Siheyuan: I will never tolerate gambling and drugs!

In the restaurant

After taking the box containing the pathogen and putting away the detailed vaccine development plan written by Xu Lin, Senior Brother Gu explained to Jielina that he still had things to keep an eye on in the lab, so he asked her to look after his junior brother Xu Lin and take him sightseeing in Moscow. Then he eagerly returned to the lab.

Xu Lin felt immense pressure looking at Celebena sitting in front of him, but remembering his senior brother Gu's instructions, he could only grit his teeth and keep the foreign girl occupied. It's just taking a foreign girl out for fun, I'll take the hardship!

So Xu Lin spoke up when he saw that the other person had almost finished eating.

"Jelena, are there any fun places to visit in the Soviet Union? Can you show me around? I'm going back to Beijing in a few days and I want to bring some souvenirs for my family."

Jeline, who was only in her early twenties and a few months older than Xu Lin, happily accepted the invitation from the handsome Xu Lin. After Xu Lin paid the bill, she acted as his guide, showing him around Moscow.

During their stroll, Xu Lin spotted a "Little Birch Shop" with Soviet-era characteristics, and dragged Jirina along to browse it. Jirina initially refused, as such places tend to be quite expensive.

Although her mother was a professor, her income was only slightly above average. Compared to Mr. Li's salary at that time in China, it wasn't much higher. And since she had just started working, she naturally wanted to go to an economical state-owned store.

However, considering that Xu Lin probably didn't have many rubles on him, it's understandable that it would be more convenient for him to visit a place like the "Little Birch Shop," which mainly caters to diplomats and foreign tourists and allows transactions using foreign exchange certificates or foreign currency.

What Jelinea didn't expect was Xu Lin's astonishing wealth. He went on a shopping spree, buying almost nothing for his family, but showering her with clothes and gifts.

However, when she saw Xu Lin selecting a red coat for her that cost 100 rubles (equivalent to 200 yuan) to fit her figure, Jelena finally couldn't help but speak up.

"Xu Lin, you're too kind. Don't buy me any more. You've already bought me so much. Besides, this one is too expensive. I don't wear it much in the lab anyway, so buying it would be a waste..."

Xu Lin didn't think much of it. The system had given him a lot of money from previous sign-ins and task completions, but he didn't dare spend it in Beijing. Now that he had such a good opportunity, he certainly didn't want to miss it.

"It's okay if you only wear it once. The main thing is that you'll definitely look good in it. I'll also need you to show me around these next few days as a guide. Consider this your reward. Don't refuse, come and try it on and see if it suits you..."

Hearing Xu Lin say this, the naive young girl couldn't resist his sweet talk and flattery, so she reluctantly agreed to try it on and went into the fitting room with the clothes.

Xu Lin was idly smoking at the counter, something the staff usually didn't allow. But after Xu Lin pulled out a ruble and handed it over, the staff member expertly handed him an ashtray. Xu Lin sighed as he smoked.

"It seems Comrade Stalin's revolution wasn't thorough enough. This small example shows how the Soviet Union ultimately collapsed; capital still influences principles in people's lives. If you don't believe me, look at the new China News Service. If this happened in Beijing, they'd arrest you and send you to the joint defense office for a three-day, three-night interrogation..."

Lost in thought, Xu Lin heard a noise behind him. When he turned around, he was instantly stunned. A splash of red that suddenly appeared in the scene, a rich, almost burning crimson or wine red, instantly captured Xu Lin's attention.

The coat's thick wool texture, when the light shines through, reveals a soft, velvety sheen on the shoulder lines and cuffs, complementing the girl's delicate cheeks, which are slightly flushed with excitement.

Bright, eager eyes. Against the red backdrop, the light in those eyes is amplified: it is curiosity, and anticipation of how Xu Lin will evaluate them.

Her smile blossomed without reservation, as if the red dress had given her a brand new, braver soul.

Xu Lin remained stunned for a long time, and Jelina was even happier to see his reaction.

"Xu, do I look good in this?"

Hearing Gerina's question, Xu Lin finally snapped out of his daze, inwardly cursing himself for his momentary lapse while also marveling at how stylish this foreign woman looked in that coat.

"It's beautiful, it's practically made for you. No matter what, Jeline, you can't refuse me, I have to give you this coat."

Xu Lin immediately offered emotional support and took the opportunity to give her a way out, which made Jilina somewhat conflicted again.

