When Xiang Yu saw Xiao Zhanyuan again, she felt a momentary sense of shock. He seemed to have grown taller and had become noticeably thinner, resembling more the person he was in their past life, even his indifferent demeanor felt more fitting. It had only been a few months since they last met, but it felt like a lifetime ago. Since their farewell in the summer, Xiang Yu's days had been fulfilling, and with the company of her grandmother and Lu Heng, she often marveled at how happy and content her life had become, almost forgetting about Xiao Zhanyuan. In fact, before coming to pick up Siping, Xiang Yu had anticipated seeing Xiao Zhanyuan again. After all, they had grown up together, and with Siping's rare return to the country, it was certain they would meet. As for her and Xiao Zhanyuan's situation, since there was no way to explain it, they both tacitly never mentioned it to Siping. Xiao Zhanyuan also saw her, and in that moment, the coldness in his eyes seemed to melt like ice. He smiled at her, his lips curving into a handsome arc. Xiang Yu suddenly recalled their past life, realizing that he had always been sincere to her, but it was her obliviousness that led to mutual hurt. She couldn't help but smile back, "Xiao Zhanyuan, you've lost weight. Is it because of the hard studies or not having enough money to eat well?" Xiao Zhanyuan didn't answer, just looked at her. Xiang Yu was wearing a black jacket, a black beret, and black boots, which was not her usual style. She looked dashing and handsome, holding a bunch of bright yellow sunflowers that made her face appear even more radiant. "Xiang Yu, you've become more beautiful." Xiang Yu didn't know how to respond and mumbled to herself, "I wonder if Han Xing will come back too. If she does, that would be a pleasant surprise. Did you know, Han Xing will become a big star in the future." Xiao Zhanyuan didn't respond to her comment but asked, "Are you doing well? Are you happy?" "Yes," Xiang Yu nodded, "Very well, I'm happy every day." "That's good," Xiao Zhanyuan's voice was very low and soft, like an almost inaudible sigh, making Xiang Yu's heart ache a little. They both fell silent, quietly watching the exit, waiting for Siping to come out.
When they saw Siping again, both Xiao Zhanyuan and Xiang Yu excitedly waved at him. Siping, however, had changed from his usual lively and active self and simply smiled widely at them. Once he came out, Siping hugged both Xiang Yu and Xiao Zhanyuan, "Long time no see." Siping's voice was a bit hoarse. Xiang Yu buried her head in his chest, speaking in a somewhat muffled voice, "Siping, you've grown up and matured. Where's Han Xing? Why didn't she come back?" Zhou Siping lightly patted Xiang Yu's head, "You're the one who hasn't grown taller, and you're becoming more childlike. First thing you do when we meet is hit me where it hurts. Where's the sisterly demeanor you used to have?" Xiang Yu pouted and handed him the flowers she was holding. Xiao Zhanyuan said nothing, just smiled at the two of them, with one hand hooked around Siping's shoulder. "Didn't your family come to pick you up?" Xiang Yu asked, puzzled. "I didn't tell them I was arriving today. We'll have dinner together first, and then I'll take a cab home later to surprise them." "Oh, by the way, what do you want to eat? Today, it's on me. Consider it a treat from your sister, so you don't keep acting all grown up and disrespectful." Zhou Siping grabbed Xiang Yu's arm and started walking out, saying, "That's great, I won't be polite then. I'll show you what a man's appetite is like."