Chapter 17

The dangerous undertone in his words was unmistakable.

Startled, Chu Tong hastily tried to pull away, but he held her firmly, drawing her back into his embrace.

Shao Yihuai encircled her, half-teasing, “Alright, alright, I was just joking.”

Slowly, Chu Tong loosened her arms around his waist and looked up into his eyes, her cheeks instantly flushing crimson.

His eyes were deep and steady, his tone calm, carrying a faint, unreadable smile. “You’d better head back now, or you’ll catch a cold.”

Zong Liangzhi had been standing beside the Maybach, watching from afar. He saw Miss Chu had nearly entered the school gate and was about to open the car door for his master. Just as he stepped forward, the young lady suddenly turned back and leapt into his master’s arms.

At the university entrance, under the flickering streetlights, the couple embraced.

Perhaps the scene was too innocent, for even the fifty-something Zong Shu felt his face flush with a hint of embarrassment.

He turned away without looking and, after a few minutes, glanced back just in time to see Mr. Shao walking steadily towards them.

Zong Shu opened the rear door and watched Mr. Shao bend down and sit inside.

Returning to the driver’s seat, he started the car, the first thing he did being to glance into the rearview mirror to check the expression on Mr. Shao’s face.

Mr. Shao was looking out the window, his hand reaching up to his collar. With a subtle strength in his knuckles, he loosened his tie. After a few seconds, he took a bottle of water from the armrest, twisted it open, and took two sips.

Though his expression remained calm, Zong Liangzhi, knowing him well, could sense a trace of agitation beneath the surface.

This was no small matter.

That young lady was no ordinary girl.

Zong Shu reached this conclusion silently.

—

From the west gate to the dormitory was a short distance, but Chu Tong’s emotions had yet to settle. Her heart fluttered with joy and a touch of nervousness.

Mr. Shao had said he had never been so serious before.

In retrospect, his indifferent response when she took the initiative, and his lack of contact over the past week, were all due to his cautious and earnest nature.

He did not want to rush into a relationship with her.

This only made her treasure him more.

Moreover, no matter who was present, he was always considerate and caring towards her. Even when she subtly hinted at ending things, he remained gentle and unchanged.

This was his true heart.

She held Mr. Shao’s genuine affection.

Butterflies seemed ready to take flight.

But the moment she stepped through the dormitory door, all this bliss was shattered.

Ding Xue stood with arms crossed at the entrance. The moment she saw her, a mocking sneer spread across her eyes. She glanced her up and down with contempt, dragging her voice, “Oh, I thought you weren’t coming back tonight.”

The warmth in Chu Tong’s heart instantly cooled. She said nothing and returned to her desk.

Ding Xue sauntered over slowly. “I heard you went to Bai Sen with Liu Hao? Weren’t you pretending to be some chaste lady? I think you’re just waiting to catch the richest one, aren’t you? Have you no shame?”

Chu Tong could no longer tolerate it. Previously, she had chosen to keep the peace, but Ding Xue’s aggravation only grew worse.

She set down her bag, turned around and looked Ding Xue squarely in the eye. “My business is none of your concern. Ding Xue, since you say I’m after the richest guy, do you really think I’d be interested in your ex-boyfriend? How many times have you slandered me behind my back for seducing him? Isn’t it time you apologized?”

Ding Xue’s eyes widened in shock. “You!” Furious and humiliated, she snapped, “Don’t think you’re anything just because you hooked up with Liu Hao!”

“Oh? I think it’s pretty impressive. Didn’t you always say Liu Hao was the richest in your circle?” Chu Tong’s chest heaved as she clenched her palm to suppress a tremble. “So, do you still dare to provoke me now? Aren’t you afraid Liu Hao will come after you?”

Ding Xue was momentarily stunned. Her first thought was: she’s right.

There were too many wealthy people in Jing City. The Ding family wasn’t even on the fringes. Her father always urged her to maintain good relations with a few young masters and ladies in the circle. Every time she returned home, she was lectured to the point of anxiety.

She was truly sick of Chu Tong.

Though herself a pampered daughter, born with everything provided, she still had to struggle to build connections and curry favor to elevate the Ding family’s social standing. Meanwhile, Chu Tong, relying on her pretty face alone, could effortlessly climb into the ranks of the wealthy.

She despised her, loathed her.

But even if she had managed to climb up, Ding Xue regained her confidence and said, “Don’t be naive. Do you really think hooking up with Liu Hao means you’ll marry him? People like them marry for alliances, to maximize benefits, you understand? At best, you’re just a plaything they use for a few years before discarding. Do you think we in this circle, those young masters and ladies, would ever respect you? Get your priorities straight before you try to show off in front of me.”

These were deliberately humiliating words.

Chu Tong understood.

Yet they opened a fissure, tearing through her recent innocence, reminding her of the unbridgeable chasm in social status.

She was beautiful but had nothing else to offer, so she would only ever be a toy to those people.

But Mr. Shao was not that kind of man.