"But......"

Xu Lin knew this was a crucial moment, so he took the initiative and didn't give Jelina a chance to refuse.

"There's no 'but' about it. This is your payment for guiding me for the next few days. It's the fruit of your labor. Didn't Mr. Lenin and Mr. Stalin both say: 'Labor is the most glorious thing!'"

Jeline felt that Xu Lin was talking nonsense, but she didn't know how to refute him for the moment. In addition, she really liked the coat, and in her confused state, she accepted it without thinking.

"Okay, leave the next few days to me! I'll definitely show you around Moscow properly!"

Hearing that Jerina would stay with him for the next few days and wouldn't return to the research institute, he breathed a sigh of relief. The task assigned by Senior Brother Gu was complete; now he just had to wait for good news from him!

Then, patting his aching thighs, he and Jelena continued shopping, inwardly grumbling about women's tireless shopping instincts. It seemed taking a foreign woman shopping wasn't an easy task after all...

As he walked, he came across a camera shop selling the Zenit, a very popular affordable camera at the time, priced around 200 rubles. Xu Lin bought one without hesitation.

Then he took Jerina to take photos at various tourist attractions in Moscow. Thanks to his experience from later generations, the photos Xu Lin took of Jerina were very different from the serious style of photos taken at that time.

At first, Jelinek couldn't accept it, but under Xu Lin's sweet talk, she gradually began to change. Her smile and movements during the photoshoot became more relaxed and natural.

"Alright, Jeline. It's getting dark, and I've finished shooting the film. Let's find a photo studio, get the photos developed, and then find a place to have dinner."

Jerina was having a great time taking pictures, and although she was a little reluctant to stop, she glanced at the sky and agreed to Xu Lin's arrangement.

"I happen to know the owner of a photo studio. Come with me, it's not far." So, Jelena naturally took Xu Lin's arm and led him to a photo studio she was familiar with. Xu Lin didn't say anything, because he was already lost in thought because of the sensation on her arm.

Jelina doesn't take photos very often, but the research institute has a lot of needs for taking photos, so over time, Jelina has gotten to know some acquaintances.

Within minutes they entered a photo studio, where Jelina confidently introduced the studio to Xu Lin and a young man who was about 1.7 meters tall.

"Xu Lin, this is my friend Wojnovic! Wojnovic, this is Xu Lin, a friend from New China whom I just met today."

Upon hearing Jelena utter that name, Xu Lin's mind went blank, and he froze on the spot. After a moment, he subconsciously asked a question.

"Vladimir Vojinovich?"

Upon hearing the name, the other two people present were stunned for a moment, then simultaneously turned their gazes to Xu Lin, not even blinking, and hurriedly asked him with their mouths agape.

"Xu Lin, how did you know? This is a secret between him and me. Because 'Vladimir' comes from Old Slavic and means 'ruler of the world' or 'master of peace,' and he always seems a little embarrassed about it, so we usually call him by his family name, Vojinovich."

Wojnovic also wanted to know how Xu Lin knew, so he looked intently at Xu.

Xu Lin quickly waved his hand and explained, "I just saw a letter on the table, and the recipient mentioned Vladimir, so I blurted it out unconsciously." Xu Lin was also sweating bullets; if he couldn't explain it clearly, he might be mistaken for a spy.

Hearing Xu Lin's explanation, Jelinek and Wojinovic didn't seem to care much. However, Xu Lin inwardly marveled, "This is the real Wojinovic!"

So she quickly seized the opportunity to chat with Wojnovich. Jelena listened for a while, but found it boring, so she picked up the film roll and started developing the photos herself. Because many classified photos had to be developed by the researchers themselves, Jelena was very familiar with the photo developing process.

Two hours later, Jelina came running out excitedly, holding the photos, her big eyes sparkling. She then grabbed Xu Lin's arm.

"Xu Lin, you're amazing! These photos are so beautiful... Look!" she exclaimed excitedly, giving Xu Lin a kiss on the cheek.

Xu Lin looked at the excited Jerina, touched his slightly flushed cheeks, and thought to himself with mixed feelings: "Photography is great! I really need to learn photography!"

Watching Gerina's excited expression, Wojnovic suddenly felt a sense of loss and seemed to lose interest in taking pictures. Xu Lin noticed Wojnovic's emotional fluctuations and found them somewhat puzzling.

