Chapter 82: Dating

Chapter 82: Dating

Not long after that night, Qin Si faced the college entrance examination.

In July, when the results were announced, he was working a part-time job. Lu Yunhua, who was on leave at home, remembered that the results were to be declared that day, and made a timely call to inquire about Qin Si's score.

Upon learning the score, Lu Yunhua couldn't contain his joy, exclaiming, "I knew this boy would make us proud!"

"Let's dine out tonight, and Nian Nian can learn a thing or two from Xiao Qin," Lu Yunhua arranged for dinner, a celebration involving their family and Qin Si, instructing Gan Shu, "Let Nian Nian know later."

Lu Nian was at her art studio, not at home.

Gan Shu teased him, saying, "He's not your child, yet you're so thrilled."

Lu Yunhua responded, "Since Qin Si no longer has any relatives, if he is willing, it wouldn't hurt for Nian Nian to have an older brother."

In truth, this thought had crossed his mind earlier, particularly after learning about Qin Si's background.

Considering Lu Nian's gentle disposition and their advancing age and declining health when they had her, they would find peace of mind if she had a brother to lean on in the future.

They were certainly capable of supporting two children, and regardless of this arrangement, they would naturally assist Qin Si financially during his university years if needed.

However, if Qin Si was agreeable, Lu Yunhua wouldn't mind expanding their family by one more member.

Gan Shu noted, "He's grown up now; he surely has his own thoughts on the matter."

She chuckled, suggesting, "Instead of adopting him, perhaps you should consider the prospect of gaining a son-in-law."

This idea brightened Lu Yunhua's eyes, "Indeed, the boy is not only good-looking but also has a fine character and capabilities. It would be splendid if Nian Nian could marry someone like him."

Gan Shu shared his sentiment but playfully dampened his enthusiasm, "A coerced match won't be sweet. Don't meddle too much."

Lu Yunhua sighed, "I was just contemplating, if there's no fate, then let it be."

Over the past year of senior high school, they had gradually begun to regard Qin Si as their own child.

Both Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu were genuinely good people in the conventional sense. As privileged intellectuals who had not experienced much hardship, they knew little about Qin Si's childhood. However, as time went on and Qin Si shared fragments of his past, they began to piece together the trajectory of his early life.

Qin Si grew up in an orphanage, and following a disagreement with a foster family, he chose not to seek adoption again. As he grew older, he decided to leave the orphanage and forge his own path.

Qin Si mentioned that the house he is currently residing in belongs to someone else, and he is only overseeing it temporarily. However, he didn't elaborate further.

Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu are individuals of great refinement. Noticing his reluctance to continue the discussion, they refrained from asking further questions.

In the afternoon, when Lu Nian returned from the studio, it was swelteringly hot outside, and she was slightly sweaty. Without even taking the time to enjoy the air conditioning upon entering the home, she immediately inquired while taking off her shoes, "Dad, Mom, my seniors at the studio said the scores have been released. How did Qin Si perform?"

Lu Yunhua took his daughter's drawing board from her, giving her a reassuring pat on the back, "We can start celebrating early."

"We've reserved a dinner outside; we will invite Qin Si to join us tonight," Gan Shu chimed in.

Lu Nian's eyes sparkled brilliantly, "Great!"

Indeed, as long as he was willing, studying wasn't an issue at all, a stark contrast to her who lacked such natural aptitude.

A smile that she couldn't contain spread across her face, but remembering his request for a reward made her cheeks suddenly flush with warmth.

Recalling the conversation she had with Lu Yunhua earlier in the day, Gan Shu teased Lu Nian jokingly, "He's so outstanding that your father is even considering adopting him to have another son."

The smile on Lu Nian's face momentarily froze.

Adoption?

Wouldn't that make Qin Si her brother?

Yet... recalling the events of that night, she couldn't help but blush.

"That won't do," she rejected the idea outright, without a second thought.

"I thought you two got along well?" Gan Shu asked, finding her daughter's staunch objection peculiar.

"I just don't want it to happen," Lu Nian insisted, playfully clinging to Gan Shu.

"Alright, alright, we know how spoiled you are by us," Gan Shu said affectionately, stroking her daughter's hair. "You've been so pampered at home; I wonder where you'll find a husband who will indulge you the same."

"Then, I simply won't marry," Lu Nian mumbled ambiguously, nestling herself into the sofa.

Gan Shu considered her words as child's play, her gaze distant, "That young man, Qin Si, I believe he will be a loving husband in the future."

He is highly capable and independent, entirely different from their spoiled and pampered daughter.

In fact, Gan Shu had an open-minded outlook on the matter.

