UD: C38

Chapter: 38 | The Flabbergasted Qiao Damai

• Previous
• Next
• ToC

The Flabbergasted Qiao Damai

---

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Qiao Damai chuckled, replying: "I was just afraid we'd have to live in a space that was far too empty, so I just figured I'd make it bit more lively. So what do you think? It doesn't look bad, right?"}

Qiao Damai chuckled, replying: "I was just afraid we'd have to live in a space that was far too empty, so I just figured I'd make it bit more lively. So what do you think? It doesn't look bad, right?"

_{When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.}Seeing this, I patted him on the shoulder, pointed to my own face while saying to him with a laugh: "Your Shiniang is beautiful, right?"

When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

_N/A
Since I joined the world of work and Qiao Damai started graduate school, we haven't met or hung out with one another. But even if we haven't met up, it doesn't mean the revolutionary friendship we shared over so many years could just be easily dissolved. Oh no no, to the contrary, it has made the ties of friendship between us grow much stronger, with us frequently chatting and sharing gossip with each other online.

N/A

_{"Jealous of my natural beauty, are you?"}Qiao Damai smiled happily, conveniently throwing me a glance in passing as he said: "Our little Youyou is so honest. But look at that dad of yours though, he's not sincere at all. If it's delicious, then it's delicious. What about that is just 'not bad'!"

"Jealous of my natural beauty, are you?"

_{For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.}This is... I never expected that even after having left JianghuT/n: lit. rivers and lakes, slang for "the scene" here not the usual underworld. for so many years, would again be causing ripples!

For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.

_{"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"}
Which is why when he had invited me over on afternoon during the later end of October to eat that spicy Sichuan fish stew of his, I had of course jumped at the chance and rushed over to the stronghold of that dear friend of mine.

"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

_{I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"}
Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.

I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"

_{Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university.}
Ever since Qiao Damai started graduate school, he had been living together with Du Zhuo... well, to be more accurate they were renting together. Qiao Damai took care of providing Du Zhuo with his three daily meals along with various other considerate services such as serving tea and water. While on Du Zhuo's end, he helped Damai with any academic related issues, like pre-exam counselling, post-exam prep, etc., as long as it was related to his studies.

Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university. For someone as famous as him, even if he's not in Jianghu, the people of Jianghu would long for the gossip from time to time." Qiao Damai wasn't wrong for calling me Shiniang, Xiao Huaisu was once a professor at A-University after all, so even though I never taught him a class, I could be considered half a Shiniang.

_{Following this, I kept talking with Qiao Damai about everything from the stars to the moon, a chat that kept going until it was past eight in the evening. Li You got a bit sleepy while next to me, so I took her into my arms, where she curled up like a cat, falling completely asleep not long after that.}In reply to Qiao Damai's question, I replied in agreement, "It is, it is, it is! I absolutely is!" The house's interior was spacious and bright, while the decor radiated traces of warmth. It looked more like the home of a couple more than it did the kennel where ordinary college students stayed. I then held my arm while using the other to hold my chin as I gave that apron wearing Qiao Damai a good look, saying: "I never knew you had the heart of a wife? This place's decor, that was all you, right?" Even if beaten to death, I would never believe that frosty guy called Du Zhuo was the one to have done this.

Following this, I kept talking with Qiao Damai about everything from the stars to the moon, a chat that kept going until it was past eight in the evening. Li You got a bit sleepy while next to me, so I took her into my arms, where she curled up like a cat, falling completely asleep not long after that.

_{His face now reflected a great degree of sadness as he replied: "Those past events... I can't bear to think about it, I can't bear to think about it at all. I can only look at today, focus on the present. This is all possible because, fortunately, that god of a man Du Zhuo hasn't held it against me."}"I heard Professor Xiao got married!"

His face now reflected a great degree of sadness as he replied: "Those past events... I can't bear to think about it, I can't bear to think about it at all. I can only look at today, focus on the present. This is all possible because, fortunately, that god of a man Du Zhuo hasn't held it against me."

_{He said it so seriously, it made my brows suddenly jerk. There really couldn't really be a problem, right?}
According to Qiao Damai, it was a really mutually beneficial exchange. He told me: "I'd cook some rice, stir-fry some veggies and do a bit of physical labour. Learning all those problems is such a headache. But fortunately I have that god, Du Zhuo, right there with me. He's a freaking genius at studying! Like, amazing! He doesn't even make me pay him tutoring fees. Tell me, how did I end up meeting such a good man? If I were a woman, I'm afraid I'd have just have to marry him with how well we get along!

He said it so seriously, it made my brows suddenly jerk. There really couldn't really be a problem, right?

_{When I arrived at the place Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo were living, I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Walking into that simple yet sophisticated independent courtyard, one where every inch of it was exquisite. Knocking in the door, I was greeted with the {virtuous} face of a Qiao Damai, donned in an apron while holding a shovel.}After placing the sliced up steak back in front of Li You, I gave her a napkin then began cutting my own. Once I placed a piece of it in my mouth, the black peppery juices evenly wrapped around the tenderly cooked beef and the taste was good.

When I arrived at the place Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo were living, I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Walking into that simple yet sophisticated independent courtyard, one where every inch of it was exquisite. Knocking in the door, I was greeted with the virtuous face of a Qiao Damai, donned in an apron while holding a shovel.

_{With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.}Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!

With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

_{"I heard Professor Xiao got married!"}
I then asked him: "That guy doesn't hate you?"

"I heard Professor Xiao got married!"

_{"What you're saying is completely right." Putting down my phone, I stared at Qiao Damai with a thankful face.}I remember Qiao Damai only being able to cook Chinese food before, so hearing him say this, I asked curiously: "Why do you suddenly want to learn how to make western food?" I also began helping cut up the steak for Li You.

