hotmtlnovel Chapter 1459 Returning home in glory
Chapter 1459 Returning home in glory
As dusk settled, heavy clouds hung low over the jagged rooftops of Jiudaowan Hutong, and a few snowflakes began to fall, adding a touch of chill to the gray winter evening. The wooden door of Yang Shumao's house creaked shut behind him, shutting out the suffocating liveliness inside.
Qin Hao and Zhao Yajing stood in the alley outside the door, their breath visible in the cold air. There were no streetlights in the alley, only a few windows casting a dim yellow glow that barely outlined the snow-covered cobblestone path. A moment of silence fell between them, broken only by the soft rustling of falling snowflakes.
The two stood at the entrance of the Yang family courtyard, neither of them speaking for a moment, simply savoring the sudden tranquility.
After a while, Qin Hao tightened his coat collar, exhaled a puff of white breath, and said to Zhao Yajing beside him, "It's getting late. Shall I take you home first? Or... shall we each go home?"
Zhao Yajing didn't move. She crossed her arms, turned her head, and looked at Qin Hao with a half-joking, half-probing expression, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible expectation and provocation: "What? In such a hurry to leave? Afraid... I'll go to your house?"
Qin Hao met her gaze, a half-smile playing on his lips: "What am I afraid of? If you want to go, my door isn't locked, you can go anytime. Anyway... I won't lose out."
Zhao Yajing's face flushed, but thankfully the darkness and her scarf concealed the blush. She spat lightly, feigning anger, and said, "Pah! Dream on! Who wants to go to your house! If anyone's going... you should pay a visit to mine first! Don't you know any manners?"
"Oh, the rules." Qin Hao nodded, looking as if he had just realized something, and then smiled and said, "Alright, since Miss Zhao has spoken, I will obey. Well then... goodbye!" After saying that, he pulled the handle of his suitcase, turned around and walked towards the alley in the direction of his home.
"Hey!" Zhao Yajing panicked. How could she really let him leave like that? She took a step forward, reaching out to push Qin Hao on the back, with a mix of annoyance and playfulness. But Qin Hao reacted extremely quickly; almost the instant before her hand touched the fabric, he naturally sidestepped her.
Zhao Yajing exerted too much force, and the snow under her feet became slippery. She let out a soft "Ah!" and instantly lost her balance, about to fall awkwardly onto the cold snow.
In the blink of an eye, just when she thought she was about to fall hard on her butt or even hit the back of her head, a strong arm suddenly reached out from the side and firmly supported her waist, stopping her from falling.
Zhao Yajing was still in shock, her heart pounding. She instinctively looked up and found herself almost completely embraced by Qin Hao. Their faces were incredibly close, barely a hand's width apart.
The dim streetlights shone through the falling snowflakes, outlining Qin Hao's defined jawline and calm, serene eyes. She could even feel his warm breath gently brushing against her forehead and the tip of her nose, a scent mixed with a faint hint of tobacco and a distinctively masculine aroma forcefully penetrating her nostrils.
In an instant, Zhao Yajing's mind went blank, as if it had been filled with something, or as if it had been completely emptied. All her thoughts, all her sharp tongue, all her shrewd calculations, vanished without a trace.
She just stared blankly at Qin Hao, who was so close to her, her eyes wide open, forgetting to struggle and forgetting to speak. Time seemed to stretch out at that moment, and the surroundings were silent except for the soft rustling of falling snowflakes and the increasingly rapid beating of her own heart.
A playful snowflake drifted lightly through the narrow gap between them, landing squarely on Zhao Yajing's forehead. The icy touch jolted her awake, instantly snapping her out of her dazed state.
She blinked, a few tiny snowflakes clinging to her long eyelashes. However, when Zhao Yajing came to her senses, her face didn't show the shyness and panic that a typical girl would have in this situation. Looking at Qin Hao's face, so close to hers with a playful smile, she didn't push him away. Instead, as if possessed, she reached out and hooked her arms around Qin Hao's neck.
This action brought her and Qin Hao closer. Her red lips moved slightly, and she said softly, "Tomorrow, come to my house."
