Under the same night sky, in another villa.
Just as Jiang Fuyue had guessed, after Xie Dingyuan sent those messages, he immediately put down his phone and forced himself to focus on the academic papers in front of him.
But though his eyes were on the pages, his mind had drifted who knows where.
Would she see it right away?
Maybe she’d even reply?
Since she chose to accept them, she must like the two roses, right?
His thoughts spun wildly, heart pounding out of rhythm.
Meanwhile, Jiang Fuyue had already turned off the lights and laid in bed, preparing for sleep.
…
The next day, Jiang Fuyue and her little brother headed to school together.
Just as they stepped out of the house, a black Mercedes slowly pulled up in front of them.
The backseat window rolled down, and Zhong Ziang poked his head out, calling the siblings over.
“Hop in—on the way.”
Jiang Fuyue glanced at Jiang Chenxing. The latter blinked his big eyes meaningfully—“I’m good with anything, you decide, sis.”
Then Jiang Fuyue got in without hesitation.
Seeing this, Zhong Ziang beamed with delight, quickly scooting over to make room for the two.
Jiang Fuyue sat down and reminded her brother to fasten his seatbelt. Just as she looked up, she unexpectedly met a deep, brooding gaze through the rearview mirror.
Xie Dingyuan’s eyes slowly lit up with a faint smile. “All set?”
Zhong Ziang cut in, “All good! Let’s roll!”
Xie Dingyuan: “…” Was I asking you?
Jiang Fuyue averted her gaze, pretending she hadn’t seen the man’s subtle disgruntlement.
But as she turned toward the window, the corners of her lips couldn’t help curling in amusement.
Jiang Chenxing, sitting in the middle, cast curious glances at Zhong Ziang multiple times.
The last time, he got caught.
“Ahem!” Zhong Ziang cleared his throat. “Why do you keep staring at me? Don’t tell me… you think I’m super handsome?”
Jiang Chenxing: “?”
“Are you saying I’m not?”
“…Uncle is more handsome than you.”
Uncle?
Not only did Zhong Ziang freeze, but Jiang Fuyue and Xie Dingyuan were both momentarily stunned.
Jiang Chenxing remained oblivious, explaining seriously, “The uncle driving the car—he’s way more handsome than you.”
Xie Dingyuan at the wheel: “?”
Zhong Ziang was indignant. “Take another good look! Are you sure—absolutely sure—he’s more handsome than me?!”
Jiang Chenxing nodded solemnly. “Yes. I’m sure.”
Zhong Ziang: “…” D*mn!
This is Jiang Fuyue’s own brother, his future little brother-in-law. Can’t get mad—must hold it in!
As for Xie Dingyuan, who had just been called “uncle”: Stay calm! Don’t get emotional! Being called uncle is… still acceptable.
Meanwhile, Jiang Fuyue’s face stayed expressionless, but internally, she was practically falling apart with laughter.
She reached out to pat her brother’s head. The boy grinned shyly and even leaned in closer, letting her pat him more easily.
Zhong Ziang watched, eyes blazing with jealousy. If only he were the one getting head pats…
Ah, that would be perfect~
Xie Dingyuan observed the siblings’ easy rapport through the rearview mirror, the smile in his eyes deepening—there was a hint of indulgence and fondness.
Unfortunately, Jiang Fuyue didn’t notice.
Not even Xie Dingyuan himself realized it immediately.
Zhong Ziang, meanwhile, remained totally oblivious to the shifting moods in the car.
Only Jiang Chenxing secretly eyed the back of Xie Dingyuan’s head, puzzled—why did it feel like this uncle kept sneaking glances at them?
The car sped along and soon stopped at the entrance of No. 1 High School High.
The three got out and walked into the school together.
Zhong Ziang and Jiang Fuyue, both wearing the high school uniform, walked side by side, discussing something.
Sunlight slanted down across their backs, casting a scene as beautiful as an oil painting—vibrant with youth and energy.
And yet, that was something he didn’t have.
Xie Dingyuan lowered his gaze, hands tightening on the steering wheel.
He’d never really felt the age gap between himself and Jiang Fuyue—her maturity and composure far exceeded her years.
Sometimes, he even felt her mental age was older than his.
It was as if…
Beneath her youthful exterior lived a soul weathered by time and rich with experience.
That made him forget her true age during their interactions.
But today, that single word—“uncle”—snapped him awake.
It hit him: Jiang Fuyue was only eighteen. She hadn’t even started college yet.
And he was twenty-eight, almost thirty…
The realization sent a jolt through him.
He instantly pulled out his phone and called Shen Qiannan.
…
Shen Qiannan was still in bed when his phone rang. He groaned in annoyance, “Who is it?”
So early in the morning—who dares disturb my sleep!
“It’s me.”
A pause. “…Old Xie?!”
Shen Qiannan shot up, completely awake. “What happened?!”
Xie Dingyuan paused. “Must something happen for me to call you?”
“Well, no… but you never call just to chat, do you?”
“…”
“Ahem!” Shen Qiannan cleared his throat. “Alright, spill it—what’s up? Did that pen-name ‘I Send My Sorrowful Heart’ respond?! The old man’s been waiting on tenterhooks!”
Ever since Xie Dingyuan said he’d found the mysterious academic “I Send My Sorrowful Heart” and relayed the old man’s desire to have that name included in the BR4 project, Shen Wenzhao had been anxiously awaiting a reply.
So when the call came, Shen Qiannan assumed it must be about that.
But—
Xie Dingyuan: “No.”
“Then what’s this about?”
“A personal matter.”
Huh?
Since when did Professor Xie have personal matters?
Wait a second…
“Don’t tell me… you really confessed like I told you to last time?!”
