Era: Rise from the Wilderness

"Ruoxi, what about you?"

Unwilling to dwell on the issue, Li Yunjing asked in a relaxed manner.

"I...I applied to Bincheng Industrial University, majoring in fine arts."

The sea breeze ruffled Lü Ruoxi's ponytail, and she raised her hand to tidy her hair before saying softly, "My dad used his connections, so it should be fine."

When she said this, there was a subtle, complex quality in her voice.

It wasn't pride, nor excitement, but more like... resignation.

Li Yunjing could tell.

They also knew what connections her father had used to raise her score to the passing mark.

This is not difficult.

Some people can even do it more skillfully.

"Maybe my family will force me to repeat a year of high school."

Li Yunjing didn't press further. Instead, he turned his head and looked at the girl's cheeks, slightly flushed from the sea breeze: "How about I apply to Bincheng Industrial University the following year and become your junior?"

"Are you serious?"

Lü Ruoxi turned her head and looked at him with bright eyes.

"certainly."

Li Yunjing smiled and said, "I'll have to ask Senior Sister Lü for your guidance then."

These words were spoken in jest, but Lü Ruoxi sensed a hint of seriousness in them.

"If you really come to Bincheng, I'll treat you to seafood."

She said, "The seafood in Bincheng is much fresher than here. When you're at school, your senior will look after you!"

As they talked, they seemed to think of a funny scene next year and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Then it's settled."

Li Yunjing held out his hand. "Pinky promise."

Lu Ruoxi paused for a moment, then smiled and hooked her little finger with his.

The boy's fingers were warm and strong, and he gently swayed her fingers as he hooked them together.

"Pinky promise, a hundred years from now."

The two said the childhood spell in unison, then smiled at each other.

What Lu Ruoxi didn't know was that Li Yunjing had no intention of getting into the university; instead, he wanted to develop his career in Bincheng and go into business.

Time slipped away unnoticed during our casual conversation.

The shimmering light on the sea grew increasingly dazzling, but the fishing rod remained motionless.

After the two cast their lines, it was as if all the fish in the sea had conspired to disappear.

"Is this fish some kind of spirit today?"

Li Yunjing glanced at his watch; it was already 10:30.

The sun was blazing down, and the concrete on the seawall was so hot you could fry an egg on it.

Lü Ruoxi fanned herself with her hand, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead: "It's so hot..."

"Walk!"

Li Yunjing put away his fishing rod. "Looks like I'm going home empty-handed today. I won't catch any fish."

The two men tied their fishing rods to the back of their bicycles, carried empty buckets, and looked utterly dejected.

"It's lunchtime, let me treat you to wontons!"

Lu Ruoxi suddenly suggested inviting Li Yunjing to dinner.

"OK!"

Li Yunjing nodded, then suddenly remembered something, "But let's not eat wontons. Things with fillings are generally not hygienic! Let's go to Ma's Stir-fry instead."

"Ma Ji?"

Lü Ruoxi thought for a moment, "Is it the one 400 meters north of the school?"

"Yes! This is the place!"

Li Yunjing smiled and nodded, "Their spicy diced pork is delicious and very unique!"

When Ma Ji Stir-fry was mentioned, his expression brightened, as if he were reminiscing about the days when he ate at Ma Ji Stir-fry.

"OK!"

Lu Ruoxi readily nodded, "Then let's go to Ma's Stir-fry. Whatever you like to eat, I'll treat you."

"Oh well!"

Li Yunjing wasn't embarrassed at all. He smiled and said, "I didn't bring enough money with me today. I'll treat you next time!"

"Don't mention it!"

Lu Ruoxi rolled her eyes at him, took a few steps, and got on her bicycle.

"hey-hey!"

Li Yunjing smiled, not expecting the young rich woman to be so generous and not stingy at all.

The two rode their bicycles back.

The midday sun was scorching, and there were few pedestrians on the road. Only cicadas were chirping incessantly in the trees.

After riding for more than 20 minutes, I finally saw the sign for "Ma Ji Stir-fry".

This shop is located 400 meters north of No. 25 Middle School, and it mainly caters to students.

There weren't many customers during the summer vacation; only two or three bicycles were parked at the entrance.

As I pushed open the door, a cool breeze hit me.

The ceiling fans were actually on in the store.

Although it couldn't compare to air conditioning, it was considered quite good for a small-town restaurant in the early 1990s.

"What would you two like to eat?"

The owner was a burly man in his forties, dressed in a white chef's uniform, who handed over the menu with a smile.

There were six square tables in the shop, and the white walls were a little yellowed, but it was kept quite clean.

A huge price list for vegetables was posted on the wall, written in calligraphy on red paper: Spicy diced pork 2.5 yuan, Shredded pork with garlic sauce 2 yuan, Stir-fried shredded potatoes 0.8 yuan...

"Uncle Ma, a plate of spicy diced pork, a plate of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, and two bowls of rice."

Li Yun's performance was crisp and efficient.

"Mmm! Two more bottles of soda, please!"

Lü Ruoxi added.

"Okay!"

The owner noted down the names of the dishes and then announced them again: "One serving of spicy diced pork! One serving of stir-fried cabbage with vinegar! Two bottles of soda!"

The owner was in charge of cooking. After serving two bottles of orange soda, he went into the kitchen, and the two of them found a seat by the window.

Through the glass window, you can see the empty streets outside.

"Do you often eat here?"

Lu Ruoxi asked curiously.

"I've been here a few times before."

As Li Yunjing spoke, he skillfully opened a bottle of soda with a bottle opener and handed one of the bottles to Lü Ruoxi.

The dishes were served shortly afterward.

The spicy diced meat is bright red and oily, with green and red bell peppers cut into diamond shapes, mixed with the crispy fried diced meat, steaming hot and emitting an enticing aroma.

The stir-fried cabbage with vinegar is crystal clear, with a fragrant aroma of vinegar that makes it look appetizing.

"Try it!"

Li Yunjing placed a piece of spicy diced meat on Lü Ruoxi's plate.

"It's really delicious!"

Lü Ruoxi carefully took a bite, her eyes immediately narrowing: "The diced meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the spiciness is just right!"

She then tasted the stir-fried cabbage with vinegar; its tangy and crisp flavor perfectly countered the greasiness of the spicy meat.

The two flavors alternate in your mouth, making you really hungry.

"I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Li Yunjing smiled smugly and began to eat heartily.

The two of them ate with ice-cold orange soda until their foreheads were sweating.

Lu Ruoxi usually doesn't eat much, but today she made an exception and ate half a bowl more rice, and also ate a lot of spicy diced meat.

"This green bell pepper is delicious too."

She picked up a piece of green pepper, "It's crunchy and has a meaty aroma."

Seeing her enjoying her meal made Li Yunjing happy too.

Being able to taste this home-style flavor again after being reborn, and to share it with the girl I love, is a simple happiness that is more precious than anything else.

"Uncle Ma's cooking skills are getting better and better."

He said in a low voice, "I heard that he used to work in a state-run restaurant before he started his own business."

Just then, Boss Ma came over with a small dish of pickled radishes: "These are for you, homemade, to cut through the greasiness."

"Thank you, Uncle Ma!"

The two thanked them in unison.

The crisp pickled radish has a sweet and sour taste, and it tastes especially good when eaten with spicy diced meat.