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Chapter 2573 The Ultimate Simp

With the relationship between Su Ning and Yang Maixiang confirmed, their marriage was also arranged smoothly.

Instead of going through the usual formalities of marriage proposal, engagement, and betrothal gifts, the couple decided to go straight to getting their marriage certificate, finding those old customs too troublesome.

First, go to the factory to get a marriage introduction letter.

When the HR lady saw Su Ning and Yang Maixiang walk in together, she was taken aback for a moment. "Master Su, you're moving fast! You were single not long ago, and now you're getting married?"

"It's mainly because it's fate, and I don't want to miss it."

"That's more like it! You have to act when the time is right, or you'll miss your chance."

"What you say is true, sister." Su Ning smiled and handed over the application form.

The older sister looked at the application, then at Yang Maixiang, and praised, "The girl is really pretty. Master Su, you're so lucky."

Yang Maixiang was a little embarrassed by the praise, so she lowered her head and smiled.

With the letter of introduction ready, the two rode their bicycles to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Yang Maixiang sat in the back seat, one arm around Su Ning's waist.

Although the two didn't talk much along the way, Su Ning could feel Yang Maixiang's nervous heartbeat.

There were quite a few people queuing at the Civil Affairs Bureau, and several couples were standing there waiting, all with smiles on their faces.

Su Ning and Yang Maixiang lined up behind them, waiting quietly.

When it was their turn, the staff looked at their letters of introduction, then at the two of them, asked a few routine questions, and then took out two marriage certificates, filled in their names, and stamped them with an official seal.

"Alright! Congratulations, you are now a legally married couple." The older woman handed over the marriage certificate, congratulating them with a smile.

As Yang Maixiang accepted the marriage certificate, a feeling she couldn't quite explain welled up inside her.

She looked up at Su Ning, who was also looking at her with gentle eyes.

After the two left the Civil Affairs Bureau, Su Ning held Yang Maixiang's hand in his own, "Let's go! Let's go home."

"Mmm." Yang Maixiang nodded, the word "home" in her heart sounding especially reassuring.

……

Next, the wedding banquet was held in the second canteen. It was not a big affair; there were only five or six tables, and the guests were all close colleagues and friends.

Liu Hongchang arrived, sat in the corner, didn't say much, ate and drank as usual, and drank when others offered him a toast, all quietly.

Yang Maixiang was wearing a red dress and her hair was up in a bun; she looked even more beautiful than usual.

Suning was wearing a brand new white shirt, his hair was neatly combed, and he looked very energetic.

The two went from table to table toasting. When they reached Liu Hongchang's table, Su Ning and Yang Maixiang held their wine glasses, looked at Liu Hongchang, and had calm eyes without any complicated emotions.

There was nothing between the two of them; it was just a blind date.

Liu Hongchang picked up his glass, clinked it with Su Ning and Yang Maixiang's, said "Congratulations," and then drank it all in one gulp.

"Thank you!" Yang Maixiang also drank it, smiled after finishing, and turned to leave.

As Liu Hongchang watched her retreating figure, the indescribable feelings in his heart suddenly faded away at that moment.

The wedding banquet ended, the guests left, and the canteen returned to silence.

……

Su Ning and Yang Maixiang returned to their new home—a two-bedroom dormitory room allocated by the factory. It wasn't big, just over forty square meters, and a large red "double happiness" character was pasted on the wall.

The door closed, leaving only two people inside.

Yang Maixiang stood in the middle of the room, suddenly feeling a little nervous. She didn't know where to put her hands or where to look.

Although she's very easygoing, this is something a young woman like her has no experience with.

Su Ning walked over, took her hand, and helped her sit on the edge of the bed.

Then he poured a cup of hot water and handed it to Yang Maixiang to warm her hands. "Nervous?" Su Ning asked.

Yang Maixiang nodded, then shook her head; she couldn't explain it herself.

Su Ning smiled and sat down next to Yang Maixiang, shoulder to shoulder.

He didn't rush to do anything, just sat there and talked to Yang Maixiang about this and that, about the cafeteria, about the bus, about the future.

Soon, Yang Maixiang stopped being nervous. She leaned on his shoulder, listened to his voice, and felt particularly at ease.

Suning extended his hand to Yang Maixiang, and then the lights went out...

The wedding night was better than Yang Maixiang had imagined.

