Chapter 39

Chapter 39

When Qin Si entered, Zhao Yayuan hadn't left yet.

Lu Zhihong's study was originally quite spacious, adorned with books along two walls mainly for decoration, a deep red solid wood desk taking center stage, and half-drawn curtains, under which the dim sunlight of winter flowed in, casting a warm afterglow throughout the room.

Initially, Zhao Yayuan was seated opposite Lu Zhihong; now, accommodating three people, the room somehow felt somewhat cramped.

The young man stood straight-backed, not looking at Zhao Yayuan.

His features were cool and restrained, always keeping his emotions in check, and this time was no exception.

"Little Qin," Lu Zhihong greeted with a smile, "I was planning to find time to call you these past few days, but here you are, visiting on your own initiative."

"Shall we introduce you two?" Lu Zhihong suggested, "This is Yayuan, Zhao Yayuan, and this is..."

"I know him," Zhao Yayuan interjected.

Remaining seated, he raised his eyebrows slightly as he regarded the young man who had just entered, with a serene gaze.

How could not recognize him?

Is this the person Lu Nian has taken a liking to?

He hadn't directly encountered Qin Si before. Now, upon scrutinizing him, Zhao Yayuan speculated that Lu Nian’s affection might just be the fickle fascination of a young girl, drawn by the allure of a handsome face.

Lu Zhihong remarked, "You both must have graduated from the same school, though I seem to have forgotten."

Zhao Yayuan spread his hands and said, "Indeed, it's hard not to know Senior Qin, given his outstanding academic performance."

Qin Si spoke in a neutral tone, "We crossed paths a few times on campus."

Clearly, he didn't give Lu Zhihong the impression that they were well-acquainted.

"Uncle, I don't have much to do today," Zhao Yayuan mentioned, "I will take my leave now to avoid interrupting your conversation."

Lu Zhihong nodded, "Go ahead, I will chat with Xiao Qin for a bit."

Just as Zhao Yayuan was about to get up, Lu Zhihong suddenly seemed to recall something, casually asking, "Is Tingyuan at home now?"

In their circle, it was not unusual for younger generations to visit one another's homes to extend New Year greetings. Generally, Zhao Tingyuan would represent the Zhao family during these visits to the Lu household, but this year, it was Zhao Yayuan instead.

"My brother has temporarily returned to Haicheng," Zhao Yayuan explained, "He went to greet our relatives there, so I came back first."

After all, Zhao Yayuan, currently in his senior year of high school, was pressed for time. Being the younger son, missing some occasions wouldn't cause any significant issues.

He continued, "Originally, my family wanted my brother to come, but he couldn't spare the time. My grandparents there haven't seen their eldest grandson for quite a while, so they wouldn't let him leave."

Lu Zhihong maintained his demeanor, smiling as he said, "It's fine. I think Nian Nian might even prefer you over your brother. You two get along well; she might be even happier with you representing your brother."

The young man beside them remained silent throughout, his expression unchanged, even when he heard this remark.

It seemed as though all of this had nothing to do with him, as if he was listening to a discussion that was entirely unrelated.

He quietly waited for them to finish speaking.

As they passed each other, Zhao Yayuan paused at the door, double-checking, "By the way, Uncle, is Nian Nian really at home now?"

During his visit to the Lu household, he had paid close attention but had not seen Lu Nian make an appearance throughout.

Lu Zhihong commented, "She has been feeling quite cold lately, seeming somewhat lethargic these past few days. I'm not sure if it's because she's been over-exerting herself with her studies."

"Go and see her," Lu Zhihong suggested, "She should be reading in the study now. See if you can lift her spirits a bit."

Finally, the door was closed.

Tranquility once again enveloped the room.

Lu Zhihong picked up his tea cup, taking a leisurely sip.

The initial taste of the dark tea was somewhat bitter, yet he savored the act of tea tasting.

On his desk stood a dedicated small stove, specifically for brewing tea. The aroma of the tea gradually diffused throughout the study, released slowly by the gentle heat.

The study remained silent.

The young man maintained an upright posture, and not a trace of impatience could be seen in his handsome brow and eyes.

