Chapter 59

Li Hu brought Dai Ning in, leisurely late, while the students at the table were already seated and ready to eat. At the summer retreat, the small round tables accommodated six people each. The students, out of courtesy, waited for Dai Ning and Li Hu before starting.

Li Hu hadn’t lied to Dai Ning—there was indeed hot pot on the table.

Zhang Youying was also seated at the table. Upon seeing Li Hu and Dai Ning enter together, she kept her head down, her face cold. The girl sitting next to Zhang Youying, however, appeared visibly upset.

Dai Ning paid no attention to what others thought. Such trivial matters of adolescent jealousy were none of her concern. She picked up her chopsticks and began eating happily.

Li Hu opened a bottle of chilled drink for her and occasionally wiped the corners of her mouth.

Since he was willing to serve her, Dai Ning was happy to accept it.

The room was filled with curious glances toward Dai Ning. She was clearly enjoying herself, unlike the others, who were busy attending classes. Everyone knew that Li Hu’s family was wealthy and that he was not an easy person to get along with. Yet, he was unusually gentle with her.

Li Hu opened a bottle of beer for himself and teased her, “Want to try some?”

Dai Ning shook her head. She preferred sweet and spicy things but disliked alcohol.

At another table, a teacher coughed lightly, prompting the students to glance at Li Hu. Drinking alcohol at the summer camp was unheard of. His boldness caught everyone’s attention. Zhang Youying said nothing and quietly opened her own bottle.

On the third day, the teacher announced that the group would go on a wilderness camping trip. The announcement brought bright smiles to the students’ faces.

“I’ve heard the camping trip is the best part of this summer camp!”
“Yeah, last year someone even caught a glimpse of a meteor shower.”
“Do you think we’ll see one this year?”
“Not sure, but we’ll be camping for three days. If we’re lucky, maybe.”

Dai Ning was busy playing with Li Hu’s puzzle game. Hearing about something fun, she grew interested and asked him, “Will it really be fun?”

“It’s nice,” Li Hu replied, amused by her innocence and flushed cheeks. “The night view is great—perfect for… certain activities.”

Ignoring his comment, Dai Ning focused instead on the excitement around her, growing more eager for the outing.

Though the other girls avoided her, she didn’t mind. She wasn’t the type to engage in idle chatter. Meanwhile, the boys couldn’t stop sneaking glances at her whenever they had the chance.

Before they left, Li Hu reminded her, “There’s a natural hot spring along the way. Bring your swimsuit; it’ll be fun to check it out.”

Dai Ning wasn’t one to miss out on enjoyable experiences.

The students boarded a sightseeing bus, which stopped halfway. The driver announced a break at the hot springs, and everyone excitedly rushed out.

The camp covered all costs, so there was no need for tickets. The students lined up to enter while Li Hu pulled Dai Ning aside.

“I’ll head to the men’s side. You’ll be fine joining the girls, right?”
“Of course!”

She skipped off without a backward glance at him.

The girls emerged after changing into their swimsuits. Most of them wore modest outfits, befitting their age—soft, youthful bodies on display in a reserved yet vibrant way. They giggled and chased each other around.

Zhang Youying also came out, wearing a professional athletic swimsuit. Her toned limbs and healthy tan made her stand out.

Wen Zizi, her friend, nudged her. “Look at her.”

Zhang Youying turned and saw Dai Ning approaching.

Her hair was pinned up in loose curls, her skin porcelain white. The light played on her slender waist and long legs as she walked lazily toward the group. The girls couldn’t help but stare, some blushing as their gazes lingered on her.

Wen Zizi muttered, “Wow… now that’s a weapon.”

Zhang Youying’s eyes briefly scanned Dai Ning’s chest. Then, looking down at her own flat figure, her lips twitched in annoyance.

“She looks like a character out of a smutty romance novel—not a proper student at all,” someone whispered.

“Shh, don’t let her hear you.”

Despite their words, envy was evident in their expressions. Dai Ning’s flawless waist, perfectly proportioned legs, and graceful curves made her stand out so much that even the girls couldn’t help but blush.

Unbothered by their whispers, Dai Ning soaked leisurely in the pool. The other girls kept their distance, watching her while whispering among themselves.

Being ostracized didn’t faze Dai Ning. Their absence only meant she could enjoy the space all to herself.

