Before she knew it, Li Yifei had been away on a business trip for a week. During this entire week, he hadn't called Qian Fei once. Qian Fei couldn't quite describe how she felt. For the first three days, every time her phone rang, she thought it might be Li Yifei. When she saw it wasn't, she'd feel both relieved and slightly disappointed. The first few times this happened, she considered calling him first to ask how he'd been and when his trip would end. But then she thought—he'd gone on this trip specifically to avoid her. Wouldn't it be shameless of her to bombard him with calls?
So she quietly put down her phone, quietly ate alone every day, went to work alone, watched TV alone, washed only her own clothes, tidied up the house by herself, and whispered goodnight to the walls. Whenever she felt lonely, she'd call Yao Jingjing.
Yao Jingjing sensed something was off and asked, "Feifei, are you falling in love again or going through another breakup?"
Qian Fei asked why she'd say that. Yao Jingjing replied, "Because no one in this world knows you better than I do! I can smell something different in your mood and aura!"
Qian Fei teased her for being like a dog. Then she recounted the not-quite-a-dream "spring dream" and how Li Yifei had gone on a business trip to avoid her. She asked Yao Jingjing, "How do I break this awkward stalemate?"
Yao Jingjing actually fell silent on the other end. After a long pause, she finally spoke: "Feifei, have you fallen for him?"
Qian Fei was startled—she'd never really considered that question before.
She focused hard for a moment, then told Yao Jingjing, "I don't think it's that serious. But when he's not around, I do feel pretty lonely. Maybe I've just gotten too used to having him around."
Yao Jingjing gave an "Oh" and said, "Thank goodness you're not into him yet. Anyway, don't overthink it. Honestly, I don't think he's really our kind of person. Just look at what he eats, wears, and does for fun—clearly not in the same league as us!"
Qian Fei asked, "What league are we in? And what league is he in?"
Yao Jingjing said, "Isn't it obvious? We're in the loser league! As for him—who knows what kind of connections he's got, but he's definitely rolling with the rich, handsome elite. He might seem low-key, but he's got all these shady money-making schemes. Richie Rich told me Li Yifei seems to be doing some export trade through his Japan connections and is apparently making decent money. But Richie Rich said he signed an NDA and couldn't tell me much."
Qian Fei gave another "Oh" and changed the subject: "You just can't go a day without giving people nicknames, can you? Now you've come up with a new one for your boyfriend!"Yao Jingjing was furious: "Qian Feifei, can you please focus on the right thing here! I'm talking about Li Yifei, and you're going on about some rich guy Zeze!" She paused, then said gloomily, "Feifei, you know, every time you dodge the topic like this, it means you actually care about something!" She sighed and continued, "Anyway, I think Li Yifei is great as a buddy—he knows a lot of people, plays wild, and has connections. He can help with many things. But if we're talking about being a boyfriend, you should think carefully. Dating him would be exhausting. Just look at his handsome face, rebellious eyes, and impressive physique—any wealthy woman would be throwing money and herself at him! Someone like him is beyond our control. So don't overthink it. If things are awkward now, let them be. Eventually, time will numb the discomfort, and your relationship will naturally smooth out. Didn’t some wise man once say, 'Time heals all wounds'? Let’s just wait and see!"
Qian Fei racked her brain but couldn’t recall which "wise man" had ever said that. Still, she decided to take Yao Jingjing’s advice and let things unfold naturally.
Two days later, her university class monitor called to say their former professor was turning sixty the following Saturday. He asked if everyone was free to celebrate the professor’s birthday and have a reunion.
Qian Fei said she’d definitely be there.
The monitor hesitated on the phone: "Qian Fei, um, just so you know... Wang Ruohai might come too. Is that okay?"
Qian Fei laughed. "We broke up almost a year ago. Why would it matter?"
Even as she said it, her heart gave an unavoidable little twinge.
Later, she called Yao Jingjing to ask if she’d come back for the reunion. Yao Jingjing said she was too busy with work and wouldn’t make the trip, but asked Qian Fei to pass along a red envelope for her.
