Chapter 31: Reunion in the Capital

(1/3)

(1)

Qin Ke hurriedly finished his work in the morning. At noon, as he was leaving, he greeted Director Zheng Yutong and mentioned that he would be going to the Capital Airport in the afternoon to pick someone up.

Zheng Yutong was a typical southern woman, petite but fashionably dressed, radiating a delicate charm. A graduate of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, she was nearing thirty and, as the gossip went, still single. Seeing Qin Ke looking energetic and refreshed, she feigned casual interest and asked whom he was going to pick up. In front of his superior, Qin Ke saw no reason to hide his relationship with Bian Xiaoqi and said he was going to the airport to meet his girlfriend.

Since Qin Ke joined the Technical Solutions Department, Zheng Yutong quickly noticed the positive changes he brought to the team. Overall efficiency rose markedly, errors in technical plans diminished, and the sales department received stronger support, earning numerous commendations from the company’s senior management.

Brimming with energy, Qin Ke never shirked or dodged any tasks she assigned; he always cooperated actively and efficiently, easing her workload and increasing her fondness for him. Sometimes, she would intentionally pile more work on him, but he never complained. When Qin Ke reported to her, listening to his clear and resonant voice was the highlight of her day.

After hearing Qin Ke’s candid answer, Zheng Yutong approved his leave. Watching his retreating figure, she stared long and sighed deeply, her mood suddenly turning sour.

Before lunch, Fu Sicheng hadn’t seen Qin Ke and asked colleagues nearby. They said Qin Ke had gone into Director Zheng Yutong’s office and then disappeared. Just as she planned to take a look, Lin Haidong approached, inviting her to lunch.

Since the drunken incident, Fu Sicheng had deliberately avoided Lin Haidong to prevent awkwardness and didn’t give him any chance to get close. Yet Lin Haidong acted as if nothing had happened, coming by her workstation regularly to punch in, even when she wasn’t there.

“Sicheng, Qin Ke has already left. I just saw him; he said he was going to Capital Airport to pick up his girlfriend. Come on, let’s eat together—I’ll treat you,” Lin Haidong greeted her with a smile as soon as he saw her.

Seeing Lin Haidong’s usual cheerful demeanor and consistent kindness, Fu Sicheng felt her constant avoidance and coldness toward him didn’t fit her personality. So she agreed without much resistance.

“You two are old classmates. Have you met Qin Ke’s girlfriend?” Fu Sicheng asked while walking alongside Lin Haidong.

“I’m sure Qin Ke didn’t date anyone in college, but after graduation, I don’t know. Like you, I only met him after graduation, just a day earlier than you. Oh, during the weekend outdoor trip, we asked Qin Ke to bring his girlfriend along; that’s when we saw her,” Lin Haidong replied.

His words jogged her memory. “Right, that was a good chance. I’m really curious about what charm this girl has to win over Qin Ke.”

Passing by Zheng Yutong’s office, Fu Sicheng saw her sitting motionless in her chair, lost in thought.

“Don’t stare. Have you heard the rumors? Apparently, your female boss has been acting a bit strange lately,” Lin Haidong whispered.

“In what way?” Fu Sicheng asked.

“What else but that? No wonder your mom calls you silly,” Lin Haidong said, as if reciting a tongue twister.

“You’re calling me silly too? I’m not talking to you,” Fu Sicheng snapped, irritated by Lin Haidong’s teasing about her drunken mishap.

“Oh dear, Miss Fu, I’m sorry. You’re a top graduate from T University, how could you be silly? If anyone’s silly, it’s me. With me protecting you, nothing like that will ever happen again,” Lin Haidong quickly apologized, trying to make amends.

“That old woman lights up every time she sees Qin Ke, turning all coquettish. Hmph!” Fu Sicheng was not angry at Lin Haidong but was annoyed with Zheng Yutong.

“Quiet, Miss Fu. The goddess is interested, but the king is indifferent. Let’s wait and see the show. Too bad my old friend is going to suffer,” Lin Haidong said with concern.

