The phone was quickly connected. Zhan Ruoqing identified herself, expecting Si Luo to mock her a few words, especially since she had previously deceived him by claiming he had mistaken her for someone else.
However, Si Luo behaved very politely, which somewhat eased Zhan Ruoqing's tension.
Later, Zhan Ruoqing suggested they meet. Si Luo pondered for a moment and then asked, "Sister, may I decide the meeting place?"
Zhan Ruoqing frowned. Was this kid up to no good?
As if sensing her thoughts, Si Luo explained, "Sister, I've prepared a surprise for you there. If you're not at ease, you can bring a friend."
Zhan Ruoqing smiled faintly, "No need! Since it's a surprise for me, why would I bring a friend!"
Without a friend, but as the boss of Zhiwei, bringing a few bodyguards was perfectly reasonable, wasn't it?
After hanging up the phone, Zhan Ruoqing checked the meeting location arranged by Si Luo. Although the place was a bit remote, it wasn't an inaccessible area in the wilderness.
Soon, it was time for their appointment. Zhan Ruoqing, accompanied by her bodyguards, arrived at the designated spot.
The meeting place was by the lake. Zhan Ruoqing saw a quaint, ancient-style lakeside villa from afar.
As they reached the villa entrance, the main gate opened just as Zhan Ruoqing stepped out of the car. Si Luo, tall and graceful, walked out to greet her.
Meeting his eyes, which were as clean as if they held no impurities, Zhan Ruoqing couldn't help but think to herself, "So handsome!"
"Sister, welcome," Si Luo said with a warm smile.
Zhan Ruoqing looked at him. Thinking about her past 'history' with Si Luo, her mood became somewhat complex and a little awkward.
"Uh... have you finished that winter holiday homework?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Zhan Ruoqing felt even more embarrassed. *Save me! I just wanted to say something, to start a conversation, how could I bring up something so sensitive?*
She was supposed to be 'socially anxious', a social terrorist! Despite being able to handle herself with ease in various situations, she had made such a low-level mistake in front of Si Luo!
"Yes, I have," Si Luo smiled slightly. "I've kept it all this time. Do you want to check it?"
Zhan Ruoqing looked at him in shock and blurted out, "Why would you keep that stuff? Don't tell me you've held a grudge against me for so many years just because I gave you twenty volumes of winter holiday homework?"
The air instantly fell silent. Zhan Ruoqing wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground. How could she not control her mouth?
Si Luo: "...Sister, I'm not that bored."
*Nonsense,* Zhan Ruoqing thought to herself. *Can someone who finishes twenty volumes of winter holiday homework not be bored?*
"Sister, please come in." Si Luo elegantly extended his hand, gesturing for her to enter.
They walked along the cobblestone path into the villa's main hall. Zhan Ruoqing stared at the antique and eerily familiar furniture within the room, completely stunned.
No wonder she had felt a sense of familiarity when she entered before. It was only now that she realized Si Luo had completely replicated their in-game home in reality.
Zhan Ruoqing gently brushed her fingers over the furniture. She looked up at Si Luo, "Did you recreate our home from the game?"
"So Sister still remembers," Si Luo said, like a little puppy seeking praise, adding boastfully, "The furniture itself wasn't too difficult to restore according to the game. However, some of the trees in the game don't exist in reality, so I had to substitute them with similar species. Fortunately, when we quit the game, the pets released were common ones like dogs and rabbits. I heard later the game introduced several mythical auspicious beasts, which I really couldn't find..."
Zhan Ruoqing felt both touched and overwhelmed. Every plant and tree here was a testament to Si Luo's feelings. These feelings were so profound that she found it difficult to bear.
"Si Luo," Zhan Ruoqing looked at him earnestly, "May I ask, why have you persisted for ten years in this unrequited affection?"
"Sister, you think too highly of me," Si Luo said with a wry smile.
"Hmm?" Zhan Ruoqing was confused.
He let out a long sigh and slowly said, "Ten years ago was the darkest time of my life. Honestly, sometimes I think that if I hadn't met you, my life might not be like it is now... still bathed in light.
However, back then, my feelings for you were more like reliance on a family member. At that time, I didn't resent the entire world due to the changes in my life because you showed me that there were people in this world who cared about me regardless of my circumstances. It turns out, I was also needed. Of course, our meeting that time dealt me a significant blow."
Zhan Ruoqing parted her lips, ultimately just nervously playing with her hair.
Si Luo noticed her movement and said with a hint of melancholy, "After I went home that day, I made up my mind. I was determined to find you ten years later and throw all the written winter holiday homework at your feet."
"That's hardly necessary..." Zhan Ruoqing whispered guiltily.
Si Luo looked up and said with emotion, "Actually, I let go not long after. At your suggestion, I found my maternal grandfather. He sheltered me as I grew up and helped protect my parents' inheritance. Later, when choosing a university, I opted for artifact restoration. My grandfather was a leader in this field, so I was essentially following in his footsteps, which made him very happy.
I would also occasionally recall the times we spent playing games together; that memory has always warmed me. Until a year ago... Sister, we met again by chance."
"What?" Zhan Ruoqing looked bewildered. "We met a year ago? I have no memory of it at all!"
"You came to our school to give a speech that time. You were on the stage, and I was in the audience," Si Luo said with a faint smile.
Zhan Ruoqing sheepishly scratched her head. "I really don't remember... Did you recognize me then?"
"There were many students in the audience, so it's normal that Sister doesn't remember," Si Luo explained. "Sister had previously posted photos on social media. When we arranged to meet, I was worried about mistaking you for someone else, so I downloaded and saved them.
Just before you gave your speech, I happened to be clearing out old files on my computer and stumbled upon these photos. That's how I was able to recognize you during your speech.
Sister, to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure at the time. You were so beautiful, mature, and charismatic. When you were on stage, it was as if I saw you radiating captivating light..."
Si Luo's eyes were filled with uncontainable adoration. At this moment, he resembled a little dog devoted to its owner. Being looked at like this, Zhan Ruoqing felt a little embarrassed.
She shyly murmured in a low voice, "Actually... actually, I'm not that great..."