Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Lu Nian didn't finish what she was about to say next, for even without going abroad, she couldn't make it to University A, and could only possibly stay in Ancheng in the future.

After a long pause, a "Mm" came from the other end.

After that, there was nothing more.

Lu Nian sat up straight, leaning against the soft pillow, where even the faint sound of electrical current seemed extremely clear, yet nothing else came from the other side.

This "Mm" irked Lu Nian. She had initially anticipated two possible reactions from Qin Si. One was him mocking her for being indecisive, having claimed she would go abroad and then deciding not to; the other reaction was…

Him... showing at least a tiny bit of happiness, perhaps.

Her not going abroad would mean that the distance between them would be considerably less.

But to her dismay, she received this indifferent "Mm", devoid of any emotional fluctuations, as if it had nothing to do with him.

It left her feeling stifled.

Without giving it a second thought, she said, “Alright, I know you don't care anyway. I was just saying it casually,”

“I woke up from a nightmare tonight, and Miao Miao and the others were all asleep. I dialed a random number,” she said petulantly, “It wasn't specifically for you. I just wanted someone to talk to, anyone would do.”

The girl's cheeks were burning hot.

Such incidents had occurred frequently in the past, but back then, she handled them calmly without feeling anything amiss.

However, now with the nascent emotions budding in the young girl's heart, vague and delicate, even unclear to herself, she had developed an unexpected modesty and pride.

She was usually calm and gentle, not minding others' rude remarks or attitudes, but when it came to Qin Si, her emotions seemed to be particularly volatile, with both anger and joy amplified manifold compared to when she was with others.

Qin Si stood up, opening the small freezer beside him, which was empty save for two cans of beer.

His fingers hesitated momentarily before taking out one can.

This alcohol content wouldn't affect him in any way.

He pressed down on his phone, being careful not to let the other side hear any noise, as he opened the can.

In the quiet of the night, a crisp and delicate sound rang out.

He said indifferently, "I don't feel so."

He knew that he had never been a special presence in her life, nor did he harbor illusions of winning her affection.

If he wanted it, he would have to fight for it himself.

Even if it meant resorting to any means, even if it might make her hate him in the future.

Lu Nian, "......"

She bit her lip, slowly curling herself into a ball.

The Qin Si of the past would, at least, argue with her. Yet, not seeing each other for less than a year had made them this estranged.

Being within a distance where they could meet at any time, and being thousands of miles apart indeed brought completely different feelings.

She hadn't seen him for so long that she didn't even know what he looked like now,

She spoke again, "Are you having a great time in college? Not even coming home for the holidays."

Lu Nian wasn't adept at mocking others. She tried hard to inflect her voice in a sarcastic manner, intending for her words to sound mocking. However, when spoken, they still sounded soft and tender, lacking a certain forcefulness, nothing like the natural disdain when Qin Si mocked her.

She shut her mouth, then continued, "Ming Ge and the others are doing well; Huang Mao Ge and Xiao Qu Ge have even started their own businesses."

"You don't have to come back," Lu Nian said, "Just stay abroad forever, everyone is doing fine."

The can was empty.

His slender fingers inadvertently tightened, crushing the can. He tossed it into a nearby trash bin, his voice faint, "If that's what you wish, I'll grant it."

Like icy water, his words carried no discernible emotion, no mockery, remaining utterly inscrutable.

His handsome face flushed, the faint scent of alcohol carried on his breath.

He felt as if he were on the verge of losing control.

He moved the phone away, distancing it completely from himself, restraining from letting any sound travel to the other side.

Lu Nian bit her lip tightly.

Outside, the clock chimed anew, the night grew deeper, her heart was a mess, clutching her phone, wanting to hang up, yet unable to press the red button.

She waited for Qin Si to end the call.

But he didn't hang up either.

Lu Nian quickly realized.

Perhaps because it wasn't his phone bill, he probably thought it would be quite nice to frivolously use up a bit of her money.

Unknowingly, she drifted off to sleep.

The girl’s dark hair spread out on the pillow, her cheeks were snow-white and smooth. Slightly curled up, she seemed even more fragile. In her dreams, she mumbled, "...I hope you never come back in your life."

Her voice was extremely muffled, tinged with a sense of grievance, "Stinky Qin Si."

After all her longing for him.

……

When she woke up the next day, she suddenly remembered to check her phone.

The call had actually lasted five hours, only ending at eight o'clock the next morning.

Did Qin Si fall asleep too, forgetting to hang up? He had moments like this too?

Lu Nian rubbed her face.

Recalling the previous night, her mood remained downcast.

Had they had another argument yesterday, or was this just their usual way of communicating with each other?

