CHAPTER 14: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTERS

Ruan Zhizhi’s mind wandered countless times during work today, fortunately unnoticed by her boss.

With work almost done, Ruan Zhizhi still hadn’t decided whether she would go to A University to attend Shi Yan’s lecture today.

Although she had promised him she would attend for two consecutive days, her news article had already been revised, submitted, and successfully approved. Subconsciously, she also felt that continuing to interact with Shi Yan like this could be dangerous.

She was truly scared now, and older, unwilling to recklessly throw herself into danger like she had seven years ago. She had already tried once, and the pain it brought was enough to stay with her for life.

While she was lost in these thoughts, the workday had quietly ended. Being a journalist had its pros and cons: the good side was that when there was no breaking news, the work was very relaxed; the downside was that when a big story broke, no matter the hour—midnight or early morning—a reporter had to rush to the scene to secure the first interview.

However, as a recently confirmed junior reporter, Ruan Zhizhi hadn’t yet been sent to any major breaking news sites. Most of her assignments were already closed criminal cases.

“Zhizhi, what are you daydreaming about? Everyone’s gone.”

It was Lu Wanyi, another journalist who had become full-time alongside Ruan Zhizhi. During their internship, they had been in the same training group, so they naturally got along a little better.

“Nothing, just spacing out for a bit,” Ruan Zhizhi replied, shaking off her thoughts and starting to pack up.

Lu Wanyi, however, didn’t seem ready to leave. She watched Ruan Zhizhi for a moment before finally gathering the courage to ask, “Zhizhi, if you don’t have any plans, would you like to have dinner together?”

She immediately regretted asking the question. It was obvious to anyone that Ruan Zhizhi wasn’t the type to socialize much. Her face always carried an indifferent expression, as if friendships were of no concern. Yet, perhaps because they had both been interns or maybe because Ruan Zhizhi was pretty, Lu Wanyi felt a genuine fondness for her, which had prompted her invitation.

Ruan Zhizhi paused, slightly surprised, looking up at her. She had always been used to being alone, and it was rare for anyone to approach her. Honestly, she felt a little flattered and agreed almost without thinking: “Of course.”

Seeing her agree so readily, Lu Wanyi let out a relieved smile. “Great! I know a Japanese restaurant that’s really authentic. It’s just three bus stops from our office, very convenient.”

“Sure, let’s go together.”

As she agreed, Ruan Zhizhi felt a strange mixture of relief and a little disappointment. After all, going out with Lu Wanyi meant she definitely wouldn’t go to A University today, and she wouldn’t see Shi Yan.

Strangely, although she felt she should be relieved, somewhere deep inside, there was an emptiness she couldn’t explain.

When they reached the bus stop, the No. 82 bus arrived. Boarding with their transit cards, the bus was packed due to the rush hour. They didn’t mind and stood casually in the aisle, holding onto the handrails.

Ruan Zhizhi had initially worried that the ten-minute bus ride would be awkward, since they had never gone out alone together. But once she was there, she realized she had worried for nothing.

Lu Wanyi was far too lively and outgoing.

Before this, she had thought Gu Nian was talkative, but seeing Lu Wanyi today, she realized what it meant for someone to really talk non-stop. For the entire ten minutes, Lu Wanyi barely stopped speaking, covering everything from gossip, food, fitness, and finally, her boyfriend.

Only when they reached Binhai Road and got off did Lu Wanyi reluctantly conclude, “Anyway, my boyfriend is great in every way, except he’s way too patriarchal.”

The Japanese restaurant Lu Wanyi recommended was indeed very authentic. It wasn’t large, but both the décor and service were exquisite. Each table was separated with curtains, offering privacy for conversations.

As they ate and chatted, the brief bus ride earlier had given Ruan Zhizhi a sense of Lu Wanyi’s personality, making the atmosphere quite comfortable.

“Where was I before we got off the bus?” Lu Wanyi asked, muffled with a piece of eel sushi in her mouth.

Ruan Zhizhi smiled. “You were talking about your boyfriend being very patriarchal.”

“That’s right.” Lu Wanyi swallowed her sushi, sipped some water, cleared her throat, and continued her complaint. “He controls everything I do—from seeing friends to what color lipstick I wear. I’ve been with him for three years, and every day feels like I’m living in constant struggle.”

