Zhu Ziyu started dating a man thirteen years older than her.

Since she didn’t get along with Cai Yun, and Zhao Shanqi was a naive sweetheart without much depth, she bottled up her feelings for a year. When Xia Xia returned, she eagerly pulled her aside to talk. Xia Xia spent several evenings listening to her, developing dark circles under her eyes. Tonight, she was again dragged by Zhu Ziyu to meet her boyfriend.

Zhu Ziyu’s boyfriend was thirty-four years old. He reportedly owned two tea houses and a restaurant, had a house and car, was handsome and wealthy, and had never been married.

Seeing is believing.

Xia Xia sat beside Zhu Ziyu, with her handsome older boyfriend sitting across the dining table.

Zheng Zhiming was indeed handsome, dressed casually but not carelessly, looking no more than twenty-seven or twenty-eight, and his manners were impeccable.

Zhu Ziyu had been preparing for her final exams and hadn’t seen him for a week. As soon as they entered the private room, she clingily threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and calling him “husband,” her attachment leaving Xia Xia dumbfounded.

Seeing there was company, Zheng Zhiming smiled awkwardly and said, “Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Zhu Ziyu said carelessly, “Xia Xia is my sister, she doesn’t mind.”

Zheng Zhiming greeted Xia Xia and went outside to order food.

“Is this his restaurant?” Xia Xia asked gossipily, tapping her chopsticks against her bowl.

Zhu Ziyu poured her tea: “His restaurant serves Southeast Asian cuisine, averaging over two hundred yuan per person. Given our relationship, why spend so much on treating you to dinner?”

Xia Xia: “Have you been to his restaurant and tea houses?”

“No, he hasn’t taken me,” Zhu Ziyu said. “Besides, I can’t help him with accounting or serve food and wash dishes, so what would I do there?”

“You’re practically the future boss’s wife, aren’t you?” Xia Xia said. “Isn’t it normal to go take a look?”

Zhu Ziyu: “I suppose you’re right.”

When Zheng Zhiming returned after ordering, Zhu Ziyu rested her chin on her hands and looked at him: “Honey, after dinner, can you take Xia Xia to your tea house? We can chat for a while, we’re not in a hurry to return to school today.”

Zheng Zhiming was startled for a moment, then smiled: “Does Xia Xia like tea? My tea houses are mostly visited by older people, it’s quite boring. You two young ladies, let me treat you to coffee instead.”

Zhu Ziyu immediately forgot about the tea: “What’s so good about coffee? It’ll cause insomnia if you drink too much. Why don’t we go for bubble tea instead?”

Zheng Zhiming looked at her tenderly, his eyes full of indulgence and amusement.

Xia Xia took a sip of tea and smiled without saying anything.

During dinner, Zheng Zhiming constantly served food to Zhu Ziyu and poured water for Xia Xia.

His conversation was witty, his actions thoughtful, and the charm of a mature man was undeniable.

Xia Xia could understand why Zhu Ziyu would like him. Many young women had no resistance to such men who were moderately successful in their careers and had good personal qualities. Zhu Ziyu came from a single-parent family, lacking paternal love since childhood, and had a natural attraction to older men. It was only a matter of time before she fell for him.

She ate quietly, listening to their conversation, then interjected with a question: “What’s the name of your restaurant?”

Zheng Zhiming: “It’s just a small restaurant, not worth mentioning.”

Zhu Ziyu: “If Xia Xia wants to know, just tell her. Besides, I don’t know either.”

Zheng Zhiming hugged her: “I’ll take you both there another day.”

After dinner, Zheng Zhiming went to pay the bill, and the server brought dessert and fruit.

Xia Xia hesitated before speaking: “Don’t you find it strange? You’ve been together for almost half a year, and even if he doesn’t take you to his stores, shouldn’t he at least tell you their names?”

Zhu Ziyu blinked: “You suspect he’s deceiving me? I know his financial situation, he couldn’t be pretending to be rich to trick me, and besides, I’m not interested in his money anyway. Don’t you think he’s nice? He’s gentle and caring, treats me well, and loves animals. He has a Border Collie and three cats at home.”

Xia Xia: “I’m not saying he’s deceiving you…”

She didn’t want to question Zheng Zhiming in front of Zhu Ziyu, so she asked more subtly: “With such good conditions, why hasn’t he married yet?”

Zhu Ziyu: “He was almost married once. He dated his first love for eight years, but they couldn’t be together due to family opposition. After that, he never met anyone suitable, so he’s remained single until now.”

She noticed Xia Xia’s thoughtful gaze and put an arm around her shoulders: “Don’t overthink it, I know what I’m doing. Besides, he’s friends with Shanqi’s dad, if he was hiding anything from me, Shanqi would tell me.”

Xia Xia asked: “Zhao Jinsong?”

“Yes,” Zhu Ziyu said. “Earlier when Shanqi and I were out shopping, we happened to run into Zhiming having dinner with Shanqi’s dad, and that’s how we met.”

Xia Xia remained silent.