The fierce stubbornness and hostility of his childhood seemed to have been smoothed out over the years, only making his facial features appear more clear-cut and compelling, with a demeanor resembling that of a snow pine.

"Nian Nian has made great strides in her grades this time," Lu Zhihong finally spoke, "especially in math."

He continued, "Much of the credit goes to you."

"It's an honor," the young man replied, his long eyelashes casting a shadow, "It's the result of her own efforts."

Lu Zhihong queried, "Secretary Zhang mentioned that you returned the salary they offered you without using any of it?"

His response was neither humble nor haughty, his tone nonchalant, "I had informed them in advance that I do not require any compensation."

Indeed, when he initially approached Lu Zhihong, he had stated as such, agreeing to forego any payment in exchange, if possible, for an internship opportunity at the Lu Corporation.

Lu Zhihong chuckled softly.

His perspective was certainly not narrow. In the long run, an internship at the Lu Corporation held greater value compared to a small sum of money.

"I made a promise," Lu Zhihong affirmed, "I will certainly honor it."

"You've been in college for half a year now," he suddenly changed the topic, "How do you find it?"

He responded, "It's quite busy. I've taken on some extra credits."

"I visited your school during my postgraduate studies," Lu Zhihong recalled with a hint of nostalgia, "It truly is a great place for learning."

"Sadly, my daughter doesn't have your aptitude. Getting into that institution is virtually impossible for her," Lu Zhihong remarked, "However, I don't have very high expectations for her. Given her frail health since childhood, I, as a father, cannot bear to force her into anything."

Qin Si did not have much reaction, merely listening quietly as Lu Zhihong spoke.

He handled the situation with impeccable tact.

His approach was both subtle and polite, whether he was listening to a casual conversation about a high school junior whom he had taught for a few days yet hardly knew,

or when he was listening to an industry senior discuss his frail daughter's circumstances.

Lu Zhihong brushed aside a tea leaf floating in his cup.

The lingering glow of the setting sun gradually began to appear.

"I really appreciate this young man," Lu Zhihong said, rising from his seat, "Come intern at the Lu Corporation's headquarters next year."

When he's a bit older; he's still too young at the moment.

Even when conversing with him, Lu Zhihong sometimes forgets that the individual standing before him is still a young man, not even twenty years old.

He spoke again, "Lu Corporation has a branch in the capital city as well, you should contact this person, Ding Kaihua, he will facilitate a position that suits you. If you are willing, it's better to start early."

Qin Si accepted the business card, "I appreciate your consideration."

"No need for formalities," Lu Zhihong said with a smile.

"I admire young individuals like you, brimming with vitality," he said, his gaze drifting into the distance.

If, by any chance, Ah Zhuo had survived those years.

However, Ah Zhuo was too gentle-natured, although capable, he lacked the boldness and ruthlessness, clearly falling short when compared to the person standing before him now.

As for Lu Nian... he didn't even consider that option.

Lu Zhihong's phone vibrated subtly. He picked it up and glanced at it, "I need to return to the company immediately."

"It's a rare visit from you," Lu Zhihong noted, "have them attend to you and rest for a while before you leave."

He added, "After all, you once lived in this residence, feel at ease and don't be too formal."

...

Zhao Ya was wandering around the Lu residence.

His own home was also quite expansive, but compared to the Lu estate, it was still somewhat inferior.

This was just the main house, outside lay a vast and finely crafted garden, with auxiliary buildings surrounding the main house, where lights were already twinkling in the gathering dusk.

Beside the spiral staircase hung a large landscape painting, displaying exquisite taste, although it seemed somewhat outdated.

The Lu household really had nothing interesting to offer, the servants were robot-like, laconic, only focusing on their assigned tasks without paying any heed to the affairs of the household.

If Qiu Li were to return.

It was somewhat difficult for him to imagine being confined within this mansion, especially having grown accustomed to the verdant mountains and clear waters outside, a world of freedom, contrasting starkly with the oppressive darkness and somberness of the large house – they were like two different worlds.

The bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. Lu was on the first floor, whereas Lu Nian's room was on the second.

His steps halted as he looked towards the direction of the third floor, the end of the staircase engulfed in darkness, void of any light.

He remembered, Qiu Li once mentioned.

That the childhood rooms of him and his sister were on the third floor. During his childhood, he shared a room with his sister, eating and sleeping together. Being twins, their bond was naturally closer than that of ordinary siblings.

Qiu Li had recounted many stories from their childhood.

About how his sister used to care for him deeply.

It was challenging for Zhao Yayuan to reconcile the grand yet ominously gloomy mansion before him with the fond, harmonious memories of sibling love and happiness he had depicted.

Qiu Li always mentioned how good his sister was to him.

Zhao Yayuan, who was young and impatient at that time, grew irritated and blurted out, “If your sister was so good to you, why did she abandon you back then, even wanted to harm you? Which part of your story is a lie?”

Qiu Li remained silent for a long time.

As time passed, he became increasingly reticent, seldom bringing up his past.

As Zhao Yayuan grew older, he deeply regretted that incident.

Qiu Li held his relatives in very high regard.

Just like now, he considered him and Qiu Lan as his family, always treating them with utmost kindness, whereas back then, the only real family left by his side was his sister.

It will be over soon, one way or another.

Zhao Yayuan speculated that if Lu Nian truly discovered Qiu Li’s identity,

Qiu Li might finally attain what he has been longing for. Knowing the kind of person Lu Nian was, once she knew the truth, whether driven by guilt wanting to make amends or genuine familial affection, she would only treat Qiu Li kindly.

After making a round, he decided to look for Lu Nian in the study.

However, unexpectedly, the Lu residence housed five or six studies, and he was unfamiliar with the layout of the Lu home.

Eventually, he encountered a familiar face, Lu Nian’s closest maid, who looked to be in her mid-twenties.

“Where is Lu Nian at the moment?” he approached and asked, “I was told she was in the study. I’ve checked several, but she isn't in any of them, and she isn't answering her phone.”

Miao Miao recognized him, aware that he was a guest to be treated with great respect.

She replied, “She was just in the study,” referring to the small study that hardly anyone was permitted to enter.

“And now?” Zhao Yayuan’s patience seemed to be wearing thin.

Having come all the way into someone's home, locating a person shouldn’t be this difficult.

Miao Miao informed, “Miss Nian has returned to her room.”

She added, “She is probably asleep by now.”

Zhao Yayuan queried, “Is she alright? Why is she sleeping all the time? It’s not like she got up particularly early this morning.”

“Is she planning to hibernate through the winter or something?” he mused, reaching to open the door to check on Lu Nian.

Miao Miao quickly stepped in to prevent him.

Zhao Yayuan asked, “I can't go in?”

His peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, adopting a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Outside, the young master of the Zhao family had a notorious reputation, known for his recklessness and arrogant demeanor.

Miao Miao knew the intricate relationship between the Zhao and Lu families, finding herself caught in a difficult position.

As the standoff persisted, another youthful yet tall figure appeared at the end of the corridor.

Miao Miao visibly sighed in relief.

"I still have some tasks left unfinished," she said hurriedly, "You two carry on your conversation. I will instruct the kitchen to prepare dinner. Feel free to call upon us if you need anything."

She seemed to shed a weight off her shoulders, disappearing rapidly at the corridor's end.

Qin Si was a man of few words. He was taller than Zhao Yayuan, with a well-proportioned frame and long legs, slowly transitioning from boyhood to the cusp of manhood, albeit his facial expressions remained as impassive as ever.

"Finished your chat?" Zhao Yayuan asked with a teasing smile, "Found some time to step out?"

"Lu Zhichong has stepped out," he replied.

Zhao Yayuan wasn't overly surprised, "Hmm, then why are you here? To find Lu Nian too?"

Zhao Yayuan raised an eyebrow, "Or, to meddle in my business?"

Qin Si responded indifferently, "It's none of my concern."

"However, after all, Lu Zhichong seems to favor your brother more nowadays," the young man said calmly, as if stating an unrelated fact, "Your current actions might only be detrimental to you."

