Chapter 861: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (33)

Yu Bao'er merely walked around with Huo Yingcheng, with no specific destination in mind.

There weren't any special places in Dayi City, not even cultural attractions. There were only modern facilities in this city.

Yu Bao'er treated Huo Yingcheng to a meal at an old restaurant she liked visiting in the past.

"The place might not look like much, but the food is superb. Though, it's been a long time since I came. I don't know if they're still around. Before I moved house, I particularly liked coming here to eat their fish..."

Yu Bao'er was in high spirits as she took Huo Yingcheng to one of her favorite eateries. On the way, she was all smiles when she introduced this restaurant to Huo Yingcheng.

Perhaps because Huo Yingcheng was a lonely and cold old man, when he saw the young lady smiling so joyfully and hearing the excitement as she talked, for some reason, his heart skipped a beat.

At the time, he hadn't sensed it. He could only feel that his mouth was turning dry.

He assumed it was from being under the sun for too long.

"Aiyah, it's still around!"

The place Yu Bao'er was talking about was in an old district whose vicinity was still being developed. There was construction going on nearby, and the nearby plot of land had begun to show signs of prosperity.

Yu Bao'er gazed at the shop and scratched her head. "The renovation's changed, but the name is still the same. It should be this one."

Because the nearby plot of land was where Yu Bao'er and her family previously lived, it was under renovation.

Huo Yingcheng looked up and sized up the place. Compared to the places he was accustomed to eating at, this was shabby.

Though he considered it shabby, an ordinary person might consider the renovation of this small shop exquisite.

As it was noontime, there were plenty of diners inside. Compared to other shops which appeared emptier, this shop's business was indeed not bad.

After all, due to the redevelopment, there weren't many residents in the area anymore.

It was only recently that people started slowly moving in.

Thankfully, Huo Yingcheng wasn't a severe case of a clean freak like his major-general.

Huo Yingcheng thought to himself that Helian Niancheng definitely wouldn't enter such a place.

At the thought of this, Huo Yingcheng smiled. In front, Yu Bao'er turned her head and without realizing what she was doing, tugged at Huo Yingcheng's sleeve. "Let's hurry up. There are still tables available upstairs. If we're any later, they will all be taken up and we will be left with no seats."

Huo Yingcheng immediately looked towards that fair and clean wrist holding his sleeve.

But the owner of that hand very quickly let go, for she had already entered to ask the wait staff about seatings.

"Let's go upstairs. There are tables up there."

Yu Bao'er took Huo Yingcheng upstairs.

Thankfully, there weren't many people upstairs, so they could still find a table by the window.

After sitting down, Yu Bao'er picked up the menu and handed it to Huo Yingcheng. "Don't say I never treat you to good food. I feel that the food here tastes pretty good. They serve the best fish dish I've ever eaten."

Huo Yingcheng looked at the menu. In terms of prices, a glass of alcohol at the restaurants he usually went would cost as much as an entire meal here.

However, seeing Yu Bao'er seriously recommend this place, he didn't say much. After looking at the menu, he chose two dishes without much thought, then tossed them to Yu Bao'er. "Order what you want. I've already ordered."

Yu Bao'er took a look. "This place serves excellent steamed fish head with preserved chili, Sour and Spicy Crucian Carp, and crucian fish soup! They taste awesome!"

Yu Bao'er happily said as she decided on ordering these three dishes.

Chapter 862: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (34)

After they had ordered and the waiter took the menu away, it then occurred to Yu Bao'er to ask. "Oh yeah, Commander Huo, do you eat fish?"

Huo Yingcheng narrowed his eyes at her. "You've already brought me here. Don't you think you're asking that a little too late?"

Yu Bao'er was uneasy. "Err, sorry. I hadn't thought so much at the time. You do eat fish, don't you?"

She started worrying. Huo Yingcheng smiled. "Do you think that I would follow you in if I didn't eat fish?"

Yu Bao'er relaxed upon hearing that.

She was worried that she hadn't considered his dietary preferences/restrictions.

"Good to hear. It's been a long time since I've been here. The signboard here hasn't changed, but the renovation is vastly different. I don't know if the food tastes the same as before."

Yu Bao'er started arranging her bowl and chopsticks. After some thought, she asked, "What do you want to drink?"

Huo Yingcheng shook his head.

Other than smoking, he didn't drink alcohol.

