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墨書 Inktalez
That night, Jiang Wen accompanied Feng Ning as they strolled through the streets of South City. When they grew tired, they found a place to sit, wandering from midnight until dawn.
She walked him back to the school gate.
"How about we grab some breakfast?" Jiang Wen asked her, looking down. "After we eat, I'll take you home so you can get some sleep."
"I've already brought you here. Why do you need to keep taking me back and forth? Isn’t that a bit boring?"
"Then I’ll ask the teacher for a couple of days off to keep you company."
"No need." Feng Ning yawned and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh come on, stop being so naggy. It's annoying."
Suddenly dismissed, Jiang Wen was left speechless.
There were many breakfast shops around, and before the first class, many students from Qide would come here for a meal. With people bustling about, they casually chose one of the shops.
The place was a bit crowded, and Jiang Wen held her hand as they found a spot to sit down.
A long line formed by the window, filled with both lower and upper grade students, many of whom recognized Jiang Wen.
In that long queue, more than half the people cast curious glances their way. A few girls huddled together, whispering softly.
"Look over there, is that the senior Jiang Wen?"
"It is! Who's that next to him? Is she his girlfriend? They look so close, oh my gosh..."
"Jiang Wen?? The one who's one of the three Campus Heartthrobs at Qide?! Does he have a girlfriend now?"
"Why don't you speak up? Do you want everyone in the shop to hear you?"
Feng Ning was completely unaware that others were watching her. She hadn't slept well in a long time, feeling utterly drained. As soon as she relaxed, an overwhelming wave of drowsiness washed over her.
Her disheveled hair covered most of her face. She rested her chin on the table, her eyes heavy and sore, and simply closed them.
Feng Ning was still wearing Jiang Wen's jacket, the sleeves a bit too long, causing her hands to disappear inside.
They sat together, and Jiang Wen took one of her hands, carefully rolling up the sleeve. Once he finished with one side, he moved to the other.
Feng Ning let him fuss over her, teasingly saying, "I have to admit, you look quite like a male nanny."
Jiang Wen playfully tugged at her ear.
Feng Ning couldn't help but let out a soft yelp of pain and swatted his hand away.
Jiang Wen stubbornly grabbed hold of her again.
"What do you want to eat?" "Anything is fine."
"Then wait here for a moment."
Her mind felt foggy as she slumped over the table like a rag doll. Her eyes remained lazily shut, unwilling to open, letting out a couple of murmurs.
Soon enough, a bowl of porridge and a bowl of noodles were placed on the table.
Feng Ning felt a sudden warmth on her lips as something gently pressed against them. He commanded, "Open your mouth."
Feng Ning lifted her eyelids and glanced sideways at Jiang Wen. She couldn't help but chuckle internally at him, thinking he was treating her like a little baby by feeding her during their meal.
However, she still opened her mouth, allowing him to indulge in his antics.
In the midst of a crowded room, Jiang Wen seemed completely unfazed by the attention of others. He held her hand while using his other hand with great patience, feeding her spoonfuls of porridge.
"—Jiang Wen!"
A sudden shout broke through the air. All eyes turned sharply toward the entrance where Zhao Binlin stood, flanked by Xi Gaoyuan, Pei Shurou, and a group from the sports class.
"What the hell, it's really you," Zhao Binlin exclaimed in shock, pointing at Jiang Wen and then at Feng Ning, finally resting his gaze on their intertwined hands.
After a few seconds, he dashed forward but stumbled over a small step, grabbing onto a table for support as he excitedly blurted out, "You didn't return to the dorm last night! You two... what's going on here?"
The shop fell into an even deeper silence.
"Are you blind? Can't you see for yourself?"
The people around them quietly perked up their ears, eager to hear the gossip.
Jiang Wen frowned slightly and replied impatiently, "What else could our relationship be other than boyfriend and girlfriend?"
Chapter 44
Zhao Binlin then turned to look at Feng Ning again.
Before he could say anything, Feng Ning smoothly interjected, "Sit down and talk; everyone is watching you."
Jiang Wen naturally continued to feed her porridge. Feng Ning took the spoon and said, "I'll eat by myself."
Xi Gaoyuan finally reacted and plopped down on the seat opposite them. "How long has it been?"
"It's a long story."
The others were still standing at the door, peeking in. Zhao Binlin gestured toward them, and a few people playfully squealed and pushed each other to sit down next door.
"Hey, are you guys serious about this?"
Jiang Wen replied, "What else would it be?"
"Ugh, I still feel a bit unreal about this," Xi Gaoyuan said with a pained expression. "I’ve raised my son for over ten years, and suddenly he’s turned into someone else's dog?"
Being teased by good friends felt a bit strange yet satisfying. Jiang Wen slightly curled his lips.
Zhao Binlin shouted loudly, "Jiang Wen has finally made it; it was worth it—"
He was shot a glare and almost let something slip. He quickly changed the subject, "Feng Ning, why aren’t you saying anything?"
"My throat has been a bit uncomfortable lately." She seemed unfocused and didn’t notice anything unusual, pointing to her throat. "Sorry about that."
"That's strange. Could it be because of a romance?"
