Only after rinsing away the last of the suds did Yuan Su turn off the tap and pull a towel from the rack beside him.
"Yuan Su..."
Pu Yu finally couldn't help calling his name softly.
Her voice was as soft as cotton candy soaked in water, with a hint of timidity.
"Hm?"
He handed her the towel, avoiding her face. "Dry your hands."
Pu Yu took the towel and slowly dried her hands, her eyes fixed on his reddened ears.
"Why did you..." She finished drying her hands, folded the towel, and set it aside, her tone tentative. "Help me wash my hands just now?"
Yuan Su's Adam's apple bobbed. "You were taking too long."
His usual lazy drawl had returned, but the warmth in his eyes was almost scorching.
Pu Yu pressed her lips together and didn't call him out.
"Let's go."
Yuan Su turned away, sounding a little awkward. "I'll take you out for something good."
Watching his slightly flustered retreat, Pu Yu curved her lips into a smile and decided not to push her luck.
They left the office one after the other.
Out in the yard, Nie Yang was working beneath a semitrailer. Hearing them, he poked his head out. "Yuan Su, leaving already? Your girl isn't staying a little longer?"
Yuan Su didn't break stride. "Keep an eye on this afternoon's shipment."
"You got it!" Nie Yang grinned and waved at Pu Yu. "Come visit again!"
Pu Yu blushed, lowered her head, and hurried after Yuan Su.
On the way back, the wind and snow had eased considerably.
The sky was still gray, but visibility had improved quite a bit.
They had lunch at an old restaurant serving distinctive Rinzhou dishes.
The restaurant bustled with warmth and activity. Red chilies and dried corn hung