Her warm breath, carrying the faint scent of face cream, brushed against Qin Hao's cheek. Qin Hao felt the pressure on his neck and the soft body in his arms; his eyes darkened for a moment, but quickly regained their clarity. He didn't immediately release her. Instead, he lowered his head slightly, leaned close to Zhao Yajing's ear, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, with a hint of teasing, "I won't go. I'm afraid you'll...eat me."
The scalding breath entered her ear, carrying a tingling and teasing sensation, causing Zhao Yajing's body to tremble slightly involuntarily. But Qin Hao's words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing her newly warmed heart.
"You!" Zhao Yajing angrily shoved Qin Hao in the chest. This time Qin Hao didn't dodge. He released his hand from her waist, straightened up, and pulled Zhao Yajing to steady herself.
After regaining her footing, Zhao Yajing pointed at the snowflakes falling heavily in the night sky and glared angrily at Qin Hao: "You...you! Such a beautiful scene, a snowy night, an alley, streetlights...and you say such a jarring thing! Don't you think...it's inappropriate?!"
Qin Hao shrugged, his face regaining its calm, even somewhat distant expression, and his tone softened: "We're both still so young, we have a long road ahead of us. There's no need... to tie each other down so early, right? What do you think?"
Zhao Yajing's heart sank. She bit her lower lip, suddenly feeling a lump in her throat, but she forced herself to hold it in, raised her head, and glared fiercely at Qin Hao: "Hmph! I see now! You just... you just look down on me! Isn't that right?"
"If that's how you think... there's nothing I can do about it."
Qin Hao remained noncommittal. He felt that Zhao Yajing's personality was not suitable to be a wife. She was a very rational person, even selfish. If Qin Hao went bankrupt and could never recover, she would never use her own money and resources to help him make a comeback. To put it bluntly, she could share wealth but not hardship.
Zhao Yajing turned to leave in anger, but halfway there she turned back and shouted at Qin Hao, "Hmph, whether you like me or not, I, Zhao Yajing, am sticking with you for life, and you can forget about getting rid of me!"
After shouting, she didn't care about Qin Hao's reaction, whether it was surprise or helplessness, and turned around abruptly again. This time she really ran away quickly, and her footsteps soon disappeared into the depths of the alley.
Qin Hao stood there, stunned for several seconds, then chuckled, shook his head, and muttered to himself, "This temper... no wonder she's a Beijing girl."
After turning two more corners, Qin Hao finally returned to his family's courtyard house. Pushing open the slightly ajar gate, the courtyard was quiet; everyone seemed to be asleep. He had just reached his own door, about to take out his keys, when the door to the next room creaked open. Aunt Xue, wearing a cotton-padded coat, came out carrying a basin of water for washing feet. Using the dim light from inside, she squinted at Qin Hao for a long time before asking warily, "Who are you? Which house are you looking for?"
Qin Hao chuckled, stopped what he was doing, and turned around so that Aunt Xue could see him more clearly: "Aunt Xue, it's me, Qin Hao. Don't you recognize me?"
Aunt Xue leaned closer, carefully examining Qin Hao's face in the snowlight. She then noticed his fashionable clothes and the suitcase beside him, before exclaiming with a start, "Oh my! My old eyes are failing me! It's Xiao Hao back! You...you've changed so much! Suddenly dressed like this, like a movie star, I almost didn't recognize you!"
She put down the foot basin, walked over enthusiastically, and looked Qin Hao up and down, praising him with admiration: "Hey! You look so smart! So stylish! I heard from your mother that you went to Guangzhou to do business? Judging from this... you must have made a lot of money, right? That coat, those shoes..."
Before Qin Hao could answer, perhaps Aunt Xue's earlier call of "Xiao Hao" and subsequent voices had startled the other people in the courtyard who were still awake. Soon, the doors of several rooms opened one after another, and the neighbors, wearing clothes and slippers, curiously peeked out.
"Xiao Hao? Qin Hao is back?"
"It really is Haozi! This outfit... he's struck it rich!"
"Brother Hao! Is Guangzhou fun? Is it bigger than Beijing? I heard it doesn't snow there in winter?"
"Xiao Hao, your outfit must have cost a lot of money, right? Did you buy it in Guangzhou?"
