Their homeroom teacher was a woman in her forties.
When Ruan Xingchen suddenly heard a man's voice on the phone, she froze completely.
Realizing what she'd done in a panic, she pulled the phone away from her ear and checked her call log.
At the very first name on her recent calls, she nearly tumbled off the bed along with her quilt.
She'd put on such a convincing act, yet she'd dialed the wrong person entirely.
The man's final words before hanging up—Wait for me—echoed in her mind, and her heart sank instantly.
What do I do, what do I do? The uncle's coming up here.
Should I open the door? Or not?
Before she could make up her mind, the doorbell chimed outside.
Thud!
Ruan Xingchen fell right off the bed.
It was doomed either way. Gritting her teeth, she scrambled to her feet and rushed out of her bedroom.
She opened the door, and sure enough, Lu Jingyuan stood on the doorstep.
Lu Jingyuan stepped inside at once, reaching up to press his palm to her forehead. Are you feeling sick somewhere?
Ruan Xingchen pulled his hand away, sticking out her tongue shyly. I'm totally fine.
Lu Jingyuan stared at the girl's flushed cheeks, a faint smirk tugging at his brows. So you lied to your teacher just to skip school.
Ruan Xingchen smiled timidly, saying nothing.
All her senior three classmates were buried in their studies, while she couldn't even bring herself to go to class. She felt utterly guilty.
Lu Jingyuan ruffled the top of her hair gently. If you don't want to go, stay home today. I'll be back for dinner tonight.
Ruan Xingchen nodded dazedly. Okay.
It was nearly time for work, so Lu Jingyuan didn't linger long.
After he left, Ruan Xingchen stayed rooted by the door.
Glancing down at her half-unbuttoned collar, she frowned deeply.
Could it be what Lu Bai said last night was true… that he couldn't?
She'd dressed so revealingly, and he hadn't reacted at all. Not even a hug.
Guess it's really true then.
She hurried back to grab her phone, eager to text Lu Bai the news.
…
Lu Bai had just bought breakfast when Ruan Xingchen's call came through.
She'd tossed and turned all night, exhausted. Yawning widely, she answered the phone. Hello, it's Lu Bai.
Bai Bai, where are you? Ruan Xingchen's voice bubbled with excitement.
Lu Bai smiled to herself. Still at the hospital. What's up?
Bai Bai, I think what you said last night might be right.
Huh?
Your uncle… he really can't.
Lu Bai's eyes went wide, and she blurted out loud. What?!
Her shout drew stares from everyone around her.
A nurse came over to remind her to keep her voice down, and Lu Bai apologized profusely.
Stepping into the elevator, she let out a breath and asked. How do you know?
Ruan Xingchen told her every single detail of what had just happened.
After listening, Lu Bai muttered thoughtfully. Come to think of it, I've never seen my uncle with any woman before. You're the first. I have no clue if he can or not… Maybe next time you can touch him to check—cough! I didn't say anything. Bye!
The elevator doors pinged open, and Lu Bai fled out with a red face.
She'd almost corrupted the little cutie again.
Hopefully Ruan Xingchen hadn't heard clearly.
But luck wasn't on Lu Bai's side.
Ruan Xingchen had heard every word crystal clear.
She hung up the phone, sat on the floor blushing furiously, too flustered to move for ages.
…
At Nanyuan Group's headquarters.
Lu Jingyuan was buried in paperwork at his desk when a sudden chill ran down his spine.
Before he could ponder it, his phone rang.
Glancing at the caller ID, he picked up while continuing to sign documents with his other hand.
Jingyuan, it's me.
Mm?
I heard auntie's sick. Mom's tied up, so she's sending me to City C to check on her.
When?
I'm taking the flight tomorrow morning.
Alright, call me when you land.
…
Ruan Xingchen ate two apples for breakfast to tide herself over, then cleaned the entire apartment from top to bottom. She even stripped all the bed sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers to wash them.
By the time she finished, it was already noon.
Stuck on what to have for lunch, her phone rang again.
She answered lazily. Calling to treat me to lunch?
A low chuckle rumbled from the other end. I can.
They agreed on a spot. Ruan Xingchen showered, changed her clothes, grabbed her bag and headed out.
After getting criticized by Ruan Xingchen last time, Jiang Heng had booked a Chinese restaurant this time.
As soon as she sat down, Jiang Heng waved over a waiter.
They ordered their meals, and once the waiter left, Jiang Heng smiled softly. Skipping class today?
I'm sick, so I asked for leave. Ruan Xingchen feigned innocence.
The girl was slacking off again, Jiang Heng thought with an amused smile. He pulled out an exquisitely wrapped small gift box and pushed it across the table to her. I just got back from a business trip. This is for you.
For me?
Yes.
Staring at the box, Ruan Xingchen bit her lip. What about Ruan Shuqing?
