Li Jianjun walked quickly toward Yu Li.
"Yu Li? Why are you here?"
"Jianjun, I..."
Yu Li wanted to speak, but she felt a bit shy. Last night, her parents had actually told her to find Li Jianjun and invite him to visit their home this weekend. Because of that, she felt rather self-conscious; after all, she was still an unmarried young woman.
"Yu Li, if there’s something on your mind, just say it. It’s alright," Li Jianjun said, assuming she had run into some kind of trouble.
"Okay! Li Jianjun, are you free this weekend? My parents would like you to come over for a visit. Ever since our blind date, the matchmaker has been praising you quite a lot. She said so many good things that they want to meet you in person. Would you be willing to come?" Yu Li felt a bit nervous. Even though they had gotten along well during their previous meeting, they had only met once.
"No problem. I don't have anything planned for the weekend anyway. I’ll be sure to go," Li Jianjun nodded. He hadn't expected Yu Li to come and tell him herself. It seemed like there was real potential between them, and she was truly beautiful. Being with her wouldn't be bad at all.
"Great! Then I’ll head back now." Seeing that Li Jianjun had agreed, Yu Li felt very happy. In truth, she found herself thinking of Li Jianjun every night. He was so handsome and charismatic—how could she not like him?
Li Jianjun watched Yu Li walk away with a faint smile. She was a wonderful woman; if he married her, life would likely be very happy. With that thought in mind, he hummed a little tune as he walked inside, feeling quite good about the day.
At the workshop, he spent the day teaching his apprentice some basic skills and handling his own tasks, making the day pass pleasantly.
When it was time to get off work that afternoon, Li Jianjun went to the market and bought a large amount of fresh produce. He also stopped by the department store to pick up various items—cured meat, sausages, pork, and more. He bought everything he could possibly need. Since he was visiting Yu Li’s family tomorrow, he had to be well-prepared.
Once he finished shopping, he rode his bicycle back to the Courtyard. The sight of him returning with so many high-quality goods stunned the neighbors, leaving them green with envy.
"Li Jianjun? Why did you buy so much stuff tonight? What are you planning to do?" Yan Bugui couldn't sit still; he walked over immediately, abandoning his flower watering.
"Nothing much. I’m going somewhere tomorrow, so I’m just getting everything ready tonight," Li Jianjun replied.
"Oh? Going where? You need to buy so much stuff for that?" Yan Bugui’s curiosity was piqued even further.
"It’s nothing. I won't bore you with the details; I’m heading back now." Li Jianjun left the spot. Until things were finalized, he wanted to keep it a secret to avoid any meddling.
Yan Bugui frowned as he watched him go. On the side, Third Aunt seemed to realize something. "Old Yan, do you think he’s going to that girl's house again?"
"It’s very likely. This kid might actually be close to success," Yan Bugui said, recalling Li Jianjun's previous blind date.
***
Meanwhile, at the Jia family home, Mrs. Jia had been sewing soles at her doorway, but when she saw Li Jianjun buying so many groceries, her eyes turned red with jealousy.
"That god-forsaken Li Jianjun! He buys so many good things every single day, but he doesn't have the heart to give any to our Jia family. It’s infuriating!" she grumbled. "Heavens! Why are you so unfair? Why is my Dongxu paralyzed instead of that damned brat Li Jianjun?"
Qin Huairu noticed it too. Watching Li Jianjun buy such fine things left a bitter taste in her mouth. Look at the life Li Jianjun lived, and look at their Jia family—declining day by day. Back when Jia Dongxu wasn't paralyzed, she had held onto a shred of hope, but now? She felt nothing but despair.
"Sigh." Qin Huairu sighed to herself and went to prepare dinner. Being heavily pregnant and forced to do so much work made her feel truly miserable.
Elsewhere, in Yi Zhonghai’s home, First Aunt watched Li Jianjun return with his haul and turned to her husband. "Old Yi, Li Jianjun is so extravagant every day. Shouldn't we remind him to settle down and live a more frugal life?"
"Why remind him? When he runs out of money, he’ll know what regret feels like," Yi Zhonghai replied curtly. He still held a grudge against Li Jianjun for not giving him any face.
"Old Yi, how can you say that? I know you have issues with him, but what has he done wrong? His skills are all his own. Back then, I asked you to teach him more, but you didn't, and you..." First Aunt started, but Yi Zhonghai cut her off.
"Enough, enough. Don't talk about that. Go finish cooking!"
Yi Zhonghai shook his head and sent First Aunt to the kitchen. In his heart, he actually felt regret; if he had treated Li Jianjun better in the past, the boy wouldn't hold such a grudge against him now.
***
The next day, Li Jianjun woke up and, after his morning routine, put on a sharp, respectable outfit. He packed all the gifts he had prepared the night before and headed out with his bicycle.
He was soon spotted by many neighbors, including Yan Xiecheng and Yan Jiekuang, who laughed and called out to him.
"Brother Jun, where are you headed? You’re dressed so handsomely!"
"Yeah! So sharp. Going to visit your blind date?"
"You two boys—here, take these candies. I’ve got things to do, so I’m off." Li Jianjun tossed them the sweets and waved. He was in a good mood, and since they were being polite, a few candies didn't matter.
"Thanks, Brother Jun! If you ever need anything from us, just say the word!" Yan Xiecheng and Yan Jiekuang beamed. Li Jianjun was so generous; he just gave away candy like that.
"Right, I'm off." With that, Li Jianjun departed.
"Looks like Brother Jun is really going to see his girl. You can tell just by his expression," Yan Xiecheng remarked.
"Yeah, I’m really envious of Brother Jun."
"Don't be envious, let's head back."
The news of Li Jianjun going out on a date quickly spread through the entire Courtyard, surprising many.
"No wonder Li Jianjun bought so much good stuff—he was giving it to his date! But that’s awfully generous!"
"Indeed! Whoever marries Li Jianjun is guaranteed to live a life of luxury."
"Heh, you know what I find funny? Thinking about how Qin Huairu must feel now, seeing as she married that loser Jia Dongxu instead of Li Jianjun."