"The library is teeming with people every day, so it’s possible that I didn’t notice you, Senior Zhou," He Zhilan said, but didn’t mention that apart from the people she knows, any stranger wouldn’t catch her attention. Her married status made her even less likely to pay extra attention to an unfamiliar man.
"You seem to enjoy reading a lot. I’ve seen you engrossed in books all in English a few times. I assume your English is quite good?"
At a small table near the stage on the first floor of the famous entertainment place in the capital - West Building, the lights flickered, and the clink of wine glasses never ceased. Astonishingly, He Zhilan and Zhou Hongjin began discussing their school studies in this atmosphere!
"Indeed, I do like reading original foreign books. It strengthens my reading ability and allows me to learn different expressions or phrases from these texts. Most of the time, working in the library is quite leisurely, therefore I have ample time for reading. As I am studying foreign languages, it’s useful to learn as much as possible," He Zhilan said, laughing shyly, "I’m counting on you, Senior Zhou not to tell the library manager that I’m slacking!"
Zhou Hongjin chuckled, his shoulders trembling with amusement at He Zhilan’s playful comment. He shook his head, "Don’t worry, I won’t. If I notice the manager approaching you, I’ll even warn you!"
"Thank you, Senior Zhou! Look, Zhou Chenyue and the others are coming over," He Zhilan said, her lips curled in a light laugh. In certain aspects, He Zhilan had an exceptional sensitivity. For instance, she picked up on the subtle hints in Zhou Hongjin’s speech and attitude that indicated his fondness for her.
However, Zhou Hongjin hadn’t said or done anything explicitly revealing, so He Zhilan could only pretend ignorance.
"What were you two talking about? You seemed to be in a pleasant conversation?" Zhou Chenyue said, struggling to Find your next favorite novel on NovelHub today! He Zhilan immediately helped, taking Ding Jinshi’s other arm.
"I was discussing some academic issues with Senior Zhou," He Zhilan replied calmly. There was no hint of shyness or anything else Zhou Chenyue hoped to see on her face.
Chenyue sounded a bit disappointed, "You two are going to be punished by the heavens, chatting about studies in a place ! Unbelievable!"
"Does everyone have to dislike studying just because you do?" Zhou Hongjin teased Zhou Chenyue, "Let’s not forget who managed to rank last in the class even when cheating on the test. No one in the academy has been able to surpass your academic legends so far."
"Cousin! You’re still teasing me about something that happened so long ago, I won’t talk to you anymore!" Zhou Chenyue said, pouting at Zhou Hongjin. Then she furrowed her eyebrows, "It seems like my sister drank a bit too much. Perhaps we should tell Lin Deng that we’re leaving early."
The tipsy Ding Jinshi suddenly started giggling, patting Zhou Chenyue’s hand lightly, "I told you I’m fine. I haven’t drunk much at all. Not even a tenth of my tolerance. You’re just worrying too much. Today is Lin Deng’s birthday. If we all leave so early, he would be upset."
"And who said he would be upset? Ding Long has already invited so many people into the private rooms, leaving barely any space for us to stand. He’s obviously happy and doesn’t care about us at all," Zhou Chenyue commented, sounding somewhat disgruntled about Ding Long.
Zhou Chenyue looked at Ding Jinshi, unable to tell if she was really drunk or not. Based on her coherent conversation, she seemed fine. However, her slightly staggered gait and occasionally vague gaze suggested otherwise.