During her year in Hai City, Zhao Jinsong hadn’t lost contact with her. He would message her every few days to ask how she was doing. Though not frequent, it was like a mosquito’s buzz, occasionally disturbing her peace of mind.

Last winter, after Xie Huai left Hai City, Xia Xia received a message from Zhao Jinsong.

He was traveling in Hai City at the time and politely asked if she could show him around Hai University.

Setting aside his previous pursuit of her, during the time she tutored Zhao Shijie, he had always been very considerate of her.

Xia Xia didn’t refuse and showed him around the campus, even treating him to claypot rice at the cafeteria.

Zhao Jinsong showed no sign of awkwardness in his manner or speech, speaking to her so courteously that Xia Xia almost thought the past events were her imagination.

…

After they finished dessert, the two women walked arm in arm-out of the private room.

Zheng Zhiming hadn’t come back after paying but was sitting on a sofa in the main hall talking to someone whose back was turned to them.

As Xia Xia approached, he turned around and greeted her: “Xia Xia, you’re back in Nan City and didn’t tell me?”

Zheng Zhiming smiled: “Jinsong also came for dinner, we happened to meet and sat down to chat.”

Xia Xia: “You guys enjoy yourselves, I need to head back to school.”

Zhao Jinsong stood up: “I’ll drive you.”

It wasn’t a suggestion or a question. Before Xia Xia could refuse, he had already stood up and taken out his car keys.

Zhu Ziyu wasn’t planning to return to school tonight. She said: “It’s perfect since it’s not safe for you to go back alone. Let Uncle Zhao drive you, it’ll put my mind at ease too.”

Xia Xia raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing more.

Outside, Zhao Jinsong’s car was in the parking lot.

When Xia Xia moved to sit in the back, Zhao Jinsong blocked her with his arm and opened the passenger door.

“Am I that scary?” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Sit in front, keep me company.”

Xia Xia didn’t make a fuss and sat in the passenger seat.

Zhao Jinsong drove out of the parking lot, paying a two-yuan parking fee.

Xia Xia suddenly said: “Did you specifically come to find me for something?”

Zhao Jinsong: “I came for dinner, and happened to run into Zhiming…”

“The parking fee standard,” Xia Xia pointed outside. “It’s two yuan for half an hour, with additional charges after that. Did you only eat for half an hour?”

Zhao Jinsong couldn’t help but smile: “You’re still the same as before, able to leave me speechless with a single comment.”

He turned on the car lights, warm orange light reflecting off his left hand on the steering wheel.

The ring on his ring finger was gone.

“Zhiming called me to come over. It’s been so long, I just wanted to see you.”

When she heard Zheng Zhiming’s name, Xia Xia’s gaze shifted from the bright night scene outside the window.

Her eyes were clear: “Uncle Zhao, Ziyu is my friend. She might seem mature, but she’s very innocent at heart. If your friend genuinely likes her, I’m happy for her, but if he has ulterior motives or is hiding something…”

Xia Xia looked at Zhao Jinsong: “Ziyu is also Shanqi’s friend, and she’s the same age as Shanqi, as you know.”

Rather than rushing to defend his friend, Zhao Jinsong asked: “Why do you say that?”

“For a man with such excellent conditions, even if he’s hung up on his first love, he wouldn’t have been short of female attention. The fact that he remained single for five years after breaking up is suspicious in itself,” Xia Xia said rationally. “Ziyu might be blinded by love, but I’m not. Why won’t he introduce her to his social circle, and why is he afraid to even take her to his stores?”

Approaching a red light, Zhao Jinsong stopped the car.

He turned his head, looking at Xia Xia with gentle eyes: “She’s your friend, but she’s also an adult. You’re still young, there are things you might not understand yet. Once you leave school, you’ll understand society’s cruelty. Love that doesn’t care about material things, that’s satisfied with just a bowl of spicy soup – that only exists during student days.”

“You think she’s being deceived, but perhaps she’s well aware that Zheng Zhiming has issues.”

Xia Xia: “What do you mean?”

Zhao Jinsong: “Understanding the ways of the world without becoming worldly is a precious quality. You can achieve that, but you can’t expect everyone to be like you.”

Xia Xia: “Are you suggesting Zhu Ziyu is with him for his money?”

Zhao Jinsong raised his eyebrows, neither confirming nor denying.

Xia Xia’s expression darkened: “Stop the car.”

Zhao Jinsong ignored her: “It’s only human nature, you don’t need to react so strongly.”

“I said stop the car.” Xia Xia’s face was cold, dropping the respectful tone she had been using with him.

Zhao Jinsong had no choice but to stop.

Xia Xia got out and stood by the roadside trying to hail a taxi.

Changping District was sparsely populated at night, without a single car in sight.

Zhao Jinsong spoke patiently: “You won’t be able to get a cab here, it’s quite far from Nan University. Get back in, I’ll drive you.”

“No need,” Xia Xia said. “I have nothing to say to you, and I don’t want to ride in your car.”

