Chapter 36: Write a Letter

Xu Muzhou was known for his decisive and direct approach. Noticing Xiao Qingru’s softened stance, he seized the moment and began pursuing her openly.

Sometimes, he would invite her to eat at the cafeteria other times, he would pick her up from work. Occasionally, he even brought food over to the Xiao household.

Whenever he did, her parents always invited him to stay for a meal.

Xu Muzhou spent nearly all his free time with Xiao Qingru.

People teased him, saying he was being silly. After all, the girl hadn’t even agreed to date him yet, so why was he spending money on her already? What if, in the end, he didn’t win her over? Wouldn’t it all be wasted?

But Xu Muzhou didn’t care about others’ opinions he was wooing the girl he loved in his own way.

Even though Xiao Qingru hadn’t agreed to date him, Xu Muzhou was enjoying himself.

In the past, he could only admire Xiao Qingru from afar, but now, being able to be close to her was happiness enough.

Happy days flew by, and before he knew it, New Year’s was approaching.

Xu Muzhou would need to take a two day train ride back home, so he planned to set off for Beijing as soon as his leave began.

Before leaving, he wanted to see Xiao Qingru again, so he invited her out.

Xiao Qingru looked around the place was quiet and rarely visited, making her feel slightly nervous.

It almost felt like they were secretly dating.

To make her feel more comfortable, Xu Muzhou kept a two meter distance, ensuring that even if someone passed by, there would be nothing to gossip about.

“When are you leaving?” she asked.

“Tomorrow morning.”

Xiao Qingru cleared her throat. “Do you need me to see you off?”

His eyes brightened. “Does that mean you’re agreeing to date me?”

When did she say that? This guy was really taking liberties!

Irritated, Xiao Qingru replied, “I didn’t say that. Don’t read too much into it.”

Xu Muzhou scratched his head, smiling. “I understand what you mean.”

“Then why don’t you explain it to me?”

If she didn’t want to be with him, she wouldn’t have offered to see him off.

Xu Muzhou knew she might still be uncertain, perhaps still hesitant.

It only meant he hadn’t done enough to put her completely at ease.

It was his problem to solve.

Dating led to marriage, and hesitating was natural. He was willing to give her time.

“No rush to decide I’ll wait for you,” he said gently, his gaze full of warmth.

His affection was so overwhelming that Xiao Qingru couldn’t help but look away.

She knew she liked him, at least a little, but it wasn’t love.

Because she couldn’t match his depth of feeling, even meeting his gaze felt challenging.

Xu Muzhou’s promise to wait showed her he understood her well.

He understood her hesitance.

He understood her unease.

A small smile crossed her face this feeling was nice.

“But you still haven’t said should I see you off?”

“I don’t need you to, but…”

The way he paused made her curious. “But what?”

“I’d like you to pick me up when I get back.”

Xu Muzhou’s leave was for a month, with an uncertain return date, so Xiao Qingru wasn’t sure if she’d be available then.

“Ahem, we’ll see,” she said, adding, “If I’m free, I’ll come pick you up.”

“Alright, I’ll call you then.”

Xiao Qingru gave him a skeptical look. “So, after all this, was your goal just to get my number?”

Xu Muzhou: “…”

Was he that obvious?

Thick skinned, he replied, “I don’t know exactly when I’ll be back, so I’ll just call you every day.”

Xiao Qingru gave him a look, half amused, half disapproving. “You know phone calls are expensive.”

“Doesn’t matter. I have some secret savings.”

In those days, many people handed their wages to the family. Xiao Qingru wasn’t sure if Xu Muzhou did the same.

“Just write letters,” she suggested. “I’ve never had a friend send me a letter before.”

A quiet joy rose in Xu Muzhou’s heart. Did this mean she only wanted to share this with him?

“Alright, I’ll write to you.”