"What's going on? You haven't been yourself lately, either spacing out or being too busy to see anyone," Ye Chenhan leaned against the wall, voicing his confusion.
Ye Ziyu gave an awkward smile and retorted uncomfortably, "Really? Perhaps I'm just tired from too much work."
Ye Chenhan's eyes, like a pair of radars, scanned Ye Ziyu up and down. He didn't seem to believe her explanation.
Glancing away from his gaze, Ye Ziyu turned and entered the adjacent office.
Ye Chenhan followed closely behind, still tagging along with curiosity.
"How are things between you and Xixi?" Ye Ziyu, thinking quickly, changed the subject before Ye Chenhan could speak.
Upon hearing Yu Xixi's name, Ye Chenhan visibly became melancholic.
"Sigh!"
"What? She still refuses to forgive you?"
Ye Ziyu sat down beside Ye Chenhan.
"It would be fine if she just didn't forgive me, but she won't even see me. I've asked her out so many times, and each time she completely stands me up as if I don't exist." Ye Chenhan recalled his recent embarrassing moments.
Every time, he had booked a five-star restaurant, waiting alone at the table. Couples came and went around him, yet he remained solitary.
Rubbing his temples, the mere thought of it made him feel miserable.
Ye Ziyu looked at him sympathetically. She hadn't expected him to be in such a sorry state.
"How about I help you ask her out?" Ye Ziyu suggested.
Using Qianqian's dance lessons as an excuse should be easier than him asking her out directly.
Ye Chenhan's eyes widened, and he excitedly grabbed Ye Ziyu's arm, "Really?"
Her arm hurt from his grip, and Ye Ziyu helplessly broke free, backing away defensively, "Yes, if you're free today, I'll ask her to meet us after work tonight."
"No problem, no problem! Asking Xixi for forgiveness is my biggest priority right now," Ye Chenhan exclaimed excitedly.
Seeing his expectant and joyful expression, Ye Ziyu smiled. He was truly smitten with Yu Xixi this time. If his pursuit didn't succeed, he would be heartbroken!
People are complex emotional beings. Unrequited love only deepens the obsession. She wasn't sure if Ye Chenhan's affection was genuine or if Yu Xixi's indifference had ignited a desire to conquer.
Under Ye Chenhan's gaze, Ye Ziyu called Yu Xixi.
Compared to Ye Chenhan's calls, Yu Xixi answered Ye Ziyu's almost instantly.
Ye Chenhan, his heart pounding, leaned close to the phone, fearing she would refuse.
"Xixi, are you free today?" Ye Ziyu asked into the phone.
There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by the rustling sound of pages being turned. A moment later, Yu Xixi replied, "No, why?"
"It's about Qianqian. Ever since you fell ill and couldn't teach her dance, she's been asking about you every day, wondering if you've recovered. I've been too busy lately, but I'm free today and thought I'd see if you have time for us to get together tonight," Ye Ziyu said.
Yu Xixi fell silent again.
Thinking of Ye Ziyu reminded her of Gu Xiuyu. She had finally managed to expel her feelings for Gu Xiuyu by keeping busy, but Ye Ziyu's call pulled her back, and the heavy chains fell upon her shoulders once more.
Ye Chenhan was fidgeting anxiously beside her, gesturing frantically to Ye Ziyu.
"Okay," Yu Xixi nodded.
"She agreed?" Ye Chenhan couldn't help but exclaim.
Ye Ziyu looked at him with a headache, listening to Yu Xixi's question on the phone, "Sister Ziyu, is it Qianqian who wants to see me, or is it him?"
Knowing that Ye Chenhan might ruin things, he looked guiltily at Ye Ziyu.
"It's both," Ye Ziyu replied truthfully. "Xixi, if you feel it's inconvenient, you can choose not to come."