Chapter 35

“Then you’re mixed-race? No wonder you look so good, like an anime character.”

“Did you come here alone?”

“Yes, alone.”

“Alone? Have you decided where to go yet?”

Yu Ze was naturally friendly, which made Lin Nanzhi feel a bit overwhelmed. She didn’t know how to react but still answered all his questions, saying, “I did some research before coming here. Tomorrow, I plan to visit Peach Blossom Spring.”

“Perfect! We’re going there too. Why not join us? Plus, I’m a tour guide—you can count on me. If you’re worried, you can bring him along.”

Lin Nanzhi: “…”

No wonder he was so enthusiastic—it’s his job!

But honestly, if she was really worried, wouldn’t two strangers be scarier than one?

Sensing her hesitation, Yu Ze pulled out his phone and showed her his work ID and credentials. Lin Nanzhi had no choice but to take a look and found that he really was a tour guide, though he was fairly new to the job.

She glanced up at Wen Jiunian, who was quietly sipping his milk tea with a calm and serene expression. She thought to herself, “He doesn’t seem like a bad person either.”

Yu Ze: “Wait, do I look like a bad guy?”

After thinking it over, Lin Nanzhi realized that having a guide would be much more convenient. He knew which attractions were close to each other, where to go in one day, and there was transportation provided. She wouldn’t have to book a hotel or worry about meals—it was definitely easier than figuring it out on her own.

“So, what do you think?”

Lin Nanzhi decided to give it a try and nodded. “I’ll trouble you guys then.”

“Great! Let’s add each other as friends.”

Yu Ze took out his phone, opened his QQ QR code, and handed it to Lin Nanzhi. Then, he playfully nudged Wen Jiunian, who also pulled out his phone and opened his QR code.

Lin Nanzhi pursed her lips and quietly added both of them as friends, changing their contact names to their real names.

“It’s settled then! We’ll pick you up tomorrow. Are you heading back now? We can give you a ride.”

Lin Nanzhi shook her head. “I still need to take some photos.”

“No problem! His photography skills are great. Let him take them for you.”

Wen Jiunian: “…”

Wen Jiunian was speechless. Why should he do it instead of Yu Ze?

Despite his reluctance, he still took the camera and snapped many photos of Lin Nanzhi. As she reviewed them, she was surprised at how good they looked and gave Wen Jiunian a curious glance.

So, guys could be amazing photographers too?

“What is it?” Wen Jiunian felt a little self-conscious under her gaze and touched his face.

“Nothing. I’m just surprised—you take really good photos.”

She had thought Yu Ze was just exaggerating.

Wen Jiunian didn’t respond, but Yu Ze immediately chimed in, “Of course! This guy is a genius. He picks up skills easily. He got into photography just because he liked it, so of course, he’s good at it.”

Wen Jiunian frowned when Yu Ze slung an arm around his shoulder, practically draping himself over him like he had no bones. He pushed Yu Ze away in disgust. “Back off. Why are you so close to me, man?”

“Hey, how could you dislike your own buddy?”

Wen Jiunian rolled his eyes and gave him a light kick, but Yu Ze dodged as if he had anticipated it. Watching their playful exchange, Lin Nanzhi couldn’t help but laugh.

Hearing her laugh, Yu Ze suddenly remembered there was a girl present. He scratched his head and said, “It’s getting late. Let’s take you back.”

Lin Nanzhi nodded and followed them, but she remained cautious, keeping her phone location services on and ready to dial 110 (emergency services) just in case.

On the way, Wen Jiunian drove while Yu Ze and Lin Nanzhi chatted about travel spots. When they reached the hotel, they confirmed their plans before Lin Nanzhi went inside.

Before stepping in, she turned back to glance at their departing figures. She felt relieved and reassured.

Looks like there are still more good people than bad in the world.

—

Back in the car, Wen Jiunian glanced at Yu Ze. “I thought you quit.”

“Who said that? Besides, how could I let a beautiful girl travel alone? What if she gets into trouble?”

A beautiful girl…

Wen Jiunian recalled Lin Nanzhi’s appearance—long chestnut-colored hair, a small oval face, delicate features, and fair, porcelain-like skin as smooth as fresh milk. Her blue eyes were clear like amber, giving her a unique blend of Western sharpness and Eastern softness. She was breathtaking, like an otherworldly fairy.

She really was a beauty.

A rare one, at that.

“Don’t get any ideas. She looks young,” Wen Jiunian warned as he turned the car around.

“She should be an adult. Otherwise, her family wouldn’t have let her travel alone. She probably just looks young!”

She was quite tall—definitely not a minor.

“Wait… you’re not secretly interested in her, are you? Are you trying to keep me away?” Yu Ze smirked knowingly.

Wen Jiunian shot him an eye roll. If he weren’t driving, he would have kicked him.

Of course, Yu Ze was just teasing. If Wen Jiunian were truly interested, he’d say so—there was no need for mind games. Besides, Yu Ze just thought Lin Nanzhi was good-looking, nothing more.

Falling for someone in such a short time wasn’t his style.

“But seriously, don’t you think you and her are meant to be? Wasn’t she the one who stepped on your foot at the hotpot restaurant?”

“Out of all the people there, why did she step on you? And not just once—twice! If this isn’t fate, then what is?”

Yu Ze had been sitting by the window when he saw someone talking to Wen Jiunian. When he asked about it, Wen Jiunian simply said, “She stepped on me and apologized.”

Yu Ze had noticed a footprint on Wen Jiunian’s shoe and joked that maybe it was a pickup strategy. But then, she stepped on him again—twice—and Wen Jiunian even bought her milk tea. That sounded just like a scene from a romance drama.

With a mischievous grin, Yu Ze asked, “So, Wen Jiunian, when she looked back at you, did your heart skip a beat?”

Having grown up together, Yu Ze knew Wen Jiunian had always been incredibly handsome. He had countless admirers, yet he never showed interest in any of them.

So Yu Ze couldn’t resist teasing him.

Wen Jiunian sneered, “Keep talking, and I’ll pull over and beat you.”

Yu Ze: “…”

Don’t be fooled by Wen Jiunian’s gentle appearance—he had a temper!

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. If only those girls could see the real you.”

“Mr. Gentle and Refined… yeah, right.”

“Always kind to everyone… doesn’t seem like it!”

Yu Ze grinned mischievously.