Chapter 33

If she didn’t know the plot of the original story, she really might have been fooled by this guy. Lu Xingyu, with a face that seemed incapable of lying, said something so shocking that Gu An’an didn’t even know where to start her rant.
“You’re dead! I’m calling Uncle right now to tell him you’re spreading rumors that he’s into men! Let’s see if he flies over here and breaks your legs!” Gu An’an brandished her phone.
Lu Xingyu, that bastard, didn’t even flinch and let her reach for it: “Go ahead, call. If you’ve got the guts, call.”
Gu An’an: “……”
She didn’t have the guts, she didn’t dare call. The one spreading rumors isn’t scared; she’s scared of the person being gossiped about flipping out.
Lu Xingyu looked at her with utter confidence.
Gu An’an felt a bit awkward, craning her neck to meet his gaze. Anyway, she couldn’t back down.
After about ten minutes of stalemate, Lu Xingyu snorted and, using his height advantage, lifted her onto his bike.
“Let’s go!”
…
At this freezing mid-mountain spot, she really didn’t expect there to be so many people.
Gu An’an had originally thought Lu Xingyu must be out of his mind, coming here in this cold wind. Turns out, a bunch of others were crazy too. This place had a bit of that “hidden alley with a whiff of alcohol” vibe.
Around a few bends, there was more to see.
Four or five RVs were parked mid-mountain, tents were set up, bonfires lit, and banners hung. Two chefs were there to help with the barbecue. A bunch of bored second-generation heirs were flexing, pounding tables, yelling like monkeys. It looked like some huge competition.
Shen Shan was also there, dressed like Snow White. Her group of plastic “sisterhood” friends all dressed as Disney princesses in different variations. If not for the fact that it was still their faces, one might think it was a Disney princess tea party.
Yang Yue was there too. But Yang Yue was an athlete, and the team forbade dangerous sports. He couldn’t ride motorcycles, but as a male, he was naturally drawn to the adrenaline rush.
The competition hadn’t started yet. He sat next to Shen Shan, legs spread, bored, playing on his phone.
Gu An’an had zero interest in this “metal meat” activity. She had been dragged here by Lu Xingyu.
Amid the tugs and pulls, Shen Shan couldn’t help but glance at her more than once.
Of course, Shen Shan knew Gu An’an had a crush on Lu Xingyu.
Her relentless devotion was known throughout the school, and Shen Shan wasn’t deaf. But while she didn’t allow Su Ruan anywhere near Lu Xingyu, she didn’t really mind Gu An’an’s obsessive behavior. Mainly because Gu An’an gave her a completely different feeling than Su Ruan ever did. Whenever Su Ruan got close, every cell in Shen Shan’s body screamed with intolerance.
Of course, it might also be that Lu Xingyu always treated Gu An’an poorly, poorly enough that Shen Shan couldn’t help but feel a strange sort of pity for her.
“This way.” Shen Shan, radiating her 80% “good impression” glow, shone brilliantly in the crowd.
Gu An’an went over and sat down.
The young ladies would enjoy themselves, with barbecue and red tea, and pastries neatly arranged.
The bonfire, blown by the wind, leapt high, the sparks scattering like winter fireflies in the dark. Gu An’an had been annoyed before, but after feeling the lively atmosphere, her irritation melted away.
Wherever you go, it’s still fun, right? This place was lively enough.
Shen Shan had the chefs grill a fresh batch of meat and sent it over. Gu An’an took a couple bites. Happy, she restarted her camera.
“This meat’s not bad, right?” Shen Shan said, like a proud swan, chin raised. Wearing a Snow White outfit in this cold, she had a super-long down coat on top. Recently riding high on her own success, she was brimming with self-satisfaction. “Imported Wagyu beef, flown in from overseas.”
Gu An’an gave a thumbs-up, showing proper courtesy.
Shen Shan smiled like a kitten, her eyes squinting into slits: “I told the chefs to grill extra. If you want more, get it yourself.”
