Xiang Yuan furiously pulled out his phone and dialed his father, Xiang Jingsheng.
"Dad! I really don’t understand why you recommended Huo Danru as the marriage counseling expert to me!"
Despite his son’s outburst, Xiang Jingsheng’s voice remained calm and steady: "Xiang Yuan, who taught you that you can speak to your father in such a tone? Where is your family upbringing? Do you want to hear others say it’s the father’s fault for not teaching?"
His father’s words felt like a bucket of cold water, pouring mercilessly over Xiang Yuan, extinguishing his anger.
He deflated and felt wronged, squatting by the roadside clutching his phone tightly.
"Dad... But Dad, can’t you tell me why you recommended Huo Danru?"
Xiang Jingsheng’s tone remained steady as he said, "Firstly, because Huo Danru is a seasoned expert in the field. Secondly, she is Tang Mingyi’s ex-wife."
Xiang Yuan was taken aback: "You mean she’s actually Tang Yanxi’s mother?"
"Yes." Xiang Jingsheng’s voice still showed no trace of emotion: "The Tang Family’s story is deeply hidden, but it doesn’t escape me."
Xiang Yuan let out a bitter smile: "But even if she’s Tang Mingyi’s ex-wife, so what? She doesn’t consider the friendship between us at all, and throughout the counseling, she didn’t speak in my favor at all."
Xiang Jingsheng chuckled lightly: "She’s a seasoned expert, how could she be biased due to favoritism? I recommended her to you not because she had to be on your side, but only—through her, to let Tang Mingyi understand more about your importance to Shi Nian, and our Xiang Family’s importance to this daughter-in-law, that’s enough."
Shi Nian returned to Kangchuan University, but after reaching the dormitory, she hesitated and turned back.
Everyone in the dorm went out with Tang Yanqing to enjoy themselves, and going back alone wasn’t worthwhile.
A tiny spark of thought flashed in her mind—Why couldn’t she go too?
After all, tonight was the first group activity of the literary analysis class, and not going there alone felt quite awkward.
Like in her childhood education, she always paid attention to the phrase written by teachers in semester evaluations, "This student actively participates in group activities"... Shi Nian laughed, as she stepped out with greater determination and lightness.
She tried to avoid distinguishing clearly—In truth, in truth, it was because that person was there.
Shi Nian’s heart had already flown out of the campus, yet she didn’t know, just behind her, in the campus police office window, a bloodstained hand was pressed against the glass, making an impression of her silhouette. Then, slowly, it slid down...
Shi Nian arrived at the bar for the gathering, and saw Spicy Girl just getting out of her car at the entrance.
Shi Nian went up to greet her: "Why did you also just arrive?"
Spicy Girl was a bit surprised: "Didn’t you say you weren’t coming?"
Shi Nian shrugged: "I didn’t think I’d make it. But things went more smoothly than expected, so I came."
Spicy Girl "Oh"ed: "Honestly, I’m not interested in gatherings . You know, it’s different from domestic KTVs where just singing in your own little room is enough. Here, we have to sing in front of everyone. I, the mic king, have no stage here."
Shi Nian laughed knowingly. The first time she went out with Ye He and their classmates, she realized holding the microphone meant she had to sing in front of everyone. Her legs turned weak in fear. When she tried singing, her tune flew straight to Mexico.
"Then we won’t be mic kings; we’ll be listeners together." Shi Nian hugged Spicy Girl, and laughing, they walked inside together.
By now, the bar was lively and aglow, with every seat occupied.
Despite the crowd, they could still easily spot the handsome man sitting in the center amidst the group of more than a dozen people on the big sofa.
Wearing the same ivory V-neck sweater often seen around campus, with black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose bridge, yet maybe under tonight’s dim light, his academic air by day was masked, revealing his sharp features instead. Every line of his form converged into a breathtaking aura of mischief.
In that flickering light, he suddenly raised his eyes and glanced towards her. His mischief-filled aura felt like a cool spring, splashing entirely upon her.
Shi Nian’s step paused; she found herself unable to breathe. Quickly diverting her gaze, she pressed her hand against her chest.
Perhaps his gaze was too enchanting, as the dozen other people also turned their gaze towards her.
Mark was the first to stand up and walk towards them: "Hey, two beautiful ladies, finally here. Come on, come on, we’ve been waiting for you for ages."
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