In no time, several people crowded into the small courtyard, chattering away, asking all sorts of questions, filled with curiosity and envy. Surrounded by them, Qin Hao was momentarily overwhelmed and could only vaguely reply, "It's alright, it's alright... it's warmer over there... the clothes are quite expensive..."
Just then, the door to Qin Hao's house was slammed open from the inside. Li Yuxiang had obviously heard the commotion and hurriedly put on her cotton-padded coat before coming out. Seeing her son surrounded by the neighbors, her eyes immediately welled up with tears.
"Mom, I'm back." Qin Hao quickly squeezed through the crowd and walked up to his mother.
Li Yuxiang sniffed, holding back her tears, and nodded repeatedly: "Oh! It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back! You must be exhausted from the journey, right?"
"Come on, son, come inside! It's cold outside, don't catch a cold." Li Yuxiang pulled Qin Hao's arm, then smiled apologetically at the enthusiastic neighbors, "Thank you all for your concern. Xiao Hao just got back, let him go inside and rest for a while, we can talk another day!"
Although the neighbors were still eager for more, they understood and smiled as they made way for him, adding, "Xiao Hao, tell us about all the interesting things happening in the south later!"
"Yuxiang, you are so lucky!"
Once inside, she closed the door, shutting out the noise and chill from outside. The stove was burning brightly, providing warmth. Under the dim light, Li Yuxiang finally had a chance to take a closer look at her son. Looking at his tall, upright figure, composed demeanor, and his clearly expensive clothes, she felt a mix of pride, heartache, and a faint sense of loss, as if her son had "grown up" and no longer entirely belonged to this little family.
Qin Hao put his suitcase on the ground and was about to take off his wool coat when Li Yuxiang stopped him, saying, "Don't take it off, let Mom... take another good look."
Qin Hao obediently stopped what he was doing, stood up straight, even turned around, and said with a smile, "Mom, have you seen enough? Don't you think your son looks especially energetic?"
Li Yuxiang looked at him, tears finally welling up in her eyes, but a satisfied smile graced her face as she nodded vigorously: "Yes! Spirited! My son looks so stylish in this! He looks great!" She reached out and carefully touched the fabric of Qin Hao's coat: "This fabric... is really nice. Is it warm enough?"
"It's warm, so warm." Qin Hao held his mother's rough hand, his heart softening. He knelt down and opened his suitcase: "Mom, don't just look at me. Look what I brought you!"
Li Yuxiang was somewhat surprised: "What about mine?"
"Absolutely!" Qin Hao took out a neatly folded coat from the box and unfolded it. It was a burgundy wool coat, the color was perfect, the style was elegant, and there were delicate subtle patterns on the collar and cuffs.
"Have you forgotten? I told you before I left that I would give you a good life. The first step is to make sure you look beautiful! Come on, try it on and see if it fits!"
Li Yuxiang stared at the brightly colored, stylish coat in her son's hand, then hesitated, her face showing hesitation and embarrassment: "This...isn't this color a bit too bright? Mom is so old...wearing such a red coat, isn't it inappropriate? People will laugh at us..."
"Who said that?!" Without waiting for a reply, Qin Hao draped his coat over his mother's shoulders and half-pushed, half-helped her to the mirror in the old wardrobe in the room: "Mom, you're only forty years old, how are you old? You're in your prime! These days everyone wears bright colors to look young and energetic! Look how good you look!"
Li Yuxiang was pressed in front of the mirror by her son. Looking at her reflection, her complexion brightened by the burgundy coat, she was momentarily dazed. The coat, though vibrant in color, wasn't a garish bright red, but rather a deep, calming burgundy—it was indeed…beautiful. A smile slowly crept onto her lips, a genuine, slightly shy, and joyful smile blooming within her.
"Hmm...it does look quite nice," Li Yuxiang said softly, her fingers gently stroking the smooth fabric of the coat. "My son...he has good taste."
Seeing the satisfied smile on his mother's face, Qin Hao felt a warmth in his heart. He patted his mother's shoulder: "And that's all!"
As he spoke, he returned to his suitcase and continued taking things out.
