Chapter 22 : Heartache

That night, Lin Ran lay in bed, unable to sleep for a long time.

She thought to herself that Fu Xingjian was truly frightening, like a poppy, making people addicted. Even though she had already prepared herself in the private room to never interact with him again, his casual concern had once again pulled her back in, unwilling to let go.

She comforted herself, thinking she could just keep a little distance for now, since after graduation, they would definitely part ways.

…

Later, Yao Ning still invited her to join their group activities from time to time. Lin Ran almost always participated, but she felt like an outsider, only able to watch from afar, unable to truly fit in.

It wasn’t just her; Wan Ming felt the same way.

Watching the four of them bicker and reminisce about old times, Wan Ming sighed and softly said to Lin Ran, “Do you think the matchmaker made a mistake? We don’t seem to belong to their world, do we?”

Lin Ran didn’t think much of it. She never really considered marrying Fu Xingjian; she just treated it as a way to fulfill her youthful dreams. So, she encouraged Wan Ming, “Why overthink it? We’re still young. Let’s just have some fun with love, and as for the future, who knows what will happen.”

After saying this, she turned around and was startled to see Fu Xingjian standing behind her.

Fortunately, Fu Xingjian’s expression was calm, and he didn’t say anything.

Time passed quietly, and her relationship with Fu Xingjian remained indifferent.

Occasionally, Zhuo Ting would speak up for her, “Fu, the campus heartthrob, hasn’t even publicly acknowledged you. What’s going on? Your relationship with him is so unclear.”

Lin Ran remained nonchalant, “We’re just classmates. I’m interested in his looks, and he just needs a tool. It’s a mutual exchange.”

“Wow! Has the world gone crazy? I don’t understand!” Zhuo Ting exclaimed.

Lin Ran smiled and went off to a part-time job off-campus.

As May arrived, Lin Ran became noticeably busier. She even declined Yao Ning’s invitations one after another, which was unheard of.

When Fu Xingjian found her, she was in the library working on a financial analysis problem.

“Are you busy lately?”

Lin Ran was startled by his sudden question and pointed to the book on the table. “I didn’t understand Western Economics.”

Fu Xingjian glanced at the book, “It doesn’t matter, even if you understand it, it’s useless.”

Lin Ran: ???

He lightly picked up the thick Western Economics book, the first time he lectured her for an extended period.

“This book is poorly written. Even Keynes wouldn’t understand it. Don’t waste your effort. It’s better to read financial forums when you have time than to study this book.”

What?

The good student Lin Ran was stunned by his remarks.

She blinked her innocent eyes, “But there’s going to be an exam, and I need to get a scholarship.”

“How much is the scholarship?”

Lin Ran calculated, “If I’m lucky, I could get over 5000.”

“Then I’ll give you 5000 now.”

Lin Ran stared at the transfer in her WeChat and fell silent.

After a long time, she spoke, her voice a little sour, “You’re giving me money just so I won’t refuse Yao Ning’s invitations?”

The person on the other side held his phone, his dark eyes revealing a rare hint of loneliness, but his posture remained elegant, like jade and pine.

Lin Ran suddenly felt heartache, not just for him, but also for herself.

She nodded, “I understand. I’ll try to make time and not refuse her invitations.”

As for the transfer, Lin Ran naturally didn’t accept it.

At the end of the semester, she received the scholarship she had hoped for and decided to treat everyone to a meal.

After thinking it over, she still asked Fu Xingjian, “I’ve won the scholarship and want to treat everyone to a meal. Do you want to come?”

Fu Xingjian quickly replied, “Congratulations, but I won’t go.”

However, the next second, Yao Ning sent her a private message: “Where is it? I’m coming!”