Surprisingly, she had a good night's sleep without any nightmares. Upon waking up, Lu Nian planned to continue reading in the study.

Miao Miao remarked, "Nian Nian, did you have a good rest last night?"

You look more spirited than usual.

"No." After finishing her morning routine, Lu Nian tied up her hair neatly.

The past month flew by swiftly.

Their graduation ceremony would soon be upon them, followed by the college entrance examination.

The weather grew hotter day by day, just like the previous year, Lu Nian once again became a participant in the graduation ceremony.

She seldom posted updates, but this time, she shared her graduation photos with her classmates.

They had just stepped out of the auditorium, dressed in full school uniforms, with knee-length skirts, under the brilliant summer sun. On the day of the graduation photo shoot, it was a rare sunny day with high temperatures and the sun shining brightly.

It gave many girls the opportunity to dress up beautifully for the graduation photos during the last few days of high school.

Many people liked her post, and there were numerous comments.

Huang Mao added Lu Nian as a friend and upon seeing this picture, hurriedly saved it and shared it in the group chat.

[Ming Ge]: Is this sister Nian Nian? About to graduate, huh? She looks really stunning, blossoming into a true beauty.

Though Lu Nian has always been pretty, a true beauty in the making, now as an eighteen-year-old girl, her beauty stands even more remarkable amidst the crowd, resembling a pure and uncut jade amidst clear springs, an exquisite combination of grace and vivacity, noticeably striking and exceptionally beautiful at a glance.

Xiao Qu: Time flies so fast, doesn't it?

[Huang Mao]: Yeah, indeed, girls really transform as they grow, becoming ever more beautiful.

Qin Si rarely participates in the group chat, only stepping in when they need something resolved or when a situation arises that necessitates his involvement.

This time was no different.

Suddenly, a new message popped up in Huang Mao's private chat.

Brother Qin?

Huang Mao instantly sat upright, eager to see if there was any good news.

"Retract it from the group."

"Delete the photo."

Just two lines of text.

Huang Mao: ... He hastily complied.

[Ming Ge]: I haven't saved it yet, why did you retract it? Let's show it to someone later on, let him witness how breathtakingly beautiful sister Nian Nian has become now.

【Xiao Qu】: ...

(He indeed had a nagging suspicion, but dared not voice it.)

On the phone screen, the girl was smiling modestly, her expression gentle, her big eyes clear and bright, and her rosy lips slightly curled up as she conversed with another girl beside her. The young girl was slender with exquisite curves, dressed in the full formal school uniform of the affiliated school.

The skirt was quite short.

Just a bit above the knees, further accentuating the girl’s slender waist and elongated legs.

Despite having spent so many years at the affiliated school, he could not recall the exact length of the summer uniform skirts for girls.

Back when they were together, he had never seen her in a skirt this short.

Who was she wearing it for?

He pursed his lips, suppressing his emotions and forcing himself to put that thought aside, shifting his gaze away.

The photo was saved nonetheless.

It wasn't the first time. Since that night at the Lu's during the winter break, he had gradually come to accept his ignoble actions and appearance, along with those unseemly thoughts about her.

He hadn't seen her for too long, an uncontrollable thought surged within him.

He even calmly considered that if they met now and Lu Nian directly told him to leave, he might not even be able to do so. He would, devoid of any dignity, linger around her like a dog, willing to do anything as long as she asked.

The college entrance exam came quickly, and departed just as swiftly.

It was just a matter of two days.

When Lu Nian stepped out of the examination hall, she hadn't fully grasped the gravity of the moment yet.

The Lu family's car was already waiting outside. Lu Yang greeted her with a beaming smile, "Nian Nian, fortunately, I came to pick you up for a meal. Have a hearty meal and you can sleep in tomorrow."

"Where would you like to go for the summer vacation?" Lu Yang, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around to converse with her, "Just let your uncle know, and your brother can accompany you."

Lu Nian was looking down at her phone.

Apparently, everyone had exited the examination hall, with over 99+ messages in the class group chat, and she was still scrolling through page after page of messages.

Lu Yang expressed his surprise, "A class reunion dinner?"

"Yes."

Lu Nian explained, "We've graduated, everyone plans to gather one last time. After all, we'll be heading to different corners of the country, gathering like this might not be possible again."

Lu Yang seemed clearly inclined to object, but in the presence of Lu Zhichong, he held back his opinions, waiting for Lu Zhichong to speak first.

Lu Nian had become a bit thinner than before, and taller as well. Her complexion remained a somewhat bloodless pale, making her seem delicate and frail. When she lowered her eyes to look at someone, she appeared especially pitiful and adorable.

