Adored by Him: My Blissful Days as the Girl Next Door-Chapter 388 - 387: Friends for Life

After dinner, Zhao Meimei was on the balcony, sorting through the New Year gifts others had sent over.

Shi Yang walked in and asked, "What are you busy with?"

Zhao Meimei turned around and looked up at him, "I’m going to Xu Xu’s house tomorrow, and I want to pick something nice to bring over."

"Xu Xu?" Shi Yang asked in surprise, "When did you two get in touch?"

Zhao Meimei said, "On New Year’s Eve, he sent me a New Year message, so I called him back and we arranged for me to visit his home tomorrow."

Shi Yang let out an "oh", watching Zhao Meimei rummage through the pile of New Year goods. He couldn’t help but say, "Everything sent over is good stuff, do you really need to be so selective?"

There was naturally a hint of jealousy in his voice.

Without turning her head, Zhao Meimei said, "Of course I do. Like these candied walnuts, you love eating them, and I love drinking the blueberry juice, so I’m not giving those to him. We’ll take them all back to the provincial capital when we leave, keep them for ourselves."

Shi Yang: "..."

Since starting university, Zhao Meimei never visited Xu Xu’s house.

Xu Xu’s school was far away, and he usually stayed back to work part-time and earn his tuition fees during the summer vacation, only returning home for a few days during the New Year.

Zhao Meimei previously used to spend New Year in the provincial capital, so they never had the chance to meet and catch up.

When Zhao Meimei knocked on the door, it was Mrs. Xu who opened it.

Zhao Meimei sweetly called out, "Auntie, Happy New Year."

Mrs. Xu was pleasantly surprised, "Oh! Meimei, quick, come inside, don’t stand at the door!"

Xu Xu came out from the kitchen upon hearing the noise, and when the two saw each other, they were both taken aback. They hadn’t seen each other in two years, and both had changed quite a bit.

Xu Xu had cut his hair short and neat, his fine hair naturally had a fluffy look even without blow-drying. The slightly longer hair on top was curled into big waves, and the short layers just perfectly framed his refined facial features. What surprised Zhao Meimei the most was that Xu Xu was wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses.

As Zhao Meimei changed her shoes and entered the room, she handed over the New Year gifts to Xu Xu and asked, "When did you become nearsighted?"

Xu Xu replied with a smile, "Actually, I became slightly nearsighted around the time of the college entrance exams, but I didn’t really care much back then. But it’s not too bad, the prescription isn’t high."

Mrs. Xu warmly took Zhao Meimei’s hand and said, "Oh, Meimei, you’re getting prettier and prettier."

Zhao Meimei slightly lifted her eyelids and smiled obediently, "Auntie, if you keep complimenting me, I’ll get embarrassed."

Zhao Meimei looked at Xu Xu wearing an apron and asked, "What were you doing in the kitchen just now?"

Xu Xu said, "I wanted you to try my cooking."

Zhao Meimei was surprised, "When did you learn?"

Zhao Meimei followed Xu Xu to the kitchen.

On the cutting board were piles of cut cauliflower, and in a big basin on the side, there were strips of mushrooms.

Xu Xu said, "I used to deliver food for a small restaurant near the school, and in my free time learned a couple of dishes from the head chef. I’ll fry cauliflower and mushrooms for you, they’re really delicious."

With practiced hands, Xu Xu poured oil into a hot pan. The cauliflower and mushrooms, covered in batter, were tossed into the oil for frying. In no time, they turned golden brown in a bowl. After passing through the oil once more, Xu Xu picked up a piece with chopsticks and brought it to Zhao Meimei’s mouth, "Try it."

Zhao Meimei opened her mouth to bite it, but Xu Xu quickly pulled back his hand, blowing on it, "Fresh out of the pan, be careful, it’s hot!"

Zhao Meimei took a bite; it was crispy outside and tender inside, with an especially great taste.

Xu Xu eagerly asked her, "Is it good?"

Zhao Meimei chewed and swallowed, nodding repeatedly, "It’s so delicious!"

Xu Xu beamed, a satisfied expression on his face, "I knew you’d love it. I’ll fry some more for you to take back."

Zhao Meimei agreed with a smile.

Xu Xu suddenly said, "I’m planning to go abroad for graduate studies after college. With my major, if I don’t have a high enough degree, it won’t be easy to find a job in the field I want."

Zhao Meimei’s eyes widened, "You’re planning to go abroad?"

Xu Xu nodded, "I’ve already shortlisted three universities, all offering scholarships. As long as I’m admitted, all my tuition and fees are covered, plus I’ll receive a living stipend. Once I graduate, I can directly work for foreign companies."

Zhao Meimei first expressed envy, "That’s great! When you come back from studying abroad, you’ll be someone who’s tasted the ink of foreign lands." Pausing, she thought for a moment and seemed a bit reluctant, "But then you’ll be even farther away when you go abroad, it’ll be hard to see you."

Xu Xu smiled and gave her some food, "There’s still two years. I’m just starting to prepare now."

He then shifted the topic and asked, "I keep talking about me, what about you? How are things going? Are you and your brother planning to settle in the provincial capital?"

Zhao Meimei nodded, "Yes, my brother moved the company to the provincial capital. After I graduate from university, I also plan to find a job there."

Xu Xu lowered his eyes as he scooped out the fried cauliflower from the pot, "Is your brother still treating you well?"

Zhao Meimei smiled sweetly, "Of course! By the way, what about you? Do you have a girlfriend?"

Xu Xu replied, "No, I don’t."

Zhao Meimei didn’t believe it, "How could that be? You’re so handsome and such a good student; there must be a line of girls who like you."

Xu Xu gave a wry smile, "It’s not as exaggerated as you say. There aren’t many girls in our science and engineering institute to begin with. Besides, I really don’t have the time. When I get a break, I have to work various part-time jobs, and now with the preparation for going abroad, I spend every day at the library memorizing words and practicing listening. Moreover, even if I did have a relationship, in two years, I’ll be going abroad, and frankly, it’s not worth the effort for an uncertain outcome."

Zhao Meimei, just like she used to, patted Xu Xu on the shoulder, "Keep at it for two more years, and once you achieve success, all your hard work will pay off."

Xu Xu looked at Zhao Meimei, shrugged in agreement. From childhood until now, only Zhao Meimei understood his true feelings and could always hit the nail on the head.

The corners of Xu Xu’s mouth curved up into a pleasant smile, grateful for choosing to be lifelong friends with Zhao Meimei.

After the meal, Zhao Meimei didn’t rush to leave. Instead, she stayed to happily share her everyday life and experiences with Xu Xu. Despite being apart for two years, there was no barrier or distance between them. The synergy and lively atmosphere as they chatted and laughed made it seem like they had never been apart.

Indulged in their conversation, they lost track of time, until Mrs. Xu reminded them, "It’s almost half-past eight, Meimei, do you need to call home and let them know?"

Only then did they notice the time, and Zhao Meimei quickly stood up, "Oh my, we lost track of time while chatting, isn’t it too late now!"

Xu Xu stood up as well, "I’ll walk you home."

Mrs. Xu packed a big bag of fried cauliflower and mushrooms for Zhao Meimei and specially boxed up some old-brand cakes that Xu Xu had brought back during his holiday.

Mrs. Xu handed the things to Xu Xu to carry, and gave Zhao Meimei a red envelope, saying, "This is a New Year red envelope from Auntie, you must accept it."

Zhao Meimei accepted it with a smile, formally gave her thanks for the New Year, and then went downstairs with Xu Xu.