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 Chapter 96 & 97: After Honesty...

He struggled to recall, glancing around to see who was beside him, dragging his heavy limbs and managing to sit up.

But before he could clearly see the person, he vomited.

Vomiting continuously, he lost consciousness and fell to the side.

Later, after an unknown period, it seemed someone was changing his clothes...

Memory terminated.

The next morning, waking up, he saw Bailu, dressed in a bathrobe, sleeping beside him.

Just as he changed clothes and prepared to leave, Li Xuelan arrived with people...

Xiao Cheng's memory inexplicably shifted to the previous night, a pair of soft and warm hands changing his clothes.

Lifting his deep gaze, he quietly looked at the girl in front of him.

Bailu felt a bit uneasy under his gaze and continued to explain, "That night, you vomited, and all the alcohol ended up on the bed. When I woke up, half-drunk and half-dazed, I changed all the bedsheets and covers. After changing, I left."

"That night was a gathering at the brick factory. The boss invited all the factory employees to the city for dinner and singing. I... my parents took me there. After leaving your room, I found my parents had already left, and I had no money on me. I couldn't take a car home."

"The city is far from the town, and there are long stretches without streetlights. I couldn't go home in the dark, so I had to return to your room."

At this point, Bailu paused.

She continued, "When I got back, I saw that your clothes were stained with a lot of alcohol. You were asleep, and I called you several times, but you didn't respond. So, I helped you change clothes. My clothes were also stained with alcohol, so I changed into a bathrobe. Nothing happened that night between us."

So, there was no possibility of pregnancy.

In fact, Bailu twisted the truth a bit. After Xiao Cheng vomited alcohol, the room was filled with the smell of strong liquor, waking up the original person. Still half asleep, she got up.

Without turning on the lights, the room was very dark. The original person saw an unfamiliar dark figure on the bed and left directly.

After going out, she found that Li Xuelan and her father had already left. The original person had no money and couldn't take a car home. The city was far from the town, and she didn't dare to walk back in the dark, so she had no choice but to return.

She took out new bedsheets and covers from the wardrobe, changed the alcohol-soaked ones on the bed, changed Xiao Cheng's clothes, and also changed into a bathrobe before lying down to sleep.

Nothing happened that night.

"The next morning when I woke up, I had a headache and couldn't remember anything." Bailu remained silent when Li Xuelan forced her to go find Xiao Cheng to take responsibility, making an explanation that the original person also couldn't remember.

Xiao Cheng frowned slightly when he heard her say, "Nothing happened that night between us."

He didn't have much memory. When he woke up the next morning, he didn't feel much.

It was the pregnancy test that caught him off guard.

Regarding the pregnancy test, Bailu knew Xiao Cheng must have doubts and explained, "The pregnancy test is real. One morning, I vomited, and my mom took me to the hospital for a check-up. After the doctor received the report, he personally confirmed the pregnancy."

"At that time, the person who had a check-up before me was also named Bailu, so there must have been a mistaken identity."

Xiao Cheng looked at her, his eyes deep and unreadable, his face calm and indifferent, remaining silent.

Bailu also knew that this kind of thing was too absurd and had a low credibility, but the fact was like this.

Unexpected disasters are unpredictable and unstoppable, especially the not-so-small probability of a mistaken identity.

The original person lacked intelligence, was timid and insecure, and had been bullied in school from childhood. The girls only threatened her to clean, copy homework, and no one was a true friend to her. They never discussed the small topics between girls with her.

Li Xuelan's feudal thoughts were deeply ingrained, and she would not popularize knowledge about gender with the original person.

Therefore, the original person didn't know how pregnancy was formed.

She thought it happened when two people slept together, like what she overheard while using the restroom. She didn't know that pregnancy wouldn't come during the menstrual cycle.

After moving into Xiao Cheng's house, the original person often went to find Li Shuixian and gave money to Li Shuixian, who chatted with her a few more words about such matters.

So, when Li Xuelan forced her to bring a pregnancy test and negotiate with Xiao Cheng, she agreed.

If it weren't for the pregnancy test and Li Xuelan threatening to get rid of the child, Xiao Cheng wouldn't have compromised.

He wouldn't have agreed to Li Xuelan's 30,000 yuan dowry.

After all, on the second morning after the drunken night, when Li Xuelan took the original person to find Xiao Cheng, trying to force him to take responsibility, Xiao Cheng's exact words were, "If you want money, I don't have any. If you want my life, take it if you can."

He was strong and unyielding, looking down on Li Xuelan.

Being taken advantage of and still being blackmailed into silence was not Xiao Cheng's style. Bailu entered Xiao Cheng's memory and knew his character, knowing his disdainful thoughts at the time.

Once again, handing over the notebook and money, she handed them to him: "Here is 6,080 yuan, plus the current chestnut stock in the woodshed, as well as the unpaid bills for Wang Cuihua, Wen Xiuyun, and Yu Fugui, which amounts to at least over 8,700 yuan."

"I know it's far from 30,000, and if you don't mind, I can use the candied chestnut method to offset the remaining debt. If you mind, please allow me to temporarily stay in your house, use your woodshed and kitchen, borrow the existing chestnuts. You can decide the rent, and when I earn enough to repay the debt, I will leave immediately."

