Since Qin Si arrived later, they took their time with the meal and ended up dining until it was dark outside.

Lu Nian glanced at the time. “I should head back soon.”

Ming Ge said, “Alright, let’s contact you the day after tomorrow, and we’ll pick you up to hang out.”

“Thank you, Ming Ge,” Lu Nian replied obediently.

As they exited the restaurant, the sky outside had already darkened, showing signs of impending rain with its gloomy atmosphere.

“Is someone from your family picking you up?” Xiao Qu asked.

Lu Nian shook her head. “Our driver is off today, so I’ll go back by myself.”

In truth, she had come out on her own and didn’t want to disturb the Lu family.

“It’s late, and you’re a girl. It’s dangerous to go alone,” Ming Ge disagreed.

He turned to Qin Si. “You go and see Lu Nian off. You’re the least affected by the alcohol.”

Walking at the back of the group, the wind blew over, and Lu Nian caught a faint, refreshing scent of alcohol.

He said, “I can’t drive after drinking.”

“Then call a car,” Ming Ge suggested. “You don’t have to drive yourself.”

Lu Nian glanced at him. “It’s fine, I’ll take a taxi back. It’s not that late.”

The silhouette of the girl looked particularly frail and delicate.

“Why are you following?” Lu Nian didn’t look back.

Watching their long shadows overlapping on the ground, he spoke faintly, his voice a bit hoarse. “Just on the way to sober up.”

Lu Nian said, “…”

As far as she could recall, she rarely saw Qin Si drink.

Although he had spent a long time at Ming Ge’s during his school days, she had never noticed any scent of alcohol on him.

Moreover, he seldom got drunk. Lu Nian had never seen him inebriated before.

“In that case, don’t bother about me anymore,” Lu Nian muttered. “I’m an adult now, and you can drink, so can I.”

Qin Si remained silent.

When she got out of the car, Lu Nian stumbled a bit due to her leg injury.

Her left leg still lacked some strength during this period.

She was supported.

She thought to herself that his hands were so big, enveloping hers completely.

They were nothing like the hands of a little boy from her childhood.

She inexplicably remembered that reckless kiss from that day, the intense response from the boy beneath her, and his restrained breaths.

In the darkness, her face turned red.

Qin Si had already slowly released her hand.

The moon hung high.

They didn’t exchange many words until they were near the entrance of the Lu family mansion.

Finally, Lu Nian asked, “How long will you stay in Ancheng this time?”

“Till the end of the month,” Qin Si replied.

Lu Nian said, “Oh.”

She absentmindedly thought that this might be the last time. After this, she might not see him again, and she didn’t know if he would come back for Chinese New Year.

She actually wanted to stay a bit longer and spend more time with him.

But she dared not return too late tonight.

Lu Zhihong’s plane should arrive in Ancheng tonight, and the next day, the Zhao family would bring Zhao Tingyuan and Zhao Yayuan to visit.

Lu Zhihong always attached great importance to this, so he would definitely return early to make arrangements.

He retraced his steps.

On the second floor of the bar, Ming Ge saw him push the door open.

Moonlight spilled onto the corridor outside. Ming Ge didn’t lift his head. “What are you doing here? Why didn’t you go home?”

“No way to go back,” he replied shortly.

With the house empty and just having parted ways with her, he found himself in this situation again. He didn’t want to go home.

Ming Ge raised an eyebrow. “Drunk? That alcohol had quite a high percentage. You’re silly to drink so much.”

“She doesn’t like me,” Qin Si said lightly.

Lu Nian probably still couldn’t figure out what “liking” meant. The unexpected kiss they shared at Nanqiao was likely just a moment of impulse or novelty.

And almost losing control during that reckless kiss was him.

Even if Lu Nian was curious about him, it wouldn’t last.

Their feelings were unequal from the beginning and would never be equal.

At this moment, he didn’t even have the qualification to talk about liking her. He wasn’t willing to drag her into the same situation as him.