If Qin Si truly developed affection for her daughter, it wouldn't be a bad outcome. After all, they were familiar with his background. Furthermore, his striking appearance and stable personality made him promising in Gan Shu's eyes, seemingly a perfect match for Nian.

If it wasn't meant to be, then they would simply cherish the good relationship they had built with him, expecting nothing in return.

Unaware of these considerations, Lu Nian bounced up from the sofa, eagerly steering the conversation in another direction.

In the evening, Qin Si returned from his part-time job and headed directly to the restaurant, where the three members of the Lu family had already arrived.

Lu Nian was engrossed in her phone, the chat group from her studio was buzzing incessantly, with messages piling up to 99+ in just a short time.

"The passing score threshold must be dropping this year! The questions were so tough, I feel like I'm doomed."

"I'm in tears. I've scored around last year's threshold, I've been scared out of my wits recently, hoping to pass."

Lu Nian silently scrolled through the messages, foreseeing that she would be in the same state next year, anxiously waiting for the release of the score cut-offs.

Their group consisted primarily of art students, naturally unable to match up to Qin Si's scores. She recalled that terrifyingly high score he achieved.

Indeed, people are not created equal.

Once again, she harbored resentful thoughts internally.

The young man sat opposite her, not as ecstatic as others imagined.

The preferred universities remained those they had discussed earlier. The schools had already contacted them. Temporarily, Lu Yunhua assumed the role of coordinating with the admission office of Qin Si's dream institution, handling matters pertaining to the choice of major.

Given the extraordinarily high scores, the school was eager to recruit him, hence facilitating the coordination of his major preferences.

After hanging up the phone, Lu Yunhua felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. After all, this was a school he couldn't aspire to in his youth. Now, he savored the exhilarating shift from being in a seller's market to a buyer's market.

Lu Nian was also listening by the side, her eyes wide in admiration. Since childhood, she had envied those with intellect and good academic performance.

He didn't show much excitement when he received the call initially, and his emotions remained subdued throughout the negotiation process.

It wasn't until everything was settled that Qin Si glanced at her gazing at him in this manner, feeling a warmth spread across his face and somewhat awkwardly returned to his seat.

Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu were genuinely happy for him, treating him as if he were their own child.

During his senior year, their family took care of him without reservation, a kindness he deeply felt.

Without parents, Qin Si found the kindness bestowed upon him by Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu slightly overwhelming, especially knowing deep down his feelings towards their daughter.

Lu Nian still had a year before her college entrance exams.

Disturbing her at this critical juncture, as a way to reciprocate their kindness, seemed unthinkable.

He couldn't bring himself to do such a thing, at least not at the cost of disrupting her college entrance examinations.

Lu Nian didn't notice the fluctuations in his emotions.

After dinner, the four of them walked out of the restaurant together.

Lu Yunhua deliberately slowed his pace a bit, allowing Gan Shu and Lu Nian to walk ahead, leaving him and Qin Si trailing behind.

After hesitating for a moment, Lu Yunhua decided to broach the subject, "Xiao Qin, living in the capital can be quite expensive, and you'll be there for four years. Will your finances suffice?"

He deliberately chose a moment when Gan Shu and Lu Nian were not around to ask this, adopting a tactful tone to preserve the young man's pride.

Lu Yunhua is indeed a good person.

Qin Si was aware that his personality wasn't one that generally endeared people. In his dreams, he was indeed in a relationship with her, together despite numerous obstacles and criticisms. He suspected he might not win the favor of Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu, at least not if he intended to marry their daughter.

However.

Under the setting sun, Lu Nian was walking a bit ahead of them, her silhouette just so, an image that had graced his dreams millions of times.

...

He politely declined Lu Yunhua's generous offer.

He wasn't in dire need of money; at the very least, he could comfortably handle his current living expenses.

Particularly since they had already provided him with so much support in life, he couldn't possibly accept more financial help.

In late July, the admission results came out, and he indeed achieved what he had hoped for.

Lu Nian was at home when she heard the news.

The first thing that came to her mind was that sultry night before the college entrance examination when he asked her if he could receive a reward if he got admitted.

Lu Nian's face turned a shy shade of red.

... A reward? What could she possibly offer as a reward? A gift of some kind? Or perhaps words of praise?

Recalling the way he looked at her back then, she rolled over, burying her flushed face into her pillow, deciding not to entertain such thoughts anymore.

To tell the truth.

She realized that her feelings towards him were not of dislike.

She sat upright, hugging the large teddy bear in her arms.

What if... Qin Si confessed his feelings to her?

Would she accept?

After considering it seriously for a while, she arrived at a decisive conclusion: she would.

However, what she didn't anticipate was...

The last time she would see Qin Si was in August when he left Ancheng to go north for university.

However, during this encounter, he didn't bring up the matter of the reward he mentioned last time.

Being a girl, and naturally a bit more reserved, she couldn't possibly bring up the topic since Qin Si didn't. Hence, their final meeting passed in a tranquil and uneventful manner.

Lu Nian advanced to senior year, becoming exceptionally busy as the art college entrance exams and the national college entrance exams were fast approaching.

In December, right after participating in the provincial art joint examination, she had to attend another entrance examination at the school she applied to, followed by the college entrance examination.

During this time, her eighteenth birthday also arrived.

Lu Nian had just finished her joint examination, feeling utterly drained and excessively weary, devoid of any mood to celebrate her birthday.

After all, the Lu family had always indulged her while she was growing up. For her eighteenth birthday, although she personally didn't wish to celebrate, they naturally prepared to host a proper celebration at home.

It was a weekend, a rainy day. She holed up in the studio painting all day, from the moment the doors opened at eight in the morning until three in the afternoon, when she began to feel somewhat dizzy from the prolonged focus. She packed her backpack, ready to rush home from the studio.

After all, she needed to return home for dinner. Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu had planned a small birthday gathering for her, even though only the three of them would be in attendance.

She had received quite a few gifts, big and small. Some were from friends, while others were from boys attempting to woo her. She accepted the former but returned all the latter.

Her mood wasn't particularly good, especially when thinking of a certain individual who had been gone for half a year.

Perhaps due to the hustle and bustle of university life, midway through, Qin Si would call the Lu family every month to update them on his recent experiences and studies. However, his approach seemed wholly formal, devoid of any personal messages for her.

The messages he sent her privately were also completely impersonal, only discussing homework problems and inquiring about her studies.

She felt somewhat stifled, wondering if the events of that night and the words he spoke were to be considered as if they never occurred.

Or had he simply found new interests upon entering university?

Outside, the drizzle continued without any sign of intensifying or ceasing. Lu Nian, too lethargic to search for an umbrella, decided to head home as she was.

Before she could leave the school, her phone in her pocket suddenly rang. Assuming it was Gan Shu asking about her return time, she answered languidly, only to widen her eyes upon hearing the voice on the other end.

She double-checked the caller ID, confirming that it was indeed someone who had been absent for a long time. "Why are you calling me?" she asked.

"...Where are you now?"

Lu Nian responded, "I just left the studio. Why are you asking?"

"Look to your left."

Lu Nian, "...?"

With a puzzled lift of her head, her expression gradually froze.

There stood the young man in the rain, holding an umbrella, looking tall and refined. He approached her, extending the umbrella to shield her.

Lu Nian was utterly stunned, standing rooted to the spot. She asked him, her tone rapid and anxious, "...Why are you back? Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

She remembered that at this time, universities hadn't yet broken for holidays.

"I don't have classes for the next couple of days," said Qin Si.

In reality, he did have classes but he had chosen to skip them.

Initially, he hadn't planned to disturb her before her college entrance exam.

But, he had been missing her incessantly.

Naturally, he remembered the date of Lu Nian's eighteenth birthday and had already prepared a gift well in advance, intending to send it by mail. However, as he lay in bed that day, he suddenly found himself engulfed by an overwhelming longing for her, a feeling so intense it couldn't be set aside.

Moreover, it spiraled uncontrollably, and in the wee hours, he simply purchased a flight ticket to return to Ancheng, then without hesitation headed straight to her school to find her.

It was as if he were under some spell.

His roommates, fully aware of the reason behind his return, encouraged him wholeheartedly, reassuring him that they would keep an eye on things at the school and that he needn't worry about attendance or homework.

"I'll leave tomorrow," he declared.

His visit would be brief, only lasting for a night before he caught the morning flight back to school the next day.

Walking beside him, Lu Nian remarked, "What's the point of coming back then? Airline tickets are quite expensive nowadays."

He subtly pursed his lips, remaining silent, with no hints of regret or an inclination to explain his actions.

Lu Nian muttered under her breath, "Fool."

Yet, her spirit seemed to lift suddenly, giving way to a blossoming joy.

"Are you planning to meet my parents later?" she queried.

The young man paused momentarily before murmuring, "Perhaps not."

In reality, his spontaneous return was merely to see her, to wish her a happy birthday, without further expectations.

Perhaps it's because he felt guilty, during such times, meeting Luyunhua and Ganshu, he seemed somewhat uneasy.

They had no particular agenda. Qin Si, usually a man of few words, seemed even more reticent now, lending a chilly air to their interaction.

"Happy Birthday," he uttered.

He accompanied her all the way home. Though the journey was brief to begin with, it now seemed to race towards its conclusion in the blink of an eye.

An impulsive thought struck Lu Nian just as she anticipated his next words would likely be a farewell.

"How about catching a movie?" she proposed.

"There's a new release that I've been eager to watch," Lu Nian continued, "But I've been swamped with painting and reading, nearly driven to madness. The film is only eighty minutes."

"It's fine to watch it nearby; the theatre is within walking distance."

Lu Nian had never before watched a movie alone with a male peer; her usual companions were girlfriends or a mixed group of friends. It always felt a tad peculiar seeing other pairs, seemingly all couples, in the cinema, while they were the exception.

Finding good seats at this hour, especially on short notice, seemed unlikely.

However, given the cinema's high pricing and the film's niche genre and off-peak timing, they managed to secure two adjacent seats.

A date...

The thought spontaneously dawned on her.

It seems like a date.

The traditional hallmarks of a date, after all, are things like watching a movie, visiting amusement parks or aquariums, and the like.

He couldn't possibly think that she was hinting at something, could he?

Lu Nian's mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts along the way, while the young man appeared serene, seemingly unencumbered by overthinking.

The cinema was warm, courtesy of the heating. She purchased a hot beverage, sipping it slowly as they entered the theater, gradually feeling a comforting warmth enveloping her.

The film was an art-house piece, chosen by Lu Nian somewhat randomly, spurred only by a few remarks from her art teacher about its unique aesthetic style and appealing poster design, suggesting it might be of interest for students considering a future in the field.

Although the artistry in the film was indeed commendable, the movie itself was, to be frank, rather dull. Lu Nian found herself struggling to stave off drowsiness halfway through.

She had been truly exhausted these days.

Especially with the unified exams looming, her days were filled with relentless painting, managing only an average of six hours of sleep nightly. She couldn't abandon her academic subjects entirely, periodically picking them back up for review. Coupled with her self-doubt and uncertainty about the future, it felt as if a heavy burden weighed upon her, leaving her somewhat breathless.

Yet now, in his company, she found herself feeling oddly at ease, for reasons she couldn't fathom.

It had been an exceptionally long time since she had allowed herself a break amidst her exam preparations.

The theater's warmth held the chill of the outside world at bay. Having finished her hot drink, she could feel a delightful warmth spreading through her.

The cinema seats were broad and comfortable, making for a cosy nest to doze off in.

The soundtrack of the movie wasn't the least bit stirring, instead offering a series of soothing melodies that further encouraged sleep.

Clearly, it wasn't the kind of film that would capture Qin Si's interest.

Barely twenty minutes into the film, he habitually glanced sideways, observing his companion.

The young girl had already drifted to sleep, the changing light of the film casting a gentle glow on her fair complexion, highlighting her long, curled eyelashes and flawless cheeks. The faint mark of a pencil streak, an innocent vestige of an earlier artistic endeavor, adorned her right cheek.

She seemed vibrantly adorable, yet reassuringly within reach.

Lu Nian slept deeply, in a sweet and fragrant slumber.

Eventually, feeling somewhat satiated with sleep, she awoke to find the cinema engulfed in darkness, leaving her momentarily disoriented, wondering if she had slept through till evening.

She realized suddenly that she was enveloped in warmth and, reaching down, discovered an additional garment draped over her - Qin Si's jacket. It wrapped her in cozy warmth, its collar retaining a hint of his crisp and clean scent.

She tugged gently at the garment, blinking her eyes in the darkness.

In the dim light, his profile appeared exceptionally handsome.

A distinctly ambiguous proximity.

"Is it over?" she whispered to him, her voice tinged with a fresh morning laziness, a touch huskier than usual.

He said in a low voice, "Twenty minutes more."

Inside the dimly lit cinema, she couldn't make out his expression. Yet, she felt the pleasant scent that came with him as he leaned closer. For the first time, so close that it seemed a mere bow of his head would meet her forehead.

Moreover, she was still enveloped in his jacket.

Lu Nian's face flushed.

At this moment, she finally understood why cinemas are said to be breeding grounds for ambiguous emotions; the description couldn't be more apt.

…

The movie finally came to an end and the lights brightened. Lu Nian returned his jacket to him.

Outside, it seemed the rain had intensified.

She glanced at the time, precisely five o'clock, the moment for her to head back for dinner.

Qin Si wasn't accompanying her back.

After the refreshing nap in the cinema, she felt slightly rejuvenated, yet she still stood pitifully by the door.

Her eyes, naturally beautiful, appeared even more enchanting amidst the misty rain, lending her a delicate, ethereal allure that beckoned empathy.

As she gazed at him...

He, who had finally managed to decide on leaving, found his defenses crumbling effortlessly within a moment.

For the first time, Lu Nian was embraced by him. Different from before, this was a genuine, voluntary embrace. His arms encircled her slender waist, pulling her tightly against him. Lu Nian buried her face in his chest, inhaling his scent and soaking in the warmth of his embrace.

Her voice muffled, she confessed, "I don't know if I can make it. My drawings are not very good... Just yesterday, the teacher criticized my perspective drawing, and I feel I didn't perform well in the entrance exam."

"Furthermore, it's been a long time since I last read any books. What if I fail the academic subjects when I return after the school exam?"

She harbored these concerns in her heart, unable to share them with Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu.

After all, they had invested so much love and effort in her, showering her with all their affection. She had already let them down once academically, and now, she wanted nothing more than to excel in this endeavor.

It was also a pact she had made with Qin Si.

Qin Si had flawlessly upheld his end of the agreement, yet she felt she was still a long way off from fulfilling her part.

He remained silent, his comforting strength and warmth gradually emanating from his embrace.

Direct physical contact sometimes possessed this magical power. Pouring out all her concerns to him, even knowing that he wasn't adept at comforting others or offering sweet words, she felt significantly soothed.

"What if I don't get admitted?" she asked.

"Will you despise me?" she inquired with a pitiable tone.

"No," he responded promptly.

"But if I don't get admitted, I will have to stay in Ancheng," Lu Nian said, "Such a vast distance..."

Qin Si responded, "I will graduate as soon as possible and come back to be with you."

His voice was as calm and reassuring as usual.

"Even before graduation, I will come back whenever I can."

Lu Nian felt much better, although the corners of her eyes were still slightly red. Suddenly feeling a late wave of shyness, she retorted, "Who asked for your company?"

No confessions had been made, nothing at all.

The young man didn't continue.

She nestled her cheek into his chest, gently rubbing against him, feeling as if she wished to never let go.

…

After parting with Qin Si, she went home.

Gan Shu had already prepared the meals.

She enjoyed an exceptionally lavish meal. Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu had prepared an eighteenth birthday gift for their daughter. It was just unfortunate that it happened at this time, or they would have definitely thrown her a grand celebration.

"Xiao Qin sent this back for you." After dinner, Lu Yunhua handed her a box.

It was a set of drawing supplies she had always admired, but had never purchased due to its steep price.

Lu Nian smiled, her lips pressed together, and carefully stored the box away.

She did not intend to use them just yet. Once she gets admitted and starts her new life, she thought.

She would use them to create a painting, one for him.

Time flew by amidst her busy schedule.

Everything unfolded in an orderly manner. Lu Nian attended the school examinations and immersed herself in her books to review her subjects as soon as they were over.

To be honest, after half a year of intensive training without attending regular classes, she found it a bit challenging to catch up with the curriculum.

Fortunately, she had Qin Si.

For the first time, she realized that he was astonishingly versatile.

Moreover, in his presence, she didn't need to be reserved, and could ask even the silliest questions without hesitation.

In the evening during her revision, she would connect with him over the microphone, and he would personally explain things to her.

His voice was very pleasant to listen to. Having gone past his voice break period, it carried a hint of mature masculinity. The subtle static noise accompanying his deep and magnetic voice, transmitted through the headset, made it sound even more captivating.

As if whispering beside her ear.

Usually worn out from relentless studying.

Sometimes, after finishing her studies, she wouldn't hang up before going to sleep at night, simply staying connected, longing to hear him speak a few more words.

Those were the hardest and most determined three months she had ever experienced thus far.

Until everything came to an end.

When Lu Nian saw him again, she almost couldn't restrain herself from rushing into his arms.

"I did it too!" her eyes sparkled, unable to contain her joy.

In the following four years, they could spend time together; she got into the school she had long admired, and all her efforts finally paid off.

The day Lu Nian received her admission notification, Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu were especially delighted.

When Qin Si came back for the summer vacation, they repeatedly reminded him with numerous instructions.

Qin Si had already spent a year in college, and his ability to take care of himself was robust, with a calm and steady disposition. Lu Yunhua trusted him immensely, "Xiao Qin, please keep a close eye on Nian Nian."

"She has been spoiled by us at home, not knowing much about the outside world, lacking some self-sufficiency skills."

Qin Si was completely different from her. Due to his upbringing, he had been independent since childhood, capable of handling matters on his own outside.

He agreed to each of their requests.

"They are off to college now," Gan Shu sighed, "I wonder if they will start dating others?"

She hoped that they would end up together, but knew that love cannot be forced; it all comes down to destiny.

Lu Yunhua said, "If she really ends up with Xiao Qin, I would be entirely at ease."

After spending so much time together, his assessment of Qin Si's capabilities and character was exceptionally high.

During her first semester at university, Lu Nian lived quite comfortably.

Completely different from the high-pressure pace of high school, she enjoyed a free and relaxed life, studying subjects she was passionate about. Most importantly, she could see him frequently.

Lu Nian often visited Qin Si, and he would frequently come to her campus. From the time of Lu Nian's college entrance exams to now, except for the period when Qin Si was undergoing military training, the two were practically inseparable, meeting each other daily.

Lu Nian found herself increasingly reliant on him, realizing that she too could be so moved by someone.

She still remembers the very first time she saw Qin Si.

And also remembers the way he looked at her back then.

Could this be love at first sight?

Initially, she didn't believe in such a phenomenon, but now, skepticism seemed to be giving way to a budding belief.

The first semester of college concludes.

Qin Si went to the school to pick her up. The two coordinated a time to return to Ancheng together, preparing to go home as a pair. Lu Nian's school vacation started a bit earlier; she stayed in the studio, treasuring the set of painting supplies Qin Si had given her — a gift she now used sparingly, only bringing them out for exams or significant artworks.

She wasn't sure if it was because you get what you pay for, or if these tools truly were her lucky charm, but she found them remarkably easy to use, always producing excellent results with them.

Winter vacation finally arrived, albeit a bit late.

Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu greeted them at the airport.

Lu Nian had a rosiness to her white cheeks and appeared vibrant, chattering like a lively sparrow about her university experiences. Clearly, she had been well taken care of.

Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu were at ease now.

During their regular phone calls with Lu Nian, Gan Shu naturally inquired about various things, and Lu Nian answered each question dutifully. Qin Si's name had come up countless times, having assisted with many issues that they couldn't help with from afar.

Their impression of him improved even further.

Shortly after the beginning of the winter break, the Lunar New Year approached swiftly.

In the past, Lu Yunhua would take them back to their hometown for the New Year celebrations each year. However, this year was rather exceptional; not only was there severe snowstorm weather, but Lu Yunhua also had a project that encountered minor setbacks. Being responsible at work, he decided to stay in Ancheng to address the issues promptly.

Hence, they planned to celebrate the New Year in Ancheng.

They started shopping for New Year goods early in the morning. Lu Nian accompanied Gan Shu, who expertly chose several items that Lu Yunhua and Lu Nian particularly enjoyed.

After some thought, she added a few more items to the cart.

Since Qin Si lived just across the street, and the two families usually celebrated festivals together, they naturally invited him over this time. After all, the New Year was a time for family reunions and festivities; it would be quite lonely to spend it alone.

"You don't mind if mom and dad invite Xiao Qin over, do you?" Gan Shu asked, seemingly casually.

After all, Lu Nian usually disliked having guests at home, always feeling that it was best when it was just the three of them.

Lu Nian nodded eagerly. In fact, if Gan Shu hadn't brought it up, she would have subtly mentioned it later.

She had been somewhat troubled, uncertain about the right time to discuss her relationship with Qin Si with them.

Especially since she remembered that Lu Yunhua had once expressed the desire to adopt Qin Si, providing her with an older brother, a thought that now made her somewhat apprehensive.

But didn't this also indicate that their perception of Qin Si was limited to viewing him as a potential older brother for her, without considering other possibilities?

Although Qin Si hadn't formally confessed his feelings to her yet.

Once they got home, she immediately went next door to ask Qin Si, "Would you like to celebrate the New Year at our place?"

"Dad has a project that hasn't been completed yet, so we're not going back to our hometown. We'll be here; would you like to join us?" she invited him.

It would be their family of three, plus him.

The Lunar New Year celebration was exceptionally satisfying this year. Despite the hustle and bustle that usually accompanies the festive season, the addition of a young man in the house, albeit not too old, clearly proved to be more resourceful than Lu Nian, who rather quickly became the least favored member in Gan Shu’s eyes.

Although he had visited the Lu family many times, he had never entered Lu Nian's room before.

The room was adorned warmly, with beige bed linens graced by patterns of her favorite Cinnamon dog. Half-open wardrobe, plush toys scattered on the carpet, and a plethora of small trinkets unmistakably marked it as a girl’s haven.

"My mom says I'm good for nothing," Lu Nian said as she closed the door, leaping onto his back with a teasing smile. "How come you are good at everything? You make me seem completely incompetent."

He indulged her antics, instinctively awaiting her reward.

"No more," said Lu Nian.

Thus, he simply kissed her gently at the corner of her lips, cherishing the moment, and whispered softly, "I am the one who is truly worthless."

Now, she was genuinely willing to accept him along with her wonderful family, without any reservations or expectations of reciprocation.

In fact, the reality seemed even better than his dreams, leaving him somewhat lost and doubting whether he was still dreaming.

Due to his early experiences, he had always maintained a high level of defense.

He lacked any semblance of security, firmly believing that kindness from others was nothing but a temporary, ulterior motive-driven façade.

Now, his mindset had changed, giving way to feelings of inferiority and uncertainty, deeming himself unworthy of someone as good as her.

Lu Nian knew what was on his mind; her heart softened. She nestled into his embrace and let out a gentle yawn, "You are so much better than me."

"I really like you," she confessed with a silent, radiant smile.

The young man's ears tinged red as he shyly distanced himself slightly.

Sensing his embarrassment, Lu Nian became even more relentless in her teasing.

The feast was splendidly lavish.

Gan Shu had inquired early on about Qin Si's preferences and went out of her way to cater to his tastes.

Lu Yunhua enjoyed a little alcohol and poured some for Qin Si too. Though usually abstaining from alcohol, this time he joined in with a few sips.

After dinner, as the dishes were cleared away, Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu settled down to watch the Spring Festival Gala.

"You don't have to mind us," said Lu Yunhua, "Do whatever you wish. I know the young folk aren’t too fond of watching this."

Lu Nian yawned while sitting on the sofa, clutching a pillow, "Then, I'll watch something on my computer. Every channel is showing the Spring Festival Gala now."

Qin Si lived just across from her, and after returning home while Lu Yunhua and Gan Shu continued watching the Gala and sending New Year’s texts, Lu Nian changed into fresh clothes post-shower. Cozily nestled with her plush toys in her room, she booted up her laptop, laid on her bed with legs propped up, engrossed in a variety show.

Qin Si's home was just opposite hers, merely a few steps away. With the main door closed, the two households seemed virtually united as one.

Glancing at the clock, she estimated that he should have finished his shower by now. Stealthily, she opened her door to peek outside.

Laughter from Gan Shu and Lu Yunhua resonated from the living room, evidently still engrossed in the Spring Festival Gala, enjoying it immensely.

She reached for her phone and sent a message to Qin Si, "I want to come over to your place."

There was no response from Qin Si.

She watched as the typing indicator appeared and then disappeared without any message coming through. Suppressing a giggle, she continued typing, "I'll be there in five minutes!"

"Have you finished showering?" she asked.

Checking the time, it had only been about three minutes when there was a knock at the door. Lu Nian got off the bed and opened it.

He stood rigidly at the doorway, clearly not expecting Lu Nian to impulsively decide to visit him at this hour. However, it was cold outside, and warm inside. Seeing Lu Nian wearing so little, he couldn't bear to let her stay out in the cold.

Qin Si's room was as straightforward as him with just a bed, a desk, and an open laptop which illuminated the room, suggesting that he was working on a paper earlier.

He seemed to have showered already, dressed in his usual simple style — a black T-shirt and clean black hair and eyes. His handsome and immaculate features bore a serene expression, seemingly untainted by worldly matters.

Lu Nian recalled the kiss from earlier in the day that hadn't continued.

At moments like these, she couldn't resist teasing him.

It seemed like Qin Si perfectly matched her preferences, both in appearance and personality.

His desires seemed not as strong, and he never pressured her. Compared to physical intimacy, he seemed to value emotional connection and interaction more, wishing for her to rely and like him more.

"Do you still want it?" she asked softly, settling into his arms. The clean lemon scent from her hair wafted over him as she sat in a relaxed posture with her short nightgown on his quilt, her legs slightly curled up.

As the night deepened, sporadic sounds of firecrackers could be heard in the distance.

The stillness of the night shrouded many things in darkness.

Just a wall apart, Lu Nian found herself breathless in his embrace, unknowingly hitting a nerve this time.

He hadn't released her yet. In the brief moments when they caught their breath, she called out his name in a slightly frantic tone, expecting him to relent. Instead, she felt a sudden chill on her back as he pinned her between the wall and himself, sealing her lips passionately once more.

"If you keep this up, I won't like you anymore," she protested, her face flushing red with a mock complaint.

The phrase 'not like' triggered a particularly sensitive response in him.

Just like the phrase 'like'.

It seemed he could easily hear both phrases from her, taking them lightly as if it were her usual approach towards him. Yet, he found himself engulfed by waves of emotions from a single expression, gesture, or word from her, unable to control his swirling thoughts and feelings.

Their approach to this relationship, the extent to which they were bound or concerned, appeared to be vastly different.

Perhaps due to fear of loss, he often found himself mulling over this issue.

His voice was slightly hoarse as he confessed, with lowered lashes, "I like you."

"I've liked you for a long time," he admitted, turning his face away, his expression unreadable.