Her tone was neither humble nor overbearing, polite and distant, without flattery or any hint of submissiveness.

Even if she stayed, it would be a negotiation of pride and choice. If she couldn't borrow, she wouldn't lower her head to beg.

Xiao Cheng had seen her pride, and he knew that her pride was deeply hidden, never leaking a trace during ordinary interactions, never making anyone uncomfortable.

The only time was when the police came to search the house. She confronted Liu Tiezhu in public, showing no signs of fear.

The unbowed pride that couldn't be defeated by any malicious force, the sharpness only showed a hint, suppressing the powerful aura of the whole scene.

At that time, she was stunning, upright, and even the group of people in uniforms were inferior to her.

At that time, he knew she was different from everyone, different from the town, different from the city, and different from the market.

He knew that she didn't belong here...

Bailu saw that Xiao Cheng didn't respond to the notebook and money for a long time, thinking he was still angry, and couldn't help but sigh in her heart.

She spoke, presenting the second plan: "If you don't want to see me, please lend me a hundred yuan, and I'll go find a place outside to stay. I'll wait for you to leave before coming over to make candied chestnuts. I'll make sure to accumulate 30,000 yuan as soon as possible and repay you. I won't appear in front of you again."

This was the last plan.

If Xiao Cheng didn't agree, she would take back all the money and be driven out. She wouldn't even borrow a hundred yuan.

Bailu didn't know what to do then.

Going home was too far away, and she couldn't go back.

She couldn't go to Li Xuelan's house; Li Xuelan had long said that a married daughter is like spilled water.

Having trouble and going back to find her was of no use; she couldn't help.

Xiao Cheng lowered his eyes slightly, looking at the yellowed notebook, the colorful money, and the delicate jade-like hands that didn't move.

Then he raised his gaze, fixedly looking at the girl in front of him.

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 95: The Truth Revealed...

Back home, Xiao Cheng boiled some hot water, as usual, and poured it into the bucket, carrying it to the bathing area.

After mixing some cold water to the temperature commonly used by Bai Lu, he called her to take a bath.

Once Bai Lu finished bathing, Xiao Cheng took his turn.

After a visit to the hospital, the situation with the child was quite clear. When Bai Lu saw Xiao Cheng doing the laundry again, she felt a bit uncomfortable. He didn't need to do this for the sake of the child anymore.

"I'll do the laundry." Bai Lu walked to the well, in front of the washbasin, wanting to take over the task of washing clothes.

However, Xiao Cheng didn't even lift his head, continuing to scrub the clothes. He calmly said, "Go back and sleep."

His tone was flat, devoid of any emotion.

In the broken jar where ginger, onions, and garlic were planted, the cheerful chirping of crickets echoed. Fireflies fluttered their wings in the yard, as if trying to break the calmness of the night with joy.

The disappeared moon, at some point, reappeared, casting a silver glow on the tall and lonely figure of the man sitting on a small stool. He skillfully scrubbed the clothes, his voice cold and rhythmic, almost machine-like.

Bai Lu crouched down, reaching for the washbasin to wash her clothes, but was brushed away by the man.

In a cold tone, he said, "I told you to go back and sleep."

Xiao Cheng, accustomed to giving orders when collecting debts with his men, disliked anyone defying him, especially repeatedly.

What Bai Lu knew, she didn't insist on. Silently retracting her hand, she stood up and walked back to the main house through the courtyard.

In the room, she opened the rightmost drawer of the wooden table, taking out all the money she had earned during this time.

Counting carefully, she placed it on the table.

The original body was not favored in the original family, wearing only old clothes, and didn't bring much with her.

After Bai Lu came, she was too busy making money to bother buying new clothes, so she only had a cloth bag.

Adding the books and papers given by Lin Jinfan, the cloth bag swelled slightly, with nothing leaking out.

The bag was neither too big nor too small, with a long and thick cloth strap sewn at both ends, suitable for single-shoulder carrying.

The record book for the purchase and sale of sugar-coated chestnuts, Bai Lu also organized, placing it on the table on top of the money.

After packing everything, Bai Lu took the cloth bag to the bedside wooden chair and sat down, placing the bag at her feet.

Things needed to be clarified. There was no need for words like leaving without saying goodbye, not fitting into Bai Lu's ingrained family rules and principles.

The journey back was silent, and the incident in the courtyard just now... Bai Lu could sense that Xiao Cheng was angry. Angry that she and Li Xuelan used a false pregnancy to cheat him out of thirty thousand yuan. Angry that she knew the truth but never confessed.

She had prepared herself for the best and worst outcomes, for how Xiao Cheng would retaliate or let it go.

Bai Lu sat on the wooden chair, naturally returning to her accustomed upright posture. Her upper body was straight, shoulders squared, knees together, lower legs perpendicular to the ground, arms naturally bent, hands crossed and resting in the middle of her thighs.

Silently waiting.

Tonight, Xiao Cheng took a much longer time than usual to do the laundry before finally returning.

