Chapter 34

Chapter 34

It was just the two of them, which she obviously didn't mind.

Although Ming Ge and the others were quite amusing, having a meal alone with Qin Si, upon reflection, seemed to be an experience that had never occurred before.

Walking one after the other in the evening breeze, Qin Si remained silent throughout. Lu Nian wanted to strike up a conversation, but she felt a bit sheepish about initiating a dialogue considering her previous excessive teasing.

Having covered half the distance, Lu Nian finally asked, “Where are we headed?”

Qin Si replied, “Somewhere nearby to eat casually.”

It was a Japanese restaurant near West Maple Road. She had dined there before and, to be frank, Lu Nian thought it was a bit pricey, making her slightly concerned about Qin Si's budget.

Perhaps it would be better if she took care of the bill…

“Do you come here often to eat?” she pondered before asking, reluctant to inquire too directly.

After all, she currently had no insight into Qin Si's financial situation.

Qin Si responded coldly, “I used to work here before.”

“In that case…” A thought flashed in Lu Nian’s mind. She had brought her card with her, and the balance in it was certainly sufficient.

The young man’s beautiful phoenix eyes looked at her indifferently, “There’s no need for you to pay.”

Lu Nian, “…”

Alright then.

In truth, she didn’t really mind what they ate, whether it was street food or a meal at a fancy restaurant. What mattered to her was the company she was keeping. Besides, opting for street food might help him save some money.

After all, there would be expenses in the coming four years of college.

She knew Qin Si would be immensely wealthy in the future, but at present, he was still just an eighteen-year-old who had just graduated from high school. For now, she wished to assist him in saving a bit, making his college life more comfortable.

Their private booth was at the very end of the corridor, adjacent to a courtyard, offering an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.

"What would you like to eat?" Lu Nian asked while perusing the menu.

"You can choose."

Lu Nian responded with conviction, "How can I possibly do that? Don't be so formal with me."

Qin Si, "..."

He said, "It's to repay you for the dinner."

Moreover, he wasn't particularly fond of any dishes, and apart from overly sweet foods, there wasn't anything he particularly disliked either.

After all, having endured a childhood characterized by unending hunger, his initial memories were steeped in hardship. Hence, even as an adult, his demands for necessities like clothing and food were minimal. As long as his basic needs were met without causing inconvenience, he was content.

Lu Nian was aware of this; her lips quivered slightly, and she suddenly felt a pang of sorrow welling up inside her.

Consequently, she abandoned any further formalities, selecting dishes that would provide an appropriate amount for the two of them.

Qin Si glanced at the dishes she had chosen and promptly crossed off the sake from the list.

Lu Nian protested, “I want to drink it!”

It was clear that Qin Si had no intention of discussing this matter with her.

"Can't I order it for myself?" Lu Nian pleaded with a pitiful expression.

He didn't look at her, responding indifferently, “I don’t drink alcohol.”

He recalled the previous occasion when Lu Nian was drunk... He was utterly helpless in handling her in that state.

Truly heart of stone.

Lu Nian straightened up, “How about this one then? It has a low alcohol content, and I’ll only have a small cup, really, just a bit. I promise I won’t get drunk.”

Normally, she never had the opportunity to indulge in these beverages at home. It had been a rare outing, and even now, she couldn't forget the peach wine she had tried at Ming Ge's place.

The girl's watery, large eyes beseeched him, causing his hand, which was holding the pen, to freeze in place.

He was utterly helpless.

He selected a beverage with a lower alcohol content, the green plum wine.

Lu Nian leaned in to watch him order, her eyes lighting up like an eager puppy.

He said, “Half a cup.”

Lu Nian grumbled discontentedly, “But the glass is so small, can I have two?”

He lowered his eyes to glance at her, meeting her gaze filled with aggrieved innocence.

He averted his eyes, relenting, “One cup.”

Lu Nian wanted to negotiate further, but seeing his demeanor, she swallowed her words.

Never mind, one cup it is then. After all, even the leg of a mosquito, though small, is still meat.

Finally content, Lu Nian waited eagerly for the dishes to be served, her spirits lifted.

