Shu Nian had never heard Xie Ruhe say such things before.
They had met in their youth, became close, and then separated, only to reunite after growing up. During those years apart, neither knew what had happened to the other, or how many different kinds of people they had met.
And then, after being baptized by these experiences, what kind of person each had become?
These were things neither knew about the other.
Shu Nian had instinctively ignored the time they were apart, which was equivalent to ignoring all the things that had happened after their separation.
All those bad things.
Back then, they were each other’s only friend.
Xie Ruhe occupied a very important place in Shu Nian’s heart.
This level of importance allowed Shu Nian to ignore the unfamiliarity of years without seeing each other, ignore her sensitivity and wariness toward strangers, and ignore the paranoia that would suddenly arise.
And then interact with Xie Ruhe just like before, without mixed feelings.
As if returning to the past.
But she had forgotten.
Time keeps running, and years keep flowing by.
During that long period, they hadn’t seen each other. Growing up in worlds unknown to each other, they would meet different people, make new friends, and also… fall for others.
He was no longer like before, desiring nothing from anything.
He would desire others, and that kind of feeling wasn’t merely limited to the word “friendship.”
And it wasn’t limited to her, his “only” friend.
Perhaps after today, she wouldn’t come to find him much anymore, Shu Nian thought.
Regardless of what he meant by saying those words to her, whether it was just confiding in a friend, or fearing that the girl he liked might misunderstand.
Her always being alone with him in a room, wasn’t good anyway.
Shu Nian was silent for a moment, lowering her eyes, and playing with her slender fingers. She forced a smile, trying hard to dispel those feelings of loss and sadness: “Dating is good.”
After she said this, the room immediately fell silent.
Shu Nian didn’t speak, and neither did Xie Ruhe respond to her.
Although she felt there was nothing wrong with her answer, Shu Nian also felt nervous and panicked due to this silence. She looked up and noticed Xie Ruhe’s expression.
At this moment, he was staring at her, his handsome brows relaxed, the corners of his mouth curved upward.
He was smiling.
Shu Nian was stunned.
What was he smiling about?
What was there to smile about?
Was thinking about that girl making him so happy?
Even if he was really that happy, couldn’t he wait until after she left to be happy by himself?
Why did he have to be happy in front of her?
Annoying.
She pressed her lips together and lowered her head again, feeling dejected.
“Shu Nian.” Xie Ruhe’s eyes lifted slightly, his deep black eyes carrying a hint of spring, “Do you remember what you said to me back then?”
Not knowing what he was referring to, Shu Nian had no interest in asking.
“I don’t remember.”
Her voice was very light, like a child’s sulk.
Yet Xie Ruhe seemed completely unaware, his mood exceptionally good. He withdrew his gaze, his breath long and casual, hiding a slight smile: “Is that so.”
After quite a while, Fang Wencheng also arrived. He greeted Xie Ruhe and was a bit surprised to see Shu Nian. He quickly left, not wanting to disturb the two of them.
Having completed the morning training, the two returned to the sixteenth floor.
Xie Ruhe took his clothes to the bathroom to shower.
Because of their earlier conversation, Shu Nian had no mood to stay longer. She sat on the sofa, thinking about what excuse to use to leave. But she hadn’t lied much before and was afraid of being caught.
Shu Nian was so conflicted she became a bit irritable.
A few minutes later, Xie Ruhe came out of the bathroom. He had probably just rinsed his body without drying it with a towel. Water still dripped from his hair, sliding down his cheeks, falling to his neck, and gathering at his collarbone.
Xie Ruhe walked over and sat down next to Shu Nian.
The scent of mint wafted over, clear and faint, like his unique fragrance.
Shu Nian instinctively moved to the other side.
Xie Ruhe glanced at her but didn’t say anything.
Shu Nian tested: “What are you going to do later?”