Chapter 61: Good Fortune

Chapter 61: Good Fortune

After sharing that conversation, an indescribable and subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere between them. That lingering awkwardness seemed to have dissipated just a little.

They strolled around the commercial district, walking aimlessly. No words were necessary; simply wandering about like this naturally lifted their spirits.

"I'm tired, I'm tired, I can't carry you anymore."
"Aren't you supposed to be tough? You even ran with me on your back. Go on, run again! Hmph!"
"Puff... pant... hold on to me... puff..."
"You're really heavy."
"Puff..."

The young man and woman who had passed by Lu Anzhi and the others earlier appeared once more. The girl had gotten down from the young man's back and was now supporting him from the side. The young man puffed and panted, though heaven only knew why he had exerted himself so much just moments before.

Xianxian had already gotten down from Lu Anzhi's arms, her tiny hands each clutching one of Lu Anzhi and Zhang Suxin's fingers. Seeing those two familiar figures, she blinked and said, "Oh look, we saw them again."

Lu Anzhi and Zhang Suxin exchanged a smile. Seeing the same people at a different time could also bring a different frame of mind.

Yet one thing remained the same: Zhang Suxin was still a bit shy. Their eyes met, and she quickly turned her head away.

Lu Anzhi found the sight endearing and smiled inwardly.

Still, this was for the best. There were different scenery along the path of life, and only by slowing down could one truly appreciate and savor them. The process of getting along with someone who resonated with you—slowly getting to know each other, gradually interacting, and growing familiar step by step—must also be a magnificent view.

Living life all over again, there was no need to rush.

They continued walking, and that young couple gradually faded from their view once more.

Xianxian began swinging her arms back and forth like a pendulum, drawing the attention of both Lu Anzhi and Zhang Suxin.

At first, Zhang Suxin had constantly worried that this might harm the little one's arms, but as time passed, she had grown accustomed to it and no longer worried as she once did.

Even so, she would still remind Xianxian from time to time to play a little less.

And the little girl was quite obedient. Whenever told to play less, she would sensibly swing just once or twice, rest for a bit, walk sensibly for a stretch, and then lift her feet off the ground to swing and play again.

When she grew tired of playing, they would find a place to sit and rest. Zhang Suxin carried a water bottle with her and fed Xianxian some water.

As the little one drank, her tiny lips wrapped around the straw, her big eyes wide open as she looked first at Lu Anzhi and then at Zhang Suxin, wondering what on earth she was pondering.

By evening, the sky grew increasingly gloomy, the dense clouds seemingly unable to disperse. The setting sun squeezed through occasional gaps in the clouds, casting a dark red radiance that looked like a slash of light from the sun.

"Looks like it's going to rain soon."

Lu Anzhi looked up at the sky and said.

Zhang Suxin also glanced up at the sky and remarked, "It really does."

Xianxian followed her parents' example and looked up, but unable to discern anything, she asked in confusion, "Where's the rain? Where is it?"

"The rain will be here in a minute. Let's run, before the rain catches up to us!"

With that, Lu Anzhi scooped Xianxian up into his arms and bolted toward the roadside. The little girl felt not a shred of fear in Lu Anzhi's arms; instead, she giggled excitedly. Seeing Zhang Suxin trailing behind, she waved at her and called out, "Mom, hurry up!"

Zhang Suxin chuckled, shaking her head, and walked to the roadside behind Lu Anzhi and Xianxian. Just then, a taxi pulled up right in front of them.

Xianxian pointed straight at the taxi and declared, "A taxi!"

"Right, it's a taxi."

As Lu Anzhi spoke, he waited for the passengers inside to pay and get out, then climbed into the car with Xianxian in his arms. Zhang Suxin got in right after them.

"Take us to Bamboo Garden Residential Area first."

Lu Anzhi gave the driver the address. The driver shifted gears, stepped on the gas, and headed toward Zhang Suxin's residence.