“Do you love him then?”

“Of course. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t tolerate his bad temper.” She pouted, sighed, and added, “I can handle most of his personality flaws, but the one thing I can’t accept is that he still has no plans to marry me.”

Marry?

Ruan Zhizhi lifted her head again, observing Lu Wanyi. She looked no older than twenty-five, dressed in a casual Japanese-Korean style, with large eyes and long hair braided into a fishtail down her back. She wore an oversized T-shirt dress, still looking very much like a young girl.

“You’re still so young. Why are you thinking about marriage so early?” Ruan Zhizhi asked, curiosity slipping out despite herself.

This time, it was Lu Wanyi who looked puzzled. “I’m almost twenty-six; it’s definitely the age to get married. Zhizhi, why don’t you want to get married? Is your boyfriend treating you badly?”

“Uh…” Ruan Zhizhi shook her head slightly, feeling a bit awkward. “I don’t have a boyfriend right now.”

“What? You don’t have a boyfriend?” Lu Wanyi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re so beautiful and capable at work, how could you not have one?” She seemed a little deflated as she muttered to herself, “A few days ago I even bet with Xiao Zhao that you must have a boyfriend. I didn’t expect I could be so wrong.”

Indeed, for a girl Ruan Zhizhi’s age, even if she hadn’t married or had children, it was normal to have a steady boyfriend. When her mother last called, she even emphasized that Ruan Zhizhi must start dating in the new year—even a flash marriage would be fine in her eyes.

“Hmm… I’ve somehow ended up single, but I’m not in a rush to get married. Being alone is fine—at least I’m free.” Ruan Zhizhi could only murmur a vague answer to get past the topic.

Lu Wanyi didn’t agree. “Well, that’s what you say, but as a girl, you still need someone to care for and love you. If you ask me, someone as amazing as you would definitely have lots of people chasing after you if you decided to start dating now.”

“Forget it.” Ruan Zhizhi lowered her head and took a sip of coffee, completely uninterested. “I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”

As she spoke, she looked down, and for some reason, the rising steam from her cup made her feel as if she could see Shi Yan’s face.

She had stood him up today—would he be upset? Or had he already completely forgotten she was supposed to attend his lecture?

Ruan Zhizhi felt a faint twinge of regret. Even if she chose not to go, she shouldn’t have left without a word. That would appear rude, and Shi Yan might think she lacked manners.

“I had a really nice time today. Next time, we have to eat together again.”

Dinner concluded, and Lu Wanyi, satisfied, rubbed her full stomach and sincerely expressed her desire to build a small friendship with Ruan Zhizhi.

Ruan Zhizhi liked her personality too, so she nodded decisively in agreement.

They gathered their things and started walking out. Only a few steps later, they heard someone calling Ruan Zhizhi’s name from the left side—there was something familiar in the voice.

She stopped and instinctively turned her head toward the sound.

The next moment, she was surprised to see Chen Jiayan sitting by the window on the right, and Shi Yan beside him.

Ruan Zhizhi’s heart surged with turmoil. Having just stood him up, she really didn’t want to see Shi Yan right now.

Lu Wanyi, unaware of the situation, immediately became excited. “Zhizhi, handsome guys! Especially the one sitting on the left—so outrageously good-looking!” Then she squinted at him and said, puzzled, “Huh? That handsome guy seems to be looking at you. Do you know him?”

If there had been a hole in the ground, Ruan Zhizhi would have jumped into it without hesitation. But unfortunately, both Chen Jiayan and Shi Yan had already seen her. She had no excuse or way to turn and leave.

Sighing, she had no choice but to walk toward their table with Lu Wanyi.

“Long time no see.”

Not daring to look Shi Yan in the eye, Ruan Zhizhi first turned to greet Chen Jiayan. As the warm-hearted one, he would help ease any awkwardness.

“Really, it’s been a long time. From when we got back from Yunnan until now, it’s been about two months. Zhizhi, you’re still as beautiful as ever.” Chen Jiayan’s eyes crinkled in his bright smile, full of warmth.

Then his gaze shifted to Lu Wanyi standing behind her. “And who is this beauty? Your friend?”

“Yes, she’s my colleague. We had something important to discuss, so we decided to have dinner together tonight.” Ruan Zhizhi answered smoothly, emphasizing the part about “something important to discuss,” hoping Shi Yan would understand why she had stood him up.

