I emptied my family's possessions to join the army, and my abstinent superior doted on me.

Chapter 68 Secret Contest
The two looked up and saw that it was Qiao Muting and Fang Wenjie.

"Old Fang, how about we switch tables? Look at all the food they've ordered. If we order more, will we even have room to put it all?"

Qiao Muting's smile didn't reach his eyes, his eye bags blushed slightly, and his lips curled up, but he wasn't truly happy.

"Would you like to sit? If not, let someone else sit." The waiter was still as indifferent as ever, showing no courtesy even to the soldiers.

Fang Wenjie quickly pushed Qiao Muting, who was standing stiffly in place, to sit down, grinned at the two people opposite him, and then looked up to tell the waiter, "We'll just order two bowls of noodles."

After Qiao Muting sat down, his eyes were fixed on Qian Lai, his gaze seemingly filled with a thousand unspoken words, yet all of them were questions.

"Brother Cheng, these two are already acquaintances. Although we met last night, we haven't been formally introduced yet."

This is Dr. Qiao from the General Hospital of the Military Region, and this is Dr. Fang next to him.

"This is Hua Cheng, the youngest associate professor at Xinda University. He's the older brother of my good friend Hua Rui."

Fang Wenjie: !

This is Hua Rui's brother. He quickly extended both hands and respectfully shook hands.

Qiao Muting glanced at him sideways, crossed his arms, and sat up straight.

"I witnessed Dr. Qiao saving lives last night. He was professional and decisive. When you dance with him, you're like a completely different person."

I never imagined we'd run into each other here today.

Hua Cheng picked up another piece of food with his chopsticks and placed it on Qian Lai's plate. He gave her a meaningful look.

"Dr. Qiao, Dr. Fang, we've ordered quite a lot of food. We're all friends, so let's eat together."

Qian Lai moved the dish to the center.

Hua Cheng: "Yes. I ordered too much so that she could try more dishes. You've come at the right time, let's eat together."

To Qiao Muting, all of this seemed like a declaration of sovereignty.

No way?
Last night, she was clearly avoiding that person's invitation. How could the two of them have become so intimate in just one night?

Did he miss something?

Wasn't his behavior towards her obvious enough yesterday?

They even dried her hair.

Is it okay to dry someone's hair if we're just friends?
What exactly happened that night?
"I heard that Professor Hua called the police yesterday and helped Xiao Ran catch the bad guy? Then I must thank Professor Hua with tea instead of wine."

Qiao Muting poured himself a cup of tea and held it up to Hua Cheng. Their eyes met, as if they were secretly vying for something.

Hua Cheng smiled and said, "Dr. Qiao, you're too kind. It's every citizen's duty to report bad people to the police as soon as possible. Besides, he tried to harm Xiao Ran, so I couldn't let him get away with it."

Qiao Muting's eyelids twitched twice more, and his eyes narrowed slightly: "It seems that Professor Hua treats our Teacher Xiaoran quite differently."

"cough cough"

Qian Lai coughed a few times after being choked by his words, and Hua Cheng immediately handed her a handkerchief.

She took it and was about to cover her mouth and nose when she heard Qiao Muting say, "Oh, I just remembered, my handkerchief and water bottle are still with Teacher Xiaoran, right?"

Qian Lai looked up at the man in front of her. Why was he acting differently than usual?

What about his gentleness and understanding?

Every single word they utter is designed to make you feel awkward!
"I'm sorry, Dr. Qiao. I'll give it to you next time we meet."

Qiao Muting: Why have you turned into "Dr. Qiao" again today!
Clearly, their relationship had undergone a significant change last night.

He suppressed the slight frustration in his chest.

At this point, Hua Cheng seemed to remember something: "Oh, right. I almost forgot. The clothes you changed out of last night are still at my house, right?"

It's okay, it's okay. I'll have the cleaning lady wash it and return it later. You don't need to worry about it. I'll take care of everything.

"Luckily, I bought you this new dress to replace it."

Qiao Muting: Did she go to his house last night?
Did he buy her clothes today?
The initial sullenness turned into a bit of resentment.