"These high boots go perfectly with your wool coat. They're warm and stylish for winter, and they're also very comfortable to walk in."
"This handbag matches the color of my clothes."
"These two sets are for my maternal grandparents. We'll bring them when we visit them for the New Year; they'll definitely be happy!"
One by one, the gifts were taken out and laid out on the bed, taking up almost half of it. Looking at these brand-new, obviously expensive items, Li Yuxiang felt a surge of heartache and worry after the initial joy and emotion.
She walked to the bedside, picked up the pair of sturdy-looking cowhide high boots, and then touched the thick cotton-padded coat for her grandfather. She couldn't help but complain, "You child! You've just earned a little money, how can you be so extravagant?! How much did all this cost?! You don't earn money easily outside, you should be more frugal! Mom has clothes to wear, there's no need to buy such expensive things..."
Qin Hao knew his mother would say that, and he was prepared. He put his arm around his mother's shoulder and laughed, "Mom, don't worry. Your son is earning money now, so it's only right that I take care of you. This little bit is nothing. You didn't see the way Zhao Yajing bought New Year's goods, good heavens, she almost brought the entire Guangzhou Friendship Store home! That's what you call extravagant spending! I'm nothing compared to that!"
Sure enough, changing the subject worked perfectly. Li Yuxiang's attention was immediately drawn to the name "Zhao Yajing," and her eyes lit up: "Yajing's back too? With you?"
"Yeah, we flew back together, and I guess we just got home not long ago."
Li Yuxiang's face immediately lit up with joy. She took Qin Hao's hand and said, "Then we must bring some gifts tomorrow to thank Ya Jing and her mother properly! Your business is so successful thanks to Ya Jing's help! We can't forget this kindness!"
Qin Hao was momentarily speechless. He simply nodded perfunctorily, "I know, Mom, I understand. But I'm really tired from the journey back. Let's rest first, and we can talk about it tomorrow morning, okay?"
Seeing the weariness on her son's face, Li Yuxiang realized her mistake and quickly said, "Yes, yes, look at me, I was so busy talking! You should wash up and get some rest! There's hot water on the stove..."
……
Nothing happened that night. Perhaps because he was back in a familiar and safe environment, Qin Hao slept exceptionally soundly. The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, he woke up. His mother, Li Yuxiang, was already up and cooking porridge on the stove in the outer room, filling the room with the unique aroma of millet porridge.
Qin Hao dressed quietly, told his mother he was going out for a walk, and slipped out the door. He went straight to Yang Shumao's house.
Yang Shumo had just gotten up and was getting ready to go to work at the pickle factory. He was indeed wearing the same faded old cotton-padded jacket again; his fashionable brown woolen overcoat from yesterday was nowhere to be seen, clearly having ultimately failed to keep it. Yang Shumo was somewhat surprised to see Qin Hao come to see him so early.
"Da Mao, I need to ask you something. Do you know where I can get TV tickets? Or washing machine tickets, refrigerator tickets, and stuff like that?"
Yang Shumo was taken aback: "TV tickets? Washing machine tickets? You want to buy these big-ticket items?" He scratched his head: "These tickets are hard to get, they're all in high demand, you need connections, or you can try your luck on the black market. TV tickets are the most expensive on the black market, I heard they cost two or three hundred yuan a ticket now! That's enough to buy a TV! Washing machine tickets and refrigerator tickets aren't much cheaper either, the key is that sometimes even if you have the tickets, you might not have the goods."
Qin Hao waved his hand: "Money is not a problem. Just tell me, do you have any connections, or do you know where the black market is, and whether you can get your hands on it?"
Looking at Qin Hao's confident expression, and recalling his outfit yesterday and Zhao Yajing's casual remark about the "two-hundred-plus-yuan wool coat," Yang Shumo had a more concrete understanding of the fact that "Old Qin has struck it rich." He clicked his tongue: "Goodness... you and Zhao Yajing have really struck it rich! Okay! I know a place, in an alley in the western part of the city, where some people secretly deal in these tickets and sell some rare items. I'll take you there to try your luck! But we have to go early, or the good stuff might be gone."
"Let's go!" Qin Hao said without hesitation.