She was naturally meant to be cherished and protected, living carefree and sheltered, not like him, struggling and scrambling like a stray dog, hurriedly and haphazardly growing up.

He needed some time.

He had become accustomed to enduring silently.

The next day, Miao Miao woke Lu Nian up early.

Because of the Zhao family’s visit, there was a constant stream of servants moving around the Lu residence from early in the morning, making preparations for the luncheon.

Miao Miao helped her with her hair, and the Lu family had a makeup artist come over to give her a light makeup. “Nian Nian, you’re eighteen now. You can put on a little makeup.”

Zhang Qiuping also came over and smiled, “Nian Nian, you need to tidy up nicely today and leave a good impression on them.”

Lu Nian really didn’t understand. Zhao Tingyuan and Zhao Yayuan had seen her before, so why did she need to dress up like this? Mr. and Mrs. Zhao were no longer of the same generation as her, so would they care about the appearance of a little girl like her?

Zhang Qiuping said, “This is also the Lu family’s reputation.”

Miao Miao added, “Nian Nian, when you attend these social occasions in the future, you represent your family. Mr. Lu also hopes you can dress up nicely.”

It sounded reasonable, so Lu Nian could only reluctantly accept it. “Okay.”

After she finally finished getting ready, Miao Miao went out to take a look and then told Lu Nian, “Young Master Zhao has already arrived.”

“Which one?”

“Young Master Zhao Er.”

Zhao Yayuan then.

Lu Nian was still resting in the small living room when the door was pushed open, and there he was. Lu Nian smiled, “Why are you dressed so formally?”

She was used to seeing Zhao Yayuan’s casual appearance.

Seeing him so formal now felt strange.

Zhao Yayuan unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt, feeling like he could finally breathe properly. “Do you think I wanted to dress like this? It’s all because of my mom. If I don’t dress up, she keeps nagging at me, and I swear she could wear out my ears.”

“My parents are here too, chatting with your dad,” Zhao Yayuan slouched on the sofa. “I guess they’ll call us over soon.”

This was Lu Nian’s first time seeing Zhao Yayuan since their trip to Nanqiao.

Upon seeing him, Lu Nian suddenly thought, wouldn’t it be great if Qiu Liang wanted to come back?

Then they would have two people on their side, and she wouldn’t need to represent the Lu family in social situations anymore.

At least she would have someone to rely on.

She sighed.

“My brother is here too,” Zhao Yayuan said, “He’s outside with the others.”

Lu Nian and Zhao Tingyuan weren’t particularly close.

They had seen each other many times but didn’t have much interaction.

But as far as she remembered, Zhao Tingyuan had always been indifferent to her, and his easygoing personality wouldn’t add any pressure to Lu Nian.

Zhao Tingyuan was indeed outside, originally chatting with Lu Zhihong. Lu Zhihong praised, “Tingyuan is becoming more outstanding.”

Zhao Tingyuan laughed, “Uncle has the demeanor. My father has always said that in the social scene of Ancheng nowadays,”

Lu Zhihong burst into laughter, “Tingyuan, you speak so well.”

Zhao Rulan said, “He’s speaking the truth.”

Zhao Tingyuan’s phone had been vibrating continuously.

When the adults began chatting, he said, “Sorry, I need to take this call. It’s my mentor calling.”

Jiang Wenyin said, “Go ahead. This kid has been busy since he went to college.”

Lu Zhihong nodded, “Young people should strive harder. Little Nian has been too pampered.”

Jiang Wenyin added, “My second son is the same. As soon as he’s brought in, he disappears. I don’t know where he goes.”

With his phone in hand, Zhao Tingyuan’s smile faded when he saw it was a call from Su Qingyou.

He walked to a secluded corner and answered the phone with a lowered voice, “Hello.”

“Listen, where are you right now?” A soft, somewhat aggrieved voice came from the other end. “I want to see you.”

Zhao Tingyuan lowered the volume even more. “…It’s probably better for us not to meet in the near future.”

He hardly smiled.

