She hoped it was truly a revelation for her.
Thinking this, Xu Nianhua carefully folded the letter again, thought for a while, then got up and went out to call Cheng Hao.
Cheng Hao was busy at work, but when he heard from Xu Nianhua that Zou Yaru had settled down and was safe, he was relieved.
After hanging up the phone, Cheng Hao dove back into his work. Since returning to Ningbei last year, he had expanded his chili sauce business by more than double, spending every day bustling about.
He wanted to take his chili sauce business nationwide; he wanted to rely on himself to become a useful person.
After ending the call, Xu Nianhua held the receiver but didn’t mention the matter of Zou Yaru changing her name or show Cheng Hao the letter. Since they had made their decisions, she felt it unnecessary to say anything more.
As she walked back, she couldn’t help but think about the time in South City when Cheng Hao and Zou Yaru were inseparable in love. Just two short years had passed, and they had already gone their separate ways.
She and Pei Yicheng, how far could they go?
Suddenly thinking this, Xu Nianhua’s steps slowed down. On the shady path lined with green trees, her pace suddenly halted; her eyes lit up with surprise.
Pei Yicheng spread his arms wide.
Xu Nianhua, overwhelmed with joy, sprinted toward him, her eyes brimming with surprise, and she stopped right in front of him.
Pei Yicheng stepped forward and embraced her.
Xu Nianhua’s fair complexion turned visibly red; her hands were between them as she quickly looked around. Fortunately, it was noon and many people had returned to their rooms for a nap. Otherwise, how could she face anyone the next day?
"We haven’t seen each other for a week." Pei Yicheng let go, looking at her with a pitiful expression. It had been a week since he’d seen her.
Xu Nianhua quickly stepped back, creating some distance between them. She cleared her throat and asked, "How did your design draft go? Did you win? When will we hear the news?"
The crimson on her cheeks was as beautiful as the clouds at sunset.
Pei Yicheng gazed at her unblinkingly, a light smile playing on his lips, and said, "Do you really believe I would win?"
"Of course." Xu Nianhua nodded without hesitation, her eyes full of trust.
"I didn’t disappoint you." Pei Yicheng presented the award medal to her.
"That’s amazing!" Xu Nianhua looked at him with unabashed admiration. For Pei Yicheng, a student, to achieve second place in an international architecture competition was truly impressive.
"What’s my reward?" Pei Yicheng leaned in closer; his presence enveloped her.
Xu Nianhua blinked and said, "I’ll treat you to a meal."
Pei Yicheng’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment but he replied, "Alright."
In the evening, Pei Yicheng picked up Xu Nianhua on time.
Xu Nianhua’s face was flushed. It was from the teasing by her dormitory mates. She had taken a shower in advance and purposely changed into a new dress while Fei Jiayi and the others teased her relentlessly.
"I heard there’s a newly opened restaurant nearby; their boiled fish slices are really good," Pei Yicheng led Xu Nianhua directly to the restaurant and ordered several dishes that she loved.
After ordering, only the two of them were left in the private room. Pei Yicheng asked, "Nianhua, I heard that your uncle and aunt came to Ningbei?"
Xu Nianhua paused but didn’t hide anything, revealing that she was not biologically from the Xu family, rather she was a child of the Gu family.