The two rode their bicycles through the quiet streets of the early morning, winding their way through the streets until they arrived at an old alleyway district. Yang Shumo parked his bike at an inconspicuous corner and led Qin Hao on foot into an even narrower alleyway piled with clutter. The terrain here was complex, with many forks in the road, like a maze.
Sure enough, after walking a short distance, they saw small groups of people, necks hunched, hands tucked in, whispering in corners or sheltered spots, glancing around warily every now and then. Many cast scrutinizing glances at Qin Hao and Yang Shumo, two unfamiliar faces. A secretive and tense atmosphere permeated the air.
This is what's known as the "black market," which is essentially a spontaneously formed exchange point outside the formal market. It mainly deals in scarce goods or certificates that are rationed and difficult to find elsewhere. Truly prohibited items are not openly traded here; those are the focus of police surveillance.
Yang Shumo was clearly not a first-timer. He whispered a few words of advice to Qin Hao, then took the initiative to strike up conversations and ask questions. Qin Hao followed behind, observing the surroundings and the people around him.
After some searching and haggling, Qin Hao finally managed to buy a 14-inch "Beijing" brand black-and-white television set from a wary middle-aged man for a hefty 300 yuan. He then spent another 500 yuan to buy a "Bai Lan" brand single-tub washing machine from an old man wearing a military overcoat and a dog-skin hat. As for refrigerators, after asking around, they found they were indeed out of stock that day; some people said they might have to wait until after the New Year.
Qin Hao didn't insist; having tickets for a TV and a washing machine was already the main goal.
"Damn, that's expensive!" Yang Shumo only dared to catch his breath after leaving the alley, muttering under his breath, "A single piece of paper costs me several years' salary!"
Qin Hao smiled but didn't say anything. For his current wealth, a few hundred or a thousand yuan was indeed nothing. He was happy to use the money to make his mother's life more comfortable.
Next, the two headed to Wangfujing Department Store. Good heavens! With the Lunar New Year approaching, there were an unusually large number of people buying New Year's goods and large purchases. The queue at the television counter was incredibly long, winding and stretching almost half the hall. People's faces were filled with anticipation and anxiety, fearing that by the time they got to the front of the line, the goods would be sold out.
Qin Hao and Yang Shumo queued for nearly two hours, their legs were numb from standing. Fortunately, the department store had enough stock, and in the end, he successfully got a brand new 14-inch black and white television set, packed in a cardboard box! When the salesperson handed out the heavy box, the people queuing behind them cast envious glances.
Buying a washing machine went much more smoothly. There was almost no one queuing at the washing machine counter. These days, washing machines are still a "luxury" for most families; they consume a lot of electricity and water, don't get the clothes as clean as hand-washing, and are quite expensive. Qin Hao didn't hesitate much and spent over four hundred yuan to buy the "Bai Lan" brand single-tub washing machine, based on the face value of the ticket.
With the two large items in hand, transporting them back became another problem. The department store didn't handle delivery. Qin Hao and Yang Shumo went through a lot of trouble to move the television and washing machine to the store entrance. Finally, Qin Hao hired a three-wheeled vehicle waiting for fares nearby to load the two precious items onto the truck.
The three-wheeled vehicle, carrying Qin Hao, Yang Shumo, and two large items, drove back to Jiudaowan Hutong amidst the envious and surprised gazes of passersby.
As soon as the car entered the alley, it was spotted by sharp-eyed neighbors.
"Hey! This big box... is it a television?"
"That's... a washing machine?!"
"Sha Mao! Did your family strike it rich? Did you buy a TV?!" An old man who was airing out his quilts shouted at Yang Shumao.
Yang Shumo quickly poked his head out of the truck bed, waving his hands repeatedly and loudly clarifying, "Uncle Li! Don't talk nonsense! How could my family afford to buy these things! Old Qin bought them! The TV is his, and the washing machine is his too! Don't you know our family's financial situation? Could we afford these?"
His shout was like a direct broadcast to Qin Hao. Instantly, the alleyway erupted in chaos. People inside the houses heard the commotion and rushed out to see what was happening.
"Xiao Hao bought it? My God! A TV and a washing machine!"