“Are you jealous?” Fu Sicheng asked.

“With you around, I’m not jealous at all,” Lin Haidong smiled.

“Right you are,” Fu Sicheng laughed.

(2)

At two o’clock in the afternoon, Qin Ke arrived punctually at Terminal 2 of Capital Airport. The flight carrying Bian Xiaoqi had safely landed.

Seeing the bustling crowd inside the airport, noisy and crowded, Qin Ke worried that Bian Xiaoqi might not spot him. Holding a large piece of A3 paper with her name boldly printed, he pushed to the front and fixed his gaze on the exit through which passengers would emerge, afraid of missing her.

After about half an hour, Bian Xiaoqi’s tall figure appeared. She was pushing a luggage cart with two suitcases piled on it. She carried a small duffel bag slung across her body, a backpack on her back, a laptop bag on her left shoulder, and a violin case on her right shoulder, looking as if she was moving house.

As she walked out, scanning the crowded crowd, her eyes immediately caught the conspicuous sign with her name.

Qin Ke waved vigorously at her. She quickened her pace, crossed the boundary of the exit, set down her suitcase, and disregarding the curious glances of passersby, threw herself into Qin Ke’s arms.

Qin Ke held her tightly, voice trembling with emotion. “Xiaoqi, you’re finally here. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” Bian Xiaoqi murmured.

Qin Ke handed her his phone to call Professor Jiang Sumei to report her safe arrival, then they took a taxi heading toward Zhichunli. Since the driver was present, they refrained from sweet talk, instead holding hands tightly, exchanging longing glances.

Once home, Bian Xiaoqi clung to him eagerly and seized his lips, kissing him passionately. Qin Ke embraced her tightly, reciprocating the deep kiss. The yearning from their long separation melted away in that long kiss, like clear spring water, gentle rain, honey, and fine wine. They were immersed in their fervent love.

Qin Ke took her hand and showed her around the house’s rooms, apologizing, “Xiaoqi, I’m sorry you have to live in such a small place.”

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, “The house is nice. As long as I can be with you every day, I don’t mind.”

“I really like the simple colors of these curtains and bed linens,” she said, stepping into the small room Qin Ke had cleaned for her.

“Xiaoqi, you have a lot of stuff. This wardrobe is too small. You can have the big room; I’ll take the small one,” Qin Ke suggested.

“I like this small room. My clothes can go in your big wardrobe,” Bian Xiaoqi replied.

Qin Ke helped her unpack clothes from the suitcase, hanging the larger items in his wardrobe and placing smaller garments in hers, filling both wardrobes quickly.

He laughed, “Xiaoqi, you’ve practically moved all your things from West State.”

“I plan to stay long-term in Shajiabang. There are still many things I want to bring, but unfortunately, I can’t,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

After she finished organizing her clothes, Qin Ke said, “If you want to take a shower, go ahead. It’s very convenient.”

“I...” Bian Xiaoqi blushed, thinking of the cramped bathroom and their close proximity.

“I’ll stay in my room and close the door. When you finish, I’ll come out,” Qin Ke quickly understood and reassured her.

He prepared hot water for her and returned immediately to his room, closing the door.

Bian Xiaoqi stayed in her room, heart pounding, hesitated a moment, then bravely undressed. She peeked through the door crack to the living room, saw no sign of Qin Ke, and the door to his room was firmly shut. She then rushed into the bathroom, enjoying a thorough hot shower. Afterward, she hurried back to her room, wrapped in a towel, took out the hairdryer to dry her wet hair, and quickly changed into clean clothes.

“Qin Ke, I’m done. You can come out now,” she said.

Qin Ke opened the door and came out, seeing Bian Xiaoqi standing fresh and radiant in the living room.

“You should wash too,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

“I’ll wait until bedtime. You must be hungry; let’s eat now,” Qin Ke replied.

“Yeah, I really am hungry. What shall we eat?”

“Quanjude roast duck. I’ve already reserved a table.”

“Great! I haven’t had Quanjude duck in a long time,” she smiled.

