Chapter 64：Surprise Party (1) (1/2)

Song Sheng had already left the house without much of a word, and the only thing Qian Meigui could think of now was to study for school, work, and help Song Ren.

She knew that creating a busy schedule would keep her mind free from intrusive thoughts of him. Therefore, Qian Meigui went to her room, writing notes over her calendar and planned out her days accordingly.

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The next morning, Qian Meigui dressed for her first day of classes. She quickly ate breakfast, prepared her notes while trying to shake off the nerves of having to attend a new school year. She graduated from Business Communications, but this time, she was trying to obtain her law degree.

Her University campus was more traditional, with articulate old and polished, towering buildings. The atmosphere already made her feel welcomed as she walked around the quad.

She only took morning classes; therefore, Qian Meigui could go home early and still have the rest of the day to work or study. Song Ren had given her a flexible position at the company so that she can come in and out of the office whenever they would request for her contributions.

As Qian Meigui attended her classes, she learned about tort law, extortion, fraud, and ethics. She managed to absorb most information, but her head felt dizzy from the lectures.

After class, she went straight back home, and she quickly changed into a knee-length marigold dress with flared sleeves. She applied on some light makeup and fixed her hair. As she was about to put on her shoes, she heard the doorbell ring.

She hastily walked down the stairs, opening the door with a generous smile. Zhong Liu wore a deep blue cashmere sweater over a white collared shirt and black pants. His dark hair was neatly combed up. He met her with a warm smile, and he politely greeted her.

But Zhong Liu had to keep his lips from gaping, as Qian Meigui was indeed a sight to behold, and he felt guilty for not realizing sooner, even in their high school years.

He befriended her because she was Song Ren's sister, and he wanted her to feel like she had someone to speak to since she did not have many friends. Now, she had grown into a woman with a full figure. She was smart and independent, and everything he never realized she was before.

Qian Meigui closed the front door of the entrance behind her, holding her purse and a light jacket. She greeted him, and Zhong Liu guided her to his car.

Zhong Liu took Qian Meigui to an ice cream parlour. There were various flavours and different samples that she's never heard of before. She settled for a hazelnut flavoured ice cream, and she ate it inside the shop with Zhong Liu, exchanging casual conversation about their days. Qian Meigui told him about attending law school, so he offered dinner to celebrate.

Soon after, he took her to a family-based restaurant. Qian Meigui ordered some fish and rice and chicken soup, while Zhong Liu ordered various dishes of meat. They both began to consume their meals, but Qian Meigui reserved herself from devouring her meal.

”How were your classes today?” Zhong Liu asked as he chewed on some short ribs.

Qian Meigui deboned her fish, answering, ”They went well. Today I learned more about applying ethical practices in the workplace and how corporations can improve on ecological sustainability.”

Zhong Liu's eyebrow raised as he looked at her with an affectionate grin. Qian Meigui was eating when she noticed his expression change. It puzzled her. ”What's wrong?” she asked.

Zhong Liu chuckled, ”Nothing,” he began. Cluelessly, Qian Meigui looked at him like a lost puppy, and Zhong Liu's heart skipped a beat. She was more beautiful than he realized, and he damned himself. Qian Meigui continued to innocently eat her fish when she heard Zhong Liu say, ”You're just different now.”

”Really? How so?” Qian Meigui asked him as she looked up, genuinely curious.

Zhong Liu cleared his throat, he seemed to be nervous, and Qian Meigui could not figure out why. He continued, ”Well, you're bold now. Not shy like you used to. You're more confident, and you apply yourself directly.” Qian Meigui stopped her chewing, looking at him. ”You're also more beautiful,” he finished.

Qian Meigui's mouth gaped, and she flushed immediately, turning as red as a radish. What? He thought she was beautiful? Qian Meigui was stunned beyond comprehension. She always believed she was dull, and Zhong Liu was the most handsome man in their year. Even Song Ren fancied him at one point.

Qian Meigui continued to chew her food as the only response she had. She needed more time to understand what he was saying. She nodded as a response while eating and asked him, ”Why are you being so nice to me?”

Zhong Liu scratched his temple nervously. ”Because we are on a date, and I think you should know” At that, It took a few moments for Qian Meigui to register those words. A date??????? She didn't know this was a date. Qian Meigui felt stupid, why else would a grown man take her out for dinner?

She felt like hitting her head, trying to knock some sense into her slow brain. After a few moments, Qian Meigui said to him, ”Zhong Liu, I've always admired you since we were younger. You were good at everything, and you were even up to par with Su Feng and Song Ren in academics. I'm just a woman that doesn't have many friends or much of a life since we've met. I've always been that way. Why me?”