Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Lu Nian reacted quite swiftly.

The unfamiliar young man before her must be Zhao Tingyuan's younger brother.

Zhao Yayuan.

Lu Nian remembered him, but according to the original plotline, by the time Zhao Yayuan came to An City, Lu Nian had already passed away. Hence, the two never crossed paths. Nevertheless, she recalled that in the original story, Zhao Yayuan was not particularly agreeable either.

The young man opposite her slightly lowered his gaze, scrutinizing her with an expressionless face, "Lu Nian?"

"This is my younger sister," Lu Yang introduced, "Nian Nian, the same age as you, currently attending the affiliated middle school..."

With eyes as beautiful as black obsidian, the young man barely paid attention to Lu Yang's words. After glancing at Lu Nian a few times, he commented, "Didn't they say your health was in poor condition? You seem to be doing quite well now, aren't you?"

Lu Nian was taken aback, as was Lu Yang.

Before the Lu siblings could respond, Zhao Tingyuan suddenly stood up from his chair and reprimanded him, "Yayuan, what are you saying? Apologize to Nian Nian."

Zhao Yayuan slumped back into his chair, yawning, "Bro, it's nothing. I was just like that, sickly since childhood but got better when I grew up."

Lu Nian, "...". His words seemed somewhat valid.

Lu Yang's face darkened slightly, but as the representative of the hosting Lu family and the oldest one present, it was inappropriate to quibble with a young man. All he could say was, "Let's order first, everyone must be hungry by now."

The waiter presented the menu, and Lu Yang began to place the orders.

Zhao Yayuan cast a casual glance at the menu from afar, languidly saying, "I can't eat spicy food."

Lu Yang suggested, "How about some cream of mushroom soup?"

Zhao Yayuan showed disdain, "No mushrooms."

Lu Yang tried to maintain his smile, "Then, how about seafood...?"

"I'm allergic to seafood."

Lu Yang's hand was visibly shaking, making Lu Nian, who was watching from the side, feel he was on the verge of a meltdown. Zhao Tingyuan, both embarrassed and helpless, kept chastising his younger brother, yet it was clear he couldn't control him.

Lu Nian sat silently, observing their squabbles while metaphorically eating melon (enjoying the drama).

After all, she was indifferent to what they would have for the meal.

Viewing from the side, the young man appeared even more frail and delicate. After being scolded by his brother several times, he showed a hint of disinterest, pursed his lips, put his headphones back on, and started playing a game on his phone.

Lu Nian only thought he seemed a bit childish but didn't find him malicious.

Finally, the ordering was completed, and the four of them awaited the arrival of their dishes.

Lu Nian casually pulled out a book from her backpack to read.

Zhao Yayuan, with his headphones on, was engrossed in a rhythm game, leaving only Lu Yang and Zhao Tingyuan attempting to keep up a strained conversation.

Trying to break the awkwardness, Lu Yang commented, "You brothers don't really resemble each other much, do you...?"

Though both are handsome, their types are distinct. Beyond the resemblance in their profiles upon close inspection, their individual facial features vary greatly.

Zhao Tingyuan remarked, "Yes, many say Yayuan takes after our mother, whereas I resemble our father more."

Lu Yang commented, "In that case, your mother must be quite beautiful."

"Yayuan has been spoiled rotten by our parents," Zhao Tingyuan confided in a lowered voice, leaning slightly towards Lu Yang while his brother was engrossed in his headphones, "I'm truly sorry for today. Yayuan is the youngest in our family and had a frail constitution since childhood. He spent a long time recuperating in a villa in a different city. Only after he grew up and his health slightly improved did he come back home to attend school. My mother dotes on him excessively, shielding him from any criticism."

Thus, this nurturing cultivated Zhao Yayuan into somewhat of a mischievous imp.

All Lu Yang could do was nod sympathetically, offering a wry smile to convey his understanding. After all, what else could he do?

The restaurant served their dishes promptly.

Lu Nian ate her meal quietly.

"Your dish looks tastier than mine," Zhao Yayuan, with his dark, shiny eyes, fixed his gaze on the freshly served steak on her plate.

Lu Nian hesitated, "...I haven't touched it yet, would you like it?"

Without further ado, Zhao Yayuan unabashedly took her plate.

Lu Yang, "..."

Shortly after, four servings of Russian caviar were brought to the table.

Zhao Yayuan declared, "I'd like to have two servings."

Zhao Tingyuan offered, "You can have mine."

Zhao Yayuan commented, noting Lu Nian's presence, "People with frail health can't digest it well. How about I eat it on your behalf?"

Lu Yang, internally: ??? Is there no end to this?

Unfazed, Lu Nian offered, "Here." She wasn't particularly fond of the dish to begin with, and it was just a portion of food; she wasn't that petty.

