Chapter Two
Autumn in Chanjing is bleak and desolate, always accompanied by a light drizzle. In the afternoon, a light rain began to fall again.
Xing Bei sat in the Cloud Cafe waiting for the blind date Ms. Shi had arranged for her. She had only recently broken up and wasn't really keen on going on a blind date.
Unfortunately, Ms. Shi called her regularly every day, harassing her until she finally agreed.
Watching the water droplets slide down the glass, my thoughts drifted far away, and I unconsciously thought of Lu Runxu.
Since they parted that night, she hadn't seen Lu Runxu for almost half a month, and even her mood had been affected these past few days.
Lost in thought, a pungent smell of disinfectant suddenly wafted over, instantly pulling her thoughts back from the distance.
"Xing Bei".
She looked up and saw her ex-boyfriend, whom she had broken up with almost three months ago.
It had been a long time since I'd seen Zhou Xuzhe, and he looked much thinner. His skin was already fair, but the faint bluish bruises on his face were quite noticeable.
A few raindrops clung to his khaki coat, and combined with his current state, he looked pale and weak, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness.
In the past, she would have felt sorry for Zhou Xuzhe, but now it seems he's nothing special.
Xing Bei stared at him without speaking. Zhou Xuzhe remained silent for a few seconds before slowly saying, "The lab was very busy recently, and I didn't see the message. By the time I got a reply, you had already blocked me."
This was his explanation to her. If this explanation had been given before, Xing Bei might have forgiven him, but now, the thought of him standing her up for Chu Yunyao only made her feel disgusted.
Every time she confronted him, Zhou Xuzhe would say that Chu Yunyao was his sister and that they had no relationship. But whenever Chu Yunyao had any problems, she was always the one who was abandoned.
Having liked Zhou Xuzhe for so long, she thought that if she persisted, perhaps Zhou Xuzhe would come back to her. This persistence lasted for several years.
Only today did she realize that she wasn't waiting for Zhou Xuzhe to turn back; she was waiting for herself to turn back, waiting for that obsession to dissipate.
She lowered her eyes, picked up the white ceramic cup in front of her, took a small sip, and said softly, "We've already broken up."
Zhou Xuzhe frowned slightly and asked wearily, "Weren't we doing fine together before? Why are you suddenly saying you want to break up?"
Good? You've really gotten hooked on acting.
Xing Bei looked at him with a mocking expression. Sometimes she wondered how someone could be so lacking in self-awareness.
Zhou Xuzhe saw the mocking smile on her lips, looked at her with a puzzled expression, and met her bright peach blossom eyes, feeling inexplicably guilty.
Every time those beautiful eyes looked at him, they would sparkle like a clear spring, pure and bright, filled with love for him alone.
Now that she's calmed down, you can no longer see any love in her eyes. Instead, you see a coldness emanating from within, alluring yet dangerous.
Despite having spent so many years with Xing Bei, his heart still trembles every time he meets her captivating eyes.
Xing Bei looked at him silently for a few seconds, then glanced at the water droplets slowly sliding down the glass window, and said softly, "Zhou Xuzhe, how many years have we known each other?"
Zhou Xuzhe didn't understand why she suddenly asked such a tangential question, so he honestly replied, "It should be about ten years."
Xing Bei lowered her eyes, her beautiful peach blossom eyes slightly upturned: "Ten years, it turns out we've known each other for so long."
They had known each other for ten years and been together for seven, but in the end, she still couldn't win a sincere heart in return.
She'd had enough of this one-woman show; following him around was exhausting.
She smiled and shook her head, then looked up at the haggard man opposite her with a serious expression: "Zhou Xuzhe, I don't want to chase after you anymore."
When Zhou Xuzhe agreed to her confession, she was indeed very happy. Women in love often like to deceive themselves, and she always ignores those obvious avoidances.
Later on, she could no longer distinguish whether her feelings for him were love or an obsession born of resentment.
Looking back now, it was all my own fault. I was a perfectly good young lady, wasting my precious youth on someone who wasn't worth it.
