Four years had passed, shedding the awkwardness of youth and progressing into young adulthood. His handsome face, tall figure, and most crucially, the fact that he was sitting in a silver Ferrari.
Tall, wealthy, and handsome, Suo Luo's description was indeed accurate.
Thinking back, Fang Ze would always hold his books and ask her how to solve a particular problem. Now looking at him, Shen Li suddenly felt a bit emotional, as if the little brother she knew had grown up.
"It really is you..." Fang Ze said, his eyes fixed on Shen Li.
In the span of four years, Shen Li's appearance hadn't changed much. If there was a difference, it was that she had become more beautiful.
Shen Li smiled and waved her hand, saying, "What a coincidence."
It was indeed a coincidence. Right after Suo Luo had told her, Fang Ze appeared.
"What are you doing here? You can't get a taxi around here. Get in, I'll give you a lift," Fang Ze said.
Shen Li looked at the long road ahead and decided not to be hard on her legs, opened the passenger door, got into the car, and smiled, "Thank you, just drop me off by the bus stop will be fine."
"I'm pretty free today. Are you carrying your bag to go home? I'll take you there," Fang Ze spoke on his own, then asked with a bit of surprise, "How come you are here?"
This main road leads directly to Camphor Garden, usually frequented by residents of Camphor Garden. Everyone who comes and goes has a car, so it's strange to see someone walking on the road.
"Er... There's something I need to take care of," Shen Li replied with a smile, though her smile was somewhat stiff. She quickly changed the topic, "Suo Luo informed me about the reunion, I'll be there on time."
Fang Ze gripped the steering wheel, looked straight ahead, and murmured to himself, "If I knew I'd see you today, I wouldn't have organized the reunion."
"Huh?" Shen Li was startled and couldn't help saying, "If you wanted to find me, you could have just asked Suo Luo."
Fang Ze laughed upon hearing this, but there was no trace of mirth on his face, just a hint of sadness as he said, "I... was worried you wouldn't want to see me."
"Ha... ha..." Shen Li could hardly laugh, as she was really not good at dealing with matters of the heart, especially reuniting with Fang Ze after four years. In her view, it was enough to reminisce about the camaraderie of school days; everything else didn't matter. What to say in this situation? She deflected once again, "How have you been these past years overseas? I thought you would get several more degrees before returning, didn't expect it so soon. How have the years been, coated in gold... "
Just as the awkwardness peaked, Shen Li's phone in her pocket rang. Like a lifeline, she quickly answered, "Hello..."
"I'm about to board the plane."
Shen Li blinked and took a second look at the phone number, a string of digits without a name. She asked earnestly, "Who is this?"
The other end of the phone: "..."
Looking at the number again, Shen Li had no recollection and said, "You must have the wrong number."
"You've forgotten so quickly?" Huo Siyu's displeased voice rose, his mood very foul.
Shen Li immediately stiffened, her hand trembling slightly, but she turned to Fang Ze with a smile, then twisted her head to the side, covering the phone and said, "How could I... forget?"
Why would Huo Siyu call her? He must be sick.
"Be good while I'm away. If anything happens... I won't let you off lightly." After Huo Siyu finished speaking, he hung up the phone.
Situ took the phone, clearly sensing that Huo Siyu was not in a good mood. Actually, for personal calls, aside from family, Huo Siyu hardly ever used the phone. Instructions were passed down, and someone would make contact. All this time, his role was to give orders.
"Keep a close watch on that woman and see what she's up to," Huo Siyu suddenly commanded.
"Yes," Situ answered respectfully, but then suggested, "Sir, since you're so fond of her, why don't you take her with you? Having her by your side would also be nice."
Huo Siyu's brow seemed to furrow slightly and he said, "No need, just keep a close watch on her."
Taking her with him might not be bad, but given the situation with the Huo Family, perhaps it was better not to. More importantly, Shen Li herself had a strong desire for freedom, so he might as well let her be.
"Yes," said Situ, bowing his head.
Meanwhile, Shen Li was still holding the phone in a daze on the other end. What was this situation about? An inexplicable phone call with even more inexplicable content...
"Your boyfriend?" Fang Ze suddenly asked, looking quite displeased.
The corners of Shen Li's mouth twitched, and just as she was about to say no, thinking about her situation with Fang Ze, she corrected herself, "Yes, he's my... boyfriend... "
Fang Ze looked at Shen Li and asked, "Doesn't he treat you well?"
The twitching at Shen Li's mouth grew worse as she forced a smile and said, "How could that be, he treats me very well. We just had a fight, we both have big tempers, it'll be fine in a few days."
"You're just too easy-going," Fang Ze said, pausing before adding, "Girls should be a little more willful. Always coaxing the other party makes it easy to spoil them."
Shen Li had never been in a relationship before, so she really had no experience in being a girlfriend; she simply smiled and kept silent. Besides, discussing this with Fang Ze felt very odd.
Seeing her awkward smile, Fang Ze naturally didn't continue. He knew very well how good Shen Li's temperament was. She wasn't one to act spoiled or be unreasonable, always peaceful and rational. In the two and a half years they had spent together, even when he upset Shen Li, she would forgive him quickly without any need for coaxing or anxious fretting.
It was an endearing trait, but with such a personality, it was easy for her to encounter undeserving jerks. That's also a common failing among men: the easier someone is to get, the less they are valued, and the nicer the girl, the more likely she is to be taken for granted.
Thinking this, Fang Ze couldn't help but grip the steering wheel tighter. He liked Shen Li and that had never changed, especially during the years he was away, his conviction only grew stronger.
Anyway, Shen Li wasn't married yet, so he still had a chance.
When the car reached the entrance of Shen Li's apartment complex, Fang Ze wanted to drive in, but Shen Li insisted it wasn't necessary. She hadn't actually planned on going home, considering a visit to the police station or a call to her lawyer to check on the situation. She was also worried Fang Ze might inquire into the details, which would be troublesome to explain, so she simply avoided the topic and asked him to drop her home instead.
"Thanks for the trouble, see you at the reunion." Shen Li said with a smile, waving to Fang Ze.
Fang Ze smiled and responded, "You're too polite."
After waving goodbye to Fang Ze, Shen Li saw that Fang Ze's car hadn't left yet, so she had no choice but to carry her bag and walk inside. She had to wait for Fang Ze to leave before she could take a taxi elsewhere. There was also the issue of where to stay for the night. If she really couldn't find a place, she would have to return home for the time being. With the New Year approaching, finding a job that offered room and board wasn't going to be easy.
With these thoughts in mind, she walked on until she reached a corner, only to see Shen Yueh burst out suddenly, charging towards Shen Li and shouting, "You ungrateful wretch, I'm going to strangle you..."