Chapter 24: A Most Desired Outcome

Xiao Qingru and Song Yuan pedaled their bikes into the distance, unaware that nearby, a group of hooligans sat battered and bruised, trembling in a corner. The gang leader mustered up some courage and yelled, “We didn’t even do anything! Why did you hit us?”

“Didn’t do anything?”

His heart skipped a beat. “We just followed them for two streets, that’s all. The road isn’t yours why can’t we walk here?”

After his bluster, he added weakly, “Besides, we didn’t do anything. Isn’t beating us like this too much?”

Xu Muzhou coldly looked down at the guy slumped on the ground and warned, “If you actually laid a hand on her, it wouldn’t be just a beating.”

Intimidated by the chill in Xu Muzhou’s eyes, the leader nodded repeatedly. “We just wanted to be friends with them, you misunderstood. We’ll take another route when we see her from now on. Okay?”

“Don’t mess with those you shouldn’t.”

With that, Xu Muzhou got on his bike and rode in the direction Xiao Qingru and her friend had taken. After he left, two of the younger, more timid hooligans began to cry.

“Who said hanging out with you guys would mean an easy life? First day, and I’m already beaten up! I’m not playing with you anymore!”

“Me neither! I’m getting a job, and if I can’t find one, I’ll go work in the countryside! Messing around like this is a serious crime, and I’m not ready to die!”

“Quit exaggerating it wasn’t like that.”

“Following girls like that counts as harassment!”

The leader, feeling humiliated, retorted, “We were just trying to make friends! Don’t you understand?”

One of the younger ones couldn’t resist a comeback, “If that was really all, why did we have to follow them? We wouldn’t have been beaten up if we hadn’t!”

He touched his injured lip, grumbling, “If people find out what happened today, my mom’s going to kill me.”

The leader scoffed, “You’re such a wimp. I thought I could toughen you up, but clearly, we’re not cut from the same cloth. Don’t say we didn’t take you along.”

“Fine, then I won’t hang out with you!”

His first time out with the gang had been such a disaster that he’d gained a lasting fear of it all, and he swore never to associate with them again. No way he was getting hit again that would be a big loss. Besides, harassment had severe consequences, and he wasn’t prepared for that.

The gang leader spat on the ground, “Man, that woman was beautiful prettier than any movie star! Too bad I didn’t get a chance to say a word.”

“Boss, she was wearing a military coat she’s clearly someone important. We’d better steer clear of her.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that! I didn’t plan on doing anything.”

He sighed, “But still, it’s a shame.”

In all his life, he’d never seen someone so beautiful her skin fairer than anyone’s, big, bright eyes, and that captivating smile that could steal a person’s soul. Like a fairy. If he could talk to her just once, he’d give up a year of his life!

“Let’s go home!”

This day had been unlucky enough, and running into that “living god of death” had put an end to his plans. And that heroic guy didn’t even realize that the woman hadn’t noticed his efforts.

As Xu Muzhou rode home, he followed Xiao Qingru and Song Yuan at a safe distance, ensuring they reached the family housing area before he finally relaxed. Then, he went to the communication office to call the local Public Security Bureau, reporting a public safety issue. When they heard that some hooligans had brazenly followed two women in broad daylight, they assured him they would increase public security measures.

“Mom, heat up this braised pork for tonight’s dinner,” Xiao Qingru said, handing her mother the food. She also held out a fish she’d bought.

Her mother took it, surprised. “Why get fish when you already have braised pork?”

“It’s from Comrade Xu’s fish coupon.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t keep accepting things from him. Next time he gives you something, don’t take it.”

Xiao Qingru nodded, “Which is why I’m planning to treat him to a couple of meals in the canteen after my leave.”

“Good idea. Make sure to order him two meat dishes don’t skimp.”

Her mother’s serious tone made Xiao Qingru laugh. “Mom, do I look stingy?”

Used to nagging, her mother knew her daughter’s character well. From a young age, Xiao Qingru knew when to save and when to spend. She had a generous spirit.

“Since it’s cold lately, we could dry the fish for the New Year.”

“Whatever you think is best.”

“Oh, I also bought you some Snow Cream it’s on the table in the living room.”

Her mother protested, “Why buy me that? I’m old I don’t need all that fuss.”

“You’re barely in your forties you’re still young!”

Her mother smiled, “Now go put things away. Your dad and brother will be back soon, and we’ll eat.”

“Got it.”

When her brother Xiao Huaishu came home from work and heard that Xu Muzhou hadn’t just given movie tickets to his sister but also provided a fish coupon, he clenched his teeth. That guy was fast, already doing so much without his help! Here he was thinking Xu Muzhou would rely on him, the “brother in law,” to arrange things.

It turned out he’d been worrying for nothing!

“Mom, isn’t my friend pretty decent?”

“Xiao Xu is a wonderful guy. Do you even need to ask?”

A fine young man like him who wouldn’t like him?

Her mother knew she had simple tastes and just hoped her children would have friends like Xiao Xu in their lives.

“If you like him that much, why not let him be your son?” he teased.

His mother shot him a look. “Even joking has its limits! Xiao Xu isn’t even here why are you babbling on?”

“It’s what he wants most.”

With a meaningful grin, Xiao Huaishu went to wash up. His mother felt a sudden inspiration. Was he hinting at what she thought?

Could it be true?

It had to be true!