Chapter 8

He would see her again

No matter how others reacted, sending that message showed Cheng Yanran’s feelings.

He was one of the few rich kids in the group. At that time, not many families had cars, and fewer still sold cars — he was definitely from a wealthy family.

Besides, though not extremely handsome, his fair skin, neat features, and gentle manner attracted some girls.

Especially after entering the materialistic adult world, it was very rare to find a man both rich and successful in business.

So a few girls often sent him messages to care for him.

But no matter the message, they all went unanswered.

Cheng Yanran’s bold message in the group showed his protective feelings clearly.

The mean girls inside felt jealous and angry: Why her? Why? Why?

Zhou Zhou wasn’t especially beautiful; she was proud and rarely talked to others. What made her so special that people still defended her even after years abroad?

Cheng Yanran was different from Du Qi, who openly showed love and claimed to support the goddess since high school.

Chen Jing had called Zhou Zhou “top student” first, then “goddess” after Du Qi’s influence.

Du Qi studied liberal arts, like Zhou Zhou, and was in the same class all three years.

Cheng Yanran was in science class from the second year and had little contact with her.

He wasn’t afraid to show his feelings. Even without romance, he thought Zhou Zhou’s character didn’t deserve insult.

Others shared his opinion; after his warning message, several people also spoke up in support.

No one knows if it was really because they were afraid of being sued or for some other reason, but the so-called classmates’ group chat broke up in less than two days.

However, a few guys who were good friends in high school, now working in different fields, started a small new group chat led by Chen Jing. They talked about the economy and future plans, and it felt more genuine.

Chen Jing even said to Cheng Yanran, “No matter when, women’s world is full of wild guesses and strange jealousy, more than men’s world.”

Girls who do well in school don’t like pretty girls, and pretty girls don’t like the top students.

Girls who are both smart and pretty often get pushed out.

Just like Zhou Zhou in high school.

After they split into science and arts classes in the second year, Zhou Zhou chose the right path. Without the burden of subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology, she was unstoppable and always ranked first in the grade.

Teenagers at 17 or 18 can easily develop strong feelings from just one sentence, action, or glance.

The top girl was very popular, and Cheng Yanran still doesn’t know how many people felt the same way he did.

The only relief was that Zhou Zhou just wanted to be a top student and wasn’t interested in anything else.

So during those three years, Cheng Yanran never had a chance to say anything.

Luckily, even others who tried, like Du Qi, failed.

Putting aside anger, Cheng Yanran only felt sorry.

If he were Zhou Zhou, facing so many slanders like waves, how bitter and hard would it be inside? She did nothing wrong. She even gave up her dreams to come back to H city for her family.

Her English was very good, and her German was great too. Now, she could still speak a little.

This past week, after learning Zhou Zhou was back, Cheng Yanran felt restless and conflicted. He finally got the courage to message her, but still waited for a reply. His heart felt heavy and sour.

First love hurts deeply and lasts long, so he still didn’t want to give up.

Cheng Yanran thought, “It’s been over ten years; I can wait a few more days.”

—

But fate is like a mysterious nebula. No one knows where it will lead.

At 10:30 PM, after working overtime, Cheng Yanran was about to drive home when his WeChat beeped.

His heart suddenly raced, and his hands on the wheel trembled a little. He seemed to sense something was about to change — his small life boat was about to steer toward his dream.

He opened WeChat. A message from “Zhou Zhou” came: “Sorry, my dad already arranged a car dealership on Chunhui Road in Binhu District.”

Chunhui Road in Binhu District?

Chunhui Road in Binhu District?

Chunhui Road in Binhu District!

Isn’t that his family’s store???

He wasn’t sure and asked again, “Is it the Zhongyue dealership on Chunhui Road?”

“Yes.”

“That’s my family’s store.”

Cheng Yanran said directly.

Zhou Zhou didn’t know how to reply at first.

She remembered his store was in the old city, but Binhu District was a newly developed area in the last two years. Had the store moved?

This should have been a reason for her to refuse again.

As Zhou Feng said, “We don’t need to take favors just for ten thousand yuan. But we also don’t need to reject a friend’s kindness just because of that. Just honestly say we already have a dealership, and maybe next time.”

But it turned out Zhou Feng’s arranged dealership was exactly Cheng Yanran’s store.

Since fate made it so, she said, “What a coincidence! Then I really need to trouble you this time.”

“No trouble. You’re helping business.”

After this, things naturally fell into place.

Cheng Yanran turned off the engine and asked, “Are you going on Saturday or Sunday?”

“Sunday after lunch.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you at the store.”

“No need, you go do your thing.”

Zhou Zhou didn’t want to make a big deal out of this. Since Cheng Yanran already gave the price, there was no need to waste his time going over there.

Cheng Yanran said, “My dad went abroad this month, so I’ll go check the store.”

It was normal for him to check on the store. Zhou Zhou had no reason to stop him, so they made the appointment.

She also talked with Zhou Feng, who said the price Cheng Yanran gave was very cheap but not a loss. So no need to argue more.

Meanwhile, Cheng Yanran was excited about the upcoming meeting.

He was going to see her again!

After so many years apart.