Upon his return, he saw Bai Lu sitting on the bedside chair with a faint smile, a posture he had never seen whether he went to the city or the wealthy households in the town to collect debts. The rough linen clothes couldn't conceal the unique charm that distinguished her from others, a quality he had never seen in anyone else.

Her smile was standard, not sweet.

Her sitting posture was dignified and elegant, something the previous Bai Lu had never possessed, not even once.

She stood up and walked towards the wooden table, her steps graceful and refined. The actions of holding the notebook and money were measured and composed.

Coming in front of him, she looked him in the eyes. Her clear and clean eyes showed no trace of fear or weakness.

Even her voice, when she spoke, lacked the usual lively intonation, it was calm and steady. "The money from selling sugar-coated chestnuts during this period is all here, a total of 6080 yuan. The hundred yuan you put on the table when I first sold chestnuts, it's also in there, on the top."

"Wang Cuihua, Yu Fugui, and Wen Xiuyun now settle the accounts for selling chestnuts every three days. The last settlement was the day before yesterday, and the accounts for yesterday and today are already recorded in the book. Everything about who took how many kilograms of chestnuts and sold for how much money is clear."

"The chestnuts you bought in Xiaojiacun yesterday, a total of 9,350 kilograms, cost 1870 yuan. The unrealized value of the chestnuts plus the net profit of 6080 yuan from the sold sugar-coated chestnuts amounts to a total value of 7950 yuan."

The notebook and money were presented in front of him by delicate and fair hands, but Xiao Cheng didn't take them, not even sparing a glance.

His deep and dark eyes fixed on Bai Lu.

Bai Lu remained calm and composed, continuing, "After the examination at the hospital just now, I'm sure you can connect the dots regarding what the female doctor told you. Pregnancy doesn't come with menstruation, and indeed, I am not pregnant."

Xiao Cheng's expression didn't change at all, still calm and indifferent. His deep gaze stared directly at Bai Lu, as if waiting for her to continue.

The memories of the drunken night were well preserved in the original body's mind. Bai Lu had gone through every moment, watched everything, and knew the truth clearly.

Calmly, she continued, "That night, I was drunk, my mind hazy. I originally wanted to go to the bathroom but entered the wrong room, your room. After coming out from the bathroom, I saw a bed in the room and decided to sleep on it."

Her tone was natural, open, as if she were talking about her own affairs, her own experiences.

Xiao Cheng's deep eyes slightly narrowed.

Fragmented scenes flashed through his mind.

That night, he and Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dashuang, Wang Hao went to a nightclub in the city to collect debts.

The nightclub's funds were not sufficient, and the owner, Hong Wanfu, requested an extension for a week, which he agreed to.

Hong Wanfu invited them to dine, sing, drink, and even provided them with a private room to sleep.

White wine, red wine, foreign liquor, whiskey... all the slightly upscale liquors in the nightclub were brought out by Hong Wanfu. After one round, another round followed... and he got drunk.

Supported by Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dashuang, he was taken to his room, shoes removed, and he lay on the bed, covered with a quilt.

Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dashuang went to their respective rooms.

Not long after, there was the sound of a door opening in the room. The lights were off, and there were stumbling footsteps coming in.

Thinking it was Luo Shiliu or Xiao Dashuang returning for something forgotten, he didn't pay much attention.

In the drunken haze, his mind was filled with a jumble of alcohol, and his heavy limbs on the bed couldn't be moved. Vaguely, the slightly dragging and disorderly footsteps approached the bedside.

Soon after, a dark shadow fell onto the bed.

He struggled to maintain the last bit of consciousness, calling out to Luo Shiliu. The shadow moved but didn't respond. He called out to Xiao Dashuang, and the shadow stirred but still remained silent.

He wanted to open his eyes, but no matter how hard he tried, his heavy eyelids wouldn't lift. There was a strong smell of alcohol in the air, whether from his side or the other side of the bed, it was the same.

No familiar scent could be detected.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 38: Don't Move, I'm Afraid of Hurting You

Her eyes shimmered brightly in the reflection of the fireworks, but upon closer inspection, was there a hint of sadness?

Si Yechen wanted to take another look, but the hint of sadness vanished in an instant, like fireworks in the sky, leaving no trace.

In the alternating light and shadow of the fireworks, Ou Yan's appearance was captivating. Her beauty, noble and cold, was like the pure moonlight, incomparable to anyone.

"Did you arrange all of this?" Ou Yan looked up at the fireworks in the sky.

"Yeah." Si Yechen wasn't sure if the outwardly cold and proud little miss actually liked the surprise before her. "Do you think it's better to study medicine or not?"

Ou Yan found it amusing and deliberately replied, "Studying medicine is practical, useful."

The implication was that he wasn't practical enough, always preparing useless things?!

"The practical side you haven't seen yet." Si Yechen suddenly whispered softly in her ear.

His deep and clear voice seemed to hint at something, and Ou Yan blushed, unexpectedly thinking of something she shouldn't...

She didn't know how much time had passed when the ceiling slowly closed, and the lights in the private room gradually brightened.

After the entire room was fully illuminated, the violinist not far away bowed in gratitude and was about to leave. His gaze inadvertently fell on Ou Yan, startling him. Wasn't she his quasi-master?

