Chapter 54: I Could Never Like You

“For just one meal, you betrayed your friend?” Yu Fan arched his brow coolly.

“Oh, come on, is there anything you want to know that you don’t already? Rather than let others curry favor with you, I’d rather be the one to tell you. At least I won’t embellish things, and Oya will appreciate it.”

Indeed, even if Nian Sheng hadn’t spoken, he intended to look into the relationship between Oya and Qiao Xi. Driving Qiao Xi out of school would be easy, but the difficult part was considering Oya. Whether as president of the student council or as Jia’er’s cousin, he didn’t want to jeopardize his relationship with Oya just yet.

“I’ll be able to leave soon. Wait for me,” he said.

“How soon is ‘soon’?” Nian Sheng asked.

Yu Fan didn’t answer.

Nian Sheng, feeling bored, sat down on a nearby chair. Unconsciously, his thoughts drifted back to what had happened at noon, and his fingers touched his lips…

How should he put it? It actually felt quite nice.

Though that cold Xin Meng had a temper both rough and unreasonable, she was actually rather interesting—and quite beautiful.

“I should’ve asked for her phone number,” he murmured, voicing his thoughts without realizing.

Though he didn’t speak loudly, Yu Fan heard him. Looking up, he saw Nian Sheng both touching his lips and smiling secretly.

“Who’s caught your eye?”

“Uh, what?”

“You tell me,” Yu Fan replied with a faint smile.

Nian Sheng realized he’d lost control for a moment, feeling a bit awkward.

“No way. Anyway, are you done yet? You might not be hungry, but I still am,” he said, boldly changing the subject.

Yu Fan wasn’t in the mood for gossip. He packed up the papers on his desk and stood up.

“Let’s go.”

As soon as they stepped out, they saw someone waiting.

“Oh, oh,” Nian Sheng said, amused—seems someone hasn’t given up on someone yet.

“Yu Fan,” Gu Dieyan called softly, her voice delicate and shy, inviting pity.

But Yu Fan clearly wasn’t moved. He remained cool and his tone stayed cold and distant. “What is it?”

“Can I walk with you?” Her house was somewhat on the way to his, though hers was a bit closer.

Yu Fan frowned slightly, recalling what had happened at noon…

“Yu Fan, I know you refused me, but I still like you. I won’t give up. I believe that someday you’ll like me, too.”

“Suit yourself.”

He tossed out the words and walked on, unwilling to waste any more time with her. She’d grown bolder—before, she’d only dared follow him secretly, never daring to ask him outright.

“Should I step aside?” Nian Sheng asked.

“There’s no need. You two can talk, I’ll just walk behind,” Gu Dieyan replied with a gentle smile, sweet and soft.

“I don’t mind,” Nian Sheng said. After all, she was clinging to Yu Fan, not to him.

“It’s useless, whatever you do. I’ll never like you.” Yu Fan’s voice was so cold it was almost cruel. With that, he strode off.

“Ah, don’t take it to heart—he always talks like that,” Nian Sheng hurried to explain. Last time Yu Fan rejected her, she was sick for almost a month. If she fell ill again, could her frail body endure it?

“I’m fine. This time, I’ll be strong. I won’t give up so easily,” Gu Dieyan said, her voice weak and soft, but her eyes resolute.

Nian Sheng didn’t know whether to admire her or be speechless.

“Good luck,” he said. Of all the people to fall for, she chose Yu Fan. All he could do was wish her luck.

“Thank you.”

“Well, I’ll go then. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m sure,” she answered firmly.