CH 53.2

… 

The following day, Bai Zhou was dragged to the mall by his three roommates early in the morning. 

While the three of them were checking out the art studio, he found himself getting frustrated by his endless thoughts of Ji Fanyin, Ji Xinxin, and Chen Yunsheng that he simply couldn’t shake off, so he headed out to have a smoke. 

It wasn’t even 9 A.M. yet.

Feeling lethargic, he let out a yawn.

In the midst of his smoke, he received a call from Ji Xinxin. Doing a quick mental calculation, it was about time for Ji Xinxin’s plane to land in Paris.

It’s earlier than usual. Her call usually comes in an hour late after the estimated landing time.

The thought swiftly took root in his mind. He found himself unable to cast it away anymore. 

Bai Zhou pressed his lips tightly before slowly picking up the call. “Big sis, you’ve arrived in Paris?”

“Yeap, I just got off the plane. I’m on my way to collect my luggage,” replied Ji Xinxin with her usual cheery tone. “How unexpected. I thought that you would still be asleep at this hour. Are you intending to head out today?”

It could have just been an innocent, casual question, but Bai Zhou couldn’t help but feel that she was trying to sound him out. It left him feeling slightly repulsed. 

“I’m out with my roommates. We’re buying some supplies and having hot pot later,” he replied. 

“Alright, have fun~,” said Ji Xinxin with a chuckle. “I have a piece of good news here, but I can only tell you once it’s confirmed. Look forward to it, alright?”

Bai Zhou stifled his cigarette as he subconsciously answered, “Are you going to fulfill your promise to become my girlfriend?”

Those words blurted out caused a heavy silence to loom over the call. 

No matter how fast Bai Zhou’s reflexes were, he couldn’t possibly take back the words that he had already spoken.

Shit, how could I have forgotten that the one who promised to give me an answer on my 21st birthday was Ji Fanyin?

… Fuck!

“Zhouzhou, what did you just say? I’m sorry, but I don’t really understand…” asked Ji Xinxin with a confused voice. 

Bai Zhou clawed his hair in exasperation as he paced around the trash can. He was going to stuff Ji Xinxin a random excuse like he hadn’t fully woken up yet or that he had a dream, but he suddenly spotted Ji Fanyin’s silhouette in his peripheral vision.

She was standing by the roadside, near a dessert store. Her clothes were clearly that of Ji Xinxin’s style. However, she was clutching her stomach with a slight frown. 

As someone who often suffered gastric attacks, Bai Zhou was able to understand her gesture right away. He subconsciously lowered his phone from his ear to check the current time. 

8.57 A.M.. She’s about to start work. 

Bai Zhou stared at Ji Fanyin from afar. 

“Zhouzhou?” Ji Xinxin called out to him.

Bai Zhou didn’t hear her. It took several seconds before he finally snapped out of his trance. “Hm? … Ah, it’s nothing. I was up last night revising for my exams. My thoughts are all jumbled up. Big sis, you don’t have to pay it any mind.”

A car stopped by the roadside and honked.

Bai Zhou watched as Ji Fanyin raised her head and waved toward the driver before elegantly making her way over. 

I dare bet with my head that the person sitting on the driver’s seat is the man who reserved Ji Fanyin for the entire day. 

He began walking instinctively toward the car, but his footsteps soon screeched to a halt when he recalled that he was still on a call with Ji Xinxin.

I might still be able to catch up with them if I give chase right now.

Bai Zhou quickly bade Ji Xinxin farewell. “My roommates are out. Take care, big sis. I’ll be hanging up first.”

He hung up without even waiting for Ji Xinxin’s response. Without any hesitation, he began sprinting toward his motorcycle. He wouldn’t be so dumb as to try to follow a car barefoot, but he should be able to easily follow them on his motorcycle given the heavy city traffic.

As he leaped onto his motorcycle and put on his helmet, his mind was filled with vulgarities that shouldn’t be written out. 

He wanted to curse at that twat who was getting so agitated over this for no reason: Why the hell are you getting involved in Ji Fanyin’s business?

He wanted to curse at the fool who had blurted nonsense to Ji Xinxin earlier: You know that Ji Fanyin is a liar, so why are you taking her words so seriously?

He wanted to curse at the woman who was so money-minded that she could work fifteen hours a day: Shit! Do you owe loan sharks billions or something?

He wanted to curse at the pervert on the driver’s seat: Reserving from morning till twelve midnight? Bloody hell, even an idiot can see through those dirty intentions you have in mind!

Even the traffic lights weren’t spared from his cursing: You lousy waste of time! You’re making me lose sight of that stupid car!

After an intense chase, Bai Zhou followed the car into an underground parking lot. He chose to watch from afar as the car finally came to a halt. 

The driver seat’s door opened, and Song Shiyu came out from within.