Chapter 10

"Do not call me a little ghost." He glared at her with dissatisfaction.

Here, Qiao Nuan is just a step away from committing seppuku to demonstrate her resolve, when suddenly a commotion erupts. The class monitor loudly asks: "Senior Gao, what is your relationship with our Xiao Qiao?"

Aunt Zhang and He Jue also want to return to their hometown

"Where is he handsome?" Xie Qingyan let out a light snort, her expression slightly clearing up, "Just by looking at his appearance, one can tell that he has character issues."

Did I not say that you should not have any involvement with him?" Xie Qingyan's tone was very unpleasant

Oh..." He Jue let out a long yawn, as if just remembering, picked up a beautifully wrapped box from his side, stood up, and handed it to Qiao Nuan, "Happy Birthday"

Qiao Nuan forced a smile and said, "Senior, feel free—let's eat the cake first." As she spoke, she picked up the cake, making an effort to ignore the meaningful glances from everyone. Xie Qingyan also said nothing more and silently helped to light the candles. After turning off the lights, eighteen small candles gradually lit up, illuminating Qiao Nuan's delicate face.

You had better not lie; if you truly get involved with him, do not blame me for not having warned you when you suffer losses

Uh..." Qiao Nuan smiled and said, "It's not really a very important matter.

Then your father and I will not take care of you that day

Qiao Nuan quickly shook her head, "It's a bit hot." As she spoke, she picked up the dinner knife, controlling her slightly trembling hand.

At this age, there is no need to worry about anything; you should also go out and have some fun

She was startled, and upon taking a closer look, she saw He Jue, who seemed to have fallen asleep while hugging his knees

As the applause filled the air, the lights came on, and Qiao Nuan couldn't help but glance at Gao Lang, noticing the warmth in his smiling gaze. She quickly averted her eyes.

After finishing the cake, Gao Lang said he had something to attend to and left first. Everyone ordered a few beers, gathered around several tables, and started playing cards. By the time they finished, it was nearly 10 o'clock. Considering that her parents would be returning the next day, Qiao Nuan decided to go back to her own home to sleep

During the days when her parents were away, Qiao Nuan took Xiao Liu to live at Xie Qingyan's home. Mother Xie was very fond of Xiao Liu and immediately requested to take him in. Naturally, Qiao Nuan was more than willing; compared to leaving him with someone she did not trust, raising him at Qingyan's home was undoubtedly the best choice.

Qiao Nuan was on the verge of tears, thinking to herself as she looked at the class monitor, please don't cause any trouble at this critical moment

I did not specifically invite him; he just happened to be at this hotel as well

Qiao Nuan smiled and glanced at Xie Qingyan, sticking out her tongue

"Are you the only one who has returned?" Qiao Nuan asked in surprise

Alright, alright, alright... You haven't had dinner yet, have you?

Qiao Nuan immediately recognized that this box was the one He Jue had taken out from the gift shop across from the milk tea store that day. "Where is Aunt Zhang?"

She stepped forward and nudged He Jue, who lifted his head and opened his eyes, his gaze hazy. Gradually, he became fully awake and said, "Why have you only just returned"

She originally thought that Gao Lang would refuse, but to her surprise, Gao Lang smiled and said, "Then I shall not be polite"

When they arrived home, Dad Qiao had already finished work and returned. Xie Qingyan and Qiao Nuan exchanged pleasantries with Qiao's parents and played with Xiao Liu for a while before starting the meal. During the meal, Mom Qiao asked Qiao Nuan how she planned to celebrate her birthday on October 3rd

At the same time, the increasingly self-indulgent thoughts that were beyond her control made her feel that Gao Lang might not be entirely indifferent to her. She kept recalling the earlier moment to support this viewpoint, yet in the next second, the scene of Gao Lang interacting with Li Shanshan surfaced in her mind, causing her to oscillate between these two emotions.

Then you wouldn't be... without the key, would you

Qiao Nuan was taken aback for a moment, but then she heard Xie Qingyan say: "It's alright, Uncle, I will keep Qiao Nuan company"

"Xue, senior, what are you doing here?"

Qiao Nuan took out the keys and said, "Let's go, I will cook dumplings for you to eat"

Gao Lang smiled and said, "Isn't your birthday important?" as he reached out to touch the top of her head

"Qiao Nuan," Xie Qingyan grasped her arm and looked at her seriously, "Tell me, do you have any feelings for him?"

All the classmates that could be contacted have been reached, but ultimately only six or seven people have confirmed they can come. Once everyone goes to university, it becomes difficult for everyone to gather together.

Father Qiao nodded and said, "Qingyan, you are steady in your work, so pay more attention to Qiao Nuan."

... ... Hmm

Gao Lang is considered a prominent figure at San Zhong; essentially, anyone who is not overly indifferent to the outside world knows of him. He was once the captain of the San Zhong school basketball team, leading them to victory and securing the championship in the Eight Schools League. However, this is not the primary reason for the admiration he receives. In addition to this honor, which the school does not particularly value, Gao Lang also won a gold medal in the National Physics Competition and was granted direct admission to the Department of Biological Sciences at W University. The difficulty of entering the Biological Sciences Institute at W University is comparable to gaining admission to the top national universities, making this a highly advantageous outcome for both the school and Gao Lang, who is a student with a significant focus on specific subjects. These are all official accolades. Furthermore, Gao Lang's romantic relationship with the school beauty at San Zhong quickly elevated him to the status of the most handsome boy in San Zhong amidst the gossip that circulated.

During the meal, everyone shared interesting anecdotes and old stories while eating, creating a very lively atmosphere. Soon, the meal was finished, and Qiao Nuan brought out the large cake, only to find that there was no plastic knife after unwrapping it.

