Chapter 37: So Plain?

The next day was Friday. Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian rose early to the sound of their alarms, getting ready for work. It was worth noting that ever since they started working, the two of them returned to campus less and less. Perhaps after entering the workforce, they realized how much more there was to learn on the job than at school, allowing themselves to fully embrace their new lives and settle in contentedly at Pink White Black Cosmetics. Each month, not only did they earn a generous salary, but Lu Yu also provided them with thirty thousand extra. On top of that, all their meals, shopping sprees, clothes, and handbags were covered by Lu Yu, leaving them with virtually nothing to spend money on.

After washing up, the two women dressed to perfection before heading out. Unfortunately, Lu Yu was still asleep and missed the sight of them. After several consecutive days of using facial masks, both had changed noticeably; they looked even more youthful and radiant than before. Their delicate, flawless skin seemed impossibly supple, and with a touch of makeup and the right outfit, their looks were nearly on par with Qianqian.

Lu Yu woke up much later, still groggy. He got up, washed, ate breakfast, and scrolled through news on his phone. By now, Pink White Black Cosmetics, after three rounds of sales, had made quite a name for itself online. The two facial masks, in particular, had become the latest viral sensation. It was fair to say the company had secured a solid foothold in the domestic cosmetics market. From here on, all they needed was steady, stable growth: stockpile raw materials, secure reliable suppliers, and expand production as resources allowed. In the future, they could slowly introduce new products, such as hydrating creams, hydrating shower gels, and whitening shower gels. As long as they avoided reckless expansion, there shouldn't be any major issues.

As for Pink White Black’s growing market share squeezing out older mask manufacturers and causing some to falter or even go bankrupt, not to mention reduced sales of other cosmetics, Lu Yu merely thought: This is the harsh reality of market competition. Such, perhaps, is life.

He checked a few more news items but found nothing of importance. Originally, he’d planned to visit the library, but it was nearly noon, and there wouldn’t be much time left to read in the afternoon, so he gave up on the idea. Just then, he remembered that a few days ago, while he was back in his hometown, the Life Home Decoration and Design Company had called to say the renovation was complete and he could come inspect it. He phoned them, arranged to head over, and set off.

After grabbing two bowls of Chongqing noodles outside his community, he took the subway toward Shuyin University. By the time he arrived at his apartment, the staff from the renovation company were already there. Smiling, Lu Yu nodded and entered.

As soon as he opened the door, the lights set into the fiberglass flooring flickered on. Soft blue lights shimmered through the waves beneath the glass, evoking a sense of the sea. Walking across the glass, ripples spread from each of his footsteps, undulating outward. Beneath the surface, ornamental tropical fish swam curiously, following the waves.

Pacing back and forth, Lu Yu was very pleased with the effect. He checked the other renovations, especially the bedrooms, which were well done. At the farthest end from the entrance, thanks to the nearly five-meter high ceilings, an extra level had been added using sturdy materials, creating a cozy loft. Both floors were fitted for living, and soundproofing had been handled well, so there would be no disturbances above or below.

He inspected all the security features—they had all been reinforced and upgraded. The surveillance cameras outside the apartment covered every angle, and even if one failed, there were backups. Satisfied, Lu Yu reviewed the inspection report, saw all metrics met standards, and promptly paid the balance.

Walking through the rooms, he considered when to move in and thought he could soon give up his old rental. After turning off all the lights and locking up, Lu Yu leisurely took the subway back to the girls’ place.

Passing by a fresh food market outside the community, he debated whether to buy some meat and vegetables to cook dinner. But then he remembered the kitchen, while fully equipped, was missing all the basic seasonings, so he abandoned the idea. Instead, he stopped by a nearby supermarket and bought a variety of fruits. Knowing Shi Zixuan liked grapes and Qin Xiaomian preferred oranges, he picked out extra of both.

Hands red from carrying so many bags, he massaged his fingers a while after returning home. Checking the time, he saw Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian would be home from work soon. Since it was Friday and they’d be off the next day, he planned to take them out for a feast.

