"Have you really thought it through?" Gu Qimiao asked her.
Xiaoxiao nodded emphatically, "Yes! I’ve been thinking about it for a long time."
"Alright then, I’ll meet him at the school at five, and we’ll coordinate via text."
"Thank you, Gigi! Oh, by the way," Xiaoxiao pushed a light blue gift box toward her, "I made some extra chocolate, you can give it to my big brother."
Without waiting for Gu Qimiao’s reaction, Xiaoxiao happily hopped away.
Gu Qimiao chuckled lightly, picking up the box and feeling momentarily distracted.
If she didn’t have this strange illness and he didn’t have such a prominent family background, if the gap between them was smaller, would she also be brave enough to pursue him?
She placed the gift box aside, forcing herself not to think about it, and refocused on her painting.
As it got close to five, Gu Qimiao called Xiaoxiao to confirm the plan, then started packing up her things, and called Gu Moming: "Moming, how about dinner tonight?"
Since she initiated the date, Gu Moming agreed readily: "Where are we eating?"
"Come to my gallery first, I’ll take you there."
A little before five, he arrived.
His injuries hadn’t completely healed, so a young man from his shop drove him there, while he himself leaned on a crutch.
But he still looked as rebellious as ever, with his white shirt unbuttoned at the top, showing no signs of restraint.
Gu Qimiao went over to help him walk. The place wasn’t far from the art academy, and the doctor had also advised him to walk more.
"Haven’t I neglected you for too long? Today I’m giving you some attention."
"Save it for the bed."
Gu Qimiao shot him a glance: "Don’t bring your indecent behavior from outside into my space!"
"I’m planning on renovating the house. Let’s go check the furniture in a few days when we’re free."
"So soon? Can your shop’s finances handle it?"
Gu Moming glared at her: "Just do as I say!"
Gu Qimiao frowned and didn’t respond. Time had unconsciously passed by so quickly. If they couldn’t be together forever, parting ways was inevitable.
When they reached the school gate, he frowned and asked, "What are we doing at the school?"
Gu Qimiao just pulled him along: "Just follow me."
Following the phone call’s instructions, she led him to a quieter path in the school. From a distance, she saw Xiaoxiao standing beside a road sign, signaling to her.
Understanding her hint, Gu Qimiao led Gu Moming to a nearby bench and said, "Wait for me here, I’ll go to the restroom first." Without waiting for his response, she jogged away.
Gu Moming thought she was acting strange today. Watching her running figure, he muttered, "I want to see what kind of trick you’re playing."
As he was puzzled, a soft voice came from behind. Turning around and looking down, he saw a girl standing in front of him, a bit familiar, but he couldn’t clearly remember.
Xiaoxiao blushed slightly. When he looked at her, she shyly averted her eyes. Normally bold, she now didn’t even dare to make eye contact.
"Gu Moming, do you remember me?" she asked cautiously, with a hint of expectation.
However, Gu Moming just frowned, looking impatiently at her, clearly not interested in her approach.
Xiaoxiao thought he didn’t remember and said, "I’m Shen Qiaoxiao, Shen Yanchen’s sister. We had a meal together last time."
Gu Moming immediately remembered. But now, he liked her even less because of her connection to Shen Yanchen, extending his aversion to her.
Xiaoxiao felt increasingly nervous. The words she had prepared got stuck in her throat under Gu Moming’s cold attitude.