The next morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the walls and signaling the start of a new day.

Both of her parents had to take turns on duty at the school, so Song Xi slept until she naturally woke up.

When she finally awoke, she discovered that Shang Fuyan had sent her a message early in the morning. She must have slept soundly, as she hadn’t heard a thing. She didn’t even know when her parents had left.

However, the thermal pot with leftover food indicated that her parents, despite their busy schedules, still cared deeply for their only daughter.

Song Xi hummed a tune as she went to the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror. She smiled broadly, thinking, “Who isn’t a beloved baby in their own way?”

Growing up in such a loving family, Song Xi felt very happy and content. This naturally made her an optimistic and humorous person. She often joked around with her close friends, but only with those she knew well.

With strangers, Song Xi had her own protective shield: a cold and reserved demeanor, showing little interest in them.

Over the years, there had been boys who pursued her, but her facade kept them at a distance.

To be honest, Song Xi had been single since birth, with no romantic experience. Yet, when she wrote her novels, she seemed like a woman with vast experience and a history of dating many men.

Even fans had asked her if those intense scenes were based on real-life experiences with her boyfriend.

Song Xi dared not respond to such questions.

This was also the real reason she kept her pen name a secret. Who wants to lose face?

After washing up, Song Xi went to the kitchen and served herself a bowl of red bean porridge.

As she sipped the porridge, she replied to Shang Fuyan’s message and sent him a photo of her simple breakfast. A lone bowl of porridge looked a bit meager.

Not long after, Shang Fuyan called her on a voice call.

Song Xi hesitated for a moment, then answered once she confirmed it wasn’t a video call.

His voice was low and magnetic, “I’m driving, so I can’t text. Is it okay to call you?”

“Of course, I’m alone at home.”

“Are you just having porridge for lunch?”

“Um, I just woke up and I’m not very hungry,” Song Xi put down her spoon and focused on the call.

“I’ll be passing by your neighborhood in about half an hour. Want to go out for a meal together?”

Song Xi thought for a moment, “Maybe not. I’m really not hungry.”

Hearing her refusal, the man asked, “But you’ll have dinner, right?”

“Sure, how about I treat you?” This was something Song Xi had thought of in advance.

He laughed and agreed, “Alright, I’ll pick you up this afternoon.”

After hanging up, Song Xi cleaned the bowl and put it in the drying rack, then returned to her bedroom.

In her closet, she picked out a light beige dress and a light blue jacket, a combination that looked particularly fresh.

Song Xi’s makeup skills were self-taught from online tutorials. She always wore light makeup, which added a touch of vitality to her natural beauty.

Her skin was very fair and smooth, a trait inherited from her mother.

From a young age, Song Xi had always been beautiful and was often referred to as “someone else’s child” — a model student.

Despite her good looks, she relied on her talent, which made her even more admirable.

She was a top student, beautiful, smart, kind, and considerate—these were all her personal traits.

In the entire neighborhood, almost half the residents knew Song Xi and often used her as an example to motivate their own children.

As a result, the same-age children in the neighborhood often spoke of her achievements behind her back.

After all, she had achieved the second-highest score in the province in the humanities for the college entrance exam.

—

About ten minutes before the agreed time, Shang Fuyan parked his car at the entrance of the neighborhood and called Song Xi.

Song Xi answered the call while walking down the stairs, “Wait a moment, I’ll be there soon.”

“Take your time, walk slowly,” the man’s voice was gentle.

“I’ve run a half-marathon before; this distance is nothing.”

Hearing this, the corner of his lips curved up, “Impressive.”

“I’m good at more than just that.”

Her slightly breathless voice came through the phone, making his throat tighten.

Clearly, he had a good impression of her, and it might be more than just a good impression.

A few minutes later, Song Xi got into the passenger seat, smiling at him, “Good afternoon, Professor Shang.”

“Good afternoon, Teacher Song.”

Their conversation was very natural, like they had known each other for years, completely free of the awkwardness that usually comes with a blind date.

Perhaps this was the meaning of a long-awaited reunion.

Shang Fuyan didn’t rush to start the car. He looked into Song Xi’s eyes and said sincerely, “You look beautiful.”

Song Xi smiled, “I think so too. I really like this outfit.”

“I was complimenting you.”

Hearing this, Song Xi’s face turned slightly red. She turned to look out the window, trying to hide her smile.

“Teacher Song, fasten your seatbelt.”

The girl responded with an “Oh” and, a bit nervously, pulled the seatbelt across her chest and clicked it into place.

Shang Fuyan started the engine and, seeing that she was settled, drove forward.

The enclosed space brought them closer, and Song Xi hadn’t fully recovered from her nervousness, fidgeting with her fingers.

Noticing this, the man turned on the car’s music system.

A classic Cantonese song with a gentle female voice filled the car, amplifying their emotions and making their moods rise and fall.

Song Xi turned to look at the man, “Can you understand Cantonese?”

“Mostly.”

“Can you speak Cantonese?”

Shang Fuyan glanced at her and said, “Try me.”

“Can you explain what black pineapple means?” Song Xi asked, completely serious.

Just when she thought he wouldn’t answer, she heard his low, magnetic voice, “I like you.”

Song Xi couldn’t help but smile but didn’t pursue the topic further.

Coincidentally, the next song that played was “I Like You” by G.E.M.

The melodious tune made Song Xi feel even more heartwarming.

She glanced at the man, who was focused on driving, wondering what he was thinking and what type of girl he liked.

When the song ended, Song Xi spoke up, “I have a question I want to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

“Um…” After hesitating, she gathered her courage, “What type of girl do you like, a mature type or a cute type?”

“Once you have feelings, you won’t care what type she is.”

“Your words sound like a rejection.”

Shang Fuyan turned to look at her, “Why did you ask that? Were you trying to ask if I like your type?”