At Quanjude near the south gate of T University, Bian Xiaoqi savored the crispy-skinned, tender meat infused with fruity wood aroma, smiling, “Darling, it’s still the same taste—so delicious.”

Seeing how much she enjoyed it, Qin Ke was very happy.

(3)

Leaving the restaurant, night had fully fallen. Hand in hand, they strolled along Zhongguancun Street.

Bian Xiaoqi wasn’t familiar with Beijing. Suddenly spotting the sign of T University’s west gate, she realized how close their home was to the university. Watching students come and go, she thought of Qin Yan and said, “Has Qin Yan started school already? We should visit her sometime.”

Qin Ke said, “She should have started. We can go see her during the National Day holiday.”

A few hundred meters further south, Bian Xiaoqi saw the east gate of P University and remarked, “So P University and T University are neighbors.”

“More accurately, Yenching University and T University are neighbors. This campus was founded by President John Leighton Stuart as Yenching University. P University’s original campus was in Xicheng. Later, Yenching University was merged into P University, making this their campus. Few people remember Yenching University’s past glory now,” Qin Ke explained.

“You’re right. The article ‘Farewell, John Leighton Stuart’ made Chinese students know his name, but few know he was the founder and president of Yenching University and made great contributions to higher education in China,” Bian Xiaoqi reflected.

“I believe the Chinese people will never forget him,” Qin Ke said.

“You almost became part of this place yourself, didn’t you?” Bian Xiaoqi teased.

“A hero never boasts of past glories. Meeting you left me with no regrets,” Qin Ke smiled, holding her close.

Crossing Zhongguancun Bridge on the North Fourth Ring Road, walking through the heart of Zhongguancun, seeing the skyscrapers still brightly lit and the endless flow of people on the streets, Qin Ke suddenly laughed and said, “This place is synonymous with Beijing’s high-tech industry. Who would have thought it used to be the burial ground for eunuchs?”

“Tell me more,” Bian Xiaoqi was intrigued.

“In the Ming Dynasty, eunuchs were called ‘zhongguan’. After death, they were buried here, so this area was once called ‘Zhongguan Village,’ with the ‘guan’ meaning official. In 1929, Mr. Xu Dishan still saw Ming eunuch graves and some tombstones here, recorded in his ‘A Brief History of Yenching University’s Site’. Later, the name was changed to the more pleasant ‘Zhongguancun’,” Qin Ke explained.

“Yes, history is everywhere in Beijing. I want to explore and see more,” Bian Xiaoqi agreed.

“We’re already in Beijing. There’ll be plenty of time to explore together later. For now, let’s go home,” Qin Ke laughed.

“I haven’t had enough of walking around. I want to keep going,” Bian Xiaoqi was reluctant to return.

“Xiaoqi, haven’t you forgotten it’s your birthday today? Let’s go home and celebrate,” Qin Ke reminded her.

“How did you know it’s my birthday?” Bian Xiaoqi asked in surprise.

“When I bought the plane ticket in West State, I saw your ID,” Qin Ke smiled.

“Darling, thank you for being so thoughtful. I’d forgotten my own birthday. It was only after my mom reminded me last night that I remembered. My parents already celebrated with me in advance,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

(2/3)

“Today, I’ll celebrate your 25th birthday,” Qin Ke said with a smile.

They happily walked hand in hand back to their home in Zhichunli.

After entering, Qin Ke said, “Xiaoqi, stay in your room for ten minutes. I’ll call you out when it’s ready.”

Bian Xiaoqi obediently returned to her room. Ten minutes later, Qin Ke called, “Xiaoqi, please come out.”

Full of anticipation, she stepped out. The living room lights were off, and Qin Ke softly hummed the birthday song: “Happy birthday to you...”

On the table stood a large cake, surrounded by 25 small lit candles. The white cream was inscribed with red letters saying “Happy Birthday, Xiaoqi” and the number “25.”

“Qin Ke, thank you. I’m so happy,” Bian Xiaoqi said, moved.

