Chapter 19: Taking Xiao Qingru Home

Xiao Qingru apologized to Xu Muzhou, “Sorry about that just now, for dragging you into it.”

“No worries. If he bothers you again, just let me know.”

“Hm?”

Qingru looked puzzled, not quite catching his meaning.

Xu Muzhou’s fingers twitched, fighting the urge to pat her head. He cleared his throat, “Your brother and I are good friends. It’s my duty to look out for you. So, if anything comes up, feel free to reach out.”

Qingru smiled and nodded. “I heard that people from Beijing are very loyal, whether they’re men or women. Looks like it’s true.”

“I don’t know about that, but I’ll definitely help you if you need it.”

He gestured for her to hurry. “Go grab your things. I’ll wait here.”

“No need! Didn’t you say you had something to do? You should go ahead.”

“I’m in no rush. If anyone else bothers you, I’ll be here to give them a lesson.”

Qingru chuckled, “You’re just like my brother.”

She turned and jogged away. “I’ll be right back!”

Xu Muzhou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry being like a brother was the last thing he wanted! But at least they’d get to spend more time together. That was nice.

He glanced in the direction Jiang Chuan had left, thinking he should thank him properly sometime.

In less than five minutes, Qingru was back.

“Let’s go,” said Xu Muzhou.

“Honestly, I can go home on my own.”

With this much fuss, anyone would think she was in serious trouble.

He teased her, “You said I’m like your brother. Are you this polite with him, too?”

“Didn’t I hear you’re a busy man? If I delay you, it’s all on me.”

Xu smiled despite himself. “Who fed you that fake news?”

“I guessed. My dad’s always praising you, so I figured you’re either a natural talent or you work harder than everyone else, training non-stop.”

Without saying which category he belonged to, Xu chuckled, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is a compliment.”

Qingru blinked, letting her relaxed side show for the first time. Xu felt his heart race. He really wanted to reach out and ruffle her hair, pinch her cheek, hold her hand, maybe even hug her…

“It’s just a couple of compliments, but your face is turning so red. Doesn’t quite suit your image, does it?”

Xu’s face flushed even redder, especially his earlobes, which looked like they might start bleeding. Even his neck began to turn crimson.

Qingru noticed, finding it amusing that he wasn’t so different from ordinary folks his emotions were clear on his face.

Clearing her throat, she joked in a mock serious tone, “I was raised to be modest. Anytime I achieved something, everyone told me not to get proud and to keep working hard. This is actually the first time anyone’s complimented me to my face.”

Qingru resonated with this. Many people around her had always advised against pride, saying humility leads to progress while pride leads to downfall. This advice had been a theme in her short, 18 year life.

Still, her parents would praise her privately, letting her know she had qualities to be proud of and that she was valued.

“Xu, my dad says you’re the most gifted pilot he’s ever met. I’m sure you’ll accomplish great things.”

Xu’s eyes softened. “I hope I won’t let you down.”

That strange feeling crept in again. Qingru glanced up at him, only catching a glimpse of his strong profile. She averted her gaze, looking straight ahead perhaps she was just overthinking things.

Xu looked down, noticing her neatly braided hair and her small, delicate ears, slightly flushed from the cold. Her long lashes fluttered like a butterfly’s wings, sending a tingling warmth to his chest. His hand clenched in his coat pocket. How long until he could be just a little closer to her?

When they reached her house, Qingru invited him in for dinner. “It’s already about dinner time, and going to the mess hall would be such a hassle. Why not eat with us here?”

Showing up empty handed for a meal wasn’t something Xu could do. He waved her off. “You go ahead. I’ll be on my way.”

He turned without hesitation, walking off with a certain ease.

Qingru couldn’t help but laugh. Was he afraid she’d insist on keeping him here?

Once he was far enough away, she turned and went inside.

“Mom, I’m back!”

“Dinner’s almost ready. If you’re hungry, have a snack to tide you over.”

Qingru put her things down and went into the kitchen. “Mom, what are you cooking?”

“It’s winter what do you think I’m making?”

She peeked in and saw golden, fluffy steamed buns in the pot.

“What’s in these? They look like more than just regular steamed buns.”

“I learned from Mrs. Zhao next door. I added some pumpkin. Doesn’t it look nice?”

“Looks delicious.”

Mrs. Xiao smiled proudly, “Saved some grain, too.”

“Mom, I’m so lucky to be your daughter.”

Mrs. Xiao’s cheeks flushed. What was going on with this kid today, being so mushy?

“Go eat some canned fruit in the living room. Stop distracting me here.”

Qingru laughed and left the kitchen, only to return a moment later with a piece of orange on her chopsticks. “Mom, you should have some too.”

Mrs. Xiao accepted it, warmed by her daughter’s thoughtfulness. She didn’t say it, but she felt just as lucky to have such a kind and sensible child.