Kang Wei was faced with three red-eyed rabbits.
How well did Gong Yang draw the renderings?
While Gong Yang might struggle with original design, he excelled at bringing Xia Xiaolan’s designs to life. As an art student, he captured depth well, had precise proportions, and instead of abstract interpretations, provided realistic representations. His two all-night renderings looked like color photographs at first glance.
“Uncle Liu, your business is truly professional. Gong Yang, excellent drawings!”
Xia Xiaolan interjected, “Gong Yang’s artwork is indeed good. When your house is renovated, you should hang some decorative paintings – you could commission Gong Yang.”
Gong Yang’s breathing immediately grew heavy.
His part-time work ultimately served his primary artistic profession.
What artist doesn’t want their work appreciated? For art students, the difference between student and artist often came down to whether their work could sell. Creating beautiful art without appreciation was painful – did one have to be like Van Gogh, famous only after death? Gong Yang lacked such lofty ideals. Given the choice, being like Picasso would be better – his work sold during his lifetime.
Xia Xiaolan’s promotion was unexpected.
Kang Wei’s 30,000 yuan renovation budget had already shocked Gong Yang. While designing, Xia Xiaolan mentioned coordinating renovation with decoration, noting how good designers consider even vases and painting placement. Kang Wei’s new home would need decorative paintings, but he could easily buy them.
Less famous artists’ works weren’t too expensive, certainly within wealthy Kang Wei’s means.
Would he use Gong Yang’s paintings?
Gong Yang remained silent, but his eyes revealed his hope.
Kang Wei hesitated briefly before nodding:
“If Sister-in-law recommends it, it must be good! Looking forward to your masterpieces!”
Xia Xiaolan suppressed a smile. Kang Wei had grown craftier these months trading cigarettes. Previously less shrewd, he now recognized Xia Xiaolan’s attempt to “recruit” Gong Yang and played along to curry favor.
Easily obtained things are rarely treasured. Xia Xiaolan had caught Gong Yang off guard, and he was naturally grateful.
Kang Wei chose the lighter-toned design. Less luxurious, it better matched his concept of “home.”
“Excluding appliances but including all renovation, furniture, and labor costs, the initial budget is 31,500 yuan.”
Appliances couldn’t be included.
Where would Xia Xiaolan source the large TV Kang Wei wanted for his living room? Even buying a washing machine required Zhou Cheng’s foreign exchange certificates. Beijing wasn’t like Shenzhen Special Zone where money could buy anything. As an outsider, Xia Xiaolan had far fewer connections than Kang Wei for such purchases.
While they drafted renovation plans, Kang Wei’s house was thoroughly cleaned. Once the plan was confirmed, Liu Yong could begin construction immediately. Wall demolition, pipe laying, electrical work – real renovation began. Liu Yong was lucky – Kang Wei trusted him as an acquaintance, offering both his house and a 30,000 yuan budget.
Liu Yong shed his tailored suit, returning to his farmer’s clothes.
Gong Yang couldn’t leave the site; he needed to explain the designs to Liu Yong. What if they accidentally demolished a wall meant to keep 20 centimeters?
Xia Xiaolan had no such duties.
“You know how to get to Zhou Cheng’s work unit?”
Kang Wei nodded vigorously.
He admired Xia Xiaolan’s patience – in Beijing for two days without mentioning Zhou Cheng once, waiting until the renovation plan was set and work began, her tasks complete, before seeing him.
Was this typical of a young woman in love? Her emotions seemed unusually controlled.
Kang Wei pitied his Brother Cheng, who seemed more passionate and invested in the relationship.
Ah, even heroes fall for beauty. Back in Anqing County, his Brother Cheng had been quite proud when first glimpsing his future sister-in-law, but after their “hero saves beauty” formal meeting, he fell head over heels.
“Sister-in-law, I know the way. Shall I drive you there?”
“Yes, I need a ride, but tomorrow morning, not today.”
What?
Still not urgent?
Seeing Kang Wei’s confusion, Xia Xiaolan couldn’t explain to such a straightforward man. After months apart, didn’t she want to make a good impression on Zhou Cheng? Even beautiful girls look ghostly after all-night work and days touring building material stores. Xia Xiaolan didn’t care how she appeared to Kang Wei – she didn’t like him.
But she liked Zhou Cheng.
Zhou Cheng’s birthday is approaching next month.
With April’s practice exams coming, Xia Xiaolan likely couldn’t visit Beijing then. She wanted to celebrate his birthday early.
A month early wasn’t much – just an excuse to be nice to her boyfriend. In Xia Xiaolan’s mind, being older than Zhou Cheng, and receiving his youthful devotion, she should treat him well.
How to celebrate?
In her previous life, it was simpler – cake, wine, a nice restaurant, and a carefully chosen gift. This formula worked regardless of gender.
But Zhou Cheng was at his work unit, and it wasn’t his birthday – wouldn’t bringing a cake seem forced?
As for wine, Xia Xiaolan wasn’t sure about his unit’s rules – strict management might prohibit alcohol. A nice restaurant required Zhou Cheng’s availability. He seemed to like watches. She’d seen him wear a Rolex before. Xia Xiaolan decided to telegraph Bai Zhenzhu to watch for luxury watch sellers.
It should arrive in time for next month’s birthday.
Xia Xiaolan thought the roast duck they’d had was good – 1980s Quanjude maintained high standards, though duck needed to be eaten hot, losing flavor when cold. Zhou Cheng wasn’t picky but had good taste. Xia Xiaolan didn’t want to serve cold duck.
Everything should be served hot.
“Kang Wei, know any good places for roasted whole lamb?”
The roasted lamb restaurants Xia Xiaolan knew probably didn’t exist yet.
“Roasted lamb? You like that, Sister-in-law? Good taste – Brother Cheng also loves lamb…”
Kang Wei spilled all Zhou Cheng’s preferences.
Not everyone liked lamb; some found it too gamey. But what lamb isn’t gamey? Well-prepared, gaminess becomes savory. As Kang Wei described it to Xia Xiaolan, he made himself hungry.
“How about Donglaishun tonight?”