If he wanted to use her as a plaything, he could have easily taken advantage of her feelings long ago.

Besides, she simply liked him and wanted to be with him. That was all. As for the future—who would think that far ahead? The stars hadn’t even aligned yet.

This stark thought flickered briefly in her mind, leaving only a vague shadow, like ghostly fire, flickering faintly.

Chu Tong swallowed hard, trying to steady herself. “My purpose in life isn’t to make you all respect me, but to make myself happy,” she paused slightly, meeting Ding Xue’s gaze. “Ding Xue, I still have many accounts to settle with you. You’d better start paying serious attention to who I really am from now on, and see what becomes of us.”

The two stood face to face, glaring fiercely at each other, when Jin Ranran and Tao Ge pushed open the door and entered. Seeing the scene, both froze.

Jin Ranran stepped forward and pulled Ding Xue aside. “Xue, don’t bother with her. It’s a waste of breath.”

Ding Xue reluctantly backed down, snorting dismissively before turning away.

Tao Ge glanced at the two whispering together, then approached Chu Tong, cautiously asking, “Tongtong, are you alright?”

—

“I’m fine,” Chu Tong relaxed, smiling softly.

Half an hour later, Chu Tong accompanied Tao Ge to the laundry room to retrieve clothes. Tao Ge suggested, “Tongtong, why don’t you ask the counselor to switch dorms? This can’t go on. Ding Xue will keep making trouble.”

“Hm, I’ve been thinking about that,” Chu Tong replied.

Whichever solution she chose, she and Ding Xue would inevitably part ways.

A flutter of unease filled her heart.

Knowing Ding Xue’s nature, if she pursued legal action, even if Chu Tong were ultimately ordered to apologize or fined, Ding Xue likely wouldn’t relent. Would she use her family connections to retaliate against Cheng Mai, who was helping Chu Tong with the case?

The thought sent chills down her spine.

She had always lived quietly, but trouble kept finding her, impossible to avoid.

—

The next day, Sunday, Chu Tong woke early but waited until Ding Xue had finished applying makeup and left the dorm before getting up.

After washing up, she sent a message to Cheng Mai:

“Mai Mai, I’m looking for another way to handle the photo issue. You don’t have to work on it for now. Sorry for wasting two days of your time.”

Cheng Mai replied immediately:

“What other way? Planning to settle privately?”

Chu Tong: “I know someone in their circle who might make it easier. Still considering it, but I’m worried if you help me, Ding Xue and her crew might retaliate against you.”

Cheng Mai: “That’s ridiculous. I’m studying law. If I feared retaliation, how would I work after graduation?”

Cheng Mai: “I was just planning to talk to our professor about it.”

Chu Tong: “Then hold off for now, wait for my update, okay?”

Cheng Mai: “Alright.”

Chu Tong: “Thank you so much, Mai Mai, really. (hug)”

After the conversation, Chu Tong spent two hours in the dorm reading and taking notes, then completed next week’s assignments. She glanced at the clock: exactly eleven o’clock.

Her phone vibrated with a message:

“Shao: Arriving in ten minutes. You can change and come out.”

She wasn’t even wearing makeup!

Jumping up, she quickly applied a light base, a coat of mascara, and a swipe of rose-tea-red lipstick, fresh and delicate.

Opening her wardrobe door, she hesitated briefly before deciding to wear the outfit Mr. Shao had given her.

—

Arriving at the west gate, she looked around but didn’t see the familiar Maybach.

Walking toward the temporary parking area near the entrance, she was about to check the car’s emblem and license plate when a tall man stepped out of an elegant black car.

Mr. Shao.

Chu Tong hurried over happily. “Mr. Shao!”

Shao Yihuai smiled gently, his eyelashes flickering up and down with refined manners and perfect restraint. In a soft voice, he said, “You look very nice.”

“All thanks to you,” Chu Tong said, opening her oatmeal-colored wool coat to reveal a matching V-neck sweater underneath. “And the scarf,” she added, raising her hands to show both palms and backs. “And the gloves.”

Her expression was like a child proudly showing off new gifts.

Shao Yihuai couldn’t help but chuckle. “You really are a child.”

“Not at all...” Chu Tong mumbled softly in protest.

A few steps brought them to the car. It wasn’t the Maybach but a Bentley.

A beautiful, elegant model.

Chu Tong reached to open the rear door, but Shao Yihuai had already opened the front passenger door. “Front seat,” he said.

“Oh? Aren’t you sitting with me?”

“I’m driving.”

She obediently bent down to sit inside, looking up at him. “I thought Uncle Zong would be driving.”

Shao Yihuai was closing her door when he paused, one hand resting on the door frame, looking down at her with a half-smile. “It’s a date for the two of us. Why would he come?”

A date...

This was her first proper date...

And with Mr. Shao, no less.

Just thinking about it made her heart race.

Shao Yihuai circled around the front and got into the driver’s seat. He removed his coat and tossed it onto the back seat, revealing a black turtleneck sweater underneath. It was fitted but not tight, giving him an air of refined gentleness.

