Chapter 21: Xiao Liuzheng, Can I Call You That From Now On?

Ruan Liuzheng’s brows drew together slightly, and she lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact.

Damn him. So shameless.

Xie Qingcen’s eyes paused on her. He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips curving ever so slightly into a subtle smile.

Then, he took a step up and stood beside Ruan Liuzheng. Facing Professor Wen Yuexian, he gave a respectful nod and said politely:

“Professor Wen, there’s no need for formality. Just call me by my name.”

His deep voice was almost brushing her ear, and the undeniable presence beside her made Ruan Liuzheng’s long lashes tremble lightly.

She pursed her lips and silently took two small steps closer to Wen Yuexian, maintaining her distance from Xie Qingcen.

Clearly, Wen Yuexian’s earlier remarks had affected her.

Seeing her reaction, Wen Yuexian smiled knowingly, a spark of insight in her eyes.

Feelings can be cultivated.

Though Ruan Liuzheng appeared cold and distant on the outside, Wen Yuexian knew she had a very soft heart.

And she believed that Xie Qingcen was the one who could accompany Liuzheng to the end.

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony either,” Wen Yuexian nodded. “Xiao Xie, you can call me ‘Teacher,’ just like Liuzheng does.”

She was deliberately trying to shorten the distance between the two, to create opportunities for the couple she was rooting for.

Ruan Liuzheng glanced at her mentor, immediately understanding her intention.

A helpless glint flashed through her eyes, but she said nothing.

Her teacher was still recovering from illness. Best not to contradict her now.

Might as well just go along with it.

Xie Qingcen’s smile deepened.
“Then I’ll gladly accept it—Teacher.”

—

The two accompanied Wen Yuexian through lunch and chatted with her for a while afterward.

Around 5 p.m., when she began to show signs of fatigue, Ruan Liuzheng and Xie Qingcen finally said their goodbyes.

Wen Yuexian was a bit reluctant but didn’t ask them to stay.

She had a habit of napping in the afternoon, and lasting this long was already pushing her limit—especially after her recent surgery, which had left her with low energy.

She wasn’t someone who liked to force herself.

After setting a date for their next visit, Wen Yuexian reluctantly watched the two of them walk out of the courtyard.

“Professor Wen, let me help you back to your room for a rest. Didn’t Xiao Liuzheng promise she’d come see you again soon? What’s most important now is your recovery,” Aunt Lin said gently, supporting her arm.

Wen Yuexian looked at the backs of Ruan Liuzheng and Xie Qingcen and sighed emotionally:

“Huilan, just look at them—what a perfect match.”

“Yes, and that’s exactly why you need to take care of yourself,” Aunt Lin smiled. “That stubborn Liuzheng still needs you to guide her through her emotions.”

Wen Yuexian gave her a mock glare but followed her upstairs without protest.

—

Outside the house, Ruan Liuzheng lifted her gaze and gestured toward the black Rolls-Royce Phantom parked nearby. Her voice was as cool and calm as ever:

“Mr. Xie, I suppose I don’t need to drive you. Let’s part ways here. Goodbye.”

Xie Qingcen raised an eyebrow.
“Who said you weren’t driving me?”

Ruan Liuzheng frowned, confused.

But before she could say anything, the Rolls-Royce—parked quietly just moments ago—suddenly started up and zipped off out of sight.

Watching the taillights disappear, Xie Qingcen smiled faintly and sighed with exaggerated frustration:

“Huh? It left. Well, Miss Ruan, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to give me a ride after all.”

He even shook his head, looking completely helpless.

Ruan Liuzheng: …

—

In the Rolls-Royce that had just pulled away, Qi Chong glanced at the rearview mirror, watching his boss shrink into the distance. Thinking of the message he’d just received, his expression grew complicated.

If anyone dares say the boss is clueless again, he’ll fight them.

With that kind of scheming, how could Miss Ruan possibly get away?

—

Ruan Liuzheng stared at Xie Qingcen for a long moment before finally giving in.

She knew full well he was doing it on purpose, but she couldn’t really leave him stranded by the road—especially not in front of her teacher’s home.

If she refused, this scheming man would probably turn right back around and bother her teacher again.

Wen Yuexian had already spent a lot of energy entertaining them today. She didn’t want to cause any more trouble for her.

So she led Xie Qingcen to her car, unlocked the door, and gestured for him to get in.

Her car was a regular SUV—not very spacious—but more than enough for her own use.

Over the years, even after she had the financial means, she never considered replacing it.

To her, a car was just a means of transport. As long as it worked, that was enough.

But the moment Xie Qingcen got into the passenger seat, Ruan Liuzheng had the first-ever thought that maybe she should change cars.

Because—

Xie Qingcen’s long legs barely fit under the dashboard, his head nearly touched the roof, and he had to lean far back into the seat just to sit comfortably.

With his height and long limbs, he looked undeniably cramped in her small SUV.

Noticing her gaze, Xie Qingcen turned toward her and asked:

“What’s wrong? You seem unusually fond of staring at me today.”

Caught red-handed, a flicker of embarrassment flashed across Ruan Liuzheng’s face. She pressed her lips together, turned away, and calmly asked:

“Where are you headed?”

Seeing her shift the topic, Xie Qingcen’s brows lifted slightly, but he didn’t press. He simply gave her an address.

He had an important meeting to attend shortly—he really couldn’t waste more time.

On the way back to the city, Xie Qingcen grew a bit bored and began examining the interior of her car.

Just like its owner, the space was clean and minimal. No clutter, no extra decorations like many other women liked to keep.

After scanning the whole interior, his gaze finally settled on Ruan Liuzheng’s delicate, fair profile.

His eyes darkened slightly.

Back at Professor Wen’s, her emotions had gotten a bit stirred, so the elegant bun she had styled in the morning had come loose. A few playful strands now hung near her ears.

They framed her face in a way that softened her whole demeanor, giving her a gentle, almost tender glow.

With the sunset casting warm light on her face, she looked… even more beautiful.

Xie Qingcen’s throat moved subtly.
Suddenly, he didn’t feel like holding back anymore.

After all, she was going to be his sooner or later.

He reached out and gently tucked the loose strands behind her ear.

His voice low, rich, and slightly husky, he asked:

“Xiao Liuzheng, can I call you that from now on?”

Ruan Liuzheng had already noticed his gaze earlier and tried her best to ignore it, focusing entirely on the road ahead.

She hadn’t expected he’d actually make a move. Though all he did was fix her hair, her body tensed instinctively.

Other than Fu Yanci, this was the first time a man had ever touched her so intimately.

Hearing his voice in her ear, Ruan Liuzheng’s heart gave a small, involuntary jolt.

Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel. She kept her eyes glued to the road ahead.

“You…”

She had just opened her mouth to reply—

When suddenly, her phone rang.