"What you're saying is completely right." Putting down my phone, I stared at Qiao Damai with a thankful face.

_{Qiao Damai smiled happily, conveniently throwing me a glance in passing as he said: "Our little Youyou is so honest. But look at that dad of yours though, he's not sincere at all. If it's delicious, then it's delicious. What about that is just 'not bad'!"}
Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!

Qiao Damai smiled happily, conveniently throwing me a glance in passing as he said: "Our little Youyou is so honest. But look at that dad of yours though, he's not sincere at all. If it's delicious, then it's delicious. What about that is just 'not bad'!"

_{With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.}I noticed he fried some steak, but he also made a fruit salad and even brought juice, before running back to the kitchen to make the fish.

With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

_{After placing the sliced up steak back in front of Li You, I gave her a napkin then began cutting my own. Once I placed a piece of it in my mouth, the black peppery juices evenly wrapped around the tenderly cooked beef and the taste was good.}
I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."

After placing the sliced up steak back in front of Li You, I gave her a napkin then began cutting my own. Once I placed a piece of it in my mouth, the black peppery juices evenly wrapped around the tenderly cooked beef and the taste was good.

_{The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.}Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university. For someone as famous as him, even if he's not in Jianghu, the people of Jianghu would long for the gossip from time to time." Qiao Damai wasn't wrong for calling me Shiniang, Xiao Huaisu was once a professor at A-University after all, so even though I never taught him a class, I could be considered half a Shiniang.

The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.

_{But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"}Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!

But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"

_{"Jealous of my natural beauty, are you?"}
Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"

"Jealous of my natural beauty, are you?"

_{For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.}"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.

_{Since I joined the world of work and Qiao Damai started graduate school, we haven't met or hung out with one another. But even if we haven't met up, it doesn't mean the revolutionary friendship we shared over so many years could just be easily dissolved.}
"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."

Since I joined the world of work and Qiao Damai started graduate school, we haven't met or hung out with one another. But even if we haven't met up, it doesn't mean the revolutionary friendship we shared over so many years could just be easily dissolved. Oh no no, to the contrary, it has made the ties of friendship between us grow much stronger, with us frequently chatting and sharing gossip with each other online.

_{Still laughing, I added: "Thank you for your hospitality. After I get back from the hospital tomorrow, I'll tell you what you want to know when there's time, okay? Hahahaha..." Looks like I forgot to tell him about my marriage, doesn't it? Maybe because I only got the certificate, I felt too relaxed—so relaxed I usually seem to forget I'm no longer a single fella.}
His face now reflected a great degree of sadness as he replied: "Those past events... I can't bear to think about it, I can't bear to think about it at all. I can only look at today, focus on the present. This is all possible because, fortunately, that god of a man Du Zhuo hasn't held it against me."

Still laughing, I added: "Thank you for your hospitality. After I get back from the hospital tomorrow, I'll tell you what you want to know when there's time, okay? Hahahaha..." Looks like I forgot to tell him about my marriage, doesn't it? Maybe because I only got the certificate, I felt too relaxed—so relaxed I usually seem to forget I'm no longer a single fella.

_{Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."}Qiao Damai prepared knives and forks for us, along with placing a pair of chopsticks and spoons placed in front of us. He then said solemnly, "This is my second time frying steak, try it and see how it is."

Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."

_{The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.}According to Qiao Damai, it was a really mutually beneficial exchange. He told me: "I'd cook some rice, stir-fry some veggies and do a bit of physical labour. Learning all those problems is such a headache. But fortunately I have that god, Du Zhuo, right there with me. He's a freaking genius at studying! Like, amazing! He doesn't even make me pay him tutoring fees. Tell me, how did I end up meeting such a good man? If I were a woman, I'm afraid I'd have just have to marry him with how well we get along!

The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.

_{tiny note: that "excuse me" from Damai was in English.[]iana: I missed these knuckleheads interacting.}
"He's a good man, so don't forget to treat him well."

tiny note: that "excuse me" from Damai was in English.[]iana: I missed these knuckleheads interacting.

_{I helped Li You pack up her school bag, taking her to wash her hands before taking our seats and looking at the dishes spread out on the table, saying: "A Chinese and Western fusion? How sentimental. I love it."}
"Of course!"

I helped Li You pack up her school bag, taking her to wash her hands before taking our seats and looking at the dishes spread out on the table, saying: "A Chinese and Western fusion? How sentimental. I love it."

_{"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."}
When I arrived at the place Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo were living, I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Walking into that simple yet sophisticated independent courtyard, one where every inch of it was exquisite. Knocking in the door, I was greeted with the virtuous face of a Qiao Damai, donned in an apron while holding a shovel.

"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."

_{"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."}"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."

_{Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."}"I heard Professor Xiao got married!"

Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."

_{Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"}
Once he opened the door to welcome me and Li You, he rushed straight back to the kitchen.

Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"

_{Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!}Qiao Damai: "???"

Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!

_{Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"}Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"

Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"

_{After we changed our shoes, he wiped his hands and came back out, saying: "You guys are here. I was just frying up some steaks but I'm afraid they got burnt."}
After we changed our shoes, he wiped his hands and came back out, saying: "You guys are here. I was just frying up some steaks but I'm afraid they got burnt."

After we changed our shoes, he wiped his hands and came back out, saying: "You guys are here. I was just frying up some steaks but I'm afraid they got burnt."

_{Seeing this, I patted him on the shoulder, pointed to my own face while saying to him with a laugh: "Your Shiniang is beautiful, right?"}
This was my first time walking into this place they both had rented, so after sweeping my gaze around, I kept an astounded look on my face, walked up to Qiao Damai before taking his hands and saying: "Brother Qiao, where exactly did you make a fortune recently? This place isn't anything close to cheap, so how could the two of you afford to live in this small western-styled villa? Even though the building is on the older side, it's a steal when it comes to cleaning and convenience, plus it's not too far from the school." Even if you walk to the university by foot, you won't have to worry about ever reaching there late!

