Chapter 61

Chapter 61

The air conditioning emitted a gentle hum, dispersing cool air, making the living room particularly quiet and cool.

The curtains were drawn, leaving only the two of them.

The two of them nestled together like this, didn't feel too warm.

She wasn't sure how others experienced love, but Lu Nian very much enjoyed being close to him, especially exploring and testing his various reactions. She had never been in a relationship, nor been this close to a man, feeling a novelty at every turn.

His lips were very beautiful, thin, and pale in color, only becoming moist and particularly enticing after a kiss.

They kissed, and each time, it was Lu Nian who initiated, yet he was the one who was reluctant to end it.

After it ended, Qin Si didn't let go, still gently holding her waist. His touch was light, and he didn't say anything, but clearly, he didn't want her to leave his side.

So, Lu Nian indulged his wishes.

The couch wasn't narrow, but lying down together still felt a bit cramped. Lu Nian semi-reclined in his embrace, her legs gently entwined with his.

She neither wanted to leave nor to move.

Seeing that there was still time and he was unusually initiative, she decided to indulge in the affection a little longer.

She grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, where a variety show was playing.

Lu Nian glanced at it casually.

Suddenly, she realized that her own man was a bit more entertaining.

She tilted her face up and kissed his handsome lips, then slowly trailed down along the sleek line of his jaw.

Out of the blue, she bit his lip slightly.

Surprised by the kiss, the faint blush that had just faded on his fair skin swiftly spread again.

She clung to him, their affection palpable.

With his ears tinged red, he simply held her in his arms.

"Wasn't it you who wanted this?" Lu Nian shifted slightly and asked innocently.

His eyes were cast down, his voice somewhat hoarse as he suddenly asked, "When... when should we get married?"

"In such a rush?" Lu Nian teased.

Is this really the time to discuss serious matters?

Seeing that she didn't respond, his cheek cooled slightly as he turned his face towards the TV screen, his tone indifferent, "You promised."

Promised to marry him.

Planning on backing out?

Don't want to marry him? Just wanting a fling after all?

"I won't back out." Now, Lu Nian could occasionally discern what he was thinking. She sighed.

This man is indeed hard to please, sensitive and proud.

His fingers loosened slightly, and his expression returned to normal.

With a curve on her lips, she suddenly flashed a mischievous smile, "Are you so eager to marry because you can't wait to be naughty?"

He stiffened momentarily, not expecting her response to be as such.

When it came to matters of the heart, Qin Si was indeed a quite traditional and conservative man, with a thin skin, unable to let loose in these kind of situations. He habitually repressed himself, preferring to endure rather than initiate affection with her.

However, the moment she takes even a slight initiative, he becomes more passionate than anyone else.

"Moreover... whenever I saw others proposing, there were candlelit dinners, engagement rings, and the man would kneel on one knee, saying 'I love you, will you marry me?'"

"Does what you did even count as a proposal? You didn't even call me by my name," Lu Nian enumerated, counting off on her fingers.

She tilted her head, "Why do I feel like we are negotiating a contract instead, albeit on the sofa at home?"

Lu Nian said, "You seemed to be asking me, 'when should we sign the contract?'"

She imitated his usual aloof tone.

Qin Si, "..."

"I remember, you proposed to me during someone else's wedding feast last time," Lu Nian said leisurely.

Mentioning that proposal attempt, which could only be described as thoroughly disastrous and which ended in rejection, made him freeze, his lips pressed tightly together, clearly embarrassed.

"What was it you said again, 'are you so desperate that you'll settle for anything?'"

"...I'm desperate?" she pondered thoughtfully, shifting slightly. The summer garments they wore were light, bringing them exceptionally close, "But now..."

Who was it clinging so tightly to him at the moment?

He felt exceedingly ashamed and couldn't utter a word in response.

Lu Nian was enjoying a silent laugh inside, prepared to tease him further.

But he lowered his eyes, suddenly saying, "...you gave your contact information to those few guys, and even chatted with them."

He had a good memory, recalling every scene from that day vividly.

Was she starting to argue back now?

