On their last day out, after spending time at the amusement park, they took the subway home. The train was crowded, and the girl held onto a handle while Pei Chen stood protectively behind her, enclosing her within his space.
As she happily recounted her experiences from the day and sipped on her drink, Pei Chen leaned down, his low voice and warm breath falling softly in her ear:
“So, did I score full marks on today’s test?”
Her face remained calm, but her heart was racing.
Did he know how lethal his words could be?
Pei Chen eventually walked her home. After entering her villa, Liang Zhiyi immediately called Ji Fei’er, “Fei’er, I think I’m about to give in, wahhh…”
After listening to her, Ji Fei’er chuckled, “Well, if you can’t hold out, just surrender. Why are you even pretending to be reserved? You’re practically dying to jump into his arms.”
“I am not…”
“Come on, Pei Chen has been quietly pursuing you for more than a year. Ever since he decided he truly liked you, hasn’t he always been paying attention to you, sending you all those things? Do you think he doesn’t know you like him too?”
Liang Zhiyi smiled sweetly, “Then I’ll find a good moment to tell him.”
Honestly, she had just wanted to tease him at first, to see how this awkward, straightforward guy would go about chasing someone. She hadn’t meant to keep him hanging on.
“Oh please, you two are so sweet it’s unbearable. When you officially get together, remember to treat us to a meal.”
The girl laughed, “Of course.”
A few minutes later, Liang Zhiyi arrived home. Since Liang Tianming was having dinner with the family tonight, he had come home early.
As she entered the house, she saw her parents chatting on the sofa. She went over to them and playfully acted spoiled. After a while, the housekeeper came over to inform them that dinner was ready, and Liang Tongzhou came downstairs.
As everyone gathered around the dining table, Aunt Zhao brought in a bowl of soup. Liang Zhiyi saw her and exclaimed, “Aunt Zhao, you’re back?”
Aunt Zhao smiled, “Yes, I just got back this morning.”
“Right, Aunt Zhao, on New Year’s Eve, a male classmate of mine came to our house to deliver something. I didn’t see him myself. Were you the one who received it?”
Aunt Zhao recalled the incident, “Yes, that day the Zhang family came over. I went to greet them, but the boy was at the door. It was Mrs. Zhang who handed me the delivery. She even said a few things…”
“What did she say?”
Aunt Zhao couldn’t remember everything, but what stuck with her was the disdainful expression on Mrs. Zhang’s face. “She said the items he brought were cheap and told us, the maids, to keep them out of sight of the lady of the house. She also mentioned that the items were of such low quality that they didn’t deserve to be brought into the house…”
A storm brewed in Liang Zhiyi’s mind, and she asked in a daze, “So, did my classmate hear this?”
“Mrs. Zhang was speaking rather loudly, and though the boy was walking away, he probably could hear it…”
A sudden wave of anger and heartache surged through her. She imagined how Pei Chen, who had gone to such lengths to prepare and deliver the goods, must have felt hearing such humiliating words, especially given how proud he was.
Liang Zhiyi explained the situation to her family. The three adults understood, and Liang Tongzhou was immediately furious: “What’s wrong with her? It’s none of her business if someone delivers something to us! Why does she always have to run her mouth?”
Liang Tianming patted his son’s hand, his expression darkening as he looked at Zhong Xinrou. “Your sister really overstepped this time.”
Zhong Xinrou sighed in distress, “I had no idea this happened. If I had known, I would have apologized to Xiao Pei right then. That poor child worked so hard to buy those things for us, and hearing such words must have really hurt him…”
Zhong Xinrou was well aware of Mrs. Zhang’s personality, and though they usually chose not to argue with her, the thought of unintentionally hurting Pei Chen troubled her deeply.
Both Liang Tianming and Zhong Xinrou felt guilty and wanted to make amends. Finally, Liang Tianming turned to his daughter and said:
“Why don’t you ask Xiao Pei if he’s free tomorrow? Invite him over for dinner. Even though it was your aunt who spoke those words, we should still apologize on her behalf.”
The girl was momentarily stunned but then nodded. Zhong Xinrou added, “If he’s hesitant, I’ll speak to him myself.”
Liang Tianming also advised the two children, “Don’t confront your aunt about this. No matter what, she’s still family.”
“Okay…”
After dinner, Liang Zhiyi called Pei Chen and mentioned that her parents had invited him over for dinner the next day. Pei Chen was surprised, and Zhong Xinrou took the phone and gently extended the invitation herself, “Xiao Pei, this is Zhiyi’s mother…”
After a bit of conversation, Pei Chen agreed, and Liang Zhiyi set a time with him. “So, come by in the afternoon tomorrow. I’ll come to pick you up.”