Shortly, dishes began arriving one by one. The only sounds permeating the quietude were the occasional slide of the partition doors and the sporadic clinks of dishes and glasses during serving.

The ambiance here was exceptionally serene, with the compartments offering excellent sound insulation.

Qin Si was very quiet during the meal. He was naturally a man of few words, so there wasn't any additional conversation to be expected at this time.

It seems... this is the second time she's gone out to have a meal alone with a guy.

Lu Nian recalled that the first time was quite a while ago, when she dined at a café with her "life-saving benefactor", Lin Junrun. That was the inaugural time.

However, the feeling now seemed entirely different from then.

Back then, she ate with her mind elsewhere, eager to bring the encounter to a swift conclusion.

Moreover, Lin Junrun was quite talkative, especially during meals, offering her a chair, pouring drinks, and providing chopsticks, almost to the point of serving her food directly. He was exceedingly attentive.

Of course, Qin Si wouldn't engage in such actions.

Lu Nian mused.

Their meal was fairly Spartan; focused solely on eating, devoid of any additional niceties.

Truly a businesslike approach.

Nevertheless, the taste of the food was indeed quite good.

She ate with a tinge of boredom, her gaze settled on the handsome and refined face of the young man across from her. He, however, didn't return her gaze, embodying the principle of not speaking while eating to the fullest.

During the meal, Qin Si received a phone call.

Lu Nian caught a glimpse of the caller ID, displaying the word "Bar".

It wasn't Ming Ge's number.

Lu Nian instantly sat upright, recalling the woman from that day.

Lu Nian had no intention of eavesdropping on his conversation, but being seated so close, it was natural that she would hear his responses, despite not being able to hear the person on the other end.

"You finished your university entrance exams today, right? Hurry over to celebrate," came Ming Ge's robust voice from the phone, "I've prepared several cases of good wine. Tonight, we're not stopping until we're drunk!"

The background noise was loud, indicating he was probably at the bar, calling directly from the landline there.

Qin Si replied, "If you want to drink, go ahead without me."

Ming Ge was well aware that he didn't consume alcohol; Qin Si had suffered from its effects before. Now, except for necessary occasions, he abstained almost entirely.

Essentially, Ming Ge just wanted to use this pretext to indulge himself, likely getting Little Qu and Huang Mao drunk and making a scene, then conveniently putting the bill on the business expenses tab.

Quite indifferent, isn't he?

Lu Nian pondered.

Huang Mao was right beside Ming Ge, bustling about delivering drinks and complaining, "Damn, why are there so many people tonight? Did several groups just come in or what?"

Their place was a sober bar, and with the university entrance exams having just concluded, a myriad of fresh high school graduates were flocking there to unleash their pent-up stress, enjoying themselves to the fullest.

"Is there something you need?" Qin Si inquired.

If nothing else, he didn't want to entertain idle chit-chat at this moment.

"Where are you now? At your place?" Ming Ge raised his voice, "A celebration is still in order, right?"

His reply was succinct, "Out."

Lu Nian caught that.

Presumably, the person on the other end was asking where he was and what he was doing.

Just having a meal with her, yet he chose not to divulge any information.

Was it really so unspeakable? Being out with her wasn't something to be ashamed of.

Suddenly, Lu Nian found herself quite irate, engulfed by an inexplicable wave of emotion.

Their seats were directly opposite each other, quite close in proximity.

Having sat for a while, she started feeling a numbness in her legs. Now, she candidly switched her position, opting for cross-legged seating, stretching out her legs.

A bold posture, indeed. As a lady of her stature, Lu Nian would never dare to sit like this at home, fearing the incessant nagging or a report to Lu Zhihong by Zhang Qiuping if spotted, which would undoubtedly lead to a reprimand about maintaining proper demeanor.

But at this moment, she couldn't care less. The plum wine she had just consumed seemed to be going to her head, not to the point of inebriation, but her cheeks had begun to exhibit a faint warmth.

Suddenly, the young man's face stiffened.

"Sorry, yeah?" Lu Nian elongated her words, propping up her cheek with a hand, a radiant smile on her face, "Did I just kick you?"