He didn't like drinking alcohol during meals.

After Huo Yingcheng shook his head, Yu Bao'er quietly arranged her bowl and chopsticks.

All of a sudden, with neither of them speaking, the atmosphere turned a tad awkward.

Until the fish was served.

The familiar aroma of fish emanated through the air, making Yu Bao'er raise a brow. "Smells so fragrant! It's this smell!"

It was the same fragrance as she remembered. Yu Bao'er was delighted.

After the fish dishes were served, she raised her bowl and swallowed her saliva. Her manner made Huo Yingcheng laugh. "Judging from the way you look, people who don't know better might think you've never eaten in eight lifetimes."

"Hmph!"

Yu Bao'er scoffed, then picked up a fish slice and started to eat.

The taste was similar to what she was used to eating. Eating it made her feel incredibly blissful.

"I'm surprised this restaurant is still around. I've got to come here more often. It's just that it's too far. Add to the fact that there's an ongoing redevelopment here, I thought that this shop was no longer in business. That's why I haven't been here in a long time. I was just trying my luck today. Unexpectedly it's still here."

Yu Bao'er spoke as she ate.

Huo Yingcheng smiled faintly. "So wouldn't you have made a wasted trip if they had yet to reopen for business?"

"Since we now know that's not the case, let's not talk about that."

With cheeks puffed up with food, Yu Bao'er picked up tissue to wipe the traces of food off the corner of her mouth.

Though Huo Yingcheng's manner of eating wasn't super elegant, one could tell that he was someone fond of cleanliness. Unlike Yu Bao'er who had gravy seeping from her mouth.

Huo Yingcheng took a few bites before nodding and praising. "Tastes pretty good indeed. But it's too spicy. I don't think I'll be able to eat too much of it."

"You should eat less since you can't eat spicy food. I'll be responsible for finishing it."

Yu Bao'er declared generously. But most importantly, there was a lot of food...

Huo Yingcheng was taken aback. "You can finish all this?"

Yu Bao'er looked, and said with less confidence this time, "Maybe..."

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

But even this 'maybe' was enough to make Huo Yingcheng think more highly of her now.

The portions were rather big, with one basin of fish being sufficient for four to five people.

And Yu Bao'er said she could finish it by herself.

Huo Yingcheng couldn't help sighing with emotion in his heart: What a true warrior!

Chapter 863: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (35)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Huo Yingcheng didn't usually eat spicy food. Hence, he wasn't used to it.

Even though it tasted good, very quickly it became too spicy for him to handle

At the thought that Yu Bao'er would have to finish so much food by herself, he ate another two mouthfuls. But in the end, he still couldn't endure it and had to set down his chopsticks. He asked the waiter for a bottle of beverage and took a few continuous gulps, but still, he didn't feel like he wouldn't be able to digest the indescribably spicy food in his mouth.

He felt like his throat was on fire.

Yu Bao'er looked at him as she ate. "Really? I don't find it that spicy."

No idea if it was because she was used to eating it, Yu Bao'er didn't think it was very spicy.

Hence, she ate it with a normal countenance.

Huo Yingcheng waved a hand, his face flushed due to the spiciness. "I can't tolerate spicy food much. This is already my limit."

After that, he took two big gulps of water.

Yu Bao'er was worried about seeing him like this. "Are you okay? I didn't know you can't take spicy..."

Yu Bao'er felt defeated. Never mind that she didn't think to ask if he ate fish before coming; she didn't even ask him if he could eat spicy food.

Seems like she only considered herself even though she was treating him?

Yu Bao'er felt embarrassed.

Huo Yingcheng shook his head. "Not so bad. I just can't quite take spicy food. This restaurant's food indeed tastes pretty good. Even if we go somewhere else I probably won't be able to eat more than this either."

The flavors of Dayi City weren't suited for his taste buds. Hence, he didn't eat much here.

Hearing this, Yu Bao'er felt slightly better.

Huo Yingcheng watched her as she ate.

He didn't rush her, and only occasionally took out his phone to take a look.

It was noon now, and the second floor was becoming increasingly more crowded.

All of a sudden, Yu Bao'er saw a group of people come up.

They were all dressed flamboyantly, their shoulders and faces filled with tattoos.

It was comparable to Yu Bao'er's older brother.