“Alright.”
The next afternoon, as scheduled, Liang Zhiyi took the minibus to the gate and saw Pei Chen waiting.
The boy was dressed in a white T-shirt and black pants, his fair skin and cold eyes highlighting his handsome features, exuding a youthful charm.
As she approached, she noticed the bag in his hand and asked in surprise, “Why did you bring something?”
“Since I’m visiting your home, I bought some fruit.”
Out of politeness, he couldn’t arrive empty-handed, so he had gone to the supermarket to pick out some premium fruits.
The girl smiled, “Alright, let’s go.”
The two of them took the bus into the residential area, and the girl noticed the tense expression on his face. She smiled and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you that nervous?”
How could he not be nervous about meeting her parents? He had barely slept the night before, worried not only about the vast differences between their families but also about how Liang Tianming and Zhong Xinrou would perceive him.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, the girl couldn’t resist leaning in and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. “Does that make it a little better?”
Pei Chen’s heart raced, his gaze lingering on her moist red lips. A rush of warmth surged through him, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.
When they arrived at the door, Liang Zhiyi led him inside. Zhong Xinrou had just come home from work. Pei Chen greeted her politely, and she welcomed him with a smile, guiding him into the living room. “You didn’t have to bring so many things, it’s too kind of you…”
At that moment, Liang Tianming also came downstairs. The moment Pei Chen saw him, he felt the mature and steady presence of the man. He immediately stood up and greeted him, “Hello, Uncle.”
Liang Tianming, who had seen countless people in his life, could usually judge someone with just one look. As he observed the polite and gentle young man before him, he suddenly understood why his daughter was so fond of him.
With a warm smile, Liang Tianming sat down on the sofa and gestured for Pei Chen to sit as well.
The atmosphere wasn’t particularly stiff or formal. Liang Tianming, like a concerned elder, inquired about Pei Chen’s exam results and even asked about Pei Yongxia.
When the conversation turned to family matters, Pei Chen nervously explained his own situation. However, he didn’t see any disdain on the faces of the Liang family. Instead, Liang Tianming spoke earnestly:
“When I first entered society, I had nothing to my name. I relied on my own hands to work hard and build everything. So the starting point in life isn’t as important as self-respect. Never look down on yourself. You’re still young, with endless possibilities ahead of you.”
Pei Chen nodded, feeling deeply moved and encouraged by his words.
When they discussed the incident with the delivery, the Liang family apologized on behalf of Mrs. Zhang, assuring Pei Chen that they appreciated his thoughtful gesture and the effort he put into choosing the goods.
Hearing this, Pei Chen was able to let go of the incident entirely.
After chatting for a while, Liang Tongzhou came downstairs and, seeing Pei Chen, eagerly dragged him upstairs to his room to hang out. Liang Tianming, worried that Pei Chen might feel too constrained, suggested the three of them head upstairs.
After the children left, Liang Tianming remarked, “That young man is indeed impressive. He seems very grounded and hardworking.”
Zhong Xinrou smiled, “You’ve only met him once, and you’re already so pleased?”
Liang Tianming took her hand, smiling with a sigh, “Our daughter is just like you—choosing people based on looks.”
“Hey, are you complimenting yourself now…”
Upstairs, the three of them went to Liang Tongzhou’s room. The girl played on her phone while the two boys talked about basketball.
In the evening, the housekeeper called them down for dinner. As they sat at the table, Zhong Xinrou told Pei Chen to feel at home and not to be shy.
As they ate, Zhong Xinrou remembered something. “Xiao Pei, the goods you sent were excellent. That red mushroom you brought was of really high quality. I use it often in soups.”
Pei Chen smiled, “Auntie, if you like it, I can go back to my hometown and get more for you.”
“If there’s a chance in the future, we can go together…”
Liang Tianming looked at Pei Chen and said gently, “As for the time I asked Zhiyi to transfer schools, she should have explained it to you. I just wanted you both to focus on your studies. Now that you’ve finished your exams, you can handle your relationship as you see fit.”
The implication was clear—he wasn’t against them being together. This reassurance was like a weight lifted off Pei Chen’s shoulders, allowing him to truly relax. All the misunderstandings and doubts were finally resolved.
He glanced at the girl beside him, and she returned his look with a warm smile.
After dinner, everyone moved to the living room, where the housekeeper served some fruit. Liang Zhiyi noticed that the watermelon had seeds and sighed, “I really wanted seedless watermelon.”
Across from her, Liang Tongzhou jokingly said, “Then don’t eat it. Give it all to me.”
She glared at him playfully and started eating a piece, but before long, Pei Chen handed her a plate of watermelon with the seeds already removed. “I’ve taken out most of the seeds for you. Is this better?”
