hers, Gu Funing’s face flushed crimson, and a tingling sensation spread throughout her body.
“Cousin, are you okay?” Gu Fuying rushed over, feigning concern.
Gu Funing snapped back to reality, quickly pushing Dong Wenqiang away. She tugged at the corner of her clothes and said softly, “I’m fine. Thanks to this man, otherwise I would have been in trouble.”
“Thank you,” Gu Funing said, looking at him, a blush rising on her face, a shy, girlish demeanor.
Dong Wenqiang waved his hand, his voice cool and collected. “It’s nothing. You’re a girl, so be careful. If you fall, you’ll suffer.”
Gu Funing found his voice enchanting. She gazed up at his handsome, scholarly face, her heart quickening. “Let me treat you to dinner. If you hadn’t saved me, I would have been miserable. If you don’t agree, you’ll be looking down on me.”
Dong Wenqiang looked helplessly at her. Gu Funing grew even more excited. Gu Fuying watched them walk to a nearby table and made an “OK” gesture to Xu Ying. Xu Ying nodded back. The rest was up to Dong Wenqiang.