The girl's slender legs were accentuated as she adjusted her seating, the left sock inadvertently sliding down a bit, halfway on and halfway off.

The juxtaposition of black sock against fair skin was particularly striking under the subdued lighting, revealing an exquisitely delicate left ankle, seemingly carved from the purest jade.

Qin Si, "...."

"What's going on?" Ming Ge asked upon noticing the sudden silence on the other end.

After a long pause, "...nothing."

"You're acting quite strange," Ming Ge commented, "Caught a cold?"

Lu Nian retracted her left leg, then "nonchalantly" stretched out her right leg forward.

The space here was not vast, yet held a serene ambiance, offering utmost privacy, where even the gentle dripping sounds from the courtyard's fountain could be heard.

The girl's cheeks were blush-tinted, her boredom evident as she toyed with the wine glass in hand. Her slender, cream-like fingers almost blended with the porcelain hue of the glass. Tilting her head, she gifted him with a smile.

The silence on the phone had stretched too long.

Ming Ge was puzzled, "What are you doing? Are you coming tonight or not?"

You haven't been led astray by someone, have you? There's a hint of eeriness about you.

He hung up the call abruptly.

Lu Nian was idly fiddling with the small liquor cup in front of her.

"Finished with the call?" A tender smile adorned her lips, enchantingly sweet. Black hair cascaded down her fair cheeks. The moment she lifted her eyes to look at him, she radiated an exceptional innocence.

She has always been like this, naïve to the ways of the world, fragile, and in need of protection.

It was him who harbored guilty thoughts, utterly despicable.

The young man couldn't utter a single word.

He had never experienced such torment before.

The young man’s hand holding the chopsticks was neat and slender, yet his knuckles were slightly pale.

Yet, Lu Nian persistently engaged him in conversation.

She asked, "Were you enjoying the chat?"

The young man had a pair of beautifully clear and sparkling phoenix eyes that usually carried an aloof demeanor when looking down upon others. But at this moment, the corners of his eyes were tinged with a faint red, his mind still trapped in a somewhat unclear state.

"Yes." He forced himself to say, blurting out mindlessly.

This made Lu Nian even more upset, feeling that her earlier kick had been too gentle. She was so angry that she wanted to kick him again to vent her frustration, but this time, she managed to restrain herself with all her might.

The meal was finally drawing to a close.

"We won't be able to gather like this in the future," Lu Nian muttered, "after all, you're going to study in a faraway place."

He sat there, eyes downcast, his refined cheek hidden in the shadows, masking his expression.

"I have one more year," Lu Nian said, "I've been attending English classes recently, and I should be taking the exams over the summer break."

The exams necessary for studying abroad.

"However, if I don't go abroad, I will stay in Ancheng." She mumbled, "Dad won't agree to let me go too far."

Unlike Qin Si, who would undoubtedly soar higher and higher with his abilities, where the sky would be the limit and a vast sea of opportunities would await.

He listened quietly, without uttering a word.

The night breeze was cool, providing a soothing touch to Lu Nian's slightly flushed cheeks from the alcohol.

The two of them were walking along the street together.

The entire city was engulfed in the cloak of night, neon lights flickering in the distance. The night sky exhibited a deep blue hue. The air in Ancheng was clean, with the moon hanging high in the sky, the streets buzzing with a stream of pedestrians and a steady flow of traffic.

Suddenly, Lu Nian asked, "Do you have a fondness for Ancheng?"

Standing amidst the night breeze, the young man responded indifferently, "What is there for me to appreciate?"

The orphanage where Qin Si had once lived was not in Ancheng. It was only after he was adopted that he was brought to this city, where thereafter he faced an unending series of tribulations.

They grew up together in this city, yet for Qin Si, his memories of this place began with nightmarish recollections, the impressions of childhood wielding an overwhelming influence over one's entire life.

Lu Nian gazed into the distance, "Yes, in that case, leaving might be a good thing, allowing you to forget everything that transpired here."

Then embark on a fresh start.

His mood seemed to deteriorate, persisting in this manner since they finished their meal.