“I spoke out of turn just now, but Xia Xia, why get angry over something like this?”

“Even if Zhu Ziyu is with Zheng Zhiming for his money, that’s her choice. It’s not worth your pity or sadness.”

“If she’s not in it for the money, then I apologize for my words.”

“You think that’s why I’m angry?” Xia Xia’s demeanor was proud, but her eyes were crystal clear. “Uncle Zhao, when you were speaking earlier, your attitude was full of superiority and disdain. Though your tone and words were mild, I could feel your contempt.”

“Standing in your position as a successful middle-aged man, watching young women flock around you and your friends, you must feel quite pleased with yourself even if you don’t say it,” Xia Xia said expressionlessly. “I don’t know exactly what you’re thinking, but you’re just treating these girls as objects to look down upon.”

“Whether it’s Zhu Ziyu or me, you haven’t shown even basic respect.”

“You think Zhu Ziyu is with Zheng Zhiming, who’s thirteen years older, for his money. Then what about what you did to me? In your mind, even if I refuse now, you think that with enough persistence, I’ll eventually be with you for your money too, right?”

Zhao Jinsong: “I never thought that.”

“You did,” Xia Xia said. “You might not think you did, but it’s there in your subconscious.”

“Xia Xia.” Zhao Jinsong reached out his hand. “You misunderstand me. Maybe I think that way about others, but never about you. The ring I wore before was my wedding ring with Shanqi’s mother. I wore it for over a decade out of habit, but today, I specifically took it off to see you.”

“I genuinely like you and want to take good care of you.”

Xia Xia was quiet for a while before saying: “But I don’t want to be Shanqi’s stepmother. I have a boyfriend.”

“Xie Huai?” Zhao Jinsong frowned. “He’s drowning in debt and can barely take care of himself. How can he take care of you?”

Seeing Xia Xia’s look, he said calmly: “Don’t look at me like that. I told you I genuinely like you, so I’m naturally interested in the person you like. Xie Huai’s father is well-known, some things don’t need investigation – just asking a few friends is enough.”

Xia Xia: “Don’t worry about my affairs. I’m an adult, I can take care of myself.”

She took out her phone and dialed a number: “Are you free? Come pick me up at Nanjing Road.”

She hung up and stopped talking to Zhao Jinsong.

There wasn’t a single car on the road. The summer night wind was quiet, the air slightly sultry, with only the shadows of clouds passing over the moon moving above.

“How is he coming to get you? Walking?” Zhao Jinsong asked. “It’s so far, it’ll take you at least an hour to get back.”

Xia Xia said: “He has a vehicle.”

She looked at Zhao Jinsong: “Uncle Zhao, you say love that’s satisfied with just a bowl of spicy soup only exists in student days. Well, I don’t believe that.”

“In my view, satisfaction in love doesn’t depend on whether you’re eating street food or dining at a Michelin restaurant, but on who’s eating with you.”

“Rather than sitting in a BMW being treated like a disposable toy, I’d rather sit on the back of an electric bike, listening to him talk about today’s troubles and tomorrow’s plans, hearing him discuss the future and his dreams. Even when he complains to me, I like it.”

“Yes, Xie Huai is poor, but what’s wrong with a man in his early twenties being poor?”

Xia Xia didn’t look at Zhao Jinsong, instead gazing toward the end of the road.

Under the bright streetlights, a black electric bike came squeaking along.

“I can accompany him and wait,” Xia Xia said firmly. “He won’t be riding an electric bike forever.”

“What if he does ride one forever?”

Zhao Jinsong’s voice was hoarse when he said this. After years of being smooth in business, it was the first time he felt at a loss for words in front of a girl.

Xia Xia thought for a moment: “Then riding an electric bike forever would be fine too.”

The black electric bike stopped by the road, boldly facing the BMW’s hood.

Xie Huai wore a wrinkled T-shirt. He took off his helmet and cast a cold glance their way.

He had waited for Xia Xia all evening at the dormitory entrance, only to find her here with an older man.

When his eyes met Zhao Jinsong’s, they were filled with heavy hostility, an emotion that was young and reckless, carrying sharp thorns and edges.

Just as Xie Huai was about to speak, Xia Xia gave him a radiant smile.

Then she threw herself at him, burying herself in his arms, her fair arms wrapping tightly around his neck.

“Honey, you’re finally here—”

Xia Xia seemed possessed by Zhu Ziyu’s spirit, her voice sickeningly sweet as she nuzzled her fluffy hair against his chest.

Xie Huai was speechless.

He instinctively held her waist, feeling the girl’s soft body trembling slightly in his arms.

“Bang—”

The sound of a car door closing rang out, followed by the engine’s noise as Zhao Jinsong left.

Xia Xia smacked her lips distastefully and straightened up from Xie Huai’s embrace.

Before she could completely leave his arms, Xie Huai pulled her back into his embrace.

“Say it again.” His voice was deep and hoarse as if he might lose control and devour her whole at any moment.

“Say it again,” he said. “Haven’t heard enough.”