Though the excuse was flimsy even to her own ears.

“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Zhizhi’s colleague, Lu Wanyi. Very glad to meet you both.” As an outsider, Lu Wanyi didn’t notice any awkwardness in Ruan Zhizhi’s tone and cheerfully introduced herself, since the table’s looks were quite impressive.

“Wanyi? That’s a lovely name.” Chen Jiayan smiled and greeted her, and almost immediately, the two became acquainted.

The only one who didn’t speak at all was Shi Yan, sitting by the window.

It was only now that Ruan Zhizhi began to relax, sneaking a glance at him. He kept his eyes lowered, idly fiddling with a blue lighter in his hand. His long lashes shadowed his eyes, hiding any emotion.

That lighter had once kept her warm atop Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

“Shi Yan, I’m really sorry for not attending class today because something came up.”

While Chen Jiayan and Lu Wanyi chatted warmly, Ruan Zhizhi decided to apologize first.

“It’s fine,” he replied lightly, seemingly not taking it to heart.

Ruan Zhizhi lifted her head to confirm his expression, and seeing no trace of displeasure, she relaxed. “Did you take the Banlangen I gave you yesterday?”

Shi Yan seemed a little surprised she remembered. His gaze softened, faintly tinged with a smile.

The two girls chatted for a while as Shi Yan and Chen Jiayan finished paying the bill. When they left the restaurant, both insisted on walking them home. Since Lu Wanyi lived in the same complex, it was convenient. Ruan Zhizhi politely refused a few times but eventually nodded in agreement.

Shi Yan was driving, Chen Jiayan sat in the passenger seat, and Ruan Zhizhi sat in the back with Lu Wanyi.

Having already opened her floodgates at the restaurant, Lu Wanyi now couldn’t stop talking, chattering nonstop. Chen Jiayan, ever the supportive audience, kept responding enthusiastically. Their back-and-forth made the atmosphere lively and warm.

“Earlier at dinner, I told Zhizhi that girls over twenty-five have already entered the danger zone. If they don’t have a suitable marriage partner by now, they risk becoming leftover women,” Lu Wanyi said.

“Yeah, I have so many female colleagues who got married while still young, and that’s why I still haven’t found a girlfriend,” Chen Jiayan replied.

“You haven’t found a girlfriend because your standards are too high. Nowadays, girls might seem materialistic, but if you treat them sincerely and wholeheartedly, eventually they’ll surrender,” Lu Wanyi continued.

“Really? But I don’t think Zhizhi would be like that.”

As soon as Chen Jiayan finished speaking, both of them turned their eyes toward her. Ruan Zhizhi, who had been quietly scrolling through Weibo, helplessly raised her head. “I didn’t say a single word, and yet I still got dragged into this,” she muttered.

Lu Wanyi burst out laughing. “Zhizhi’s an exception. She just told me she has no plans for romance at the moment. I don’t know what she’s thinking—so many girls her age already have kids, and yet she’s still calm and unhurried.”

“Zhizhi is capable; even if she waits a few more years, it’s fine,” Chen Jiayan smiled. Then, raising his voice, he asked, “Ayan, don’t you agree?”

Shi Yan, however, seemed completely uninterested in the topic. He kept his eyes on the road and answered flatly, “I’m driving.”

At his voice, Ruan Zhizhi instinctively glanced toward the driver’s seat.

Shi Yan’s sleeve was casually rolled up on one arm resting on the steering wheel. His eyes fixed straight ahead, his side profile sharp and elegant.

It was so unfair—this man exuded charm even while silently driving.

The car came to a smooth stop at the entrance to the residential complex. Shi Yan finally looked over at Ruan Zhizhi, who was getting ready to get out. He said lightly, almost casually, “Twenty-five is also the age to think about having a boyfriend. What do you think?”

Caught in the gaze of his unsettlingly dark eyes, Ruan Zhizhi felt a faint unease. Her smile was slightly stiff. “Professor Shi, that makes sense. I’ll consider it carefully.”

Consider it? More like as likely as pigs flying.

After a brief farewell, the black Land Rover sped away. Lu Wanyi watched it disappear and muttered to herself, “Tsk, tsk… this handsome guy looks really hard to deal with.”