But the difference was, there was a meaning behind Yu Bao'er's older brother's tattoos, whereas these people were merely gangsters.

One could tell based on their disposition.

More importantly, Yu Bao'er knew one of them.

It was her senior high classmate.

At the time, she was young and liked mixing around. She was regarded as a gangster girl in other people's eyes.

Since Yu Bao'er's older brother was strict with her, other than having a rash temperament, she never did anything too out of line.

But the crowd she used to mix with really weren't good people.

At the time, as a little girl, she had a lousy judgment of people.

She thought that looks were all that mattered. She dated this classmate for a while simply because she found him rather good-looking.

Since they were students back then, they were still pretty innocent. She was surprised to see one of her exes in such a place.

Also, it was a nasty break-up. Some argument had occurred between the two of them, and this guy got into a physical fight with Yu Bao'er.

With Yu Bao'er's temperament at the time, how could she tolerate it? Although she had hit him back, she was, after all, a female. Hence, she asked her older brother to beat up that guy.

Her brother even threatened him, and only then managed to shake off this shameless pestering rogue.

After all, Yu Bao'er's older brother was famous for his fighting skills around the area.

If it were another girl, perhaps something terrible would have happened.

But Yu Bao'er never expected to run into him here today.

Chapter 864: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (36)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"Yo, Yu Bao'er?"

It was clear that the youth saw Yu Bao'er.

He was wearing a leather jacket, and there was an indecorous vibe about him. He looked like a gangster deserving of a beating.

His bald head stung Yu Bao'er's eyes a little...

The other party spoke in a hooligan-ish manner as he sat down at the table right opposite to Yu Bao'er's. He even pulled the stool closer, completely ignoring Huo Yingcheng who was seated next to Yu Bao'er.

Huo Yingcheng narrowed his eyes and looked over. Such young gangsters were nothing to him. But looking at the other party, he couldn't immediately figure out what his intention was.

If he was looking for trouble, things were going to get interesting today.

Yu Bao'er set down her chopsticks and drank her soup. "Fan Jiang, it's been a long time."

You're still as despicable as you used to be!

Fan Jiang curled his lips. His 'brothers' all sat down around him and were gazing at Yu Bao'er with interest.

Only two of them noticed Huo Yingcheng, and wary expressions could be seen on them.

"Yu Bao'er, it's indeed been a long time. I heard that you went to the army and later went to the capital to study in university. How was it? Top student, now that you're doing well, you're still able to call out an old classmate's name, like me. I am so honored!"

The sarcasm in Fan Jiang's words was unmistakable.

Perhaps he still had a vivid memory of her older brother beating him to a pulp. And it was right after she had dumped him, too.

At the time, Fan Jiang had never suffered such a huge loss before.

He still bore that grudge until now.

"Oh, please. I've merely graduated from university. I'm not doing nearly as well as you, Mr. Fan. Looking at you, I'm guessing you've become a millionaire from all that protection fees you've collected?"

Yu Bao'er retorted. Fan Jiang choked and said, "You..." Then, he suddenly heard a man beside him laugh.

He turned his head and only then saw the man seated opposite of Yu Bao'er.

This man looked quite fierce. Merely sitting there, his tall and well-built frame gave off a terrifying impression.

Fan Jiang's heart turned weak, but still, he demanded ferociously, "What are you laughing at?"

The smile vanished from Huo Yingcheng's face.

Fan Jiang then pointed at him and looked towards Yu Bao'er. "This is your boyfriend? Your taste has gotten so hardcore these days?"

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

Tsk, this little scumbag. What did he mean by hardcore taste?

Yu Bao'er set down her bowl and leisurely replied, "How could you put it this way? Is he not as handsome as you, or not as tall as you? Or is he not as good as you? How could you say my taste is hardcore?"

She wasn't in a hurry to deny her relationship with Huo Yingcheng.

Huo Yingcheng first cast a meaningful look at Yu Bao'er. He, too, wasn't anxious to deny.

He could tell Yu Bao'er was scorning the other party.

"Good. Very good."

Fan Jiang was so furious that he laughed. He slammed the table and got up. "Yu Bao'er, I'll be magnanimous and won't be calculative with you today. I still remember what happened back then."

"You'd be stupid not to."

Yu Bao'er wasn't someone who could stand to be provoked. Hearing Fan Jiang say this, there was no way she wouldn't talk back at him.

