The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 272 - 262: Results, Vacation_2

Chapter 272: Chapter 262: Results, Vacation_2

Huo Yingjie responded affirmatively, his anticipation for the journey growing even more.

Huo Yingjie went to the living area to get his hair cut.

There were only a few hairstyles during this era. Huo Yingjie’s hair had grown a bit too long, so he had it trimmed a bit longer than a crew cut, looking smart and handsome.

Huo Yingjie had quite a number of tickets in his hand. He bought two pieces of fabric, one pink with a floral pattern of poplin, one blue with a floral pattern of cotton. He also bought a pair of leather shoes, a pair of sandals, and two pairs of short silk socks. The weather was hot, so Huo Yingjie didn’t buy any food, worried that it might spoil before he reached his destination.

The next morning, after his luggage had been thoroughly checked, Huo Yingjie saw Director Hua approaching with two bodyguards.

"Salute!" Both bodyguards saluted together.

Director Hua smiled, "These are the bodyguards assigned to protect you!"

"Thank you, Director Hua. Can we set off now?" Huo Yingjie asked, figuring they wouldn’t catch the evening train if they didn’t leave soon.

"Yes, travel safely," Director Hua nodded, "Make sure you protect Comrade Huo well on the road."

"Yes!" The two bodyguards stood straight and saluted.

"Where is your luggage?" Huo Yingjie asked, knowing he would be away for twenty days, not just one or two, and it seemed improper for them not to bring any clothes.

"Comrade Huo, our luggage is on the car. Please, this way!" The young bodyguard answered with a smile.

So that’s how it was!

"Then let’s go," Huo Yingjie nodded and followed the two bodyguards out.

Sitting in the car, Huo Yingjie reflected that extraordinary people indeed received special treatment.

Last year, during the New Year’s trip home, he could only hitch rides and was even scorned by two inexplicable women; this time, on his vacation to see his girlfriend, he not only had a dedicated car but also bodyguards for protection.

One of the bodyguards who were protecting Huo Yingjie sat in the co-driver’s seat, the other sat beside Huo Yingjie in the back.

The bodyguard sitting in the back kept smiling, which baffled Huo Yingjie.

"What’s there to be so happy about that you’re always smiling?" Huo Yingjie couldn’t help but ask, hoping to keep a harmonious relationship over the next twenty days.

The young bodyguard grinned and said, "Comrade Huo, don’t you remember me?"

Huo Yingjie was taken aback; indeed, the face looked familiar, but he had been overworking his brain lately and couldn’t recall immediately.

"I apologize for not remembering at the moment," Huo Yingjie apologized, embarrassed for not recognizing the amiable young bodyguard due to his lapse.

The young bodyguard laughed it off and casually said, "Comrade Huo, it was at the end of last year. I went to the train station to see you off. Those two female comrades troubled me, and you spoke up for me!"

Huo Yingjie suddenly realized and finally remembered who this person was, extending his hand, "Sorry, it was my mistake for not recognizing you. Please forgive me."

"It’s fine, Comrade Huo. We’ve heard that people like you who do research can overuse their brains. It’s normal to not recall immediately," the understanding young bodyguard said, "My name is Li Yunzhong. The one in front is my comrade-in-arms Zhang Aijun. Over the next twenty days, we’ll protect you. I hope we’ll get along well and that you have a pleasant holiday."

After hearing this, Huo Yingjie smiled, "Thank you, I appreciate your efforts."

"It’s no trouble; this is our duty," Li Yunzhong replied, "We estimate it’ll take three hours to reach the train station. The tickets have been purchased, and there’s enough time, so don’t worry."

Huo Yingjie was again taken aback, reflecting on how, although he had lost some freedom, his welfare and benefits had greatly improved.

In such times, for the research institute to provide such care, Huo Yingjie was already very satisfied.

During the trip, Huo Yingjie chatted with Li Yunzhong. Once they were out of the military compound and the research institute, they both skirted around work matters and mostly talked about their hometowns and local customs.

Through conversation, Huo Yingjie learned more about them.

Li Yunzhong, the young bodyguard, was cheerful and talkative, yet knew when to hold back. Zhang Aijun, a bit older around twenty-six or seven, was more reserved. He didn’t talk much, his alert eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.

Upon arriving at the train station, they led Huo Yingjie through a special passage to the waiting area inside.

How nice it was not to have to crowd in with so many others.

When boarding the train, they were also given priority.

The journey was long, and they had sleeper berths. Huo Yingjie and Zhang Aijun occupied the lower berths, while Li Yunzhong took the upper berth diagonally above Huo Yingjie.

On the train, Li Yunzhong hustled to buy meals for them.

Huo Yingjie was living a life of being looked after, even having someone wait for him outside the restroom.