Being quite sensitive by nature, Lu Nian sensed that Zhao Yayuan seemed to harbor some disdain for her. However, she recalled that in the original story, Lu Nian... had absolutely no interaction with Zhao Yayuan.

As the meal neared its end, Lu Nian remained serene, uttering hardly a few words throughout.

This was Zhao Yayuan's first encounter with Lu Nian.

His impression of her was that she was quiet, reserved, and her appearance was... decent.

As for her temperament, at least on the surface, it was marginally acceptable.

...To be honest, she was quite different from what he had envisioned.

It was unclear how someone who seemed so heartlessly cold since childhood could be hidden beneath this facade. He was curious to see how far she could maintain this charade.

After the meal, the group exited the restaurant. Lu Yang suggested a walk to aid digestion, proposing they all take a stroll together.

Surprisingly, Zhao Yayuan followed her, walking beside her.

Lu Nian was somewhat bewildered. She could only sense that Zhao Yayuan harbored some hostility towards her, so she was somewhat on guard, unsure of what he intended to say.

Zhao Yayuan said, "I'm in class 2, right next to your class."

Lu Nian, "...That's impressive, another elite class."

Zhao Yayuan, chewing bubble gum and blowing a bubble nonchalantly, said, "Not impressive, I bought my way in. I scored three points on the math section of the placement test last week."

His eyes reflected the golden hues of the setting sun, becoming a shallow amber color that only enhanced his good looks. Only half a head taller than her, he still had a slender adolescent frame, with narrow shoulders. His black hair seemed soft, giving him a fluffy appearance.

Lu Nian, "..."

"What a coincidence, I bought my way in too," Lu Nian said sincerely, "I didn't even take the middle school graduation exam."

During that period, she had been continually ill, her body frail, she indeed didn't attend the exam.

The bubble the young man was blowing burst, and he looked at her with a hint of surprise.

In the glow of the setting sun, the girl's profile appeared exceptionally beautiful, with an ethereal charm and every curve gracefully flowing.

He wondered, could this be the legendary femme fatale?

Ming's bar has been doing quite well recently.

The neighboring store suddenly closed down, hanging a "for rent" sign, and Qin Si called him over, instructing him to take over that plot.

Ming was reluctant to part with the money and started throwing a tantrum on the spot, "Calculating this way, I am at a loss, my business is doing perfectly fine right now, why buy something new? Let them operate it themselves."

Qin Si retorted, "You can't even keep track of the trivial amount spent on groceries, don't argue with me."

The young man’s slender and clean fingers holding the pen were highlighted in a cold white hue under the bar lights, "Someone plans to take over next door and compete directly with you. With your current business acumen, you might as well close shop and face the northwest winds."

Right now, his advantage lies in occupying this piece of land.

Ming knew that Qin Si was a regular on the streets, with many inexplicable sources of information, but over ninety percent of it was accurate.

Ming’s voice softened, "...then, can we negotiate a lower price after some time?"

"If you want to do it, do it sooner rather than later," Qin Si said coldly, "If you don't take action, you'll be waiting for someone else to move against you."

His approach to things has always been ruthless and decisive, leaving no room for leniency, making Ming appear lukewarm in comparison.

Ming conceded, "... Alright, you decide."

The young man sat casually, his long legs splayed out, his face cold yet striking, attracting much attention.

"Handsome boy? Care for a drink?" a tipsy woman approached with a flirtatious smile, her gaze lingering suggestively over his face and body.

The young man wrinkled his nose in distaste, repelled by the smell of alcohol and perfume emanating from her.

He pulled Ming up, saying briefly, "I have something to discuss, let's talk inside."

"I've taken up some other engagements recently and might not be around in the evenings," Qin Si said, "Keep an eye out on your own and call me if anything comes up."

Ming commented, "You're in the second year of high school now, right? Next year will be the third year, with such a hectic study schedule, why are you working so hard? The money you're making now is more than enough to cover your living expenses and tuition fees."

After all, he's still a student without any bad habits, not wasting money, nor indulging in drinking, gambling, or visiting brothels. Why does he need so much money?

Qin Si pursed his lips, "I want to move out."

He desired a home entirely his own - a regular, normal home.

...A place where he could bring someone back without feeling embarrassed to show it.

Ming Ge remarked, "I get it, you disdain my little bar, don't you? Afraid that pretty girls will come over to share a drink with you, or that my bar will tarnish your image?"

Indeed, Qin Si only made sporadic appearances, but each time he sat down, there were numerous people bothering him. The young man was attractive and possessed a distinct maturity, not resembling a naive student at all.

Qin Si couldn't be bothered to respond further.

He never considered himself a naive, good-hearted young man; having seen so much from a young age, what harm could a mere bar do to him?

