Chapter 30: Xianxian's New Skill

Chapter 30: Qianqian’s New Skill

While listening to Zhang Suxin lecture Qianqian about watching the traffic lights and being careful when crossing the street, Lu Anzhi held the little girl’s hand and guided her to the other side of the road.

To be honest, Lu Anzhi felt a strange sense of anxiety. Although Qianqian’s small hand was firmly clasped in his, leaving no chance for her to run off, he couldn’t help but worry that she might slip away and get into some kind of traffic accident. The thought alone was enough to make him shudder.

The Dianyi service hall was located right across the street. Its sign, half blue and half white, was a dead ringer for a combined storefront of the two major telecom giants. Lu Anzhi suppressed the urge to make a snarky comment and walked into the hall with Zhang Suxin and Qianqian.

The hall wasn’t crowded, so Lu Anzhi didn’t need to wait in line. He sat down at the counter and inquired about changing his service plan. Zhang Suxin stood nearby, listening while keeping Qianqian entertained.

According to the clerk, the cost of switching from a 2G to a 3G plan was slightly higher, but it came with a complimentary broadband service, making the overall package feel quite cost-effective.

“It feels a bit expensive…” Zhang Suxin remarked, her brow furrowing slightly as she struggled to grasp the shift from 2G to 3G, still viewing things through her old-fashioned mindset.

The clerk insisted, “It’s not expensive at all, miss. The transition from 2G to 3G is a completely different experience. Plus, with the free broadband included, you won’t have to pay extra for home internet anymore.”

Seeing the clerk’s persistent sales pitch, Lu Anzhi asked casually, “Are there any other perks?”

“If you’re interested,” the clerk said, pulling a phone from under the counter, “we have a special offer. This is a newly released phone that hasn’t officially hit the market yet. We received a batch early to prepare for upcoming promotional campaigns. You can get the phone as a gift for topping up your airtime, though the top-up amount is a bit significant. If you’re willing, I can apply to let you enjoy the promotion early.”

As soon as Lu Anzhi saw the packaging, his eyes lit up. The box featured an image of a flip phone with a screen occupying the entire upper lid, while the bottom half was a standard nine-grid keypad.

Looking at the packaging alone didn't reveal much. Phones at the time already had large screens, but they were all monochrome, capable of playing only basic built-in games. However, the box clearly depicted a color screen.

That was the key.

“How much do I need to top up?” Lu Anzhi asked.

The clerk replied, “Sir, for this promotion, you need to sign up for the 3G Dianyi plan and make a pre-payment of three thousand yuan to take the phone.”

Zhang Suxin exclaimed in surprise, “That much?!”

The clerk said, “Admittedly, it is a bit high, but this phone is worth every penny. Just look, miss—while the rest of the market is still stuck on monochrome screens, this one is in full color.”

Lu Anzhi asked, “Can it run Qiuqiu and a web browser?”

It was the clerk’s turn to look surprised. “How did you know, sir?!”

“Just a guess,” Lu Anzhi said. “Go ahead and process it. I’ll take one.”

For this era, three thousand yuan was indeed a substantial amount. The current smartphone market was similar to his past life, where prices were gradually driven up by smart devices; usually, a few hundred yuan was enough for a basic phone. Even after color-screen phones became mainstream, a few hundred was the standard.

But for the first color-screen phone that could run Qiuqiu and a browser, it was worth the price to Lu Anzhi. Besides, he wasn't short on money.

Zhang Suxin reminded him, “Don’t you want to think about it? It’s three thousand yuan.”

“I’ve already decided. Besides, it’s just a pre-payment for airtime; it’s not like the money is being wasted,” Lu Anzhi said. He felt that this former pop star sometimes didn't seem like a celebrity at all; she was quite frugal with money, acting more like a typical homemaker.

But that was fine. Consumption habits were a personal choice, and her thriftiness was actually a good trait.

Zhang Suxin didn't say anything more. Just as Lu Anzhi wouldn't interfere with her spending habits, she wouldn't interfere with his. She had only offered a gentle reminder.

“Should I get one for you too?” Lu Anzhi asked casually.

Zhang Suxin shook her head immediately. “I don’t need one.”

Lu Anzhi said, “I’m not getting it for you; I’m getting it for Qianqian. So she can chat with you on Qiuqiu later.”

Zhang Suxin rolled her eyes at him. “What are you thinking? She’s so tiny, and you want her to stare at a phone?”

Lu Anzhi realized that the phone wasn't advanced enough for video calls, so it would be useless for Qianqian anyway.

Zhang Suxin added, “I’ll watch you use yours first. If it’s any good, I’ll buy one myself.”

She clearly didn't want to accept his gift. Lu Anzhi didn't push it. He nodded and told the clerk, “Just the one, then.”

“Very well, sir, please wait a moment.”

The clerk hurried off to seek approval for the promotion. Shortly after, she returned, completed the paperwork, and handed over the brand-new phone.

Lu Anzhi opened the packaging right at the counter, took out the sleek, new device, inserted his SIM card, and held down the power button. A slightly tinny, distorted melody played as the color screen flickered to life.

“Wow!” Qianqian stared at the phone in Lu Anzhi’s hand, letting out a gasp of wonder.

Lu Anzhi let out a long breath and sighed, “I’ve endured these monochrome phones for so long; it’s about time I upgraded to a color screen!” In truth, he was still just settling; true satisfaction would only come when he could finally get his hands on a smartphone. But alas, the development of the era required patience.

Zhang Suxin glanced at the screen and looked equally amazed.

After importing his contacts, Lu Anzhi left the service hall. The phone came pre-loaded with Qiuqiu and a browser. Lu Anzhi logged into Qiuqiu immediately and sent a message to Kuku: "Checking in."

Kuku replied quickly with a question mark, followed by: "Boss B, why are you so rare today, logging on in broad daylight?"

This editor was truly always on the clock. Lu Anzhi admired her dedication and replied: "I’m logged in on my phone."

Kuku didn't understand and sent another question mark.

Lu Anzhi closed the phone, leaving her hanging without an explanation. He had already achieved his goal of showing off; the rest didn’t matter.

He took Qianqian’s little hand and walked back to the shop. The workers were busy with the renovations. Zhang Suxin had bought water and drinks for them from the nearby convenience store. It was something Lu Anzhi had overlooked, but she was always so thoughtful.

“Thanks,” Lu Anzhi said to her. Zhang Suxin smiled and shook her head, saying nothing.

Afterward, Lu Anzhi took out his new phone to continue exploring it.

“Let Qianqian see! Let Qianqian see!” Qianqian was completely captivated by the colorful screen, tugging at Lu Anzhi’s leg to get a better look.

Zhang Suxin pulled her back and held her in her arms, saying, “Qianqian, you can’t look at the phone. You’re still too little, it’ll hurt your eyes.”

To their surprise, the little girl suddenly cast a sideways glance at Zhang Suxin.

Lu Anzhi noticed that the little one was actually rolling her eyes. It was likely just an imitation without any real malice, and she even had a playful smirk on her face as she looked at Zhang Suxin.

“Pfft…” Lu Anzhi couldn't help but laugh. He asked Zhang Suxin, “Did you teach her that?”

Zhang Suxin laughed helplessly, “No! When I play with her, I might glance at her, but I certainly don’t roll my eyes at her like that.”

Lu Anzhi chuckled, “Then you must be doing it wrong.” He turned to Qianqian and said, “Qianqian, do it again.”

And with a beaming smile, Qianqian rolled her eyes at him.