The rain outside the window gradually intensified. She stirred her coffee and slowly said, "Zhou Xuzhe, let's leave it at that. Let's part ways amicably."
“Beibei…” Zhou Xuzhe frowned, still not understanding why Xing Bei broke up with him: “You have to give me a reason.”
Xing Bei ignored him. Her usually charming and alluring eyes were now as cold as if covered with frost.
As she passed by Zhou Xuzhe, she paused and said, "Zhou Xuzhe, don't let me see you again."
After saying that, Xing Bei left without looking back. Zhou Xuzhe watched her resolute back, his hand on the table unconsciously curling up, feeling a mix of emotions.
As soon as she stepped out of the coffee shop, a blast of cold air hit her. Standing at the door, Xing Bei looked up at the sky, her mood sour. The rain seemed to wash away all her emotions.
She took out her phone and texted Ms. Shi to arrange today's blind date at another location.
Two minutes passed.
Ms. Shi: I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you that your blind date can't make it today.
Xing Bei looked at the message and didn't know what to say. She closed her eyes in annoyance.
She picked up her bag, put it on her head, and prepared to leave. She had only taken two steps when she suddenly bumped into a solid chest.
A faint scent of mint instantly filled her nostrils. She looked up and saw that it was Lu Runxu. She stared at that face, which Nuwa had favored, for several seconds in a daze.
Lu Runxu was dressed very formally today, in a custom-made black suit. He was tall and straight, holding a black umbrella in his hand, with a smile on his face, exuding elegance and nobility.
Her bangs were slightly messy, and the silver earrings by her ears swayed in the breeze, adding a touch of unruliness.
Xing Bei didn't know how long she had been staring at him until she heard Lu Runxu's casual chuckle, which brought her back to her senses.
How come I always run into him when it rains?
It's so annoying.
"It seems Miss Xing doesn't like to bring an umbrella when she goes out." He moved the umbrella closer to Xing Bei and teased with a smile, "But Miss Xing is lucky, she always runs into a kind person like me."
Xing Bei looked at him speechlessly, muttering unconvinced, "I'm not a weather forecaster, how would I know it would rain today?"
Lu Runxu looked up at the coffee shop behind her, and the person sitting by the window also happened to be looking over.
Their eyes met briefly, and Lu Runxu slightly curled the corners of his lips at the person inside the glass, revealing a smile that was ambiguous.
He withdrew his gaze, moved closer to Xing Bei, and completely enveloped her in his chest.
Xing Bei sensed his approach and, knowing what he was thinking, simply looked away without rejecting his advances.
Lu Runxu noticed her subtle movements and smiled slightly: "Let's go, I'll take you home."
The Cloud Cafe wasn't far from Platinum City, and seeing that the rain wasn't letting up, Xing Bei didn't refuse his request.
Watching their intimate actions and the man's provocative smile from inside the glass, Zhou Xuzhe felt as if he had been pricked several times with needles.
He didn't understand why he was like this. He had only agreed to Xing Bei's confession to appease his family's pressure to get married. He had never liked her.
Now, seeing her chatting and laughing with others makes me feel really uncomfortable.
He chuckled softly, looking down. He probably didn't even like Xing Bei; perhaps it was just that he had been with her for too long and had developed a sense of dependence on her.
Yes, she must have developed a dependence on Xing Bei, and she'll forget about it in a few days.
Lu Runxu escorted her downstairs, and the two stood facing each other in silence for a while.
Just thinking about that day made Xing Bei unable to look him in the eye. She stole a glance, and as soon as their eyes met, she quickly looked away.
The awkward atmosphere made Xing Bei feel tormented. She lowered her head and said softly, "Would you like to come up and sit for a while?"
Xing Bei regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth; they were practically inviting trouble.
Seeing her conflicted expression, Lu Runxu smiled slightly and said, "Okay."
Back in her room, she actually boiled water and made tea for Lu Runxu. Lu Runxu, who was sitting on the sofa, slowly walked over and sat on the bar not far from the dining room.