Qian Fei mumbled, "If you’re not coming, I’ll have to face Wang Ruohai alone on the battlefield!"
Yao Jingjing snorted coldly. "Why face him at all? Let me tell you, with how stunning you look now, he’ll be the one scrambling to face you! And if he dares to approach you, just slap him twice. If he asks why, say I told you to. If he’s got the guts, let him come find me. I’ll even reimburse his damn plane tickets!"
Qian Fei brightened instantly. "Deal!"
●︶3︶●
On the day of the reunion, Qian Fei chose the outfit Li Yifei had picked for her during their first shopping trip—a top, skirt, and leggings. She applied a subtle, near-natural makeup look and styled her hair carefully.
When she finished, she studied herself in the mirror. The reflection showed skin so dewy it seemed to glisten, eyes enlarged by delicate eyeliner, a nose accentuated by highlighter, and long, silky hair cascading over her shoulders, curling softly at the ends. She barely recognized herself—it was like a complete transformation.
Satisfied, Qian Fei packed away her makeup bag.Before heading out, she thought for a moment, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, then went downstairs to the florist to buy a bouquet of flowers. After picking up the cake from Black Swan, she hailed a taxi straight to Daowang Teppanyaki on Yuetan South Street.
The traffic was heavy, and worried the flowers might wilt, she carefully watered them with the mineral water. The driver noticed and clicked his tongue in admiration. "Young people these days are so resourceful—who would’ve thought of that!"
Qian Fei smiled and said, "A friend taught me that!"
For some reason, her heart sank as she said it.
This friend had been avoiding her lately, treating her like the plague.
As they neared the destination, Qian Fei received a call from the class monitor urging her: "Where are you? Everyone’s here, just waiting on you! And you were supposed to bring the teacher’s cake—you didn’t forget, right?"
Qian Fei quickly replied, "No, no, I’ve got it, I’ll be there soon! Sorry, the traffic’s terrible!" She paused to catch her breath, then added, "Hey, could you come out and help me? I’ve got the flowers and the cake—it’s a bit of a hassle!"
The monitor agreed.
When they arrived, Qian Fei saw the monitor already waiting outside Daowang Teppanyaki.
She paid the fare, got out of the car, and stood beside it with a smile, waiting for the monitor to come assist her. But for some reason, the monitor’s gaze swept past her with a brief, approving glance before turning back to the street.
Qian Fei blinked in confusion, then retrieved the cake from the trunk and called out, "Monitor, what are you looking at? I’m right here!"
The monitor turned, stared at her, and walked over with his mouth hanging open. After scrutinizing her up and down several times, he finally exclaimed as if waking from a dream, "You’re Qian Fei? You didn’t look like this at the last reunion! My god, did you get plastic surgery? How did you suddenly become so pretty?"
Qian Fei shoved the cake into his arms. "Plastic surgery? Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t afford it!" She pushed away his face, which was still gawking at her. "What are you staring at? Even if I did get work done, you wouldn’t see the scars—you’d have to stick your eyeballs in my mouth to check!"
The monitor remained stunned. "Tonight’s reunion has been full of surprises—everyone’s doing well, especially Wang Ruohai. But after seeing you, I can confidently say you’ll be the most shocking person here tonight, hands down!"
At the mention of Wang Ruohai, Qian Fei rolled her eyes.
As they walked inside with their things, Qian Fei asked, "Who picked this place? A meal here isn’t cheap!"
The monitor hesitated before answering, "Wang Ruohai chose it. He said he’s paying for everyone tonight."
Qian Fei let out a surprised "Oh." "That’s certainly impressive! He’s doing well these days, huh?"
The monitor glanced at her cautiously. "Seems like it... I heard he’s been promoted to department head at his company!"
Qian Fei fell silent.