"Xiao Hao's doing pretty well! He went away for a year and came back with both of these big items! How much money did he make?"
"Is it really that easy to make money in Guangzhou? I wish I had gone there too!"
"Yuxiang has really made it through! Her son is successful and filial!"
The neighbors swarmed around, following the slowly moving three-wheeled vehicle, their voices rising and falling in a cacophony of exclamations, discussions, and questions.
Some were envious, some were curious, and some were secretly calculating how much money he would get. Qin Hao sat in the back of the truck, surrounded by onlookers, and could only keep smiling and nodding, occasionally offering a few words in response.
Before she even reached her doorstep, Li Yuxiang was startled. Aunt Xue from next door rushed into Qin Hao's yard, grabbed Li Yuxiang who was tidying up, and pulled her outside, excitedly shouting, "Yuxiang! Yuxiang! Come quick! Come out and see! Your Xiaohao… bought a TV! And a washing machine! My goodness! Your son is really something!"
Pulled along by Aunt Xue, Li Yuxiang stumbled to the entrance of the courtyard house, just in time to see the three-wheeled vehicle stop, with Qin Hao and Yang Shumo unloading goods. Looking at the two large cardboard boxes labeled "Beijing Brand Television" and "Bailan Washing Machine," Li Yuxiang was completely stunned, standing at the doorway, staring at her son in disbelief.
"Xiao Hao... these... did you really buy all of these?" Her voice trembled. A television, a washing machine! In her eyes, these were "high-end goods" only factory directors and Party secretaries could afford! Her son had been gone for a year, and yet...
Before Qin Hao could answer, Yang Shumo had already hoisted the washing machine onto his back with a thud and asked loudly, "Old Qin, where do we put this?"
Qin Hao picked up the TV box and smiled at his mother, "Mom, let us in first! Come on, everyone, make way!" He called to the crowd of onlookers.
Li Yuxiang then seemed to wake from a dream and quickly moved aside to open the courtyard gate. Qin Hao and Yang Shumo, carrying large boxes on their backs, entered their small courtyard amidst the curious gazes and whispers of the crowd, carefully placing the items at the doorway.
"Hey! Um, you two... who's going to pay the fare?" The driver of the three-wheeled vehicle wiped his sweat and came in to ask.
Li Yuxiang then realized what was happening, hurriedly took out a handkerchief pouch from her pocket, opened it, counted out some change, paid the fare, and thanked them repeatedly.
Meanwhile, the small courtyard was already packed with neighbors who had come to see what was going on. Men and women, young and old, all craned their necks to stare at the two unopened "treasures" on the ground.
For ordinary Beijing residents in 1980, even in the capital, televisions and washing machines were rare items, symbols of family wealth and "modernization."
The crowd automatically parted to make way for Qin Hao, who began unpacking and assembling the television. Yang Shumo assisted him. When the boxy, black television with its picture tube and knobs was brought out, a low gasp of amazement rippled through the crowd. Qin Hao then carried out the long outdoor antenna, and with Yang Shumo's help, climbed onto the roof to begin installation and testing.
The neighbors below, craning their necks to look, were talking amongst themselves as they watched.
"Xiao Hao can even install this! If we ever buy a TV, we'll have to rely on you!"
"Your family? Old Wang, you're buying a TV? That'll be a dream come true!"
"Hahahahaha!"
"Old Li! What the hell do you mean? Are you looking down on our family?"
"So what if I look down on you? If you're so capable, why don't you buy a TV and let everyone see for themselves!"
As they were talking, the two middle-aged men, who already had some disagreements, suddenly started arguing over a single sentence. The argument escalated and looked like it was about to come to blows. Bystanders quickly intervened to break up the fight, pulling and tugging at each other, and for a moment the courtyard was in chaos.
After Qin Hao adjusted the antenna direction on the roof, Yang Shumo, who was helping to watch the screen inside the house, shouted loudly, "It's done! It's done! There's an image! There's sound!"
That shout immediately drew everyone's attention. The two arguing people stopped, squeezed to the front of the crowd, and peeked into the room on tiptoe. On the small black and white screen, clear static appeared, then the image flashed to show Beijing TV, followed by the host's clear and articulate voice.
