Chapter 41: Why, After All? (Part 3)

*Chapter 41: Why, After All? (Part 3)*

The people of Shazhou harbored a deep-seated disdain for those from Yiyang. Hou Weidong was sharp enough to catch the fleeting look of suspicion and confusion in Accountant He’s eyes. It made him feel uncomfortable, stirring a bitter thought in his mind: What is so special about a park accountant? Just wait until I make something of myself. Then we’ll see whose face looks ridiculous.

Shazhou Park had once been quite famous in Linghe Province. However, as the provincial capital accelerated its urban development, the park gradually fell into decline. Nevertheless, as an old-established park, it still possessed a certain dignified atmosphere. Upon entering, one could see many tall trees and numerous shrubs and flowers that had been meticulously pruned into elegant shapes.

After walking for a while, the initial polite distance between them dissolved. Xiaojia’s nose tip was slightly damp with sweat. She clung tightly to Hou Weidong, her excitement evident as she talked nonstop about various aspects of her new job, leaving Hou Weidong no chance to interject. Seeing that no one was around, Hou Weidong wrapped his arm around Xiaojia’s waist. Through her thin skirt, his palm could feel the delicate texture and warmth of her skin.

Hou Weidong and Zhang Xiaojia had been in love for over three years at Shazhou College. Most of that time had been spent hiding, so they were quite adept at finding suitable terrain. After walking a bit, they found a spot that met their three strict criteria: first, the field of view had to be open to ensure no one else was nearby; second, their backs needed to be against a solid barrier like a wall, rock face, or building to prevent anyone from approaching from behind; third, the hiding spot had to be well-concealed.

Once they found the perfect location, Hou Weidong and Xiaojia embraced tightly. Xiaojia leaned in to kiss him, but Hou Weidong felt a bit awkward and said, “I haven’t brushed my teeth since last night or this morning.” Xiaojia, who was particular about hygiene, stopped her advance. She pinched Hou Weidong hard and said, “You’re so annoying. Why didn’t you brush your teeth at the hotel?”

Hou Weidong smiled bitterly. “Shazhou is hosting a grain and liquor trade fair. All the hotels are fully booked.”

“Where did you sleep last night?”

Hou Weidong briefly recounted his experiences from the previous night. Xiaojia’s eyes grew moist with concern. “Are you tired? If you are, you can lean on me and rest for a while.”

Hou Weidong smiled with deep meaning. “Sleeping at a time like this would be a waste of a precious opportunity.”

“You’re bad,” Xiaojia said, pinching him again.

They were like dry tinder and a raging fire; the slightest favorable environment would ignite them. Hou Weidong and Xiaojia held each other tightly. After a while, Xiaojia turned around, pressing her back against Hou Weidong. This was a familiar position from their days at Shazhou College. Hou Weidong slipped his hands inside Xiaojia’s shirt, unclasped her bra, and held her firm breasts.

Rekindling their passion, both were exceptionally excited. However, since it was broad daylight and the park fell under the jurisdiction of the Park Management Office, they tried to restrain themselves. Ultimately, Hou Weidong reached his climax in Xiaojia’s hand.

After the passion subsided, they sat in the shade of the park, chatting about their work experiences and the difficulties they had encountered.

“I told Jin Lingli about your situation,” Xiaojia said. “She thinks that being up on Qinglin Mountain, so far from the Party Secretary and the Town Mayor, means that no matter how well you perform, they won’t know. It’s like working for nothing. You need to find a way to return to the Qinglin Town Government.”

Jin Lingli was Zhang Xiaojia’s best friend from high school. She hadn’t passed the college entrance exam and had taken a job at the Tobacco Company. After several years of work, she acted like a seasoned veteran in front of Xiaojia.

“Director Huang from the Family Planning Office intends to transfer me there. Mayor Qin has already agreed, so there shouldn’t be much of a problem.” Hou Weidong noticed that the edges of Zhang Xiaojia’s hair were slightly curled. He touched it gently and said, “You’ve permed your hair.”

“Does it look good?”

“I still think your straight hair looked better before.”

“Hmm, you don’t understand. This kind of small curl is the most popular style in Shazhou City right now.”

Hou Weidong thought to himself: Up on Qinglin Mountain, I look up at the bright moon and down at the village aunties. Trends are far away from me.