He had once been taught by her for half a month, but she refused to accept him as her apprentice. He never expected to meet her here!

Ou Yan never expected that the French violinist she painstakingly taught for half a month would play the piece she taught him so poorly...

Just now, she was wondering who invited the violinist and ruined the mood?!

"Do you know him?" Si Yechen noticed Ou Yan looking at the violinist.

Ou Yan lightly curved her lips. "The famous violinist, Siska Tidi. Who doesn't know him?"

Siska Tidi was anxious and hurriedly spoke in Chinese, "No, I mean, I haven't practiced well lately. If my playing was unpleasant, please forgive me."

"Go down." Si Yechen didn't know what happened between them, holding onto Ou Yan's hand without letting go.

Seeing that Ou Yan had no intention of pursuing further, Siska Tidi went downstairs and immediately took out his phone. "Senior, I didn't know it was you! I was invited at the last minute and thought it was some wealthy person who didn't understand music hiring me for entertainment... so I didn't take it seriously..."

Ou Yan received his WeChat message and replied briefly, "Very disappointing."

"I will practice diligently."

Ou Yan put away her phone without replying. "Let's go."

Meanwhile, across from the Starry Sky Restaurant, Bai Muyao had already eaten too much and was still waiting for Ou Yan to come out.

"Muyao, your appetite is great today. Do you want some more? How about some ice cream?" Gao Yang, unaware of her dark thoughts, thought these would suit her taste.

"No, thank you." Bai Muyao smiled superficially.

She couldn't eat anymore, or she would vomit. If she weren't waiting for Ou Yan, she wouldn't have eaten so much!

"Not eating anymore? Shall we go then? How about a walk by the river?"

Seeing it was getting late, Gao Yang called the waiter for the bill, then held Bai Muyao's hand and left the restaurant.

Bai Muyao walked slowly, feeling a bit regretful. She couldn't witness Ou Yan leaving work firsthand, which was a pity.

Just then, the VIP elevator of the Starry Sky Restaurant suddenly opened, and a tall, handsome man walked out arm in arm with Ou Yan. Although it was only for a second or two, Bai Muyao was stunned!

Even though they were far away, the man's figure, appearance, and aura completely surpassed Gao Yang's!

Although she couldn't see his features clearly, Bai Muyao could tell the man was very young!

She was truly shocked, unable to describe her feelings at the moment!

Could that man be Ou Yan's brother?

Ou Yan's family background was so poor, it was possible that she and her brother worked here together!!

Thinking like this, she felt somewhat relieved, but she couldn't explain the man's actions. It seemed like he was leading Ou Yan out...

Did she see it wrong?

How could siblings hold hands?

Even though they were so far away, and she only saw them for a second or two, she couldn't make out the details...

"Muyao, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing..." Bai Muyao didn't dare say she saw her sister again, afraid Gao Yang would think she was staring at her sister every day. However, the man and Ou Yan seemed to be heading to the exclusive parking lot of the Starry Sky Restaurant.

"Gao Yang, I suddenly remembered there's a dessert shop at the foot of the mountain. I want to buy some for my parents and maybe for your parents too?"

"No need. My parents don't eat sweets at night. If Uncle and Auntie want some, I'll buy for them." Gao Yang drove to the foot of the mountain and went in with her.

Bai Muyao pretended to pick desserts, occasionally glancing at the road outside. There was only one road down from the mountaintop, and no matter if Ou Yan took a taxi, rode a bike, or drove an electric car, she would pass by this dessert shop!

However, Bai Muyao waited and waited, but apart from a top-notch luxury car, she didn't see any other vehicles.

Could Ou Yan be walking?

"Miss, is there something wrong with our desserts?" The shop manager, seeing Bai Muyao covered in brand names, spending half an hour picking a cake, couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, no, I just suddenly remembered that my parents went to a charity gala tonight, so there's probably plenty of food there. I won't get them anything for now."

Bai Muyao pulled Gao Yang out of the dessert shop, got into the car, and looked in the rearview mirror. There was not a single figure!

That Ou Yan really did walk!

At this moment, Ou Yan was sitting in the top-notch luxury car Bai Muyao had seen earlier, looking at the man in front of her. "Can you let go now?"

Didn't they agree to hold hands for a while? They had been holding hands all night!

Still not enough?!

Si Yechen lightly curved his lips. "Is it unreasonable to hold the hand of your fiancée?"

"I'm not your fiancée."

In this day and age, arranged marriages like this still existed?!

The most baffling thing was that someone like him, an educated modern man, didn't reject this arranged marriage!

Too strange!

"You've held my hand, don't you want to take responsibility?" Si Yechen gently caressed her hand and said softly, "It's late."

Ou Yan wanted to withdraw her hand, but he held it firmly. "Don't move."

His seductive voice carried a hint of temptation as he leaned close to her ear and said, "I'm afraid of hurting you."

As these words fell on her ears, their meaning seemed to change.

Villa at the Lake of Hades.

Li Yusha occasionally glanced at her watch. It was already eight in the evening. Why hadn't that rustic returned yet?