Fan Jiang couldn't stand it anymore. "Yu Bao'er, if not for the fact that you're my ex do you believe I'll fix you right now?"

These ruffians had no qualms beating up a woman or a child.

So long as one offended them, they would fix that person regardless of who it was.

Fan Jiang felt his tolerance tested to the limit.

Chapter 865: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (37)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"Wah, fix me?"

Yu Bao'er widened her eyes and stared straight at Fan Jiang. "Have you forgotten how my brother beat you up back then?"

At the time, Fan Jiang had merely grabbed her hair but her brother ended up wallowing him.

If Fan Jiang dared to hit her, she didn't believe that Huo Yingcheng would just sit by and watch.

Huo Yingcheng was an officer from the special troops. At least, in Yu Bao'er's perception, he probably wasn't an ordinary character. It would be a piece of cake for him to deal with these ruffians.

"You..."

Fan Jiang indeed got anxious. Seeing that Yu Bao'er was about to expose his disgraceful past of being beaten up, he reached out his hands to grab her.

Seeing that a showdown was imminent, some patrons prepared to flee.

Some were cautiously eating while observing the situation.

After all, it was quite terrifying to see ruffians beat people up.

But before Fan Jiang's hand could touch Yu Bao'er, a palm suddenly reached out and grabbed Fan Jiang's hand. "Brother, you're hitting her when I'm still here? Are you treating me like air? That's not quite appropriate, is it?"

Huo Yingcheng grabbed Fan Jiang's scrawny arm. One look and you could guess the latter was a druggie.

Contrasting the thin Fan Jiang and the muscular Huo Yingcheng, one couldn't help but wonder where the former got his courage to stir up trouble.

Though Fan Jiang wasn't as strong as Huo Yingcheng, he was a bold one. He lashed out ferociously at once. "F*ck your mother! Who the hell are you..."

Instantly, Huo Yingcheng's countenance changed.

The thing he couldn't stand the most was hearing others insult his mother.

Pa!

He smacked down swiftly and fiercely, sparing no mercy and sending Fan Jiang flying with one slap.

Pft!

Fan Jiang slammed onto the adjacent table, curled up as though he was severely injured and unable to get up!

"@#&! How dare you hit my 'brother!'"

"You're courting death!"

Fan Jiang's 'brothers' all got up. The remaining patrons in the restaurant shrieked out loud and fled from the scene!

Seeing the change in Huo Yingcheng's countenance, Yu Bao'er squirmed inwards.

This prick Fan Jiang was still as foul-mouthed as before. Only when he got fixed would he be brought back down to earth!

Huo Yingcheng got to his feet. With his tall and muscular build, he only had to raise his leg and the ruffian that charged up to him went flying.

The entire second floor was filled with cries of agonies.

When the fight with Huo Yingcheng started, seeing that things were unfavorable to them, a ruffian whipped out a knife from his bag.

He seemed fearful of Huo Yingcheng and didn't dare to charge towards him. Instead, he glanced at Yu Bao'er and started dashing towards her.

Yu Bao'er narrowed her eyes. As the ruffian came at her with a knife, she twisted her body and aimed a kick at his body.

Geez, she wasn't just playing around in the troops. At the very least, she did receive solid training for a good three months.

She still remembered her basic defensive moves!

Huo Yingcheng's gaze turned stern when he saw this ruffian's actions, emanating a fearsome murderous aura. He slammed one palm on the table and jumped up to grab a beer bottle off the adjacent table, before smashing it on this ruffian's head without hesitation.

Earlier, he had only beat up the other ruffians. But this one, he severely injured using a weapon...

Instantly, blood started dripping from the ruffian's head.

This was Yu Bao'er's first time seeing blood, making her hide behind Huo Yingcheng in fright.

Chapter 866: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (38)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Huo Yingcheng shielded Yu Bao'er consciously from the attacks, tossing away the cracked beer bottle.

As he did so, he spat. "Bunch of trash."

Looking at those people on the floor, they were beaten to a pulp and couldn't get to their feet.

To think Yu Bao'er clapped. "Commander Huo, you're so goddamn dashing!"

Huo Yingcheng turned around and rolled his eyes at her. He stroked her head. "Look at how mindless you are. Go back first."

Yu Bao'er edged closer to his ear and secretly whispered, "The shop owner will report this to the police. He's going to make us pay for the damages."