His gaze swept over to Zhao Yayuan's hand still gripping the doorknob, a cold and indifferent stare that sent a chill through the spine.

Zhao Yayuan slowly released his grip, "Didn't Uncle Lu already leave?"

A hint of a scornful and cold smile appeared on the young man's lips, "You think he wouldn't know?"

Now, Zhao Yayuan seemed genuinely interested, "I thought, you had an affection for her?"

It seems that Lu Nian was rather naive.

Falling for someone before even realizing it, sadly, it appeared that her romantic feelings were nipped in the bud.

The young man spoke with an icy tone, "Considering my position, pondering such matters is irrelevant."

"I am nothing but a dog picked up to serve their household," his demeanor was as cold as ice, and his phoenix eyes seemed even darker, "You are not unaware of my experiences in the Lu family during my childhood, are you?"

Zhao Yayuan indeed knew.

Qin Si's background, his past experiences in the Lu family, were no secret. A minor investigation would reveal everything clearly.

Money and power are not akin to emotions.

People naturally gravitate towards benefits and avoid harm. In the realm of rational thinking, one might put aside hatred or other sentiments for the sake of money and power, collaborating with an enemy if the benefits were substantial isn't an impossible scenario.

However, it is virtually impossible to foster any surplus of affection towards your sworn enemy.

Zhao Ya Yuan remarked, "In that case, I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation in the future."

A mutually beneficial arrangement.

"Never mind, I'll call and check later. This silly girl spends her day sleeping," Zhao Ya Yuan said languidly, "I'll invite her to my place later on. It's too crowded and stifling here, with too many people meddling."

Miao Miao arranged some tasks for the people in the kitchen but still felt somewhat uneasy, hurrying back to check.

Zhao Ya Yuan had already left, the bedroom door remained firmly closed, leaving only Qin Si by himself.

Miao Miao sighed in relief, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, you've been a great help."

She didn't want to offend Zhao Ya Yuan, but she also didn't want him to disturb Lu Nian in this manner.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" she asked.

"Maybe you could wait a little longer..." Miao Miao hesitated, "Nian Nian might wake up soon."

The young man shook his head, "I have finished my business here."

Wasn't he here to see Nian Nian? Miao Miao was somewhat startled, could it be that he really just came to see Lu Zhihong?

He had already turned to leave.

The young man's thin lips were firmly pressed together, his slender fingers hanging at his side, the knuckles turning white due to the force exerted.

The bedroom door remained closed.

Lu Nian was still sleeping, embracing Lu Jue, completely unaware of the surroundings.

The darkness of the night settled in, the indoor heating was on, providing a warmth similar to spring, with no trace of winter's harsh cold.

Suddenly feeling a chill, she slightly shivered but did not wake up.

The girl was wrapped in a thick silk quilt, with drapes hanging around the bed. Her small face looked pale as she slept, her lips slightly pursed, seemingly harboring not-so-good emotions even in her dreams.

She had a frail constitution, appearing delicate and slender. Enveloped in a cocoon-like quilt, she seemed even more petite, a tiny bundle with a long neck, revealing a sliver of shoulder. Her shoulders were slender, and the exposed skin was as white and delicate as porcelain.

After a long while.

Approaching with the cool breeze of the night from outside.

A gentle touch graced her lips.

Extremely light, the action was both devout and tender.

...

A touch that ignited a flame, even with such a gentle contact.

Restrained gasps were forcefully stifled, the night veiling everything.

The touch had vanished.

Lu Nian seemed to be ensnared in a dream. She finally awoke, rubbing her eyes and sitting upright on the bed, yet she found nothing amiss.

The room was eerily quiet, everything seemed as usual.

Recently, due to her frail health, she had been experiencing a surge in vivid dreams.

Pressing her lips together, she called out for Miao Miao, "Miao Miao, did you come in just now?"

Miao Miao switched on the small night light, shaking her head, "No, were you dreaming again?"

She then proceeded to draw the curtains and shut the window tight, advising, "Nian Nian, try not to linger by the window so often, it's cold outside. You might catch a cold, leading to headaches again."

