Chapter 73: Christmas Surprise

December 25th, Christmas Day.

Christmas isn't a public holiday, but today happens to be a Saturday, so Li Dong didn't go to school.

In the morning, Li Dong was sleeping soundly when the phone suddenly rang.

He had stayed up late the previous night, so when he answered the call, he was still half asleep, but the next moment, he was fully awake.

"You're back!"

On the other end of the line, Qin Yuhan's voice sounded annoyed, "What, you didn't want me to come back?"

"No, of course I do. I'm so happy you're back, Yuhan..."

Li Dong was so excited that he stumbled over his words. He quickly asked, "Where are you now? I'll come pick you up. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"You don't need to pick me up. I'm downstairs at your dorm."

As soon as Qin Yuhan finished speaking, Li Dong smacked himself on the head, realizing, "Yuhan, I moved out. Didn't I tell you?"

Qin Yuhan was silent for a moment before she said through gritted teeth, "When did you tell me? Or do you think I have a bad memory?"

Li Dong chuckled awkwardly; he had really forgotten in the midst of his busy schedule.

But it wasn't the time for explanations. Li Dong immediately said, "Don't move. I'll be right there!"

He hung up the phone, quickly got dressed, skipped brushing his teeth, and splashed some cold water on his face before rushing out.

…

Li Dong had never moved so quickly before.

From hanging up the phone to seeing Qin Yuhan, it took him less than ten minutes.

At that moment, Li Dong forgot everything else. Seeing Qin Yuhan standing downstairs, he dropped his bicycle and rushed over.

"Yuhan!"

Li Dong lifted Qin Yuhan off the ground from behind, ignoring the envious and jealous gazes around them. He spun her around several times before setting her down.

Looking at Qin Yuhan, Li Dong's face was filled with joy. Qin Yuhan, who had started college, seemed even more mature than before.

Her appearance was still the same, but her ponytail had turned into straight hair, which made her look even more charming.

Li Dong's smile was so wide it seemed like it could bloom, and Qin Yuhan looked equally happy. But then she gritted her teeth and said, "Do you even remember me? Were you planning to find another girl if I hadn't come back?"

Li Dong quickly protested, "I swear, I've been working like a dog. When I'm exhausted, I just sleep. I haven't had time to mess around with anyone else."

Qin Yuhan wasn't letting him off that easily. She pressed further, "Then why did you move out?"

"I did it for convenience. You know I'm opening a store in Pingchuan..."

"Forget it, I'll forgive you," Qin Yuhan suddenly interrupted Li Dong, gently stroking his thin face with a hint of affection in her eyes.

The moment she saw Li Dong, her heart softened. He had lost a lot of weight, and she felt a pang of sympathy.

She had initially been angry with Li Dong for not coming to see her, but now she felt she had been unreasonable. Li Dong was working hard for their future, and she should have come back to see him sooner.

"Why work so hard? We're still young. We can take our time," Qin Yuhan said tenderly, her tone carrying a bit of reproach.

Li Dong chuckled foolishly. Qin Yuhan rarely showed such tenderness, and he wasn't quite used to it.

Feeling Qin Yuhan's fingers brushing his face, Li Dong felt a sweet warmth in his heart. He grinned and said, "We need to work hard while we're young. Once things settle down in a few years, we can enjoy life together."

These words, not quite romantic but still heartfelt, made Qin Yuhan's heart ache. She couldn't help but lean into Li Dong's embrace.

She wished she could share his burdens and tell him that love could nourish even without material wealth.

But she couldn't say it out loud. She sensed that this was Li Dong's belief and obsession, not something that could be dispelled with words.

They held each other in silence, savoring the rare peace.

…

"Hey, Dong Ge, watch it in public places!"

When a chubby voice rang in Li Dong's ear, he felt a surge of anger!

Qin Yuhan, still in Li Dong's embrace, finally realized they were in a public place. Her face flushed slightly, and she pushed Li Dong away.

Li Dong looked up with a murderous glare. If looks could kill, Meng Qiping would be dead a thousand times over!

Meng Qiping shivered under Li Dong's gaze and awkwardly chuckled, "Dong Ge, don't look at me like that. I'm scared."

Li Dong snorted and turned away, ignoring him.

Qin Yuhan, seeing this, couldn't help but laugh, "Li Dong, aren't you going to introduce me?"

Before Li Dong could speak, Meng Qiping hurriedly said, "Sister-in-law, hello. I'm Meng Qiping, Dong Ge's roommate and good buddy. Just call me Fatty."