He felt an itchy sensation in his ear as the girl spoke softly into it, making him subconsciously move away and gently scoff. "There are people on the floor who can pay for the damages, aren't there?"

Indeed, shortly after, someone dashed up from downstairs.

The shop owner was visibly flustered.

Seeing the shop owner's expression, Yu Bao'er felt embarrassed. But it was Fan Jiang who started this.

Indeed, shortly after, the police arrived.

Yu Bao'er remembered there was a police station nearby.

That was speedy.

Yu Bao'er thought that she wouldn't be able to avoid a visit to the police station. After all, they fought here.

Moreover, the few police officers who came over were the type that looked very stern.

After dragging those ruffians into the police car, they got into the car as well.

Yu Bao'er was feeling a little scared about going to the police station. Unexpectedly, on the way there, Huo Yingcheng whipped out an ID that Yu Bao'er didn't recognize, and the police officers only took one glance and their expressions changed. Following that, they respectfully let her and Huo Yingcheng get out of the car.

Before getting out of the car, Huo Yingcheng even instructed them, "Take these ruffians in hand and don't let them go to the shop owner to make trouble again. Also, make sure they pay for today's damages."

"Yes, yes, of course."

One of the police officers gave him an extremely respectful smile. "We'll make sure to handle this properly, comrade. Don't worry."

Yu Bao'er instantly understood. With Huo Yingcheng's position as a commander in this area's military zone, he had some connections...

After getting out of the car, Huo Yingcheng lit up a cigarette. This time, Yu Bao'er didn't nag at him anymore. Instead, she gazed at him with sparkling eyes. "Commander Huo, you're so handsome!"

Especially since he even helped the shop owner take care of the aftermath after the fight.

Yu Bao'er was worried that the fight would implicate the shop owner. But now, with Huo Yingcheng's help, it seems like there was no need to worry.

Huo Yingcheng narrowed his eyes and took a puff of his cigarette. He gave off the vibes of a man who had experienced the vicissitudes of life. "Isn't it all because you created all this trouble?"

Yu Bao'er frowned. "I didn't know we would run into Fan Jiang there either. I knew his temper was like that, but I didn't expect that after so many years, he still hasn't changed. He's still as foul-mouthed as before. I must have been blind back then..."

Yu Bao'er muttered. Huo Yingcheng cast a glance at her. "You even dated him back then?"

"Yeah, I was young and ignorant. I felt that having a boyfriend was something to be proud of. It was only later that I knew how silly I was.."

Yu Bao'er let out a sigh. Huo Yingcheng sputtered with laughter.

After he had finished smoking, he said, "Alright, that's it for now. I'll send you back. There won't be any troubles arising from this, I guarantee. I need to leave first."

"Back to the capital?"

No idea why she found this person an eyesore earlier in the morning. But all of a sudden, she felt that he was tall and macho.

Upon hearing that he was going to leave, Yu Bao'er's heart subconsciously trembled.

Chapter 867: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (39)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

But she couldn't very well stop him from leaving.

Besides, what has that got to do with her?

Yu Bao'er snapped out of her trance and felt nervous by those fleeting thoughts.

Yu Bao'er bit her lips and said after some thinking, "Alright then. Do you need me to send you?"

"No need. I'm not a kid."

Huo Yingcheng stuck out a hand to flag down a cab after saying that.

The two of them got into the cab, and Huo Yingcheng sent Yu Bao'er back.

After leaving her at her house entrance, Huo Yingcheng got into the car to head to the airport.

As she watched Huo Yingcheng leave, Yu Bao'er felt an empty feeling in her heart for some reason.

It was only when she reached home, that she recalled that she had promised to give him a treat. Yet, because of that incident, she wasn't able to pay for the meal...

And then she thought of Fan Jiang.

Mm, to think Fan Jiang was the one who paid for this meal.

After opening the door, she found Yu Kairan washing the dishes with a resentful face.

Usually, he would be responsible for washing the dishes whenever Yu Bao'er was not around.

Miao Jiahe and Yu Chengzhuang were nowhere to be seen. Yu Bao'er headed to the kitchen and asked the bitter-fated person in there. "Brother, where's Mom and Dad?"

"Taking their naps, of course."

Yu Kairan rolled his eyes. "You're back from eating with your little lover?"

