The sound of my phone vibrating caught my attention. I picked it up and glanced at the chat window.
"I sensed your intentions the moment I met you."
"I have some things to handle now; let's meet in the afternoon."
Reading his reply, I felt my heart race. What did he mean by saying he had known my intentions all along?
After watching him leave, I typed a simple "Okay" in the chat and tossed my phone aside.
I lay on the sofa for a while before getting up and heading to my room. It was a rare day off, and I didn't have to wear my school uniform. I could even put on a light touch of makeup.
The sun had risen high by now—it was already noon. With my parents often leaving early and coming back late due to work, and sometimes even traveling for weeks, lunch was usually something I managed on my own. My solution? Ordering takeout.
Honestly, it was embarrassing that in my 28 years of life (or rather, my past life), the only things I had learned to make were dumplings, glutinous rice balls, and instant noodles.
After tidying up my room a bit, I decided to handle lunch. Our fridge always had a stock of frozen dumplings, and since I had plans in the afternoon, I opted for a simple meal.
Once I finished eating, I took my phone and headed to the sofa, watching a few episodes of a drama.
Then came another vibration. A message popped up on WeChat—from Chu Qingci. Without even opening it, I could see the preview:
"Meet me at Jiahe Restaurant in half an hour."
I looked at myself. Still in pajamas. Nothing done. And he expected me to meet him in thirty minutes?
Grabbing my phone, I dashed to my room, barely managing to reply with a quick "Okay" before sitting down at my dressing table.
I hurriedly applied light makeup—it didn't take long since it was a simple look. From my wardrobe, I chose a dress and threw on a jacket.
Satisfied with how I looked, I glanced at my phone before heading out. Less than twenty minutes! I was impressed with my own speed. With ten minutes to spare and the restaurant just a five-minute walk away, I decided to slow my pace.
When I arrived at Jiahe Restaurant, Chu Qingci was already there, seated by the window. His long, fair fingers tapped idly on the table.
I walked over and took a seat across from him. "Have you been waiting long?" I asked.
"Not at all," he replied softly, his gaze fixed on me.
I nodded and reached for the menu, ready to order.
"I've already ordered," he said, interrupting my movement.
Then, he handed me something.
I took it, curious. Before I could ask, his voice came again.
"Open it later."
I put it away and looked at him. He leaned back in his chair, his expression calm, his gaze warm.
Shortly after, the dishes he ordered began arriving. To my surprise, most of them were my favorites.
"What's wrong? Don't like them?" he asked in a low voice.
"No, I love them. You have good taste," I said, grinning at him.
I started eating, and seeing me, he picked up his chopsticks as well. Under the soft glow of the warm lights, we ate at a relaxed pace, chatting and laughing.
In this atmosphere, I saw a different side of him—one far removed from his usual aloof demeanor at school.
After we left the restaurant, I pulled my jacket tighter around me. "We've had dinner, so I guess I'll head home now."
"Shen Jia, do you have time? I want to take you somewhere," he said.
I looked up at him. The sky had darkened, and the streetlights illuminated the path. He stood tall, the light behind him casting a glow that made his features hazy, almost divine.
I was momentarily dazed and didn't respond.
Then I felt a cool touch on my cheek—his slender, fair fingers gently poking me.
"What's wrong?" he asked, stepping closer, his tone tinged with concern.
I snapped back to reality. His face came into sharper focus.
"Nothing. I've got time. Where are we going?" I replied lightly.
"Come on, follow me."
He began walking in the direction of his house, and I trailed behind.
On the way, I hopped alongside him, striking up a conversation. "Chu Qingci, what happened to your forehead before? And I noticed bruises on your arm the other day. Did you get into a fight? Fighting isn't good, you know."
I finally broached the topic that had been on my mind. I hadn't asked before since we weren't that close then. Though I already knew the reason behind his injuries, I wanted to see if he'd be honest with me.
His expression darkened, and his eyes carried a weight I couldn't quite decipher.
He didn't answer, his lips pressed into a thin line, his demeanor suddenly cold.
Realizing he didn't want to talk about it, I quickly shifted the subject.
"Are we there yet, Chu Qingci?" I asked, slowing my steps to let him walk ahead.