Liang Zhiyi was always touched by his thoughtful gestures, and she smiled brightly. “Thank you, Pei Chen.”
Zhong Xinrou noticed this and said with a smile, “Xiao Pei, sometimes Zhiyi can be a bit spoiled. If she ever makes unreasonable requests, you don’t have to indulge her.”
“Mom, I don’t…”
Pei Chen smiled warmly, “It’s no problem.”
That evening, a light rain began to fall outside. Pei Chen stayed a bit longer at the house, but as the rain eased up, he mentioned that he needed to go home to take care of his father and that it was time for him to leave.
The family invited him to visit more often, and he agreed, politely saying goodbye to Zhong Xrou u and Liang Tianming. Liang Zhiyi offered to walk him out.
As they stepped out of the house, the rain had dwindled to a light drizzle. Liang Zhiyi fetched a large umbrella from inside, and Pei Chen held it up as they walked together into the misty rain.
In a moment of nostalgia, Liang Zhiyi remembered the National Day of their second year, when they had quarreled. She had brought Cookie to apologize to him, and just like today, they had walked together under an umbrella in the rain.
The villa area was vast and unusually quiet, peaceful and serene.
As they strolled under the sycamore trees along the roadside, Liang Zhiyi apologized again, “Pei Chen, I’m sorry. If only I had asked you more questions that night on New Year’s Eve, or if I had waited for you downstairs earlier, none of this would have happened. I know you must have felt really hurt hearing what my aunt said…”
Mrs. Zhang’s mocking words and Aunt Pei’s disdain for him must have been hard for Pei Chen to bear. No wonder his pride couldn’t handle it at the time, leading him to push her away.
Hearing the slight tremble in her voice, Pei Chen gently ruffled her hair and reassured her in a hoarse voice, “Zhiyi, it’s okay. This wasn’t your fault. I’ve already let it go.”
She nodded, determined, “I won’t let anyone speak about you like that again.”
He smiled softly, “Okay.”
They continued walking together, the raindrops falling softly in the hazy night. The gentle light from the street lamps cast golden reflections on the puddles, creating a warm, soothing atmosphere.
As they passed by the villas, Liang Zhiyi looked up at him and smiled, “So, are you still nervous? My parents aren’t that scary, right?”
Pei Chen nodded, “Uncle and Auntie are very nice people.”
No wonder Liang Zhiyi, despite being born into a wealthy family, was never arrogant or spoiled—her warm and lovable nature clearly came from the proper upbringing provided by Liang Tianming and Zhong Xinyou.
“Someday, I’ll visit Uncle Pei as well. I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“Sure, he often asks about you.”
“Does Uncle really like me that much?”
Pei Chen lowered his gaze, his eyes fixed on her face as he spoke in a deep, quiet voice, “Who wouldn’t like you?”
Hearing the meaning behind his words, she held back a smile, feeling a warmth spread in her heart.
“Oh, I’ll be heading to W Province in a few days. Some of my old classmates there are hosting a teacher appreciation banquet, and I want to go.”
“Okay.”
The girl hummed a little tune, and after a moment of silence, Pei Chen finally spoke, “Zhiyi… I want to ask you something.”
“Hmm?”
He pressed his lips together, “I heard from Tongzhou that there’s a guy named He Ming at your school who’s been pursuing you?”
Liang Zhiyi paused, immediately understanding what he was getting at. Her eyebrows arched slightly, and she nodded calmly, “Yes, he has been pursuing me.”
Pei Chen’s brows furrowed, his chest tightening with a sharp pang of jealousy. He couldn’t help but ask, “And… how do you feel about him?”
Was she testing him? Was she testing both him and He Ming at the same time?
The girl kept her eyes forward, walking slowly, and then she gave a sly smile:
“He confessed to me before. I thought, since you didn’t want to like me, maybe I should give him a try…”
He froze, caught off guard.
She sighed softly, “He’s supposed to visit Lincheng in a few days. If he confesses to me again, maybe I should consider it…”
Before she could finish her sentence, her wrist was suddenly grabbed, and she was pulled back.
Pei Chen drew her into his arms, bent down, and pressed his lips to hers in a warm, sudden kiss.
In that moment, the atmosphere turned charged with intimacy, and it felt as though time had stopped.
The sound of raindrops falling on the umbrella, the shimmering lights, all seemed to fade away.
All that remained was the rapid beating of their hearts.
Everything around them grew silent, and the girl’s mind went blank.
A few seconds later, as he slowly pulled away, Pei Chen looked into her eyes, misty with emotion, his black eyes burning with intensity. His voice was hoarse, restrained, and filled with deep emotion:
“Don’t say yes to him.”