As soon as the words left her mouth, Song Xi regretted it. Asking such a question was truly the behavior of a female hooligan; no girl would dare ask such a thing, especially during their first blind date.

At that moment, the man’s voice reached her ears, “Yes.”

Hearing this, Song Xi was incredibly excited, as if she had finally achieved a six-pack after working out for a long time. She really wanted to touch it.

Deciding to be a hooligan all the way, she asked, “Seeing is believing. Can I see it?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Only my future wife has that privilege.”

Song Xi felt even more respect for him. He had a strong sense of male virtue.

Good men like him were rare in today’s society. Perhaps she should make a move first, marry him, and then fall in love, or force him to love her?

No, no, that wouldn’t do. She didn’t know him well enough yet.

Despite her feelings for him, Song Xi wouldn’t make hasty decisions. Jumping into marriage without a proper relationship would be risky, lacking a solid emotional foundation. One-sided love could easily lead to failure, hurting both of them and their families.

Song Xi cleared her throat, “I was once your student, so I won’t go into details about my past. Now, I am an only child, and I’m unsure if my parents will have more children. I don’t own a house or a car. My monthly salary isn’t high, but it’s enough to support myself. I can manage to support two more people if needed. I can’t cook elaborate meals, but I can always make steamed buns. So, I think…”

“What do you think?” The man’s curiosity was piqued, eagerly awaiting her next words.

Song Xi smiled and slowly said, “I think… I’m not good enough for you.”

Shang Fuyan: “…”

This made the man a bit defensive, “How will you know if you don’t try?”

Song Xi appeared to be seriously considering it, and each passing second felt like an eternity to the man.

After about eight seconds, Song Xi finally responded, “Why don’t we give it a try?”

“Alright. In a way that’s comfortable for both of us.”

Song Xi didn’t expect him to agree so readily. The big fish had taken the bait, and she was quite happy about it.

Her smile was so wide it was hard to suppress.

They exchanged a glance, then looked away, pretending nothing had happened.

The rain had stopped.

Song Xi suggested they leave, and naturally, Shang Fuyan offered to drive her home.

This was expected by Song Xi. Did it mean that Professor Shang had a bit of a liking for her?

Song Xi followed him to the elevator, which took them to the underground parking lot.

His car was a black Volvo, the same model as her family’s, indicating that their financial situations weren’t too different.

Song Xi didn’t dwell on this. Seeing him open the passenger door, she said, “Thank you,” and got in, buckling her seatbelt.

Shang Fuyan circled around the car and sat in the driver’s seat, starting the engine smoothly.

The car quickly left the underground garage, transitioning from darkness to brightness.

The sky had cleared up.

Song Xi’s attention was on his hands. She had always found them attractive, and now they seemed even more so. She couldn’t look away.

Who wouldn’t be drawn to beautiful things, whether on a person or elsewhere?

“Where should I drop you off?” the man asked, turning to her.

Song Xi refocused, “I live in Zijun Garden.”

“Your school is on Fuqian Road, quite far from your home. How do you usually get to work?”

“I rent a place near the school and stay there on weekdays. I only come back on weekends.”

The man nodded in understanding.

Feeling the need to reciprocate, Song Xi asked, “Where do you usually live?”

“Like you, I live near the school.”

Song Xi assumed he was renting and didn’t press further.

Seeing her quiet, Shang Fuyan glanced at her again, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“I plan to go back home early tomorrow afternoon to prepare for my lessons. I don’t want to wake up too early on Monday.”

So, she just wanted to sleep in.

Shang Fuyan’s eyes softened, “I can drive you tomorrow.”

Song Xi, who was about to refuse, smiled, “That would be a bother, Professor Shang.”

“Song Xi, you can call me by my name.”

“That’s a bit… disrespectful, isn’t it?”

Just then, the red light turned green, and the man’s gaze returned to her face, “We aren’t in a teacher-student relationship anymore. You’ve graduated and entered society, so there’s no disrespect. Isn’t that right, Song Xi?”

Song Xi was impressed by his logical reasoning. She had always known he was clear-headed and knowledgeable. His ability to handle conversation was no less impressive, befitting his reputation as the most famous and influential person at Lan University.

“What should I call you?”

“Whatever you like.”

Song Xi thought for a moment, “If I call you by your name, can you accept it?”

“Yes.”

The light turned green, and the car started moving again, merging smoothly into the traffic.

Song Xi looked out the window, chuckling to herself.

She recalled that during her college days, she would describe those who loved archaeology with three words: “old antique.”

She wondered what kind of person Shang Fuyan was.

On the surface, he seemed very restrained and even a bit unfeeling.

Would he change in the future, or remain the same inside and out?

Song Xi wasn’t a naive girl. She had read hundreds of novels, and had even created over a dozen characters herself. Her innocence was sometimes an act.

When inspiration struck, it was like rocket fuel!

She had been secretly writing novels since her third year of college, keeping it a secret from her parents.

In the world, one must protect one’s anonymity. Even her best friend didn’t know her pen name.

If they found out, it would be like being naked in public, a social death waiting to happen.

“Song Xi, what are your hobbies?”

“Does reading count?”

The man, still driving, nodded slightly, “What kind of books do you like to read?”

“Romance novels.”

As soon as she said this, the air filled with the faint hum of the engine, and a silence ensued.

Song Xi watched his reaction, then explained seriously, “It’s a genre of novels.”

“I know,” the man said calmly, keeping his eyes on the road.

The conversation seemed to stall, so Song Xi changed the topic, “What about you? What are your hobbies?”

“Besides working out, I don’t have any others.”

Song Xi didn’t believe him, “I think you must like antiques.”

The man smiled, “So, you think I’m an old antique?”