"I hope this kid didn't join the army and end up becoming a writer because of my spur-on..."

Finally, at Xu Lin's insistence, Wojnovic accepted the payment for developing the photos, but declined Xu Lin's dinner invitation, simply waving goodbye to the two at the shop entrance. Meanwhile, Jelena was still engrossed in the photos Xu Lin had taken of her, looking at them one by one with a silly grin.

Before long, Xu Lin and Jielina found a place to eat near the research institute. Having spent the whole day running around, they enjoyed every bite.

Halfway through the meal, Xu Lin put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth, and asked Jilina, who was still focused on eating, "Jelina, won't running around with me affect your work?"

Upon hearing Xu Lin's question, Jeline stopped eating, waved her hand, and replied to Xu Lin.

"It's alright, Brother Xu. I'm currently my mother's graduate student. Although I have a job, I'm just assisting her. My mother is going to attend a forum these days and probably won't be back for about a week. I've also been given a vacation. Xu Lin, can you stay in Moscow for a few days?"

Xu Lin breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Jielina's explanation and then began to answer her earlier question: "Yes, I originally came here to tour the Soviet Union, broaden my horizons, and also to visit Senior Brother Gu. I haven't decided how many days I'll stay yet, but it shouldn't exceed a week..."

Hearing Xu Lin's answer, Jelinek felt a little happy, though she herself didn't know why she was happy. Then she asked...

"So, Xu Lin, what do you do for a living in Beijing? You seem so wealthy..." Jielina had been holding back all day, wanting to ask but never having the right opportunity, and now she finally asked, a little embarrassed.

Xu Lin chuckled and said, "I'm just a factory doctor at a steel rolling mill in Beijing with a capacity of over a thousand people. My family has some savings, so I live a relatively comfortable life."

Jelinek suddenly realized, "The doctor is a good person. I believe you can earn a relatively high income even without relying on your parents." Then she didn't delve any further.

She changed the subject: "What did you and Gu talk about today? Gu seemed very agitated and angry before leaving, which is quite unusual. Gu has always been a very easygoing person."

When Xu Lin heard the girl finally ask the question, he used the words he had prepared beforehand: "Senior Brother Gu's family member has been harmed and is now quite worried."

So I also told Senior Brother Gu about it, thinking that maybe he could find a solution. I just didn't expect him to be so angry. He's probably researching ways to find a better solution now.

Jerina nodded, a look of understanding on her face.

"Should I help Gu out tomorrow, maybe do some data entry and record-keeping for him... I probably can't offer much other assistance..."

Upon hearing this, Xu Lin thought the young girl seemed like a nice person. She clearly considered Senior Brother Gu a friend. However, letting her go tomorrow would be a mistake. So, with a calm and seemingly casual expression, he said...

"No need to go. Actually, I didn't want to tell Senior Brother Gu, afraid he'd worry, but I thought it wouldn't be good to keep it a secret. Even though none of us have high hopes, we should still give Senior Brother Gu a chance. You don't need to go during this time; going will only put more pressure on him."

What he needs most right now is some peace and quiet, especially these next couple of days. Don't show your face in front of him. If he finds out you know, he'll definitely blame me for being a blabbermouth, and he might even hit me...

Seeing Xu Lin's exaggerated expression and tone, Jelinek smiled, quite surprised to find that Gu was also a very interesting person.

"Okay, I promise. I won't bother him for the next couple of days; let him have some peace and quiet. By the way, Xu Lin, do you have a place to stay tonight?"

Mentioning this, Xu Lin helplessly rubbed his forehead.

"I originally planned to stay at Senior Brother Gu's place for a while, but it seems that Senior Brother Gu has forgotten about me and is probably busy right now and can't pay attention to me."

"So I'm thinking of finding a guesthouse to stay in for a few days. Anyway, I might be going back to Beijing in a couple of days," Xu Lin said casually, shrugging his shoulders.

Upon hearing this, Jelinek immediately extended an invitation without hesitation: "Why don't you stay at my house? Although my mom isn't home, we live with my uncle, and he'll definitely welcome you!"

"This isn't quite right..." Xu Lin hesitated.

But Jelinek grabbed Xu Lin's arm, saying, "It's settled then. Let's go to the security office to leave a message for Gu, and then we can go home on the way..." She then tried to drag Xu Lin out the door.

Xu Lin had no choice but to agree; after all, this way, the person would be kept under control...