Chapter 26

Shen Siyan noticed Xu Zhilu’s expression and raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

Xu Zhilu shook her head. “Nothing.”

After a moment of silence, she managed to say, “You’re quite proud, aren’t you?”

Shen Siyan: “…”

He chuckled and said helplessly, “Is it that obvious?”

Xu Zhilu nodded.

Shen Siyan smiled, unbothered by her reaction.

He looked good when he smiled. Usually, he appeared arrogant and a bit cold. But when he smiled, his features relaxed, and his expression softened, giving him a clean and fresh look.

Xu Zhilu glanced at him and instinctively looked away.

She liked Shen Siyan’s smile but felt uneasy about him smiling. She couldn’t quite describe the contradictory feelings she had.

Xu Zhilu pursed her lips, cleared her throat, and said, “Shall we go back upstairs now?”

Shen Siyan thought for a moment and replied, “Look at you, are you in such a hurry to go back?”

“Not really.”

Xu Zhilu said, “There’s no rush; let’s play for a bit first.”

Shen Siyan didn’t argue, and the two headed back upstairs. Shen Siyan and Cheng Song resumed their game.

Xu Zhilu stayed put, taking Xin An’an to the other side of the mall to buy milk tea. She suddenly had a craving for it.

On weekend afternoons, popular milk tea shops often have long lines.

The two were in no rush and moved forward slowly.

Xin An’an poked Xu Zhilu’s arm and asked softly, “What did you do with Shen Siyan?”

Xu Zhilu didn’t hide it and whispered, “I bought something.”

Xin An’an was puzzled and looked at her empty hands. “What did you buy?”

Xu Zhilu had worn a coat today because the mall’s air conditioning was set very high. She had put it on right after dinner and now realized her hands were empty.

She paused, adjusted her sleeves to reveal the beautiful watch.

Xin An’an’s eyes widened, but before she could examine it closely, Xu Zhilu shyly pulled it back.

“Why are you taking it back? I haven’t had a good look at it yet.”

Xin An’an ignored her hesitation and held her hand up to get a better view.

After staring at it for a while, she looked at Xu Zhilu in surprise. “Did Shen Siyan buy you a watch?”

“Yes.”

Xin An’an was astonished. “As expected of the young master.”

Xu Zhilu: “…”

Noticing Xu Zhilu’s discomfort, Xin An’an asked in a low voice, “What about the watch you bought earlier?”

Xu Zhilu hesitated, unwilling to discuss details until she was sure. “I’m not ready to explain right now. I’ll tell you when I’m certain.”

Xin An’an nodded, not pressing further.

She smiled at Xu Zhilu and said, “It’s really beautiful.”

Xu Zhilu responded with a soft “Hmm.” Xin An’an looked at her and said, “See, I told you Shen Siyan isn’t that kind of person. Why didn’t you just ask before?”

Xu Zhilu had no answer. After a moment of thought, she said calmly, “It’s my issue.”

“That’s right.”

Xin An’an said bluntly, “You don’t need to be so sensitive. Sometimes, you don’t need to overthink things. If you want to know something, just ask directly. It can clear up many misunderstandings.”

Xin An’an and Xu Zhilu had very different personalities.

Xin An’an was the type to ask directly if something was wrong. Whether it was about birthday gifts or unanswered messages, she would follow up until she got a response. If she didn’t get a reply, she’d ask directly the next time they met, “Why didn’t you reply to my message? Did you forget or not see it?”

For friends who had been together for a long time, mutual understanding meant that ignoring each other was rare. Xin An’an felt much better once she got answers and avoided losing long-standing friendships over misunderstandings.

Xu Zhilu, on the other hand, wasn’t as proactive. Her background and upbringing had made her less comfortable with asking questions. She rarely reached out first and often worried about whether she’d done something wrong or if someone didn’t like her. She could be quite anxious and overthink situations.

The development of character was closely tied to one’s environment and family.

Xin An’an couldn’t say much more, so she offered encouragement and perspective as best she could.

Xu Zhilu responded softly, “Okay.”

She smiled suddenly. “I’ll do my best.”

Xin An’an nodded, her eyes shining. “Shen Siyan is so good to you.”

Xu Zhilu was slightly taken aback, neither confirming nor denying the statement.

In some ways, Shen Siyan was indeed very kind to her, but it felt like more than just friendship, as if their bond had deeper roots. Xu Zhilu felt a pang of sadness, realizing that even if she had a second chance, she would still be drawn to Shen Siyan. She struggled with her feelings, unable to escape the circle of “Shen Siyan.”

Seeing her distress, Xin An’an said nothing more.

She patted Xu Zhilu’s arm and took her hand. “Shall we get a few cups of milk tea?”

Xu Zhilu thought for a moment and replied, “Four cups, please.”

“Alright.”

_

Shortly after enjoying their milk tea, Xu Zhilu went to the dance studio alone. 

She arrived a few minutes before the teacher.

After class, as Xu Zhilu was about to leave, the teacher called out to her.

“Xu Zhilu.”

Xu Zhilu looked up at the teacher, who was waving at her from a short distance. The dance teacher was beautiful, with a refined demeanor, a delicate face, and a gentle expression.

She trotted over, her face still slightly sweaty. “Teacher, is something the matter?”

The teacher smiled warmly. “I wanted to ask you something.”

Xu Zhilu nodded.

The teacher said, “You haven’t been to class for a while, but it seems you’re still keeping up with the course.” She paused for a moment and added softly, “During the summer vacation, our dance studio has taken on a performance project. I’d like to ask if you’re interested in signing up?”

Xu Zhilu was taken aback and pointed to herself. “Me?”

The teacher smiled and nodded. “Yes, it’s you.”

She continued, “You’re not alone in this. Several other students have signed up for the performance. Since it’s in a different location, many students can’t participate. However, I remember you’re a high school student and have winter and summer vacations.”

There was no such performance in Xu Zhilu’s memory.

By this time in her previous life, she had already stopped dancing.

She thought about it and expressed her concern. “But considering my current situation, won’t I be a hindrance?”

The teacher chuckled and said, “We will definitely rehearse together. We’ll practice until we’re all proficient before going on stage. There will also be an appearance fee, though it might not be as much as you expect.”

She provided a rough estimate.

Xu Zhilu understood and replied, “I’m not worried about the fee. I’m just concerned about holding everyone back.”

“You won’t.”

The teacher looked at her kindly and said, “You’re a fast learner. You have a strong foundation from years of dance training, which is better than most of the other students.”

Xu Zhilu thought for a moment and then asked, “Can I think about it and get back to you?”

“Of course. I’ll send you the information later. It’s all official.”

“Alright.”

Xu Zhilu went to take a quick shower.

After changing clothes and gathering her things, she checked her phone and saw a message from Xin An’an, saying she had returned home.

Xu Zhilu replied and then headed out of the dance studio, walking towards the elevator.

Not paying much attention, she didn’t notice someone standing at the end of the corridor.

Just as she finished replying to Xin An’an’s message, her phone rang.

Xu Zhilu answered in surprise, “Hello?”

Shen Siyan’s voice came through the call. “Xu Zhilu, can’t you look back?”

Xu Zhilu was momentarily confused. “What?”

Shen Siyan’s voice was clear. “Turn around.”

Xu Zhilu turned her head reflexively and saw Shen Siyan at the end of the corridor.

There was a glass window behind him. Sunlight bathed him in a warm glow, casting a bright halo around him. He leaned casually against the wall, legs crossed, looking relaxed, and held his phone, watching her.