“Don’t take it to heart, Youying. Li Hu isn’t that shallow,” Wen Zizi tried to console her.

Zhang Youying shot her a glance. “All men are shallow.”

Wen Zizi was at a loss for words.

The bell rang, signaling the group to get dressed and return to the bus.

After a thirty-minute drive, they reached the highest campsite.

“Alright, everyone, get off!”

The campsite was spacious, with carpets laid out and everything prepared from previous visits. Even the tents were sturdily set up and well-equipped.

“According to tradition, two students will share a tent. Pair up with someone to look after each other. If you need help, let the teachers know,” announced a staff member.

The students quickly partnered up.

The girls hesitated, glancing at Dai Ning but not daring to approach her. With her aloof demeanor and striking appearance, she seemed unapproachable.

Qingtuan, watching from the side, huffed in frustration as if it were its own child being excluded.

Being too beautiful came with its downsides—alienating peers and attracting unwelcome attention.

Dai Ning didn’t mind. She was used to it, and truthfully, she wasn’t easy to get along with anyway. Sitting cross-legged on a white mat, she pulled out her phone and started playing.

Zhang Youying approached, hoisting the petite girl to her feet.

“You’ll stay with me.”

Curious, Dai Ning looked at her. Zhang Youying remained expressionless.

“Youying, why are you helping her?” Wen Zizi protested.

Dai Ning obediently followed Zhang Youying into the tent.

The tents weren’t like the basic ones found in rural areas. These were spacious, with latex mats for added comfort. No wonder the students had been looking forward to this—they were genuinely well-equipped.

Zhang Youying began unpacking, while Dai Ning sprawled lazily on the soft mat, her large, glassy eyes fixed on Zhang Youying.

“Get up; I need to set the bed,” Zhang Youying said.

Dai Ning moved aside. Zhang Youying efficiently laid out a new sheet without a word.

“Don’t you dislike me?” Dai Ning asked.

“I do,” Zhang Youying replied without hesitation.

One person and one round spirit watched her work. Zhang Youying was diligent and practical, covering every detail with ease. Dai Ning benefited from her efforts, not needing to lift a finger.

Dinner was set up outside with lively chatter and laughter.

Li Hu brought a jug of chilled plum juice just for Dai Ning and handed it to her.

She tilted her head, studied him for a moment, and then ran to Zhang Youying, tugging at her sleeve.

“Make me some hot water,” she said in a coquettish tone.

“Do it yourself.”

“I don’t know how.”

Zhang Youying ignored her. But after a few more tries, she reluctantly went to boil water for her.

Dai Ning sipped from the paper cup, while Qingtuan observed both Zhang Youying and the frowning Li Hu. It seemed to understand something.

After dinner, the students gathered in a circle for a talent show.

Some sang, others danced. Dai Ning, too lazy to join, went back to the tent early to play on her phone. Before long, Zhang Youying also returned, disinterested in such activities.

Zhang Youying unzipped the tent’s top flap, letting the starlight pour in.

Dai Ning lay on the left side, and Zhang Youying settled on the right.

Dai Ning glanced at her phone and saw a new text message.

Just checking in.
Sender: Brother. The message had been sent several hours ago.

Dai Ning casually swiped the notification away, showing no intention of replying.

—

Chen Lianxing could no longer tolerate the suffocating atmosphere at home.

The first day after that little brat left, she was overjoyed and even dragged Chen Jing out for a meal. Though he declined to join her, his demeanor remained composed.

By the second day, Chen Jing grew noticeably quieter, occasionally glancing at his phone.

By the third day, he was entirely silent, staring at his phone for long stretches. The oppressive mood at home became palpable, and Chen Lianxing, with her sharp sensitivity to such matters, couldn’t ignore it.

That afternoon, Chen Jing didn’t go out. Instead, he stayed in his room. It wasn’t until the evening that he emerged, silent as ever, and headed to the park for a run.

As the sky darkened, this abnormal behavior made Chen Lianxing too uneasy to speak to him. While she was often naive about other matters, she was exceptionally perceptive when it came to matters of the heart. Chen Jing’s sudden silence—it wasn’t hard for her to understand what it meant.

“That little brat.” Chen Lianxing angrily kicked Dai Ning’s door.

The night sky above Fengming City was devoid of stars.

