They had lunch at a small tavern by Changshou Lake, covering only about twenty square meters. The dining room featured two slightly worn redwood table sets, exuding an old-fashioned and natural charm. One of the benefits of this place was the scenic view; a simple glance up revealed the shimmering waters of Changshou Lake, with gentle waves lapping against the shore and making a soothing "splash, splash" sound.
Initially, Xiao Rongyu wondered why Chen Hansheng had brought them so far out of the way. Now, she appreciated the tranquility, though she was still unsure how the food would taste.
"Xiao Chen, how did you know about this restaurant?" Wang Zibo also found the ambiance appealing. However, the owner was notably indifferent; when customers arrived, he didn't bother with a menu, merely glancing at them before starting to cook.
"What a strange place," Wang Zibo muttered again.
Neither Xiao Rongyu nor Wang Zibo had encountered this kind of establishment before. Chen Hansheng, however, knew that in ten years, this would become a famous private dining restaurant by Changshou Lake.
A "private kitchen" means it only serves one table of guests per evening, with reservations needing to be made at least two months in advance.
Chen Hansheng didn't explain. He stood up and walked to the kitchen at the back, which, at this point, wasn't off-limits since the owner hadn't yet conceived the concept of an exclusive dining experience.
"Want a smoke?"
Chen Hansheng handed over a Red Jinling cigarette. The middle-aged owner, busy cooking, glanced at him, accepted the cigarette without speaking, and placed it on a rack without lighting it.
The owner was from Wuzhong, where cuisine emphasizes light and balanced flavors, with dishes that are beautiful in both form and substance. When the dishes – sweet osmanthus lotus root, red water chestnuts with gorgon fruit, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, and chicken broth with shredded tofu – were served, they were truly a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Wang Zibo and Xiao Rongyu, famished, dug in immediately, while Chen Hansheng and the owner smoked at the doorway. They exchanged few words, as the owner was naturally reserved and assumed Chen Hansheng was just another college student, not worth much conversation.
Chen Hansheng didn't mind, and after finishing his cigarette, he returned to the table, only to find that there was hardly any food left. The squirrel-shaped mandarin fish had been picked clean of its meat, leaving only the bones.
Wang Zibo was practically inhaling his food, and while Xiao Rongyu's mannerisms were slightly more reserved, her cheeks were puffed as she glanced at Chen Hansheng with an innocent expression.
Embarrassed by her voracious appetite but unwilling to stop enjoying the delicious fish, she lowered her head and pretended not to notice, just like Wang Zibo.
"Is it really necessary?"
Chen Hansheng quickly scooped up some rice to fill his stomach. Soon, the three dishes and one soup were completely polished off, and the bowls were clean enough to reflect their faces.
The food was excellent, but not cheap – the bill came to 156 yuan. Wang Zibo was a bit shocked by the high price, especially for 2002.
Wang Zibo thought about haggling, but Chen Hansheng stopped him. This place never negotiated prices. In the future, just a similar meal would cost thousands of yuan, and some experiences simply couldn't be measured in money.
Neither Wang Zibo nor Xiao Rongyu suggested splitting the bill; the practice of going Dutch was still uncommon in 2002. They planned to reciprocate by treating Chen Hansheng next time.
Chen Hansheng didn't mind either way. After leaving their luggage at the tavern, he led Wang Zibo and Xiao Rongyu for a stroll around Changshou Lake Park.
Changshou Lake wasn't very large, and after a short walk, Wang Zibo began to complain of being tired.
"The train and bus stations are so close. We can come back before heading home next time," Wang Zibo suggested.
"Stop complaining. This is your first visit to Changshou Lake; it could also be your last," Chen Hansheng said confidently.
He spoke from experience. During his four years of studying in Jianye and a decade of work afterward, he had visited almost all the city's attractions, but never fully explored Changshou Lake. Initially, he had the same idea as Wang Zibo – visit before heading home – but every time he ended up rushing for his train or bus. His familiarity was limited to the square opposite the station, and even then, someone else had first introduced him to the private kitchen.
Xiao Rongyu, however, was content. Changshou Lake was a small inland lake surrounded by towering buildings, with two major transit stations nearby. In such a busy area, a clear body of water fringed with willows and scattered with bright lotus flowers highlighted the cultural richness of the ancient city.
But this reverie was soon interrupted by reality. Around three in the afternoon, as they headed to report to their school, they passed by Jianye Train Station and were approached by a group of people.
"Hey handsome, need a place to stay?"
"Miss, want to rest?"
"There's something fun here; care to check it out, handsome?"
They weren't thugs. Jianye's public safety was much better than in places like Guangdong. These were older women, around their 50s, holding signs that read "lodging," questioning every passerby.
Chen Hansheng, walking ahead with sunglasses and looking like a tourist, became their primary target, and their offers became increasingly suggestive.
"Handsome, we have pretty girls."
Xiao Rongyu flushed and hurried past, while Wang Zibo, encountering this situation for the first time, felt both too timid to partake and intrigued by curiosity.
Wang Zibo hoped Chen Hansheng would try it out and then share the experience with him.
Chen Hansheng, however, politely declined with a smile, "Sorry, we're in a rush. Please let us pass."
Unable to stop them, the older women reluctantly gave up, still shouting after them, "Handsome, if you're on vacation, you should have some fun!"
Xiao Rongyu walked faster, only stopping at a bus stop, clearly unimpressed with the first impression Jianye Station left her – though her limited life experience contributed to that.
There, they faced the first parting. Wang Zibo's university, Jianye Polytechnic, was in Xianning, requiring the 97 bus. Xiao Rongyu and Chen Hansheng, both attending schools in Jiangling University Town, could take the 137 directly.
"Xiao Chen, I'll come visit you in Jiangling sometime."
Wang Zibo waved with visible reluctance.
"Sure, take care."
Chen Hansheng said casually, knowing that soon Wang Zibo would know this city like the back of his hand.
After bidding Wang Zibo farewell, Chen Hansheng turned to Xiao Rongyu and said, "The annoying third wheel is finally gone. Now it's just the two of us."
"Behave, stop talking nonsense."
Xiao Rongyu blushed, seeing Chen Hansheng staring at her. Though his sunglasses obscured his eyes, she could tell his thoughts weren't innocent. She added, "And don't even think about it!"
"I can't help where my mind wanders," Chen Hansheng joked.
"You…"
Xiao Rongyu was momentarily speechless, helpless against Chen Hansheng's teasing. When the 137 bus arrived, she boarded without waiting for him.
Chen Hansheng slowly loaded their luggage onto the bus, noticing that Xiao Rongyu had saved him a seat. Around them stood several reserved male students, each eyeing the seat beside her.
Xiao Rongyu watched the entrance nervously. Seeing Chen Hansheng board, she waved eagerly and called, "Xiao Chen, over here!"
Chen Hansheng thought these young men were way too timid. He walked over confidently and sat down, making it clear that the seat was taken. The hopeful male students dispersed quickly.
"Xiao Chen, are all college guys so desperate?"
Xiao Rongyu whispered.
"Of course not, I'm not like that."
Chen Hansheng said with righteous indignation.
"Alright, I believe you. But can you take your arm off my shoulder?"
Xiao Rongyu said with a wry smile.
…