“I’m sorry for not controlling myself last time,” Su Qingyou said. “I caused you trouble, but my feelings are genuine.”

“Listen, don’t worry. I won’t go out and say anything,” she said. “We’re both adults and can take responsibility for our actions.”

She spoke calmly, without tears or drama, just a hint of nasal congestion, evidently tired.

Zhao Tingyuan softened.

After a moment of silence, he said, “…These days, remember to rest well at home.”

He was naturally gentle and kind, unable to be ruthless towards women.

Su Qingyou said, “I’ve been at home all day today, saying I’m not feeling well… I know you still care about me.”

Zhao Tingyuan didn’t reply.

She asked, “Are you at the Lu residence today?”

Zhao Tingyuan’s tone turned cold. “Yes.”

Su Qingyou said, “It’s okay, I won’t go out and say anything. The daughter of the Lu family is very cute, I’ve always liked her. You forgot, we’ve met before.”

Zhao Tingyuan still felt uncomfortable. After a few brief exchanges, he hung up the phone.

He had been indecisive since he was a child, and now he was still wavering.

Compared to the Su family, the Lu family was much stronger in terms of business and background, especially now that Lu Zhihong was ambitious.

Many industry insiders were optimistic about the Lu family, and the estimates of Lu Zhihong’s current value were staggering.

Moreover, for the Su family, Su Qingyou wasn’t the only daughter; she also had an older brother and a younger brother.

But the Lu family now only had one daughter left.

Lu Nian was introverted and not good at socializing, but her character was gentle and kind, without any spoiled princess temperament.

She was also quite attractive, except sometimes she seemed a bit aloof and lacked the charm of a young girl.

And there was always a hint of illness about her.

She could even be said to be the most top-notch beauty Zhao Tingyuan had ever seen.

Su Qingyou had already started to get involved in the company’s business, showing that she had the ability and ambition.

On the other hand, Lu Nian was still like a child, let alone taking over the Lu Group’s affairs.

In fact, between the two of them, he felt better towards Su Qingyou.

And towards Lu Nian, he didn’t know if it was because she was too young when they first met, or because Lu Nian had never been very close to him from the beginning, Zhao Tingyuan always felt that there was no spark between them.

Moreover, Zhao Yayuan’s attitude towards her had always been a knot in Zhao Tingyuan’s heart.

A few days ago, before coming to the Lu residence, the two brothers had a brief conversation.

“Brother, do you want to compete with me?” Zhao Yayuan asked.

“Compete?” Zhao Tingyuan chuckled. “What do Mom and Dad mean?”

Zhao Yayuan said, “We’re real brothers. What can Mom and Dad mean? They said they’ll look at our willingness.”

He didn’t say anything more and went back to his room to play games.

Zhao Tingyuan’s heart was in turmoil.

Because since they were children, the two brothers had been separated and didn’t grow up together.

Zhao Yayuan was sick all the time when he was a child, and he seemed to be in critical condition every day.

When he grew up, he became indifferent to the world, and his grades were terrible.

So Zhao Tingyuan had always treated him as a harmless little brother in need of protection.

But now, Zhao Yayuan was no longer the child he used to be.

Jiang Wenyin’s favoritism towards him was also obvious.

That night, Su Qingyou lay in his arms, her slender fingers gently stroking his hair. “Listen, even though he’s your younger brother, in the future, if you have no ill intentions, there’s no guarantee how Yayuan will perceive it.”

She softly continued, “I know your heart. If you were to take over your Mom and Dad’s business, you would definitely treat Yayuan well. But what if Yayuan doesn’t see it that way? Why not take the initiative…”

Zhao Tingyuan closed his eyes, trying to stop thinking about these things..

……

It was the first time Lu Nian had seen the Zhao couple.

Zhao Ruslan was a gentle and cultured man. Just by looking at him, one could almost imagine what Zhao Tingyuan would look like in a few decades.

He had taken good care of himself and even looked like he was in his thirties.