Seeing this, I patted him on the shoulder, pointed to my own face while saying to him with a laugh: "Your Shiniang is beautiful, right?"

_{When I arrived at the place Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo were living, I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Walking into that simple yet sophisticated independent courtyard, one where every inch of it was exquisite. Knocking in the door, I was greeted with the virtuous face of a Qiao Damai, donned in an apron while holding a shovel.}
Feeling quite pleased and flattered with himself, Qiao Damai explained: "This place is one Du Zhuo's aunt rented for him, and the rent is a discounted price offered to relatives. It's really cool to have the back of a god to lean against, isn't it?"

When I arrived at the place Qiao Damai and Du Zhuo were living, I honestly couldn't believe my eyes. Walking into that simple yet sophisticated independent courtyard, one where every inch of it was exquisite. Knocking in the door, I was greeted with the virtuous face of a Qiao Damai, donned in an apron while holding a shovel.

_{Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!}
Having said hello to Qiao Damai, Li You sat on the sofa in the living room, rested down her school bag, before pulling out a book then began reading.

Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!

_{Following this, I kept talking with Qiao Damai about everything from the stars to the moon, a chat that kept going until it was past eight in the evening. Li You got a bit sleepy while next to me, so I took her into my arms, where she curled up like a cat, falling completely asleep not long after that.}
In reply to Qiao Damai's question, I replied in agreement, "It is, it is, it is! I absolutely is!" The house's interior was spacious and bright, while the decor radiated traces of warmth. It looked more like the home of a couple more than it did the kennel where ordinary college students stayed. I then held my arm while using the other to hold my chin as I gave that apron wearing Qiao Damai a good look, saying: "I never knew you had the heart of a wife? This place's decor, that was all you, right?" Even if beaten to death, I would never believe that frosty guy called Du Zhuo was the one to have done this.

Following this, I kept talking with Qiao Damai about everything from the stars to the moon, a chat that kept going until it was past eight in the evening. Li You got a bit sleepy while next to me, so I took her into my arms, where she curled up like a cat, falling completely asleep not long after that.

_{Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.}
Qiao Damai chuckled, replying: "I was just afraid we'd have to live in a space that was far too empty, so I just figured I'd make it bit more lively. So what do you think? It doesn't look bad, right?"

Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.

According to Qiao Damai, it was a really mutually beneficial exchange. He told me: "I'd cook some rice, stir-fry some veggies and do a bit of physical labour. Learning all those problems is such a headache. But fortunately I have that god, Du Zhuo, right there with me. He's a freaking genius at studying! Like, amazing! He doesn't even make me pay him tutoring fees. Tell me, how did I end up meeting such a good man? If I were a woman, I'm afraid I'd have just have to marry him with how well we get along!

_{His face now reflected a great degree of sadness as he replied: "Those past events... I can't bear to think about it, I can't bear to think about it at all. I can only look at today, focus on the present. This is all possible because, fortunately, that god of a man Du Zhuo hasn't held it against me."}
When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

His face now reflected a great degree of sadness as he replied: "Those past events... I can't bear to think about it, I can't bear to think about it at all. I can only look at today, focus on the present. This is all possible because, fortunately, that god of a man Du Zhuo hasn't held it against me."

_{"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"}
Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!

"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"

_{Once he opened the door to welcome me and Li You, he rushed straight back to the kitchen.}
I noticed he fried some steak, but he also made a fruit salad and even brought juice, before running back to the kitchen to make the fish.

Once he opened the door to welcome me and Li You, he rushed straight back to the kitchen.

_{Li You giggled as a result of his words, while I shot Qiao Damai a look of disdain.}
I helped Li You pack up her school bag, taking her to wash her hands before taking our seats and looking at the dishes spread out on the table, saying: "A Chinese and Western fusion? How sentimental. I love it."

Li You giggled as a result of his words, while I shot Qiao Damai a look of disdain.

_{"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"}"Of course, certainly. But not only is that person beautiful, they're also very nice!" I can indirectly boast about myself with gusto you see.

"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"

_{Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."}Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university. For someone as famous as him, even if he's not in Jianghu, the people of Jianghu would long for the gossip from time to time." Qiao Damai wasn't wrong for calling me Shiniang, Xiao Huaisu was once a professor at A-University after all, so even though I never taught him a class, I could be considered half a Shiniang.

Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."

_{"P-Pro... Professor Xiao?"}
Qiao Damai prepared knives and forks for us, along with placing a pair of chopsticks and spoons placed in front of us. He then said solemnly, "This is my second time frying steak, try it and see how it is."

"P-Pro... Professor Xiao?"

_{I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."}Qiao Damai prepared knives and forks for us, along with placing a pair of chopsticks and spoons placed in front of us. He then said solemnly, "This is my second time frying steak, try it and see how it is."

I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."

_{Exposing a worried expression, Qiao Damai looked at me and said: "I'm not playing around with you. Do you have diabetes? People who have diabetes share symptoms very similar to yours. They suddenly develop a huge appetite and begin losing weight."}
I remember Qiao Damai only being able to cook Chinese food before, so hearing him say this, I asked curiously: "Why do you suddenly want to learn how to make western food?" I also began helping cut up the steak for Li You.

Exposing a worried expression, Qiao Damai looked at me and said: "I'm not playing around with you. Do you have diabetes? People who have diabetes share symptoms very similar to yours. They suddenly develop a huge appetite and begin losing weight."

_{With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.}Qiao Damai: "???"

With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

_{For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.}When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.

_{"What you're saying is completely right." Putting down my phone, I stared at Qiao Damai with a thankful face.}
"Because Du Zhuo grew up overseas, so he's more accustomed to eating western food more than Chinese. Which is why I wanted to try making it. You should give it a taste."