Then she strutted off.
Gu An’an wasn’t that hungry, she had just eaten on the walking street. But this meat was so delicious, she could finish a whole plate.
After finishing, she tossed her fork onto the plate. The area around her was empty. The second-generation heirs had gathered up front for the competition; the tents behind were filled with girls.
Glancing around, she noticed Shen Shan had brought a stranger.
Well, not completely a stranger.
That delicate, handsome face Gu An’an had seen it before in the staff corridor at night. Because of how striking his appearance was and his height, he stood out. At the time, it was just her and this guy at the stairwell, leaving a deep impression.
Now, the boy quietly followed Shen Shan, who was perusing the table. They seemed to be talking happily. He only spoke occasionally, mostly helping Shen Shan with the plates.
“Who’s that?” Gu An’an nudged the green-eyed Belle princess beside her.
She wasn’t being nosy, just thinking logically. People in Shen Shan’s circle wouldn’t normally be serving in the night shifts. Even if they had a falling out with their family, being kicked out…maybe possible.
But in this circle of “eldest, second, third heir” tyrants, there was hardly a gentle, considerate person. This handsome guy exuded a cold aura but was attentive to details, basically, a strange and harmonious kind of beauty. For the male circles Shen Shan had encountered, he was a rare species.
And he perfectly matched Shen Shan’s aesthetic. Slightly more handsome than Lu Xingyu, with a mature yet innocent aura, overall, could easily outshine Lu Xingyu by three blocks…
Gu An’an frowned. Just as Su Ruan left, another male “Su Ruan” appeared.
The green-eyed Belle princess, drinking juice, glanced back: “Oh, him? Jiang Sen.”
“Who?” Gu An’an, who had seen the green-eyed girl many times, still hadn’t remembered her name. Suddenly, she drew a blank. “Whose kid? Jiang…what? Sen? Jiang Sen? Never seen him before.”
“Of course you haven’t, Jiang Sen isn’t in our circle.” The green-eyed girl, Zheng Hui, the third daughter of the Zheng family, explained.
The Zheng family was in cosmetics, with a famous beauty brand. Zheng Hui had been into makeup since six. Because of her small eyes and her mom not allowing surgery, she started wearing colored contacts early.
Now, they were practically part of her eyes.
“That day at the farewell party, you left early, right?” Zheng Hui said, sipping her straw, her exaggerated diamond nails sparkling in the dark. She was interested in the handsome guy, but Shen Shan, being domineering, had claimed him.
“Then someone got drunk and mentioned Yang Yue…You know, Shen Shan had a fallout with Yang Yue over Su Ruan.”
Gu An’an recalled. Before Su Ruan left, Shen Shan had a showdown with her.
The situation was complicated yet simple. When Su Ruan was leaving, she called Yang Yue along, claiming she was afraid to go alone with her mother. She hoped Yang Yue would accompany her. Yang Yue agreed without thinking.
But Yang Yue had an important competition coming up. Though most young masters treat sports casually, this one was significant. Performing well could give him an 80% chance of making the national team. But he let love cloud his judgment and forfeited the match. Shen Shan found out and exploded.
She made the family driver run through over a dozen red lights, intercepting him before he could board the plane.
Yang Yue was furious too, yelling that Shen Shan wasn’t his mom, so why care?
Shen Shan called him an idiot.
They fought loudly at the airport, suitcases flying everywhere.
Shen Shan, burning with anger, slapped Su Ruan several times. Su Ruan grabbed her hair, and Yang Yue tried to intervene. Shen Shan went berserk, slapping Yang Yue as well, then ordered bodyguards to tie him up and throw him in the car.
Yang Yue had never been hit before in his life; the first time was public, by Shen Shan. His pride and face were crushed, and he vowed never to deal with Shen Shan again.
Shen Shan also felt wronged, thinking her good intentions were unappreciated.
