Chapter 056: Extra 02

The sky was clear, and the sea a pristine blue.

On the pale golden beach walked a young girl with fair skin and a beautiful face.

Her blue-and-white swimsuit was a relatively modest design, but it could not conceal her slender shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. Her graceful and shapely figure caught the attention of many young men nearby.

Ji Wenchen clenched his back molars, slightly regretting listening to Jiang Zhousi’s annoying suggestion of planning most of the trip in this coastal city.

“Come here.” Ji Wenchen half sat up and extended a hand toward Qin Xiaoxiao.

Qin Xiaoxiao, not quite used to wearing flip-flops, walked toward him at a slow pace.

Qin Xiaoxiao was a sight for the men’s eyes, but wasn’t Ji Wenchen equally a sight for the women’s?

The young man with deep chestnut-colored short hair had a handsome face, resembling a young master raised in an aristocratic family. His finely sculpted features carried an air of casual unruliness and languid indifference.

His upper body was bare, revealing taut, slightly tanned skin. Two firm pectoral muscles rose subtly on his chest, leading downward to clearly defined abdominal lines and a narrow waist. Below that, a pair of long legs with moderately toned muscles rested casually on the white beach chair, clad in blue floral swim trunks.

The vibrant energy of youth and the raw allure of budding masculinity blended with the golden sunlight, radiating an irresistible charm.

Having never seen Ji Wenchen dressed so sparsely, Qin Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but feel her ears grow a little warm.

Today marked the second day of their trip together. Last night, they stayed in the same hotel suite, but Ji Wenchen respected her wishes. The two of them slept in separate rooms, and nothing happened.

When Qin Xiaoxiao walked up to the white lounge chair, her hand was caught by Ji Wenchen.

“Sit on this one,” Ji Wenchen gestured for her to join him on the beach lounge chair he was lying on.

Qin Xiaoxiao shook her head. “No, it can’t hold two people.”

“What are you afraid of?” Ji Wenchen lifted his long lashes, his gaze teasing. “You barely weigh anything.”

Qin Xiaoxiao glanced at the lounge chair, which was at most half a meter wide. “It’s too cramped.”

“I don’t mind cramped,” Ji Wenchen said with a faint smile, his voice dropping low and slow. “I wouldn’t mind you sitting close to me or even lying on me…”

“No,” Qin Xiaoxiao said, her face slightly flushed as she pulled her hand free and walked toward the beach chair on the left.

The two beach chairs were less than a meter apart.

Ji Wenchen rested his hands behind his head, lay back, and turned his face toward her. “Do you want some orange juice?”

“No need,” she replied.

“Do you want to lie here for a while or head to the seaside to play?”

Qin Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment. “I didn’t put on sunscreen…”

She had searched for it in the room for quite some time but couldn’t find it. She wasn’t sure if she had forgotten to pack it while preparing her luggage at home or if she had somehow lost it.

Ji Wenchen glanced at his girlfriend’s exposed shoulders and arms… Her entire skin was soft and snow-white, so delicate that it seemed a light pinch could leave a mark.

If she got tanned or her skin started peeling… “I’ll have someone buy it.” Ji Wenchen took out his phone. “What brand do you want?”

Qin Xiaoxiao casually mentioned a brand she had used before, feeling a bit curious about who he meant by “someone.”

“Alright.” Ji Wenchen operated his phone single-handedly, sending out a message.

In less than ten minutes:

“Mr. Ji, here is the item you requested.” A woman in a hotel uniform handed over a small gold paper bag.

Ji Wenchen took it and replied, “Thank you for your trouble.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Ji. Do you have any other requests?”

Qin Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrow slightly.

Was the hotel they were staying at really this attentive?

“No.” Ji Wenchen poured out the contents of the bag. “You may leave.”

“Understood.”

After unwrapping the packaging, Ji Wenchen shook the sunscreen bottle and held it out to his girlfriend.

“Do you want me to help you apply it?”

“…No.” Qin Xiaoxiao stood up, snatched the sunscreen from his hand, and went to the restroom to apply it herself.

Ji Wenchen clicked his tongue softly, with a hint of regret in his expression.

***

By late September, nearly a month into the semester, Qin Xiaoxiao had grown accustomed to the routine and lifestyle at X University, as well as to frequently having meals with Ji Wenchen.

Yes, Ji Wenchen was also at X University.

Unlike Qin Xiaoxiao, Ji Wenchen was in a different school and major. He was studying Economics and Management.

X University was an established Double First-Class institution, ranking first within X Province and among the top nationwide. However, its economics-related programs were not particularly outstanding and could not compare to Zhengqing University of Finance and Economics, also located in the same province.

Back when they were discussing university applications, Qin Xiaoxiao had suggested Ji Wenchen choose Zhengqing University of Finance and Economics.