Could he have embarrassed herself at Mr. Si's place today and dared not come home?

If that's the case, things would be much more interesting!

She couldn't wait to see the rustic's embarrassed expression!

Chapter 104: Beware of the Note Writer The note contained a single line. "You will pay for your sinful actions." The bolded words were serious and highlighted. Jiang Chenchen glanced at the note, unsure of what sinful actions she had committed that required payment. She didn't take it too seriously and was about to put the note back between the pages of the book. However, this action was noticed by some students who entered later. Tong Danyu, as if sensing something keenly, rushed over and peered at the note. "What's this? Did someone write you a love letter? But this note is too short for that." "It looks more like a message or a warning. Could it be meant for Jiaojie, but it got placed in your desk?" "What does it say? Let Jiang Chenchen show us. If it's for Jiaojie, you shouldn't be keeping it." Jiang Chenchen handed the note to them. "'You will pay for your sinful actions!'" Zheng Xinxin read aloud, exaggerating her expression. "Ah! It must be the school flower's revenge!" She exchanged glances with Tong Danyu, and they displayed exaggerated expressions of excitement and fear. "Why does it sound like a death notice?!" "Did you see who delivered it?" Tong Danyu pressed the note onto the desk and looked at Jiang Chenchen.  Jiang Chenchen shook her head. "No." Zheng Xinxin looked around and then patted Tong Danyu. "I think I saw Bai Junwen in the classroom when I came in. Maybe she saw who put it in?" Tong Danyu signaled to Jiang Chenchen with her eyes. "You know her; she's aloof and cold. She won't respond to questions. If you ask her, it'll be in vain." "True, let's not invite trouble." Zheng Xinxin looked at Bai Junwen, who was studying quietly, and then back at Jiang Chenchen. "But, it seems like... you two share a dorm, right?" Because the top student was not sociable, the school only arranged for two people in their dorm. The other person was Jiaojie, who didn't actually stay there, essentially leaving Jiang Chenchen alone. They speculated, but Jiang Chenchen showed no reaction, absorbed in her reading. The two friends found her weird and left her alone. During the evening self-study, the warning about the school flower had already spread. It even evolved into several exaggerated versions, becoming more and more sensational. Meanwhile, Gu Sujiao was still absent during the evening self-study. The note had been placed back into the book by Jiang Chenchen. When self-study ended, Jiang Chenchen left last. Only then did she notice one more person in the classroom, the grade's top student, Bai Junwen. She seemed to match the description given by the girls—a roommate who rarely showed her face. The classroom quieted down. Jiang Chenchen took a glance, but didn't linger, walking out of the classroom and descending the stairs back to her dorm. The other girl followed suit. Then the two walked, one in front of the other. The shadows stretched under the campus streetlights. Bai Junwen pushed her glasses and walked behind Jiang Chenchen. She suffered from social anxiety and was afraid of interacting with people. Jiang Chenchen seemed relatively quiet, so she felt a bit more at ease. Jiang Chenchen was thinking that the note she saw was put into her desk by a guy, not the one they were talking about for the school flower. That warning on the note was directed at her. Should she tell her? Bai Junwen hesitated and pondered for a long time until they reached the dormitory. Jiang Chenchen used her key to open the door, and after a moment of silence, Bai Junwen raised her head. "Do you also live here?" Jiang Chenchen was surprised for a moment, pushed up her glasses, and nodded, indicating agreement. Seeing this confirmation, Bai Junwen let out a sigh of relief and walked in after Jiang Chenchen. Jiang Chenchen got busy with her own tasks—washing up, doing homework, and reading. She was engrossed in her studies. Bai Junwen relaxed a bit, not receiving any deliberate attention. Although she still didn't dare to interact much, she quickly finished washing up and returned to her bed, drawing the curtain. Turning on the bedside lamp, she took out an exam paper to work on. Her phone was on silent, showing an incoming call. She hesitated for a long time, struggling internally, before finally answering the call. On the other end, a restrained voice said, "Wenwen, Grandma misses you. I'll pick you up after tomorrow's evening self-study. Don't stay at school." She remained silent, not knowing how to refuse. On the other end, there was no opportunity for her to refuse, and the call was abruptly ended. Afterwards, she couldn't concentrate on the exam paper. Bai Junwen lay on her bed, staring at each word but unable to focus. Time passed gradually. The night was already very dark. Her roommate, seated at the desk across the room, was still studying. This transfer student seemed genuinely diligent. Bai Junwen observed her several times, and she was consistently engrossed in her studies. However, Bai Junwen didn't gather the courage to convey the warning she wanted to share. She turned off the desk lamp, lay down, stared at the canopy, her thoughts in disarray. She couldn't fall asleep, felt the need to use the bathroom, but her roommate surprisingly hadn't gone to sleep yet. After hesitating for a long time, Bai Junwen decided to go. She pulled back the curtain and cautiously descended, attempting to lower her presence. However, even with such precautions, her roommate heard a slight movement. She turned around, glanced at Bai Junwen, then exclaimed. Jiang Chenchen checked her phone and realized it was already very late. She rubbed her head; the math problem was indeed challenging, and she spent quite a bit of time on it. When Bai Junwen passed by, she shrank back in fear but accidentally saw the various formulas on Jiang Chenchen's desk paper. It seemed she was working on math problems until late. She was startled for a moment, almost bumping into the chair back. "Be careful." Jiang Chenchen pulled the chair forward a bit and looked back at her. "Did you trip?" "No..." Bai Junwen glanced at her and quickly looked away, hurriedly entering the bathroom. Jiang Chenchen watched her figure and contemplated for a moment. Am I that frightening? Turn off the lights, go to sleep. On the bed, she quickly fell asleep. The next day, Bai Junwen was no longer in the dormitory, and on Jiang Chenchen's desk was the solution to the late-night math problem and a sentence: "Beware of the note writer." Jiang Chenchen sat down, looked at the solution to the problem, and the train of thought flowed smoothly. No wonder she was the top student in the grade. As for the content of the note, she didn't pay much attention. Speculating blindly about who it might be or how it happened would only add to the burden of her studies. She quickly packed up, left the dorm, and went to class. As she climbed the stairs, she nearly collided with someone coming down, skillfully avoiding them. However, the person seemed to want to avoid her, moved their feet too quickly, slipped, and lost balance. It was very dangerous. The person reached out to grab something to steady themselves, and then they caught the hand that Jiang Chenchen had originally reached out.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 37: Is She Working Here?

