Chapter 132: Flag Raising Ceremony
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The next morning at 5 o’clock, Zhou Chao was awakened from his sleep by the alarm clock. Today, he was going to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square with Jiang Li, and since his place was quite far away, he had to get up early.
After getting ready, Zhou Chao hopped into his car and drove towards Tiananmen Square. In both of his lifetimes, he had only seen the flag-raising ceremony on TV and had never experienced it in person. He had even looked up the exact timing to make sure he didn’t miss it last night.
The flag-raising time varies each month of the year, with slight differences. For example, on January 1st, the flag is raised at 7:36 AM, while on January 31st, it’s at 7:24 AM. Generally, from January to mid-June, the flag-raising time gradually shifts from 7:36 AM to 4:45 AM. Then, from late June to December, it gradually goes from 4:45 AM back to 7:36 AM.
It took Zhou Chao about 15 minutes to finish getting ready, and he quickly changed into his clothes. Normally, in mid-January, the flag would be raised at around 7 o’clock, but Zhou Chao’s location was remote, and he had to pick up Jiang Li, so their schedule was tight.
Driving his Phantom, Zhou Chao made his way to Jiang Li’s place. Even at 5 o’clock in the morning, the streets of Jingdu were slowly coming to life. Street cleaners were at work, breakfast shops had already opened, and Zhou Chao stopped by the roadside to buy some breakfast.
There was no traffic on the road, and it took only 30 minutes for Zhou Chao to arrive at Jiang Li’s place. He parked in front of the large courtyard and waited for her.
After about ten minutes, Jiang Li appeared in Zhou Chao’s view, and he immediately honked the horn.
“You must have been waiting for a while.”
“1 just got here too. Here, have some breakfast!” Zhou Chao took out the breakfast he had bought earlier.
“Mua, love you!” Jiang Li gave Zhou Chao a peck on the cheek.
“Let’s go!”
Jiang Li’s place was not far from Tiananmen Square, and it took less than 20 minutes to reach the square. Zhou Chao found a parking spot and held Jiang Li’s hand as they walked toward the square.
Even in the cold winter weather, the desire to witness the flag-raising ceremony drew a crowd. When Zhou Chao and Jiang Li arrived at the square, some people had already started heading towards the flag-raising area.
Zhou Chao chose a spot near the flag-raising area. It was still early, not yet 7 o’clock, but when he looked around, the square was packed with people.
Jiang Li took out her phone and started taking photos of Zhou Chao. Seeing this, Zhou Chao pulled her close.
“I want to take a selfie!” Jiang Li rolled her eyes at him, then took several shots with her phone. Zhou Chao picked two nice ones and set them as his phone’s wallpaper.
“They’re coming!” The crowd suddenly became lively, and the two who had been affectionate a moment ago stretched their necks to see the ceremonial guards marching from a distance.
The ceremonial guards marched in perfect formation, a united and coordinated force, their synchronized footsteps resonating through the air. With heads held high and a dignified demeanor, they approached slowly.
As the national anthem played and the red flag soared, Zhou Chao fixed his gaze on the flag being hoisted. His posture became even more upright, and he stood at attention, singing along with the melody, his voice full of enthusiasm. The entire square echoed with the stirring chorus!
Even after the flag-raising ceremony ended, Zhou Chao’s heart remained deeply moved. Jiang Li, seeing his expression, naturally linked her arm with his, and Zhou Chao gradually regained his composure from the overwhelming emotions of the moment.
“Let’s go, let’s head back for a quick nap!” Zhou Chao casually remarked but quickly let out a sudden “ouch” the next moment.
“It hurts, it hurts… be gentle…” Zhou Chao hurriedly removed the little hand from his waist.
“Hmph, who said I want to sleep with you! You’re such a rascal, always up to no good, trying to take advantage of me!”
“Come on, it was definitely an unintentional mistake just now.” Jiang Li looked at Zhou Chao’s serious expression and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Alright, let’s go back. I also want to catch a quick nap.” Jiang Li pulled Zhou Chao’s arm towards the exit.
By the time the two of them returned to the courtyard, it was already 8:30 in the morning. Zhou Chao led Jiang Li straight upstairs.
“Which bedroom should I sleep in?” Jiang Li looked around at the layout of the rooms on the second floor.
“You can sleep in my bed!” Zhou Chao said, and Jiang Li gave him a suspicious look.
“Then where will you sleep?”
“I’ll lay down on the sofa for a while!” Zhou Chao and Jiang Li tacitly ignored the other rooms on the second floor.
“How about you sleep in your own bed!” Jiang Li said with her head down, her voice hesitant.
“Really!” Zhou Chao’s voice inadvertently raised a couple of decibels.
Seeing Zhou Chao’s joyful expression, Jiang Li playfully kicked him, saying, “I’m kidding,” before walking inside. However, she didn’t close the door, and Zhou Chao quickly followed.
“Don’t think about taking advantage of me!” Looking at Zhou Chao sleeping beside her, Jiang Li wasn’t sure what emotions were swirling in her heart—nervousness, anticipation, inner conflict, and more.
“Don’t worry!” Zhou Chao hugged Jiang Li and kissed her forehead. Before long, Jiang Li fell asleep, and Zhou Chao, looking at the sleeping Jiang Li, couldn’t help but smile.
They slept until noon when Jiang Li finally woke up. She saw herself tightly pressed against Zhou Chao’s chest, her legs draped over him. Her face turned bright red as she gazed at Zhou Chao, who was still asleep. She stole a kiss from him.
To her surprise, Zhou Chao suddenly opened his eyes and kissed her on the lips, holding it for quite some time before letting go.
“You rascal!” Jiang Li’s little hand traced circles on Zhou Chao’s chest, and she muttered under her breath.
The two of them lingered in bed for quite a while before getting up. Zhou Chao checked the time and suggested going out for a meal. So, they freshened up and headed out, planning to find a nearby restaurant to grab a bite.
“Brother Chao, how about we visit Panjiayuan after we’re done eating?” Zhou Chao, savoring his beef noodles, looked up in surprise when Jiang Li made her request.
“In a few days, it’s my grandfather’s birthday, and I want to pick out a gift for him.”
“Sure, we’ll go after we finish eating!”
“Mmm!” Zhou Chao ate his noodles quickly, and in no time, he finished a big bowl of beef noodles.
“Let’s go, we’ll go by car!” After settling the bill, Zhou Chao held Jiang Li’s hand as they walked back.
“Do you know what type of gift you want to buy?”
“I’m not sure, I’ll just see what’s suitable when we get there.”
“Aren’t you afraid of buying counterfeit goods?”
“I have you with me, so no worries!” Zhou Chao couldn’t help smiling after hearing Jiang Li’s remark.
Before long, Zhou Chao and Jiang Li arrived at Panjiayuan. They found a convenient parking spot and walked hand in hand towards the market..