The admission cutoff scores for economics programs at X University and Zhengqing University of Finance and Economics had been similar over the years, and his score would have been enough to get in.

Ji Wenchen responded with a series of “Mm-hm”s, indicating that he was listening.

However, on the day of the semester’s start, Qin Xiaoxiao watched as Ji Wenchen, who had said he would accompany her to X University for registration, not only unloaded her suitcase from the car but also took out his own. He then dragged both suitcases and went with her to check in.

Qin Xiaoxiao asked him why he had come to X University.

Ji Wenchen said that Zhengqing University of Finance and Economics didn’t accept him.

Qin Xiaoxiao didn’t believe it and said he probably never even applied to Zhengqing University of Finance and Economics.

“Mm, I couldn’t fool you,” Ji Wenchen said, his phoenix eyes half-lowered as he spoke in his usual slightly indifferent tone. “Zhengqing University is too far away; I didn’t want to go.”

“…It’s in the same province. It’s not that far, is it?”

Zhengqing University of Finance and Economics was in the neighboring city of X University, just over an hour’s drive away. To Qin Xiaoxiao, that didn’t seem very far.

“It’s far.” Ji Wenchen’s deep amber eyes glanced at her, his gaze striking straight at her heart. “Being at different schools is already far. I don’t want a long-distance relationship.”

Qin Xiaoxiao found herself with nothing to say in response.

…

Before the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ji Wenchen drove Qin Xiaoxiao from X University back to Guangjian City.

Soft instrumental music played in the car, and the autumn sunlight streamed through the half-open windows, accompanying them on their journey.

“Do you want to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival at my house?” he asked.

The question came a bit unexpectedly.

It caught Qin Xiaoxiao off guard for at least two seconds.

Ji Wenchen tapped his left index finger on the steering wheel and glanced at her with his phoenix eyes. “Grandfather asked.”

“…No, I don’t think so,” she replied.

“No need to be nervous. Grandfather has always wanted to meet my girlfriend,” Ji Wenchen said with a soft chuckle in his voice. “I know you won’t come, so I was just casually mentioning it.”

“Mm…”

Qin Xiaoxiao still felt a bit uneasy at heart, all because Ji Wenchen mentioned “Grandfather.” She didn’t know what his grandfather’s intentions were in wanting to meet her or whether he would be dissatisfied with her…

“Grandfather is right; it’s better to get engaged sooner. That way, I’ll have a reason to bring you home for the holidays.”

En… engaged?

Qin Xiaoxiao’s clear, peach-blossom eyes widened slightly as she looked at Ji Wenchen.

“Hmm?”

Was he expecting her to answer? Qin Xiaoxiao steadied her breathing. “It’s… too soon, isn’t it?” Besides… “You haven’t asked me. How can you be so sure I’d definitely agree to get… engaged to you?”

“I like you, and you like me,” Ji Wenchen said, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. “Isn’t it only natural for us to get married?”

“…”

The sunlight illuminated half of Ji Wenchen’s profile from the side, casting a soft, hazy glow over his long lashes, the bridge of his nose, and the peak of his lips.

Qin Xiaoxiao found herself momentarily dazed.

Otherwise, how could she possibly think that his side profile was a hundred times more beautiful than the scenery outside the window?

***

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Ji Kunxiong asked his grandson when he would bring his girlfriend home.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, Ji Kunxiong asked his grandson the same question again.

“There will be a day,” Ji Wenchen replied as he placed a piece of yam onto his grandfather’s plate.

Ji Hui joked, “Your grandfather has already prepared a red envelope for Xiaoxiao, just waiting for her to come and take it.”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t prepared one?” Ji Kunxiong cast a glance at his son.

Ji Hui gave a light cough. “I’ve prepared one.”

“That’s more like it.” Ji Kunxiong nodded slightly in approval.

Ji Kunxiong found out about Ji Wenchen having a girlfriend slightly later than Ji Hui did.

Because of having a daughter-in-law like Xu Yilan—although Ji Kunxiong was reluctant to admit it—he initially harbored a bit of prejudice against Qin Xiaoxiao, who came from an ordinary background. He assumed this young girl might be somewhat similar to Xu Yilan, possibly fond of wealth and luxury.

Gradually, Ji Kunxiong noticed that his grandson truly cared about Qin Xiaoxiao. Out of habit, as someone in his position, he had someone investigate her.

After reviewing Qin Xiaoxiao’s background, Ji Kunxiong’s impression of her improved significantly. The young girl might have been a bit vain in the past, but she later grew to be sensible and cultured. She showed no signs of inferiority because of her family background and carried herself with poise and confidence in her daily interactions.

Later, Ji Kunxiong saw his grandson, who now had a girlfriend, gradually become better and more outstanding. Though he didn’t say it aloud, he felt a growing sense of satisfaction and appreciation for Qin Xiaoxiao.

