Сhарter 16: Reuniоn оf Оld Friеnds
А few minutes latеr, а tall figure аpprоасhеd Jiаng Fu frоm a distаnсе. Аs the distanсe closed, thе рersоn’s fеаturеs grаduallу bесame сlеar.
Тhe young mаn befоre her stoоd abоut 186 cm tаll, with slightlу curly brоwn hair framing a fаir аnd dеliсate fасе. Нis lips werе red, his tеeth white, аnd when Jiang Fu mеt his bright, deer-likе eyes, shе fеlt а sensе оf déjà vu.
“Hello, аre уоu the onе looking tо rent? I’m thе lаndlоrd, Lu Hаoming.”
Hеaring his introduсtiоn, Jiаng Fu nodded and replied,
“Yes, I’m Jiang Fu. Наoming—is that the ‘haо’ frоm ‘haoyuе’ (bright mоon) and the ‘ming’ from ‘guangming’ (brightness)?”
Lu Haoming found Jiang Fu’s question a bit odd but nodded in confirmation.
As she looked at his handsome face again, the memory of that familiar face grew clearer in Jiang Fu’s mind.
Though not entirely certain, she softly asked,
“Old Wang’s Tofu Shop, Little Follower Fu Fu—do you remember?”
Upon hearing Jiang Fu’s words, Lu Haoming seemed to suddenly recall something, his expression unable to conceal his surprise as he exclaimed excitedly,
“Jiang Fu? Jiang Fu! You’re the little follower? No wonder the name felt so familiar.”
“Yes!” A smile spread across Jiang Fu’s face, her cheeks flushing slightly. Over all these years, no one but Lu Haoming had called her by that nickname.
Lu Haoming’s gaze drifted to Jiang Fu’s face. Though her stunning appearance didn’t quite match the image of her as a child, there was still a familiar look in her eyes and brows, and her demeanor remained as it had been before.
“I never thought I’d see you again. The nickname ‘Little Follower’ really doesn’t suit you now,” Lu Haoming said, lowering his head with a faint smile.
He had always thought he would never see the little girl from his memories again.
And now, here she stood before him, so radiant and captivating.
“Yeah, I never thought I’d see you again either, Brother Haoming~”
Jiang Fu’s voice brought Lu Haoming’s memories back to their childhood.
Before he turned 16, Lu Haoming and Jiang Fu were neighbors—practically childhood sweethearts. However, Jiang Fu’s family moved away when she started middle school. That year, Jiang Fu was 13, and Lu Haoming was 16.
Everything happened so suddenly. At the time, his parents told him that moving abroad would offer better opportunities. It was only after arriving overseas that he discovered the dramatic truth—there really was such a thing as inheriting a fortune.
Just like that, he became a third-generation heir.
But he wasn’t happy, because the little girl who used to cling to him was no longer by his side, leaving him feeling empty.
Jiang Fu, on the other hand, had always been drawn to good looks. Ever since she could distinguish beauty from plainness, she knew Lu Haoming was exceptionally handsome. From the moment she became aware, she followed him around, calling him “Brother Hao Hao” affectionately.
Back then, Jiang Fu was heartbroken when Lu Haoming moved away. She only heard from her parents that his entire family was settling abroad, and Lu Haoming had transferred to a school overseas.
She had thought she would never see him again, never expecting they would reunite in this way.
Sometimes, one can’t help but marvel at how fate works in mysterious ways.
Hearing Jiang Fu’s soft voice call him “Brother Haoming” again, Lu Haoming’s ears flushed bright red, a stark contrast against his fair skin.
Jiang Fu also noticed the change in Lu Haoming, her gaze unhesitatingly fixed on his unusually red ears.No wonder he was the man she had fallen for at the first blush of love—even his shyness was such a delight to behold.
“Let’s go take a look at the apartment, Fu Fu.” Lu Haoming’s expression was slightly awkward as he avoided Jiang Fu’s gaze fixed on his ears, turning to walk deeper into the residential complex.
Jiang Fu nodded and promptly followed Lu Haoming’s steps.
“Brother Haoming, I heard from my parents back then that you went abroad. Have you returned to the country now?” Jiang Fu, walking behind Lu Haoming, asked.
“Yes, I just came back this year. I never expected to run into you in City A—seems like coming back was the right decision.” Lu Haoming’s tone carried the pleasant surprise of a long-awaited reunion, sounding especially lighthearted.
Before long, the two arrived at the doorway. Jiang Fu asked, “So, is this apartment for you to live in after returning to the country?”
Opening the door, Lu Haoming gestured for Jiang Fu to enter first. “This apartment was bought by my mother. I bought another one in this complex myself, so this one has been sitting idle.”
Jiang Fu stepped into the unit. The living room before her appeared even more spacious than in the pictures, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering an excellent view overlooking the artificial lake outside. The walk-in closet was next to the bedroom, and both the natural lighting and layout were excellent—perfectly suitable for living alone.
Jiang Fu was quite satisfied with the apartment. Turning to Lu Haoming, who was following behind her, she said, “The place is perfect, Brother Haoming. Let’s settle on it. I plan to move in tomorrow.”
Lu Haoming nodded in satisfaction as well, then said to Jiang Fu, “I didn’t know it was you looking to rent. If I had known, I wouldn’t have charged any rent. If you don’t mind, I can help you move in.”
“I have to pay the rent, Brother Haoming, otherwise I won’t rent from you. But if you want to help me move, that’s fine—I’d appreciate it~” Jiang Fu replied with a soft smile.
Lu Haoming was about to insist further, but the sincere yet resolute look in Jiang Fu’s eyes stopped the words at his lips. The matter of waiving the rent had to be set aside for the time being.
It wasn’t for any other reason—Lu Haoming was worried Jiang Fu might actually choose somewhere else if he refused to accept her rent.
After viewing the apartment, Lu Haoming glanced at his wristwatch and asked, “Have you eaten, Fu Fu?” His tone remained gentle.
Jiang Fu shook her head. Lu Haoming continued, “Then let’s go grab something to eat and catch up, how about that?” His deer-like eyes sparkled.
Jiang Fu had been thinking the same thing. “Sure, I’m not familiar with this area. Brother Haoming, you decide what to eat—is that okay~”
“No problem, follow me.”
Lu Haoming replied cheerfully.
Following Lu Haoming’s lead, the two arrived at a Western restaurant.
“Welcome, Mr. Lu. How would you like to arrange things today?” The waiter, perceptive as ever, stepped forward to greet them.
“The rooftop terrace. For the evening, don’t allow anyone else up there.”
Lu Haoming indicated he wanted the place reserved. The waiter acknowledged with a bow, gesturing for the two to follow him as he led them up to the restaurant’s rooftop.
Arriving at the spot with the best view, Lu Haoming considerately pulled out the chair for Jiang Fu before taking his seat opposite her.
The waiter handed the menus to Lu Haoming and Jiang Fu respectively. Looking at the pair before him, he couldn’t help but think inwardly how well-matched they seemed—he just wondered if the young lady knew that Mr. Lu was the owner of this restaurant.