Chapter 28: Xu Muzhou the Genius

Xiao Qingru and Xu Muzhou entered the cafeteria together, drawing immediate attention. It was unavoidable they were both strikingly attractive, hard not to notice.

Used to such reactions, neither was fazed. Xiao Qingru, a dancer accustomed to being in the public eye, was particularly unbothered.

“You find a seat I’ll get the food,” Xu Muzhou said, ignoring the curious looks from those around them. “I said I’d treat today, and I also want to see what’s available.”

“Alright, but stand in front of me in line.”

It was peak mealtime, and the cafeteria line was crowded. Xu Muzhou positioned himself protectively, making sure no one stood too close to Xiao Qingru.

Glancing over the food, she saw only lamb for meat and ordered a portion for Xu Muzhou.

“Get another serving I’ve got extra meat tickets,” he suggested.

“No, eating too much might make me break out,” she replied, though Xu Muzhou insisted she take a bit.

So, Xiao Qingru added two servings of dumplings to her order, trying to avoid him spending more than necessary. It was obvious to him what she was doing, and he found her thoughtfulness amusing.

With the meal ready, they sat by a window. The crowd’s gaze followed them, wondering if the two were officially seeing each other.

A few onlookers bit their lips in frustration knowing Xiao Qingru had ended her engagement with Jiang Chuan, they’d hoped to confess their feelings soon, only to be preempted by a pilot!

Ignoring the whispers, Xu Muzhou ate methodically, not wanting to appear too eager in front of Xiao Qingru.

Seeing her slow, delicate manner of eating, he felt everything she did was lovely, including eating.

Feeling his intense gaze, Xiao Qingru could practically feel herself melting under its warmth.

“Xu Muzhou!” she suddenly protested.

“Yes?” he replied.

“No more staring!”

Noticing her bright red ears, he held back a chuckle. Her shyness was a good sign.

“Alright, no more staring. You eat at your own pace,” he replied.

The portions were generous, and Xiao Qingru couldn’t finish everything, so she packed the leftovers to take home.

“You’re too thin you need to eat more,” he said.

“I’m perfectly fine,” she insisted.

Though he thought she could still gain a little weight, he respected that her profession likely required her to stay lean. He didn’t press the matter further.

After leaving the cafeteria, Xiao Qingru was about to say goodbye.

“I’ll walk you home,” he offered.

“No need, I can go alone.”

Xu Muzhou stopped, then asked, “Can we have lunch together again tomorrow?”

His cautious tone made him seem almost vulnerable a side of him his comrades would never believe if they saw it.

“Sure, if you’re free, I don’t mind.”

Smiling, he replied, “Then I’ll meet you at the cafeteria tomorrow.”

“Agreed. I’m heading off now.”

“Be safe,” he said, watching her disappear from view without moving an inch.

“Hey, wake up! You look like some lovesick statue,” a voice said behind him.

Xu Muzhou turned to find Xiao Huaishu, Xiao Qingru’s older brother, who clapped him on the shoulder. “You better be careful. If I hear anyone talking nonsense about Qingru, I won’t let you off easily.”

Xu Muzhou raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Don’t worry. If there’s gossip, I’ll make it clear it’s me pursuing her all the responsibility’s on me.”

“Does she know?”

“Yes, she knows,” he answered.

Though he wasn’t sure how she’d respond, he felt relieved now that she knew his intentions.

“Xiao Qingru usually turns down men she’s not interested in right away. Looks like you actually have a shot,” her brother said with a sigh.

“Thanks.”

“A verbal thanks isn’t enough. Pass on some of your techniques to me!”

“Fine, let’s hit the training grounds.”

“Oh, come on, we just ate!” Xiao Huaishu groaned, though he followed anyway as they left together, laughing.

“Who is that guy?” whispered someone in the cafeteria.

“You don’t know Xu Muzhou?”

“Xu Muzhou, really? The one higher ups favor? Looks like he and Xiao Qingru might be serious.”

“He’s brave. Xiao Qingru comes from a family most people wouldn’t dare approach.”

“Yeah, and my family’s from the country side. No way I’d want her to have to struggle.”

“He’s got guts, I’ll give him that. Xu Muzhou may not have an impressive family, but he’s holding his own.”

“Born and raised in Beijing he’s probably doing fine.”

“He’s a self made man, though he doesn’t rely on family.”

“No kidding. He’s already earned a few distinctions.”

People kept buzzing about Xu Muzhou and Xiao Qingru, though no one dared say anything disrespectful out loud, given her family’s standing. Some were secretly hoping they’d end up together, just to spite Jiang Chuan and Du Wanqiu.

Among them was Song Yuan, who thought Xu Muzhou was like an eagle soaring through the skies, and Xiao Qingru was a flower blooming on stage.

A perfect match.