Chapter 114 - It Was too Evil
Lu Xiaoya blushed once more. It seemed like innocent chatter about cucumbers in the greenhouse. Yet, influenced by the dormitory's mischievous occupants, she gradually grasped that cucumbers served purposes beyond mere consumption.
However, upon being pulled in, she realized Lee Xiulian genuinely intended for her to inspect each cucumber meticulously. They varied in appearance, possessing both allure and imperfections, each long and straight.
“Xiaoloong's substantial cucumbers are satisfactory, don't you think?” Lee Xiulian's eyes gleamed as she queried, “Would you care to sample them?”
Lu Xiaoya was now certain that Elder Sister Lianzi's actions were deliberate, not accidental teasing.
Before she could respond, her companion plucked a cucumber, caressing it before passing it to Lu Xiaoya.
“What do you think? Just holding it, isn't it exhilarating?” Lee Xiulian boasted, “If you dare to taste, I guarantee you'll be captivated.”
Lu Xiaoya's cheeks burned, her heart akin to a cat's clawing uncertainty. She couldn't discern if her companion spoke of cucumbers or Xiaoloong…
She took a bite hesitantly, startled by the refreshing burst of flavor.
Observing her astonishment, Lee Xiulian chuckled. “Surprised, aren't you? Elder Sister Lianzi didn't deceive you, did she? Zhang Xiaoloong's offerings are all exceptional. Some are even larger than this cucumber. You must act swiftly and not let them slip away.”
Despite her flushed face, Lu Xiaoya endured the embarrassment, nodding silently.
Xiaoloong also joined them, noticing Lu Xiaoya enjoying the cucumber. He reached for one himself. “These cucumbers seem decent. Has Elder Sister Lianzi tasted them?”
“What kind of cucumbers are you talking about?” Lee Xiulian swatted his hand away, eyeing him sidelong. She plucked a tomato and remarked, “Look at this. Plump, red, with delicate skin. When you bite into it, the sweet water bursts forth. You wouldn't even know where to start if it were presented to you.”
Zhang Xiaoloong was perplexed. Why was she showcasing so many tomatoes to him? He wasn't here to shop for vegetables.
Furthermore, why the charade with the tomato near Lu Xiaoya's chest?
Surveying the pair, one munching a tomato while the other consumed cucumbers, Lee Xiulian chuckled, “You two enjoy here. I'll step out for a bit.”
As Lee Xiulian exited, Zhang Xiaoloong felt uneasy. His gaze inadvertently lingered on Lu Xiaoya's chest, finally grasping the tomato's implication.
Glancing at the cucumber in Lu Xiaoya's hand, he concluded Elder Sister Lianzi was quite mischievous.
“Rest here. I'll take a stroll outside,” Zhang Xiaoloong suggested, finding the atmosphere too awkward.
“Big Brother Xiaoloong…” Lu Xiaoya hurriedly followed. Although there was no plan in this greenhouse, she also acknowledged Lee Xiulian's advice. If she didn't act soon, perhaps she'd take flight in a few months. “I'll accompany you.”
Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't refuse. As they exited the garden, they encountered Zhang Yang tending to the vegetables.
Seeing Zhang Xiaoloong, Zhang Yang intended to pause and chat. However, upon noticing the woman beside him differed from the one he'd embraced previously, he tactfully greeted her and departed.
“What brings you back?” As they strolled, Zhang Xiaoloong initiated conversation.
“It's New Year's Day,” Lu Xiaoya elucidated, “and I heard from my mother about your remarkable success in vegetable farming back in the village. I couldn't resist returning to see for myself. Big Brother Xiaoloong, your achievements are truly commendable. You've become the foremost expert in farming in Qinghe Village in just a few months!”
“It's nothing, really. These past few months have taught me that there's still much I don't know. Without the assistance of others, I'd struggle to earn a living, let alone make any profit. I consider myself fortunate not to have lost everything,” Zhang Xiaoloong remarked with a grin.
As they conversed, Lu Xiaoya had an epiphany. Despite only a few months passing, she and Zhang Xiaoloong had grown apart significantly. Their exchanges were sparse, and when they did speak, it felt forced.
Recollecting their past interactions, Lu Xiaoya couldn't help but wonder if they had truly drifted so far apart.
With no particular destination in mind, they headed towards the village outskirts. Before long, Zhang Yang's car retraced its path.
Daily dishes were meticulously prepared, requiring only Zhang Yang's timely arrival for delivery, minimizing wait times.
“Brother Zhang,” Zhang Yang disembarked from the car this time. “I've heard about the road repairs at the village entrance.”
“Yes, indeed. Once the repairs are complete, access to the village will be much easier,” Zhang Xiaoloong confirmed.
“Easier after the repairs, but it'll take a month or two, right? How am I supposed to reach the village during this time?” Zhang Yang inquired awkwardly.
Zhang Xiaoloong hadn't considered this. The route from Qinghe Village to the city was singular. While the repaired road would facilitate passage, accommodating cars posed a challenge.
A day or two would be manageable, but a month-long halt for vehicles was untenable. Hong Yan wouldn't be able to wait indefinitely.
“Brother Zhang, you underestimate the demand for Jinshi's vegetables. They're outselling all others, with patrons clamoring for multiple servings. Without advance reservations, the supply is limited. You understand their popularity. If we halt for a month, guests might storm CEO Hong's room,” Zhang Yang exaggerated.
While Hong Yan's actions remained uncertain, Zhang Xiaoloong could surmise the situation. He knew the allure of his vegetables warranted such demand.
The pressing issue was resolving the vegetable predicament.
“Isn't it only the construction area that's inaccessible?” Lu Xiaoya proposed, “We could transport the vegetables manually from both ends of the village.”
“No,” Zhang Yang interjected, “I just spoke with the village chief. The construction team aims to expedite the process, with both chiefs overseeing the work concurrently. While this accelerates completion, it renders the entire road impassable. Jinshi can't afford to wait. Brother Zhang, what's our plan? If I return with this news, won't CEO Hong be livid?”
“Don't worry, I have a solution,” Zhang Yang reassured after contemplation. “Inform Elder Sister Yan that the vegetable supply won't cease during road repairs. Simply drive the car to the road's end when the time comes. I'll ensure delivery.”
Relieved by Zhang Xiaoloong's assurance, Zhang Yang nodded fervently, “I trust your word, Brother Zhang.”
Having journeyed thus far by car, Lu Xiaoya couldn't help but ask, “Big Brother Xiaoloong, how do you intend to manage transportation once the road is fully repaired?”
It seemed an insurmountable challenge. Lu Xiaoya was intrigued by Zhang Xiaoloong's apparent confidence in resolving it.
“I'm at a loss too,” Zhang Xiaoloong admitted with a smile. “Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best.”
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel