Chapter 59: The Former Boyfriend

Chapter 59: The Former Boyfriend

Faced with the accusation, Xu Jianwen could only gape, speechless.

He naturally recognized the person standing before him. He had heard that she had changed her surname and was now called Ye Xiaoxiao.

Her features were still as striking as ever, but her demeanor had transformed dramatically.

In less than a year, the once somewhat plain and unremarkable beauty had blossomed into a proud and unyielding rose.

Xu Jianwen had a bit of a romantic streak in him.

He had been dissatisfied with Ye Xiaoxiao, yearning for freedom and longing for a romantic love story straight out of a book.

Thus, despite her beauty, he had never been moved by "Hao Xiaoxiao," who had grown up with him, lacked education, and was prone to tantrums and fits of anger.

But now, after so long apart, that fleeting glance made his heart skip a beat.

"Sister Xiaoxiao, I'm fine now. It was my fault earlier; I shouldn't have argued with my brother."

Seeing the tension between the two, Xu Jianli immediately took Ye Xiaoxiao's hand to explain.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."

This guy, who looks decent enough, is the male lead from the book.

If she were to judge him, she'd say he's not as good as Lu Hanchuan.

But he does seem quite refined.

Much gentler than Lu Hanchuan's harsh demeanor.

Ye Xiaoxiao turned to Xu Jianli and spoke gently, "But you still shouldn't get worked up. Don't argue on the way back to Beijing. Here's the medicine I prepared for you. Take it with you and boil it in water when you get back."

Xu Jianli obediently took the medicine, saying, "I understand, Sister Xiaoxiao. I'll listen to you."

Xu Jianwen's gaze shifted to Xu Jianli. Now he's quick to admit his mistakes, but who was the one stubbornly arguing earlier?

However, he didn't press Xu Jianli further about running away from home.

Facing Ye Xiaoxiao suddenly, he didn't know what to say.

Ye Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, seemed quite at ease, without the nervousness one might feel when facing a chosen one, and even a bit let down.

The male lead, after all, is just average.

Ye Xiaoxiao told Xu Jianli, "Go pack your things."

Xu Jianli: "We're not leaving today."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Then you'll have to stay at the guesthouse. I can't accommodate both of you here, and... it's not appropriate for your brother to stay here either."

Xu Jianli could only reluctantly start packing.

How annoying, why did it have to be his brother who came?

Xu Jianwen's gaze returned to Ye Xiaoxiao, "Xiao Xiao, I already know about your situation."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "It's been over half a year. You should have known long ago."

"I..."

"Since I'm not a child of the Hao family, it's a good time to clarify some things. Our previous engagement is now off, and you don't have to worry about me pestering you."

She knew the script by heart and could read his thoughts like an open book.

The leads had already met, their fates intertwined.

Rather than wait for Xu Jianwen to call off the engagement, she decided to take the lead.

Xu Jianwen felt a bit awkward seeing her so nonchalant. "I didn't know Jianli was staying with you, and I didn't come here to talk about this.

Even without the engagement, we're still childhood friends. If you need anything, I will help you."

Ye Xiaoxiao flashed a bright smile, "Let's not, someone might get jealous."

Xu Jianwen frowned, on the verge of saying more.

Xu Jianli had already packed up and stepped out.

Xu Jianwen gave Ye Xiaoxiao a deep look. "Xiao Xiao, I hope you ace this year's college exams, leave this place, and not ruin your life because of impulsive actions."

Ye Xiaoxiao raised an eyebrow; this guy sure loves to lecture.

The same advice sounded all wrong coming from him.

Xu Jianli pulled at Xu Jianwen. "Let's go, brother, you talk too much."

Sister Xiaoxiao was never a great student, and his brother really didn't understand the struggle.

Xu Jianli figured his brother wasn't as dependable as Duan Lei.

At least Duan Lei had the sense to send Sister Xiaoxiao some study guides, rather than just telling her to study hard with a few words.

As if the college exams are a walk in the park!

Xu Jianwen: "..."

Xu Jianli waved goodbye, clutching the things Ye Xiaoxiao had bought him. "Sister Xiaoxiao, I'll come see you again after your college exams."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Next time, give your family a heads-up before coming, and look after yourself."

Xu Jianli nodded seriously, then turned and left with Xu Jianwen.

On the way, Xu Jianwen offered to help carry the stuff.

Xu Jianli dodged, "These are from Sister Xiaoxiao—hands off."

Xu Jianwen was speechless, "What treasures could you possibly find here?"

Xu Jianli was angry, "It's not all about money; you're so shallow."

Xu Jianwen: "..."

Sometimes it wasn't that he wanted to fight, but Xu Jianli just knew how to push his buttons.

Xu Jianli: "When we get home, don't mention I was at Sister Xiaoxiao's. Mom and dad will definitely think Sister Xiaoxiao called me here."

Xu Jianwen shot him a look, "Got it."

Xu Jianli: "If I lie, I'll turn into a dog."

Xu Jianwen: "That's so childish."

...

Ye Changsheng got a letter from his second brother, Ye Changan, along with a money order for 100 yuan.

The letter said he’d just finished a mission and had heard from home about some family changes.

It offered some comfort but stressed that Ye Changsheng shouldn’t let these changes distract him—college exams were the top priority right now.

He’d have a few days off soon and could come home for a visit.

"Great, second brother’s coming back!" Ye Changsheng was so excited he crumpled the letter.

Ye Xiaoxiao was curious, "What’s second brother like?"

Ye Changsheng: "Dad says second brother is just like he was when he was young—mature, steady, and dependable."

Ye Xiaoxiao laughed, "Dad’s just bragging about himself."

Ye Changsheng: "Second brother’s great—you’ll see when you meet him."

Ye Changyuan also came over to look at the letter, "When second brother gets back, he can take us hunting in the mountains."

Ye Xiaoxiao reminded him, "If you enlist, you’ll already be gone with the troops by then."

Ye Changyuan’s excitement instantly faded.

Ye Changyuan: "Hey, what’s up with Wang Meili in your class? I heard she’s been absent for days."

Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t mention the other party’s emotional distress, only replied, "She probably overate and got sick..."

Ye Changyuan: "Oh, I thought she was actually getting married."

Ye Xiaoxiao looked thoughtful.

...

During Saturday morning class, the school loudspeaker made an announcement.

Li Bowen, a senior at our school, got a recommendation for South China University.

South China University is a top-tier school, and it’s a big deal for Baichuan No. 1 High to land a spot like that.

After class, Ye Xiaoxiao went to talk to Ye Changsheng.

As if reading her mind, Ye Changsheng smiled and said, "The principal talked to me too, but South China University isn’t what I’m aiming for, so I didn’t apply."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Do you only want to go to military school, fourth brother?"

Lately, getting into military school has gotten tougher, with stiff competition across the country.

Ye Changsheng’s interest in military school comes from his family—his grandfather, dad, and brothers all served.

But Ye Xiaoxiao thought Ye Changsheng didn’t have to go to military school.

Military school physicals are really strict, and Ye Changsheng’s always been on the weaker side. Even if he gets in, he’d only qualify for technical roles.

Actually, as long as it's a top-tier university, that's good enough.

The school has already begun preparing students to fill out their college applications. Ye Xiaoxiao herself has no second choice and has decided to apply only to Jinghua University, but she hopes Ye Changsheng will consider carefully.

At least, besides military school, choose another top-tier university as a backup option.

Ye Changsheng smiled: "I'll think it over and apply based on what's best for me."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Bro, I believe you'll succeed no matter what you aim for."