Soon the two girls returned. Hearing they were going out, they tidied up their bags, leaving unnecessary items in their rooms, and changed into fresh outfits before leaving with Lu Yu.

Qin Xiaomian was always cheerful around Lu Yu, now more than ever like a bird released to fly. Sometimes she would let go of his arm to flit about, only to return and cling to him again, making both Lu Yu and Shi Zixuan laugh. The three of them, walking together, drew plenty of attention thanks to the girls’ striking looks, earning more than a few jealous glances from passersby.

Initially, they thought about having hotpot, but worried about the lingering smell. So the girls chose a restaurant specializing in Yanbang cuisine, ordering several stir-fried dishes and a stew. While waiting for the food and eating, they discussed weekend plans. Lu Yu asked if there was anywhere they wanted to go.

The girls said two days was only enough to explore the nearby areas of Shudu, not enough to venture farther. Lu Yu suggested they could travel farther during the May Day holiday, which was coming up soon. The girls agreed. Finally, Shi Zixuan proposed, “How about we visit Huanglongxi? It’s an old town with a nice atmosphere. I even did a photo shoot there once.” Lu Yu and Qin Xiaomian both agreed—Lu Yu was easygoing, willing to go anywhere, and Qin Xiaomian was happy as long as she was with him.

After dinner, Qin Xiaomian suggested seeing a movie, so they navigated to a nearby cinema. There wasn’t anything particularly popular showing, so Lu Yu let the girls pick a film with a title that sounded very much aimed at young women. This time, sitting in the middle rows, Lu Yu behaved himself, munching popcorn and sipping soda, while the girls watched the screen and occasionally reached into his popcorn bucket.

The movie proved quite dull. Nevertheless, Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian chattered away, discussing the actors. As Lu Yu listened, a sudden thought struck him—he remembered promising, in a dream, to help a civilization make their struggle known to the world. If he made it into a film, wouldn’t more people learn about them?

Seeing Lu Yu stop and stare back at the cinema, Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian asked, “What’s wrong? Did you leave something behind?” Lu Yu turned, gently took Shi Zixuan’s hand, and shook his head. “No, I just remembered something I want to do in the future.”

Shi Zixuan glanced at Qin Xiaomian as Lu Yu held her hand. Sure enough, Qin Xiaomian looked envious, wanting to hold his hand too, but with so many people around, how could Lu Yu dare? With a look, he stopped Qin Xiaomian’s attempt, and they continued walking. Qin Xiaomian, disgruntled, ran to Shi Zixuan’s other side, taking her arm and pouting.

Night fell. Under the dim streetlights, cars passed by. The three of them strolled home side by side, feeling relaxed and content.

Back home, they lounged on the sofa for a while before each heading off to shower. Lu Yu thought about sneaking into Shi Zixuan’s room to shower with her, but she chased him out with a playful glare. He retreated to his own room, washed up quickly, and lay in bed playing on his phone. With nothing much to do, he lost interest in the novels he used to follow. Scrolling through WeChat Moments, he came across a selfie from Qianqian. Whether it was his imagination or not, Lu Yu felt Qianqian looked even more beautiful than before. He used to rate her at 87, but now she was easily a 90, if not higher. Was it thanks to the whitening and hydrating masks?

For such a stunning woman, it would be a lie to say he felt nothing. Yet, attraction didn’t necessarily mean action—actions came with consequences. Love, after all, was the most extravagant luxury: it cost not just time, but energy, mental effort, and emotional investment. At least for now, Lu Yu didn’t see love as a necessity; otherwise, he would have pursued Qianqian long ago.

His current arrangement with Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian was just right. No emotional burdens, nothing complicated. There was no risk of hurting anyone; a few words of care now and then, happiness on both sides, and an easy, uncomplicated relationship.

After their showers, Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian, dressed in bold-colored nightgowns, came to Lu Yu’s room. They leaned against the headboard beside him, each resting their head on his shoulder, playing on their phones. Before long, sleepiness overcame them, and they drifted off peacefully.

That night, Lu Yu was neither a patriarch nor did he grow as a person. Some readers would surely be disappointed: With things so tame, who would want to keep reading?