Of course, it was easier to thrive under the shade of a big tree. During the years he was with her—a mere blade of dry grass—he kept job-hopping. But after latching onto a new "big tree" less than a year ago, he’d already climbed to department head. Qian Fei scoffed inwardly. Seems like she really had been holding him back.When she reached the private room door, she gathered her thoughts. The class monitor stopped her at the entrance and said, "Wait here for a moment!" Then, holding the cake, he pushed the door open and announced to the people inside, "Classmates, open your eyes wide and see who's here! Ta-da—"
The monitor stepped aside. Qian Fei couldn't help but laugh as she walked in from the doorway.
Then she felt that her life had reached another peak after the night at Jindingxuan.
Everyone seated around the round table turned to look at her in unison, scrutinizing her, and soon some began exclaiming in disbelief, "Qian Fei?! My god, is this stunning beauty really Qian Fei?!"
She smiled and nodded to everyone in greeting one by one. When she reached the seat at the head of the table facing the door, she bowed slightly and said, "Happy birthday, teacher!"
As she continued greeting to the right, she saw Wang Ruohai.
He sat there, staring at her unblinkingly, with an expression of something like surprise, his lips slightly curled as if he had been laughing with someone and hadn't yet adjusted his expression. She glanced at him, initially intending to neither smile nor greet him and just move on. But in an instant, her thoughts changed. She paused her gaze and flashed him the most elegant smile she could muster.
Why let him think she still cared? Passing by with an elegant smile like this would make him understand that after parting ways, it wasn't just him who thrived—she was doing just fine too. Wouldn't such a display be even more poised?
So she smiled at him elegantly. And then she truly saw his hand holding the teacup tremble violently.
●︶3︶●
The theme of the entire meal was everyone wishing the teacher a happy birthday. Qian Fei sat at a ninety-degree angle from the teacher, and throughout the meal, she felt two pairs of eyes fixed on her.
At first, she endured it. But after a few drinks, she couldn't suppress her temper anymore. She turned her head sharply and glared fiercely at the instigator, Wang Ruohai, mouthing the words, "What are you looking at?"
Wang Ruohai, however, smiled at her. She really wanted to curse him out loud for being shameless.
After that, his gaze became even more blatant and unrestrained. Qian Fei gritted her teeth in frustration but couldn't make a scene with so many people around.
She texted Yao Jingjing, "You called it—Wang Ruohai has been staring at me nonstop!"
Yao Jingjing replied instantly, "Send me a selfie. Let me assess how likely it is that you're just overthinking it."
Qao Jingjing quickly replied, "Damn! Looking like this today, even gay men would glance at you twice! That bastard Wang Ruohai must be getting lustful again seeing you blossom like this! Remember what we talked about, Feifei—if he dares to come near, slap the hell out of that scumbag!
●︶3︶●
After a round of eating and drinking, singing the birthday song, making wishes, and cutting the cake, the teacher, saying things like "I'm very happy today," "I can't handle more alcohol," and "Thank you all," was escorted by the class monitor into a taxi and sent home.As soon as the teacher left, the atmosphere loosened up. Everyone became less reserved, and their gossipy instincts revived as they began asking each other about recent work updates—whether anyone had switched jobs, how much they were earning each month, if they'd bought a house yet, when they planned to get married, and of course, who had broken up, who was marrying a rich guy, or who was about to wed a wealthy beauty.
When these topics came up, Qian Fei found herself in the line of fire.
Finally, someone couldn’t resist leaning in and whispering to her, "Qian Fei, is it really over between you and Wang Ruohai? I noticed all night he did nothing but gaze at you with heart eyes!"
Qian Fei choked violently.
Coughing, she felt as if a lump of phlegm was stuck in her throat—disgusting and impossible to swallow.
Author's Note:
Wang Ruohai, you little jerk, what are you staring at
Correction from yesterday: Comments must be at least 25 characters long to receive points, not 24... That's the system rule—the points button won't appear for shorter comments. Also, don’t forget to rate it 2 points, mwah ●︶3︶●
Big thanks to all you lovely and generous readers for the thunder and bomb gifts!!!!!! Really appreciate the splurge!!!!!! Bowing deeply!!!!!!!!!
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