Liang An poured himself a cup of tea, gently swirling the cup. His ordinary square face showed no fluctuation, but Hua Yan perceived in his casual glance both disappointment and implicit expectation.
"No need to be so eager to distance yourself from me. No matter how disgraceful I am, I wouldn’t do anything to a little student like you. Actually, I quite admire you because you surprise me. How are you able at the tender age of just over ten to see things with the mind of an adult? It certainly stands to reason that a child admitted into Beijing Fourth Middle School is not just one among many. I would love to meet your parents now, to see what kind of people can nurture such an outstanding child as yourself?"
"Oh, you likely won’t meet them. They’re very busy and barely manage to care for me. How could they possibly meet you? Still, I thank the director for looking after me. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I’ll have my parents treat you to a meal. Now, may I leave?"
Liang An moved his lips, wanting to say something more, but his ear suddenly twitched, then he nodded toward Hua Yan.
"Alright then, I won’t see you off. This isn’t the suburbs; you can just hail a cab when you step out. You have my phone number there. If I come across a role suitable for you in the future, I’ll recommend it to you. Whether you accept it or not is up to you; I won’t interfere. Consider it a good gesture from me. If you ever hope to sign with a talent agency one day, feel free to ask me. Rest assured, I’ll recommend a relatively reliable agency to you."
Hua Yan nodded slightly and decisively turned to leave.
As she walked out, from the next room emerged a tall, uniquely charismatic young man.
Chewing gum, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, his face wasn’t clearly visible, but judging by the exposed facial structure, he shouldn’t be lacking.
He casually opened the spot where Hua Yan had just been sitting, chewing gum while gazing at Liang An. Liang An looked at him speechlessly.
"This little girl isn’t interested in your invitation, huh? Seems like your efforts might go to waste."
The man in black scoffed lightly, indifferent: "Her refusal is normal; if she had accepted, I would think less of her. Those I have my eyes on wouldn’t be blinded by immediate gains. Besides, do you think she’s just a simple schoolgirl? Don’t be ridiculous, she’s way better than you imagine."
"What are you up to, then? A test?"
The man in black shook his head, "Test for what? I just want to know about her future path through you, now that I know she’s heading to school, I’m assured! Alright, you carry on with your work, I gotta head back, oh, by the way, I’m not heading back temporarily."
"Yao Ling, you’ve been gone for two years, don’t you think it’s a bit excessive? No matter how serious the injury, it should’ve healed by now, isn’t it time to start your task?"
The man in black pursed his lips, "When’s the final deadline?"
"Before September 1st this year, you have to enter the task phase. Otherwise, don’t blame me for not warning you; by then, no one will be able to help you."
"Alright then, let’s schedule something for the end of August, I’ve got things now, enjoy your meal."
Casually picked some dishes, Yao Ling frowned with disdain.
"Ugh, what’s with this dish, so greasy. What kind of lousy place did you pick, can’t even do better than the girl’s cooking!"
Liang An: "Don’t mess with your picky mouth? Little brat, eat if you want, don’t if you don’t. Old man won’t entertain!"
The man in black gave him a disdainful glance and lazily stood up, hands in pockets, swaggering off without ever removing his sunglasses, leaving Liang An quite annoyed.
"Really getting more and more disrespectful."
When Hua Yan twisted and turned, caught a taxi, and went back home, it was already nine in the evening. Upon opening the door, Mr. Dou was lying by the entrance, causing her to step on his tail, making him yelp, almost scaring the pee out of her.
"Hey, Stinky Doudou, move quickly, I need the restroom. What are you doing lying by the door for no reason?"
Hua Yan hurriedly closed the door and rushed to the bathroom, and when she came out, some dog was glaring at her with a grievance.
"Really? Ning Hao didn’t come over to feed you?" Glancing at the food bowl, it was piled with dog food, obviously untouched.
Hua Yan sighed, "I honestly don’t know how your taste developed, not liking dog food at all. This is pretty pricey, Ning Hao specifically selected this brand for you. Sure, before you at least ate the cheaper stuff I bought, now you won’t even try the import stuff.