Suddenly, Lu Nian's phone vibrated. She glanced at the time, realizing that it was already nearing nine o'clock, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Nian Nian, where are you now?" Lu Yang's voice came from the other end.

Lu Nian stealthily glanced at Qin Si.

The young man stood not far away, his tall and upright silhouette almost merging with the night's darkness.

For some reason, she didn't want to use that pretentious tone to call Lu Yang "brother" in front of Qin Si.

She provided Lu Yang with her current location.

She approached Qin Si, saying, "I should head back now, I really enjoyed tonight's dinner."

The girl's slender figure gradually vanished from sight.

After a long while, he too departed.

Even if closeness wasn't possible.

He couldn't imagine a life without her presence.

The boy's silhouette still bore a hint of frailty, yet remained upright. As he walked down the street, it took a long time before the lingering warmth on his face completely dissipated.

Lu Yang inquired, "Did you have a fun evening?"

Lu Nian responded, "Yes, it was delightful."

"What did you have for dinner?"

"Just had a little something," Lu Nian replied, "Thanks for your help, brother."

Lu Yang modestly said, "Of course, you can always turn to me if you need anything. After all, I am your brother."

She felt a pervasive weariness throughout her body, slumping back into her seat.

Indeed, people are inherently selfish, speaking grandiose and pleasant words. But the moment she thought that Qin Si would be leaving in a few months and she would never see him again, her heart felt stifled.

This would be the best outcome for him.

Lu Nian consoled herself all the way.

The night the college entrance examinations concluded.

Zhao Tingyuan was out entertaining Su Qingyou, and only returned home when it was nearly midnight.

"You haven't gone to bed yet?" He was startled by the flickering lights in the living room.

It was Zhao Yayuan, sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, holding a game controller, his handsome youthful face illuminated with a play of light and shadow.

"You shouldn't stay up late playing games," Zhao Tingyuan said, switching on the overhead light somewhat helplessly.

Without turning his head, Zhao Yayuan asked, "Where were you with that Su... what’s her name?"

Zhao Tingyuan replied, "Su Qingyou."

Unbuttoning his shirt due to the heat outside, he planned to take a bath, adding, "Qingyou intends to apply to my school."

"Do you like her?" Zhao Yayuan asked bluntly.

Zhao Tingyuan did not deny it.

Disgruntled, Zhao Yayuan tossed the game controller aside, muttering, "Boring."

He had always disliked that girl from the Su family; her gaze upon him always seemed odd.

The Zhao family dynamics were indeed subtle; the eldest son had an excellent reputation, characterized by his gentle and dignified demeanor, a model of grace and courtesy. In contrast, the younger son was notorious for his assertive and domineering nature.

However, it was apparent to outsiders that the younger son was the more favored in the Zhao family.

Although rumors suggested the brothers maintained a good relationship, with the family business expanding significantly in recent years, who could predict the future?

With a smile on his face, Zhao Tingyuan advised, "Focus on your studies for now and don't concern yourself with these matters."

Casting a disdainful glance at him, Zhao Yayuan retorted, "Do you still think I'm a three-year-old? I'll be eighteen next year."

Zhao Tingyuan chose to ignore that remark.

"I know many girls are after you," Zhao Tingyuan said, "Mother even mentioned it on the phone last time, urging you to maintain a clean and honest lifestyle."

Zhao Yayuan, "?"

"Since the day I was born, I haven't dated anyone, how much cleaner and honest do I need to be?" Zhao Yayuan countered, "Brother, could you please not spread rumors about me when you're out?"

"So nervous?" Zhao Tingyuan chuckled, "Afraid Nian Nian will find out?"

Zhao Yayuan, "..."

If this wasn't his own brother.

"Are you going to Nanqiao this year?" Zhao Tingyuan asked.

Every summer, during the school holidays, Zhao Yayuan would deliberately spend a week to half a month in Nanqiao, supposedly to accompany his grandmother. This was something well-known within the Zhao family.

Zhao Yayuan’s focus had returned to the TV screen. With his slender fingers gripping the game controller, he casually replied, "Of course."

This year, he absolutely had to go.

He needed to make some preparations in advance, as he had already promised Lu Nian to take her to Nanqiao after they graduate next year.