Chapter 20.2

She thought back to the years she had spent with Xie Hezhang, and her eyes became moist again. Really, there would never be anyone better than Xie Hezhang.

“How could you not be good enough for me? You’ll definitely be rich in the future. Trust me, I’m very lucky. You’ll make a lot of money. I’ll wait for you to come and marry me…”

Xie Hezhang listened to her innocent words. Although he knew it was just an imagination, he couldn’t help but smile. He looked at Shu Qingyao and said softly, “… Okay.”

Shu Qingyao looked at his face and thought to herself, the college entrance exam will be restored next year. She had to find a way to get Xie Hezhang to take the exam too.

She remembered that Xie Hezhang had self-taught programming in prison. After he was released, he had also been rejected for many years because of his status as a juvenile offender. It took him more than ten years to gradually build his internet empire.

If he had a formal college education, a systematic education from school, it would definitely make a difference to his future career.

“Xie Hezhang.” Shu Qingyao buried her face in his arms and rubbed against him gently, “I’m sleepy.”

She was really sleepy.

She was scared, shocked, and had been crying.

Her energy was completely drained.

Xie Hezhang let her lie down on the bed. He was about to get up when Shu Qingyao gently hooked his little finger.

She closed her eyes, her voice soft and hoarse, “You have to stay here and keep me company.”

Xie Hezhang was silent for a few seconds before sitting back down, “Okay. Go to sleep.”

Shu Qingyao quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Xie Hezhang sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the girl’s pale, tear-stained face. He reached out and stroked her cheek with a touch of pity.

People seek love, licking honey from the knife’s edge; the first taste, and their tongues are already cut.

His heart ached.

Even if his background had been slightly better, he might not have been so hesitant.

But even so, he couldn’t bear to let go of the small hand that was gently grasping his rough palm.

*

Shu Qingyao slept for a long time.

When she woke up, it was already dark outside.

She rubbed her eyes and sat up. She felt someone lying on the edge of the bed.

“Xie Hezhang?”

“Hmm?”

The young man’s voice was a little sleepy. He raised his head and turned on the light.

“Drink some water first.”

He poured her a cup of hot water.

Shu Qingyao held the enamel cup and squinted her eyes as she took a sip.

She felt that it was very quiet outside.

“Where are the squad leader and the others?” she asked.

“You fell asleep, and it got dark, so I asked them to go back.”

Shu Qingyao nodded and looked at Xie Hezhang, “Aren’t you going back?”

Xie Hezhang asked back, “Do you want me to go back?”

“…” Shu Qingyao hugged the enamel cup, her eyes rolling, “No.”

“Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something? I’ll go buy something for you outside.”

Shu Qingyao said dejectedly, “It’s your birthday today. I was going to celebrate it with you…”

Xie Hezhang’s eyes dimmed, and he said in a low voice, “Then let’s eat noodles.”

Ten minutes later, Xie Hezhang bought two bowls of braised noodle soup from a nearby restaurant.

Shu Qingyao had been hungry all day. She took the chopsticks and buried her head in the food.

Xie Hezhang divided the meat from his bowl with her, “Eat slowly, I have more here.”

Shu Qingyao: “You eat too. Why are you looking at me?”

Xie Hezhang smiled, “Because you’re beautiful.”

His smile had a hint of the gentle tenderness he had shown her after they got together.

Shu Qingyao was stunned. She looked at the handsome face in front of her, her face flushed red. She lowered her head and ate her noodles without saying anything.

It would be so embarrassing if Xie Hezhang found out that she blushed just from looking at his smile…

Xie Hezhang didn’t notice anything. After picking all the beef from his bowl and giving it to Shu Qingyao, he slowly ate his noodles.

After Shu Qingyao finished eating, he told her about Wang Wei.

“He’s fine. The police took him away. He probably won’t be coming out for a while.”

The law against hooliganism was very strict now. Moreover, Wang Wei had actually committed a crime. Even with his father, the village secretary, he wouldn’t be able to get out so easily.

Shu Qingyao said, “I won’t implicate you, will I?”

“Me?”

“You’re family after all.”

Xie Hezhang said calmly, “Oh, I don’t have a good relationship with them anyway. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll move out.”

He had only been living with them because he was underage, his work points were discounted, and he had to support Xie Xiaoqian.

After midnight today, he would be an adult. No matter how much the squad leader disliked him, he would have to give him the work points of an adult man.

Two extra work points would be enough for him to live independently.

Shu Qingyao’s eyes lit up when she heard this, “Then can you come and live in our educated youth dormitory? My room can fit one more person.”

Xie Hezhang chuckled, “What are you talking about?”

*

The next day, Squad Leader Jin Zhuang brought a bag of apples to visit Shu Qingyao. He told her that the school had excused her from classes and asked her to rest well in the hospital.

Jin Zhuang was a protective person. He had been managing the Dongfang Brigade for so many years, and there had never been a case of an educated youth from his brigade being bullied. He said that he would definitely report this matter to the higher authorities and severely punish Wang Wei.

According to him, even if Wang Wei wasn’t shot, he would spend the rest of his life in prison.

Shu Qingyao asked Xie Hezhang to peel the apples. Then she nodded and thought for a moment, “Let’s not report it yet.”

Xie Hezhang and Jin Zhuang looked at her.

Shu Qingyao said, “I’m not ready for my parents to know yet.”

If this matter was reported, her parents would definitely find out.

Jin Zhuang nodded understandingly, “Okay, I’ll send a telegram when you’re ready.”

After Jin Zhuang left.

Xie Hezhang cut the apple into small pieces. He looked at Shu Qingyao with a slight disapproval, “It’s better to report this matter as soon as possible.”

After all, Wang Xingde was the village secretary and had some influence. He might find a way to get his son out of trouble.

Shu Qingyao took a bite of the apple he fed her, then looked up at Xie Hezhang with a smile, “I suddenly want to make a deal with your uncle.”