Lu Nian's face reddened slightly, "...I don't usually linger there."

Now fully awake, she felt a stir in her emotions from the remark.

The first thing she did was curse Qin Si eight hundred times internally.

Yet, the unease and lingering frustrations remained unresolved.

Soon after, the brief winter break came to an end, marking the beginning of the senior year.

The days went by in a whirl, bustling and hectic. During the first monthly test, Lu Nian managed to score an unprecedented 130 points in Mathematics. Consequently, her total score soared to an all-time high rank, although it dropped slightly in the subsequent test.

Time seemed to accelerate, with her full attention channeled into her studies, leaving lesser time for her to indulge in drawing.

Hence, it was quite a rare occasion when she logged onto Shanghai Rabbit, only to discover a message about a commission request.

Moreover, it was from a company, not an individual commission.

Lu Nian followed up with a phone call.

"We are in charge of the strategy planning for the 'Star Strike' mobile game," the other party explained. "Next month, our company plans to launch a new campaign, requiring a poster. We came across your artwork online and found it very fitting. Would you be willing to take on the artwork assignment for this upcoming campaign?"

Lu Nian was immensely surprised and elated.

However, her excitement quickly turned into apprehension, "I'm sorry, but I have the college entrance exams in two months. Could the artwork possibly wait until after my exams?"

There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by an apologetic response, "In that case, it might be challenging to meet the project's deadline."

Lu Nian understood that she was asking for a lot, "Thank you for appreciating my work."

The compensation offered was indeed very generous, and she genuinely loved the character Lu Jue, willing to create artwork for him.

The other party did not hang up, instead, they added, "We also admired your fan art, all of which are excellent. However, since they have been published before, we were wondering if you might have any unpublished 'Star Strike' artworks that you could share with us for consideration? If any of them suit, we could potentially feature them through other promotional channels."

Lu Nian's eyes brightened, "Yes, I have some."

She immediately located the drafts, packed them nervously and uneasily, and mailed them over.

The person on the other end responded with a "received".

Now, Lu Nian lost the mood to draw any further, she packed away her digital drawing tablet, letting out a long sigh.

However, at least there was something to look forward to now.

Only one month left until the college entrance exams.

"Are you not willing to study abroad?" Lu Zhichong had a conversation with her.

Lu Nian bowed her head, "Mhm." This was the first time she voiced her choice to Lu Zhichong.

"You've indeed pushed yourself hard these past six months," Lu Zhichong remarked.

"Choose An University," he suggested.

"Ting Yuan is also at An University."

Lu Zhichong continued, "Given your current grades, and considering your future professional development, staying in the country and choosing An University is the best decision. If you don't get admitted, your father will arrange for you to study abroad."

Lu Nian lowered her gaze, "Okay, thank you, dad."

She understood that this was probably the best option she could fight for at this moment.

Stay in Ancheng.

If she expressed a desire to move elsewhere, other places might be manageable, but if she wanted to go to the city where Qin Si resided...

Lu Zhichong was very astute; she didn't dare to reveal even the slightest hint of her stance in this matter.

And if she stayed in Ancheng.

After all, Qin Si's family lived here, and with Ancheng's prosperous economy, it was highly likely that Qin Si would return to develop his career here after graduation.

At the very least, she managed to secure a place on the same piece of land.

Lu Nian suddenly felt a wave of weariness envelop her entire body.

She had no choice but to continue striving.

Meanwhile, there had been no word from Qin Si for a long while.

That night, as she was revising, she felt extremely exhausted. Unable to solve the problems at hand, the accumulated pressures over the years nearly pushed her to the brink of collapse.

Overwhelmed with discomfort to the point of unbearable, a peculiar resentment suddenly emerged within her. Her nose tingled with the onset of tears as she crumpled the draft in her hands and threw it directly into the waste bin.

Her phone lay beside her, and finally, unable to hold back any longer, she picked it up. Without a second thought, she dialed a number that hadn't been used in what felt like forever.

At this moment, it was three o'clock in the middle of the night.