Lu Zhichong recalled her relentless studying day and night in the past.

"Go ahead," Lu Zhichong said, "come back after the meal, I'll ask Lu Yang to pick you up."

A smile curved on Lu Nian's lips.

"Fenghua Hotel, Room 301, hurry up!"

"Anyone coming, send a '1'."

Lu Nian smiled with twinkling eyes, sending a "1" and appending her name behind it.

The place chosen for their reunion dinner was a very upscale restaurant.

As Lu Nian entered, she noticed that it was a large private dining room, separated in the middle by a small screen, spacious enough to accommodate more than double their number.

"We've combined with Class 2," Tian Yue said, holding a glass of orange juice, "we booked too late and there were no private rooms left. Then, young master Zhao suggested we could share, offering half of their room to us."

Zhao Yayuan?

Does he really have such a good heart?

Someone had already taken a seat beside her.

Originally, Tian Yue was sitting to the left of Lu Nian and a boy to her right. The boy was tapped on the shoulder, and Zhao Yayuan said to him with a beaming smile, "Brother, switch seats."

The boy knew Zhao Yayuan and promptly switched seats without hesitation.

Zhao Yayuan took a seat beside Lu Nian and remarked, "Your father actually allowed you to come out?"

Lu Nian, "…"

She felt that there were constantly people sneaking peeks at them from the surroundings. It probably wasn't just her imagination, so she quietly shifted her chair slightly to the side.

Zhao Yayuan didn't proceed to press any further.

"Shall we continue with some karaoke later?"

After finishing the meal, everyone felt that the night was still young and were keen to enjoy more activities.

Tian Yue asked Lu Nian if she was coming along. Lu Nian actually wanted to continue, but she shook her head slightly, "My father just called, he is probably urging me to return home."

It seemed to be the case.

"Give me the phone," Zhao Yayuan beckoned to her with a finger gesture.

Lu Nian hesitated for a moment but eventually handed over her phone.

He took the call, "Yes, I am Yayuan. Uncle, this time it's a joint celebration for two classes. I am currently with Nian Nian... Yes, when the time comes, I will make sure to escort Nian Nian home."

It was unclear what Lu Zhihong said in response.

Zhao Yayuan replied, "No trouble at all, it's the least I can do. Yes, I am quite fond of Nian Nian."

Being from the Zhao family, Zhao Yayuan was quite adept at dealing with adults, even though he seldom utilized this skill.

"All set," he handed the phone back to Lu Nian, "I will take you home later."

Tian Yue was stunned and asked Lu Nian in a whisper, "Is that rumor true? That thing between your family and the Zhao family, have you chosen Zhao Yayuan?"

Lu Nian, "… There's no such thing."

They didn't understand Zhao Yayuan. He was just this kind of person, one to speak his mind freely. Basically, his words should be taken with a grain of salt, something she had grown accustomed to.

Tian Yue, "I thought so." Being Lu Nian's closest friend throughout high school, she believed she understood her quite well. It was evident that her feelings towards Zhao Yayuan didn't exceed that of friendship.

"Come on, brother," Chen Mo teased with a wink, "the exams are over, isn't it time to make a move and officially establish a relationship?"

"Buzz off," Zhao Yayuan laughingly scolded, pushing him away.

The post-college entrance examination celebration was indeed very exhilarating.

Lu Nian, who usually didn't sing much, was encouraged to sing a few lines.

Her voice had the soft and sweet qualities typical of a girl from the water town, gentle and clear, making her singing quite pleasant to listen to.

To her surprise, after her performance, a boy approached her, his face flushed, stammering as if he wanted to say something to her.

She remembered that boy, his name was Song Gezhi.

"Thank you for the math materials you provided," Lu Nian said, clinking glasses with him, her tone sincere, "it was a huge help."

Throughout the entire year leading up to the college entrance exam, Lu Nian offered several times to thank him with a gift, but he refused each time, saying that borrowing her exam papers to review would be enough.

Lu Nian found that the materials were exceptionally easy to use, initially assuming that they were purchased from a store and intending to buy other subject materials from the same place. However, she could never find it. Song Gezhi revealed that they were internal materials procured by his relatives, not to be circulated publicly, and so Lu Nian honored the agreement.

Just before the college entrance examination, he gave her one last set of materials. Included was a note with only the words "keep going", and a limited edition deer-shaped pendant.

Lu Nian had no idea how he knew about her fondness for Lu Jue. Initially, she hadn't planned to accept the gift, but realizing the thought that went into it, she felt too embarrassed to refuse.

Indeed, she genuinely liked it.

She could only reciprocate by lending him her notes for Chinese and English, thus maintaining a mutual exchange.

