Chapter 71: Surprise
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
From Chengdu to Rain City, and then to Lushan County, it was a journey of nearly three hours. By the time Zhou Chao arrived in Rain City, it was already past 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Rain City wasn’t too far from Lushan County. Driving his Mercedes G500, Zhou Chao covered the distance in about half an hour and arrived at Lushan County. He found a hotel to check in.
Inside the hotel, Zhou Chao settled his luggage and brewed a pot of tea for himself. The temperature in Lushan County was relatively low, especially since it was winter. When Zhou Chao first arrived, he felt a chill all over his body. After taking a few sips of tea, he began to feel warmer.
He took out his phone and called his younger brother, Xiao Feng. After a few rings, the call was answered.
Xiao Feng was at home reading a book. When he heard his phone ring, he got up from the sofa and walked to the door to answer the call. “Hello, Second Brother.”
Zhou Chao smiled and said, “Fourth Brother, I’ve arrived in Lushan County.” “What?! Second Brother, you’re in Lushan County? Where are you? Should 1 come find you? Does Jiang Li know you’re here?” Xiao Feng’s excitement was palpable upon hearing that his second brother Zhou Chao was in Lushan County.
“She doesn’t know. She should still be at home!”
“Where are you right now? I’ll come find you.”
“I’m still at the same hotel as last time.”
“Great! I’ll come over right now.” After hanging up the phone, Xiao Feng hurriedly left his room, got into his car, and headed to the hotel.
Shortly after, there was a knock on Zhou Chao’s hotel room door. He opened it to find Xiao Feng standing outside. He moved aside to allow Xiao Feng to enter. “Would you like some tea? 1 just brewed it.”
“Sure, give me a cup. It’s quite cold outside.” Xiao Feng rubbed his hands together and sat down on the sofa.
“Second Brother, what brings you all the way here again? Missing Jiang Li, perhaps?” Realizing Xiao Feng’s thoughts, Zhou Chao suddenly felt embarrassed.
Zhou Chao held his ground and said with determination, “Yes, that’s right. I do miss Jiang Li.”
“Hahaha, you crack me up! It’s only been a short while since you last saw her. Are you planning to be by her side every day?” Xiao Feng chuckled as he looked at Zhou Chao’s expression.
“Enough of that. Let’s talk business. Tonight, I want to give her a surprise.” Zhou Chao smoothly poured a cup of tea for Xiao Feng.
“How are you planning to do that?” Xiao Feng took a sip of tea, feeling the warmth spreading through his body.
“Just invite her out for dinner, and I’ll show up when the time is right.” Xiao Feng’s eyebrows furrowed upon hearing the plan, sensing a hint of awkwardness.
“Are you sure this won’t make your readers think you’re acting a bit cliche?”
“I don’t have a choice. This is the best I can do,” Zhou Chao said with a sigh of resignation. After all, he had never been in a relationship before and lacked the experience to guide him. This approach seemed to be his only viable option.
“Then I’ll give Jiang Li a call.” Seeing Zhou Chao’s decision, Xiao Feng took out his phone and dialed her number.
“Hello, brother. What’s up?” Jiang Li’s lazy voice came through the phone.
“Tonight, I’m treating you to dinner. Same place as always. Come a bit earlier.”
“Okay, brother.” After hanging up the phone, Xiao Feng shook his phone and said, “So, how about that? Are you satisfied now? How are you going to thank your brother?”
“Hehe, don’t worry, I’ll remember your kindness. I’ll take a shower first, and then we can set off.” Zhou Chao stood up and headed towards the bathroom.
“Let’s go.” Zhou Chao packed the jade bracelet and shawl he had brought for Jiang Li into a bag and prepared to head out.
“You brought a gift for Jiang Li, what about me?” Xiao Feng looked at Zhou Chao carefully arranging the gift and said indignantly.
“Don’t worry, I’ve brought something for you too. I’ll show you later.” The two of them left the hotel, and Zhou Chao led Xiao Feng to the G500 parked nearby. “How’s this gift?” Zhou Chao pointed to the car in front and asked, but to his surprise, Xiao Feng remained silent.
