Chapter 74: Arm Wrestling

When Saturday arrived, Shen Qing took a black hoodie from her wardrobe and slipped it on quickly. She changed into a pair of dark blue jeans and casually stepped into canvas shoes before heading out.

The Lin family lived near Xingchen Plaza, a prime location surrounded by distinguished residents. Without an access card, ordinary people couldn’t get in.

Mrs. Lin was already waiting at the entrance of the community. When she spotted the girl with the black cap, she approached happily.

"Qingqing!" Mrs. Lin’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Shen Qing’s outfit.

She’s beautiful! She looks good in anything!

This was Shen Qing’s second time dining at the Lin house, and Lin Feng happened to be home as well.

"Hello, Uncle." Shen Qing removed her cap as she entered, her face void of a smile.

"Oh, hello." Lin Feng smiled at her, not finding her lack of expression impolite.

His own son at home was always stone-faced; he was used to it.

Mrs. Lin was delighted and led Shen Qing to sit on the sofa, then personally went to the kitchen to cut a plate of fruit.

"Thank you, Auntie." Shen Qing stood up.

"Oh, sit, sit! I’m as close to your mother as sisters. I’m your real aunt, no need to thank me." Mrs. Lin put down the fruit plate, quickly pressing Shen Qing back into her seat.

Lin Feng watched his wife's enthusiasm and smiled as well. "Shen Qing, don't be shy. Treat this as your own home."

He had looked into Shen Qing’s background. There wasn't much to say—her childhood was tough, and after coming to Fancheng, she wasn’t favored by her biological father.

To be honest, he felt quite sympathetic towards this child.

"Mm," Shen Qing answered.

Lin Feng received a phone call, smiled at Shen Qing, and went upstairs to take it.

"Your uncle’s been busy lately. Let’s not mind him, keep eating."

Lin Feng worked in government, and since September, he’d been leaving early and coming home late, always on the go.

Shen Qing nodded, saying nothing.

It wasn’t until lunchtime that Lin Feng came downstairs, accompanied by Lin Ruiyang.

The young man had headphones in his ears, his face expressionless, causing Mrs. Lin much distress.

"Wearing headphones at the table? Take them off now."

Lin Ruiyang hurriedly ate a few bites, set his bowl aside. "I’m done."

Then, still expressionless, he went upstairs.

"This..." Mrs. Lin felt a headache. She’d already taken him to see a psychologist, but there was no diagnosis of autism or depression...

It seemed Mrs. Lin herself was close to becoming withdrawn.

Lin Feng placed some dishes on her plate. "Let him be. Children grow up with their own ideas."

Lin Feng, easygoing, let Lin Ruiyang do as he pleased.

"Shen Qing, eat more. You’re so thin," Lin Feng urged.

Shen Qing nodded. "Mm."

After lunch, Lin Feng left—apparently someone important was visiting, and he had to go receive them.

Mrs. Lin brought over fruit for dessert. "Qingqing, try some dragon fruit."

"Mm." Shen Qing picked up a piece with a toothpick.

"Don’t mind Lin Ruiyang’s lack of manners," Mrs. Lin reassured her. "He’s like that."

"It’s fine," Shen Qing replied.

Mrs. Lin had already made up her mind: Shen Qing’s grades weren’t good, and Lin Ruiyang wouldn’t help her with tutoring. Once Shen Qing graduated, she’d ask Lin Feng to help her find a job.

That way, she could repay Shen Fangfei.

**

After napping at the Lin house, Shen Qing said her goodbyes to Mrs. Lin.

A message from Gu Ting arrived on her phone.

[G: I’m waiting at the entrance.]

Shen Qing put away her phone. From afar, she spotted a black van parked at the community gate, its license plate conspicuous.

The man wore a black trench coat, leaning against the hood, his gaze fixed on her.

Shen Qing curled her lips in a slight smile and quickened her pace.

"You’re here so early?" She stopped in front of him, needing to look up to meet his eyes.

Gu Ting smiled, his beautiful phoenix eyes brimming with warmth. "Mm, get in."

Once both were seated, Eleven started the car—not in the direction of Xingchen Plaza.

"Where are we going?" Shen Qing tilted her head to look at him, her puzzled gaze slightly endearing.

"Hotpot," Gu Ting said, looking into her eyes, his words slow.

The corners of Shen Qing’s eyes lifted slightly. She turned away, no longer looking at him.

The drive took about half an hour to reach their destination—a newly opened food street, bustling with people.

Gu Ting and Shen Qing got out first, walking to the restaurant and leaving Eleven to find a parking spot.

"This place?" Shen Qing looked up. The hotpot restaurant was beautifully decorated, the entrance adorned with bright red lanterns.

"Yes, let’s go in."

Inside, the place was packed; the first floor was full of people waiting for their number, with pedestrians coming and going.

Gu Ting glanced back at the girl and slowed his steps.

"Why aren’t you moving?" Shen Qing asked when he stopped suddenly.

"Mm... There are so many people. Don’t get lost." As he spoke, he reached out and took hold of her wrist.

Through the sleeve of her clothing.