When had she given out her contact information? She had merely engaged in a bit of conversation with them.

"Do you really think I'm lusting after those men whose faces I can barely remember?"

"In your eyes, am I really someone who is that desperate?" Lu Nian became serious, straightening up to deliver a righteous reprimand, "Am I someone who would settle for just anyone who comes along?"

"Between us, who is the one that is truly more eager?" she asked.

Qin Si, "..." seeing that he remained silent.

Lu Nian hopped off the sofa, pretending to be angry, refusing to pay him any more attention.

He tried to kiss her cheek, but she dodged his advances.

His fingers went rigid, then he wrapped his arms around her from behind, surrendering. Closing his eyes, he spoke in a husky voice, "It's me."

Lu Nian, "You what?"

Grinding his teeth, he admitted, "I'm the impatient one."

It was him who harbored improper thoughts about her for so long.

Joy blossomed in Lu Nian’s heart, a smile gracing her lips. She found herself falling profoundly in love with this side of him, to the very core of her being. She rejoined him on the sofa, nestling closely in his embrace, their affection evident in their proximity.

This state of intimacy was something he had fantasized about many times before, but he never anticipated that there would come a day when it would actually materialize.

His feelings were peculiar — amidst the joy, there seemed to be a kind of fulfillment, a gratification that came from years of harboring a secret crush. Over the years, she had elicited a myriad of emotions in him, be it heartache or sweetness, all of which he cherished wholeheartedly.

The two of them sat together, not uttering a word, yet there existed a peculiar and profound sense of tranquility between them.

He matured early, gaining an understanding of romantic relationships at a young age.

However, most of what he had witnessed were loveless transactions, he had never even seen a normal romantic relationship, hence he harbored no interest in love affairs.

During his youth, she was always the object of his secret affection. Due to the disparity in their social standings, he had relegated this affection to an unattainable fantasy, too shameful to mention to anyone.

...As time passed, those affairs became words lodged in his throat, unknown to anyone.

Back then, he had never imagined that such a day would come.

The two were seated very closely. Lu Nian's fingers traced the nape of his neck, gently twirling strands of his clean black hair, unabashedly drawing near to him.

On the table rested a chilled bottle of peach wine. She took a sip, then kissed him. The kiss was infused with the cool taste of wine mingled with the sweet aroma of peaches, leaving a lingering sweetness.

"What are you thinking about?" Lu Nian asked.

"Qin Si, you are truly quite shy," she whispered into his ear, her voice soft and sweet, seemingly carrying a hint of the peach wine's fragrance.

Indeed, he was someone with a thin face (easily embarrassed).

He was visibly flustered, his face flushed, yet unwilling to let go of her.

Teasing him was incredibly fun, every reaction from him felt refreshingly new and delightful.

She recalled something and finally broached a serious topic, "Next month, I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?"

She only smiled in response, "Anyway, you should be very pleased."

A prime time drama was airing on the TV. Lu Nian, feeling somewhat sleepy, watched it without much interest. Suddenly, her smile faded as she remembered something, "About my father..."

"He won't be coming back for the time being," he said.

Lu Zhihong had been permanently banished from Ancheng. He was afraid she might think he acted unilaterally, so he added, "You can visit him whenever you want to."

Lu Nian exhaled softly, "Without me, he would probably lead a better life."

Lu Zhihong's attitude towards her had completely disillusioned her, revealing the bitter truth that there wasn't an ounce of paternal affection towards her. What he favored more were money, power, and status.

She had already done her utmost, fulfilling her moral obligations.

After the altercation with Lu Zhihong that day at Nanqiao, she could feel that the last remnants of attachment and affection she had for him had departed.

After this profound and complete breakthrough, she had finally reclaimed herself, being Lu Nian and not Lu Nian anymore.

Towards Lu Zhihong, not a shred of residual affection remained.

The publication plan for "Black and White" was progressing smoothly. The editor had received a sample copy and called to arrange a time to visit Lu Nian, wishing to show it to her and discuss some matters face-to-face.

Lu Nian happened to be free that afternoon.

So, without hesitation, they settled on that time.