Then came the cold war, they blocked each other on phone, WeChat, social media, and the relationship plummeted. Just saying each other’s name could trigger throwing things and cursing.
But now they were on good terms again. How they reconciled? Nobody knew.
Glancing at Yang Yue, legs crossed playing games, the tall young man occasionally looked up, keeping an eye on the tent. Hearing Shen Shan laugh, he let out a sardonic snort.
“And then?”
“Then someone called Yang Yue over.” Zheng Hui recalled, clicking her tongue. “When he arrived, he saw Shen Shan drunk, kissing a male model. He got so triggered he flipped a table and went after the model…”
“Wait, let me interrupt.” Gu An’an couldn’t help gossiping. “Yang Yue likes Shen Shan?”
Zheng Hui shrugged.
Gu An’an rubbed her chin. The relationships here were messy: Shen Shan liked Lu Xingyu, Yang Yue liked Shen Shan, Lu Xingyu liked Su Ruan, and Yang Yue then shifted attention to Su Ruan.
Wait, so it’s like “Since I can’t have you, I’ll steal the person you like’s love interest?”
Huh, what the heck!
“…Shen Shan shouted, ‘Who dares to mess up my party!’ Then the fight started.”
Zheng Hui added, “Shen Shan beat up Yang Yue single-handedly. Beer bottles and tables smashed everywhere. Nightshift staff thought it was another fight and rushed in to mediate. Jiang Sen was one of the security staff.”
Gu An’an: “Surely Shen Shan didn’t fall for Jiang Sen just because he’s handsome and hold him hostage?”
“No, but almost.”
Zheng Hui grinned mischievously, “A beer bottle almost hit Shen Shan on the head. Jiang Sen, standing nearby, pulled her away. Shen Shan spun like a butterfly in the air, landing in Jiang Sen’s arms. You know, he’s insanely handsome, just her type. You get it~”
Gu An’an: “So Yang Yue isn’t saving her?”
“Don’t tell me Shen Shan fell for Jiang Sen at first sight and decided to keep him in her apartment. Lu Xingyu stays home as the big brother, Jiang Sen is the side guy outside.”
Gu An’an: deadpan. “This isn’t ancient times; that’s ridiculous!”
Zheng Hui: “Hehehe…”
Keeping a side guy is still too ridiculous, modern society wouldn’t allow it anyway. But after Shen Shan sobered up, she heard from family that Jiang Sen had saved her once, so she went to confront him at the nightshift.
Jiang Sen was in a standard waiter suit. Cheap, yet he made it look like haute couture.
Then Shen Shan decided they were friends.
She buzzed around him like a little bee for days. Jiang Sen was annoyed, but as a VIP customer, he had to stay polite. Then Shen Shan learned he had financial struggles to care for sick relatives, so she begged her dad to arrange high-paying side jobs for him.
Their relationship rapidly grew close.
“Why does this story feel so familiar?” Gu An’an had strong intuition. “Don’t you think Jiang Sen’s behavior is a lot like Su Ruan’s?”
“Ah? Really?” Zheng Hui glanced back. The handsome young man took a cake from the girl. He didn’t like sweets, frowned, but in response to her eager expectation, tried it anyway.
“I think he’s handsome, and not as annoying as Su Ruan.”
“That’s the gender difference,” Zheng Hui explained.
Alright, so if she’s not the “green tea” type, she’s just emotionally smart. Same logic.
Gu An’an finished two plates of barbecue and a stack of pastries, feeling thirsty. She went to the tent for a drink.
Zheng Hui, having finished her juice, wrapped herself in her down jacket and ran ahead.
The competition was about to start; she wanted a good spot.
As soon as Gu An’an stepped into the tent, her feet hadn’t even touched the edge of the light when the boy eating cake immediately turned his head, alert.
Their eyes met, and Gu An’an silently took a step back. “I’m just getting a drink.”
