Power and Wealth

Chapter 1508: Rain

Afternoon.

On the highway.

The sun is a bit smaller, and the weather changes quickly. Gradually, it is covered by a dark cloud, making the air slightly fresher and not so hot.

"Teacher Jiang, are you hungry?"

"I'm fine. How about you?"

"Look at you, I'm tough, no problem at all."

"Let's get ready to eat at the next service area."

"What good food can there be at the service area?"

"Just eat whatever is available. It doesn't matter if it's good or not."

"When are you planning to return to the city?"

"I was thinking of playing around more, looking along the way. But since you're with me, I feel embarrassed to let you drive me. Let's head in that direction."

"Hey, we agreed on this. I'm not in a hurry. I'm feeling physically and mentally exhausted after being busy for half a year. I was thinking of having some fun and relaxation. It's good to have you as a company. If you don't want to travel with me, we can discuss it separately. If not, I'll leave the car for you. Can you drive?"

"What are you saying? You're accompanying me. I'm happy to have your company. As a woman, it's a bit inconvenient for me to hitchhike like this."

"Then it's settled."

"Alright, then, let's not rush back now. Let's go eat."

"That county ahead seems to be famous for roast lamb."

"Let's get off the highway ahead and buckle up."

"Drive a bit slower, don't be so fast, it could be dangerous."

"Alright, I'll obey your orders, hehe."

"You, as you grow older, your mouth becomes more talkative. I don't know what that beautiful young wife of yours sees in you. Willingly marrying you."

"Haha, I'm lucky to have such a beautiful wife."

"Indeed, throughout all the years of the University, I've never seen anyone as beautiful as her. You're living in good fortune but don't know it."

"I do know it."

"Bring her to show me next time."

"Okay, we'll bring our son to see you when she gives birth."

"I will be looking forward to it."

In the small town.

With the mountain as the backdrop, the lush atmosphere makes one feel very good.

Many tourists seem to have come here out of curiosity in a farmhouse courtyard. It seems that the roast lamb here is indeed very famous. There are quite a few luxury cars parked outside the farmhouse.

Dong Xuebing and Teacher Jiang walked in together and sat at a rustic table. The menu was brought over, and Dong Xuebing ordered four or five cold dishes and a roast lamb leg. Teacher Jiang insisted she couldn't finish everything, but Dong Xuebing didn't listen. He was very excited to see his teacher and wanted to show off a bit. Finally, unable to persuade him, Teacher Jiang also showed a helpless look.

"Let's eat quickly."

"What's wrong, Teacher?"

"It's going to rain. Maybe we should find a hotel and stay in the town."

"Okay, that's fine. The environment here is good, and we can stroll around later."

"Alright, then, let's not leave today. Let's eat slowly. Hey, the lamb leg is here. Don't worry about it, Teacher. Don't move. I'll serve you."

"I can do it yourself."

"Don't be like that. You can't deprive me of the opportunity to show off."

Dong Xuebing was enthusiastic, serving several pieces of lamb to Teacher Jiang's plate, pouring her a glass of excellent fruit juice, and handing her a napkin.

Teacher Jiang smiled, "I can handle it myself."

"I'm just showing my appreciation," Dong Xuebing said, then raised his glass and stood up solemnly, rattling it with Teacher Jiang. "Teacher, I can't drink while driving, so I'll toast you with tea instead. Thank you for your help during our university years and for your guidance all along. Without your criticism and guidance, there wouldn't be the Dong Xuebing of today. Cheers."

"It's all your effort. Cheers."

"The roast lamb here is pretty good. Let me get you a few more slices."

Dong Xuebing skillfully picked up the meat-cutting tools and started cutting again. Ring, ring, his phone rang. Seeing it was from his mom, Luan Xiaoping, he answered, "Mom."

Teacher Jiang smiled. "Go ahead."

Dong Xuebing answered the phone, "Hello, Mom."

Luan Xiaoping asked with concern, "Are you on the road? Where are you?"

"Hehe, I don't know where this is. We're having a meal," Dong Xuebing replied.

"Don't wander around on the road. Hurry back. Mom misses you," Luan Xiaoping said.

"I miss you too. By the way, guess who I bumped into on the road? You'll never guess. Haha, I ran into Teacher Jiang, my college teacher, and we're having a meal together," Dong Xuebing said.

Luan Xiaoping exclaimed, "Your college teacher?"

"Yes, she happens to be heading back to Beijing. It's just a trip," Dong Xuebing glanced at Teacher Jiang, and she smiled back at him.

Luan Xiaoping immediately said, "Oh, then let Teacher Jiang chat with me on the phone. It's been a long time since I've seen her."

"Okay," Dong Xuebing handed the phone over. "My mom wants to talk to you."