Lu Runxu watched her skillful bartending movements and slightly curled the corners of his lips: "You can actually bartend? You're really a hidden talent."
Xing Bei poured a glass of her homemade cocktail and handed it to him: "You're lucky today. Most people can't get to drink my cocktails. Try it."
Lu Runxu was slightly surprised: "It seems I am indeed quite lucky."
Xing Bei looked at the brightly colored wine glass in her hand, a faint smile appearing on her lips. She had never liked following the rules.
During the time she spent with Zhou Xuzhe, she could be considered a model citizen in every way – she didn't smoke, drink, gamble, or stay out late.
She gave up so many interesting things in her life because of Zhou Xuzhe. Looking back now, it wasn't worth it. No wonder Chi Qingtang always scolded her for being love-struck.
Lu Runxu took a small bite. The first taste was a light lychee fragrance, slightly sweet and not overpowering, but with a strong aftertaste.
He put down his wine glass, propped his chin on his hand, and looked at Xing Bei with his beautiful fox-like eyes full of charm: "Miss Xing, there is something I need your help with."
Xing Bei looked up and met those familiar eyes. She had seen many beautiful eyes, but none could compare to Lu Runxu's fox-like eyes.
The only eyes that left a deep impression on her were those of someone she met by chance while sketching outdoors during her freshman year of college. It was just a fleeting glance, but it was unforgettable, and she even picked up her pen to draw it.
Moreover, she noticed that every time Lu Runxu looked at her, she felt that there was an emotion in his eyes that she couldn't understand.
To put it in a narcissistic way, she felt that Lu Runxu liked her a little.
However, having eyes that seem to gaze affectionately at trash cans isn't necessarily a good thing, as it's too easy for people to misunderstand.
For example, her, but she is also very self-aware.
She looked away, downed the wine in her glass in one gulp, and raised her head at Lu Runxu: "Go ahead and say it. I'm quite understanding within my capabilities."
Lu Runxu smiled and raised an eyebrow, saying directly and clearly, "Marry me."
Upon hearing this, Xing Bei was so startled that she almost fell off her chair.
She leaned against the edge of the bar, looked incredulous, and touched Lu Runxu's forehead, muttering under her breath, "He doesn't have a fever, so why is he saying such strange things?"
Lu Runxu's eyes curved into a smile, and he grabbed her slender wrist with his well-defined knuckles, repeating earnestly, "You heard me right, marrying me is just a contract marriage."
Seeing that his expression didn't seem to be joking, Xing Bei's smile faded considerably: "Why?"
What's gotten into this young master tonight? Is a wedding something to joke about?
Lu Runxu released her hand, his fair and jade-like fingertips slowly circling the rim of the wine glass: "My family thinks I'm too old and has been urging me to get married lately. I don't want to marry a stranger. It just so happens that Miss Xing and I are in love, so I need your help."
What does it mean to be mutually attracted?
Is this word being used so carelessly?
Xing Bei looked at his hand resting on the rim of the wine glass. Lu Runxu's hand was beautiful, with distinct knuckles. The red wine stains in the glass were like exquisite porcelain on his hand.
"Then why does it have to be me?" Xing Bei looked away, her tone puzzled. "Our family is all in this circle. People like you usually have family connections. Why would you suddenly approach me like this? I seriously suspect something's up. You're not trying to trick me into marriage, are you?"
"Marriage fraud is illegal, and I'm a law-abiding citizen." Lu Runxu smiled, pausing deliberately as he looked up at her. "I'm here to see you because..."
"Why?"
It has to be said that Lu Runxu knows how to manipulate people; this one sentence actually aroused a bit of curiosity in Xing Bei's heart.
Lu Runxu withdrew his hand, his smile deepening: "Because you are different from others."
Xing Bei was quite surprised by his answer, but it only piqued her curiosity more: "How is it different?"
Lu Runxu smiled without answering, holding the wine glass in front of him and gently swirling it, the crimson liquid creating ripples in the glass.
