Chapter 38: A Leisurely Weekend

The next day, the three of them slept in, waking naturally before rising to wash and have breakfast. After breakfast, Lu Yu went out first to rent a car. Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian each carefully dressed in their rooms, paying attention from clothing to hair accessories. Lu Yu drove back to the neighborhood parking lot and called Shi Zixuan, asking the two women to come down.

Soon after, two young ladies in traditional attire appeared in the parking lot. Since they were headed to an ancient town, Qin Xiaomian wore a traditional costume, while Shi Zixuan, as usual, was dressed in her own elegant style. With warmer weather, both women wore light and refreshing outfits. Today, Shi Zixuan wore a beautiful indigo dress, while Qin Xiaomian donned a sky-blue, floral long skirt. Their delicate beauty was enhanced, making them appear ethereal. It was a sight that pleased the eye and inspired respect. Even Lu Yu felt a sense of reverence.

Huanglongxi was not far from the central district of Shu City, just a few dozen kilometers away. Before long, they arrived, found a place to park, and set off towards the ancient town. It was said that Huanglongxi had over 2,100 years of history since its founding. In ancient times, it was called "Chishui." It was destroyed by fire at the end of the Ming and beginning of the Qing dynasties, so most of the current buildings were rebuilt afterward. The architectural style clearly reflected that of the Ming and Qing eras, with some structures still preserved perfectly. Streets paved with red stone, houses with wooden pillars and grey tiles, and finely carved railings and window frames lent the town an air of simplicity and tranquility.

Of special note were six thousand-year-old banyan trees within the town, their branches thick and leaves lush, covering the sky and exuding a sense of grandeur and solemnity. Lu Yu accompanied Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian, taking photos for them as they strolled. The two often found picturesque spots to pose. Amid this rustic scenery, Shi Zixuan resembled a refined lady of ancient times, fresh and graceful, her temperament reserved. Qin Xiaomian, on the other hand, was like a young heroine just setting out into the world, her eyes lively and mischievous. As their photographer, Lu Yu felt thoroughly delighted.

The town was filled with unique local snacks, made in special ways, with flavors sweet, delicate, and soft. Especially famous was Huanglading, a specialty from the Chishui River, seasoned with mountain pepper and river red chili, garnished with coriander, the soup shining red and tasting spicy and aromatic. Eating and playing, the three had a pleasant time. Checking the time, Lu Yu asked Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian if they wanted to stay overnight. The two hesitated, looking around, but eventually decided to return home. After all, it was just a small ancient town on the city’s edge; there wasn’t much left to see, and neither had brought changes of clothes or skincare.

Lu Yu drove them back to the neighborhood, then returned the car. By the time they got home, it was seven in the evening. The two ordered a hearty meal and opened a bottle of red wine from the untouched wine cabinet. Red wine was never Lu Yu’s favorite; he couldn’t quite understand its appeal. Plum wine was tastier, and even mulberry wine had a better mouthfeel. Still, seeing the women so enthusiastic, he joined them.

The three chatted and ate, unknowingly finishing four bottles of red wine. Most of it was drunk by Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian; Lu Yu had little, while their faces flushed red, lending them a unique charm.

It was a long time before dinner was finished. The two women lay on the sofa, drinking water and resting, while Lu Yu cleared the table. When he returned after disposing of leftovers, he found both women asleep on the sofa, murmuring softly in their sleep. Lu Yu shook his head with a smile at their childlike appearance, then leaned down to carry Shi Zixuan upstairs. She opened her eyes sleepily, glanced at him, then drifted back to sleep. He carried her to her room, removed her hair ornaments and shoes, tucked her in, then went downstairs to bring Qin Xiaomian to her room.

With both women settled, Lu Yu showered and prepared to sleep. Though the day's beauty had stirred desire within him, he restrained himself, having no inclination for such acts. There was no pleasure in taking advantage when only one person was satisfied. It wasn’t as if he couldn’t win the women by force; true happiness was best enjoyed mutually.

In the morning, after breakfast, Lu Yu suggested that the women go out shopping. The weather was warming, summer approaching, so he wanted to buy them some seasonal clothes and some for himself. Especially for Shi Zixuan; last time they bought traditional attire, it was all winter dresses, unsuitable for the heat. This time, he planned to buy more lightweight, long skirts for them. Truthfully, Lu Yu rather liked seeing them in traditional dress, especially during moments of joy.