And then there was the other woman.

Zhao Yayuan’s mother, Jiang Wenyin.

She was a very beautiful woman, and one could see her extraordinary beauty from her youth.

She exuded a kind of charm and flamboyant beauty.

Zhao Yayuan’s good looks must have been inherited from his mother.

She held Lu Nian’s hand with special fondness. “Our Yayuan has a bad temper. It’s thanks to you that he’s become more accommodating, improved his studies, and become more obedient.”

Zhao Yayuan rolled his eyes. “Mom, stop it.”

“This is a little gift for you.” Jiang Wenyin ignored Zhao Yayuan’s complaints, holding onto Lu Nian’s hand without letting go.

She had someone bring a gift box and handed it to her.

Opening the box revealed a luxurious necklace, shining brightly and undoubtedly expensive.

Lu Nian felt a bit embarrassed and didn’t know whether she should accept such a lavish gift.

Lu Zhihong said, “Take it. It’s Auntie’s sincerity.”

Lu Nian could only accept it.

He Tian watched all this coldly.

She didn’t often appear in social situations and didn’t get along well with Jiang Wenyin.

She just felt sarcastic now.

They had lost their son and now only had a daughter left.

After raising her for so long, it was time for her to prove her worth.

Zhao Tingyuan was gentle and had the demeanor of an elder brother.

Lu Zhihong said, “Nian Nian should score enough to get into An University. We’re also planning to apply there. By then, Tingyuan will have to take care of Nian Nian more.”

Zhao Tingyuan nodded, “Of course, I’d be happy to help. If Nian Nian has any questions at school, she can come to me.”

“In college, has Tingyuan had a relationship?” Lu Zhihong asked casually.

Zhao Tingyuan replied, “No, I still plan to focus on my studies.”

Lu Nian felt strange listening to this. Zhao Tingyuan should have been with Su Qingyou, they seemed to have gotten together shortly after the start of college. Why was he answering like this now?

Although she was the focus of the banquet, she was absent-minded throughout.

“In the future, feel free to come to my house more often,” Jiang Wenyin said kindly. “We’ve moved back to An City, not to our old house, but to a new one in Xiqiu. We’ve prepared a room for you. You’re welcome to come and go as you please. Don’t treat us as outsiders.”

Lu Nian whispered to Zhao Yayuan, “Your mother is so enthusiastic.”

She could hardly resist.

Too enthusiastic.

Zhao Yayuan raised his eyebrows and lazily glanced at her, with a hint of mischief in his smile. “You’ve always wanted to stay away from home, so why not stay at my place?”

Lu Nian said, “…I’ll pass.”

After all, she was a girl.

How could she justify staying overnight at someone else’s house?

Lu Zhihong said, “Xiqiu? Is it close to An University?”

Zhao Yayuan said, “Yes.”

Lu Zhihong smiled, “Then in the future, if you can’t make it back, you can just come and disturb your house.”

The two children should cultivate their relationship.

Lu Nian thought to herself, “Isn’t there still the school dormitory? Why do they insist on having me stay at someone else’s house?”

After dinner, everyone dispersed, and the adults continued to the living room to drink tea and chat.

Lu Nian finally breathed a sigh of relief and wanted to retreat to her room.

“I don’t mind if you stay at my house.” Zhao Yayuan lowered his head, a mischievous smile on his lips. “I don’t even mind sharing a bed with you.”

Lu Nian firmly refused, “I mind, thank you.”

“When do you plan to bring Xiao Qiu back?” Zhao Yayuan suddenly changed the subject as they walked down the corridor. “You look quite tired being alone now.”

Lu Nian pursed her lips. “He’s unwilling. Do you have any ideas?”

“And Dad, does he know about Xiao Qiu now?” she finally asked.

Zhao Yayuan shook his head.

Lu Zhihong had been disheartened in recent years, thinking that Lu Zhuo had died long ago and had almost stopped searching.

Lu Nian’s mind was in chaos, filled with all sorts of conjectures.