Jiang Heng froze, a faint glint of amusement flashing in his eyes. Nothing for her.
Still, Ruan Xingchen didn't touch the gift.
After a moment, she said quietly. Give this to her instead. I don't need it.
Jiang Heng's expression darkened, his voice sharp with suppressed anger. Ruan Xingchen!
After all these years, she'd never refused his gifts, no matter what he did outside. This was the first time.
Seeing her pale face, he loosened his clenched fists, softening his tone so he wouldn't scare her. Xingchen, don't be petty. Ruan Shuqing's just…
I'm not being petty. Ruan Xingchen cut him off, meeting his gaze earnestly with her bright dark eyes, her voice gentle yet firm. It's you, Jiang Heng. You've landed me in huge trouble.
Jiang Heng's face turned cold. Did she come looking for you?
Ruan Xingchen said nothing.
When the waiter brought their food out, she simply bowed her head and ate.
After lunch, they walked out of the restaurant together.
I'll sort this out. Jiang Heng spoke quietly out of nowhere, pressing the gift into her hands, his tone warm with undeniable tenderness. Keep this. Call me if you need anything.
Ruan Xingchen frowned, about to argue, when a large palm settled gently on the top of her head. His voice was laced with helplessness and guilt. Give me a little time.
…
Jiang Heng had to head back to the office in the afternoon, so he dropped Ruan Xingchen off at Wutong Apartment and left.
Back home, Ruan Xingchen set the small gift box on the low table and sat down on the floor.
All the gifts Jiang Heng had ever given her had always been perfect.
She'd once been overjoyed, curious to see what was inside every time. But now, she didn't even have the urge to open it.
The longer you know someone, the more attached you grow… and the more disappointed you become too.
Jiang Heng was gentle, thoughtful, good at sweet-talking girls, and he'd always been kind to her. When she was younger, she'd even daydreamed about growing up and marrying him, becoming his bride.
But once she found out he wasn't only hers, that his kindness wasn't exclusive to her… those dreams vanished. Sometimes she didn't even want to see him.
People really do change.
With the afternoon stretching long, Ruan Xingchen took a nap.
Her alarm rang at half past four. She got up, dressed neatly, and headed up to the twelfth floor.
Lu Jingyuan came home early that day. It was just past six, and she'd barely set the dishes on the table when he walked through the door.
She took off her apron and glanced back at him. Why're you home so early today, uncle?
Left work ten minutes ahead of schedule. Lu Jingyuan replied softly, heading to the kitchen to wash his hands.
Once they sat down to eat, Lu Jingyuan's dark eyes fixed on the girl across the table. Stayed home all day?
Ruan Xingchen paused mid-chew. Went out for lunch.
His gaze tightened slightly, but he didn't press further.
After dinner, Lu Jingyuan sat on the sofa, flicking mindlessly through TV channels with the remote.
He only put it down when Ruan Xingchen walked out of the kitchen, gesturing for her to come over.
Hesitating a little, she obeyed and walked toward him.
Just as she was about to reach the sofa, he spoke again. Stay right there.
He pulled something out of the coffee table drawer, then stood up and walked over to her.
Ruan Xingchen blinked down at the measuring tape in his hand. What're you doing with a tape measure, uncle?
Measuring you. Lu Jingyuan unspooled the tape. How tall are you?
He stood far too close; his warm breath fanned her face. Pink blush stained her cheeks, and she twisted the hem of her skirt nervously. Around 163 centimeters, I think.
She hadn't measured herself in ages, so she wasn't sure if she'd grown taller.
Without a word, Lu Jingyuan measured her waist, arm length and torso. Then he paused, slipped his hands under her armpits, and wrapped the long tape around her chest.
His long fingers grazed lightly over her bosom. Ruan Xingchen trembled all over, her lips quivering. She stammered with nerves. U-Uncle… are you done yet?
Lu Jingyuan's dark eyes glinted. He pulled the tape away, then pulled her into his arms, leaning down to murmur in her ear. What are you nervous about?
Ambience thickened between them, her face burning bright red like a ripe tomato.
This perverted uncle! How dare he ask what she's nervous about? She wouldn't be flustered if he didn't keep touching her!
Seeing her stay silent, Lu Jingyuan pulled back a little, pressing his forehead to hers and brushing the tip of his nose gently against hers. Who did you go out with for lunch? What did you do? Hmm?
Had lunch with Jiang Heng. Ruan Xingchen blurted out, then snapped back to her senses, struggling to push him away in annoyance. Uncle, let me go first!
If he held her any tighter, she'd suffocate.
A cold flash darted across Lu Jingyuan's eyes in an instant, and he tightened his hold on her.
Stay away from him from now on.
He whispered the words, then bent down and captured her lips in a domineering kiss.