Therefore, she did harbor a favorable impression of Song Gezhi. However, she was puzzled about what he wanted to say now, as he seemed hesitant, unable to articulate his thoughts fully.

"Planning to confess to her?" Zhao Yayuan, who was sitting next to Lu Nian, grinned at the boy, displaying a sharp little canine tooth.

His usual arrogant and domineering young master temperament, coupled with the rumors about him and Lu Nian, had circulated quite widely within the school.

Disturbed by someone, Song Gezhi seemed to sober up halfway, the courage he had mustered dwindling rapidly, "It's nothing."

He walked away with his head lowered.

Zhao Yayuan turned around, casually saying to Lu Nian, "I blocked so many troubles for you, you should thank me."

Lu Nian's face turned slightly red, "...That was really rude of you."

Moreover, she had no clue what Song Gezhi actually meant, what he intended to say, feeling as though this was a baseless assumption.

She composed an apologetic message and sent it to him.

"Anyway, you don't like him," Zhao Yayuan said languidly, leaning on the sofa, "what's wrong with rejecting him in advance?"

Lu Nian was seated with her classmates around a table, engaged in a game of Truth or Dare.

Right after Zhao Yayuan finished her statement, it was Lu Nian's turn to pick a truth.

Lu Nian, "..."

Zhao Yayuan smiled faintly, “This is just perfect.”

Those around heard Zhao Yayuan say, “After all, you don't like him.”

Some of the more perceptive ones savored the underlying implication, suddenly becoming excited.

“Come on, ask that question!” Everyone started to egg her on.

The girl who had the chance to ask the question naturally satisfied everyone's curiosity, smiling broadly, she asked, “Nian Nian, do you have someone you like?”

Lu Nian hesitated.

The first image that flashed in her mind was Qin Si's face.

But it was quickly dismissed.

Qin Si definitely wouldn't have feelings for her beyond friendship, she might not even qualify as a friend in his eyes.

She had a little alcohol, and her mind was in a whirl.

One moment she remembered their childhood days when they were inseparable, then the rumors that circulated when they were in the tenth grade, and then the last time they met before he left, the silhouette of the young man.

Was her affection only going to bring endless trouble to Qin Si? Or would it be met with a decisive rejection, followed by ridicule?

She had no idea what kind of girls Qin Si was into, as he never seemed to have shown special interest in anyone since childhood.

She thought of Bai Xi.

She and Bai Xi were completely different types, and those few words Bai Xi said to her had always lingered in her mind, deeply imprinted in her heart.

Saying that she and Qin Si were never on the same wavelength.

Lu Nian felt dizzy and couldn't utter a word.

“So, do you or don't you?” someone from the crowd instigated, “Give a straight answer.”

Lu Nian felt dizzy, her heartbeat racing erratically. Her luscious lips pressed tightly together, her breath tinged with the sharp scent of alcohol. She felt dizzy from head to toe, muttering softly, "...Yes."

The people around exploded, “Really?”

“Who is it? Zhao Tingyuan, or the young master Zhao?”

“No way, really?” Tian Yue also looked stunned.

Lu Nian has a crush?

Suddenly she remembered the aloof handsome guy who came to the art studio to find Lu Nian during high school.

“Is it that senior?” Tian Yue leaned into her ear, trying to keep her voice down, asking hurriedly, “Did you confess to him? What was his response?”

She felt the scene before her held a certain allure.

Lu Nian felt tipsy and light-headed, as if she were walking on clouds.

Zhao Yayuan held a glass of wine and sat down beside Lu Nian, catching a strong whiff of alcohol, he asked, "A bit too much to drink, perhaps?"

Tian Yue was interrupted mid-sentence, upon seeing Zhao Yayuan approaching, she found it difficult to continue.

Lu Nian was somewhat dazed, she rubbed her eyes, mumbling, "No…"

"Stop prying," Zhao Yayuan addressed the teasing crowd, his alluring cat-like eyes narrowing slightly with a hint of a smile, "This is already the second question."

Lu Nian, still feeling a bit dizzy, watched as the commotion settled down, making way for the next question.

Zhao Yayuan casually remarked, "If you find yourself unhappy, just forget it, alright?"

"Or perhaps engage in a few more romantic relationships," Zhao Yayuan suggested, "Only through experience can you truly understand what type suits you."

Lu Nian inquired, her voice somewhat slurred, "Oh, is this something that can be figured out through trials? Have you tried it?"

Zhao Yayuan replied crisply, "Not even once."

He continued, "However, I wouldn't mind giving it a shot if you're willing to try with me."

His youthful face was striking, with deep amber eyes that seemed to match the clear liquid swirling in his wine glass.