Ji Hui was also quite pleased with his son’s girlfriend.

He had never cared much about family background to begin with, and this girl was impressive in many aspects. Most importantly, she had, to some extent, eased the strained relationship between his son and himself.

Ji Kunxiong asked, “Does Xiaoxiao’s family know about your relationship?”

Ji Wenchen replied, “They’ve known since before the college entrance exams.”

Ji Kunxiong glanced at Ji Hui.

Ji Hui immediately understood and suggested, “I’m free these days. How about visiting Xiaoxiao’s family to pay them a New Year’s visit?”

Ji Wenchen swallowed the soup in his mouth. “I’ll ask her first.”

Ji Hui laughed heartily. “Alright.”

The New Year’s Eve dinner went relatively harmoniously.

Xu Yilan, claiming to feel unwell, did not attend. Ji Hui hadn’t planned to bring her anyway.

Last year, he reminded Xu Yilan once again to undergo sterilization. She made excuses to avoid it, so he went and had the procedure done himself. After that, her attitude subtly shifted.

Ji Hui observed coldly and gradually felt his feelings for her fade.

At this rate, Ji Hui thought to himself, someday he might as well end the marriage.

After all, getting a divorce wasn’t that difficult.

***

On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Feng Xiuling’s fruit shop reopened for business, and Qin Xiaoxiao was there helping out.

Around noon, a familiar face walked into the shop.

It was Bi Chun, her hair still cut short to her earlobes, but her cheeks had become noticeably thinner.

“Xiaoxiao?” Bi Chun’s face lit up with obvious delight. She took a few steps into the store, looking as though she wanted to approach but was held back by shyness.

Feng Xiuling was arranging fruit on the shelves. “Xiaoxiao, is this your classmate?”

“Yes, she is,” Qin Xiaoxiao turned her head slightly and smiled at Bi Chun. “Bi Chun.”

Bi Chun’s face flushed slightly as she called out “Xiaoxiao” again. Realizing she hadn’t greeted Xiaoxiao’s mother, she quickly said in a soft voice, “Hello, Auntie.”

“Hello, hello. Would you like some fruit?”

“No need, thank you, Auntie.”

Qin Xiaoxiao placed half a box of fruit onto the shelf and looked at Bi Chun, who was still standing there. “Did you need something from me?”

“No… no,” Bi Chun shook her head. She had just been passing by and, upon seeing Xiaoxiao, decided to come in. “I just… just haven’t seen you for a whole semester…”

Qin Xiaoxiao responded with a simple “Mm.”

Feng Xiuling, using the excuse of tidying up the small storage room in the back, left the space for her daughter and her classmate.

“Xiaoxiao, how… how have you been recently?” Bi Chun asked, nervously fiddling with the hem of her clothing.

“Not bad. How about you?” Qin Xiaoxiao replied politely.

Their high school homeroom teacher, Miss Guo, had shared a list of the class’s post-graduation destinations in the group chat. Qin Xiaoxiao remembered that Bi Chun had gone to a regular first-tier university in Central China.

“I joined the papercutting club and the anime club at university. It’s been quite fun. And… um…” Bi Chun pressed her lips into a shy smile. “And… I’ve started dating… I got a boyfriend…”

Qin Xiaoxiao was slightly stunned but quickly offered a genuine smile. “That’s great. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Xiaoxiao. Are you still with—”

A phone call interrupted them as the ringtone sounded. Qin Xiaoxiao picked up the phone from the counter and glanced apologetically at Bi Chun. “Sorry, I need to take this call.”

“Mm, go ahead,” Bi Chun said.

Qin Xiaoxiao answered the call. “What’s up?”

“I’m at my mom’s shop.”

“Mm? You’re here?”

Bi Chun watched as Xiaoxiao spoke on the phone while walking outside. Before long, a white car pulled up across the street.

A tall, handsome boy, exuding an air of aloofness that made him seem unapproachable, stepped out of the car and walked toward Xiaoxiao with a slight smile on his lips.

It was none other than the school bully… Ji Wenchen.

So, they’re still together…

Bi Chun fiddled with the hem of her clothes and smiled softly. How nice.

She stepped outside and quietly said to Qin Xiaoxiao, “Xiaoxiao, I’ll head back now.”

“Mm,” Qin Xiaoxiao replied. “Goodbye.”

Bi Chun turned and walked away.

Ji Wenchen didn’t spare a single glance at the unfamiliar high school classmate from start to finish.

Qin Xiaoxiao subtly blocked the entrance to the store. “Why are you here?” She clearly didn’t want him to go inside.

Ji Wenchen raised his hand and ruffled the top of her head. “What? Can’t I go in to buy some fruit?”

Qin Xiaoxiao slapped his hand away. “…”