Chapter 139: Sheng Tian
"Of course, I won't say much else, but I definitely have enough to cover your meals," Yun Zijin said calmly. She knew Qin Sitong was joking, yet she could sense a hint of genuine feeling behind it.
Over three years at Teikyo University, Qin Sitong had offered great help to Zijin. Now that Zijin was in a position to return the favor, she certainly didn't mind doing so whenever possible.
"Haha, forget it. I'll seriously consider that milk tea shop you mentioned."
It was only today that Qin Sitong fully realized the massive difference between her and Yun Zijin.
If she couldn't keep pace with Zijin, friendship troubles would likely emerge in the long run. The economic gap was too significant, and Qin Sitong worried it might eventually create tension.
Yet Yun Zijin was patient. She had plenty of time, no rush at all.
Yesterday, Lu Yunque called to arrange dinner with Yun Zijin. By 2 p.m., he texted her the address: Zhuquan Villa, a place she'd never heard of. Trusting his choice, she didn't overthink it.
They agreed to meet at 5 p.m. At 3:30, Yun Zijin left Emerald Lake.
But before she could drive far, Lingyi noticed someone tailing them.
Yun Zijin checked her rearview mirror and saw a Porsche 718 Spyder RS giving chase.
She couldn't help rolling her eyes—Xia Jiaojiao had recently boasted about acquiring a Porsche 718. Of all cars, she chose the same one to track them.
If one's aiming to follow someone discreetly, a flashy sports car isn't the wisest choice.
"All right, just lose her. Don't worry about it."
No matter what Xia Jiaojiao had in mind, Yun Zijin wasn't afraid.
"Yes, Miss!"
Lingyi acknowledged via the headset.
Yun Zijin floored the accelerator in her Ferrari Enzo, quickly distancing herself from the Suibianhua-brand nanny car.
Predictably, Xia Jiaojiao tried to keep up but soon the nanny car blocked her lane. The Enzo vanished from her sight.
After a few minutes, the nanny car slipped away in traffic. The Porsche lost them completely. Shortly after, the nanny car reappeared behind Yun Zijin's Ferrari, maintaining a discreet distance.
Nearing Zhuquan Villa, Yun Zijin's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Zijin? You'll need a membership card to enter. Call me when you arrive; I'll pick you up." Lu Yunque's tone was notably gentle.
"I'm almost there—can already see the entrance." Zijin answered.
So it was another membership-required club. Since becoming financially free, such venues had become commonplace, which Yun Zijin found a bit ironic.
"I'll head out to meet you now."
"All right. Hanging up so I can focus on driving."
She arrived at the villa's gate, handed her car keys to a valet, and stepped forward with Lingyi and the others.
Just then, Lu Yunque emerged.
He visibly brightened upon seeing her and sped up.
A waiter who'd planned to request her membership card stepped back once he saw Lu Yunque.
"It's not even five yet—you came early! I hope I'm not the last to arrive," Yun Zijin said, disliking the idea of others waiting for her.
"It's fine, we only got here a few minutes before you. Let's go to our courtyard."
Zhuquan Villa is famous for its private courtyards, providing guests maximum privacy.
Yun Zijin nodded and walked alongside Lu Yunque.
They soon reached their courtyard.
Fu Ze, Sheng Hao, and Li Yuecheng were already there, plus two young women Zijin didn't recognize. She glanced questioningly at Lu Yunque.
"Hello, I'm Fu Li, Fu Ze's cousin."
(A note: No erroneous version found on the 1619 Book Forum.)
Yun Zijin gave a polite smile. "Hello, I'm Yun Zijin."
"All right, all right," Li Yuecheng chimed in, "we're all like family here—no need for formalities. Since we're assembled, let's do our usual tradition: a fishing contest! We'll each see who catches a fish first, then weigh them. Loser buys dinner!"
He always knew how to break any tension. Today, with three girls present, there seemed an undercurrent, but Li Yuecheng was too eager to enjoy it all.
Yun Zijin had never fished before but was game for fun, so she didn't object.
"Miss Yun, have you ever fished?" Sheng Tian asked casually.
"No," Zijin replied straightforwardly.
At that moment, Lu Yunque appeared with two fishing rods, one in each hand. Spotting him, Sheng Tian's eyes lit up, especially because he carried an extra rod.
"Brother Yunque, I—"
But Lu Yunque walked past Sheng Tian, handing the spare rod to Yun Zijin. "I usually keep this rod here. Try it out. If it doesn't suit you, I'll ask someone for a different one."
Zhuquan Villa was co-owned by Lu Yunque, Sheng Hao, Fu Ze, and Li Yuecheng—a private getaway for them. They often held fishing competitions, with each storing multiple rods on site.
Sheng Hao came over to Sheng Tian with two rods. "Here, since I'm your brother, of course I'll look out for you."
He knew Sheng Tian admired Lu Yunque, but also realized Lu Yunque didn't reciprocate. He'd specifically brought Sheng Tian here so she could see how indifferent Lu Yunque was toward her, hoping she'd move on.
Reluctantly, Sheng Tian accepted the rod. "Brother, what do you know about this Yun Zijin?"
Seeing Yun Zijin today, plus observing Lu Yunque's behavior around her, made Sheng Tian suspect there was more to it.
"You really want to know?" Sheng Hao peered at Sheng Tian, determining her intentions.
"Brother, I grew up with Brother Yunque!"
She'd cherished her feelings for Lu Yunque for years—how could she easily give them up?
"You're mistaken. I'm the one who grew up with him."
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