Chapter 43: Displaying Affection

Chapter 43: Public Displays of Affection

Feng Lun shot a glance at Fan Xiaoyou, thinking to himself that her little miserly ways hadn't changed at all. “Just wait until you use it on a cloudy day—you’ll know how much of a discount you can get!” With that, Feng Lun called the waiter back in and ordered a few more dishes.

Seeing Feng Lun being so secretive, Fan Xiaoyou knew better than to ask further. She quickly tucked the diamond card into her small purse, then turned to Wang Guocheng, “By the way, I have to work during the day. How are you planning to spend your time?”

Wang Guocheng put down his chopsticks, politely dabbing at his lips with a napkin. “Don’t worry. I’ll wander around Kangcheng by myself during the day. Coincidentally, I have a college classmate here whom I haven’t seen in ages. I was actually planning to get in touch with him in the next couple of days.”

Feng Lun looked at him in surprise. “You have a college classmate in Kangcheng? What a coincidence! Which company is he working for?”

Taking a sip of tea, Wang Guocheng replied honestly, “Uncle Feng, my classmate’s name is Zhengyi. We haven’t seen each other for many years since graduation. I heard he returned to Kangcheng and is working at JZ Corporation. I’m not sure exactly which department.”

“JZ Corporation? That’s quite the coincidence. My cousin works there too—he’s the financial director. I wonder if your friend knows him,” Fan Xiaoyou interjected, a hint of complaint in her voice. “Hey, why haven’t you mentioned this classmate before? Is this classmate a guy or a girl? Be honest!”

Wang Guocheng gave a wry smile. “Relax, he’s a guy. Though I wouldn’t mind if he were a girl...” Seeing Fan Xiaoyou’s glare, he quickly stopped, “Just kidding.”

As everyone finished eating, Feng Lun stood up. “I have a finance meeting this afternoon. You two are free to do as you please.”

Fan Xiaoyou and Wang Guocheng followed him to the doorway. Feng Lun turned back to her, “Oh, Xiaoyou, Guocheng will be staying where you and Youru live. Youru has temporarily moved back home.”

A faint blush colored Fan Xiaoyou’s cheeks. “Um... Uncle Feng, this...”

Feng Lun, noticing her embarrassment, chuckled. “What are you worried about? Guocheng seems like a well-behaved young man!” With that, he strode off and drove away.

Fan Xiaoyou glanced at her watch. “How about I show you around Kangcheng this afternoon? Help you get familiar with the city.”

Wang Guocheng smiled his usual gentle smile. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”

As they walked, Fan Xiaoyou enthusiastically played the role of Kangcheng’s tour guide.

“Our city’s history can be traced back three thousand years. It truly is a gourmet’s paradise. While there are plenty of high-end restaurants, if you want authentic Kangcheng cuisine, you have to explore the side streets and hidden alleys.”

Wang Guocheng, listening to her vivid descriptions, found his appetite thoroughly awakened. He said quickly, “Xiaoyou, wait a moment—I’ll call my friend Tang Zhengyi.”

Fan Xiaoyou nodded and kept quiet, listening as he dialed.

“Zhengyi, it’s Guocheng. I’m in Kangcheng now. Are you free tonight? Let’s meet up!” Wang Guocheng’s voice was full of warmth as he spoke to Tang Zhengyi.

Tang Zhengyi had just finished his shift when he got the call. “Guocheng, you must be joking. You’re all the way out in the border cities—how could you be in Kangcheng...” Tang assumed it was a joke, but when he did finally see Wang Guocheng in person, his jaw nearly hit the floor.

They arranged to meet in Kangcheng’s old town, which was closer to Tang Zhengyi’s home.

Wang Guocheng joked about Tang being a man under his wife's thumb. Laughing, Tang replied, “No, no such thing. My wife gets tired from work, so I take care of the child more. The little one still needs a lot of attention...”

Fan Xiaoyou found herself appreciating Tang Zhengyi’s words. “A model of the modern, family-oriented man!”

Tang sized her up, then turned to Wang Guocheng, “Guocheng, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Wang Guocheng affectionately put his arm around Fan Xiaoyou. “She’s my girlfriend—my fiancée.”

Fan Xiaoyou blushed softly, pouting as she whispered in his ear, “I haven’t even agreed to your proposal yet.”

Wang Guocheng took the opportunity to plant a kiss on her cheek, murmuring, “Silly girl, that’s exactly why you’re my fiancée. If you’d accepted, your name would already be on my marriage license.”

Tang Zhengyi watched the pair whispering sweet nothings and teased, “Are you two really showing off your affection in public?”

Fan Xiaoyou rolled her eyes at Wang Guocheng, stepping away with her cheeks tinged red.

Seeing her embarrassment, Wang Guocheng gave Tang Zhengyi a playful punch. “Look at what you’ve done—you’ve made our Xiaoyou all flustered!”

Tang Zhengyi hadn’t expected Fan Xiaoyou to be so shy. Clearing his throat, he apologized to Wang Guocheng, “Alright, alright, my bad! Let’s go—let me take you to try the food at the Backyard Courtyard.”

“The Backyard Courtyard? You mean the little place tucked behind DG Corporation’s back alley? I’ve heard their spicy fish with pork intestines is amazing...” At the mention of food, Fan Xiaoyou immediately perked up.

Gone was her bashfulness; she had transformed into the embodiment of a true foodie. “Guocheng, that place is really something. The restaurant may be small, but the flavors are outstanding. I didn’t expect your friend to be a fellow gourmet!”

Fan Xiaoyou sensed a kindred spirit in Tang Zhengyi.

“Two orders of spicy fish with pork intestines—let’s go!” When they arrived at the Backyard Courtyard, a long line had already formed outside.

People of all ages were queued up—office workers, students, local residents, and many others who had come from afar just for a taste.

In the Backyard Courtyard, there was no distinction of status—everyone was treated equally. That’s why everyone waited patiently in line, getting along harmoniously.

For Wang Guocheng, it was his first time seeing a tiny eatery with a line stretching nearly ten meters out the door. His curiosity about the food grew even stronger. He asked Fan Xiaoyou, “Is this place always this busy?”

Tang Zhengyi chimed in enthusiastically, “This restaurant’s been around for over twenty years, and the food has always been excellent. They’re constantly innovating, which is rare in the culinary world. Although it’s small, their dishes are exquisite, and the ingredients are carefully chosen.”

Fan Xiaoyou looked at Tang Zhengyi in surprise. “Are you one of their die-hard fans too?”