## Chapter 4 Are You Checking Out a Girl?

“Xiao Jiu, is he the eldest son of the Zhou family?”

[Yes, sister.]

So, he wouldn’t be alive for much longer? Wen Zhile’s expression faltered.

As fellow people with good fortune, Zhou Jihuai was in a much worse situation than her. She had at least lived until 1996, but he had only lived until 1989, this year.

Fortunately, Zhou Jihuai was focused on eating his dry food and wasn’t looking at her. Wen Zhile realized her slip-up and quickly lowered her head, adjusting her expression.

She managed to control her expression, but the shock in her heart lingered.

After Zhou Jihuai finished eating, he continued driving.

After about an hour, Wen Zhile saw the city gate of Jingzhou City in the distance.

The city gate was built in ancient times and had never been demolished. It was a landmark of Jingzhou.

Zhou Jihuai parked by the roadside, glanced at his watch, and reached into his military uniform pocket. He spoke slowly and calmly, “A bus to the city will pass by in less than half an hour. Wait for it by the roadside. When you see it, wave your hand and get on.”

He pulled out his wallet and quickly took out a wad of change. “Remember to get off at the bus station. Give the ticket seller one yuan. Don’t give them more.”

He counted the change and handed it to Wen Zhile. “The fare is five yuan. Here’s your ninety-five yuan in change. The dry food is on the house.”

Wen Zhile thought he was such a good person. He only took five yuan for a two-hour ride, gave her the dry food for free, and even gave her so many instructions.

He wouldn’t accept money as a thank you, so Wen Zhile looked at his cold, indifferent brows and thought for a moment before sincerely expressing her gratitude.

Zhou Jihuai said, “You’re welcome.”

The girl immediately put away the change and opened the car door.

Zhou Jihuai watched her get out, his gaze sweeping over her thin frame. He added, “Make sure your schoolbag is secure. There might be pickpockets on the bus.”

Wen Zhile was startled, then she smiled. “I know. Thank you. When I’m settled, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

Zhou Jihuai twitched his lips and watched her walk to the side of the road. He started the jeep.

A few minutes later, a bus arrived. She raised her hand and waved.

The bus stopped beside her, and Wen Zhile stepped inside, paying the ticket seller.

There were only a few empty seats. Her face was sallow, and she was wearing coarse linen clothes. She looked like she had just run out of a slum. She didn’t attract attention. Passengers only glanced at her once and then looked away.

The girl sat in an empty seat in the last row. She slung her schoolbag over her shoulder, gripping it with one hand, while her other hand rested on the window handle, unconsciously tightening her grip. The pain in her palm didn’t make her relax.

She stared out the window, only taking a deep breath after the bus entered the city gate.

She was finally back.

This was Jingzhou City, where she had lived for twenty years in her previous life.

Every stall outside the window felt familiar. Only now did Wen Zhile feel a sense of grounded ease.

She released the handle and began to think about her next move.

–

“Huai Ge!” The jeep’s door swung open, and a young man in a police uniform, carrying a black bag, got into the passenger seat. He grinned, showing off his eight pearly white teeth. “I knew it was you by the license plate.”

“When did you come back? You’re such a bad friend. You came back and didn’t even look for me? You’re waiting for someone here?”

The bus slowly drove away. Zhou Jihuai retracted his gaze. “I just got back. Where are you going?”

“To my grandma’s house, in Mudan Hutong.” Shu Cheng’an buckled his seatbelt. “This is the first time we’ve met since I transferred out. We have to have a meal!”

“After I deliver these shrimps to my grandma, we’ll go out for a meal!”

Zhou Jihuai saw his lively demeanor and felt a weight lift from his heart. “Okay.”

“Huai Ge, how many days off do you have? What did you come back for? Did your family introduce you to a girl?”

Speaking of being introduced to a girl, Shu Cheng’an’s gaze became playful. “Are you parked here because you’re checking out a girl?”

Zhou Jihuai raised an eyebrow slightly. “Actually, yes.”

“!”

Shu Cheng’an was about to tease him, but Zhou Jihuai didn’t give him the chance.

“I have a week off. I came back for my grandma’s birthday. From what I heard on the phone, she’s going to have her birthday at home this year.”

After listening, Shu Cheng’an put away his teasing expression and sincerely expressed his happiness for his friend. “It’s not easy. Grandma Zhou is finally back.”