Luniang blinked, her eyes slowly lighting up, she hadn't expected to hear his confession so unexpectedly tonight.

He cherished her, with the intent of sharing a lifetime together.

The relentless efforts over these years were merely to be more worthy of her in the future.

Not merely seeking a fling.

She had already ensnared his affections, so, trying to extricate herself later...

“I'm not here for a fling.”

He pursed his lips, “If that's what you think, you can tell me now.”

Luniang, who was joyous just a moment ago, was caught off guard by his latter words and regained her senses from her surprise, “You dummy!”

She was both amused and frustrated, “What are you thinking? Do you think I am just playing with you? That I don't really like you? Would I treat you like this otherwise?”

What did he take her for, mistrusting her to this extent?

This argument had indeed unraveled the knots in his heart.

After hearing his words, Luniang was utterly stunned.

She hadn't considered that far ahead at all.

Yet, in Qinsi's mind, their future was already meticulously planned, not excluding her from any part of it.

Thoughts that were detailed and far-reaching, aspects she hadn't even pondered upon, he had considered them all for her.

After all, their previous time together was somewhat vague and indistinct; this formal confession brought a refreshing clarity to Luniang.

There was no need to worry about Ganshu and Luyunhua; they had always liked Qinsi, regarding him almost as their own son.

She was slightly worried that Luyunhua couldn't let go of the strange idea of adopting Qinsi, for if that were to happen, it would certainly mean she and Qinsi couldn't be together.

"I will talk to mom and dad about it," said Luniang, "let's inform them tomorrow."

She even playfully wondered how Luyunhua, who admired Qinsi so much, would react upon learning that she had 'won over' his favourite.

“You go and tell them,” Luniang said, dragging out her words playfully.

Engaging in such matters felt somewhat embarrassing and face-losing for her, especially being a girl. Besides, she had a tendency to choose laziness over effort whenever possible, habitually seeking to avoid such situations.

Qinsi responded, "Mmm, I will do it tomorrow."

"So soon?" To her surprise, Luniang didn't expect him to act with such efficiency.

The next day, as Qinsi spoke with Luyunhua and Ganshu, Luniang stood not far away. Silently listening to their conversation, she didn't utter a word, but her ears were perked up attentively.

A few minutes felt simultaneously fleeting and exceptionally long.

Gan Shu listened carefully, then burst into a light chuckle after a brief silence. This unexpected laughter bewildered Lu Nian, who, forgetting she was eavesdropping, approached swiftly, curious to know the reason behind the mirth.

"Husband, I told you so," Gan Shu giggled, lingering in her amusement, "You lost the bet. Remember the handbag you promised to buy me next month."

Lu Yunhua was distinctly vexed.

He had wagered that Lu Nian would be the first to disclose the news to them, never anticipating that it would be Qin Si who broke the news.

"That girl is both lazy and cares about saving face," Gan Shu chuckled with a hint of triumph, "I knew it would be Xiao Qin who would come forward."

Qin Si, as always, indulged her boundlessly; whatever Lu Nian wanted, she got, thus it seemed inevitable he would be the one to inform them.

Having been young once herself, and pampered by Lu Yunhua since graduation, her mindset was quite liberal. She could easily see through the affairs of the young people and understood their dynamics with just a glance.

Lu Yunhua, being a man, heaved a sigh. Initially dismissing it as Gan Shu's wild speculation, he hadn't expected her prediction to be so accurate, right down to the timing and manner.

However, upon confirmation, his primary emotion was joy, surpassing any reluctance, "That's wonderful. In the future, please take good care of our Nian Nian."

"You were even considering adopting him earlier. It's fortunate that didn't materialize," Gan Shu teased with feigned annoyance, "What would you have them do now?"

Lu Yunhua laughed awkwardly, admitting, "I didn't anticipate it would turn out like this."

He grinned, "But this is even better. After all, we'll all be one family soon."

Their family wasn't wealthy but lived a comfortable life. Lu Yunhua had witnessed Qin Si's affection for Lu Nian over time and felt reassured entrusting his daughter to a man who had proven himself worthy through close observation.

Meanwhile, Lu Nian remained rooted to the spot, stunned.

Had they known about it all along?

They had kept her in the dark, even wagering on her lifelong happiness in their bets.

She felt aggrieved, sensing her standing in the family had plummeted straight down during her semester away.

With a resentful huff, she cast aside any pretense of dignity and went straight to find Qin Si.

Typically calm and composed, even Qin Si found himself caught off guard by this peculiar turn of events, momentarily at a loss for words.

Lu Nian stealthily grasped his hand, pouting and nestling her chin on his shoulder.

No matter, in their future home, she was determined to retain the highest status.