He then sneakily looked Qin Yuhan up and down with an admiring glint in his eye.

Li Dong saw this and said grumpily, "What are you staring at? Keep looking and I'll tell Cheng Nan!"

Meng Qiping forced a laugh and said, "I'm just stunned. I didn't believe Dong Ge when he said you were more beautiful than Bai Su. Now that I see you in person, you're even more stunning than I imagined."

Hearing Meng Qiping's praise, Li Dong couldn't help but show off, "Of course. You should see whose girlfriend she is."

Meng Qiping's mouth twitched, clearly overwhelmed by Li Dong's shamelessness.

Qin Yuhan was also amused by Li Dong's smugness. She rolled her eyes and said, "Alright, stop bragging. Hello, Meng classmate. I'm Qin Yuhan, Li Dong's girlfriend."

"Hello, hello! Sister-in-law, nice to meet you!"

Meng Qiping quickly extended his hand to shake hers, but seeing Li Dong's threatening glare, he retracted his hand with a forced smile to save his own skin.

Li Dong then gave a satisfied smile.

Of course, the main reason for his happiness was Qin Yuhan's natural and unpretentious introduction as his girlfriend. That was what made Li Dong genuinely happy.

However, his smile didn't last long. Qin Yuhan then smiled dangerously, "Li Dong, who is Bai Su?"

Li Dong was speechless and grumbled, "She's just a classmate. I don't even know her well."

Qin Yuhan's gaze shifted to Meng Qiping, who immediately said, "Right, Dong Ge and Bai Su don't know each other well. They've never met."

Li Dong rolled his eyes. Are you a professional at screwing over teammates?

He really didn't know Bai Su well, and what he said was true. But the fat guy had to add unnecessary details. No one would believe they had never met; it just made things worse!

Fortunately, Qin Yuhan didn't press further. She didn't really believe Li Dong would be involved with another girl. She was just teasing him.

The three chatted for a while, and Meng Qiping, having felt the countless threats from Li Dong, finally realized, "Sister-in-law, you must be tired from coming back. I won't disturb you. But I'll host a welcome dinner for you tonight. Dong Ge and Sister-in-law must come."

Li Dong had originally planned to spend some alone time with Qin Yuhan, but seeing Meng Qiping's sincere face, he glanced at Qin Yuhan.

If it were anyone else, he would have refused directly, but Meng Qiping was his only friend from college, so he felt he should give him this courtesy.

Qin Yuhan understood Li Dong's intention and nodded with a smile, "Thank you, Meng classmate. We'll definitely come tonight."

Meng Qiping was very pleased and told Li Dong, "Dong Ge, I'll call you tonight. Don't forget."

Li Dong nodded.

After Meng Qiping left, Li Dong, worried about running into acquaintances later, said to Qin Yuhan, "Let's go home first. I'll take you out for a tour this afternoon."

Qin Yuhan had no objections. Li Dong took the suitcase, Qin Yuhan pushed the bicycle, and the two walked towards the campus exit together.

…

When they arrived at Wanyuan, Qin Yuhan first took a tour around the house and then laughed, "It's pretty decent. No secret mistresses."

Li Dong rolled his eyes and said, "You still don't trust me? Besides, with a beautiful girlfriend like you, how could I be interested in anyone else?"

"That's true."

Without outsiders around, Qin Yuhan relaxed and spoke playfully.

Li Dong put away the suitcase and pulled Qin Yuhan to sit on the sofa.

Then, he took out a pair of new slippers from the shoe rack and helped her change into them before asking, "Is there a holiday at Jingda for Christmas?"

Qin Yuhan didn't answer right away but looked at Li Dong intently.

She suddenly felt so happy; having a man willing to help her change shoes was such a wonderful feeling.

Li Dong didn't notice and, seeing Qin Yuhan staring at him, touched his face and asked, "What's wrong? Is my face dirty?"

Qin Yuhan shook her head and suddenly hugged Li Dong, murmuring, "Li Dong, what if I don't want to leave?"

"Then don't leave. I'll take care of you for a lifetime!" Li Dong said seriously.

Qin Yuhan laughed and said, "I don't want you to take care of me!"

Li Dong, seeing this, deliberately teased, "If you don't want me to take care of you, who do you want to take care of you? Honestly, are there any pretty boys at Jingda chasing you?"

"Of course, there are many. They're almost forming a league. I was thinking of kicking you out and getting a pretty boy instead."

"Alright, I'll punish you severely!"

"Don't, hehe. Li Dong, don't tickle me..."