Xing Bei met those charming fox-like eyes through the glass. The slightly upturned corners of the eyes and the bright red liquid made them look very beautiful and captivating.
Seeing that he didn't answer for a long time, Xing Bei's curiosity was also extinguished, and she lowered her eyes and remained silent.
What's going on? Are you deliberately keeping her in suspense?
They had known each other for almost two years, and she trusted Lu Runxu's character, but she still hesitated when he suddenly made this request.
Time ticked by, and seeing that the other party didn't respond, Lu Runxu asked again, "Are you really unwilling to help?"
As if knowing what she was worried about, Lu Runxu slowly added, "It's just a contract marriage. It's to help me get through this period. If either you or I meet someone we like during this time, we can terminate this contract at any time."
Xing Bei looked at the smiling man opposite her, and for a moment she didn't know what to say.
Looking at Lu Runxu, who seemed to be looking forward to something, and remembering what Ms. Shi had asked her to do, she sighed slightly and said, "Let me think about it."
"Okay." Seeing a glimmer of hope, Lu Runxu breathed a sigh of relief. "Then think it over carefully. It's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer."
He stopped at the door and smiled at the woman on the bar, who was both radiant and aloof: "I have something to do tomorrow, so I'll pick you up at eight o'clock the day after tomorrow. Think it over carefully."
After saying that, he slammed the door shut, as if afraid she might change her mind at any moment.
The room was dimly lit, and Xing Bei's gaze remained fixed on the wine glass that Lu Runxu had drunk from, pondering what Lu Runxu had just said.
The phone on the bar suddenly lit up. Xing Bei glanced at it indifferently, looked at the name in the contact name, and then flipped the phone over to cover it.
It really is true that whatever comes to mind happens.
The phone stopped ringing for two or three seconds and then the other party called again, as if they would keep calling even if she didn't answer.
Xing Bei pinched the bridge of her nose, picked up her phone and answered, "Mom, why are you calling so late? I'm already asleep."
The person on the other end scoffed, "You're going to sleep before midnight? Don't try to fool me."
Indeed, no one knows a child better than their mother.
Xing Bei knew she couldn't escape it: "Mom, I just broke up not long ago, you really don't need to be in such a hurry to arrange blind dates for me."
"How can I not be anxious? Look at you, you're already twenty-eight, almost thirty. If you don't find a suitable person to marry soon, you'll become an old maid."
Xing Bei was somewhat speechless when she heard this: "Mom, you don't understand. Thirty is the age to work hard. I'm not considering getting married."
“Okay,” Ms. Shi suddenly agreed, “If you don’t want to get married, come back and inherit the family business.”
They threatened her with their family business again, just like when she graduated. She was about to give up.
Ms. Shi continued, "The other party has time tomorrow morning, so you can go and take a look first. If it's not suitable, we'll talk about it again."
"knew."
After hanging up the phone, her gaze suddenly fell on the right side of the bar. Next to the glass that Lu Runxu had drunk from was a bouquet of blue star flowers and daisies, with a few decorative mint leaves around it.
Xing Bei slowly reached out and plucked a mint leaf. Under the light, the veins of the leaf were clearly visible.
Lu Runxu seemed to really like this flower; he would buy a bouquet of it every time they met.
The unassuming mint leaves next to her caught her attention; she always received flowers while studying at Kyoto University.
Especially when she receives a major award, she even receives a bouquet of mints like this on graduation day.
Aside from the flowers, there were only some blessings and a small bunch of mint leaves painted in watercolor at the end of the card. To this day, she still doesn't know who sent her the flowers.
She looked away, feeling agitated, perhaps due to the alcohol, with Lu Runxu's words echoing in her mind.
Actually, she thought Lu Run's suggestion was quite good. The two of them were in the same boat, and reaching an agreement would not only free them from their parents' pressure to get married, but also prevent them from developing real feelings.
She didn't want to repeat the same experience as Zhou Xuzhe, wasting several years of her youth.
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