"What little lover? Be careful I beat you up if you continue spouting nonsense!"

Yu Bao'er kicked Yu Kairan, then wrinkled her nose and turned around, then said, "But something troublesome happened today. I ran into Fan Jiang."

"Fan Jiang?" Yu Kairan halted in his act of washing the dishes. "Who's that?"

It was very clear that in the heart of this big boss, a person like Fan Jiang wasn't worth remembering.

"It's that guy who I quarreled with and broke up during my second year of senior high. He hit me and you avenged me by beating him up. Didn't you scold him for being a pretty boy? He looks even more useless now..."

"It's that guy?"

Now that he was reminded, Yu Kairan immediately recalled who Fan Jiang was. He set aside the bowl he was washing and asked anxiously, "What happened? Did the guy come back for revenge after lying low for all these years?"

Yu Bao'er was silent for a moment before replying. "Somewhat... He ran into me today and provoked me. I provoked him back and he flew into a rage out of embarrassment. In the end, Commander Huo beat him up."

"How dare this scumbag seek trouble with you!"

Concerned for his younger sister, Yu Kairan turned around and sized her up and down. "Are you okay?"

Yu Bao'er shook her head. "I'm fine..."

Only then did Yu Kairan's heart ease. "You said it was Commander Huo, Brother Huo who helped you?"

Yu Bao'er nodded. She started rambling on excitedly. "Let me describe it to you. At the time Commander Huo merely reached out a hand, kicked out a leg, and that prick Fan Jiang was sent flying away. He was so handsome, oh my god! I got such a kick out of watching that!"

Yu Kairan: "..."

Although he felt that something bad nearly happened to his younger sister, looking at Yu Bao'er, no matter how he looked at it, it looked like she was anxious to see the world in disorder.

Yu Kairan's expression was a bit weird as he gazed seriously at his sister. "Then where's Brother Huo?"

"He left. He came over to get his lighter, I treated him to a meal, and then he left. But strictly speaking, it wasn't me who treated him to the meal. That prick Fan Jiang will be paying the shop owner for the damages after starting that fight. So it's equivalent to him treating. Serves him right! Even after all this time, he never learned his lesson!"

Yu Kairan: "..."

Chapter 868: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (40)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

In the few days after Huo Yingcheng left, Yu Bao'er didn't hear anything from him.

But Yu Bao'er merely stayed a few days at home, Miao Jiahe very clearly expressed her attitude.

"Yu Bao'er, you're already 22. You're already an old miss and are no longer that little sweetheart in my heart. So, you ought to go out and look for your food!"

With a sad heart, Yu Bao'er headed north.

Of course, she was going to the capital.

To find a kindergarten teacher job.

But kindergartens in the capital were posh and upscale. Armed with only a degree from an ordinary university, it would be hard for Yu Bao'er to get a job with a good kindergarten.

After she reached the capital, she first had fun by herself.

Then started looking for a job.

Her older brother had some connections in the capital. At least, it won't be a problem for him to help her find a job with a slightly better kindergarten. Through his connections, he made arrangements for Yu Bao'er to go over to a kindergarten.

He only said that it depended on how Yu Bao'er performed.

After all, preparations were ready, she planned on going over in two days. Also, she started looking for an apartment nearby.

She was currently staying in a hotel.

She had already ended the lease to that apartment she rented back in university.

With a backpack, Yu Bao'er went around looking for an apartment. Knowing that she was in the capital, Gu Qingjiu called Yu Bao'er and asked her to go over to accompany her for a while.

Yu Bao'er agreed to do so after her job was confirmed.

Since her brother had helped her find this job through his connections, she had to go there first. She couldn't be wilful.

What surprised her was receiving a call from Huo Yingcheng.

It had been some time since she heard Huo Yingcheng's voice. Yet, Yu Bao'er could immediately tell it was him when she answered the call.

"You're looking for an apartment?"

Huo Yingcheng asked her this.

Yu Bao'er responded, "Mm, how did you know?"

"Qingjiu told me. She asked me to help. I have some recommendations. Do you want to go over to take a look?"

Yu Bao'er fell silent for a moment. "I feel that the ones you recommend... I won't be able to afford the rental!"

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

He added, "I can lend you money."

"I can't afford to repay you!"