His eyelashes trembled slightly, and he lowered his eyes before speaking again: "You just bought that new dress? It looks great. Is the zipper on that evening gown from yesterday fixed? I know a craftsman who's quite skilled; do you want me to take it to him to get it fixed?" Fang Wenjie: Maybe I should change tables. I haven't even eaten yet, why am I so choked up?
He wanted to change the atmosphere at the table, so he asked, "Hua Rui, why didn't you come?"

Qian Lai was also thinking about how to change the subject when Fang Wenjie came to the rescue.

"Hua Rui was frightened yesterday and is still resting at home today. I heard that someone insisted on making her wash his suit yesterday. She was so scared that she worried all night."

After saying that, he smiled and looked at Fang Wenjie. This time, Fang Wenjie looked completely embarrassed.

"I was just teasing her. I'm just really curious why she doesn't remember me at all!"

Ok?
"Do you know?"

Hua Cheng and Qian Lai spoke in unison.

"Did Hua Rui ever participate in the labor movement organized by college students?"

Upon hearing these words, Hua Cheng's expression instantly dimmed. He lowered his head and ate his food, remaining silent.

Fang Wenjie wanted to ask more questions, but Hua Cheng said in a low voice, "In the future, it's best not to mention this matter in front of her."

At that time, some unpleasant things happened, which made her very sad.

Our family doesn't want her to relive those unpleasant memories.

No wonder Hua Rui couldn't remember herself; it turns out she was in her sad past.

But Fang Wenjie's expression darkened for only a second before he smiled again. He had decided to let her see him in a new light.

On the other side, Qiao Muting had no interest in listening to their conversation about the flower stamens; his eyes seemed fixed on something else.

At this moment, the pickled mustard tuber and shredded pork noodles make their grand entrance.

"Waiter, please bring us two more bowls, so we can share them among the four of us."

While stirring the noodles, Fang Wenjie strongly recommended, "This pickled mustard tuber and shredded pork noodle soup sounds simple. But actually, one bite is so delicious it'll make your eyebrows fall off, and another bite will leave you with an unforgettable experience."

I heard that originally it shouldn't have contained pickled mustard greens, but rather acacia flowers.

This noodle dish isn't called pickled mustard tuber and shredded pork noodles; it's called "love noodles."

It is said that those who share a bowl of "love noodles" are destined for love.

However, during the period of great reform, the consumption of acacia flowers was banned, which was considered a "petty bourgeois" practice.

So they changed it to shredded pickled mustard tuber. But the flavor is much richer now.

Hearing this, Qian Lai found it quite amusing.

What was originally an ordinary bowl of pickled mustard tuber and shredded pork noodles has somehow become romantic.

Qiao Muting quickly cut the noodles in his bowl in half. After pouring some broth into it, he handed the bowl directly to Qian Lai and said, "Try it. If it's not as delicious as he says, he can treat us to this meal."

Qian Lai picked up a few noodles, put them in her mouth, and then picked up the bowl and drank a mouthful of soup.

It definitely tastes different from ordinary pickled mustard tuber and shredded pork noodles.

"Should we add some chili sauce?" Hua Cheng always remembered that she loved spicy food.

Qian Lai shook his head: "This noodle doesn't need chili, otherwise it might mask its natural flavor. Brother Cheng, you should try it."

Hua Cheng obediently moved the bowl of noodles that Fang Wenjie had given him closer to him. Sure enough, the noodles tasted sweet, fresh, and smooth: "You're right. Next time you come to my house, I'll try to make it for you."

Across from him, Qiao Muting placed his chopsticks on his noodle bowl and looked at Qian Lai with a smile: "I didn't expect Professor Hua to be so caring, besides being young and promising. I wonder how many women will fall for Professor Hua!"

Under the table, Fang Wenjie's kneecap slammed into Old Qiao beside him.

But he didn't react at all; his eyes were only on Teacher Xiaoran across from him, who was eating quietly and happily.

　The legend of the "love-longing vegetable" is just something I heard; don't apply it to reality. I don't even know if this "love-longing vegetable" actually exists.

　　If possible, I really hope to be able to taste this bowl of longing noodles.

　　Babies, please vote with monthly tickets, recommend, and tip!
　　love you yo!

　　(End of this chapter)