The heavens set sail from the courtyard

Lu Tao realized he had said the wrong thing and was about to make amends when Xia Lin had already taken the bowls and chopsticks and walked out of the kitchen, giving him no chance at all.

In the living room, Xiang Nan took out the fried chicken and put it on the dining table, then brought over a case of beer.

Xiang Nan was very familiar with Lu Tao's house, even knowing where the wine was kept. Fang Lingshan couldn't help but ask, "Do you often come to Brother Lu Tao's house?"

"Yes! A few of my friends and I used to love coming here to watch games, so he always kept a case of beer on hand."

Xiang Nan took out cans of beer one by one and then said, "Would you like some later?"

Fang Lingshan said generously, "I can drink a little, but I can't hold my liquor well and can't drink too much."

Xiang Nan laughed and said, "Do whatever you want. We'll just have a casual drink and won't get you drunk."

Fang Lingshan laughed and said, "I'm not afraid of you getting me drunk. If I get drunk, Brother Lu Tao won't be able to explain it to Uncle Xu."

Xiang Nan was taken aback and couldn't help but glance at Fang Lingshan a couple more times.

Fang Lingshan gave Xiang Nan a very different feeling.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Fang Lingshan asked.

"It's alright, why don't you sit down first? We'll eat in a bit." Xiang Nan turned his head to hide his embarrassment.

"I'd like to take a look around." Fang Lingshan was very interested in Lu Tao's house.

Xiang Nan said, "This apartment was rented with the help of Lu Tao's stepfather. Although it's not big, it's very practical. As you know, Lu Tao and I are studying architecture, so we're very picky about apartments."

Fang Lingshan noticed several photo frames on the cabinet next to the living room. They were all photos of Lu Tao, some taken with Xia Lin, and others taken at school.

One of the group photos caught Fang Lingshan's attention, and she picked it up without thinking.

"Is this a photo of you two together?"

Xiang Nan walked over and looked at it, then laughed and said, "This photo was taken at our school. The one on the left is me? Next to Lu Tao is Hua Zi, and next to him is Gao Qiang."

Fang Lingshan nodded and said, "I can tell you two have a very good relationship; you must be very close friends!"

Xiang Nan's face stiffened, and he couldn't answer for a moment.

Fang Lingshan sensed something and asked curiously, "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

“No, you’re right.” Xiang Nan said awkwardly, “In college, the four of us were very good friends.”

Fang Lingshan said earnestly, "I really envy you guys. Because of my dad's work, I often have to change schools, so it's hard for me to make any friends."

Xiang Nan sighed and said, "You don't need to envy us. After graduation, everyone is busy with their own things, and now we have even less time to get together. Our feelings have faded."

Fang Lingshan said, "That's still better than me! At least you're in the same city, while most of the people I know are in Taiwan, so it's hard to get together."

Xiang Nan glanced at Gao Qiang in the photo, shook his head, and said, "Let's not talk about us. Are you planning to stay in the capital for a long time?"

Fang Lingshan pouted and said, "I don't know. I came to the mainland this time because my father's business has moved here. If the company develops well, I guess he will stay in the capital for a long time!"

Xiang Nan said happily, "It's great that you can stay. I can take you to eat all the delicious food in the capital. Have you ever tried douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)?"

Fang Lingshan said innocently, "Never tried it? But I've heard that people in your capital city really like to drink it. I can try it sometime."

Xiang Nan smiled mysteriously and said, "I guarantee you'll never forget this drink."

Fang Lingshan was unaware of Xiang Nan's sinister intentions when Xia Lin came out with bowls and chopsticks.

"What are you talking about? Come and eat!" Xia Lin called out.

Xiang Nan and Fang Lingshan walked towards the dining table, and Lu Tao also came out of the kitchen with some side dishes.

"Lingshan, I brought you some pickles to try. I hope you like them."

"Great! I'd love to try the capital's specialties," Fang Lingshan said with a smile. The four of them sat down, and Xia Lin warmly greeted Fang Lingshan.

"Miss Fang, my cooking skills are just so-so, please eat more fried chicken."

"No, the food is delicious," Fang Lingshan said. "Don't call me Miss Fang, just call me Lingshan."

"Okay, Lingshan, what do you think are the differences between the capital and Taiwan? Which one is better?" Xia Lin asked.

Fang Lingshan tilted her head, thought carefully for a moment, and then said, "It's hard to say. Actually, both sides are quite good. I like them both. They each have their own unique features!"

Personally, I prefer ancient architecture. I feel that the buildings in the capital have a greater sense of history and a more grand atmosphere, something that Taiwan can't match.

Lu Tao laughed and said, "I'll take you to climb the Great Wall tomorrow if I have time. You probably haven't seen the Great Wall before."

Fang Lingshan nodded and said, "Yes, I am very interested in the Great Wall. I heard that the only man-made structure that can be seen in space is the Great Wall."

Xiang Nan said, "It's a pity I have to go to work tomorrow, otherwise I could have gone with you."

Lu Tao suggested, "How about we climb the Great Wall sometime this weekend? We can invite some friends to come along too, it'll be more fun with more people."

Fang Lingshan laughed and said, "Great! I like lots of people. Brother Lu Tao, I just saw the photos in your house, including one of four people."

Lu Tao's expression changed as he thought of that group photo of him and his college roommates.

"Lingshan, eat more vegetables." Xia Lin took the initiative to put food on Fang Lingshan's plate, and deliberately changed the subject, saying, "Actually, besides the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven are also good."

Fang Lingshan nodded and said, "Brother Lu Tao took me to the Forbidden City the day before yesterday, and we went to the Temple of Heaven yesterday. They were both magnificent, and I took a lot of photos."

"You've been to quite a few places these past few days!" Xia Lin looked at Lu Tao thoughtfully.

Lu Tao felt a chill run down his spine, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"By the way, Brother Lu Tao, do you guys usually watch football in bars?" Fang Lingshan suddenly asked.

"Bars?" Lu Tao said frankly, "I go occasionally! But most of the time I watch football at home."

Fang Lingshan said, "I like the atmosphere of watching sports in bars in Taiwan. Can you recommend a bar?"

"This..." Lu Tao hesitated. To be honest, he didn't go to bars very often; most of the time, it was Mi Lai who took him there.

Xiang Nan then interjected, "I know a bar with a great atmosphere. They sometimes have live band performances at night. We can go together."

Lu Tao and Xia Lin frowned at the same time. They both wondered which bar Xiang Nan had recommended and were reluctant to go.

Or rather, they are afraid of encountering people they don't want to see.

"Great! Let's go after we finish eating." Fang Lingshan was in high spirits.

"Xiang Nan, why don't you take Ling Shan with you? Xia Lin and I won't go," Lu Tao said hesitantly.

"Why?" Fang Lingshan looked at Lu Tao, puzzled.

"I have some work to do tonight," Lu Tao casually made up an excuse.

"Brother Lu Tao, don't spoil the fun! Let's all go to a bar and have some fun! We can't finish our work." Fang Lingshan pleaded softly, "Didn't Uncle Xu say you were supposed to take good care of me?"

Lu Tao glanced at Xia Lin, unsure of what to do.

"Since Ling Shan has said so, let's go!" Xia Lin sighed.

"Okay," Lu Tao finally agreed.

"Great!" Fang Lingshan almost jumped for joy, eagerly saying, "Let's eat quickly! I've been wanting to see the bars in the capital for a long time, and see how they're different from those in Taiwan!" (End of Chapter)