“I wasn’t looking at anything. Do you need something?” Yun Yi turned his head toward Liu Yingying.
“Company Commander Yun… your performance tonight was especially wonderful. What does Company Commander think of my performance tonight?” Liu Yingying’s cheeks were flushed red, her eyes carrying a deep affection toward Yun Yi.
“I’m sorry, I have to go first.” Yun Yi did not answer Liu Yingying’s question. He turned around and strode toward his teammates waiting nearby.
“Hey, Old Yun, what did the Cultural Troupe’s beauty queen say to you? Why do you look so disappointed?” one of Yun Yi’s teammates teased, raising his eyebrow at him. Such a stunning beauty had just sweetly approached Yun Yi, yet Yun Yi still acted like a wooden log, completely oblivious to her feelings. It was truly a case of unreciprocated affection.
Come to think of it, he himself wasn’t bad-looking either, so why didn’t any female comrades from the Cultural Troupe come looking for him? Feeling a bit disappointed, he followed Yun Yi as they walked away together.
On the other side, Yan Jin’er was enthusiastically gesturing as she described the evening’s performances to Mother Song.
“The most exciting part was the soldiers’ performance. Their military boxing routine was especially impressive.”
“Was it really that good? Jinbao, did you meet any new friends tonight?” Mother Song asked curiously, noticing Yan Jin’er’s unusually excited tone.
“I met a soldier big brother. We only talked a few words; it doesn’t really count as being friends.” Yan Jin’er genuinely felt that what she had with Yun Yi only counted as acquaintance—definitely not friends. Hehe, just a good-looking member of the opposite sex.
Father Song, who had been quietly listening with his ears perked up, immediately relaxed in relief. Thankfully, his daughter still hadn’t awakened to romantic feelings. Mother Song also let go of some of her worries; she felt her daughter was still young and wanted to pamper her a few more years.
Lying in bed before sleeping, Yan Jin’er indeed felt a little excited tonight. It had been rare to see such a lively performance, and she had even seen her favorite soldier big brother performing on stage.
She had barely managed to hold back her screams while watching from below. Who could resist a handsome man with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs, and a perfect inverted-triangle physique performing on stage? She couldn’t either.
She was just appreciating it—what was wrong with that?
The next day, Yan Jin’er slept until she naturally woke up, around nine o’clock. It was her day off, so she could fully enjoy her holiday.
After finishing the breakfast left by Mother Song, Yan Jin’er paced around the courtyard. After eating, one should move a bit—she still needed to grow taller.
“Hello, is anyone home? I’m here to deliver the repaired bicycle.” A light knock sounded on the door.
Yan Jin’er walked over and opened it.
At the door stood Wen Qingyu, pushing a bicycle.
Last night, after returning home, Wen Qingyu had asked Father Wen and realized that Yan Jin’er was likely the stepdaughter brought in by Father Song’s second marriage.
Wen Qingyu immediately decided to adjust the bicycle that Father Song had sent over. He installed a small basket on the handlebars and adjusted the seat height to what he felt was suitable for Yan Jin’er.
After finding out that Yan Jin’er was resting at home today, he estimated the time and brought the bicycle over.
Yan Jin’er looked up and saw Wen Qingyu’s familiar face. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, thinking that they really did seem quite fated to meet.
Wen Qingyu looked at her with a faint smile.
“Hello, we meet again. My name is Wen Qingyu.”
“Hello, my name is Yan Jin’er.” Hearing his low, pleasant voice speaking to her, Yan Jin’er was instantly stunned by his appearance, standing there foolishly.
Wen Qingyu couldn’t help but lower his head slightly and chuckle. He found her rather often looking a bit dazed—though admittedly, it was also quite cute.
Yan Jin’er’s face flushed slightly. Who could resist a gentle, handsome man smiling at her like that?
“I’ll push the bicycle in first,” Wen Qingyu said, walking into the courtyard first.
Yan Jin’er snapped back to reality and followed him in. The gate had not been closed.
“Are you alright? Did it hurt?” Wen Qingyu stopped, but Yan Jin’er did not stop in time and accidentally bumped straight into his chest as he turned around.
She could feel his warm breath, and her soft hair, brushed by the breeze, lightly touched his neck. His Adam’s apple moved unconsciously up and down.
One startled gaze looked up, one helpless gaze looked down. Their eyes met, and it felt as if time had frozen—the surrounding noise seemed to disappear completely.
Yan Jin’er was the first to panic and took a step back, breaking the strange atmosphere.
“I… should I get you some water to sit down?” she said hurriedly.
“No need. I’ll head back first. Try the bicycle first. If anything doesn’t feel right, you can find me at the Mechanical Factory R&D Department.” Wen Qingyu noticed her embarrassment and thoughtfully suggested leaving.