Chen Jing had run five laps around the park and finally stopped by a bench under the streetlamp—the same bench where Dai Ning had once fallen asleep after running away from home.

Drenched in sweat, he pulled out his phone. Still no reply.

Chen Jing had to admit that his mood was utterly dreadful. He had been trying to maintain distance from Dai Ning, thinking that his feelings for her were inappropriate and that staying away might bring things back to how they were before.

But with her gone for just three days, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Was she eating well? Sleeping well? With her delicate and pampered demeanor, was anyone bullying her?

What tormented him most was the thought of young love—intense and unbridled—blooming between her and that boy. How far had they gone? Holding hands? Hugging? Kissing? Or something even further, something unbearable to imagine.

The cold light of his phone reflected off his face, sharpening his already severe features. He opened the contact with the ridiculously long name: “Unbeatable Beautiful Darling Dai Dai.”

His lips pressed into a stern line. He told himself that, as her brother, ensuring her safety wasn’t overstepping.

He initiated a voice call.

Chen Jing had never thought that speaking to someone could make him so nervous. What would he say? His voice was rough and unpleasant—would she get annoyed and hang up?

The ringing continued for a while before the call connected.

Before he could speak, a series of soft giggles and light sighs reached his ears. Among them were faint laughs and delicate breaths that made his heart clench painfully.

For a moment, Chen Jing’s face turned icy cold, and his chest tightened with an unbearable ache.

Yes, he admitted it—he was jealous. Jealous to the point of madness.

Why? Why did someone else get to have her? He was the one who had met Dai Ning first, the one who brought her home, the one who promised to take care of her forever. He could give her everything—could that boy do the same?

Even if the feelings were mutual, she was still so young. And yet that boy dared to—!

Anger burned in his veins, but before speaking, he switched to a video call. The abrupt transition startled Dai Ning, and she accidentally answered.

The screen showed her flushed face, her red lips slightly parted, and her bright eyes shimmering as if bathed in dew. Her appearance crashed into his view like an unstoppable wave.

“Hi, big brother,” Dai Ning greeted, her tone as nonchalant as ever, despite the situation.

Chen Jing’s lips pressed tightly together, his heart struggling with emotions he couldn’t suppress. Forcing himself to shift his gaze away from her face, he focused on the screen’s background.

A figure moved off her, grumbling angrily, “Chen Dai Dai, give it back!”

Dai Ning’s eyes sparkled with laughter. She was having too much fun.

“Don’t be shy! You’re really pretty!”

The screen wobbled as someone seized her slender wrist, taking back whatever she had been holding.

Chen Jing’s boiling anger cooled slightly as a hint of clarity emerged. He noticed the voice, though neutral in tone, was distinctly feminine.

And if Dai Ning truly were doing something inappropriate, she wouldn’t be this composed and playful during a video call.

“What’s wrong, big brother?” Dai Ning asked, tilting her head.

Chen Jing lowered his gaze, masking his emotions. His voice was hoarse when he finally replied, “Nothing. Are you having fun?”

“It’s okay. There are stars, hot springs, and even hotpot.”

Chen Jing hesitated to ask about Li Hu, his lips parting before he ultimately held back.

“Do you have enough money?”

Her wide, glimmering eyes stared through the screen, and after a pause, her lips curved into a teasing smile. “I do. But I just miss you, big brother.”

Chen Jing’s head jerked up at her words, his eyes flashing momentarily with light. But that spark dimmed as quickly as it came, leaving her unable to discern his feelings.

Huh? Dai Ning was puzzled. She’d been away for so long, nearly running wild, yet her brother wasn’t even angry?

After a moment, Chen Jing averted his gaze.

Dai Ning yawned delicately, covering her mouth. “Big brother, I’m sleepy. I’m going to bed.”

“Okay.”

The call ended.

Chen Jing held his phone for a long time, finally realizing that no matter how far she went, or how long she stayed away, it made no difference.

—

The next morning, as Chen Jing left the house, Chen Lianxing reflexively reached for her phone to message Ji Tian. But she stopped when she noticed his outfit.

“Big brother, aren’t you going to the martial arts gym?”

Chen Jing nodded briefly without elaborating.

His all-black, athletic attire was notably different from his usual training clothes.

After he left, Chen Lianxing had a bold suspicion.

No way! Chen Jing is going to find that little troublemaker?

Should she tell Ji Tian or not?