Chapter 215: Powder Shop
Back in the city, it was around ten in the morning.
At this time, the city was gradually becoming lively again, as people who went home for the New Year returned to the city.
Although Lian City is just a fourth-tier small town, the pedestrian street, the only place that can be called a commercial center, was particularly bustling today.
The shops on both sides of the street had opened their doors early, with promotional signs placed at their entrances.
The faces of the passersby were filled with the joy of the New Year; children were laughing and running, holding newly bought snacks or toys; adults walked while looking at the goods on the street, occasionally stopping to enter a store and pick out something.
A crowd had gathered in front of a stall selling sugar-fried chestnuts on the street, with the sweet fragrance of the steaming chestnuts spreading around.
Li Jing was curious about the source of this aroma when he saw Ge Qin already cheerfully running to line up at the sugar-fried chestnut stall.
"Boss, give me a portion."
Ge Qin called out crisply to the busy boss and then turned around waving happily at Li Jing, "These chestnuts are super delicious, I'll buy some for you to try."
Upon seeing this, Li Jing nodded and then stood aside waiting, quietly watching Ge Qin lining up in the crowd.
Ge Qin still wore the red scarf with yesterday's outfit, but her makeup today was more exquisite and bright.
Apparently, because today she was going out with Li Jing, she deliberately dressed up nicely.
Looking at Ge Qin confidently chatting with the chestnut vendor, Li Jing realized that her usual demeanor and the way she acted in front of him were quite different.
Or rather, Ge Qin usually seemed much more confident and sunny, without the restraint and awkwardness she showed when facing Li Jing.
Sunshine filtered through the buildings on the street, gently falling on Ge Qin's face, leaving a warm glow that made her hair radiate a subtle halo.
Coupled with her confident and sweet smile, under the winter sun, she looked especially beautiful and enchanting, causing Li Jing to be momentarily entranced.
It was at this moment that Li Jing realized the most beautiful side of Ge Qin.
Perhaps because of Ge Qin's lack of confidence and self-doubt in front of him before, her inherent radiance was obscured.
Seeing her natural smile now, Li Jing truly appreciated her beauty.
"What's up?"
Ge Qin, carrying the freshly made sugar-fried chestnuts, walked happily over. Seeing Li Jing's expression, she widened her bright eyes curiously and asked in confusion, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Awakened by her words, Li Jing regained his composure and, gazing into her eyes, which sparkled like black jewels under the light, said, "I suddenly realized you're very beautiful."
"What?"
Ge Qin was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a spontaneous remark, momentarily unsure of how to respond.
Just as she was feeling a hint of joy from the compliment, she suddenly noticed the area darken, and then realized Li Jing was already hugging her, kissing her on the lips.
Ge Qin's pupils flickered in surprise, never expecting him to kiss her publicly, feeling immediately shy, yet quickly lost in the passion of his kiss.
Moments later, their lips parted.
Li Jing looked satisfied and content.
Ge Qin was blushing shyly, leaning deeply against Li Jing, unable to look at the people around.
"It's okay, no one is paying attention to us."
Li Jing chuckled, reaching out to tidy Ge Qin's hair, which had become tousled from the passionate kiss.
Upon hearing this, Ge Qin sneakily glanced around, confirming they were not the center of attention, then bit her lip gently and mustered up the courage to question him, "Why did you do that suddenly? Wouldn't it be awkward if someone we knew saw?"
Li Jing hadn't really thought about that, and explained with slight regret, "Sorry, but I just felt you were so beautiful just now, and acted on my feelings."
After hearing Li Jing's words, Ge Qin's expression changed slightly, and she lifted her head to look at his face, asking, "You mean, you kissed me because you found me beautiful?"
"Yes." Li Jing nodded, not intending to deny it.
Hearing this, Ge Qin felt a hint of joy in her heart. She wanted to ask who was more beautiful, her, Zhang Xinxin, or An Tong, but considered it a petty question and ultimately held back, leaving a lingering sense of subtle joy instead.
Ge Qin then led Li Jing to a breakfast shop behind the pedestrian street.
Although they'd had buns at Li Fuguo's house, intentionally they hadn't eaten much, planning to taste the noodles from this shop in the city.
The noodle shop was located in a store behind the pedestrian street.
Though only separated from the pedestrian street by one building, the difference in foot traffic was significant.
The pedestrian street was bathed in sunlight, bustling with people. But after passing through an alley beside the street, reaching the back, the light dimmed considerably, and the path became old and narrow.
The winter chill blew through the passageway, making Ge Qin instinctively pull her red scarf tighter, feeling a bit of cold.
Not wanting Li Jing to misunderstand, Ge Qin explained while leading the way, "Even though this place is a bit rundown, this noodle shop is very popular online with lots of people coming here for check-ins. It's really tasty."
Li Jing nodded, acknowledging that many culinary gems are hidden in the streets and alleys, discovered thanks to the internet.
After following Ge Qin for a few minutes, Li Jing finally saw the "Fat Brother Noodle Shop" she mentioned.
The shop was indeed unkempt in decor; the red sign had been worn and oil-stained over time, with bits of paint peeling off, yet it still hung stubbornly there.
The wall paint had long turned yellow, with a few hand-written price lists taped with adhesive, seemingly revised several times. The floor was covered with somewhat worn vintage tiles, with gaps holding traces of accumulated age.
Ge Qin was right that the shop, despite its outdated environment, was crowded inside and outside. Some people even balanced a tall and a short stool as tables and chairs, enjoying their meal while seated at the entrance.
As Li Jing and Ge Qin lined up at the entrance to order noodles, the noodle-cooking station was presented before Li Jing's eyes.
A stainless steel pot sat firmly on the stove, with wire scoops continually putting noodles into boiling water to cook.
The counter was lined with various condiment jars, without any fancy packaging, some even spilling out due to the owner's swift movements.
When Li Jing and Ge Qin's turn came, Ge Qin expertly ordered two bowls of the house special beef rice noodles, while Li Jing was captivated by the hefty man cooking the noodles.
Watching for a while, Li Jing slightly furrowed his brow, tentatively saying, "Tian Feng?"
Upon hearing his name, the stout man cooking noodles noticeably paused, and then looked up at the man at the entrance.
He saw the man wearing a long tailored trench coat with exquisite material and a hint of sheen. Underneath was a fitted turtleneck sweater, which hugged his well-built figure.
At first glance, Tian Feng didn't see the man as being in the same league as him. Upon second glance, the man looked somewhat familiar.
By the third glance, Tian Feng's expression changed, pondering for several seconds before finally exclaiming in shock, "Li Jing?!"
"Yes, it's me."
Li Jing smiled and nodded, feeling nostalgic.
Before him was Tian Feng, his high school classmate and once-famous school troublemaker Tian Feng.