Chapter 23 : White Moonlight and Childhood Sweetheart

Sichuan Hotpot Private Room on the Second Floor of the North Gate of Xida

Lin Ran and her roommate sat on one side, while Yao Ning and Fu Xingjian were on the other, surrounded by the steaming hot pot.

Zhuo Ting poked her in the WeChat group: “What’s going on? Didn’t you say Fu Xingjian wasn’t coming?”

Lin Ran’s first reaction was to mute the group notifications, then she slowly typed a reply: “I don’t know either. Since he’s here, I can’t just kick him out.”

Li Lin sent another message: “What’s his relationship with that girl? It seems… hmm, quite ambiguous.”

Lin Ran: “She’s the campus belle from the media school next door, Fu Xingjian’s white moonlight and childhood sweetheart.”

Surprisingly, when Lin Ran typed this message, she felt no emotional stir, and even the previous pang of jealousy had completely vanished.

It seemed that keeping busy had such an effect—people truly were curious creatures.

Lin Ran’s words caused an immediate uproar in the group. Various shocked emoji reactions flooded the chat, and the atmosphere on-site was lively, everyone displaying the classic “I’ve just heard a big secret” expression.

“What’s so shocking? I already knew. She’s the lead in the story, and I’m just a passerby. But at least I get to admire the handsome guy up close, so I’m satisfied.”

Zhuo Ting slapped Lin Ran on the shoulder, “Sister, you’re awesome!”

Yao Ning stopped her chatter and asked curiously, “What happened?”

Fu Xingjian, unusually, gave her a questioning look.

“Ah, my dear Baoer managed to get so many scholarships. Amazing, right?” Zhuo Ting’s eyes darted around, quickly changing the subject to ease the awkwardness.

Yao Ning looked at Lin Ran with admiration. She had big, watery eyes that could make anyone drown in them with just one glance. “Wow, Lin Ran, you’re amazing.” Then, she teasingly nudged the guy next to her, smiling sweetly, “You’re way more impressive than Xingjian, and people still call him a genius!”

Her gestures were affectionate and natural, and Fu Xingjian didn’t seem to find anything wrong with it. He calmly acknowledged, “Yes, I’m not as good as others, but I’m still better than you.”

“Hmph! You only bully me. I’m an art student, so of course, I can’t compare to you. If you’re so bold, why not compete with Lin Ran?”

Fu Xingjian smiled lightly, his usual indulgent expression.

A waiter knocked and entered, placing dishes on the table, but Lin Ran felt no appetite and just ordered a few bottles of beer.

During casual conversation, Yao Ning revealed, “I’m going to the U.S. for further study next semester. I won’t be able to hang out with you all like this anymore. I’ll miss you guys so much!”

Lin Ran, curious, asked, “You’re going to the U.S. for further study? So soon?” She thought Yao Ning would go for grad school.

Fu Xingjian explained, “Her major requires it. The last year must be spent studying abroad.”

“Oh,” Lin Ran nodded and didn’t ask further. Actually, she really wanted to ask, “What about you? Are you going to the U.S. too?”

But then she realized that whether he went or not had nothing to do with her, so she decided not to ask.

Soon, the hotpot meal ended. Zhuo Ting and Li Lin, feeling uncomfortable, quickly found excuses to leave. Back in the dorm, they both vowed never to bring their boyfriends to a girls’ gathering again.

Yao Ning was also picked up by her boyfriend.

Only Lin Ran and Fu Xingjian remained at the scene.

Lin Ran went to pay the bill and asked Fu Xingjian to leave first. But when she reached the downstairs, she saw Fu Xingjian standing by the wall with his hands in his pockets.

As Lin Ran approached, he lifted his gaze and spoke in a soft voice, “How much is it? I’ll transfer it to you.”

Lin Ran took a step towards the exit. “No need. I said I’d pay.”

Fu Xingjian casually transferred an amount. “I’m not a guest; it’s my turn to pay.” The phone’s notification tone rang, and Lin Ran instinctively looked at it. The amount was shocking—just like last time, she didn’t accept the transfer.