Zhan Jingrui should not be eating here. Tang Ma had just returned from the hospital, and he wanted to go back to accompany her more.
Besides, he was not good at socializing, and he wasn't familiar enough with He Yao to visit her house. Staying would only increase the awkwardness.
He planned to sit for a few minutes and then leave. He Yao's mother's enthusiasm attracted her husband.
A man in a white shirt, black trousers, gold-rimmed glasses, and a slicked-back hairstyle, appearing to be around forty years old, young, with well-defined features, even elegant and refined.
The man approached and nodded at them expressionlessly.
He Yao's mother hooked her arm through his and introduced them sweetly.
"Honey, these are Yao Yao's classmates I told you about a couple of days ago. This is Xu Zheng, and this is Zhan Jingrui."
"Young people these days are so well-nourished. Look at their height and looks, all like male celebrities. They're simply delightful."
Upon hearing their names, the man's expression softened. He smiled, patted He Yao's mother's hand, and then looked at them.
"So you are Yao Yao's classmates. Welcome to our home. Don't just stand there, please sit down."
The person at the table warmly called him "Uncle" and pulled Zhan Jingrui to sit with them.
The maid brought them fruits and milk. He Yao's mother went to tend to things in the kitchen, telling them to sit and relax. The man sat down opposite them.
"Don't be shy, make yourselves at home. Take whatever you like to eat."
"Thank you, Uncle."
The man's gentle gaze swept over Xu Zheng. "And you are?"
"Oh, Xu Zheng."
"I had something to attend to today and had to leave early. I was late picking up Yao Yao, and her mother isn't feeling well. Did you two bring her back?"
"Yes, Uncle. I heard from He Yao that you both are busy with work, and it's too much trouble to pick her up and drop her off. Since it's on our way, let him come back with us from now on."
"On your way? Do you two live nearby too?"
Xu Zheng pointed at Zhan Jingrui. "He's our neighbor across the street, living at number 18. I live in Xiangshan District."
Xiangshan District was also a villa complex, and it went without saying that the people living there were all wealthy and influential.
The man smiled thoughtfully and nodded, then looked at Zhan Jingrui.
"So we're neighbors, what a coincidence. However, I only moved here this year and was too busy with work to visit. What do your parents do, and when are they usually home?"
Zhan Jingrui saw the thoughtfulness in his eyes and heard the probing and testing in his words. He knew that the adult world was like this, full of calculations and desires.
It was precisely because of this that he disliked dealing with such intelligent people.
"I live with my maternal grandparents. They are not in Sucheng. There are strict curfew rules at home, and I cannot stay out late. So, I apologize, but I must be going now."
With that, he stood up to leave.
He knew that if he stayed any longer, this man might try to investigate his entire lineage.
Since they were already neighbors across the street, there was no need to rush.
He stood up with him, smiling genially.
"Classmate Zhan is such an obedient good boy. Since your family has strict rules, I won't keep you any longer. Come visit again when you have time. Yao Yao, see your classmate out."
He Yao and Xu Zheng accompanied him out. Xu Zheng grumbled in his ear.
"Is it really necessary? It's just a short walk, less than a minute to get home. Why pretend there's a curfew? If you leave, I'll feel awkward staying alone."
Zhan Jingrui ignored him. If He Yao weren't there, he would have retorted.
Why bring me into this when you're visiting your future in-laws? A waste of my time.
The three soon arrived at the main gate. He Yao watched silently as Zhan Jingrui mounted his bicycle and sped away.
Xu Zheng smiled at her and scratched his head.
"Since he's leaving, I won't go back either. I feel a bit out of place being alone at your house. Please tell your mom not to be angry. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning at seven."
Back inside, before she even reached the living room, He Yao met her stepfather's probing gaze.
She knew what his look meant. She had intended to say hello to her mother in the kitchen, but seeing him like this, she changed direction and entered the living room through another door, returning to her room.
The next morning at seven, He Yao was waiting at the doorstep as usual.
She didn't see Xu Zheng but instead saw Zhan Jingrui passing by.
His schoolbag was slung over his left shoulder. He rested one hand on the handlebars, riding slowly and steadily towards her, bathed in the bright morning sun and a gentle breeze.
His figure was perfect. The loose, old-fashioned school uniform was worn by him with an air of high fashion.
His features were exceptionally clean and chiseled, as if he had just stepped out of an idol drama.
He Yao thought that after meeting so many times, exchanging a few words, and meeting his parents yesterday, they were at least acquainted. She expected him to at least greet her today.
However, Zhan Jingrui acted as if he didn't see her and rode straight past.
After riding for two blocks, his phone, which had been vibrating in his schoolbag, buzzed. Zhan Jingrui stopped his bike, took out his phone, and saw it was his deskmate calling.
Knowing he wouldn't have good news, he still answered.
As expected, as soon as he answered, his deskmate habitually apologized first and then said.
"I can't go to school today. Something unexpected came up at home. Could you do me a favor and pick up He Yao? I'll bring you a gift when I get back tomorrow."
Before Zhan Jingrui could refuse, he hung up the phone.
Zhan Jingrui didn't care for his cheap gift, nor did he want to deal with his affairs. He wished such troublesome matters would no longer involve him.
He tried to call back, but the guy had turned off his phone.
He tossed his phone back into his schoolbag with annoyance and got on his bike, intending to ignore it.
But looking at the hurried passersby around him and thinking of He Yao, who had been waiting at the doorstep just now, he couldn't bear it and turned back.
He encountered He Yao halfway there.
She was walking, carrying her schoolbag with her uninjured hand.
Zhan Jingrui stopped his bike in front of her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, both felt awkward.
Finally, He Yao broke the silence.
"I got a call from Xu Zheng. He couldn't make it today."
Zhan Jingrui circled her with his bike, turned it around, and He Yao gently got on.
Keeping a slight distance between them, the wheels spun rapidly.
On this early autumn morning, the sky was as clear as if it had been washed.
The morning glow fell gently on Zhan Jingrui. He Yao, facing the wind, looked at his clean, refreshing nape, his slender neck, and smelled the faint fragrance emanating from him. She felt the beauty of going to school.
Recalling that day countless times afterward, He Yao could always remember the gentle sunlight, the sweet breeze, and the dazzling Zhan Jingrui.
Even if life became difficult later, and she were given a hundred chances to be reborn, she would still choose to ride with him without hesitation.