"What you're saying is completely right." Putting down my phone, I stared at Qiao Damai with a thankful face.

_{With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." {I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.}}Exposing a worried expression, Qiao Damai looked at me and said: "I'm not playing around with you. Do you have diabetes? People who have diabetes share symptoms very similar to yours. They suddenly develop a huge appetite and begin losing weight."

With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.

_{When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.}
After placing the sliced up steak back in front of Li You, I gave her a napkin then began cutting my own. Once I placed a piece of it in my mouth, the black peppery juices evenly wrapped around the tenderly cooked beef and the taste was good.

When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

_{The Flabbergasted Qiao Damai}
"It's not bad."

The Flabbergasted Qiao Damai

_{"Of course!"}I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."

"Of course!"

_{Not long after Li You left, Qiao Damai put down his chopsticks, saying to me stealthily: "Hey, do you know about it?"}
Qiao Damai let out a sigh of relief, asking Li You: "What about you, Youyou? Do you like it?"

Not long after Li You left, Qiao Damai put down his chopsticks, saying to me stealthily: "Hey, do you know about it?"

_{Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.}Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.

Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.

_{According to Qiao Damai, it was a really mutually beneficial exchange. He told me: "I'd cook some rice, stir-fry some veggies and do a bit of physical labour.}
Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."

According to Qiao Damai, it was a really mutually beneficial exchange. He told me: "I'd cook some rice, stir-fry some veggies and do a bit of physical labour. Learning all those problems is such a headache. But fortunately I have that god, Du Zhuo, right there with me. He's a freaking genius at studying! Like, amazing! He doesn't even make me pay him tutoring fees. Tell me, how did I end up meeting such a good man? If I were a woman, I'm afraid I'd have just have to marry him with how well we get along!

_{Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."}
Qiao Damai smiled happily, conveniently throwing me a glance in passing as he said: "Our little Youyou is so honest. But look at that dad of yours though, he's not sincere at all. If it's delicious, then it's delicious. What about that is just 'not bad'!"

Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."

_{tiny note: that "excuse me" from Damai was in English.[]iana: I missed these knuckleheads interacting.}"That's true. They're definitely a beautiful pair who's a match made in heaven."

tiny note: that "excuse me" from Damai was in English.[]iana: I missed these knuckleheads interacting.

_{In a tone carrying confusion, I asked: "There are people at the school spreading this?"}Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."

In a tone carrying confusion, I asked: "There are people at the school spreading this?"

_{Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.}
Li You giggled as a result of his words, while I shot Qiao Damai a look of disdain.

Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.

_{Leisurely chewing a piece of the of the stewed fish, I wiped my mouth, replying: "They're breathtaking."}
The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.

Leisurely chewing a piece of the of the stewed fish, I wiped my mouth, replying: "They're breathtaking."

Qiao Damai let out a sigh of relief, asking Li You: "What about you, Youyou? Do you like it?"

_{While picking out the banana pieces from the salad, I replied: "Maybe it's because winter is coming so I'm trying to store up fat."}
Not long after Li You left, Qiao Damai put down his chopsticks, saying to me stealthily: "Hey, do you know about it?"

While picking out the banana pieces from the salad, I replied: "Maybe it's because winter is coming so I'm trying to store up fat."

_{Done with eating the steak, I proceeded to eat two more bowls of rice, finishing off half the fish stew, then again drank a cup of juice, before stating n the salad. Seeing this, wearing a confused face, asked me: "You... why are you eating so much?"}Exposing a worried expression, Qiao Damai looked at me and said: "I'm not playing around with you. Do you have diabetes? People who have diabetes share symptoms very similar to yours. They suddenly develop a huge appetite and begin losing weight."

Done with eating the steak, I proceeded to eat two more bowls of rice, finishing off half the fish stew, then again drank a cup of juice, before stating n the salad. Seeing this, wearing a confused face, asked me: "You... why are you eating so much?"

_{"Isn't our Professor Xiao a low-key kind of person? Do you think you all are able find out something like that easily?"}Outside the door was Xiao Huaisu wearing a coat, with a coat for me and one for Li You hung over his arms as he said: "No need, I'll be taking them back and you guys can meet up another day." Whipping his around to see Xiao Huaisu, Qiao Damai was so shocked he took a huge step backwards.

"Isn't our Professor Xiao a low-key kind of person? Do you think you all are able find out something like that easily?"

_{"About what?"}
"About what?"

"About what?"

_{Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."}tiny note: that "excuse me" from Damai was in English.[]iana: I missed these knuckleheads interacting.

Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."

_{I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"}Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."

I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"

_{"Isn't our Professor Xiao a low-key kind of person? Do you think you all are able find out something like that easily?"}
"I heard Professor Xiao got married!"

"Isn't our Professor Xiao a low-key kind of person? Do you think you all are able find out something like that easily?"

_{"Of course!"}
I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"

"Of course!"

_{"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."}Once he opened the door to welcome me and Li You, he rushed straight back to the kitchen.

"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."

_{For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.}
Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.

For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.

_{"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"}Outside the door was Xiao Huaisu wearing a coat, with a coat for me and one for Li You hung over his arms as he said: "No need, I'll be taking them back and you guys can meet up another day." Whipping his around to see Xiao Huaisu, Qiao Damai was so shocked he took a huge step backwards.

"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

_{Outside the door was Xiao Huaisu wearing a coat, with a coat for me and one for Li You hung over his arms as he said: "No need, I'll be taking them back and you guys can meet up another day." Whipping his around to see Xiao Huaisu, Qiao Damai was so shocked he took a huge step backwards.}
This is... I never expected that even after having left JianghuT/n: lit. rivers and lakes, slang for "the scene" here not the usual underworld. for so many years, would again be causing ripples!