Lu Nian was left perplexed by Zhao Yayuan's words, "..."

She felt that at least 80% of what he was saying to her was just playful banter.

Zhao Yayuan didn't press further, instead, he asked, "Do you remember you once mentioned traveling to Nan Qiao with me?"

Lu Nian seemed to sober up a bit, articulating clearly, "My father would absolutely never allow me to go to Nan Qiao."

"I'm aware," Zhao Yayuan said nonchalantly, "I'll figure out a way; all you need to do is follow along."

"My family is moving back to An City soon," Zhao Yayuan said languidly, "It's highly likely that I'll attend university around here."

"My parents mentioned wanting to visit your family," he said.

"The trip to Nan Qiao would probably last three to four days, just a short getaway," Zhao Yayuan noted, "Just tell your father it's a graduation trip, organized by a travel group. We can slip away at some point during the journey."

His conversation jumped topics so swiftly that Lu Nian's head began to spin again.

The results hadn't been announced yet, but inevitably, her future major and university would be orchestrated by Lu Zhihong; Lu Nian couldn't be bothered to care about these matters anymore.

What she was concerned about now was whether the trip to Nan Qiao could really go as smoothly as planned.

If it were a direct request to go to Nan Qiao, Lu Zhihong would undoubtedly reject it, one hundred percent.

Zhao Yayuan outlined the plan to her.

Initially, they would join everyone on a trip to Feng He. Subsequently, they would catch a flight to a city neighboring Nan Qiao, then take a car from there, spending two days before reconvening with their classmates in Feng He as per the agreed plan, and return to An City together.

Zhao Yayuan assured her, “Those who are going with us are trustworthy; they will certainly not spill the beans.”

“Are you willing?” The youth's amber eyes shone brightly.

Lu Nian bit her lip, giving a slight nod.

It was unclear what had transpired between Zhao Yayuan and Lu Zhihong.

The next day, Lu Zhihong called her into his study for a discussion.

Recently, Lu Zhihong had been immensely busy with work due to fluctuations in company affairs, frequently shuttling between cities and often going abroad. Given Lu Nian’s high school graduation, he had loosened his reins on her a bit.

Lu Nian had been obedient for many years.

Zhao Yayuan was the son of the Zhao family.

Going on a graduation trip with classmates after high school was a common occurrence. He had Lu Yang check, and indeed, it was a group of familiar classmates, including both boys and girls.

Lu Zhihong briefly questioned Lu Nian, and her responses mirrored what Zhao Yayuan had told him.

The conversation came to an end.

It seemed that the trip to Nan Qiao was settled.

However, Lu Nian dared not let her guard down; after all, a plan was just a plan, executing it was another matter.

“Do you still remember Xiao Qin?” After discussing the travel plans, Lu Zhihong casually brought up another topic, “He tutored you in math during a summer break, now he's studying at A University.”

Lu Nian's lashes fluttered slightly as she responded, “Mhm, I remember.”

“He is highly talented, intelligent, and capable, handling every task impeccably,” Lu Zhihong praised.

Mature beyond his years, with a sharpness that was just right, and a restrained and composed demeanor, Lu Zhihong held high expectations for his future.

The key point was, he was a clever individual with clear objectives. What he desired, Lu Zhihong believed he could provide, be it wealth or power.

She had always had faith in Qin Si's abilities.

Suddenly, she remembered the brutal methods he used in his vengeance in the original story, and the actions he took after reaching the pinnacle of power. A being cast into the human realm, cold, heartless, and terrifyingly ruthless.

Initially, she never connected these events with the Qin Si she knew.

But now, having not seen him for a year... she had absolutely no idea what kind of person Qin Si had become, he even seemed reluctant to return to An City.

Her secret youthful sentiments were concealed, untold to anyone, too shy and fearful to share with anyone.

Was it really something that couldn't be kept hidden?

Or is it merely a result of this one-year separation?

They grew up together, childhood friends as inseparable as green plums and bamboo horses. At one point, she believed she knew Qin Si very well.

She was at a loss.

"Have a great time with Yayuan," Lu Zhihong said, "Once you guys return, the Zhao family should have moved back to Hai City. Our families can formally meet then, perhaps over a meal."

The author has something to say:

A fervently career-focused Si Si cub: (Even if she doesn't like me, forcing her to stay wouldn't hurt.)

Nian Nian: Who said I don't like you anymore?

Si Si cub: ……

In moments of madness, he could perform even the most shameless acts, but hearing Nian Nian confess her affection, making the first move to get closer, seemed beyond him.

It seems like the two haven't met for a long time; their first kiss should be approaching.