The restaurant manager glanced at the little girl next to Si Yechen. They were holding hands, so it was obvious she was future Mrs. Si!

He immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Mrs. Si, please come this way!"

"I'm not Mrs. Si."

Seeing them holding hands, the manager nodded hastily, "Of course! Mr. Si has never brought a girl here before, you're the first!"

"..."

"Do you have any dietary restrictions, Mrs. Si?"

"No restrictions, just change the way you address me, call me Ou Yan."

"Even if you gave me ten thousand guts, I wouldn't dare to address Mrs. Si directly..." The manager smiled apologetically and whispered into his headset, "Quick, clear the place! As fast as possible!"

Ou Yan glanced at Si Yechen as if to ask: Is it necessary to make such a fuss just for a meal?

"This is our first time." Si Yechen didn't let go of her hand as they entered the restaurant together.

On the other side,

Bai Muyao walked arm in arm with Gao Yang, happily saying, "Brother Gao Yang, this restaurant is so expensive, and you still brought me here... you're so good to me!"

Gao Yang looked at her indulgently, "You are my fiancée, of course I have to treat you well."

As they approached the restaurant's entrance, the greeter bowed apologetically, "I'm sorry, but we've been booked for a private event tonight."

"Booked? I didn't receive any notification on my phone..." Gao Yang's brows furrowed slightly, showing some displeasure.

"It was a last-minute notification... really sorry about that. You can reschedule through our app for another date, and next time, we'll give you a fifty percent discount..."

Bai Muyao was surprised, fifty percent off?! Such a big discount?

You should know, this restaurant is ridiculously expensive, even a simple fruit tea costs over two thousand...

Even if you have the money, you're not guaranteed a reservation. Gao Yang had to book half a month in advance...

And it's just for a regular table!

The top private rooms? No need to even think about it!

Who's the big shot that booked the entire place today?! So extravagant!!

"Alright."

Just as Gao Yang was about to leave, Bai Muyao noticed a familiar figure inside, heading towards the VIP elevator!

That elevator goes to the top private rooms!

Isn't that Ou Yan?!

That figure, she wouldn't mistake it!

Bai Muyao quickly pointed to the girl inside, "Why can she go in?"

"Who are you referring to?" The greeter turned around but didn't see anyone, explaining gently, "The only people allowed in here tonight are our honored guests and the restaurant staff."

"Muyao, who did you see?" Gao Yang looked over curiously but didn't see anyone familiar.

Bai Muyao whispered in Gao Yang's ear, "I think I saw my sister."

"Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

People who can enter here are either wealthy or important. Obviously, Ou Yan's spending power doesn't match this place!

Moreover, the restaurant has been booked entirely tonight, so how could she possibly get in?

"Maybe my sister is working here to stay in the capital?" Bai Muyao sighed feignedly, "Brother Gao Yang, could you use your connections to find a job for my sister? I'm afraid wealthy people here might take a liking to her and get too familiar. My sister used to be proud. If she's compromising just to stay in the capital..."

"Her life or death has nothing to do with us." Gao Yang held Bai Muyao's hand, "Let's go eat at the restaurant across the street."

"Okay." Bai Muyao deliberately chose a table by the window to better observe Ou Yan's predicament. This way, she could clearly see Ou Yan leaving the Starry Sky Restaurant!

"Mr. Si, Mrs. Si, please have a seat."

The spacious and luxurious private room had a view of the outside scenery.

This was a high-end restaurant located on the mountaintop, with the ceiling opened up to reveal the real starry sky.

Si Yechen sat next to Ou Yan, holding her hand without letting go, and an iPad was placed in front of her, "What would you like to eat?"

Ou Yan looked at the menu and randomly chose a few dishes, but Si Yechen added several more. When the manager left the room, Ou Yan raised an eyebrow, "Can you let go now?"

