Kang Chen's unexpected appearance brought a brief upheaval to Xu Xing's life, but she soon dove into the chaos of year-end work.
Currently, Xu Xing worked as a teacher at a brain development training institution called "Qizhen." Although it was a franchise, the brand was affiliated with a well-known children's education group, ensuring a steady stream of students.
When Li Yuanjun recommended her for the job, Xu Xing felt anxious due to her criminal record.
After being released from prison, she had sought employment but found that even slightly reputable companies required background checks. The prestige of her university degree couldn't overshadow the heavy burden of her past.
After numerous rejections, her once resilient spirit began to feel sensitive and fragile.
Finally finding a position where she wasn't shunned, she put in her utmost effort to embrace her new job.
After completing three months of training diligently, she officially started work two weeks ago.
Within just two weeks, her superiors had received several phone calls from parents praising her, even with some parents requesting her specifically for their children's classes through referrals.
Although Xu Xing didn't consider her performance particularly outstanding, in a field like this, one's abilities are often highlighted by the mediocrity of peers.
The training industry is notoriously competitive, with teachers of varying educational backgrounds; some had even entered through connections without having passed the teaching qualification exam.
Unfortunately, praise didn't translate to cash. With all the various allowances for meals and transportation, her salary barely reached two thousand yuan before taxes.
Of course, after becoming a full-time employee, the take-home amount, once the mandatory social security and housing fund deductions were made, would barely exceed four thousand.
When she calculated how long it would take to repay her substantial debt of fifty thousand yuan, it seemed she would need to live frugally for over a year.
The only consolation was that her creditor was Li Yuanjun, who charged no interest and didn't press her for payment.
Thinking about this, Xu Xing glanced at her gym membership card listed for sale online, priced at ten thousand yuan, which had been up for nearly a week without any inquiries.
After hesitating for a moment, she decided to lower the price by a thousand yuan.
***
"You don't need to thank me; it's what I should do. Okay, then, Happy New Year!"
Xu Xing ended the call with a smile. After hanging up, she rubbed her cheeks, which felt stiff from smiling, and stretched—finally free!
Most of the students at their training institution were preschool-aged children, with the oldest only in early elementary school. Thus, beyond teaching, the teachers had to invest considerable time and energy communicating with parents.
After all, the most basic courses started at five thousand yuan in tuition fees; it was necessary to demonstrate some professional competence so that parents felt their money was well spent.
Once she finished the last call before the Spring Festival, Xu Xing grabbed her bag and left her seat.
As the Spring Festival approached, there were no classes left; only the administrative staff remained, soaking up the air conditioning while watching TV dramas. She waved goodbye to her colleagues in the main office, humming a little tune as she made her way outside.
The elevator doors opened with a "ding," and at the same moment, her phone chimed—a timely notification alerting her that her salary had been deposited.
2004.8!
A surge of joy washed over Xu Xing. She had heard the salary would be deposited today, but she never expected it to arrive more reliably than her monthly period!
She stood there, holding her phone aloft, laughing uncontrollably like a little madwoman.
Two men in the elevator shot her strange looks, one adjusting his glasses and discreetly pressing the close button.
By the time Xu Xing came back to her senses, the elevator doors had already closed in front of her.
Having just received her first paycheck after being released, she shrugged off the small inconvenience. Waiting for the next elevator, she headed straight for Qianli Bookstore.
Starting today, Qianli was celebrating its tenth anniversary with a big sale, offering discounts on all books.
A few days earlier, while passing the bookstore, she had carefully studied their anniversary announcement.
With the store's anniversary discount, combined with the Spring Festival discount and Li Yuanjun's membership card discount, the complete commemorative edition of "The Mask" was only about eighty yuan—equivalent to thirty percent of the original price, cheaper than several online retailers, and it would also earn points on Li Yuanjun's membership card.
Most importantly, the bookstore was offering an exclusive poster with the "The Mask" edition.
Li Yuanjun was a die-hard fan of "The Mask." Giving her a complete set with the exclusive poster as a New Year gift would surely make her happy.
When Xu Xing arrived at Qianli, she was amazed to find the bookstore bustling with people, much like a market.
The first rule of a bargain hunter is that where there are crowds, there are good deals to be found.
Seeing so many people buying books, it seemed Qianli's promotion was genuinely worthwhile.
Without hesitation, Xu Xing charged toward the busiest section.
The best-sellers section was the most crowded, and as she passed by, she saw that the shelf displaying the commemorative edition of "The Mask" was already empty. But she wasn't disheartened; instead, she quickly made her way to the classic literature section, a mysterious smile on her face.
These eager book buyers were simply too young.
Having observed the competition the night before, Xu Xing had anticipated that "The Mask" would sell out quickly, so she had cleverly hidden a set in the quiet classic literature section.
What would make a nearly thirty-year-old woman resort to the desperate act of hiding books for a discount?
Of course, it was poverty : )
After all, having done something dubious, the closer she got, the more nervous she felt, along with a bit of anxiety. She wasn't sure if the bookstore staff had rearranged the shelves today, nor could she guarantee that someone particularly bored wouldn't wander into the classic literature section and suddenly take an interest in that set of "The Mask."
She silently repeated "Mengxi Bitan, Mengxi Bitan" while following the third row of the classic literature shelves.
Upon spotting the two black spines of *Mengxi Bitan*, her pace quickened.