I thought it would hurt a lot, I thought it would be embarrassing, I thought I would be flustered.

But Suning is too good at it; it's not the kind of thing that's rushed or impatient, but rather the kind that's subtle and pervasive.

Su Ning knew when to do what, knew how to relax her, knew how to make her...

Every step was perfectly executed, as if it had been done countless times with practiced ease.

After an unknown amount of time, Yang Maixiang lay in Su Ning's arms, her hair spread out on the pillow like a blooming flower.

A thought suddenly popped into her head, a thought that made her a little uncomfortable, but she still said it aloud, "Su Ning, have you ever had a girlfriend before?"

Su Ning was smoothing her hair when she heard this and paused. "Why do you ask that?"

Yang Maixiang rolled over to face him. "Don't lie to me. If you didn't have experience, you couldn't possibly do this. You must have done it before, and more than once."

Su Ning looked at her and remained silent for a while.

Of course, I can't tell the truth. The truth is too outrageous, and Yang Maixiang wouldn't believe it anyway.

With claims of traveling through worlds, being an emperor, having empresses and concubines, Yang Maixiang would be surprised if she didn't think he was mentally ill.

But Su Ning didn't want to lie to Yang Maixiang, at least not on this issue. "Maixiang, let me tell you the truth. My past is complicated, and you wouldn't believe me even if I told you. But there's one thing I can assure you: you are the first and only woman I've ever been with in this world."

Suning's voice was very serious, so serious that it didn't sound like he was lying at all.

Yang Maixiang stared into Su Ning's eyes for a long time, trying to find any flickering, guilty, or unnatural look in them.

But Yang Maixiang found nothing.

Suning's eyes are clear and honest, like a pool of clear water, you can see right to the bottom.

"What does 'in this world' mean?" Yang Maixiang caught the word in his words, but felt a little strange.

Su Ning laughed and pinched her nose. "It means exactly what it says. Don't ask anymore, anyway, I didn't lie to you. You really are my first woman."

Yang Maixiang was skeptical, but she didn't want to ask any more questions.

It wasn't because Suning explained it well, but because I felt Suning had no reason to lie to me.

Suning is straightforward; he says what he means and he doesn't. He would never say something against his conscience just to please anyone.

"Okay, I believe you." After saying that, Yang Maixiang buried her face in his chest and closed her eyes.

Yang Maixiang noticed that Suning's heartbeat was very strong, thumping like a drum. Listening to it, she fell asleep.

Su Ning held Yang Maixiang in his arms, but he didn't fall asleep.

Listening to the distant roar of machines outside the window, I felt very calm.

In this world, I finally have a home.

It wasn't a mission, a storyline, or a system arrangement; he chose it himself.

It's clear that he made the right choice in selecting Yang Maixiang.

She closed her eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips, and quickly fell asleep.

The wedding night passed just like that.

There were no earth-shattering events, no vows of eternal love, just two people, a warm home, a bed, quietly together, and that was good enough.

……

Not long after, a major event occurred in the second canteen: Liu Hongchang suddenly took a leave of absence without pay.

This incident caused a huge uproar in the second canteen, generating even more discussion than Suning's wedding.

The workers couldn't understand it. "Master Liu was doing so well at the factory. His skills were impeccable, and he was well-liked. Why would he just leave like that?"

"I heard they're going to the capital."

"What? What's he going to the capital for?"

"I don't know! Master Liu didn't say, but he had a big argument with his mother and brother. It's obvious that his mother and brother don't want him to take a leave of absence without pay."

When Su Ning heard the news, he was chopping vegetables. He paused for a moment, then continued chopping without saying anything.

He had a rough idea of ​​where Liu Hongchang was going, but he didn't expect Liu Hongchang to actually go.

Liu Hongchang left without saying goodbye to anyone.

I packed my few belongings into two bags, carrying one on my shoulder and holding the other in my hand.

He glanced back at his mother and brother and sister-in-law one last time, and then resolutely went to the capital to pursue his love.

When he reached the factory gate, he looked back at the towering chimney, the gray factory buildings, and the place where he had spent several years.

Then he turned around and left.

He was going to the capital to find He Wenhui.

He knew this decision was foolish, he knew He Wenhui didn't have feelings for him, and he knew going there would be pointless.

But Liu Hongchang wouldn't give up until he went to see her.