The cold-faced, AI-like boy suddenly put down his tray, lowered his head, and said to Shen Shan, “I’ll go ahead first,” then walked past as if he hadn’t even seen Gu An’an, brushing against her shoulder.
Gu An’an was a bit baffled. Was she some kind of moonlight zombie or what? Could he eat people?
Turning back, she saw that Jiang Sen had already gone ahead to the crowd of biker rich kids.
The rich kids were surprisingly friendly to him, acting as if they knew him well. Shen Shan noticed Gu An’an’s confusion and handed her a cup of orange juice. “Jiang Sen’s really good. On par with Lu Xingyu. They had a match before, and Lu Xingyu almost lost.”
“Really?” Lu Xingyu was supposed to be amazing at this, reportedly one of the top amateurs in motorcycle competitions.
“I saw it with my own eyes. What do you think?”
So he really did have some skill.
Alright, since Shen Shan herself didn’t see an issue, there was no need for Gu An’an to complain. She finished her drink and intended to head back, too cold and too tired. “Shen Shan, can your car give me a ride?”
“You’re leaving now?” Shen Shan was shocked. “Aren’t you going to watch the rest of the race?”
“I don’t have a down jacket. My legs are going numb.”
Shen Shan glanced at her bare legs. Truly a warrior, braving a sailor uniform in the snow. Then she made a call to have her driver come up. “The car’s at the foot of the mountain. It’ll take twenty minutes to get up. Wait a bit.”
Gu An’an, freezing, squatted down in a wind-sheltered spot.
Shen Shan, having finished her drink, went to the front.
She was particularly hyped about these kinds of sports events, especially with two handsome guys competing tonight. Shen Shan practically wished for a helicopter to follow them and spotlight them. She wanted to give them the full ceremonial attention they deserved.
Gu An’an sniffled, already feeling like she’d catch a cold tomorrow. Her head was a bit dizzy.
Cheers echoed through the mountain path. Gu An’an, not fully attentive, peeked over. She wondered when the car would arrive. This was a two-lane road, would it get blocked?
Focusing on that thought, the tent above shook violently twice in the wind.
Shen Shan’s stuff wasn’t likely to collapse, but Gu An’an watched nervously as the tent’s edge puffed up in the wind. Only when it settled back did her heart relax.
Lu Xingyu had dropped her off and left her to her own devices; sometimes, Gu An’an really admired that. Everything he did to her carried that teasing, bratty vibe, like a grade-school boy pulling a girl’s braid or tossing her backpack. She couldn’t even fantasize, in all honesty, that Lu Xingyu could like her.
After all, a normal 21-year-old male carbon-based lifeform, who would pick someone up from the city’s pedestrian street, toss her aside like a rag, and not even ask a word?
Muttering curses at his antics, Lu Xingyu appeared at just the right moment.
He wore a one-piece motorcycle suit with a thick down jacket over it. Tall and imposing. Now, he was sweeping the rest area like a king. After confirming Gu An’an wasn’t there, he walked toward the tent with utterly reckless steps.
As expected, finding her there, he didn’t speak a single human word. “Where there’s food, there you are.”
Gu An’an: “…”
She really didn’t want to respond.
“The race’s about to start. Want me to give you a lap?”
“A lap of what?”
“This mountain path. You’ve never ridden it, right?” Lu Xingyu looked smug and tossed her a helmet. “I’m in a good mood today. Let’s go.”
Gu An’an: Nope. She threw the helmet aside. “I’m not going!”
She was definitely not going! This dark mountain road had a streetlight every hundred meters at most. The stretches weren’t fully lit. If Lu Xingyu had murder on his mind, she’d be flying off the cliff in no time.
“Weren’t you the one who wanted a ride before?” Lu Xingyu frowned.
Previously, Gu An’an had come here with him. Many had brought girlfriends to ride. Seeing them, she got jealous and asked Lu Xingyu to take her for a spin. But he, ever the “no woman in my heart, pure riding” type, had coldly refused.