Catching the underlying meaning in Lu Anzhi's words, Zhang Suxin asked, "Aren't you going to have dinner at my place before leaving?" She was in high spirits today and wanted to cook a dinner with her own hands to let Lu Anzhi sample her culinary skills.

Lu Anzhi shook his head and said, "It looks like it's about to rain. I'd better head back to the shop."

Zhang Suxin asked, "Then what about your dinner?"

Lu Anzhi replied, "Don't worry, just a casual meal. I can cook for myself."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. Lu Anzhi pulled out his phone and saw, to his surprise, that it was Wang Ping calling.

Lu Anzhi answered the phone and asked, "What is it, Sister Wang?"

Wang Ping said, "Boss, I see it's about to rain, so I wanted to ask if you're coming back."

Lu Anzhi answered, "I'll be back shortly."

Wang Ping asked again, "Then have you eaten, Boss?"

Lu Anzhi replied, "Not yet. I'll make something for myself when I get back."

Wang Ping said, "Then don't bother cooking. My daughter-in-law got off work early today and is bringing some food over for me later. What do you like to eat, Boss? I'll have her make a bit extra and bring it along."

Lu Anzhi said, "Wouldn't that be imposing too much? Sister Wang, just worry about yourself, don't mind me. Besides, looking at the sky, it's about to rain. Why don't you head home first? I'll be at the shop soon anyway."

Wang Ping said, "It's fine, I checked, and the rain won't start for a while yet. I'll wait for you to arrive before leaving. My daughter-in-law is already cooking anyway; cooking for one person is the same as cooking for two. You don't need to be so polite with me, Boss."

Seeing her insistence, Lu Anzhi stopped refusing and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Sister Wang. Anything is fine by me."

Wang Ping said, "Alright, I'll let my daughter-in-law figure it out then."

Lu Anzhi said, "Great, sorry for the trouble, Sister Wang."

Wang Ping laughed and said, "What trouble? No trouble at all."

After hanging up the phone, Lu Anzhi smiled at Zhang Suxin and said, "See? Dinner is taken care of."

Zhang Suxin remarked, "This Sister Wang seems like a really nice person."

Lu Anzhi nodded and said, "She is."

He knew that Wang Ping was returning the favor because he had given her the autographed version of *Dragon Clan III* and offered her a generous salary, repaying his kindness with her own warmth.

In the days to come, Wang Ping would undoubtedly continue to do this day after day, treating him with endless enthusiasm and sincerity.

Having lived two lives, Lu Anzhi had met many such people—as long as someone treated them with genuine sincerity, they would willingly pour their hearts out in return.

Treat others with sincerity as they treat you. This was the most sincere and unpretentious character nurtured on a land with a history of five thousand years.

Lu Anzhi felt quite fortunate that the very first time he hired employees, he had found someone both capable and of exceptional character.

The taxi stopped at the main entrance of Bamboo Garden Residential Area. Zhang Suxin opened the door, got out first, and then lifted Xianxian down.

Just as Lu Anzhi was about to say goodbye to Xianxian, the little girl spoke with the air of a tiny adult, "It's going to rain."

After spending some time with the little one, Lu Anzhi had learned to easily decipher some of her remarks. He could tell that the little girl was actually saying, "It's going to rain, so Daddy needs to hurry back."

At such a tender age, she already knew how to find reasons to consider others, so as to soften the reluctance of parting.

Lu Anzhi once again felt his good fortune—not only had he found such a wonderful employee, but he also had such a lovely and sensible little angel.

And, of course, the former little diva of the pop music world who also knew how to be considerate and completely devoid of celebrity airs...

"That's right, it's going to rain, so Daddy has to rush off. When the weather clears up, Daddy will take you to see the toy cars, okay?"

Lu Anzhi gently stroked Xianxian's head and said.

"Okay!"

Xianxian brightened up and nodded heavily.

Lu Anzhi waved goodbye to Xianxian, exchanged a final glance with Zhang Suxin, and motioned for the driver to step on the gas and drive away.

(End of this chapter)