Chapter 20 : Valentine’s Day

Xu Huanran scanned Lin Ran from head to toe, then made a grimace, looking like he was about to say something but stopped himself.

The following conversation was overheard by Lin Ran when she came back from the restroom.

“Xingjian, what the hell are you doing? We’ve been waiting for so long, and you’re telling me you’re dating an ugly girl? Do you even care about your face?!”

“She’s not just ugly, she’s also ridiculously poor. I bet her ragged down jacket isn’t worth even 100 yuan.”

“I don’t care, break up with her right now! If I see her again, I won’t even be able to eat!”

Fu Xingjian calmly cut the steak on his plate and pushed it toward Lin Ran’s seat, shooting Xu Huanran a cold glance. “If you can’t eat, then just leave.”

Yao Ning also defended Lin Ran, “Xu Huanran, all you do is call her ‘ugly girl.’ Well, I think you’re an ugly guy! Take a piss and look at yourself!”

Xu Huanran was left speechless. Used to years of mutual insults, he was also getting irritated. He grabbed his bag and headed for the door, but just as he turned the corner, he saw Lin Ran standing there with a blank expression.

Not just him, everyone saw her.

Xu Huanran stiffened his neck, his face darkened, and he walked away without saying a word.

The atmosphere at the dinner table grew heavy, but Yao Ning, like a cheerful little bird, kept chattering away. Lin Ran looked at the adoring gaze between Fu Xingjian and Yao Qian, and suddenly felt regretful.

She shouldn’t have come.

She remembered her grandmother’s teachings from childhood: be sensible, learn to read the room, and don’t be fooled by people who are nice to you, as they might just be polite.

Yes, Yao Ning and Fu Xingjian had only invited her out of politeness, and she had taken it seriously.

At that moment, shame mixed with embarrassment, and Lin Ran wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

She barely ate anything during the meal, and when they left, Fu Xingjian drove her back to school.

It was the first time Lin Ran realized that university students could drive.

Before they parted ways, Fu Xingjian said the first words to her that day, “Don’t take it to heart, he didn’t mean it.”

Lin Ran looked up, confused, and it took her a while to realize that he was defending his good friend, Xu Huanran.

He didn’t mean it. She shouldn’t be upset. She should act graciously and not show any emotion. This was probably what Fu Xingjian wanted to see.

“Okay.”

Then, as he wished.

Just before she turned around, she suddenly remembered his jacket was still in her bag. “Your jacket, here it is.”

Fu Xingjian frowned, casually took it and tossed it into the trash can. “I told you I didn’t want it.”

…

After that day, she didn’t see Fu Xingjian or Yao Ning again.

Until Valentine’s Day during the winter break.

Yao Ning created a group chat and started typing away furiously, “Guys, today is Valentine’s Day!!!”

Yao Qian sent an exasperated emoji. “Valentine’s Day? Just hide away and enjoy it yourself, why drag us single dogs into the group? What did we do to you? Woof woof!”

Xu Huanran grinned, “Sorry buddy, you’re the only single dog here. I’ve got a date tonight!”

Yao Ning encouraged him to add his girlfriend to the group, but Xu Huanran replied, “Nah, I’ll probably switch to someone else tomorrow, she’s not worth adding to the group.”

This remark sparked a round of ridicule.

Watching them argue in the group, Lin Ran felt the noise was unbearable. She selected ‘Do Not Disturb’ and checked the chat history every now and then, hoping to see Fu Xingjian’s attitude.

Finally, she saw his message.

“Alright, let’s hang out. Meet at Qing Bar outside the school. I’ll treat tonight.”

The group cheered.

Soon after, Fu Xingjian @’ed Lin Ran, “You should come too. Let’s go together after class.”

Lin Ran’s heart raced, and without hesitation, she replied with a simple “Okay.”