Chapter 374: Peeping, Secrets, Return Journey_3
"Mm-hmm."
Lin Yuchang blushed again, her sparkly eyes fixated on Shen Yuan.
"Alright, save your emotions for later. I'm going to wash up and brush my teeth. Call Zhu Qingrou to get ready for breakfast."
"Shen Yuan."
Lin Yuchang suddenly called out to Shen Yuan.
"What's up?"
Lin Yuchang hesitated before saying, "Actually... Lulu probably has a bit of a crush on you."
"Uh-huh, I know."
Shen Yuan pinched her cheek again, then headed into the bathroom.
He was aware that Dai Lu had some fondness for him, but it hadn't reached 60, since her Feel-good Index hadn't popped up like Zhu Qingrou's.
These relationships needed to develop slowly and steadily. Forcing things or hastening the pace could only backfire.
However, since Lin Yuchang was willing to play this mediating role, progress would surely speed up a lot.
Looking at it this way, Lin Yuchang might even have the potential to become a housekeeper like Teacher Ji Ya, and perhaps someday she could be as invaluable to him as his right-hand woman.
...
After Shen Yuan freshened up, the three of them went to the buffet for breakfast, where he observed Zhu Qingrou's expression.
This girl was clearly feeling guilty, deliberately avoiding his gaze. It seemed that last night's incident still embarrassed her.
He had felt her size, and she had felt his size. From that push-up episode, it was clear that neither had lost out.
He just wondered whether she had any memory of him "taking advantage" in the wee hours.
To his surprise, Zhu Qingrou's size was pretty good, even a bit larger than Lin Yuchang's, definitely not inherited from old Zhu but probably from her foreign mother.
"You staying until when?"
Shen Yuan asked Zhu Qingrou.
Qing Rou glanced at him sideways, nonchalantly replying, "What, you just hosted me for one night and you're already eager to send me off?"
"I'm heading back to Star City tomorrow. If you're still staying here, there will be nobody to hang out with you."
"Oh."
Qing Rou's expression dimmed, then quickly returned to normal: "I was planning to fly back to Yanjing tomorrow anyway."
"How about coming to Star City for fun the next holiday? Uncle will show you around, make sure you have good food and a good time."
"You are not my uncle... but going for fun sounds tempting. I'll consider when I'm free. The main concern is whether you'll cover the accommodation and round trip airfare."
Qing Rou's eyes sparkled anew.
Hold on, good food... Qing Rou glanced at Shen Yuan and Lin Yuchang, and the thought of their early morning scene suddenly made her feel queasy.
Had she known, she wouldn't have watched... It spoiled her appetite.
"You really underestimate your uncle. As long as you come, it's on me."
Qing Rou smacked her lips, "Hmm... then I'll consider it."
"Okay, but let me know in advance if you decide to come."
...
That afternoon, Shen Yuan took Lin Yuchang and Zhu Qingrou to visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a 1700-year-old water town.
Drifting down the river in a boat, admiring the whitewashed walls and dark tiles of the riverside buildings, they enjoyed the tranquility and elegance of the Jiangnan water town.
The next day, the three of them headed to the airport together. Qing Rou returned to Yanjing, while Shen Yuan went back to Star City.
There were quite a few things for Shen Yuan to take care of upon his return. First, he planned to visit the business club won with his badge.
Second, Vice Principal Liao from Nanzhong University had invited him several times to inspect the school. Having delayed for so long, it was about time to go.
Shen Xuan and Xinyu were both at Nanzhong, making it a good opportunity to see them.
Next was Teacher Lih; after Shen Xuan's efforts of negotiation and engagement, Teacher Lih had a crack in her defenses. With a little more effort from Shen Yuan, he should be able to seal the deal.
He also needed to assess the results of the dance troupe trio, take care of Long Jinghan's birthday, and a few other miscellaneous tasks...
However, upon receiving the news of his return, Liew Menglu and Qiao Lei clamored to pick him up at the airport.
These two clingy kids would definitely start squabbling upon meeting, so Shen Yuan didn't allow them to come, nor did he share his flight information with them.
More importantly, if picking him up became a habit, they would expect to do so every time.