Outside the door was Xiao Huaisu wearing a coat, with a coat for me and one for Li You hung over his arms as he said: "No need, I'll be taking them back and you guys can meet up another day." Whipping his around to see Xiao Huaisu, Qiao Damai was so shocked he took a huge step backwards.

_{Qiao Damai: "???"}
In a tone carrying confusion, I asked: "There are people at the school spreading this?"

Qiao Damai: "???"

_{I remember Qiao Damai only being able to cook Chinese food before, so hearing him say this, I asked curiously: "Why do you suddenly want to learn how to make western food?" I also began helping cut up the steak for Li You.}
Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university. For someone as famous as him, even if he's not in Jianghu, the people of Jianghu would long for the gossip from time to time." Qiao Damai wasn't wrong for calling me Shiniang, Xiao Huaisu was once a professor at A-University after all, so even though I never taught him a class, I could be considered half a Shiniang.

I remember Qiao Damai only being able to cook Chinese food before, so hearing him say this, I asked curiously: "Why do you suddenly want to learn how to make western food?" I also began helping cut up the steak for Li You.

_{Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university.}Ever since Qiao Damai started graduate school, he had been living together with Du Zhuo... well, to be more accurate they were renting together. Qiao Damai took care of providing Du Zhuo with his three daily meals along with various other considerate services such as serving tea and water. While on Du Zhuo's end, he helped Damai with any academic related issues, like pre-exam counselling, post-exam prep, etc., as long as it was related to his studies.

Qiao Damai said in return: "You work at the same company as Professor Xiao, right? So hurry up and tell me, have you ever seen his wife? Is our Shiniang [professor's wife] beautiful! Your company doesn't just have you as an A-University graduate. So news of the professor being married would naturally be spread back to the university. For someone as famous as him, even if he's not in Jianghu, the people of Jianghu would long for the gossip from time to time." Qiao Damai wasn't wrong for calling me Shiniang, Xiao Huaisu was once a professor at A-University after all, so even though I never taught him a class, I could be considered half a Shiniang.

_{Done with eating the steak, I proceeded to eat two more bowls of rice, finishing off half the fish stew, then again drank a cup of juice, before stating n the salad. Seeing this, wearing a confused face, asked me: "You... why are you eating so much?"}
Leisurely chewing a piece of the of the stewed fish, I wiped my mouth, replying: "They're breathtaking."

Done with eating the steak, I proceeded to eat two more bowls of rice, finishing off half the fish stew, then again drank a cup of juice, before stating n the salad. Seeing this, wearing a confused face, asked me: "You... why are you eating so much?"

_{Qiao Damai smiled happily, conveniently throwing me a glance in passing as he said: "Our little Youyou is so honest. But look at that dad of yours though, he's not sincere at all. If it's delicious, then it's delicious. What about that is just 'not bad'!"}Giving him a "bah", I replied: "Don't you know being able to eat is a blessing?"

Qiao Damai smiled happily, conveniently throwing me a glance in passing as he said: "Our little Youyou is so honest. But look at that dad of yours though, he's not sincere at all. If it's delicious, then it's delicious. What about that is just 'not bad'!"

_{When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.}N/A

When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

_{Which is why when he had invited me over on afternoon during the later end of October to eat that spicy Sichuan fish stew of his, I had of course jumped at the chance and rushed over to the stronghold of that dear friend of mine.}
Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"

Which is why when he had invited me over on afternoon during the later end of October to eat that spicy Sichuan fish stew of his, I had of course jumped at the chance and rushed over to the stronghold of that dear friend of mine.

_{Giving him a "bah", I replied: "Don't you know being able to eat is a blessing?"}With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.

Giving him a "bah", I replied: "Don't you know being able to eat is a blessing?"

_{I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."}"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."

_{The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.}
"Of course, certainly. But not only is that person beautiful, they're also very nice!" I can indirectly boast about myself with gusto you see.

The steak wasn't enough, after two or three bites it was already done. So I started eating the fish with some rice, along with a few tasty vegetable dishes. Because she ate the steak, Li You was almost full after a few bites so she just drank her juice then went to the living room to watch cartoons on her own. Leaving Qiao Damai and me to eat and talk.

_{Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!}"Jealous of my natural beauty, are you?"

Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!

_{Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"}Taking a look at my rice bowl, the bowl with the fish, the almost empty rice cooker, and the empty plate I finished my steak on, asked further: "If that's the reason, why don't I see you putting on any weight? Actually, you seem a little thinner, don't you think?"

Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"

_{In reply to Qiao Damai's question, I replied in agreement, "It is, it is, it is! I absolutely is!" The house's interior was spacious and bright, while the decor radiated traces of warmth. It looked more like the home of a couple more than it did the kennel where ordinary college students stayed.}
"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"

In reply to Qiao Damai's question, I replied in agreement, "It is, it is, it is! I absolutely is!" The house's interior was spacious and bright, while the decor radiated traces of warmth. It looked more like the home of a couple more than it did the kennel where ordinary college students stayed. I then held my arm while using the other to hold my chin as I gave that apron wearing Qiao Damai a good look, saying: "I never knew you had the heart of a wife? This place's decor, that was all you, right?" Even if beaten to death, I would never believe that frosty guy called Du Zhuo was the one to have done this.

_{I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"}"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"

_{With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." {I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.}}While picking out the banana pieces from the salad, I replied: "Maybe it's because winter is coming so I'm trying to store up fat."

With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.

_{I noticed he fried some steak, but he also made a fruit salad and even brought juice, before running back to the kitchen to make the fish.}
"Isn't our Professor Xiao a low-key kind of person? Do you think you all are able find out something like that easily?"

I noticed he fried some steak, but he also made a fruit salad and even brought juice, before running back to the kitchen to make the fish.