Si Yechen naturally released her right hand but then held her left hand, seamlessly transitioning.

Ou Yan: ...

"Do you want to eat like this?" Ou Yan wasn't used to this posture.

"After we finish eating, we'll talk." Si Yechen picked up a peeled shrimp and brought it to her lips, "Try it?"

"Put it in the bowl, I'll eat it myself."

Si Yechen, hearing her speak, directly put the shrimp into her mouth.

Ou Yan warned him with her eyes, but Si Yechen didn't get upset. He looked at her gently and asked, "How is it?"

"Not that great!"

The foreign chef nearby was startled and asked in broken Chinese, "Mrs. Si, could you tell me what's wrong with this dish? I'll fix it right away."

"I was referring to the person, not the dish."

The foreign chef was a bit confused and didn't understand what she meant.

"I suggest you all leave."

Upon hearing Si Yechen's words, the chefs and the manager hurriedly left, as if they had been given a new lease on life.

"Are you angry?" Si Yechen looked at the little girl in front of him gently, "I was too hasty."

"Can you sit across from me?"

In short, could you sit farther away from me?

"I want to sit with you."

Looking at Si Yechen's serious face, Ou Yan was speechless.

After finally finishing the meal, the restaurant's lights dimmed, and the ceiling opened up to reveal a beautiful starry sky.

Ou Yan looked up at the stars, suddenly remembering the days she spent in the countryside when she was young.

Back then, Bai Zhenhai and Xu Aiqin's business hadn't taken off yet, and they were busy outside all year round. Grandma Bai accompanied her through many nights.

The countryside back then was just like it is now, full of stars.

It's just that the people from back then are long gone.

A violinist stood in a corner of the private room with his instrument, playing romantic music.

As the piece ended, the night sky suddenly erupted with brilliant fireworks. Ou Yan looked up at the fireworks, while Si Yechen looked down at her.

 Chapter 103: The Classmate is the School Beauty

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 Chapter 104: Reward in Silver

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 Chapter 103: Wild Grasses Have Value Too

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Chapter 559: He Wants Qin Ruan to Be Free and Radiant, Radiant with Brilliance

In the dream.

Qin Ruan leaned against the tombstone, lowering her gaze to the man squatting before her.

He had a beautifully picturesque face, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

He was so good-looking that she wanted to take a few more glances.

Hou Yunjiao's biennial visits to Wanbao Mountain were precious to her.

She felt extremely lonely in Wanbao Mountain.

At first, she could still talk to herself, speaking to the wind, rain, flowers, trees, and everything in the world. It made her feel like she wasn't alone.

She feared loneliness and enjoyed the satisfaction that came from talking to herself.

But it was just a way to hypnotize herself. The world was vast, and she wasn't the only lost soul.

Slowly, however, she started to feel less and less present.

With time, loneliness can become addictive.

She started to grow accustomed to it.

And she found a way to soothe her suppressed soul.

That was to embrace and enjoy loneliness.

However, Hou Yunjiao's annual visits to Wanbao Mountain remained the days she looked forward to the most.

Hou Yunjiao was like a drug that made her addicted. The more she wanted to quit, the more she couldn't.

While she made peace with and accepted her loneliness, Hou Yunjiao became the comforting addiction in her heart.

In her world, besides loneliness, only Hou Yunjiao remained.

In the dream, Qin Ruan once again watched the man's figure slowly recede.

"Third Young Master, next year on Qingming Festival, I want to eat black ox tongue pancakes. Can you bring me some?"

"If you don't speak, I'll take it as a yes!"

Even though the other person couldn't hear, Qin Ruan still shouted after Hou Yunjiao's retreating figure.

Her tone was anxious and tinged with sadness.

"Ruan Ruan, wake up."

"Are you hungry? Do you want ox tongue pancakes? I'll have someone buy them for you."

"Ruan Ruan, Ruan Ruan—"

A gentle and indulgent voice rang in her ears.

Qin Ruan's eyes flickered, and her long and dense eyelashes trembled slightly.

This time, she actually heard Hou Yunjiao's response.

The surroundings became hazy, and the figures that had just reflected in her eyes were no longer visible.

"Third Young Master?"

She felt uneasy in the white mist and called out to the figure.

Huo Yunjiao embraced Qin Ruan, his cool hand caressing her rosy cheeks.

Perhaps Qin Ruan's voice was too melancholic, which stirred deep pity in Hou Yunjiao's heart.

He responded softly, "I'm here, little one, wake up."

Qin Ruan's dream talk was bizarre.

Her tone was filled with sadness, sounding pitiful.

He didn't like Qin Ruan like this.

He wanted to see Qin Ruan smile, to see her live carefree like other children her age.

She deserved to enjoy a carefree life at her age.

The first eighteen years of her life were too bitter.

At some point, Huo Yunjiao had a firm idea in his heart.

For the rest of their lives, he wanted Qin Ruan to be free and radiant, shining brightly, to always be joyful and victorious year after year.

This girl should naturally be cherished and protected.

He was willing to use his own wings to protect Qin Ruan throughout her life, worry-free.

Even if he was no longer in this world, he would forge steel wings to protect her for the rest of her life.

