Chapter 188: Chapter 188

The next day, Li Xianglu went to school and then returned after half a day of classes since Qin Xi wasn’t there. Loaded down with some work from the student council, he had a lot to handle at the start of the school year, so Li Xianglu took a bus back by herself.

Mr. Li agreed to hire a housekeeper after seeing his granddaughter running back and forth, as the kids at home were not at ease without one present.

Li Xianglu was ecstatic, and she rushed to school early the next day to tell Qin Xi to quickly contact that family to see if they agreed, and if so, to have them come over immediately.

Qin Xi promised to drop by after his afternoon classes.

In Li Xianglu’s dormitory, only a few of them were left, with Ma Lingling’s bed remaining unoccupied. No one else moved in, and the school didn’t arrange for anyone to do so, probably because Lu Anna said something to the dorm supervisor.

This year was indeed busier, with their major courses added in, and they had to study International Trade, all taught in English. Coincidentally, all the people in their dorm were in the same class and had relatively good English skills. However, even so, facing the substantial professional textbooks was challenging.

After evening self-study, everyone would go back to the dorm, wash up, and then wait quietly.

Li Xianglu, dressed in her pajamas and with her hair in a bun, would hold a thick book and explain its meanings to everyone, taking out and explaining separately the key terms when encountered.

For the International Trade course, the exam would be in English, with reading comprehension questions requiring explanations in English. No points could be expected if one couldn’t remember the professional terminology.

Time flies when you are busy, and in a blink, it was already May, with the weather gradually warming up.

Sister Xing from Beihai had been at the house for over a month now, doing a good job. At first, Li Xianglu was not so assured and went back several times to check in. Sister Xing didn’t slack off due to fewer people at home and made a sea ginseng as per Li Xianglu’s request every day, greatly improving Mr. Li’s complexion, especially lately, as his cheeks often looked rosy.

At this moment, Li Xianglu was sitting behind Qin Xi in the car, her hand blocking his waist and her head resting on his back, suddenly musing, "Qin Xi, what’s up with Grandpa lately? His complexion looks so rosy, almost as if he’s... in heat or something?"

No sooner had she spoken than she heard a smack, her arm circling Qin Xi was slapped down. "Ow," Li Xianglu pouted, but didn’t blame Qin Xi. She realized she had misspoken. After all, he’s her grandfather; even if it’s odd, one should not speak like that.

Qin Xi felt there was nothing wrong: "Perhaps the weather’s been warming up lately, and his mood is good, plus Sister Xing takes good care of him, so his health is better. Don’t talk nonsense every day, what ’in heat’ or not, that is for animals!"

"Okay then," Li Xianglu leaned on Qin Xi’s back and mentioned, "Sister Xing seemed to have something to say today, but when she saw grandpa coming out, she didn’t say anything and turned to the kitchen."

Qin Xi nodded, "Probably she just forgot."

Li Xianglu shook her head, "It doesn’t seem like that; it’s more like she’s avoiding Grandpa on purpose, that’s why she didn’t speak."

Qin Xi said helplessly: "Have you been too idle lately? I heard you’re quite busy, even giving lectures to your dorm mates at night. How do you even have time to worry about such things?"

Li Xianglu pat Qin Xi’s back, "That’s what you don’t understand. Women are naturally curious, it has nothing to do with being busy or not."

Qin Xi was speechless. Alright, their hobbies and interests were beyond his understanding.

When they arrived at the school, Li Xianglu went back on her own, carrying a big bag filled with food and a change of clothes.

When she entered the dormitory, everyone was there, even Li Dayu, who was busy with her romance.

Li Dayu had confirmed her relationship with a childhood friend, both are grown ups now; the guy from the law department is 24 this year, and Li Dayu is already 22, so it’s not surprising they are dating at this age.

Xu Xin has also found someone, a student of traditional Chinese medicine, who is also from Jinshan. Surprisingly, their families even know each other. Although the boy’s family isn’t as well-off as Xu Xin’s, they are from the medical field, and the match was thought to be equal.

Aside from Li Xianglu, everyone else was single. Wang Ke is needless to say, always studying, studying. He wouldn’t even let up in his sleep; where would he find the time for dating?

Since the last incident with a "mistress", Xiao Chong had changed completely, no longer caring about dressing up or talking much. Despite everyone’s persuasion, she would just respond without really changing her lively nature. She still loved cleaning and often helped with the dormitory hygiene. Li Xianglu, who went home almost every week, often had Xiao Chong covering for her cleaning duties, so she would reciprocate by frequently bringing snacks for Xiao Chong, which she accepted and shared with everyone.

As for Lu Anna and Iro, their marriages weren’t up to them alone to decide. Even if they found someone in school, it wouldn’t work without family approval, so they might as well wait for family introductions and see if anyone suitable came along.

Seeing everyone was there, Li Xianglu took out a small pot from her bag with a grin and placed it on the table: "Quick, it’s still hot. My auntie made these Chinese chive pockets filled with eggs."

No one was shy to dig in, especially since there was enough for one piece each, so they all took a slice.

As Li Dayu ate, she gently praised it and then asked: "Tonight, there’s a social event at Huaqing University, are you going?"

A social event? Li Xianglu scornfully thought that it was nothing but a disguised matchmaking event. Huaqing University was full of bachelors looking to meet female classmates.

Li Xianglu shook her head: "Not going. I’m already spoken for, so why would I go?"

Upon hearing Li Xianglu’s words, Xiao Chong immediately shook her head, indicating she was not interested.

Xu Xin didn’t want to go either, already having a boyfriend. It wouldn’t be suitable to go, and could easily cause misunderstandings. The intention was for them to get married after graduation.

Thus, Li Dayu looked expectantly at Lu Anna and Iro, not considering Wang Ke at all. That bookworm is just into her studies, asking would be pointless.

Actually, reading a lot lately had been exhausting, so going out might be a good change of pace. Lu Anna inquired about the event’s location and what activities would be involved.

Li Dayu earnestly explained: "It’s just a social event, a chance for everyone to get to know each other, share your interests, and discuss current affairs. It’s a nice gathering for young people. I’ve been to one."

Listening to Li Dayu’s serious introduction, Li Xianglu couldn’t help but look over to see her looking expectantly at Lu Anna. It was just a gathering, why such an expression?

After considering for a moment, Lu Anna said: "Okay, I’ll check it out. But, I have one condition: if I feel it’s not suitable after I arrive, I will leave. I won’t stay for anyone’s sake."

Li Dayu clasped her hands with a beaming smile: "Sure, no problem."

ps: Some readers mentioned that I wrote ’Sea Ginseng’ incorrectly in the last two Chapters. I was puzzled too until I checked the packaging at home. Indeed, it was a mistake; it should have been ’sea cucumber’.