“Have your father and mother’s attitudes improved?”

At the mention of her parents, Xiaojia’s face darkened. “They are still the same. They constantly warn me. They know we are still seeing each other, but they can’t find any leverage. They have strictly ordered me to be back by nine o’clock every night.”

Hou Weidong recalled Chen Qingrong’s displeased expression and sighed silently. He held Xiaojia’s hand and said, “Xiaojia, please believe in me. Give me some time. I will definitely achieve results and make your parents believe in me.” Although his heart felt heavy, he deliberately waved his hand cheerfully. “Hu Hansan will definitely return to Shazhou. We must have confidence.”

Seeing Hou Weidong’s determined expression, Xiaojia felt much more resolute. During the month since they parted, whenever the night grew deep and quiet, she had felt an inexplicable despair about the future of their love. In reality, the gap between Shazhou and Yiyang was indeed a chasm that was hard to cross, as wide as the Heavenly River created by the Queen Mother of the West.

As she rested her head on Hou Weidong’s shoulder, Xiaojia felt as if she had returned to the past. Her self-confidence was restored. She held Hou Weidong’s hand and said, “I believe in you.”

They stayed in the park until two o’clock before going out for lunch. Afterwards, they searched all over Shazhou for a hotel. As with the previous night, all the hotels and inns in Shazhou were packed. Remembering Jin Lingli’s wide social circle, Xiaojia called her to ask if she had any solutions. After a brief conversation, Xiaojia spat lightly, saying, “Nonsense.” Then, blushing, she added, “Thank you.”

After hanging up, Hou Weidong saw that Xiaojia was both happy and shy. “Is the accommodation for tonight sorted out?”

“Jin Lingli’s brother is on a business trip to Yunnan and won’t be back for a month. He has an apartment, and he gave the key to Jin Lingli. She’s letting you stay there today.”

Seeing Xiaojia’s rosy cheeks, Hou Weidong naturally understood the implication. His body responded eagerly, and his heart pounded heavily. With a silent understanding, they went to retrieve the key.

At a gray residential building, a tall girl holding a small floral umbrella stood in the shade of a tree. Seeing the two of them, drenched in sweat, a smile appeared on her face.

“Hou Weidong, I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Jin Lingli.”

Hou Weidong smiled. “I’ve written the name ‘Jin Lingli’ so many times that I’m extremely familiar with it. Today, I finally meet the person behind the name.” Whenever Hou Weidong wrote letters to Xiaojia, he always addressed them to “Zhang Xiaojia, via Jin Lingli.” Jin Lingli had been working for several years. She wore an exquisite necklace, and her shirt collar was cut low, revealing a striking glimpse of her cleavage.

As Zhang Xiaojia’s close confidante, Jin Lingli knew the details of their love story very well. Today, she finally met the male protagonist. She looked Hou Weidong up and down. In terms of appearance, temperament, and conversation, he was a perfect match for Zhang Xiaojia. It was a pity that he worked in Yiyang; otherwise, he could have been considered a prince charming.

Jin Lingli whispered something to Xiaojia. Xiaojia glanced at Hou Weidong, then blushed and playfully pushed Jin Lingli. After they joked around for a while, Jin Lingli handed the key to Xiaojia. Turning to Hou Weidong, she said, “It’s too hot. I’m going home to cool off with the air conditioner. I won’t waste your precious time.”

Jin Lingli’s gesture was truly a timely help for Hou Weidong. He expressed his gratitude with a few words and watched as Jin Lingli entered the building.

With the key in hand, they didn’t want to stay in the scorching sun for another minute. Hou Weidong said softly, “I’ll go buy condoms.”

“No,” Xiaojia said, without offering any further explanation.

During her high school years, Zhang Xiaojia had visited Jin Lingli’s brother’s apartment with her. Relying on her memory, she easily found the residence.

For a bachelor, it was a quite refreshing apartment. There were two potted bonsai trees inside, which were said to be expensive and required careful management. This was the main reason Jin Lingli’s brother had entrusted the key to her. The facilities were also complete. In addition to common household appliances like a refrigerator and a television, there was an air conditioner, which was still relatively rare at the time.

Hou Weidong locked the security door from the inside and then held Xiaojia tightly in his arms.