With a tear-streaked face, Yu Bao'er said, "Boss, you shouldn't encourage this bad habit. My mom made it clear that I'll be living solely on my wages, and she's not going to give me a single cent of allowance. I'll have to see how much my salary will be and rent according to that. This being my first time interning, the salary will be pretty low. If I borrow the money from you, I won't be able to repay you!"

Huo Yingcheng was speechless. "Surely you're not seriously planning to only look for a kindergarten job? Qingjiu or I can easily find you a good job."

"Forget it. One should know her limits. If you guys get me into the company and I fail to perform, I will be wrecking your reputations. I know what I'm capable of. It's pretty good to be a kindergarten teacher. I have patience. Back then I had a little nephew poop on me and I didn't even wallop him. See, I'm such a kind person!"

Huo Yingcheng: "..."

"Up to you then. I can get someone to help you look for an apartment. What's your ideal price range?"

"Around 3000 yuan? It'd be best if it's near the school and includes utility bills. If it doesn't require a deposit, all the better. If it doesn't include utility bills, I can also accept a rental of 2000 yuan and below. I just need the place to have a bathroom and a bedroom. I'm staying by myself so I don't need that big a place."

Huo Yingcheng didn't know the rental prices in the capital. But hearing Yu Bao'er's requirements, he couldn't help feeling sad for her.

Was this the life of a poor person?

Thankfully, Yu Bao'er had no idea what was going through his mind then. Or else, she might kill herself out of anger.

Chapter 869: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (41)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Yu Bao'er had always felt that she was lucky.

When she wanted to look for a job, she had help from family. And then there was Huo Yingcheng offering his help in her search for a suitable apartment.

She didn't have any ambitious goals or any dreams to work towards.

Unlike Qingjiu, who had her life goals and plans.

Yu Bao'er was the sort who muddled along, the sort who was content to have enough to eat and wear.

Dreams? Goals?

What the heck were those?

In this era where appeals were made for women to be independent, Yu Bao'er was undoubtedly the representative for parasites amongst them.

To her, muddling along was the way to live life.

Yu Bao'er's decision to be a kindergarten teacher came about because she was truly fond of kids but she had no desire to take care of kids of her own.

She only liked other people's kids, for she could hug them when she was in the mood, and when the kid started crying, the parents would be responsible for coaxing them.

Give birth to kids of her own?

Nope. No way.

Of course, Yu Bao'er was aware that being a kindergarten teacher wasn't an easy job.

But she felt that this was a suitable job for her. And also, it didn't require her to use many brains.

The principal of the kindergarten was very pleased with Yu Bao'er when she went for her interview.

Firstly, Yu Bao'er was good-looking, and kids were fond of good-looking people.

That's right, kids these days were appearance-obsessed.

The first time Yu Bao'er went there, adorable kids went up to her to hug her legs and call her 'pretty sister.'

Yu Bao'er's heart bloomed with joy, and it was then that she made up her mind to work in this honest kindergarten.

Later, Yu Bao'er also passed the skills assessment. Even though she wasn't extremely outstanding, she had some experience taking care of little kids.

The principal set a probation period of three months for Yu Bao'er.

Initially, she was assigned to help other teachers during the lessons and conduct the games. If she performed well, she could be converted into a permanent teacher and could lead a class of her own.

During her internship, her pay would be 5000 yuan. After she converted to a permanent teacher, her pay would be upwards of 8000 yuan.

One might think that this was a high salary. But in fact, the cost of living was high in the capital, so 8000 yuan wasn't much. But it was undoubtedly enough for Yu Bao'er to live on.

Of course, before she converted into permanent, her pay would only be 5000 yuan.

After Yu Bao'er passed the tests, Huo Yingcheng brought her good news. He had found a suitable apartment for her near the kindergarten.

The timing was too coincidental. Yu Bao'er had just mentioned she passed the interview, and Huo Yingcheng informed her that he found an apartment right after. In her euphoria, it hadn't occurred to Yu Bao'er how illogical it was.

Yu Bao'er was both nervous and excited having passed her first job interview, and was eager to share this joy with someone.

At that moment, Gu Qingjiu was pregnant, and with the strict Helian Niancheng keeping an eye on her, he definitely wouldn't let Yu Bao'er take Gu Qingjiu out to eat. It just so happened that Huo Yingcheng called her at the time, so Yu Bao'er simply asked him.

