hotmtlnovel Chapter 180: Doing homework is the happiest thing in the world
Chapter 180: Doing homework is the happiest thing in the world
Chapter 180: Doing homework is the happiest thing in the world
The next day, Jiang He’s peculiar gaze made Xu Qing feel uneasy.
“Why aren’t you traveling anymore?” he asked.
“Huh? Oh.” Jiang He casually averted her eyes and replied, “I still need to learn how to use the computer. I’ll go when I feel like it.”
Xu Qing couldn’t argue. Her abundant energy needed an outlet, and since she wasn’t leaving, he had no choice but to burn off his own restlessness by practicing punches and sword techniques.
As Jiang He’s awareness continued to awaken, Xu Qing felt a faint sense of danger. He worried that one night, while he was sound asleep, she might yank the covers off and pin him to the bed.
Xu Qing thought this was a real possibility. After all, when they first started kissing, she’d been shy. But after getting a taste of it, she started pinning him down whenever she pleased—for months—before finally settling for the occasional hug.
Now, Jiang He kept sneaking glances at him. This was a dangerous sign.
When she snuck another sidelong look, Xu Qing couldn’t take it anymore. Rubbing his wrist, sore from practicing swordsmanship, he said, “I’m heading out.”
“Where to?”
“Just out for a walk.”
Grabbing his keys and phone, Xu Qing left. The phone was only for staying in touch—he had no intention of sending Jiang He travel updates like some frog hopping off with a tiny backpack.
The day was perfect: blue skies, white clouds, and a gentle breeze. Xu Qing strolled to the main gate, scanned his access card, and stepped outside.
The newly implemented electronic gate was still a novelty for Uncle Zhao. His sharp eyes darted around as he watched delivery workers and couriers approach, diligently ensuring they registered before using the card on his finger to let them in. The gate was unlocked only during specific hours at noon and evening; the rest of the time, access required a card.
“Isn’t it a hassle, Uncle Zhao?” Xu Qing asked, hands in his pockets.
“No hassle at all. Beats dozing off here all day.”
“You’re one of the few so dedicated.”
“Of course. I live here,” Uncle Zhao replied, rolling his eyes. “You think I’d let thieves ransack the place and have no face left to show?”
Xu Qing chuckled. Uncle Zhao’s son had bought a house elsewhere long ago, often urging him to move in and enjoy life. But Zhao refused, insisting on staying here to bask in the sun and earn his security guard salary.
“I sit here and earn over two grand a month. Why would I go live in your place where I can’t even smoke?” he’d said.
Xu Qing paced around the gate, then noticed Uncle Zhao’s face clouded in a puff of smoke.
“What’s wrong?”
“You and Jiang He don’t go out together anymore? Taking turns now, like you’re standing watch?”
“What kind of watch are we standing?” Xu Qing laughed.
Uncle Zhao’s hearty laugh followed, his sharp eyes catching how Xu Qing’s nonchalant stance, with hands in pockets, was identical to how Jiang He had left yesterday.
“What are you doing?” Xu Qing called Wang Zijun, who answered with the sound of a woman screaming in the background.
“Amusement park! Wanna join us?” Wang asked excitedly.
“Childish.”
“It’s thrilling! Except the lines are killing me. This lousy park doesn’t even have VIP options.”
“Are you in Jiang City?”
“Of course. Where else? Fly to Shanghai Disneyland? I wish. My date doesn’t want to travel that far.”
“Oh, so this one’s good, huh? Better than the last?” Xu Qing teased, piecing together the situation.
“Good my ass!” Wang’s voice dropped to a whisper. “She’s not my girlfriend yet. I’m working on it. Come ride the Flying Chairs with us!”
“No way. You have fun. Only an idiot would go now.”
The holiday crowd was predictably overwhelming. May Day wasn’t for fun—it was for queuing.
“You think everyone’s as idle as you?” Wang scoffed.
“Coming from you, that’s rich,” Xu Qing retorted.
Some people had money and time; others had neither but were free. Xu Qing was glad to be the latter. If he were like Wang, with a family empire to manage, his personality wouldn’t allow for such a carefree life. The stress would be unbearable.
Fortunately, Xu Wenbin was just an archaeologist.
Xu Qing hung up, pondering the amusement park’s attractions. It might be fun to take Jiang He, but not now—better to wait until after the holiday chaos subsided.
When he returned home, Jiang He was reading a book, oblivious to the three sets of elementary school textbooks Xu Qing had just ordered. The computer beside her echoed a lively dialogue:
“His dad got hurt drinking milk.”
“How do you get hurt drinking milk?”
“The cow sat down halfway through.”
“Was he slurping it standing up?”
“Well, he couldn’t reach sitting down!”
Jiang He chuckled, looking up at the clock before turning to Xu Qing. “Back?”
“Mm.” Xu Qing nodded, studying her. She had started enjoying comedy skits.
Her smile was beautiful.