“Hurry and make a wish,” Qin Ke said with a smile.

Bian Xiaoqi closed her eyes, made three wishes, and blew out the candles.

Qin Ke turned on the lights. Like a magician, he appeared holding a large bouquet of vibrant red roses, smiling, “Xiaoqi, happy birthday. May you be forever young and beautiful, like these roses.”

“The roses are so beautiful. I love them,” Bian Xiaoqi happily took the flowers, inhaling their fragrance deeply.

Qin Ke then held up a small box tied with a red ribbon. “Xiaoqi, this is your birthday gift. I hope you like it.”

Bian Xiaoqi untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a delicate flip phone. She immediately adored it, excitedly saying, “This phone’s style is beautiful. I like it even more.”

Eating the sweet cake, Bian Xiaoqi joyfully said, “Today’s cake is the sweetest I’ve ever had; today’s roses are the most beautiful I’ve seen; today’s phone is the best gift I’ve received. Qin Ke, I’m so happy today.”

Qin Ke smiled, “Xiaoqi, today is your birthday; it’s also the day you arrived in Beijing; and the day we reunited. It’s very meaningful. I will always remember today.”

“You worked, went to the airport to pick me up, and prepared all these birthday gifts. You must be exhausted,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

Qin Ke looked at her tenderly and said, “Xiaoqi, you’re the one I love most. No matter how busy I am, it’s worth it.” Saying this, he found her lips and kissed her passionately.

“I love you too,” Bian Xiaoqi closed her eyes, savoring his kiss.

After Bian Xiaoqi took another shower, Qin Ke tidied the table and then showered himself.

Bian Xiaoqi, in pajamas, leaned against the bed, playing with her new phone. Seeing Qin Ke enter in his pajamas, she hurriedly called him to sit beside her, then nestled against him, coquettishly saying, “You should wait until I fall asleep before going back to your room.”

“Xiaoqi, are you used to living under the same roof? Doesn’t this go against the promise we made to Professor Jiang before?” Qin Ke held her waist and asked.

“Same building, different rooms—that’s living together, not cohabiting,” Bian Xiaoqi teased with words.

“I just worry you might feel uncomfortable,” Qin Ke said.

“Do you want me to rent another place? No, I want it like this. I need to see you every night to fall asleep. The shower is inconvenient, but I can bear it, as long as we avoid each other for a while beforehand,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

“Having such a beautiful girlfriend, I’m afraid...” Qin Ke stammered.

Hearing this, Bian Xiaoqi blushed and said, “Only you can look and kiss; no wild thoughts allowed.”

Qin Ke immediately kissed her and said, “Xiaoqi, seeing you and kissing you every day is enough for me. I can wait until our wedding day.”

“I think we should consider buying a house,” Bian Xiaoqi suddenly said.

“I don’t have the money now. After a year, I’ll save a down payment and then buy,” Qin Ke replied honestly.

“No, I want to buy now. Before coming to Beijing, my mom gave me 200,000 yuan. That can be the down payment,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

“Xiaoqi, we can manage on our own; let’s not use Professor Jiang’s money. I already earn 200,000 yuan a year,” Qin Ke immediately said.

“I’m just borrowing my mom’s money for now, and will pay her back later. Let’s not argue about this anymore. Before coming to Beijing, I calculated that housing here costs about 5,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter. If we buy a 100-square-meter place, a 200,000-yuan down payment plus a 300,000-yuan loan over 15 years means we’d pay just over 2,000 yuan monthly—about what we pay now in rent,” Bian Xiaoqi explained thoughtfully.

“Xiaoqi, I understand. If you want to buy, the sooner the better. But I still want to settle in Haidian District,” Qin Ke suggested, seeing her determination.

“We’re on the same page. Haidian is the cultural district with the best primary schools, middle schools, and universities. We have to consider these resources,” Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

“In the next few days, you can go look around and see which development suits us. We both have phones now, so communication will be easy,” Qin Ke said.

“Okay, I’ll start looking tomorrow,” Bian Xiaoqi said happily.