_{"P-Pro... Professor Xiao?"}Not long after Li You left, Qiao Damai put down his chopsticks, saying to me stealthily: "Hey, do you know about it?"

"P-Pro... Professor Xiao?"

_{I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"}The Flabbergasted Qiao Damai

I also leaned over to him stealthily and asked: "Married?"

_{When the doorbell rang, I looked at the time and knew immediately it was Xiao Huaisu here to pick us up, so I stood up and said to Qiao Damai: "I should get going." Qiao Damai still had no idea who it was at the door, so he got up to go answer it.}
"That's true. They're definitely a beautiful pair who's a match made in heaven."

When the doorbell rang, I looked at the time and knew immediately it was Xiao Huaisu here to pick us up, so I stood up and said to Qiao Damai: "I should get going." Qiao Damai still had no idea who it was at the door, so he got up to go answer it. While he opened it, he turned his head to me and said: "What's the hurry? You can just sleep here with me, my room is ready. It won't be convenient for you to be carrying back Li You like that on your own."

_{Giving him a "bah", I replied: "Don't you know being able to eat is a blessing?"}
"Hahahaha... That's definitely true! What you're saying isn't wrong at all." A match made in heaven. A match made in heaven, indeed.

Giving him a "bah", I replied: "Don't you know being able to eat is a blessing?"

_{Since I joined the world of work and Qiao Damai started graduate school, we haven't met or hung out with one another. But even if we haven't met up, it doesn't mean the revolutionary friendship we shared over so many years could just be easily dissolved.}This was my first time walking into this place they both had rented, so after sweeping my gaze around, I kept an astounded look on my face, walked up to Qiao Damai before taking his hands and saying: "Brother Qiao, where exactly did you make a fortune recently? This place isn't anything close to cheap, so how could the two of you afford to live in this small western-styled villa? Even though the building is on the older side, it's a steal when it comes to cleaning and convenience, plus it's not too far from the school." Even if you walk to the university by foot, you won't have to worry about ever reaching there late!

Since I joined the world of work and Qiao Damai started graduate school, we haven't met or hung out with one another. But even if we haven't met up, it doesn't mean the revolutionary friendship we shared over so many years could just be easily dissolved. Oh no no, to the contrary, it has made the ties of friendship between us grow much stronger, with us frequently chatting and sharing gossip with each other online.

_{Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."}In a tone carrying confusion, I asked: "There are people at the school spreading this?"

Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."

_{I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."}
Done with eating the steak, I proceeded to eat two more bowls of rice, finishing off half the fish stew, then again drank a cup of juice, before stating n the salad. Seeing this, wearing a confused face, asked me: "You... why are you eating so much?"

I chimed in saying: "A true god! A true god indeed..."

_{When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.}"Isn't our Professor Xiao a low-key kind of person? Do you think you all are able find out something like that easily?"

When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

_{Feeling quite pleased and flattered with himself, Qiao Damai explained: "This place is one Du Zhuo's aunt rented for him, and the rent is a discounted price offered to relatives. It's really cool to have the back of a god to lean against, isn't it?"}
While picking out the banana pieces from the salad, I replied: "Maybe it's because winter is coming so I'm trying to store up fat."

Feeling quite pleased and flattered with himself, Qiao Damai explained: "This place is one Du Zhuo's aunt rented for him, and the rent is a discounted price offered to relatives. It's really cool to have the back of a god to lean against, isn't it?"

_{When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.}I then asked him: "That guy doesn't hate you?"

When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

_{With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.}
Taking a look at my rice bowl, the bowl with the fish, the almost empty rice cooker, and the empty plate I finished my steak on, asked further: "If that's the reason, why don't I see you putting on any weight? Actually, you seem a little thinner, don't you think?"

With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

_{But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"}
"Jealous of my natural beauty, are you?"

But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"

_{"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"}Qiao Damai let out a sigh of relief, asking Li You: "What about you, Youyou? Do you like it?"

"But... why did I hear that they just got married? Because I also heard they also have a daughter about as old as Youyou?"

_{Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.}Not long after Li You left, Qiao Damai put down his chopsticks, saying to me stealthily: "Hey, do you know about it?"

Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.

_{"He's a good man, so don't forget to treat him well."}
"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

"He's a good man, so don't forget to treat him well."

Giving him a "bah", I replied: "Don't you know being able to eat is a blessing?"

_{Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.}With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

Plus, while on the way, I stopped by Li You's school to pick her up too.

_{Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.}Following this, I kept talking with Qiao Damai about everything from the stars to the moon, a chat that kept going until it was past eight in the evening. Li You got a bit sleepy while next to me, so I took her into my arms, where she curled up like a cat, falling completely asleep not long after that.

Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.

_{Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!}
Exposing a worried expression, Qiao Damai looked at me and said: "I'm not playing around with you. Do you have diabetes? People who have diabetes share symptoms very similar to yours. They suddenly develop a huge appetite and begin losing weight."

Seeing that friend of mine living such a good life these days, as his friend, I was happy for him. Plus, also on account of him making the most delicious spicy stewed fish ever, I would kiss his behind from here to the sun!

_{"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"}Li You giggled as a result of his words, while I shot Qiao Damai a look of disdain.

"Why are you pretending? I'm serious, are you sick or something?"

_{"Of course!"}Qiao Damai: "???"

"Of course!"

_{Qiao Damai let out a sigh of relief, asking Li You: "What about you, Youyou? Do you like it?"}
He said it so seriously, it made my brows suddenly jerk. There really couldn't really be a problem, right?

Qiao Damai let out a sigh of relief, asking Li You: "What about you, Youyou? Do you like it?"