Still there!
The nearly thirty-year-old woman suppressed her little thrill and nervousness as she reached for the book. But at that moment, she saw the set of *The Mask* moving—
What the hell, is this bookstore haunted?
She tilted her head slightly, eyes widening.
Only when she saw *The Mask* disappear and met the gaze of someone standing on the other side of the shelf did her underdeveloped brain undergo a second explosion of realization.
Kang Chen!
Why him?!
Kang Chen's brow twitched slightly as he caught sight of the silly expression on her face.
After their accidental encounter at the gym, Xu Xing had felt uneasy for a while, but with the year-end rush and not returning to the gym, the questions surrounding Kang Chen gradually faded from her mind.
Seeing him again now, however, Xu Xing felt like she was facing a formidable foe.
Regardless of whether he had played a significant role in her life during those three blank years, the way he was now competing with her for a book felt like a bad omen; he truly seemed to be an ill fortune destined to plague her.
She rounded the bookshelf to confront him, intending to calmly negotiate, but her heart skipped a beat—
He was wearing a grayish-white turtleneck cashmere sweater under a black wool coat. The long coat's fabric looked luxurious, and the fit seemed tailored just for him, giving him an inexplicable charm.
Paired with his thin, gold-rimmed glasses, Xu Xing thought he looked like the quintessential refined rogue.
She swallowed hard, approached him, forced a smile, and said, "What a coincidence, running into you again."
Casually glancing at the book in Kang Chen's hand, she added, "Are you also here to buy *The Mask*?"
Implying that she also wanted the book and hoping he would quickly return it to her royal self. : )
However, Kang Chen merely pressed his lips together in silence. His eyes, viewed through the thin lenses, seemed calm and deep.
The smile at the corners of Xu Xing's mouth grew more rigid as she waited for him to respond.
Just when she thought Kang Chen wouldn't say anything, he let out a nonchalant "Mm," and his finger absently tapped on the hardcover, casually remarking, "Just buying a book to prop up my table."
...?
What the hell, propping up a table?!
Such a thick set of books—does your table really have a leg missing?!
Xu Xing felt insulted, as if he were mocking her intelligence, making her eyes widen in disbelief.
Of course, she only dared to express this indignation internally, maintaining an awkward yet polite smile on her face.
For a moment, she thought: Why put up with his nonsense? If he won't let me have it, I'll just buy it online!
But then she reconsidered; she was still young, why should she hold a grudge against money? Plus, the online price was a hundred yuan more.
Rounding it up, that's an extra million, right?
With that thought, she felt more stable.
Embracing the principle of not hitting those who are adorably shameless, she cleared her throat, softening her voice. "Actually, I've been reading a lot of detective novels lately, especially those by Chu Yi. I think they're really well-written."
As she spoke, she gestured slightly, glancing at the book in Kang Chen's hand.
"A while ago, I even went to his signing event, but there were too many people, and I couldn't get an autograph. I heard that Qianli is giving away exclusive posters with *The Mask*, so I came over to check it out, thinking I'd buy a set to enjoy tonight…"
Xu Xing paused intentionally, stealing a discreet glance at Kang Chen.
She couldn't tell if it was the reflection off his glasses, but she thought she saw his gaze flicker.
Feigning casualness, she shyly added, "Kang Chen, could you let me have this set of books?"
Her attempt at sounding cute mixed with a hint of coaxing made Xu Xing feel a bit embarrassed, suddenly realizing she was twenty-six years old, which struck her deeply.
What makes a mature woman resort to cuteness like this? Of course, it was still poverty! *Sobbing softly!*
Not knowing if it was her coaxing that worked or if he had seen through her mundane nature, Kang Chen surprisingly weighed the book in his hand and handed it over.
Really?
Suppressing her bubbling excitement, Xu Xing was about to take it.
But Kang Chen suddenly withdrew his hand.
What the hell! Is he toying with me?
Before her anger could flare, Kang Chen suddenly smiled, his entire demeanor softening. "Since you like it so much, I'll just give it to you."
...?
"How can I accept that? How about I treat you to dinner next time?" The mature woman quickly responded after only three seconds of thought.
If someone is willing to pay, she certainly shouldn't hesitate to accept, while casually throwing in some pleasantries.
Unexpectedly, Kang Chen nodded slightly, wiping his glasses as he replied, "Why not today? I happen to be free."
...?
Why can't she just be shameless and accept without any pleasantries? Why did she have to casually add, "I'm free tonight" while making up reasons earlier?
Kang Chen put his glasses back on, casually walking closer and signaling Xu Xing to join him.
But all Xu Xing could think of was the scent of bergamot on him, which carried the cold, ruthless atmosphere of capitalist exploitation.
***
That night, Xu Xing paid a hefty price of four hundred eighty-eight yuan for her casual remarks and thoughtlessness.
Back home, she felt as though half her heart had been ripped out!
Li Yuanjun had already gone home for the New Year. Clutching her set of *The Mask*, Xu Xing decided to call Li Yuanjun to vent.
However, after hearing the whole story, Li Yuanjun completely ignored Xu Xing's tears and snot, focusing solely on one fact.
"Are you out of your mind? Who doesn't know that Chu Yi never shows up for signings? The fact that his books even have signed editions is already impressive; you boldly fabricated a signing event?"