The reason: carrying a passenger on a motorcycle is too dangerous. Not convenient.
And now, he wanted to take her, and she refused.
“Gu An’an, you…”
Lu Xingyu pursed his lips, clearly unhappy.
He wanted to ask, Do you…really not like me even a little anymore? But saying it seemed unnecessary. Gu An’an had told him more than once that she didn’t like him. He always clung to a sliver of hope, thinking she was just venting.
“Fine. I’m taking you for a ride today, one way or another.”
“I’m not going! Go by yourself! My car’s arriving, let go! I said let go!” Gu An’an was about to explode. What kind of idiot was he, not understanding rejection?
Ignoring her struggles, Lu Xingyu grabbed her and placed her on the back seat.
Beside his bike was a couple. Through their helmets, she recognized Shen Shan. Shen Shan was really carefree. Her fiancé was about to take another girl for a ride, and she wasn’t mad. Jiang Sen’s bike had some naive kid waving at her like an idiot.
“Come on, An’an, let’s ride together!”
Gu An’an tried to start a commotion: “Shen Shan, aren’t you coming on Lu Xingyu’s back?”
“Huh?” The wind was so strong, she had to shout. “I’m not going. Jiang Sen’s taking me anyway.”
Shen Shan was delighted. She’d spent a lot of effort convincing Jiang Sen to take her. She’d only been in his arms for five minutes; how could she get off now? On Lu Xingyu’s bike, after their engagement, she could hold him however she wanted. Now, generously, she let Gu An’an have a turn.
Gu An’an had no idea of Shen Shan’s thoughts, only that she was utterly screwed.
No point debating whether to refuse now. Lu Xingyu twisted the throttle, and the bike roared forward. Gu An’an clutched his waist, terrified of being thrown off.
Behind them, Jiang Sen carried Shen Shan, keeping pace.
It was already past seven at night, fully dark. Streetlights lit portions of the road, casting frightening shadows. Gu An’an didn’t dare look right; a steep hillside awaited. Falling meant certain injury or death.
The bike sped on, and Gu An’an screamed all the way, ears ringing.
By the second curve, she adapted.
The speed, the wind, it wasn’t that bad. Like a thrill ride at an amusement park.
Gu An’an: “…”
Now accustomed, she dared to glance back.
Jiang Sen, carrying Shen Shan, kept a perfect distance.
Approaching the next curve, he suddenly accelerated and overtook. He handled the bike with far more skill than Lu Xingyu. Talented, daring, and naturally gifted. He leaned low into the turns with precision.
After the second curve, Jiang Sen rode side by side with Lu Xingyu.
So close that Gu An’an, by instinct, moved her leg out of the way the instant Jiang Sen extended it. Perfect timing.
Jiang Sen’s movement was subtle, as if the near contact was accidental. In the dark, a small lapse in perception would have missed it.
They were on a ride; speed wasn’t extreme, especially with girls on the back. Safety first. But motorcycles can’t go slower than bicycles. During bike rides, even minor bumps can cause falls, let alone motorcycles. Jiang Sen’s slight move could have caused the bike to tip if poorly timed.
If Lu Xingyu misjudged, they’d survive a crash but would definitely break limbs.
Gu An’an tugged Lu Xingyu’s jacket.
He looked back, sensing something: “?”
“Stop the bike!” she yelled, pinching his waist to make sure he wouldn’t ignore her.
Lu Xingyu hadn’t accelerated yet. A sharp pain shot from his lower back to his brain. He braked, stopping at the roadside.
“What now?” He rubbed his back, still sore from Gu An’an’s grip. Damn, little girls’ hands hurt like needles hitting the scalp.
He removed his helmet, hung it on the handlebars, and glared at her.
Seeing her grim expression, he paused. “What’s wrong?”
Gu An’an ignored him, eyes on the speeding motorcycles ahead. Jiang Sen had already taken Shen Shan far ahead. The roar of the bikes echoed across the mountain path, as if her previous fears had been illusions.