Ming Ge teased, "Yes, yes, you're the impressive one here. If you're so formidable, why don't you muster the courage to confess to a girl you like?"

The young man's face changed instantly. Observing this, Ming Ge promptly held his tongue.

After a long pause, he stated rigidly, "I don't like anyone, nor do I need to."

What right did he have to harbor such thoughts now?

Rather than seeking her pity, he would prefer to stay away from her for a lifetime.

Once Qin Si was out of sight, Ming Ge muttered to himself, "Stubborn brat, what do you know at this age? Talk about this again when you've truly become a man."

Lu Nian was planning to treat her "life-saving benefactor" to a meal, having already scheduled a time over the phone.

Normally not one to fuss over her appearance, she hesitated for quite some time before deciding to dress up, donning a skirt she would never wear to school.

She had a separate walk-in closet at home filled with various skirts, accessories, and coats, all perfectly coordinated into outfits. Lu Nian wouldn't shop for these herself, but during holidays and her birthday, others would gift her custom presents, filling up an entire room.

Usually, Miao Miao managed her clothing.

Seeing her wanting to spruce herself up for a dinner with a boy, Miao Miao became particularly excited, promising, "I'll make sure you look absolutely stunning, to captivate that boy at first sight."

Lu Nian remarked, "...Did your thoughts perhaps veer off course?"

By the time she arrived, Lin Junrun was already there.

Fearing he might not be accustomed to new surroundings, Lu Nian suggested they meet at a nearby cafe close to their school for a casual meal, a proposal Lin Junrun had no objections to.

The girl was dressed to the nines today, donning a light-colored chiffon dress with a slightly cinched waist, accentuating her slender waist and legs. It complemented her skin tone beautifully, highlighting her porcelain-like complexion.

Lin Junrun couldn't help but brighten up at the sight of her, showering her with compliments ceaselessly.

Yet, Lu Nian felt a subtle wane in enthusiasm, unable to pinpoint the exact reason.

She felt a growing sense of melancholy, pondering if it was indeed as Lu Yang had suggested - had she mistaken dependency for affection during her vulnerable phase?

The two of them dined together, engaging in casual conversation.

The cafe played soft violin tunes in the background, notably the melodious "Sky City", creating a pleasant atmosphere, complemented by the commendable taste of the food.

It was, indeed, her first time dining out alone with a boy other than a family member.

Could this be considered a date? Lu Nian mused absentmindedly.

Her first date...

Was it supposed to feel like this?

Both still being minors, Lu Nian opted for a juice. Unexpectedly, the juice came in a glass bottle, resembling a wine bottle complete with a wooden cork.

Lu Nian, lacking strength, struggled to uncork the bottle.

Lin Junrun volunteered eagerly, "Let me help you with that."

However, despite his earnest efforts that turned his face red, he couldn't manage to uncork the bottle and had to call for the waiter's assistance.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed in front of Lu Nian, Lin Junrun could only grumble to the waiter, "This cork is really wedged in too tight."

...Seemingly even weaker than he appeared.

Lu Nian felt something was amiss, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

She recalled the boy had effortlessly lifted her in his arms at that time. Could it be that he couldn't even uncork a bottle now...?

Or was it that she was exceptionally lightweight back then?

Lin Junrun also felt a bit awkward.

They didn't discuss that day's events extensively, instead engaging in ordinary conversation about studies and daily life.

Lin Junrun became somewhat animated, "You can paint?"

Lu Nian nodded, "A little." After all, she had been learning for many years now, acquiring skills in sketching, watercolor painting, and quick drawing.

In fact, her art teacher had mentioned that her talent in art was quite impressive, even surpassing her aptitude in academics.

"Would it be possible to receive one of your paintings as a gift?" Lin Junrun asked tentatively, "There's no need for a lavish thank you gift; a piece created by your own hand would be a delight to have."

Lu Nian, "..."

Nevertheless, she agreed, "I'll paint one for you someday."

After the meal, the two of them chatted for a while at the café entrance, but Lin Junrun seemed reluctant to leave.

He asked, "Can we hang out again when you have time?"

Lu Nian, "..." Considering that there wasn't a specific time mentioned for the next meeting, she felt it would be too impolite to outright refuse, so she ambiguously nodded her head.

As the ambiance seemed just right, and the fresh and beautiful girl in front of him was making his heart waver,

He summoned the courage, intending to stealthily grasp Lu Nian's hand.

However, Lu Nian suddenly stared blankly at something in the distance.

A tall young man stood at the street corner.

Despite the onset of autumn, he didn't seem to feel the cold, still dressed in a loose black short-sleeve shirt, which made him look even taller and slimmer, with broad shoulders and long legs, his stance casual yet strikingly handsome.

His face bore the habitual mockingly indifferent expression that seemed to be a part of him.