_{"That's true. They're definitely a beautiful pair who's a match made in heaven."}
For a while, I did not dare take another bite. Pulling out my phone and turning on the selfie camera to look at my face, I checked my left the right side, asking: "I don't think I look thinner, right? Are the faces of people with diabetes as rosy as mine?" I was unable to stop myself from pinching a bit.

"That's true. They're definitely a beautiful pair who's a match made in heaven."

_{Having said hello to Qiao Damai, Li You sat on the sofa in the living room, rested down her school bag, before pulling out a book then began reading.}
But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"

Having said hello to Qiao Damai, Li You sat on the sofa in the living room, rested down her school bag, before pulling out a book then began reading.

_{But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"}Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."

But Qiao Damai said in reply: "We can't take any chances. You should head straight to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. We don't know if it might be true, right? It's not like we could just keep stuffing your stomach with no worries, eating and drinking away. If it is the case, early detection and treatment would be better, right?"

_{When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.}"Because Du Zhuo grew up overseas, so he's more accustomed to eating western food more than Chinese. Which is why I wanted to try making it. You should give it a taste."

When I heard Qiao Damai say that Du Zhuo would be attending some research conference with his professor for a couple days and would not be returning for a few days. So fearing Du Zhuo being there would make me feel uncomfortable, he chose when he wasn't here to invite me over to eat.

_{I then asked him: "That guy doesn't hate you?"}
"What you're saying is completely right." Putting down my phone, I stared at Qiao Damai with a thankful face.

I then asked him: "That guy doesn't hate you?"

_{Li You giggled as a result of his words, while I shot Qiao Damai a look of disdain.}He said it so seriously, it made my brows suddenly jerk. There really couldn't really be a problem, right?

Li You giggled as a result of his words, while I shot Qiao Damai a look of disdain.

_{Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."}
Qiao Damai waved his hands at my sentiments, however, the bearing of a hidden wise master on his face as he spoke: "I'm familiar with diabetes since my grandmother suffered from it. So compared to the average person, I know about it a lot more. Which is why when I noticed the huge and sudden increase of appetite, your lack of weight gain, along with your weight loss, I couldn't help but worry."

Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."

_{Qiao Damai chuckled, replying: "I was just afraid we'd have to live in a space that was far too empty, so I just figured I'd make it bit more lively. So what do you think? It doesn't look bad, right?"}Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"

Qiao Damai chuckled, replying: "I was just afraid we'd have to live in a space that was far too empty, so I just figured I'd make it bit more lively. So what do you think? It doesn't look bad, right?"

_{Taking a look at my rice bowl, the bowl with the fish, the almost empty rice cooker, and the empty plate I finished my steak on, asked further: "If that's the reason, why don't I see you putting on any weight? Actually, you seem a little thinner, don't you think?"}
With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.

Taking a look at my rice bowl, the bowl with the fish, the almost empty rice cooker, and the empty plate I finished my steak on, asked further: "If that's the reason, why don't I see you putting on any weight? Actually, you seem a little thinner, don't you think?"

_{"Because Du Zhuo grew up overseas, so he's more accustomed to eating western food more than Chinese. Which is why I wanted to try making it. You should give it a taste."}
Following this, I kept talking with Qiao Damai about everything from the stars to the moon, a chat that kept going until it was past eight in the evening. Li You got a bit sleepy while next to me, so I took her into my arms, where she curled up like a cat, falling completely asleep not long after that.

"Because Du Zhuo grew up overseas, so he's more accustomed to eating western food more than Chinese. Which is why I wanted to try making it. You should give it a taste."

_{This was my first time walking into this place they both had rented, so after sweeping my gaze around, I kept an astounded look on my face, walked up to Qiao Damai before taking his hands and saying: "Brother Qiao, where exactly did you make a fortune recently? This place isn't anything close to cheap, so how could the two of you afford to live in this small western-styled villa? Even though the building is on the older side, it's a steal when it comes to cleaning and convenience, plus it's not too far from the school." Even if you walk to the university by foot, you won't have to worry about ever reaching there late!.}
When the doorbell rang, I looked at the time and knew immediately it was Xiao Huaisu here to pick us up, so I stood up and said to Qiao Damai: "I should get going." Qiao Damai still had no idea who it was at the door, so he got up to go answer it. While he opened it, he turned his head to me and said: "What's the hurry? You can just sleep here with me, my room is ready. It won't be convenient for you to be carrying back Li You like that on your own."

This was my first time walking into this place they both had rented, so after sweeping my gaze around, I kept an astounded look on my face, walked up to Qiao Damai before taking his hands and saying: "Brother Qiao, where exactly did you make a fortune recently? This place isn't anything close to cheap, so how could the two of you afford to live in this small western-styled villa? Even though the building is on the older side, it's a steal when it comes to cleaning and convenience, plus it's not too far from the school." Even if you walk to the university by foot, you won't have to worry about ever reaching there late!

_{When the doorbell rang, I looked at the time and knew immediately it was Xiao Huaisu here to pick us up, so I stood up and said to Qiao Damai: "I should get going." Qiao Damai still had no idea who it was at the door, so he got up to go answer it.}With the most genuine amount of sincerity, I said to this friend of mine: "Thank you." I'll head to the hospital tomorrow.

When the doorbell rang, I looked at the time and knew immediately it was Xiao Huaisu here to pick us up, so I stood up and said to Qiao Damai: "I should get going." Qiao Damai still had no idea who it was at the door, so he got up to go answer it. While he opened it, he turned his head to me and said: "What's the hurry? You can just sleep here with me, my room is ready. It won't be convenient for you to be carrying back Li You like that on your own."

_{Qiao Damai prepared knives and forks for us, along with placing a pair of chopsticks and spoons placed in front of us. He then said solemnly, "This is my second time frying steak, try it and see how it is."}
Outside the door was Xiao Huaisu wearing a coat, with a coat for me and one for Li You hung over his arms as he said: "No need, I'll be taking them back and you guys can meet up another day." Whipping his around to see Xiao Huaisu, Qiao Damai was so shocked he took a huge step backwards.