The neighborhood was lined with high-end villas. Hu Ruchu found her way according to the address given by Lu Nian. As she parked and walked, she marveled at the luxury of the place, not expecting Lu Nian to reside in such an upscale area.

However, considering the payment Lu Nian received for her drafts, and the upcoming fee for her new manuscript, Hu the editor felt a sense of relief.

She had indeed become a minor wealthy woman.

Able to afford a home in this area.

"Nian Nian?" she rang the doorbell. The door swiftly opened, revealing a face of porcelain perfection.

"Yes," the girl responded with a smile that reached her eyes, swinging the door wide open, "Come in."

Due to their collaboration, they had chatted extensively online, yet this was their first face-to-face meeting.

Because Lu Nian had consistently avoided discussing a book signing event, editor Hu had assumed she might be quite plain-looking. She was genuinely astonished now, seldom encountering such a beautiful girl in everyday life, who possessed a rare and pure quality, an air of innocence to the world.

As if she had been well-protected all her life, still retaining a childlike innocence mingled with youthful naivety.

It was no wonder she could create such comics.

"Here is a sample copy of 'Black and White'," editor Hu retrieved a copy from her bag, "Take a look, Nian Nian. The print quality is excellent this time."

Lu Nian accepted it.

The new book exuded a faint, fresh ink fragrance.

The scenes she had sketched years ago, each artfully depicted, now vividly manifested on paper.

Back then, she was consumed by loneliness, the woes of a young girl swirling around her, unable to find a release, hence poured all of it into her artwork.

She sat cross-legged on the sofa.

This was just the first volume, a small format comic, not particularly thick. Moreover, as she knew these drawings like the back of her hand, she quickly flipped through to the end.

"You've really done a great job," Lu Nian commented, gently closing the book, "Thank you, everyone."

"Everyone has put in a lot of effort," Hu the editor remarked, "After all, we all want a strong start with great sales figures."

She brought out a stack of letters, "These are from your readers, mostly fans of 'Black and White.'"

Since Lu Nian never disclosed her personal address, some fans who wished to send letters directed them to the editorial office of "Black and White".

In this digital age, many prefer to send her direct messages online. Those who go the extra mile to handwrite letters tend to harbor genuine affection.

"Your readers are eagerly requesting a signing event," Editor Hu couldn't resist but to try persuading her again.

"Just look at you, with such radiant beauty!"

"And such exquisite artistic skills."

"Why not host one?" she suggested, "We can immediately set up the promotional activities to support it."

Lu Nian remained silent, but this time, she did not decline outright.

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Editor Hu's eyes lit up, ready to press on with her persuasion.

A noise emanated from the doorway, indicating someone's entrance.

Upon seeing the man entering, Editor Hu paused momentarily, then turned towards Lu Nian with an inquisitive gaze.

"He's my boyfriend," Lu Nian clarified.

Qin Si usually speaks sparingly and appears aloof in front of strangers.

He stood there silently, his gaze fixed on Lu Nian.

"Wait for me, I'm discussing work. I'll be with you shortly," Lu Nian stood up and mouthed silently to him.

He perceived her message, silently acquiescing.

Voluntarily, he retreated to the study, granting them privacy.

The man was tall and slender, possessing a pair of clear, stunning phoenix eyes and a captivating aura, albeit appearing somewhat indifferent, remarkably unapproachable.

Hu Ruchu touched her chin, feeling a sense of familiarity as she scrutinized him.

"Could it be?" a chill suddenly passed through Hu Ruchu's eyes, "That guy! The legendary inspiration for the character?"

Lu Nian, "..."

Felt slightly dizzy from her fervent shaking.

When she drew, she primarily captured the essence rather than physical likeness; Hei and Qin Si didn't resemble each other that much. Moreover, comic characters naturally differ from real people, and the background settings in the "Black and White" series varied, not solely confined to modern contexts.

It was the essence that she managed to capture almost perfectly.

Particularly during his adolescent years, that stubborn and arrogant demeanor, which could still be faintly discerned in the man he was now,

Allowed Editor Hu to recognize it instantly.