Ignoring Lin Junrun, Lu Nian blurted out, "What are you doing here?"

Qin Si replied nonchalantly, "I work around here."

As his narrow, elongated dark eyes swept over her, Lu Nian felt oddly uncomfortable in her carefully coordinated outfit, slightly annoyed she retorted, "What's there to look at?"

Qin Si, "Nothing worth looking at."

Suddenly, Lu Nian felt her ears growing hot, "...you pervert."

Qin Si, "?"

Taking a deep breath, Lu Nian found herself getting angry just seeing him. She whispered to Lin Junrun, "I'm sorry, I have some matters to deal with this person. Can we meet some other time?"

With a confused expression, Lin Junrun, seeing the situation, could only nod, managing a forced smile before saying goodbye and departing.

Observing the two whispering close to each other right in front of him, Qin Si found them increasingly irksome.

He decided to just turn around and leave.

Lu Nian, "What are you doing?" She followed him, catching up.

Qin Si said coldly, "What do you expect from me, to congratulate you on finding a new dating partner?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them.

The sourness emanating from that remark could practically be smelled from a mile away.

He couldn't believe that such words had escaped from his own mouth.

Fortunately, Lu Nian didn't seem to notice, her face turned pale with anger, and it felt as if her IQ had plummeted by 500 points, sinking below the baseline.

She considered herself to be quite temperate, virtually unflappable and casual in front of others, yet, in front of Qin Si, it seemed she could unleash a year's worth of pent-up anger every time.

In the past, things were actually quite pleasant between her and Qin Si.

Upon reflection, it was probably the incident with the IOU, and his year-long indifference towards her the previous year, that had accumulated resentment in her heart, making her feel stifled until she vented it.

"What if I am dating him?"

"He's much better than certain individuals," Lu Nian remarked, "Not as heartless or as cruel."

Qin Si curled one side of his lip, speaking coldly, "What does your dating life have to do with me? Even if you marry him tomorrow, it's none of my business."

Lu Nian was furious.

After so many years of being childhood friends, this was his attitude?

"The other day, I was nearly attacked by someone, and he was the one who saved me," Lu Nian said with a mocking tone, "Oh right, you probably didn't know about this, you were probably sleeping soundly at home at that time. He's a very nice guy, what's wrong if I like him and want to date him? Do you think girls nowadays are so superficial that they only care about looks?"

For instance, you, no matter how handsome you are, with such a terrible temperament, let's see if you can find a girlfriend in the future.

Qin Si stiffened.

"He held me very gently that day," Lu Nian's anger flared up again, "His words were also particularly soft, he was comforting and caring for me, what's wrong if I like someone like that?"

He hadn't expected her to say something like this,

Unable to maintain his composure, the young man's face suddenly turned beet red.

Lu Nian didn't understand why his vehement demeanor suddenly deflated amidst their argument.

However, since childhood, she seldom gained the upper hand when confronting Qin Si; now, she finally experienced a sense of exhilaration.

"What's the matter? Feeling guilty?"

Regretting your mistreatment of me, aren't you?

The young man remained silent, distancing himself slightly before Lu Nian closed the gap again.

She knew that since childhood, he had always disliked her getting too close, but she was angry now, and intended to act against Qin Si's preferences.

Until he found himself backed against the cold wall.

... Incredibly, Lu Nian had managed to corner him step by step, towering over a young man who was more than a head taller than her.

The girl's face was remarkably close, puffing up in irritation, her cheeks seeming exceptionally soft and rosy.

It seemed he could count even her eyelashes, and the delicate sliver of collarbone peeking from her neckline swayed tantalizingly just under his gaze.

...

Without a word, the young man pushed her away and turned to leave abruptly.

His normally dignified silhouette now displayed a rare hint of dishevelment.

This had been their numerous altercations, and for the first time, Lu Nian emerged completely victorious.

However, as she watched Qin Si's retreating figure disappear, a hollow sensation settled in her heart.

Damn Qin Si.

Why did they always end up arguing every time they met?

She dearly wished to return to their childhood days.

She sniffled, feeling a wave of sadness envelop her.

She genuinely wished to be friends with Qin Si, a desire that had remained unchanged over the years. She wanted to get along with him harmoniously, rather than succumbing to these incessant quarrels whenever they encountered each other.

At what point did it all go wrong? Why had it come to this? She pondered, engulfed in confusion.

The author would like to add:

Because Si-Si doesn't want to be friends with you (.)

After getting together:

Nian Nian: You're too unaccustomed to being close to me, we need to undergo special training.

Si-Si: (....)

Thus, various scenes of play-fighting started to unfold at home, until (crossed out)

Tormenting Si-Si is really fun (mistake) / Both the battlefield and cremation ground will have giggles, coming up in sequence.