Qiao Damai prepared knives and forks for us, along with placing a pair of chopsticks and spoons placed in front of us. He then said solemnly, "This is my second time frying steak, try it and see how it is."

_{"Hahahaha... That's definitely true! What you're saying isn't wrong at all." A match made in heaven. A match made in heaven, indeed.}
"P-Pro... Professor Xiao?"

"Hahahaha... That's definitely true! What you're saying isn't wrong at all." A match made in heaven. A match made in heaven, indeed.

_{With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.}After we changed our shoes, he wiped his hands and came back out, saying: "You guys are here. I was just frying up some steaks but I'm afraid they got burnt."

With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

_{Ever since Qiao Damai started graduate school, he had been living together with Du Zhuo..}
Calmly, Xiao Huaisu greeted the flabbergasted Qiao Damai, and upon noticing Li You was sleeping, took off his coat then used it to wrap up Li You before taking her. I put on the coat her brought for me then took the no longer needed little coat meant for Li You, saying to Qiao Damai "We'll be on our way."

Ever since Qiao Damai started graduate school, he had been living together with Du Zhuo... well, to be more accurate they were renting together. Qiao Damai took care of providing Du Zhuo with his three daily meals along with various other considerate services such as serving tea and water. While on Du Zhuo's end, he helped Damai with any academic related issues, like pre-exam counselling, post-exam prep, etc., as long as it was related to his studies.

_{This is... I never expected that even after having left JianghuT/n: lit. rivers and lakes, slang for "the scene" here not the usual underworld. for so many years, would again be causing ripples!}
With a question mark like face, Qiao Damai asked: "Excuse me?" His expression blank and confused.

This is... I never expected that even after having left JianghuT/n: lit. rivers and lakes, slang for "the scene" here not the usual underworld. for so many years, would again be causing ripples!

_{I remember Qiao Damai only being able to cook Chinese food before, so hearing him say this, I asked curiously: "Why do you suddenly want to learn how to make western food?" I also began helping cut up the steak for Li You.}He said it so seriously, it made my brows suddenly jerk. There really couldn't really be a problem, right?

I remember Qiao Damai only being able to cook Chinese food before, so hearing him say this, I asked curiously: "Why do you suddenly want to learn how to make western food?" I also began helping cut up the steak for Li You.

_{Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!}Which is why when he had invited me over on afternoon during the later end of October to eat that spicy Sichuan fish stew of his, I had of course jumped at the chance and rushed over to the stronghold of that dear friend of mine.

Hearing this question of mine, with an air of gratefulness, Qiao Damai replied: "That's why I adore him. He doesn't hate my cooking either, because no matter what I make, he eats it all up without any complaint. He even tutors my quite diligently. Tell me exactly how, despite us not sharing the same major, he could know things from my specialised classes that's super accurate! He so wise!

_{Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"}
Seeing this, I patted him on the shoulder, pointed to my own face while saying to him with a laugh: "Your Shiniang is beautiful, right?"

Again, Qiao Damai smacked his thigh in excitement, saying: "That's a given! With those qualities of our professor, that unrivalled handsome appearance, his ability to be a professor and also play around in the business world. To be able to snatch up our professor, that person must definitely be a goddess!"

_{Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.}Exposing a worried expression, Qiao Damai looked at me and said: "I'm not playing around with you. Do you have diabetes? People who have diabetes share symptoms very similar to yours. They suddenly develop a huge appetite and begin losing weight."

Qiao Damai straightened his back, patting his thigh as he answered: "Yep! Married! I also heard that his wife is especially beautiful!" The look in his eyes as he said this, as one of longing and reverence.

_{Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."}
Qiao Damai: "???"

Having just finished a piece, once she heard him, Li You nodded: "It tstes just like the one we had at a restaurant. It's really yummy."

_{Taking a look at my rice bowl, the bowl with the fish, the almost empty rice cooker, and the empty plate I finished my steak on, asked further: "If that's the reason, why don't I see you putting on any weight? Actually, you seem a little thinner, don't you think?"}Qiao Damai let out a sigh of relief, asking Li You: "What about you, Youyou? Do you like it?"

Taking a look at my rice bowl, the bowl with the fish, the almost empty rice cooker, and the empty plate I finished my steak on, asked further: "If that's the reason, why don't I see you putting on any weight? Actually, you seem a little thinner, don't you think?"

_{"It's not bad."}
Still laughing, I added: "Thank you for your hospitality. After I get back from the hospital tomorrow, I'll tell you what you want to know when there's time, okay? Hahahaha..." Looks like I forgot to tell him about my marriage, doesn't it? Maybe because I only got the certificate, I felt too relaxed—so relaxed I usually seem to forget I'm no longer a single fella.

"It's not bad."

_{After we changed our shoes, he wiped his hands and came back out, saying: "You guys are here. I was just frying up some steaks but I'm afraid they got burnt."}Since I joined the world of work and Qiao Damai started graduate school, we haven't met or hung out with one another. But even if we haven't met up, it doesn't mean the revolutionary friendship we shared over so many years could just be easily dissolved. Oh no no, to the contrary, it has made the ties of friendship between us grow much stronger, with us frequently chatting and sharing gossip with each other online.

After we changed our shoes, he wiped his hands and came back out, saying: "You guys are here. I was just frying up some steaks but I'm afraid they got burnt."

_{Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"}"Even though the beginning of your friendship wasn't that pleasant."

Gaining Qiao Damai's agreement: "Indeed! Indeed! And that god is friends with me!"

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

tiny note: that "excuse me" from Damai was in English.

iana: I missed these knuckleheads interacting.

• Previous
• Next
• ToC