However, Ming Yi found it inconvenient to say so directly. He merely said, "Perhaps, he simply didn't make it in time. After all, the time was indeed very tight."
Under Ming Yi's gentle reminder, Shi Yiling also calmed down a little. But she soon added, "Regardless, this person is no good in my book. I'm certain he'll ask me for a ride again tomorrow morning."
"It's alright, I'll give you a ride tomorrow morning."
Ming Yi said, "I'll ask Brother Xiao for leave first."
"Okay."
As for Uncle Qi, he was alone in his room, lying on a bed that was entirely different from those in the countryside. His expression was one of sheer enjoyment and satisfaction. He had always said they needed to come out and experience things! His elder brother never replaced the beds at home; how comfortable was this Simmons mattress?
If he went back later, he would definitely replace all the beds at home. He was so tired of his old ones!
Soft and springy was the most comfortable!
Soon, he drifted off to sleep.
"Beautiful ladies... here I come..."
The next morning.
Just as the three of them finished their meal at Lin Xiao's place, they ran into Tian Jingtao, who was preparing to drive Huahua to school.
Just as Shi Yiling had predicted, Tian Jingtao extended an invitation once again, and Huahua also chimed in.
"My boyfriend is giving me a ride later, no rush," she replied, politely declining as usual.
Tian Jingtao understood the saying "haste makes waste." Thus, he only invited them once. Since they weren't willing, he drove away.
"We should be going too... Uncle Qi, what's your phone number?" Ming Yi said to Uncle Qi before they left.
"You don't even have my number!"
Uncle Qi's face fell in sorrow upon hearing this. "My dearest little Bao, my beloved nephew, you don't even have my phone number. I'm so heartbroken..."
"I didn't even bring my phone when I left home, how could I have your number?" Ming Yi retorted, a little annoyed.
"My number hasn't changed in years. It's clear you never bothered to write it down back then. Sigh, I know, after all, I'm not some pretty young girl..."
"...If you get lost, don't call me. You're not my wife, and you're not a pretty girl..."
"My number is 177..."
Uncle Qi quickly recited his number.
Once was enough; Ming Yi could remember it. He snorted, "Uncle Qi, are you going for your driving test today?"
"Uh... Wasn't it said that I'd be accompanying His Highness the Dragon King today? After we finish things over there, I'll find a place to learn to drive. Then I'll buy a cool, stylish sports car and drive it to my nephew's wife's school. Maybe I'll meet some nice girls!" Uncle Qi's demeanor was anything but that of someone who had spent over twenty years in the countryside. Why did he lack that rustic simplicity?
"...Don't come with me." Ming Yi exchanged a look with Shi Yiling. He felt a little embarrassed. Why had his Uncle Qi become like this after coming out?
Back at home, Uncle Qi was always hardworking, agreeable, and meticulous in his work. How could he be like this now?
"You're experiencing abundance while others starve. You've only just returned and already have a wife. For so many years, I've hardly seen any young girls; I'm about to go crazy!" Uncle Qi complained. "Your Lingling is one of the very few young girls I've seen in miles around. The others never come back once a year."