That's just how he is. Once he sets his mind on something, he won't turn back even if he hits a brick wall. He'll keep going until he breaks through the wall and sees what's on the other side before he'll give up.

Of course, the most likely outcome is that he will suffer a head injury, with blood flowing and brains splattered, but he will still go without hesitation.

……

He bought a hard seat train ticket, instead of a soft sleeper like He Wenhui. He reserved all his tenderness for He Wenhui. The journey took more than twenty hours, leaving his buttocks sore and his legs swollen.

Liu Hongchang didn't feel bitter; his mind was full of He Wenhui. He wondered what he should say when he saw her, whether she would be surprised, and whether she would be happy.

He considered countless possibilities, but he never imagined that He Wenhui simply didn't want to see him.

Upon arriving in Beijing and exiting the train station, Liu Hongchang stood in the square, looking at the bustling traffic before him, somewhat bewildered.

Beijing is too big, even bigger than Liu Hongchang imagined.

Skyscrapers, wide roads, buses coming and going, and stylishly dressed men and women.

Looking down at my faded work uniform, I felt like a country bumpkin from the countryside.

Liu Hongchang didn't have time to reflect. After finding out the way to Peking University, he squeezed onto a bus.

The bus was crowded. A local glanced at him and cursed, "Hmph! You stinking out-of-towner."

Before Liu Hongchang could react, he was squeezed to the doorway, his face pressed against the glass, watching the street scene outside recede little by little.

By the time they realize they've been subjected to regional discrimination, it's too late to retaliate.

Soon, my heart was pounding again, even more nervous than when I first cooked.

……

Soon, the bus carrying the country bumpkin Liu Hongchang arrived at Peking University.

Peking University is much bigger and more beautiful than Liu Hongchang imagined.

Shady trees, red walls and gray tiles, everywhere are young students carrying books, their faces bearing the pride that only students from prestigious universities possess.

Standing at the school gate, looking at the four characters "Peking University" on the sign, Liu Hongchang suddenly felt out of place in this place.

How can a cook who didn't even finish junior high school stand at the gate of China's best university?

However, Liu Hongchang took a deep breath and walked straight in.

When they found He Wenhui, she had just come out of the library, holding several books in her arms, and was talking to a boy.

The boy was wearing a gray Zhongshan suit, and he looked very refined and cultured.

The two walked very close, shoulder to shoulder, their heads close together as they talked, laughing happily.

Standing by the roadside, watching this scene, Liu Hongchang felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, chilling him to the bone.

Because he had already recognized the boy, Li Jianbin, He Wenhui's boyfriend.

I had heard He Wenhui mention it before, and I had also seen this face in my dreams, but I never expected to see it under these circumstances.

When He Wenhui saw Liu Hongchang, she was stunned for a moment, thinking she was seeing things. "Master Liu? What brings you here?"

The voice was full of surprise, but not delight; it was truly a pure accident.

Liu Hongchang lifted the things he was carrying, his smile a little stiff. "I came to Beijing on some business and stopped by to see you. How are you doing at school?"

He deliberately spoke casually, as if it were just a side trip.

"It's alright! This is my boyfriend, Li Jianbin. We've been childhood sweethearts."

"..." Liu Hongchang naturally knew about these things; his life in his dream had already taught him. "Li Jianbin, hello! I am Liu Hongchang from the No. 2 canteen of Yangzi Petrochemical."

"I know you. Thank you for picking up Wenda with Wenhui last time."

"no big deal."

Next, He Wenhui led Liu Hongchang to a pavilion on campus, next to the beautiful Weiming Lake.

Li Jianbin also came along, standing next to He Wenhui with his hand on her shoulder; that gesture already spoke volumes.

Looking at that hand, Liu Hongchang felt a pang in his heart, but he had to keep smiling and pretend not to care.

"Master Liu, are you tired from the journey?"

"Thank goodness! The entire journey was in soft sleeper berths, so I just had a nap and we arrived."

"How's business at the second canteen?"

"It's great! The workers are all very honest and simple; as long as the food is tasty, they're happy."

Then they asked a lot of pointless questions, all just polite pleasantries, neither warm nor cold, like they were treating a fellow villager who had come from afar.

Liu Hongchang answered them one by one, and then the conversation suddenly stopped.

The three people sat in the pavilion, none of them speaking, the air seemed to freeze.

