That afternoon, Dingsheng Group's latest charitable initiative blanketed Jinghua City. Outside every high school hosting college entrance exams, they'd set up stations with large sun umbrellas and comfortable chairs, offering free iced tea and snacks to weary students and waiting parents.
Guan Ming Xu couldn't resist the chance to make an appearance. He'd chosen his outfit carefully - a crisp white T-shirt and casual pants that emphasized his youthful energy. Every movement radiated confidence and vitality.
When people around him praised Dingsheng Group's thoughtfulness, he let out a dismissive laugh. "That's just like Shen Chi Yan, always with these little publicity stunts. I do things differently."
His entire demeanor changed when he spotted Song Qi Nian. His face lit up as he bounded over, clutching a whimsical pink elephant-shaped cup. "Little Sweetheart! Wait until you see what I brought you!"
Without waiting for her response, he eagerly unscrewed the lid and retrieved the attached spoon, scooping up the contents with practiced care. "The perfect summer treat - lemon and plum iced bird's nest, crafted by yours truly."
Ever since he'd decided to win Song Qi Nian's heart, Guan Ming Xu had obsessed over ways to outshine Shen Chi Yan. He'd discovered this refreshing concoction at an upscale restaurant days ago and immediately knew he had to recreate it for her. He'd spent days badgering the chef for the recipe, then countless hours perfecting it.
Song Qi Nian took a subtle step backward, maintaining proper distance. Her marriage aside, she held no romantic feelings for Guan Ming Xu. Such intimate gestures felt inappropriate.
When his smile wavered, she quickly reached for her phone, but Guan Ming Xu's casual laugh stopped her. "Just use sign language - I'll understand."
Her eyes widened in surprise.
Guan Ming Xu's heart skipped at her expression, and he cleared his throat to steady himself. "Don't look so shocked. Of course I learned sign language. I'm serious about pursuing you."
Though she couldn't return his feelings, his dedication moved her. Her hands formed the signs: [Thank you... But I'm sorry, I-]
"I know you don't have feelings for me," he cut in, "and that's okay. My feelings are my own responsibility. You don't need to worry about them."
His frank honesty left her at a loss. He was Qinqin's friend, after all, and had saved her life. She couldn't simply cut him out completely.
"If you're not comfortable with me feeding you, you can have it yourself." Noticing her hesitation, he pressed gently, "I put a lot of work into this. Don't let it go to waste."
Song Qi Nian's eyes lingered on the beads of sweat on his forehead. She smiled and nodded, accepting the gesture.
They sat together, and Guan Ming Xu watched eagerly as she tasted the iced bird's nest he'd prepared.
"Well? What do you think?"
The flavor caught her by surprise - it was genuinely delicious. She nodded enthusiastically, giving him an emphatic thumbs-up.
"So... does this mean you like me a bit more now?"
His directness nearly made her choke on a piece of plum. As her face flushed, Guan Ming Xu laughed softly, patting her back. "Was that question really so terrifying?"
Before she could gather her thoughts, the first student burst through the school gates.
The waiting reporters surged forward, peppering the student with questions about test difficulty and essay prompts.
Song Qi Nian jumped to her feet, scanning the growing crowd anxiously for any sign of Song Jia Shu.
As more students streamed out, she finally caught a glimpse of her brother.
Unable to call his name, she waved frantically, trying to catch his eye.
But Song Jia Shu kept searching, missing her signals completely.
Guan Ming Xu took matters into his own hands, his voice booming across the courtyard, "Song Jia Shu! Over here - your sister and I are waiting!"
Every head turned toward them.
Song Qi Nian wanted to disappear into the ground.
In the sea of middle-aged and elderly parents, Song Qi Nian and Guan Ming Xu stood out like beacons. The reporters' attention shifted instantly.
Within moments, they were surrounded by microphones and cameras.
"Excuse me, what's your relationship to the student?"
"He's our younger brother," Guan Ming Xu announced to the cameras without hesitation.
"Are you two siblings or...?"
Song Jia Shu's arrival cut through the questions. "Sis..."
Guan Ming Xu immediately draped an arm over Song Jia Shu's shoulders, acting like old friends. "Hey little brother! How'd it go? Got all the questions done? Bet you're headed straight for a top university, right?"
Song Jia Shu shrugged off the arm. "Who exactly are you?"
"I'm... your sister's friend."
Guan Ming Xu had almost said "pursuer" but caught himself, not wanting to create problems for Song Qi Nian.
Song Jia Shu looked to his sister, who nodded in confirmation. "It's too hot out here. We should go somewhere else."
Seeing his chance, Guan Ming Xu jumped at the opportunity to treat them to lunch, his enthusiasm impossible to ignore.
Song Qi Nian tried to decline, but Guan Ming Xu's pleading expression left the siblings with little choice but to follow him to a restaurant.
Throughout the meal, Guan Ming Xu fussed over both siblings, constantly filling their plates with more attention than any server.
Knowing Song Jia Shu had his math exam that afternoon, Song Qi Nian insisted he return to the hotel to rest.
Just then, Guan Ming Xu's phone rang, forcing him to cut the lunch short.
"Little Sweetheart, don't forget about me. I'll come see you whenever I can," he said to Song Qi Nian before turning to her brother. "Little brother, concentrate on those exams. Once you're done, we'll celebrate properly."
After he left, Song Jia Shu turned to his sister. "Sis, is he pursuing you?"
Song Qi Nian nodded reluctantly, unsure how to explain the situation.
"That's great! He's so much better than Shen Chi Yan - he actually cares about you. Why don't you divorce Shen Chi Yan and be with him instead?"
Song Jia Shu sighed heavily. "If only Brother Junshen were still here, you two could have..."
He stopped mid-sentence, watching his sister's face drain of color, her eyes filling with terror.
"Sis?" He grabbed her arm, panic rising in his voice. "What's wrong?"
Blood-soaked memories invaded Song Qi Nian's mind. She dug her nails into her palms, fighting for control.
Not wanting to worry her brother before his exam, she forced a weak smile. [I think all those cold drinks upset my stomach a bit.]
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