The creator channeled their feelings onto the canvas, vibrant and fervent, intertwined with a young girl's purity and shyness, making each depiction vividly lifelike.

Only profound affection could give birth to so many diverse portrayals of him.

And only deep affection could reproduce someone's essence so accurately.

Seeing that he had indeed retreated to the study and closed the door, Lu Nian whispered to Editor Hu, "Well, the inspiration for this series actually stems from our past experiences."

It's a love letter from a young girl, transcending so many lengthy years.

It's actually true... Hu Ruchu felt like she had stumbled upon a big scoop.

Online, there had been speculations that characters in "Black and White" were based on real individuals. However, Lu Nian remained low-key, rarely discussing her personal life, and even more so, refrained from posting personal photos. This tendency intensified as her fame grew.

After gaining fame, Lu Nian deleted many of her early posts, making them inaccessible to everyone except the earliest batch of fans.

Those ancient pieces of information are gradually disappearing from the internet, except for some snippets saved by individuals in screenshots.

Nowadays, a casual search about the prototypes of "Black and White" will yield fifty different versions, encompassing all kinds of narratives.

"So, regarding the significant change in the artistic style of Black and White later on..." Editor Hu began, realizing midway that she had spoken out of turn.

With a gentle smile curving her lips, Lu Nian reassured, "It doesn't matter anymore."

Although Qin Si still hasn't clarified the specifics of those three years,

Lu Nian had a hunch and approximately figured out what happened. She couldn't bear to pressure him further.

Perhaps, when she can offer him a sense of complete security, he will open up about it voluntarily.

"If there's still enough time," Lu Nian said softly, "I'm willing to organize this signing event."

Time seemed to pass slowly during the summer.

The days were long, and even at six or seven in the evening, the streets were bustling, devoid of any hints of the approaching dusk.

Su Qingyou sat by the window in a coffee shop, quietly awaiting someone.

The Zhao family had been in turmoil recently. Despite Zhao Quan reprimanding Zhao Tingyuan fiercely, he didn't rebuke Su Qingyou extensively, considering she was his daughter-in-law and had just given birth to his grandchild.

Only that the previous task of overseeing the development of the Nanqiao project continued.

Without any leniency, Zhao Quan halted Zhao Tingyuan's involvement, stating that they would revisit it once Ya Yuan recovered and wished to resume her role.

The issues at the raw material factory were uncovered, leaving Jiang Wenyan exceedingly furious.

"The good news," Su Qingyou told Zhao Tingyuan in a calm tone, "is that mother is not yet aware of our connection with Lu Zhihong. The bad news is that Lu Zhihong is currently in Qin Si's custody."

Zhao Tingyuan looked utterly defeated, his face adorned with a scruffy beard and eyes tinged with bloodshot lines, resembling a cornered beast devoid of any way out. "What should we do? Eliminate him?"

Su Qingyou sighed almost imperceptibly, "He's constantly under surveillance by Qin Si's men, it's practically impossible to make a move."

Zhao Tingyuan's lips quivered slightly.

Beset with irritation.

That name again.

He couldn't fathom how he, once a penniless boy with nothing to his name, had climbed to his current stature, to a point where they were now utterly unable to act against him.

"Tingyuan, the decision is yours to make," Su Qingyou said calmly, "There are two options: abandon your ambitions and retreat now while it's still possible. The Zhao family will support you, and we have Xiuyi; raising the child, life will quickly pass by."

Zhao Tingyuan roared softly, "I cannot accept this."

"Alternatively, keep going," Su Qingyou remarked, her gaze drifting to a distant place, murmuring almost to herself, "using other means."

The coffee had grown cold.

Su Qingyou finally met the person she had been waiting for.

The man appeared at the doorway, presumably just left the office, dressed in a white shirt and trousers, sans a tie, his features calm and demeanor cold.

Su Qingyou spoke, "Tingyuan wants to back down."

The man's thin lips curled into a faint arc, icily responding, "Isn't it a bit late for that?"

"Often, there is no right or wrong, merely a matter of perspective," Su Qingyou said, "Maintaining some leeway is a principle of life. Mr. Qin, being as astute as you are, surely you comprehend this principle, don't you?"