This was the first time Hou Yunjiao cared about someone.

This feeling initially made him feel a bit overwhelmed.

As time passed, his unexplainable love and protection for Qin Ruan became boundless.

Huo Yunjiao's gaze fell on Qin Ruan's abdomen.

Their child was being nurtured there.

Perhaps it wasn't the product of their love, but it was the bloodline they eagerly anticipated being born.

Qin Ruan slowly opened her eyes, and she saw Hou Yunjiao's white shirt.

Her consciousness gradually returned, and she looked up at the man embracing her.

"Third Young Master?"

Huo Yunjiao lowered his gaze and met Qin Ruan's puzzled eyes.

His lips curved slightly, "You're awake. You've been talking in your sleep. Are you hungry?"

Qin Ruan blinked. She didn't feel hungry, just a bit unreal.

This person was supposed to be gone, so how did he come back?

Qin Ruan reached out and touched Hou Yunjiao's slender waist. His body temperature assured her that the man in front of her was real, not the elusive figure she couldn't grasp in her dream.

"You've come back."

Qin Ruan sighed, her tone mixed with other emotions.

Huo Yunjiao raised an eyebrow, "Don't you want to see me?"

"No, it just feels unreal."

Qin Ruan broke free from his embrace. The loneliness and oppression from the dream still weighed on her heart, and she hadn't fully recovered.

She sat up and looked at the time.

Suddenly, her face changed slightly, and she turned to look at the man leaning against the bedside.

"Are you okay?"

"Do I look like something's wrong?"

Huo Yunjiao held Qin Ruan's hand, gently stroking her hand with his index finger, reluctant to let go.

Although he had taken Lingxuzi's medicine and didn't understand why, after the brief embrace with Qin Ruan just now, the restlessness that had disappeared before surged back uncontrollably.

He could already sense his impatience, struggling against his powerful rationality.

His body and mind longed for Qin Ruan, but his rationality kept him at a distance.

Qin Ruan didn't know that Hou Yunjiao was struggling between wanting to get close to her and maintaining a distance with his rationality.

She reached back and held his large hand, and a faint trace of spiritual power flowed into Hou Yunjiao's body through their joined hands.

However, this simple act happened to crush San Ye's rationality.

"Ruan Ruan, what are you doing?!"

Hou Yunjiao's handsome face darkened, his expression hidden and tinged with pain.

His heart was stirring restlessly.

Even his hands trembled uncontrollably.

He had the urge to push Qin Ruan down and indulge in the pleasures of love with her.

Qin Ruan also sensed that something was wrong. The man who had just looked gentle now had a restrained expression.

Surprise flickered in her eyes, and she quickly stopped transmitting her spiritual power.

Qin Ruan sat on the bed, looking at the man in front of her with a puzzled gaze.

"Are you okay?"

She just wanted to ease the intertwining auras of the two conflicting emotions within Hou Yunjiao and make him feel a little more relaxed.

But looking at his expression, he didn't seem relaxed. Instead, it was filled with pain.

Huo Yunjiao tightly held Qin Ruan's hand, his strong rationality suppressing his restless heart.

After a moment of calm, he released her hand, trying to maintain a gentle and calm tone as he asked, "Little one, are you hungry?"

Qin Ruan shook her head, "I'm fine."

Huo Yunjiao's throat moved slightly, "You haven't even had dinner. How could you not be hungry? The kitchen has prepared your favorite dishes again. Please have some."

His voice was gentle and pleasant, as normal as can be.

Qin Ruan checked her feelings and realized that she was indeed a little hungry.

She asked Hou Yunjiao, "Are you leaving again?"

Huo Yunjiao smiled, "No, I'm afraid someone would secretly feel sad and not even eat dinner."

Hearing this, Qin Ruan understood that he was referring to her.

"I wasn't hungry before, but now I'm starting to feel a little hungry."

Qin Ruan held her stomach, stood up, and left the room without looking back.

Her departing figure carried a hint of fleeing.

She couldn't refute Hou Yunjiao's words.

Indeed, his departure had affected her emotions to the point where she didn't even have dinner.

Qin Ruan hurriedly left, unaware that as Hou Yunjiao watched her depart, an unrestrained intense desire glimmered in the depths of his eyes.

The radiance emanating from his eyes surged with a fearful danger, as if he wished to devour Qin Ruan in the next moment.

Hou Yunjiao's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and a cold, hard line formed on his thin lips.

His enchanting peach blossom eyes narrowed, and a faint blush appeared on his handsome but aloof face.

Hou Yunjiao's jaw tightened as he struggled to restrain himself.

If Qin Ruan were to see him in this state, she would surely be astonished.

It was because, in this moment, Hou Yunjiao exuded a seductive charm.

His half-closed eyes had a hint of bewilderment, exuding a tantalizing allure and radiating an intoxicating charm.

At the instant the door closed, Hou Yunjiao's body relaxed, and he slumped weakly against the head of the bed.

Qin Ruan's departure allowed his rationality and self-control to return to normal.

Every second she stayed in the room was a great test for him.

This unexpected feeling caught him off guard, almost rendering Hou Yunjiao helpless.