Zhou Chao turned his head and saw that Xiao Feng had gone into a trance, squatting on the ground and drawing circles while muttering to himself, “Drawing circles to curse you.”
“What’s wrong with you, Xiao Feng?”
“Second Brother, I think you’ve got some bad intentions. If you gift me this car, do you really think I’d dare to drive it? I’m afraid 1’11 be invited for tea tomorrow.” Listening to Xiao Feng’s words, Zhou Chao understood the situation and could only helplessly give up.
“Come on, it’s getting late, and Jiang Li will be arriving soon,” Zhou Chao said, urging Xiao Feng into the passenger seat before taking his place behind the wheel.
Lushan County wasn’t large, and it only took a few minutes to reach the restaurant. Zhou Chao ordered a Yayu dish and some local specialties.
As they chatted, he asked, “Fourth Brother, is Xiao Yang your older brother?” “Wait, how did you find out? Are you acquainted with my older brother?” Xiao Feng’s reaction was far from composed upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words. After all, the whereabouts of his elder brother were not information accessible to the general public. Moreover, the revelation that Zhou Chao was aware of his brother’s identity sent Xiao Feng’s thoughts into a whirlwind of conjecture. “Don’t read too much into it. During my recent visit to Jingdu for a charity event, 1 coincidentally crossed paths with him. He actually initiated a greeting. Later, 1 inquired with Si Cong and learned his last name. That’s when I began to suspect he might be your older brother.”
“How did my brother know about you? He shouldn’t really care about this stuff.” Xiao Feng’s question also puzzled Zhou Chao. Indeed, how would his brother know about him? For a moment, Zhou Chao fell into silence. He pondered over why this might be, but after thinking for a while, he gave up as he couldn’t find a clear answer.
“I have no idea. Ask your brother when you get the chance.”
“Forget it, I wouldn’t dare. My brother used to bully me when I was a kid. I still have some trauma from that.” Xiao Feng shook his head quickly.
Zhou Chao couldn’t help but laugh at Xiao Feng’s awkwardness.
Just as Zhou Chao was about to say something more, Xiao Feng saw Jiang Li entering the restaurant. He turned to Zhou Chao and said, “Your wife is here.” In response, Zhou Chao swiftly turned his head and rose from his seat, striding over with purpose. His eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him – she was dressed in a snug, pristine white down jacket with a sizable hat resting atop her head. The soft white fur on the hat accentuated the allure of her delicate features.
In an instant, Zhou Chao embraced Jiang Li tightly, whispering softly into her ear, “I’ve missed you.”
Jiang Li’s hands instinctively wrapped around his waist, and she buried her head in Zhou Chao’s chest. They held each other tightly in this embrace. “Can you two pay attention to your surroundings? It’s broad daylight, after all.” Xiao Feng’s words interrupted the two lovebirds who were lost in their affectionate moment. Jiang Li quickly pulled away from Zhou Chao’s embrace and glanced around. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on them, and her already flushed face turned even redder.
Zhou Chao took Jiang Li’s hand and led her to the dining table. They sat down, and Jiang Li still had her head lowered.
“Little fairy, did you miss me?” Zhou Chao whispered gently into Jiang Li’s ear. His warm breath tickled her ear.
“I’ve been thinking about you, you silly rascal!” Jiang Li lifted her head. If it weren’t for the smile on her face and her rosy cheeks, one might have mistaken her for being angry.
“Hmph, you didn’t call me as soon as you arrived. That’s worth some points deducted, young man.” Jiang Li acted as if she was older, patting Zhou Chao’s shoulder and scolding him.
Rubbing the softness in his hand, Zhou Chao looked at Jiang Li and said, “I wanted to surprise you.”
Jiang Li, blushing from Zhou Chao’s intense gaze, lowered her head and said, “1 forgive you.”
“Alright, you two have had your moment. Can you stop acting like I’m not here?” Xiao Feng protested from the side..