She didn't really expect Qin Si to answer the call; she just wanted to make it, driven by an impulsive, irresponsible urge to vent her feelings.

Waking him up would be fine, annoying him too, perhaps, they might even end up having another argument the next day.

Anyway, they had argued countless times since their childhood; every meeting seemed destined to end in a dispute.

What she hadn't anticipated was,

After a brief series of busy tones, the call was quickly picked up on the other end.

Nearly half a year since they last spoke, she heard the familiar voice on the other end of the line — a voice both known and now somewhat foreign, saying, "Hello?"

It seemed slightly lower than she remembered, still understated but now carrying faint notes of fatigue and hoarseness.

She was taken aback, suddenly at a loss for what to say.

From her end, no words came, only the sound of the girl's soft breath, gentle as a feather brushing past.

He moved the phone slightly away, "...What is it?"

His voice didn't seem deliberately lowered.

Lu Nian finally managed to stammer out a sentence, "...Answering calls this late, aren't you worried about waking up your roommate?"

He replied, "I'm not in the dorm."

Three o'clock in the middle of the night, and not in the dorm.

???

Lu Nian's voice was flat, enunciating clearly, "...So, you're not concerned about waking up the girlfriend sleeping beside you?"

It really seems university life leads to moral decay; he clearly seemed thoroughly immersed in it.

Like a fish in water, perhaps.

There was a long silence from the other end.

Lu Nian felt irritated and somewhat wronged inside, wanting nothing more than to hang up the call. If only they were face-to-face, she would vehemently scold him, accuse him of being shameless.

He finally spoke, "I'm working."

These three words were uttered casually.

The computer screen was still lit, digits flickering intermittently, the data running on the software hadn't finished processing yet.

And tomorrow, he needed to return to the university for a class at ten o'clock.

There was a sticky note adhered to the table next to him, detailing the myriad tasks he needed to handle lately. The majority of them were already crossed out, and amongst the remaining was a pending email from Fang Deng. A pile of matters still awaited his attention.

He had dozed off briefly at the desk, but the ring of the phone immediately brought him back to alertness, prompting him to answer the call.

At night, peering down from the towering building, the once bustling city during the day had now quieted significantly, exuding an unusual sense of solitude.

Lu Nian was stunned.

She felt uneasy in her heart, "Working until this late?"

"Is it because of financial issues? Tuition is one thing, but the living expenses are not a small sum after all..." she pondered.

She didn't want him to work so hard, but Qin Si's pride had always been too strong to accept this kind of assistance from her.

"I'm not lacking money." His words were succinct, clearly indicating he knew what she was thinking about.

It was for something else.

Something he wanted.

Lu Nian responded, "...Oh."

She initially wanted to ask if she was disturbing his work, but remembering the many months of no contact and his absence during the New Year without a single message, anger welled up in her, making her reluctant to ask any further.

She simply chose to maintain the call, not bothering to speak another word.

"Let him hang up when he gets impatient," she thought hesitantly.

Yet, the line remained open from the other end.

Listening to the gentle breathing of the girl on the other side, the soft rustling sound of fabric, it seemed she had gotten off the bed, sipped some water, then climbed back in—her movements graceful like a deer.

She must still be lying on that bed.

A scene reminiscent of that night.

...

His Adam's apple moved slightly, a slender hand covering his eyes, where a hint of redness began to emerge at the corners, while his left hand uncontrollably pressed the record button.

It was as if he had opened Pandora's box.

In the year since he left her, the situation had intensified.

"I have my college entrance exams in just a month," Lu Nian muttered, "I might, uh, not go abroad after all."

After all, she had previously made bold declarations in front of him about leaving for distant places.

She curled up into a ball on the bed, her nervousness causing her delicate toes to curl up. Her voice was soft and tender, carrying an unwitting hint of tremble.

So it means that there might still be opportunities for them to meet again in the future.

Author's Note:

Teehee.

Later on, someone was forced to reveal all those past happenings.

Nian Nian (read with a playful tone): You really have no shame, huh? Come on, say it again, I want to record it.

Si Si Kid: ……

(This pace is going to drive someone to death)