Chapter 41: Dating

“Eat it soon, or your noodles will stick together,” said Xiao Qingru with a smile.

Xu Muzhou, still dazed, placed his hand on the table. “Pinch me.”

“You’re not dreaming,” she reassured him.

“Pinch me anyway.”

Amused, Xiao Qingru complied.

The pain on the back of his hand confirmed it, and Xu Muzhou couldn’t stop his grin from spreading. “I’m really not dreaming. We’re dating now.”

“Yes, from today on, you’re officially taken.”

A full year had passed since Xu Muzhou first met Xiao Qingru. He had never imagined she would someday be his partner, and now he could finally look at her openly, letting her know how much he loved her.

His heart brimmed with happiness. In this moment, he felt like the luckiest person alive.

Knowing that Xu Muzhou had traveled two days by train and must be exhausted, Xiao Qingru suggested returning home after lunch.

“Isn’t dating supposed to mean watching movies and strolling in parks? We haven’t done any of that,” Xu Muzhou said.

“There’ll be plenty of chances ahead, no need to rush everything into one day.”

Xu Muzhou couldn’t help but laugh. “Right. We have all the time in the world.”

For the rest of their lives, they had a long journey ahead.

On their way back, they rode the bike together. Xiao Qingru sat on the back seat, holding onto Xu Muzhou’s clothes.

To ensure she didn’t fall, Xu Muzhou pedaled slowly, careful not to make her uncomfortable.

Once they were out of the city, he stopped the bike.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Hold onto me.”

Xu Muzhou braced his long legs on the ground to steady the bike, then reached for Xiao Qingru’s hand, wrapping her soft arms around his waist. “This way, it’s safer.”

“Comrade Xu, you’re quite daring.”

He chuckled. “Let’s keep it this way for now.”

With a push of his leg, the bike moved forward steadily.

As he carried the girl he loved, he made sure not to pedal too fast.

Glancing down, he saw her porcelain white hand resting on his abdomen. “Are you cold?”

“Not really.”

Nearly a month had passed since New Year, and the weather had warmed up a lot, heavy coats weren’t even necessary anymore.

Xu Muzhou loosened his jacket a bit, guiding Xiao Qingru’s hand inside to keep it warm.

Her hand now rested against his abs, separated by only a thin shirt, and the firm feel beneath her fingertips sent a tingling sensation through her.

“Don’t move,” he said, stopping her from pulling her hand away.

This position made her feel as if she was taking advantage of Xu Muzhou, and her face flushed a bright red. “If someone sees us like this, where would I put my face?”

“There’s no one around right now.”

“Better safe than sorry.”

As they continued to banter, Xu Muzhou’s breathing grew heavier. “I’ll keep an eye on the road.”

Still, Xiao Qingru tried to pull her hand back.

“Be good and stay still,” he murmured.

The bike, which had been gliding smoothly, suddenly hit a bump, and Xiao Qingru didn’t dare move again.

The path was rough, with small stones scattered around. A fall would hurt.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Muzhou tried to ignore her hand on his abdomen.

The more he held it in, the more intense his feelings became.

After a quick look down, he resolved to bring her gloves next time. No need to ask for trouble.

They rode back to the family compound on one bike, and anyone could see they were indeed a couple.

Since there had been signs, their relationship didn’t cause much of a stir.

Meanwhile, Du Wanqiu, who had finally fixed her bike chain, hadn’t even reached home when she saw Xu Muzhou riding off with Xiao Qingru.

So, she had dressed up like a vixen to pick up Xu Muzhou!

Shameless, riding together on one bike.

Eyes gleaming, she was sure they were dating, and she couldn’t wait to see how Jiang Chuan would deal with it.

Thinking about how Jiang Chuan refused to be a true husband to her, Du Wanqiu fumed.

He should see how close Xiao Qingru and someone else were, maybe he’d finally give up and agree to take their relationship to the next level.

Mulling over her schemes, she headed home.

She first went to Sister Wang’s to pick up her child, then returned home to prepare dinner. By the time she finished, she was starving.

Ever since New Year’s Eve, Jiang Chuan had become even more distant. He didn’t even come home for meals, choosing to eat in the canteen instead.

All she had to worry about now was herself and their child.