Xi Gaoyuan leaned in closer to examine her. "Why does it feel like Feng Ning has become much gentler now?"
Feng Ning smiled lightly.
They were unaware of the situation at Feng Ning's home, speaking without restraint. Jiang Wen pointed to the side, "You two."
"Hmm?"
"Go over there."
"What's the rush? Can't we talk to our sister-in-law for a bit?"
Zhao Binlin shot a glance, "Sister-in-law, you finally gave our top guy a title. He already has a fragile heart, and these past two years have really been tough on him."
Feng Ning looked weary but played along with their jokes, saying seriously, "Don't worry, I have some super glue. If it breaks, I can just stick it back together."
Feng Ning had little appetite and felt utterly exhausted. She sipped her porridge intermittently. Glancing at the time, she took off her jacket and handed it to Jiang Wen. "You should go back to your dorm and change before class."
"I'll take a few days off to keep you company."
Feng Ning pushed him gently, "I'll call you if I need anything. You focus on your studies."
Jiang Wen glanced at her, "Your phone is on silent; you won't receive my calls."
"Alright." Feng Ning took out her phone and turned off silent mode in front of him. "Is this better?"
Jiang Wen seemed somewhat satisfied.
Zhao Binlin couldn't bear to look at Jiang Wen's current state and whispered to Xi Gaoyuan, "You know, even though Jiang Wen figured things out late, when it comes to dating, it's like an old house catching fire—it's wild and chaotic."
"Right? It's quite a contrast," Xi Gaoyuan replied with a hint of helplessness. "I mean, this guy usually treats talking to others like it's a rare gift. Who knew he had another side hidden away?"
He lowered his voice ambiguously, "Sticky Little Spirit."
After finally saying goodbye to Feng Ning, Jiang Wen walked away with Zhao Binlin and the others.
Feng Ning had never wasted food since she was young. Even though she wasn't very hungry at the moment, she insisted on finishing her porridge.
Just as she stepped outside, someone called out from behind, "Feng Ning."
She turned around.
Pei Shurou smiled calmly, "Can we talk?"
They went to a nearby cozy café. Pei Shurou was a regular there; she flipped through the menu and looked up to ask, "What would you like to drink?"
"You can order for yourself. Just get me a glass of warm water."
Pei Shurou replied, "You look a bit down. How about a cup of coffee?"
Feng Ning nodded, "That works."
"Don't you have class?"
"I finished my art exams, so I have some free time for now."
Feng Ning took a small sip of the coffee; it was rich and bitter. It was quite good. She set down the porcelain cup and asked, "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Pei Shurou said, "I just wanted to chat."
"What are we talking about?" Feng Ning was too lazy to say anything unnecessary and didn't want to beat around the bush. "Are you looking to talk about Jiang Wen?"
Pei Shurou asked calmly, "Are you returning to school this year?"
Feng Ning thought for a moment. "Yeah, I suppose so."
"...So you and Jiang Wen, are you two together now?"
"Yes."
That was the answer Feng Ning provided.
"Well, it's clear he really likes you," Pei Shurou seemed lost in thought. "The first time I saw you was in sophomore year when you and Jiang Wen were fighting over something in the classroom."
Feng Ning honestly didn't remember any of that. "Is that so? I don't really recall."
"Jiang Wen has always had a special interest in you. Now that you're together, as a friend, I'm happy for him."
Pei Shurou stirred her coffee gracefully with a small spoon, meeting Feng Ning's gaze. "I know this might not be the right time to say it, but in many ways, you and Jiang Wen might not be the best match."
Feng Ning nodded nonchalantly. "You're right."
"......"
Feng Ning's expression remained indifferent. "Is that it? Nothing more?"
Pei Shurou furrowed her brows.
The coffee had cooled down a bit. Feng Ning picked it up and gulped it down in one go. Wiping her mouth with a tissue, she asked, "Do you have anything else? If not, I'm going home to sleep."
Pei Shurou's expression shifted slightly, irritated by her attitude. "I know a bit about your situation at home. You grew up in a single-parent family, and your mother passed away a few days ago, right?"
"Who told you that?" Feng Ning paused, finally looking up at her with a mix of amusement and confusion. "You didn't hire someone to investigate me, did you?"
Pei Shurou didn’t deny it.
Feng Ning shook her head lightly, finding it somewhat amusing. "You really overestimate me."
Pei Shurou scoffed in response. The meaning behind her laughter was unmistakable; it was devoid of kindness. Speaking with a habitual air of superiority, she said, "I’m not looking down on you, but Jiang Wen is simply not on the same level as you. He was born into the light; his path has been paved by his family. Feng Ning, don’t drag him into your darkness or become a stumbling block for him."
Feng Ning felt annoyed by this kind of dialogue and retorted sarcastically, "First of all, I’m a person, not some stone. Secondly, does Jiang Wen need to photosynthesize? Does he need sunlight to survive?"
"Do you feel so at ease when you hold someone back?" Pei Shurou replied without anger, despite the sarcasm directed at her. "It seems you’re still unaware that Jiang Wen plans to repeat a year."
After about thirty seconds of silence, Feng Ning responded with an "Oh," realizing, "I really didn’t know."
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