He Wenhui glanced at Li Jianbin, who nodded as if to encourage her.

He Wenhui took a deep breath and looked at Liu Hongchang. "Master Liu, I remember all the good things you've done for me. The time with the lamb bone, the time I bought the train ticket, the time I picked up Wenda from the mine—I remember them all. You're a good person, but I have a boyfriend. We've been together for several years, and we have a very good relationship. I only feel gratitude towards you, nothing else. Don't waste your time on me."

Liu Hongchang sat there, the smile on his face slowly fading.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something, and he couldn't utter a single word.

In fact, he already knew this would be the outcome; he knew it before he even came.

After all, that fantastical dream made him understand He Wenhui very well, perhaps even better than He Wenhui herself.

But Liu Hongchang insisted on coming, insisted on hearing it with his own ears, insisted on seeing it with his own eyes, and insisted on shattering his last bit of illusion before he would give up.

Next, Liu Hongchang did not pester her, did not harass her, and did not shamefully kneel down to beg her.

He simply stood up, nodded, and said, "I understand."

Then he turned around and left.

He Wenhui called out from behind, "Master Liu..."

Liu Hongchang paused for a moment, but didn't turn around and continued walking forward.

Looking at Liu Hongchang's dejected figure, He Wenhui felt a pang of pity. "Jianbin, was my behavior just now too heartless?"

“Meaningless fantasies are what hurt him; you and he are from completely different worlds.”

"Yes, Jianbin, you're right! It's better to have a short, sharp pain than a long, drawn-out one."

"Let's go! This Liu Hongchang is just a passerby in your life."

"Ah."

……

However, Liu Hongchang did not leave the capital.

He didn't know if he was being stubborn, resentful, or simply mentally unstable.

I rented a small, damp, and dark room in a crowded courtyard near Peking University. The lights had to be on during the day, the paint was peeling off the walls, and the bedding was always wet, as if it had just been pulled out of the water.

Then he applied for a chef position at the Peking University cafeteria, and with his skills, he was hired without much effort.

And so, Liu Hongchang became an ordinary cook in the Peking University cafeteria, wearing a white coat and a white hat every day, standing in front of the stove to cook.

Now he and He Wenhui are on the same campus, separated by a few roads and a few buildings, and they can still occasionally bump into each other on the street.

"Master Liu, what's going on?"

"Wenhui, I'm a chef at Peking University's cafeteria now."

"What? You're not going back to Nanjing?"

"I'm not going back! I've already taken a leave of absence without pay at Yangzi Petrochemical. I want to take advantage of my youth to come to Beijing and see what makes this city so charming and attractive."

“Master Liu, please don’t do this. I’m not worth it, and you’re putting a lot of pressure on me right now.”

"Don't get me wrong! I really just wanted to go out and explore, not for you."

"..."

In fact, Liu Hongchang couldn't explain why he stayed.

It wasn't because he was waiting for He Wenhui, because he knew he wouldn't be able to wait.

It wasn't to move He Wenhui, because he knew he couldn't.

Maybe they just don't know where to go or what else they can do.

Go back to Nanjing? Go back to the second canteen? Go back to face the cold words of my mother and brother and sister-in-law?

He really can't do it.

Beijing is a big enough city with a large population, so nobody knows Liu Hongchang and nobody cares about him.

He just hid here, like a grain of sand falling into the desert, and no one could find him.

The colleagues at Peking University's cafeteria felt that this new Chef Liu was a bit strange.

He has good skills, doesn't talk much, and works efficiently, but he just doesn't like to interact with people.

After work, I would go back to the back room of the courtyard house, close the door, and not see anyone.

When someone invited Liu Hongchang for drinks, he declined; when someone introduced him to a potential partner, he refused; when someone asked him where his hometown was, he said Nanjing, but was unwilling to elaborate.

As time went on, people stopped asking.

As long as he can cook, that's all that matters. Who cares what Liu Hongchang is thinking?

Liu Hongchang stayed in Beijing, keeping a respectful distance from He Wenhui, like a shadow that could be ignored.

He didn't know what he was doing, or what he was supposed to do.

All he knows is that he's now in Beijing, closer to He Wenhui, which makes him feel more at ease.

As for what to do in the future, Liu Hongchang had not thought about it, nor dared to think about it.

...(End of this chapter)