"I do not adhere to such principles," he replied coldly.

His methods were always ruthless, subscribing to the belief that if you choose to act, eradicate the problem at its roots.

He glanced at the time, clearly growing impatient with her reluctance to get to the point, "Tell me, what has happened to Zhao Yayuan?"

At this moment, Lu Nian should have returned home, he needed to hurry to be with her.

"I love Zhao Tingyuan, and you love Lu Nian. However, this time, the victory might be yours," Su Qingyou uttered, "Yet, I wish to remind you once more, your relationship is unhealthy."

"Your personality is far too extreme, radical. The day Lu Nian shows signs of loathing towards you, or reveals her feelings were not of love, you might just destroy both her and yourself," she said, her tone gentle and composed.

She spoke quietly, emanating a graceful and virtuous demeanor.

"You've harbored a crush on her for many years, haven't you?" Su Qingyou said, her expression neutral, "Pitiable, keeping all the things you've done for her to yourself."

"Fear of receiving no reciprocation, perhaps," she continued, "A consequence of a pitiful pride."

He was the proudest man she had ever encountered, pride ingrained in his very bones.

Unyielding, independent, and mature beyond his years, relying on no one, he had made it this far. Apart from the love and affectionate longing he held for Lu Nian, it seemed he desired nothing else, seeking nothing.

Long ago, Su Qingyou had ceased attempts to approach him, knowing it would be futile. Qin Si detested people like her the most, capable of discerning sincerity from pretense. Essentially, they were of the same kind, naturally repelling one another.

After articulating those words,

The expression on the man's face across her did not undergo any noticeable change.

He retorted coldly, "Are you done?"

"Dare you claim that Lu Nian loves you?" Su Qingyou also stood up.

"Whether she loves me or not is her business. My love for her is enough, as long as she allows me to stay by her side," the man replied calmly, "Discussing this with me is pointless."

Su Qingyou's face turned a shade paler.

She hadn't anticipated that he would be willing to place himself in such a humble position.

She had assumed that, given Qin Si's deep affection for her and his personality, if Lu Nian did not reciprocate equally, he would eventually reach his limit and act impulsively.

The relationship between them seemed fundamentally unstable, like a castle in the air, with one party caring too much, investing excessively, while the other remained naive and unaware. If the latter realized the depth and insanity of that affection, she might get frightened and want to withdraw.

This was the outcome Su Qingyou wished to see.

The man's eyelashes fluttered slightly, "Focus on your own affairs."

With a smirk that wasn't quite a smile, he left a final remark, the words carrying a subtle undertone of menace, "If I find out that you've been saying such things to her..."

The bell atop the café door rang as it was shut.

Su Qingyou sat down, her face pale, her hands clenched tightly beneath her sleeves.

Was she left with no option but to take a gamble?

She felt somewhat at a loss.

Were her assumptions incorrect?

Lu Nian had quite a few classes today.

The school organized an ancient literature seminar, and her fond professor insisted on her participation.

Hence, along with a few doctoral seniors from the same discipline and her, a group gathered and the meeting extended into the evening.

Her supervisor had always been lenient, allowing her to enjoy a relaxed graduate study period, balancing it perfectly with her passion for drawing.

Lu Nian hadn't expected it to get so late; she could only send Qin Si a message, notifying him that she wouldn't be home for dinner and would return quite late.

She had initially planned to be with him as soon as her afternoon classes ended.

All he responded was with a "Hmm."

He has been busy with work lately, and she has been engrossed in preparing for the book signing event, often spending half the day in the study room. Coupled with school responsibilities, the two have found little time to spend together.

Gone were the days when they could cling to each other daily, indulging in all sorts of playful antics.

Lu Nian knew, although unspoken, that he enjoyed her companionship immensely.

Unexpectedly, she had stood him up again today.

Finally, as the clock neared ten in the evening, the seminar came to an end. Lu Nian could feel nothing but aches and pains from sitting for so long.

To her surprise, rain had begun to fall outside.