"It's true! It's true!"
"Wow, it's so clear!"
"Great! We can watch TV tonight!"
Li Yuxiang didn't even bother to ask her son where he got so much money to buy these things. Surrounded by Aunt Xue and several old friends, she sat in the "first row" seat closest to the TV in the house. Her face was filled with an unprecedented smile that mixed pride, happiness, and a little bewilderment as she accepted the sincere or envious compliments from her neighbors.
She had lived a frugal and hard life, but never before had she been the center of attention, enjoying the glory of "a mother's status rising with her son's." Although she kept saying, "This child is a spendthrift," she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.
That evening, Qin Hao's house was practically bursting at the seams. The small room—the kang (heated brick bed), the chairs, the floor, even the doorway—was packed with neighbors watching television. The black-and-white television played news and slightly outdated variety shows; while the content was uninteresting to Qin Hao, it was incredibly captivating for people in this era of limited entertainment. Everyone watched intently, occasionally bursting into laughter or discussion.
Later, when it became too crowded to squeeze in, people could only peek through the window for a short while. But in Beijing's winter nights, the temperature outside was below -10 degrees Celsius, and the wind was biting cold. A cotton-padded coat alone was not enough to keep them warm. After a short while, they had to stomp their feet, rub their hands, and reluctantly go home.
Zhao Yajing and her mother also came. Zhao's mother and Li Yuxiang sat together, watching TV and chatting enthusiastically, their faces full of smiles.
Zhao Yajing squeezed next to Qin Hao, watching her mother and Li Yuxiang chatting happily. She nudged Qin Hao with her elbow with a hint of pride, lowered her voice, and said with a touch of boastfulness, "See? Your mom... really likes me. I get along well with my mom too."
Before Qin Hao could speak, Yang Shumo, who was staring at the TV and grinning foolishly, heard him, pursed his lips, and whispered, "What's the use if she likes you? Can she spend her whole life with you?"
Zhao Yajing was so angry her nose almost crooked. She turned and glared at Yang Shumao fiercely: "Idiot Mao! No one will think you're mute if you don't speak! Just watch your TV!"
Yang Shumo shrank back, but still wouldn't back down, muttering to Qin Hao in a low voice, "Why are you swearing...so fierce...Old Qin, you really need to reconsider..."
Zhao Yajing, with her sharp ears, heard the second half of the sentence and immediately lowered her voice, threatening, "Sha Mao! If you keep talking nonsense, believe me, I'll go out right now and tell your parents about your secret studying for the college entrance exam!"
This trump card worked. Yang Shumo's expression changed, and he immediately raised his hands in surrender, turned his head, and stared intently at the television screen, no longer daring to say another word.
Qin Hao found it somewhat amusing to watch the two bickering. He leaned slightly to the side, close to Zhao Yajing's ear, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Stop thinking about those underhanded things. Who my mother likes... doesn't matter. Besides, whoever I like, she will naturally like too."
His warm breath brushed against her ear, making Zhao Yajing's heart skip a beat. Trying to remain calm, she turned her head, almost touching Qin Hao's face, and, in a similarly low voice, asked with a hint of nervousness and anticipation, "So...who do you like?"
Qin Hao looked at her beautiful face, which was so close to his, flickering in and out of the light and shadow of the television screen. He remained silent for a few seconds, then gently stepped back a little and said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Anyway, you... are still a little bit lacking."
Zhao Yajing's expectant expression froze instantly, replaced by a surge of anger and embarrassment. She unconsciously puffed out her chest and asked in a low, defiant voice, "What did I do wrong?"
Qin Hao's gaze swept over her, and he smiled, "Her appearance... is alright. Perhaps what's lacking is... her inner qualities."
"Inner qualities?" Zhao Yajing was taken aback for a moment, then, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her voice suddenly rose a little, before she quickly lowered it again: "Are you saying I'm uneducated?"
Almost as if possessed, she blurted out, "You wouldn't happen to... like Shi Xiaona, would you?"
"Just say so."
"Tch, Shi Xiaona likes Sha Mao, you have no chance." (End of Chapter)