"Sure," Teacher Jiang smiled and put the phone to her ear. "Hello, Mrs. Dong. Hello, of course, I remember you. I met Xuebing, and it's a coincidence. I'm still teaching at the university with a new group of students. I'm fine, how about you? That's good. Thank you for preparing to trouble Xuebing and sending me back. He's a sensible kid. I'm embarrassed to trouble him. He's worried about me, afraid that something might happen to me if I hitchhike back alone. They grow up so fast, unlike when they were in school and didn't like to talk." Teacher Jiang had met Luan Xiaoping a few times, but having met so many parents, she probably didn't remember Luan Xiaoping, but she still politely chatted for a while, with the conversation revolving around Dong Xuebing.

A few minutes later.

Teacher Jiang smiled and handed the phone back to him. "Not hung up yet."

Dong Xuebing took it. "Mom, anything else?"

"You have what you have today, thanks to Teacher Jiang's help in the past. Don't rush back. Take Teacher Jiang out for fun."

"Definitely."

"Be safe on the road."

"Are you kidding me? Do I need to worry about safety? Even the thugs would run away if they saw me. Once I give my name, they'll probably be scared off."

"This isn't Fenzhou City. Who knows you here."

"Okay, Mom, we're having a meal now. We'll talk later."

"Don't forget to buy something for Teacher Jiang again."

"Oh, I understand. I've already taken care of that. Alright, I'll let you go." Dong Xuebing hung up and smiled wryly. "My mom keeps telling me to take care of you."

Teacher Jiang said, "Your mother is too polite."

"It's necessary. When my family was struggling, I and a few poor students often ate at your dorm. My mom remembers that, too."

"It's a small matter, no need to mention it."

"It's a small matter to you but not to us. Here, let me toast you again."

After dinner.

It was past seven o'clock.

As the dusk hadn't wholly fallen yet, Dong Xuebing didn't drive and instead accompanied Teacher Jiang for a stroll around this picturesque town. From start to finish, he was busy, holding her bag in one hand and shading her with an umbrella in the other. Whenever he saw something for sale, he would buy it, be it prayer beads, little bells, fruit juice, or ice cream, serving her attentively.

Later, at a street stall, the owner smiled and said, "Young man, you're filial to your mother."

Dong Xuebing and Teacher Jiang both chuckled, and Teacher Jiang patted Dong Xuebing on the back of his head. "Look, you've misunderstood him. You don't need to be so polite."

"That won't do. Let's go, Teacher Jiang, let's take a look ahead. There seems to be a lake."

"Ah, the scenery here is nice. I want to live here for a while after retiring."

"Yes, the air and environment are good, with mountains and water. I like this kind of place too. Let's stay here for a few more days before moving on."

"No need for that. Let's go to the next place tomorrow. There are still many good places to see. We can't pick sesame and lose watermelon. Let's check them all out."

"Alright."

"Feeling tired? Let me carry it for a while."

"No problem, I've got it. What's a little weight to me?"

As they chatted, they walked to the lakeside. The lake wasn't large but very clear.

The sun had set, and the sky darkened, but there were plenty of lights around the lake, and some tourists were sitting in pavilions enjoying the breeze, casting a beautiful reflection on the smooth moonlit lake.

"Want to sit down?"

"Let's sit for a while."

"Ah, the breeze feels quite cool."

"Yes, it's autumn."

As they were about to move, there was a loud rumble, and it started raining.

Then, the rain started pattering down, but not heavily.

"Well, it starts as soon as you mention it. Didn't even give us time to prepare," Dong Xuebing quickly took out the umbrella he had just put away and opened it over Teacher Jiang's head. "How about this? Let's find some shelter."

Teacher Jiang quickly said, "Let's go to the pavilion for cover."

"Okay, it probably won't rain for long." Dong Xuebing hurriedly ran with her to the pavilion.

However, there was no one else left in the pavilion. The locals had hurried home with umbrellas, and the tourists had left in their cars.

It was quiet.

Just the two of them.

As they put away the umbrella and sat down, the rainy night by the lake had charm, and the scenery was fantastic.

Dong Xuebing wiped the rain off his forehead and glanced at Teacher Jiang. Although the umbrella sheltered her, she still got a bit wet on the run to the pavilion. Her white shirt was slightly translucent, and her generous bosom was partially visible, but it wasn't too apparent at night. Teacher Jiang wiped the rain off her clothes and hair with a napkin, paying little attention. The only one who noticed was Dong Xuebing, who couldn't help but steal a few more glances.

Rainy night.

Lake.

Pavilion.

Beautiful scenery.

What a beautiful picture.

Dong Xuebing leaned back in his chair, squinting his eyes. Seeing no sign of the rain stopping, he relaxed and started chatting with Teacher Jiang somewhat absentmindedly.