A black Volkswagen sedan stopped at the entrance of the hotel.
By the floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the hotel lobby, Xu Si, seated on the sofa, said, "He’s back."
Ge Qi, who was playing on his phone, turned his head to look.
The boy stepping out of the car was none other than Rong Xianning. Shedding his disguise, his dense black hair framed skin as smooth and pale as snow, with delicate, stunning features.
Truly, a strikingly handsome youth of unparalleled elegance.
After exiting the car, Rong Xianning stood by the door and said something to the person inside the vehicle before waving his hand and turning away.
Xu Si squinted and leaned forward, nearly pressing himself against the glass, trying hard to see who was inside the car.
The car interior was dim, and he saw nothing.
As Rong Xianning turned away, the black sedan didn’t linger, speeding away into the distance.
Rong Xianning took a couple of steps, unable to resist glancing back at the car as it drove farther away, its black body gradually blending into the night.
Xu Si caught a hint of reluctance on Rong Xianning’s face.
"Who do you think was in the car?" Xu Si asked Ge Qi.
From his seat, Ge Qi had a clear view of the car’s interior and, with sharper eyesight, curled his lips into a smirk: "That girl who was collecting balls earlier today."
Xu Si gasped, "So, he went on a date, huh?"
Ge Qi sneered, "I told you they’re definitely acquainted."
Xu Si clicked his tongue, "He’s got guts, all right. If President Ding finds out, he won’t be able to handle it."
Rong Xianning was riding a wave of success. Forget President Ding being furious—if his rabid fans were to discover this, pandemonium would follow.
As Rong Xianning entered the hotel lobby, Ge Qi greeted him sarcastically, "Our big star is back."
Rong Xianning gave him a detached glance, said nothing, and walked away.
"Look at him, putting on that untouchable act, thinking he’s some kind of big deal," Ge Qi muttered, irritated by Rong Xianning’s aloof attitude.
Xu Si’s eyes gleamed, "Do you think he’s really dating someone?"
Ge Qi paused, casting a glance at Xu Si.
Suddenly, the thought seemed to amuse him, and he chuckled.
"An idol group member getting involved in romance? That’s asking for trouble."
——
After taking a shower, Rong Xianning stepped out, and there was a knock at the door.
When he went over to open it, sure enough, Feng Cheng was standing there with a pillow in his arms.
"Du Yuchun was grinding his teeth and talking nonsense in his sleep again—it’s driving me crazy. He kept me up all night. Can I crash here tonight? Don’t worry, I’ll be good, I’ll even sleep on the sofa."
Feng Cheng grinned like a well-behaved little puppy.
Rong Xianning, drying his hair, turned away.
Feng Cheng closed the door carefully and moved in close, his eyes darting slyly. "You like Sister An’an, don’t you?"
Rong Xianning’s hand froze for a moment, but he said nothing and walked to the counter to pour a cup of warm water.
Following him, Feng Cheng teased with a grin, "Sister An’an is so beautiful and has such a great personality. I like her too."
Rong Xianning choked on his water.
Feng Cheng reached out and patted his shoulder, his eyes carrying a knowing smile.
"I get it."
Setting the cup down, Rong Xianning turned away, "I’m going to sleep."
Feng Cheng watched as Rong Xianning climbed into bed and pulled the blanket over his head, momentarily puzzled. "No studying tonight?"
A muffled voice came from beneath the blanket, "Even a machine needs rest."
Feng Cheng found this odd—Rong Xianning wasn’t the type to rest. He was a study machine, unwavering even in the face of chaos.
Feng Cheng’s eyes rolled thoughtfully and came to a conclusion.
It definitely had something to do with Sister An’an.
Rong Xianning lay wide-eyed in bed, his mind buzzing yet sharp.
He kept replaying Shen You’an’s words:
"You’ve let no one down. From now on, don’t live with guilt in your heart. Only by living beautifully can you make your father’s sacrifice more meaningful."
Live beautifully...
Rong Xianning clenched his fists, as though remnants of a tender sensation lingered on his palm.
Feng Cheng’s small head popped up at the bedside, "Aning, why are you sleeping so early?"
Rong Xianning rolled over, "More sleep helps you grow taller."
Feng Cheng suppressed a laugh, "So you’re afraid you won’t grow tall."
Indeed, amongst the five members of their group, only Rong Xianning was shorter than Feng Cheng. But his delicate build and small frame didn’t seem out of place.
Still, for boys—especially teenagers—who wouldn’t want to shoot up in height? Otherwise, standing before the girl you like and having to tilt your head up is just too humiliating.