She looked at Lu Xingyu. “Are you familiar with Jiang Sen?”
“Why?” he frowned.
Though Jiang Sen had just appeared by Shen Shan, he wasn’t a stranger. Long ago, he’d been a signed rider at the Mike Motorcycle Club. Too young to race officially, but privately, he raced underground for cash. Lu Xingyu recognized him by his riding posture.
When he first started, he’d studied countless underground racing videos.
He assumed Gu An’an, like Shen Shan, was captivated by Jiang Sen’s supermodel looks. Shen Shan’s fake-girlfriend crew were all smitten by him. Annoying!
“What are you asking him for?”
Gu An’an ignored his irritation. “Just now, it felt like he kicked me.”
“??” Lu Xingyu was shocked. “No way. He’s not crazy. Why would he extend his leg while riding? Do you have a grudge?”
Gu An’an thought it was absurd but stood by her instinct: “I don’t know him.”
“Then why would he kick you?” Lu Xingyu thought she was overreacting. “Probably just a close pass; he’s tall and accidentally brushed you…”
“No, he actually extended his leg.”
Lu Xingyu scratched his head, kicked the stand, and got off.
Gu An’an still sat on the bike as he leaned over, hands on the seat.
“You do realize that even a small disturbance while riding could wreck the bike and kill someone, right? Unless Jiang Sen’s out of his mind, he wouldn’t do that on purpose. Understand?”
Gu An’an: “…”
Lu Xingyu seized the moment to scold: “You need to take responsibility for what you say, Gu An’an.”
She took a deep breath, alright, fine. She knew he wouldn’t believe her.
Well, she had no reason to assume Jiang Sen acted on purpose. But on this track, anything could happen. Gu An’an had completely lost patience with riding with Lu Xingyu. “Take me back now. I’m done.”
“Hey, it’s just two curves. Aren’t we finishing the loop?”
“I want to go back now.”
Gu An’an was resolute, refusing to ride again. Lu Xingyu had no choice. His phone rang; the race officials were calling them back, the race was about to start.
“Fine,” he sighed. From knowing Gu An’an until now, not a single full ride had been completed.
When he dropped her off, the Shen family car was already waiting at the entrance.
Lu Xingyu had to return to the track immediately. He wanted to say something to Gu An’an but didn’t know what. Their dynamic had always been her chasing him. He hadn’t really tried. Now, with her silent, he had nothing to say.
The rich kids kept calling, one after another, urging him to hurry.
Frustrated, Lu Xingyu hung up, exhaling: “I’ll go to the old house tomorrow. You’ll be there too, right? I have something to tell you.”
Gu An’an ignored him. Without a response, he left first.
Sitting in the car, Gu An’an kept thinking about Jiang Sen. He gave off a dangerous vibe. Could Jiang Sen possibly be part of Su Ruan’s entourage? That face couldn’t belong to an extra.
Yet there was no such character in the story, just an NPC.
After thinking, she concluded: incompatible vibes.
As the car drove away, for some unknown reason, she impulsively texted Xie Jinxing to complain.
Xie Jinxing was busy working. The downside of a huge family business: endless meetings, clients, and documents. Since returning, he had almost no free time.
He removed his glasses, tossed them on the desk, picked up a cup, and went to pour water.
Just as he pushed the door open, he saw the maneki-neko at the entrance.
Oh, the maneki-neko hadn’t appeared since he returned to school, and had been taking his 100,000-per-month salary.
Xie Jinxing calmly drank his water, wondering whether he should have the maneki-neko help him work overtime. Giving 100,000 yuan a month for nothing felt wasteful.
After pondering, he laughed to himself.
Back at his desk, his phone vibrated.
Looking at it:
From Pink Hair Dryer: “Uncle, Lu Xingyu says you like men, that you’re gay.”
Xie Jinxing: “…”