63: Chapter 63 He Hates What I Like 5_1 63: Chapter 63 He Hates What I Like 5_1 He Zhilan gave an embarrassed smile, knowing that Gu En had misunderstood Lan Li’s command of keeping an eye on her.
He Zhilan would bet that Lan Li’s objective was not to have Gu En take care of her, but to keep a close watch on her, preventing her from interacting with people Lan Li deemed inappropriate, like male classmates, for instance.
Similarly, although Gu En had vowed to keep a careful watch on He Zhilan, he had no intention of building a deeper friendship with her.
He Zhilan returned to the upper berth, Gu En’s hummed song in her ears while he tried on clothes, and put on makeup in front of the full-length mirror.
It was clear he was planning to go out tonight.
Her mind was filled with thoughts of Gu En, Lan Li, and the matters regarding the Gu and Lan families.
Could it really be such a coincidence, that she had encountered people from the Gu and Lan family, who were complete strangers to her?
Biting her lip, He Zhilan watched Gu En indecisively holding two dresses in front of the mirror.
She had to gain Gu En’s acceptance, she had to learn about Gu En’s family!
“If you’re attending a banquet where elders will be present, it’s better to wear the pink dress.
If it’s a gathering with people of your own age, the black dress, which is slightly sexier, would be more appropriate.
Even though there are fewer constraints on women’s clothing in this age, most of the elders still hold conservative views.
Wearing the pink dress could appeal to them, the style is also decent enough to not offend them.
It would leave an impression of you being well-behaved and considerate.
However, if you’re going out with peers, black would be a better choice.
It’s sexier and gives off a stronger presence.”
He Zhilan didn’t speak too fast or too slow, her tone had a rhythmic quality, like reciting a book.
Her voice was pleasant to listen to.
Despite being from a small mountain village, her accent-free, standard Mandarin felt enjoyable to the ears.
Gu En made a decision after hearing He Zhilan’s advice.
Tossing the black dress revealing half of her back onto the bed, she slipped into the pink dress.
She then turned and praised He Zhilan, “Good analysis!”
“Not bad.” He Zhilan’s eyes curled up into a smile, “You’re going to attend a banquet for elders?
One held by your parents?”
“It’s an elder’s birthday, but not my parents’!” Gu En said, pursing her lips while applying the last layer of cherry-colored lipstick.
From Gu En’s demeaner, it was easy to guess that she was in a good mood.
He Zhilan’s finger unconsciously clenched the corner of blanket, “Gu En, what are your parents’ names?”
Having finished with the lipstick, Gu En tossed it back onto her desk, and gave herself an appreciative twirl in the mirror.
It was obvious her attention was not on the conversation with He Zhilan, but she answered anyway.
“Why should I tell you that?” With those words, she picked up her purse and left, not bothering to say another word to He Zhilan.
She didn’t even bother to inform He Zhilan whether or not she would return that night.
Once Gu En had left, He Zhilan’s hand, which had been clutching the blanket, relaxed, her palm was covered in cold sweat.
He Zhilan kept insisting to herself to stop thinking about it, not to obsess over Gu En and Lan Li.
She should think about something else, anything else!
The cold sweat in her palm gradually dried.
Despite it being summer, she actually felt a bit of chill.
He Zhilan quickly got up from the bed, took out some paper, and tried to divert her attention by writing letters to He Teng and her family.