Really, believe me, Lord Qingyan, how could I dare to provoke such a handsome man

Qiao Nuan immediately avoided the topic with a calm demeanor and smiled, saying: "Typically, birthdays are celebrated casually; this time I only invited a few high school classmates. If you don't mind, senior, would you like to come over for some cake?"

... ... Hmm

Today is your birthday? Why didn't you say a word to me?

She will return tomorrow

He turned his head away and did not respond

Gao Lang did not forget to add fuel to the fire; he looked at Qiao Nuan, who was standing at the edge, and said with a smile: "So they call you Xiao Qiao, can I call you that from now on as well"

Soon it was the day of Qiao Nuan's birthday. Qiao Nuan and Xie Qingyan arrived at the reserved hotel private room around 4 PM, and by 6 PM, guests began to arrive one after another. Most of them had little contact since they received their report cards, and although this gathering could not be considered a long-awaited reunion, many had undergone significant changes. Among them, the class monitor had changed the most, sporting a striking bald head that was hard to forget.

During the period of the 11th holiday, the hotel business was extremely bustling, with waitstaff constantly coming and going in the corridors, almost too busy to stand still. Qiao Nuan stopped a waiter who seemed to be slightly less busy to make a request, and then casually headed to the restroom. Upon exiting, she nearly collided with someone while turning a corner; Qiao Nuan, quick on her feet, immediately took a step back to avoid the collision and quickly looked up to apologize, but both she and the other person were momentarily stunned.

Unknowingly, she had already arrived at her destination. Qiao Nuan let out a long sigh, deciding to temporarily set aside her thoughts on the matter. She slowly walked up the stairs, and upon reaching the sixth floor, she suddenly noticed someone sitting in front of the door.

It feels as if there is a concrete mixer in her head, repeatedly stirring the events that have just transpired in a short span of time, and then plopping them down onto the ground, forming a hard and messy heap. Rationality tells her that Qingyan is right; establishing any connection with Gao Lang beyond the bounds of ordinary interaction is an extremely foolish act. However, emotionally, she is uncontrollably drawn to Gao Lang, and even his smile, which certainly cannot be deemed sincere, leaves her feeling somewhat defenseless.

The appearance of Gao Lang was like dropping a deep-sea bomb into a small compartment, immediately creating a tremendous impact. Qiao Nuan silently stood in front of Xie Qingyan, whose expression was not very good, watching as her classmates quickly bonded with Gao Lang.

Qiao Nuan was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling an indescribable warmth gradually filling her heart. After a moment, she smiled and couldn't help but ruffle He Jue's soft hair, saying, "I must say, little ghost, it really doesn't matter if you're a day late."

I am going to the neighboring city with your mother, leaving in the afternoon and returning on the 4th," said Dad Qiao. "Qiao Nuan, you will be home alone, so don't make us worry.

Qiao Nuan felt like crying without tears, Senior, I beg you, could you please be a bit more polite

"What a coincidence, you are also here having a meal at the high school reunion?"

"Please sit for a moment, I will go find the waiter." Qiao Nuan instructed before leaving the private room

Xie Qingyan tugged at her hand and asked softly, "What’s wrong?"

Everyone simultaneously elongated their voices with an "oh," and then, with ill intentions, pulled Qiao Nuan to Gao Lang's side. The class monitor patted his shiny head and smiled, saying: "Senior Gao, feel free; I believe Xiao Qiao won't mind, right?"

Don't worry, Dad, there's still Aunt Zhang

Come quickly and make a wish

If you do not allow him to come, he certainly will not come uninvited

Um, I have lived...

Qiao Nuan thought for a moment, "I would like to gather with my high school classmates."

Therefore, it is not surprising that Qiao Nuan's classmates are so excited

After settling the bill and bidding farewell to everyone, Qiao Nuan took the last bus home. She leaned her head against the window, watching the sparse flow of vehicles outside.

Qiao Nuan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, "I understand now, really, I promise I won't have any involvement with him."

Why are you sleeping here? Aren't you supposed to be going back home?

Qiao Nuan was startled by Xie Qingyan's expression and hurriedly said, "There really isn't anything. I already mentioned that he likes my roommate, and my roommate likes him too."

After finishing the meal, Mama Qiao tidied up while reminding Qiao Nuan to pay attention to safety, and finally gave her the money for the birthday party along with a birthday gift that had been prepared long in advance. Qiao Nuan's parents had not been gone long when He Jue and her mother also came to say goodbye. In an instant, the house was left with only Qiao Nuan, Xie Qingyan, and the much-recovered Xiao Liu. The house suddenly felt empty, and Qiao Nuan found herself feeling somewhat unaccustomed to it. Xie Qingyan glanced at the dejected Qiao Nuan and the innocent-looking Xiao Liu, and said, "Alright, I will go make a phone call to my mom first. Qiao Nuan, you find the high school yearbook." The house suddenly felt empty, and Qiao Nuan found herself feeling somewhat unaccustomed to it. Xie Qingyan glanced at the dejected Qiao Nuan and the innocent-looking Xiao Liu, and said, "Alright, I will go make a phone call to my mom first. Qiao Nuan, you find the high school yearbook."

Qiao Nuan smiled as she closed her eyes, and after a moment, she opened them to blow out the candle. Just as the last candle was extinguished, Qiao Nuan heard Gao Lang lean close to her ear and whisper almost inaudibly, "Happy Birthday." His breath brushed closely against her cheek, and in that fleeting moment of darkness, Qiao Nuan's heart skipped a beat.

However, one must always go through the motions when encountering someone, otherwise it would seem quite impolite, as it is understood that he took it seriously