"Commander Huo, thank you for helping me find the apartment. I'll go over to take a look tonight. I've passed my job interview and will officially start next Monday. I'm super happy right now. Let me treat you to a meal to thank you for helping me with my apartment search.

"Oh?"

Huo Yingcheng's voice was bland, and he didn't sound particularly surprised. Though, he answered very quickly, "Okay. Where are we eating? You can tell me the address, or I can come over to pick you up now."

Without much thought, Yu Bao'er told Huo Yingcheng where she was at the moment.

After hanging up the call, Yu Bao'er waited for him as arranged. Squatting by the roadside, she shared this joyous news with her family group chat.

Yu Bao'er: I passed my job interview! [I am the most awesome.jpg]

Chapter 870: Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er (42)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Mom: Congrats

Most handsome Brother Kai: Congrats

Dad: Congratulations to my darling daughter for finding a job. From now onwards my daughter is going to make something of herself. Clap clap.

Contrasting her father's enthusiastic reply, the first two could be described as perfunctory.

Yu Bao'er didn't mind. Looking at the message from her ever-supportive father, she happily replied.

Yu Bao'er: You're exaggerating. My internship starts next week, and my internship pay is 5000 yuan! I've calculated. 2000 yuan on apartment rental, 2000 yuan on food, and 1000 yuan on other expenses. I should be able to survive on that pay.

Mom: And what if you can't?

Yu Bao'er: I still have my new year's red packet money.

Mom: ...

Most handsome Brother Kai: ... Wah, you're refreshingly shameless.

Dad: Only 5000 yuan a month? That's too little! How is that enough for you to live by yourself in the capital? Daddy will transfer another 5000 yuan to you every month.

Mom: My foot! For a 22-year-old old miss to have her family subsidize half of her expenses, wouldn't she feel embarrassed! [trash.jpg]

Yu Bao'er: Hmph!

Most handsome Brother Kai: That's not right. Your rental is only 2000 yuan in a place like the capital? What's it like? Surely it's not just a toilet?

Yu Bao'er: Bullsh*t! It's a single apartment, 2000 yuan per month inclusive of utilities. It's near the kindergarten where I'll be working at. When I went for the interview today, Commander Huo said that he and my bestie can help me look for an apartment, and I agreed. I just never expected it to be so fast. Seems like it's pretty easy to find an apartment in the capital.

Most handsome Brother Kai: ...

Mom: ...

Dad: ???

Yu Kairan texted his mother privately right away: Mom, is the capital she went to isn't the capital that I had in mind?

Mom: You still can't tell? Someone is starting to make a move on my silly daughter. Gosh, how does she make it through life with that IQ?

Most handsome Brother Kai: Aargh, to think he dares to make a move on my younger sister. I can't tolerate this!

Mom: Why? You kept calling that fellow 'Brother Huo' that time. I thought you were going to become sworn brothers with him or something. Are you acting like I've lost my memory?

Most handsome Brother Kai: ...

Eerily no one said a thing in the family group chats for some time. Just as Yu Bao'er was about to ask, a jeep had already stopped in front of her.

"Get in."

Huo Yingcheng wore a pair of act-cool sunglasses, and because the weather had turned chilly recently, he was clad in a thin black sweatshirt.

It had been quite a long time since Yu Bao'er last saw him. And she found this guy pretty good-looking the first moment she saw him.

Huo Yingcheng saw Yu Bao'er wearing a denim jumpsuit, her long hair draped over her shoulders, giving off a refreshing vibe as she squatted by the roadside.

"Commander Huo."

This time when she saw Huo Yingcheng, Yu Bao'er's tone was much better than before. Her smile was very vibrant too.

"Mm."

No idea why, but when he saw Yu Bao'er this time, Huo Yingcheng put a fist to the corner of his mouth and let out two soft coughs. "You're just done with your interview?"

Yu Bao'er nodded. "Yeah!"

She fastened her seatbelt and tossed her small bag to the back, before declaring generously, "Commander Huo, order whatever you like today! My treat!"

Huo Yingcheng sputtered with laughter. "If I earnestly order whatever I like, I can easily eat away one year of your wages."

Yu Bao'er instantly showed cowardice. "Err... then be selective in what you order..."

The young lady's voice softened. Looking at the way she was curling up, Huo Yingcheng felt his mood become pleasant all of a sudden.

Then he drove off.