Chapter 156: Unexpected Deliveries

The two jogged along and reached the school gate just as the dismissal bell rang.

Xu Chen grabbed the sack and led Xie Bingran to the post office next to the school.

A tall counter featured a small glass window with a staff member seated behind it, looking like an old-style post office from the late 20th century.

At the window, he picked up a form and handed it to Xie Bingran:

“You fill in the address first; I’ll handle the packing!”

Xie Bingran took the form but hesitated for a moment:

“Wait a second…”

She took the sack and turned away.

Zipping it open, she pulled out something and tucked it into her own backpack.

She zipped it back up and handed the sack to Xu Chen.

Xie Bingran took the form and went to the side counter to fill it out.

Xu Chen picked up the sack and quietly headed off to pack it.

Though Xie Bingran had turned away, he still caught a glimpse of her taking out that old blue stationery case and slipping it into her backpack.

…

Once the package was sent, Xu Chen grabbed another sheet of paper from the counter and passed it to Xie Bingran:

“Write down your bank account for me.”

Xie Bingran: “Why?”

Xu Chen: “You came to help with my family’s business, so we need to pay you a wage.

I signed a endorsement deal with you, and that’s your rightful compensation.

It’s not much, but once we get you for ad shoots, the company should offer more…”

Xie Bingran:

“I don’t want your money. I’m happy to help.”

She paused before adding:

“I’m doing fine. The national team covers everything, plus I get a monthly allowance.”

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“This isn’t from me; it’s from my dad’s company. I don’t even know how much it is.

Just take it—it’s your earned pay, and we’ll handle the taxes too.”

Xie Bingran was silent for a bit but then said:

“Let’s go; I’m hungry.”

As she turned to leave, Xu Chen grabbed her arm:

“Come on, listen!

If you don’t give it to me, I can just ask Teacher Chen Ming.”

Xu Chen thought for a moment and added:

“Didn’t you still owe me 1,500 yuan?

Here’s an idea: I’ll tell the company finance to deduct a bit from your payments each time and send it to me. That way, we can settle that debt.”

Xie Bingran frowned but stayed quiet.

Xu Chen chuckled:

“Hurry up; you promised to listen to me.

If you don’t write it down, I’ll ask someone else.”

Xie Bingran pursed her lips, finally said “Oh,” and took the sheet of paper.

…

…

Leaving the post office, Xu Chen hailed a taxi and took Xie Bingran to a steamed fish restaurant.

Xu Chen had looked into it carefully; Xie Bingran mainly had to avoid pork and beef or lamb outside.

Fish and chicken were safer options.

This steamed fish place was one his father, Xu Zhiquan, had taken him to before.

It looked like a down-to-earth spot, but the ingredients were reliable.

“The fish here comes from the wild catch in Beishan Reservoir—it’s all good quality.

And they mostly do steamed dishes without any weird additives.”

“Oh.”

…

Two fresh steamed fish arrived quickly, looking delicious and appetizing.

As they ate, Xu Chen asked:

“Do you know what Fang Tao is up to?”

Fang Tao was the buzz-cut guy from the same village as Xie Bingran.

He’d helped out a lot in the previous incidents.

Fang Tao was tall and seemed a bit rough, but he was actually quite sharp.

Xie Bingran: “He’s finished school and is planning to head south for work…

Why are you asking?”

Xu Chen: “My dad’s company needs to hire two security guards. If he can drive, he could switch off with Li Rui.”

Xie Bingran: “I’ll ask him about it.”

Xu Chen: “Anyone else you can recommend?”

Xie Bingran thought for a moment: “Cheng Yong, maybe.”

Xu Chen recalled the burly young guy.

He used to hang with Zhao Feng and had helped at Xie Bingran’s grandmother’s funeral last time.

Xie Bingran added:

“He’s not in school anymore, and his family isn’t well-off, so he’s also looking to work out of town…”

Xu Chen: “Ask him for me too.”

Xie Bingran said “Oh” and pulled out her phone to send a couple of messages.

It wasn’t long before her phone buzzed with replies.

“They’re both good with it,” Xie Bingran mentioned casually.

Xu Chen smiled, but as he glanced down, he couldn’t help but shake his head a little.

On her phone screen was the chat with Fang Tao.

Xie Bingran had only sent a few words:

[Xu Chen’s family is hiring]

And Fang Tao had replied with just a few words:

[Whatever Bing Ge says goes]

Xu Chen shook his head helplessly and said:

“I’ll mention it to my dad later. Tell Fang Tao and Cheng Yong to get in touch with Li Rui soon.”

“Oh.”

“Where are you staying tonight?”

“The same guesthouse as last time, near the Sports University.”

…

…

After dinner, they stepped out of the restaurant, and Xu Chen stood by the road to hail a cab.

Li Rui was busy with Xu Zhiquan’s greetings, and there’d probably be drinking tonight, so Xu Chen didn’t plan to call him.

Xie Bingran stood behind him and said quietly:

“Let’s walk…”

Xu Chen smiled: “It’s four kilometers.”

Xie Bingran shot back with a hint of challenge:

“What, can’t handle it?”

Xu Chen: “Now that’s not fair!”

Xie Bingran: “I’ll go slow then.”

Xu Chen: “Don’t try that!”

…

Lights began to glow in the evening dusk.

The two wandered toward the Sports University.

They avoided the busy main roads and cut through quieter side streets.

Xu Chen kept up the lighthearted chatter, while Xie Bingran remained mostly quiet.

But Bing Ge shared a bit about the national team—daily training routines and sights in Beijing.

She outlined her upcoming plans, like finalizing her university and coach before heading to Shanghai for intensive training.

In Shanghai, she’d mostly stay at the Xin Zhuang Training Base, with a few days each month back at university for classes.

The rest involved various competitions across domestic cities, and possibly international ones.

For instance, the National Youth Championships in Shanghai also served as qualifiers for the World Youth Championships, leading to events in Riziguo…

An athlete’s life was pretty monotonous, mostly filled with repetitive training and matches.

But when Bing Ge talked about races and tracks, her excitement was clear.

Clearly, she was born for the track.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but remind her:

“Always put safety first in training and competitions.

Avoid injuries, and you’ll go further in your career.”

Xie Bingran was silent for a moment before saying gravely:

“For at least the next ten years…

That track is mine.”

She kept walking briskly, her bangs swaying with her steps in the cool evening breeze of the streets.