He rolled up his sleeves, and for the first time, Chu Tong saw his forearms. Blue veins traced smoothly beneath the skin, strong and well-defined. The contrast with his usually gentle expression made her heart beat wildly, and for some reason, she felt shy.

Sensing her gaze, Shao Yihuai looked over and said, “Hold out your hand.”

She instinctively stretched out both hands. He grasped the fabric at her fingertips and slowly pulled off her gloves, revealing her fair, delicate hands.

Seeing her still dazed, Shao Yihuai chuckled, his eyes fixed on her, teasing, “...Want me to take off your scarf too?”

“Ah?” Chu Tong snapped back to reality, cheeks flushing. “I can do it myself.”

He tossed the scarf and gloves onto the back seat. She straightened up.

“Seatbelt?”

He asked.

“Fastened,” she replied obediently.

“Then let’s go.”

He turned his head and smiled at her, still amused by her momentary distraction.

Chu Tong pouted slightly, silently showing her displeasure, then muttered a soft “hmph.”

This made Shao Yihuai laugh out loud. Naturally, he stretched out his arm to gently smooth her hair, as if to soothe her.

He gripped the steering wheel, and the Bentley slid smoothly out of the parking spot onto the main road.

She wondered where he would take her for dinner, her thoughts wandering freely. But with him, anywhere would be fine.

She glanced at him casually.

His hands rested on the steering wheel, slender fingers clean and elegant. Suddenly, his right hand reached over, and the light before her softened—it was him lowering the sun visor.

While driving, he occasionally turned his head to glance at the rearview mirror on her side. Though she knew he wasn’t really looking at her, her cheek warmed nonetheless.

Her heart raced wildly. She barely noticed the surroundings before they arrived at their destination.

Judging from the buildings nearby, they were near the embassy district. The Bentley stopped curbside. She unfastened her seatbelt and got out. Beside them stood a two-story standalone old Western-style house. Passing through a waist-high black wrought-iron gate led to the restaurant’s front courtyard, where fallen leaves blanketed the ground, evoking a somber yet beautiful atmosphere.

A waiter greeted them at the door with a slight nod. “Mr. Shao, Miss Chu, welcome. Please come in.”

They ascended four or five steps to enter the interior.

Passing through a spacious porch, they entered the main hall. The atmosphere was dim and elegant, thoroughly French in style. A man-made fireplace flickered with flames. A piano lay horizontally on the performance stage. Approaching Christmas, a tall tree stood proudly in the center, its top reaching the two-story high ceiling. Nearby was a dark handrail spiral staircase.

Only the round table by the window was covered with a pristine white tablecloth, sprinkled with fresh rose petals. The cutlery gleamed. The waiter led them to their seats.

An arched, lofty lattice window looked out onto the courtyard. One could imagine how beautiful it must be to dine here when it snowed.

This was a French restaurant hailed by many bloggers as the ultimate date spot.

Reservations were notoriously difficult, but today, the place was cleared just for them.

The waiter approached with the menu, introducing the day’s specialties.

Chu Tong listened quietly, then honestly admitted, “...I’m not very good at ordering.”

In truth, it didn’t matter. Shao Yihuai could have asked her preferences and placed the order himself, but after quietly observing her for two seconds, he changed his mind and told the waiter, “You may leave for now. Come back in five minutes.”

The waiter left.

Shao Yihuai took the menu and explained the flavors of the dishes and which wines paired well with which main courses. Finally, he said, “You decide.”

It was like a parent patiently teaching a child dining etiquette.

Encouraged by his gaze, Chu Tong summoned the waiter and ordered the day’s dishes fluently.

“Do you want wine?”

She asked.

“I don’t drink. You can try their rose-flavored dry martini.”

Chu Tong nodded and looked up to tell the waiter about dessert.

Shao Yihuai watched her, his eyes calm and deep.

At this moment, he probably realized that this top student from a prestigious school naturally learned quickly. Over the next two years, from small matters like table manners to the art of dealing with people, she had absorbed much.

So that after some time apart, the girl he had cherished and taught by hand had blossomed into a woman who was graceful, poised, and composed in any setting.

Chu Tong gazed out the window, eyes sparkling. “It must be beautiful here at night.”

“Unfortunately, I booked another place for tonight,” Shao Yihuai said.

Chu Tong reacted immediately, “…Tonight too—”

Shao Yihuai’s voice was calm, unreadable. “As I said last night, I’m taking you away,” he paused briefly, “I’ve already asked your counselor for leave. You’re not going back to the dorm tonight.”

“Th-This...” Chu Tong panicked, her mind flashing through many scenarios. Her face flushed.

He was kind enough not to let her dwell on wild thoughts for long.

“I heard from Liu Hao that your roommate isn’t very easy to get along with?”

His tone was neutral, without emotion.

Chu Tong looked up sharply.

Shao Yihuai met her gaze calmly, gentle and patient. “...Do you want to talk to me about it?”