The summer night's rain arrived swiftly, the droplets pouring down like a waterfall, shrouding the outside in darkness. Perhaps due to the approaching autumn, the rain carried a hint of chill with it.

A refreshing, sudden downpour caught her off guard.

Although Lu Nian had brought an umbrella, she was a young woman and lived quite a distance away.

Ding Xueying suggested, "Nian Nian, why not ask your senior to drive you home?"

"My boyfriend is coming to pick me up," Lu Nian checked her phone and smiled warmly, "No need."

He should be close by now.

He had said he would come to get her.

The group stood under the eave of the teaching building, waiting. From a distance, headlights pierced through the rainy night.

He hadn't asked the driver to come; he drove himself. Despite the pouring rain, a tall figure emerged from the car, holding a black umbrella.

This was Ding Xueying's first time seeing him, and she was somewhat stunned.

She whispered to Lu Nian, "Is he a new boyfriend?"

She had always thought there was something going on between her and Zhao Ya Yuan. Rumors, once widespread, naturally gained credibility.

Lu Nian looked somewhat surprised, "No, there's only him; we're each other's first love."

"Let's go," she bid farewell to the group.

Ding Xueying remained rooted to the spot, captivated by the man's dark, handsome eyes that gave her a fleeting glance, evoking the sensation of being submerged in icy water.

"It's quite late today," Lu Nian murmured, "I didn't expect it to be this late."

He held the umbrella for her, his fingers slender and clean grasping the handle, the faint blue veins on the back of his hand subtly visible. Lu Nian could faintly sense an unusual vibe from him, as if he was not very pleased.

Lu Nian asked, "Is something wrong?"

It couldn't be because she returned too late, he wasn't that petty.

Could something have happened?

The sound of the rain was loud, and there were hardly any pedestrians around. The entire An University campus seemed to have fallen into a profound silence.

He remained silent, the quiet night punctuated only by the pervasive sound of rain.

Lu Nian intended to open the passenger door, but he suddenly paused, and instead opened the back seat door with one hand.

Before Lu Nian could react, she found herself enveloped in a kiss.

A curtain of rain obscured the view outside the window, plunging everything into darkness, the headlights remained off.

He didn’t hesitate, kissing her directly, as if trying to assert something vehemently.

Lu Nian wrapped her small hands around his waist, her palms gently caressing his upright back, she soothingly asked, “What’s wrong?”

She was not used to this side of him and didn't know what had come over him today. However, witnessing this different aspect of him occasionally seemed quite nice.

In the darkness, his expression was unreadable, his eyes downcast. It took a while before he finally said, “...Do they all know Zhao Ya Yuan?”

Remembering Ding Xueying's words, Lu Nian decided to be honest, “His university is very close to An University. He used to visit me often during those years, so they probably know him.”

His fingers tightened at the recollection of the words spoken by the woman surnamed Su in the evening.

He said nothing and made no further moves.

Since childhood, he had told himself not to harbor too many expectations.

Going home without seeing her, he found himself engulfed in numerous thoughts.

Ultimately, he realized that he could no longer return to his previous state of mind and condition.

"But why does it matter if they know him? I only like you," Lu Nian blinked her eyes, "I have never liked anyone else."

He couldn't bear to hear her say such things. He seldom faced her confessions directly, and suddenly hearing it now, he felt a surge of embarrassment, yet a deep, unspoken affection welled up inside him.

"So forward today?" Lu Nian teased with a smile.

At some point, their positions had switched, and Lu Nian, now comfortably embracing him, playfully asked, “So, you prefer kissing in places like this?”

Before, at the hotel, he had remained silent due to shyness, afraid that noises might be heard outside. Now here they were on the street, daringly kissing her without fear of being seen.

Suddenly, she became aware of their current situation.

His ears turned a bright red, and his body stiffened. His long eyelashes drooped as he quickly pulled away from her.

“If you want to kiss, let's wait until we get back,” Lu Nian whispered into his ear before finally stopping.

Qin Si was too shy, often unresponsive, so she rarely had the opportunity to get close to him.

Seizing the moment, she orchestrated a sweet yet surrendering agreement, gently kissing the corner of his eye before finally letting him go.