Accompanying Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian through the shopping streets for a day, they bought many clothes. The women’s purchases needn’t be mentioned, but even Lu Yu bought a lot—mostly casual wear, as he disliked overly formal clothes, preferring business casual at most.

By evening, all three were exhausted. Even the women who loved shopping lay on the sofa, unwilling to move. Lu Yu grabbed their long legs, laying them across his own, gently massaging them to their delight. Who knew if he was genuinely massaging them or simply enjoying their legs? Their legs were truly fun to play with; he’d been doing so since they met, never tiring of it. Strange, wasn’t it?

Monday morning, the women were awakened by their phone alarms, rose, dressed, and left with their bags. After getting up, Lu Yu called Chen Xiaofei, asking him to drive over to help move from the old rented place. Chen Xiaofei asked if the apartment by Shu Yin University was ready. Lu Yu confirmed, and Chen Xiaofei said he'd head out soon.

Lu Yu packed his computer in the study, took the subway to his old rental. It had been a while since he’d been back, and entering, he felt a little sentimental. Without that stroke of luck, he might never have bought such a small apartment in Shu City. But sentiment quickly passed, and he started packing. He really didn’t have much to move—just some books and clothes. Two suitcases sufficed; he left behind sheets, bedding, and small decorations.

After packing, he placed the keys and three utility cards on the table, called the landlord, and explained that he’d moved out, leaving everything on the table. The rent had over ten days left, but he didn’t ask for a refund.

Soon after, Chen Xiaofei called, saying he’d arrived in the underground parking lot.

Lu Yu pulled his two suitcases into the elevator, down to the parking lot. Chen Xiaofei opened the trunk, and Lu Yu put the suitcases in, then sat in the passenger seat. Along the way, Chen Xiaofei asked about the renovation, and Lu Yu gave a brief description, telling him to see for himself later. Chen Xiaofei smirked, then suddenly asked, "By the way, did you set up the music room Zhang Kexin and Qianqian talked about?"

Lu Yu paused. "Yes, I did. It wasn't much trouble."

Chen Xiaofei continued, "Hey, you know, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Qianqian now. I wonder if you can handle it."

Lu Yu looked out the window. "You know I already have two to look after. Even if I can’t handle it, I have to. They’re enough to keep me busy—I’d like to live a few more years."

Chen Xiaofei laughed wickedly. "Ha, you sure know how to play! But I checked with Zhang Kexin—Qianqian likes you. The rest is up to you."

Lu Yu rolled his eyes. "What can I do? Things are fine as they are."

"Relationships require effort on both sides. I don’t have the energy for it now—there’s still so much to learn."

Chen Xiaofei showed him a middle finger. "So much to learn, do you really believe that?"

Lu Yu replied, "I truly have a lot to learn. Otherwise, how do you think the algorithms I sold or those new face masks came about?"

Chen Xiaofei paused. "When you put it like that, it actually makes sense."

Chatting idly, they soon reached the apartment near Shu Yin University. After parking, Lu Yu and Chen Xiaofei each took a suitcase. Upstairs, they found Zhang Kexin and Qianqian already waiting.

Lu Yu squinted at Chen Xiaofei, who pretended not to notice, acting innocent. Lu Yu took out the keys, opened the door, and switched on the lights. The four entered.

It must be said—Lu Yu’s renovation was quite dreamy. The glass floor rippled like water, with fish swimming beneath; the blue lighting in the fiberglass gave the room a marine feel. Zhang Kexin ran around the house, making waves ripple and fish follow her, finding it great fun. Qianqian loved the atmosphere, her beautiful eyes scanning the room, clearly delighted by the elegant, fantastical environment.

Lu Yu pointed to the newly built two-story loft, farthest from the door, and said to Qianqian, "That will be your music room—the upstairs and downstairs are both available."

Qianqian looked at the loft, exquisitely refined, with vines hanging from the eaves, breathing fresh oxygen into the space. Her bright eyes sparkled as she nodded repeatedly, and she and Zhang Kexin went to look at the room.

Chen Xiaofei surveyed the place, stroking his chin. "There aren’t enough decorations or plants. Let's hit IKEA and the flower market later, buy some more, and help you set it up."

Lu Yu agreed. "Alright, there’s no bedding or wall decorations—big shopping spree coming up."

Hearing they’d go to IKEA, Zhang Kexin volunteered to help Lu Yu decorate the house, making it even more comfortable. Qianqian was also interested; girls are naturally drawn to shopping and decorating.

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